Death of an international icon
In the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, world and not only India has lost an international icon whose oratory skill was certainly unmatched in the global community. The central government could have diplomatically approached foreign countries so that foreign dignitaries from all around the world could come to New Delhi for attending the funeral of Dhruv Tara – Polar Star. It is time that the central government may officially recommend the name of departed leader for the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. It is well-known that Atal Bihari Vajpayee made every effort for peace with Pakistan including calling Parvez Musharraf for Agra summit. His oratory skill was acknowledged even by a Congress Prime minister when PV Narsimharao entrusted Opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to lead the Indian delegation to counter Pakistan.
He was undoubtedly the most respected political leader in India who commanded respect from all political rivals. He was the only Parliamentarian either as Prime Minister or as Leader of Opposition when all Parliamentarians cutting across party-lines used to be present in the House for listening to him without any interruption. Once even the former prime minister Chandrashekhar from the opposition camp in Lok Sabha made a personal request to the Parliamentarians from opposition not to miss any moment from the 40-minutes time-slot given to Atal Ji by making interruptions. During discussions on confidence and No-confidence motions for Atal Bihari Vajpayee, even his political rivals were appreciative of his oratory skill by revealing that during their student life, they used to miss classes to listen to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Even the Delhi government ruled by the opposition AAP gave due regards to the departed soul by declaring full day holiday in the capital on August 17, 2018.
In the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the country has lost the last politician who through his wit and humour converted bitter moments in the Parliament into laughter. Once, the then Opposition Leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee challenged the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for a public-debate at Ramlila Grounds, New Delhi. Indira Gandhi tried to avoid by saying that Hindi of Vajpayee was beautiful. Lok Sabha was in full laughter with instant response from Vajpayee was that Indira Gandhi in herself was beautiful. His bold and tough decision to make India equipped with Nuclear Bomb will always be remembered.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal
Significance of Parsi New Year
This year, August 17 marked the New Year celebrations of the Parsis in India. In August, Parsis celebrate their arrival in India and the acceptance of their new homeland. The Parsis were originally from Persia; the term ‘Parsi’ sprouts from ‘Persian’ in Gujarati. They follow the religion known as Zoroastrianism, which was founded by the Prophet Zarathustra in Persia more than 3,000 years ago. During the Islamic invasion in the 7th century, many Zoroastrians migrated to India looking for a new land to call their home, and they landed on the Western coast, in the state of Gujarat. They may be a small community of people in a country like India, but they have contributed significantly to the Indian culture over the years, alongside other religions and communities.
One may come across Nowruz celebrations twice in a year. This is because the first Nowruz, which falls on the spring equinox that is, in March, signifies the beginning of spring and the New Year according to the Iranian calendar. The Zoroastrians of India and Pakistan follow another calendar known as the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not account for leap years. As such, the New Year falls 200 days ahead and is usually celebrated in July-August and is known as Jamshed-i-Nouroz, named after the Persian king Jamshed who started the Parsi calendar, or Parsi New Year. This year, Nowruz falls on August 17.
Jubel D’Cruz
Demise of pioneer, a great lost
The demise of Bharat Ratna and the three time Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a great loss of the country which can never be filled by an appropriate. He was respected and loved by everyone irrespective all political differences. With his departure entire country will suffer from irreparable loss. Atal Ji was an excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional Public Servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian. He spent his whole life rendering services for the development of nation. Atal Ji granted the politicians the real meaning of power, he means by power to serve the nation with compromising national interests. Atal Ji will be remembered in our memories as an ideal leader and pioneer of the first ever stable non-Congress coalition government at the center.
Faheem Usmani
Wadekar was one of the best Indian Test Captain
Ajit Laxman Wadekar’s (April 1, 1941 –August 15, 2018) demise is a great loss for India particularly the Indian Cricket. He passed away at the age of 93, we lost one of the best Indian Test Captain ever seen in the Indian cricket history. Wadekar became the first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins while touring the West Indies and England in 1971. He was one of the few Indians to represent the country as a Test player, captain, coach/manager and the chairman of selectors. Wadekar was honoured with the Arjuna Award, instituted by the Government of India to recognise sporting talents in 1972, he received the Padmashri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour. Other awards include CK Nayudu Lifetime achievement award, Sportsperson of the Year, and the Castrol Lifetime Achievement award. He always will remain alive in our good memories.
MF Qasmi
Kerala under disaster
Kerala is under a big disaster. Torrential rain batting continuously various parts of the state. The government has sounded red alert in eight districts. 3000 families have been evacuated from affected areas. More than 53000 people are lodged in 439 relief camps across the state. The army has been deployed to rescue frenzied mob and flood victims in various parts of the state. Now it’s a moral obligation and high time for welfare organisations and NGOs across the India to lend a helping hand to all rescue works, and provide the culprits with foods, accommodations and all the necessaries. I appreciate Kerala government for doing admirable efforts to help them.
Qeyamuddin
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
