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Puja performed inside Gyanvapi mosque complex

According to Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Hindu side lawyer Mangla Arti was performed at 3:30 in the morning and bhog was done at 12 pm….reports Asian Lite News

After the Varanasi Court allowed the Hindu devotees to worship inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex, the barricades of Vyas Ka Tehkhana (basement) of the mosque were opened, and daily arti and puja were performed early in the morning on Thursday.

According to Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Hindu side lawyer Mangla Arti was performed at 3:30 in the morning and bhog was done at 12 pm.

“Timings for Aarti at Vyas cellar. Daily 5 aarti –Mangla- 3:30 am, Bhog- 12 pm, Apranh- 4 pm, Sanykaal- 7 pm, Shayan- 10:30 pm. 2 done so far,” Jain said in a post on X.

The court had asked the district administration to make the necessary arrangements within the next seven days.

Meanwhile, Jitendra Nath Vyas a member of the Vyas family who has been allowed to offer prayers inside the mosque located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi said he was very happy to pray at the Tehkhana again. “We are very happy that we have got the permission to resume puja there,” he said.

This comes as Varanasi court on Wednesday allowed Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The Vyas family member said that he along with priests performed puja in the basement in the presence of district officials.

“At the time of the puja, five priests of the (Kashi Vishwanath) temple trust, members of the Vyas family, Varanasi DM and Commissioner were present there,” he said.

The developments come at a time when the Muslim side led by the Anjum Intejamia committee approached the Allahabad High Court to challenge the Varanasi Court’s decision. The Hindu side has filed a caveat before the High court demanding that it be heard before the plea is taken up.

Muslim side lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed said, “The order has overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, which was in our favour. The Hindu side has not placed any evidence that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol in the place.”

The mosque has four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement, of which one is still in the possession of the Vyas family, who used to live there. Vyas had petitioned that, as a hereditary pujari, he be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja. (ANI)

Varanasi, Feb 01 (ANI): A sticker of the temple is put up by Hindu activists on the place of Mosque amid the Gyanvapi complex row, in Varanasi on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

Mosque committee moves Allahabad HC

The Masjid Intezamia Committee of Gyanvapi mosque of Varanasi filed a revision petition in Allahabad High Court on Thursday against Varanasi District Court’s order allowing Hindus to perform prayers inside the southern celler of Gyanvapi mosque.

In the petition filed by the Mosque committee, they have sought a stay on Varanasi court order.

The plea stated that till now the petition regarding maintainability of the suit under Order 7, Rule 11 has not been decided. Therefore, the order to give the right to worship is not correct.

In this case, Shailendra Pathak of the temple side has filed a caveat. Through the caveat, the Hindu side has demanded to hear the Hindu side before the peition is taken up.

On January 31, the Varanasi district court allowed the Hindu side to offer prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque. The court directed the Varanasi district magistrate to make arrangements within seven days for “puja” to be performed by the Hindu side and a poojari nominated by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust.

After the order of the court, “puja” and “aarti” were performed in the early hours on Thursday.

The district court has issued the order on the plea of the head priest of Acharya Ved Vyas Peeth temple, Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas, seeking worship of Shringar Gauri and other visible, and invisible deities in the cellar of the mosque. Vyas is the scion of the family which was performing “puja” in this cellar till December 1993.

The plea stated that Vyas’s maternal grandfather, priest Somnath Vyas, used to perform prayers there till 1993 when the cellar was closed by the authorities.

Following the Varanasi court order, Muslim side lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed said, “The order has overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, which was in our favour. The Hindu side has not placed any evidence that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol in the place.”

The mosque has four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement, of which one is still in the possession of the Vyas family, who used to live there. Vyas had petitioned that, as a hereditary pujari, he be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja.

The ASI survey, ordered by the same court, in connection with a related case, suggested that the mosque was constructed during Aurangzeb’s rule over the remains of a Hindu temple. (ANI)

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Court permits Hindus to offer prayers at Gyanvapi mosque complex

The court has asked district administration to make the necessary arragments in the next seven days….reports Asian Lite News

A Varanasi court on Wednesday allowed Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’ area inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

The court has asked district administration to make the necessary arragments in the next seven days.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side said, ” …Puja will start within seven days. Everyone will have the right to perform Puja. Hindu side allowed to offer prayers at ‘Vyas Ka Tekhana’. The District Administration will have to make arrangements within 7 days.”

The mosque has four ‘tahkhanas’ (cellars) in the basement out of which one is still in possession of the Vyas family who used to live here. Vyas had petitioned that as hereditary pujari he be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja.

Meanwhile, working President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and senior advocate Alok Kumar expressed his happiness regarding the Varanasi district court’s decision allowing the Hindu side to offer prayers at the Gyanvapi complex.

In an official statement, Kumar said, “We are happy that today the court has said that the plaintiff in that suit, along with the Kashi Vishwanath Trust, shall appoint a ‘Pujari’ to ensure regular ‘Puja Archna’ and performance of other rituals in that basement temple. This restores the status quo ante. This gives us the right to offer worship to the Lord at that place.”

He further expressed confidence that the final judgement in the main suits would also be in their favour, and the Hindus would get back the Gyanvapi place.

“We hope that this will be a precursor to the expeditious decision of the main suit. Based on available evidence and our understanding of the law, we do hope that the final judgement in the main suits will also be in our favour, and the Hindus shall get back the Gyanvapi place for the Temple of Adi Visweshwara for the good and welfare of humanity,” Kumar said in the statement.

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NYC Mayor Unveils Gandhi Statue at Hindu Temple

On August 3 and 16, 2022, vandals knocked over, spray painted, and damaged the Gandhi statue outside Shri Tulsi Mandir on 111th Street in Richmond Hill…reports Asian Lite News

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Indian-American State Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar have unveiled a new Mahatma Gandhi statue, more than a year after the previous one was vandalised twice outside a Hindu temple in the state.

Located in front of Shri Tulsi Mandir on 111th Street in Richmond Hill, the Gandhi statue was knocked over, spray painted with the word “dog”, and battered with a sledgehammer on August 3 and 16, 2022.

“Last year, the statue of Gandhi that stood in South Richmond Hill was destroyed. But our solidarity and spirit to rebuild was not. Today, we stood with the community to say in one voice: Hate has no place in our city,” Mayor Adams said, unveiling the statue last week.

We embody the values of justice for which Gandhi gave his life,” Mayor Adams said at the event attended by members of the Indian-American community.

Rajkumar, who was at the forefront, calling for an investigation into the incident as a hate crime against Hindus and Indians, posted a video of the ceremony on X and said it was “exciting” to unveil the statue along with Mayor Adams.

“EXCITING! Watch myself and @NYCMayor unveil the new Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Tulsi Mandir at the site of last year’s hateful vandalism. It was a historic moment for our Richmond Hill community as we came together to show that our love will conquer all hate,” she wrote on X.

After the first attack, Rajkumar brought together several elected officials, including House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks, to condemn the attack and demand police action.

As the first Hindu elected to the New York State legislature, Rajkumar said, “When the Gandhi statue was vandalised, that really flew in the face of all of our beliefs and it’s very disturbing for the community”.

Assembly Member David Weprin, Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, founder of Shri Tulsi Mandir, were also present in the ceremony.

“In 2022, a hate crime was committed not once, but twice, against the Hindu community in #RichmondHill, with the destruction of the Gandhi statue in front of the Shri Tulsi Mandir. Many, including @JeniferRajkumar, @DavidWeprin and myself stood in solidarity against this hatred. Yesterday, I was proud to join with the community to unveil a new Gandhi statue,” Council Member Schulman wrote on X.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), six unidentified men — between 25 and 30 years — were spotted on surveillance video vandalising the statue, following which they fled after getting into two separate cars, a white Mercedes Benz and a dark Toyota Camry.

A month after the attack, 27-year-old Sukhpal Singh, who was part of a group, was arrested and charged with hate crimes.

Lakhram Maharaj had then said: “To see them coming after us like this is very painful… “I want to know why they did it”. As per NYPD data, in 2022, there were over 330 confirmed hate incidents — a 127 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2020.

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‘Our Govt Has Walked on Path of Karpoori Thakur’

Perhaps one of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji’s most significant contributions to India was his role in strengthening the affirmative action apparatus for the backward classes, with the hope that they were given the representation and opportunities they deserved. …writes Narendra Modi

Today is the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in the lives of crores of people. I never had the opportunity to meet Karpoori Ji but, I heard a lot about him from Kailashpati Mishra Ji, who worked closely with him. He belonged to one of the most backward sections of society, the Nai Samaj. Overcoming numerous obstacles, he achieved a lot and worked for societal betterment.

Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji’s life revolved around the twin pillars of simplicity and social justice. Till his last breath, his simple lifestyle and humble nature resonated deeply with the common people. There are numerous anecdotes that highlight his simplicity. Those who worked with him recall how he preferred to spend his own money for any personal matter including his daughter’s wedding. During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, a decision was taken to build a colony for political leaders but he himself did not take any land or money for the same. When he passed away in 1988, several leaders went to his village to pay tributes. When they saw the condition of his house, they were moved to tears- how can someone so towering have a house so simple!

Another anecdote of his simplicity dates back to 1977 when he just took over as CM of Bihar. The Janata Government was in power in Delhi and Patna. That time, Janata leaders had gathered in Patna to mark Loknayak JP’s birthday. Among the galaxy of top leaders walked in Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur Ji, with a torn Kurta. In his own style, Chandrashekhar Ji asked people to donate some money so that Karpoori Ji could purchase a new Kurta. But, Karpoori Ji was Karpoori Ji- he accepted the money but donated it to the CM Relief Fund.

Social justice was most dear to Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji. His political journey was marked by monumental efforts to create a society where resources were distributed fairly, and everyone, regardless of their social standing, had access to opportunities. He wanted to address the systemic inequalities that plagued Indian society.

Such was his commitment to his ideals that despite living in an era where the Congress Party was omnipresent, he took a distinctly anti-Congress line because he was convinced very early on that the Congress had deviated from its founding principles.

His electoral career began in the early 1950s and since then, he became a force to reckon with in the legislative chambers, powerfully voicing the struggles of the working class, labourers, small farmers and youngsters. Education was a subject very close to his heart. Throughout his political career he worked to improve education facilities for the poor. He was a proponent of education in local languages so that people from small towns and villages can climb the ladder and attain success. As CM, he took many measures for the welfare of senior citizens as well.

Democracy, debate and discussion were integral to Karpoori Ji’s personality. This spirit was seen when he immersed himself in the Quit India movement as a youngster and it was again seen when he resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. His unique perspectives were greatly admired by the likes of JP, Dr. Lohia and Charan Singh Ji.

Perhaps one of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji’s most significant contributions to India was his role in strengthening the affirmative action apparatus for the backward classes, with the hope that they were given the representation and opportunities they deserved. His decision was met with heavy opposition but he did not bow to any pressure. Under his leadership, policies were implemented that laid the groundwork for a more inclusive society, where one’s birth did not determine one’s fate. He belonged to the most backward strata of society but he worked for all the people. He had no trace of bitterness in him, which is what makes him truly great.

Over the last ten years, our Government has walked on the path of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, reflecting in our schemes and policies that have brought transformative empowerment. One of the biggest tragedies of our polity has been that barring a few leaders like Karpoori Ji, the call for social justice was restricted to being a political slogan. Inspired by Karpoori Ji’s vision we implemented it as an effective governance model. I can say with confidence and pride that Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji would have been very proud of India’s feat of freeing 25 crore people from the clutches of poverty in the last few years. These are people from the most backward sections of society, who were denied basic facilities nearly seven decades after freedom from colonial rule.

At the same time, our efforts towards saturation- of ensuring every scheme reaches 100% coverage echoes his commitment to social welfare. Today, when people from OBC, SC and ST Communities are becoming entrepreneurs due to MUDRA Loans, it fulfills Karpoori Thakur Ji’s vision of economic independence. Likewise, it was our government which had the privilege of extending SC, ST and OBC reservation. We also had the honour of setting up the OBC Commission (which was opposed by Congress, sadly), which is working on the path shown by Karpoori Ji. Our PM-Vishwakarma Scheme will also bring new avenues of prosperity for crores of people belonging to OBC communities across India.

As a person belonging to the backward classes myself, I have much to thank Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji for. Unfortunately, we lost Karpoori Ji at a relatively young age of 64. We lost him when we needed him the most. Yet, he lives on in the heart and minds of crores of people due to his work. He was a true Jan Nayak!

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Secret Tunnel Unearths Chaos at NY Jewish Synagogue

The purpose and origin of the disputed tunnel remained a topic of discussion….reports Asian Lite News

A historic synagogue in Brooklyn, central to the influential Hasidic Jewish movement, faced turmoil amid a community dispute triggered by the discovery of an secret underground tunnel, culminating in a clash between worshippers and police.

The Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters, a revered site in Crown Heights, known for its Gothic Revival facade, became a scene of contention as building safety agents examined potential structural damage caused by the secret passage.

Authorities and locals revealed that young community members had clandestinely constructed the tunnel, leading to a violent confrontation when leaders attempted to close it off, prompting police intervention. The purpose and origin of the disputed tunnel remained a topic of discussion.

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Congress ‘declines’ Invitation to Lord Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratistha’

Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life….reports Asian Lite News

Calling the Ram Temple inauguration an event of the BJP and RSS, Congress has turned down the invitation for the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla, scheduled later this month in Ayodhya.

The senior Congress leaders–Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury–have ‘declined’ the invitation for the grand event in Ayodhya, the party’s general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a statement.

“Last month, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya to be held on January 22nd, 2024,” he said in the statement.

“Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. As per temple officials, the ceremony will be held over a span of seven days starting from January 16.

Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India. (ANI)

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Rights Activist Arif Aajikia Sounds Alarm on Heritage Erosion in PoK

Arif Aajikia highlighted the alarming situation in PoK, emphasising the lack of progress and prosperity compared to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News


Arif Aajikia, a former member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and a human rights activist based in Karachi, Pakistan, highlighted the critical issues in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He specifically discussed the deterioration of human rights in the region, emphasizing the decline in cultural, linguistic, and heritage elements.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Aajikia said, “The biggest thing in human rights is your culture, your food, your dress, your language, your heritage, which is being killed in PoK.”

He also highlighted the alarming situation in PoK, emphasising the lack of progress and prosperity compared to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, the disparity becomes evident through social media, where people in PoK witness the advancements and well-being in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning why their region lags behind.

“People in PoK, when they see the progress and prosperity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, they start thinking that we are also the same people; we were also once part of Kashmir. Why is there no progress or prosperity in PoK? Why is there no prosperity in Gilgit Baltistan?” the rights activist said.

A vehicle drives past campaign flags of different political parties ahead of the legislative assembly elections in the city of Gilgit, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, November 9, 2020. Picture taken November 9, 2020. REUTERS/Umer Farooq – RC2A2K91T5S4

Despite providing electricity to Punjab province in Pakistan, residents of PoK face prolonged load shedding, receiving some of the most expensive electricity rates despite being the producers. “People of PoK, they provide electricity to Punjab province of Pakistan. Yet they have 16 hours and 12 hours of load shedding. Most expensive electricity is provided to people of PoK while they are the producer of the electricity,” he noted.

Aajikia also pointed out the paradox of supplying water to the entire country (Pak) while PoK’s women endure hardships fetching water.

Aajikia compared the demographic changes, noting the preservation of Kashmiri identity in Srinagar in contrast to Muzzafarabad, where Punjabi influence dominates.

“If you go to Srinagar, you will find people wearing Kashmiri dresses, eating Kashmiri food, and speaking Kashmiri. If you go to Muzzafarabad, you will see that 90 per cent of people are speaking Punjabi, 90 per cent of people do not wear Kashmiri dresses,” he said, noting the destruction of culture in PoK.

Aajikia also raised concerns about the lack of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, dental colleges, and medical colleges; inadequate infrastructure such as roads and highways; and the absence of employment opportunities in PoK. Protests across the region reflect the discontent among the populace.

Regarding Article 370, Aajikia stated that it is an internal matter of India and that no external interference is warranted. He underscored that the unresolved issue lies in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, occupied by Pakistan. Aajikia questioned Pakistan’s actions in 1947 when it attacked Kashmir, asserting that those involved were not Mujahids but terrorists, engaging in atrocities against Kashmiri women.

“When Pakistan attacked Kashmir, they were not Mujahids; they were terrorists because they were raping Kashmiri women. Kashmiri women were sold in bazaars in Rawalpindi and Peshawar by Pakistanis,” the activist said.

In his legal perspective, Aajikia emphasised that the only unresolved issues pertain to the lands occupied by Pakistan and China. He highlighted Aksai Chin, occupied by China, as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, belonging to India.

“The only unresolved issue is the lands occupied by Pakistan and China because Aksai Chin, which is occupied by China is also part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, part of Bharat,” he added.

Shedding light on issues of governance, human rights, and regional disparities, the rights activist also called for international attention to the situation in PoK, which is likely to grow with such perspectives gaining prominence. (ANI)

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India’s History And Culture Unite And Empower

The ancient wisdom of India is not the exclusive right of the people of only a single country to know, but ought to be shared across the world, as is taking place now, writes Prof. Madhav Das Nalapat

Bharat i.e. India has a recorded history that goes back more than six thousand years. Those who took advantage of domestic disunity and complacency during the past millennium to occupy and colonize the country and its people sought to obliterate memory of that ancient history from the minds of the people. After World War I ended, it was clear that the era of European empires was nearing its final stages, something that became inevitable as a consequence of the blood and treasure lost by European colonizers.

Once the Japanese navy attacked Pearl Harbour and war between Japan and the United States became inevitable, Mao Zedong realised that it was only a question of time before the Japanese were defeated. He therefore concentrated his attention on strengthening the People’s Liberation Army and weakening through desertions and defeats the KMT. At the same time, he saw to it that by anti-Japanese rhetoric and a few attacks on Japanese forces in China, the US began to supply assistance to Mao almost to the same level as they were doing to Chiang Kai-shek.

Thus began in 1942 a saga that has not yet fully ended, in which the US became a significant support base of the CCP, a party that had sworn to bring the governance system if not that country itself down. At the same time, by pretending fealty to Stalin, Mao ensured that assistance from the Soviet Union to the CCP flowed copiously. By 1949, when the KMT was driven out of China to Taiwan, Mao had doubled the territory controlled by his country, annexing Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria and Tibet without any opposition from other countries, including India.

In contrast, when in 1947 the Union Jack was finally replaced atop what was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan, the successor state to the British Empire in India had lost much of its territory through the formation of countries independent of New Delhi, and by the horror of Partition. Whether it be the rejection rather than the acceptance of the offer by local chieftains of the accession of Gwadar or Nepal to India, or standing by as Badshah Khan, the Frontier Gandhi, saw his land overrun by the Pakistan military, or refusal to take China’s seat at the UNSC, those who took charge of Bharat i.e. India in practice (although not in words) had limited ambitions for the country they were now the rulers of.

At the same time, in their subliminal fear of a second partition, historical injustices that were too blatant to ignore were left to fester. Given that Mathura, Kashi and Ayodhya are the three holy sites of the Hindu community, restoring them to the phase they were in before the destruction wrought by Aurangzeb ought to have been a priority. Instead, even the restoration of Somnath was opposed, ultimately going ahead only on the insistence of President Rajendra Prasad.

A comparison of per capita growth in India as compared to countries in Southeast and East Asia (minus the PRC until Deng took full charge in the 1980s) would show that the performance of India was not impressive when compared to these other countries, many of which had lower per capita incomes than our country in 1947. Narasimha Rao initiated reforms that stimulated development of the economy. He paid for this by elements in the Congress Party themselves ensuring his defeat (and that of the party) in 1996.

Rao lacked the political backing needed to ensure the return of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to what they were pre-Aurangzeb, but this task is being fulfilled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in stages, and in a manner designed to ensure that all sections of society in Bharat i.e. India accepted the justice of over a billion people in having the three holy sites of their faith returned to them. What is being done in Kashi and Ayodhya and now in Mathura shows the way for Bethlehem, which needs to be looked after as tenderly as the Al Saud family that rules the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking care of Mecca and Medina.

The Palestinian Authority should be given every assistance to ensure that Bethlehem and its environs have the infrastructural and logistical bandwidth needed to become a pilgrimage destination that would attract countless numbers of visitors throughout the year, exactly as Mecca and Medina are. The return of Kashi, Ayodhya and now Mathura to its ancient glory will ensure tens of millions of visitors from all faiths. The ancient wisdom of India is not the exclusive right of the people of only a single country to know, but ought to be shared across the world, as is taking place now.

Not arrogance but self-confidence is essential to success, and knowledge of the entire history of India for about six thousand years ought to be essential reading in classrooms and in books not only in India but across the world. The syncretic, universalist culture of the entirety of Indian history is both a uniting as well as an empowering force, and the fact that this is being recognised and acted upon by the government headed by Prime Minister Modi is welcome news.

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Himachal Pradesh’s ‘Kangra’ Focused Development Boost

Kangra is set to witness the development of a Rs 5 crore park and a selfie point worth Rs 30 lakh. Additionally, the Tandon Club will undergo expansion with a grant of Rs 1.5 crore…reports Asian Lite News

The Cabinet Minister in Himachal Pradesh and Chairman of the Himachal Tourism Board, RS Bali on Saturday announced a series of transformative initiatives in Kangra aimed at enhancing cultural and recreational facilities in the region.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Mata Brajeshwari Public Library in the Joint Office Building in Kangra.
Bali emphasised the importance of cultivating a reading culture, announcing plans to establish library rooms in every senior secondary school across the state.

Expressing his appreciation for the initiative, Bali commended SDM Kangra Somil Gautam for the construction of the Mata Brajeshwari Public Library.He also highlighted the critical role of a conducive environment in shaping the aspirations of the youth, expressing gratitude for the efforts of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh in improving educational facilities in the state.

Bali also revealed plans to introduce digital libraries at various locations in the state, providing readers with access to a diverse collection of digital documents over the internet. In a bid to enhance the recreational landscape, RS Bali announced a generous allocation of funds. Kangra is set to witness the development of a Rs 5 crore park and a selfie point worth Rs 30 lakh. Additionally, the Tandon Club will undergo expansion with a grant of Rs 1.5 crore.

Recognising the aftermath of the Kangra flood, a sum of Rs 3 lakh was pledged for the channelization of drains, and directives were issued to provide designated spaces for street vendors. Bali further shared plans for future collaborations with the Chief Minister, including discussions about building a complex on vacant land in Tehsil Chowk.

Welcoming the chief guest, Kangra Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Somil Gautam highlighted the pivotal role of public libraries in providing the youth with opportunities to shape their future.
The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including President of Youth Congress Kangra Ishant Chaudhary, former MLAs Surendra Kaku and Amit Verma, and Block Congress President Nageshwar Mankotiya, who addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by SDM Nagrota Wagwa Munish Sharma, Block Congress President Nageshwar Mankotiya, State General Secretary Ajay Verma, DSP Ankit Sharma, Municipal Council Vice President Suman Verma, Congress State Spokesperson Ashok Himachali, and BDC President Babita Sandhu. Councillor Sanjeev Gupta, Temple Officer Neelam Kumari, Child Development Project Officer Vandana Katoch, Country Congress Committee Member Rajesh Raja, Youth Congress President Ishant Chaudhary, Video Tavinder Chanauriya, State Congress Committee Member Nishu Mogra, Executive of Nagrota Bagwan Officer Kanchan Bala, Rita Mankotia, BDC member Kanta Saroch, along with officers, employees, and workers from various departments, were also present. (ANI)

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World Heritage Week marked by Sanskruti at the House of Lords

The event Hasta Shipam marked the World Heritage Week and also coincided with the UK Parliament Week.

A captivating event aiming to spread awareness of culture and weaving traditions of India and South Asia has been organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the House of Lords recently.

Hosted by Baroness Verma and consisting of engaging presentations & fascinating cultural representations, the event Hasta Shipam marked the World Heritage Week and also coincided with the UK Parliament Week.

Baroness Verma giving opening words at Hasta Shilpam event

In her opening words, Baroness Verma emphasised on the importance of upkeeping artistry and heritage, and lauded consistent efforts of Sanskruti Centre in that direction.

Dr Anjali Sharma has presented handlooms and folk music of Rajasthan, Dr Rosalin Patasani Mishra of Parichay Foundation spoke on weavers of Odisha in India, Dr Lakhumal Luhana presented on 5000-year-old Ajrak tradition of Sindh, Taba Menia presented weaving tradition of Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh and Dr Pritha Dasmahapatra spoke on Jamdani tradition of West Bengal, Bangladesh and other parts of India.

Presenting Adi weaving tradition

Handlooms of Santhali and Apatani tribal communities of Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh were highlighted through dances by Harsha Rani and Ananya Vilina, Ilkal of Karnataka was highlighted through Suggi dance by Madhushree Murthy, Pochampalli fabric and Bonalu of Telangana were highlighted by Vanamala Acha through folk dance and Kuthampulli fabric of Kerala was highlighted by Manju Sunil through traditional dance.

Presenters at Hasta Shilpam event

Singer-Song writer Renu Gidoomal has introduced the speakers, while Ashok Verma has felicitated the presenters. Vote of thanks was rendered by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder-Trustee of Sanskruti Centre. Host and the organisers were presented with Ajrak by Jaivanti Luhana. The event celebrated the richness of diversity and received exceptional feedback from the attendees.

Presenters at Hasta Shilpam Event 2

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Textiles Piyush Goyal, Culture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Er. Taba Tedir and Culture Minister of Odisha Aswini Kumar Patra have sent their congratulatory notes to Sanskruti Centre on the occasion.

Cultural Representations at Hasta Shilpam event
Presentation at Hasta Shilpam event