Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, who have returned his Sahitya Akademi award would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon.
“I got a call from PMO on Tuesday with a request to meet him the next day. As I was in Gwalior I said that it was not possible and the date and time should be fixed for some other day…On this I was told that it will take some time,” Rana said.
Rana (62), a big name in contemporary Urdu poetry further said that whenever PM would call him he would meet him and narrate his grief over the present scenario and would explain the reason behind his decision of returning award.
“I will meet the PM as a poet with reference to Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb of the country. My intention is to live the life which I was born with,” he said.
On being asked if he will meet PM along with other litterateurs, he said, “Somebody goes with me or not is his or her personal choice, but if Modi calls me I will definitely meet him.”
Meanwhile, Rana evaded the question of accepting his award again if Prime Minister would request.
Rana had recently announced to give up his Sahitya Akademi award dramatically during a live TV debate over the killing of Kannada writer M M Kalburgi and lynching of a man in Dadri for allegedly consuming beef.
Pranab Mukherjee was favoured by late President R Venkataraman to be the Prime Minister after the fall of V P Singh government in 1990 but Rajiv Gandhi thought otherwise.
This has come to light in a book entitled, “The Chinar Leaves”, written by veteran Congress leader and close aide of the Gandhi family M L Fotedar, who claims that when he met President Venkataraman to discuss the political situation in the wake of V P Singh’s resignation in 1990, the President told him emphatically that Rajiv should support Mukherjee.
“I met President Venkataraman and discussed the political situation with him. I told him that under the present circumstances only the Congress Party could take along with it every section of society and provide a strong and stable government.
“I requested him to invite Rajivji to head the next government as he was the leader of the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. On this the President directed me, with an emphasis of authority, that I may put it to Rajiv Gandhi that if he supported Mr Pranab Mukherjee to be Prime Minister, he (the President) would administer the oath of office to him that same evening,” Fotedar says in his book.
The HarperCollins publication, due for release soon, also highlights how Mukherjee along with P V Narasimha Rao and Venkataraman were once considered by Indira Gandhi as those who could take over the Congress party after her until of course she decided to bring her son Rajiv into politics as her political heir.
Fotedar, currently member of the Congress Working Committee, writes that then President Venkatraman’s personal choice for the PM’s position left him surprised and he took time to recover his poise to ask the President, “Sir, how can that be done?”. Hearing this, the President said again with an aura of authority that he should inform Rajiv about his choice.
Political selfishness led to the hasty division of Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday accusing Congress of “spreading poison”, instigating youth and creating tension between AP and Telegana.
Laying the foundation stone for the new capital, the Prime Minister exhorted people of both the states not to fall prey to lies and disinformation that could fuel tension between Andhra and Telangana.
“For some people’s political selfishness, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in haste without properly carrying out the process of proper consultation. I can even today feel the pain of those innocents who lost their lives and suffered loss to property in this episode.
“The British left behind such things due to which there is tension in the country even today. The previous government did something that due to which everyday there is tension created,” he said addressing a gathering here.
The Prime Minister assured the people that Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act will be implmented in ‘letter and spirit’ within the stipulated timeframe.
Modi accused the previous Congress-led UPA government of trying to sow the seeds of permanent problem between the two states and urged the people to move forward in the “true spirit and soul of Telugu”.
“Those people who while bifurcating Andhra and Telangana have attempted to sow the seeds of a permanent problem, they are even today adding fertilizer to create poison, create illusion and are trying to play with the emotions of the youth,” he warned.
Citing the example of creation of three new states – Uttarkhand, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh – during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure where there was no conflict, Modi said he was attempting to do the same now so that there is no problem or bloodshed between the people of the two states.
“The previous government has done a lot of such things that a lot of time and energy of this government is going into undoing and setting them right. But I assure Centre’s support to both the states and the Government of India will always stand by and support you,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he along with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will fulfil the dreams and aspirations of Andhra Pradesh and take it to greater heights by expediting the development process.
“I want to assure the people of Andhra that Government of India will implement the provisions of the Reorganisation Act in letter and spirit. I have come here to assure you that the Narendra Modi and Chandrababu Naidu duo will fulfil all the dreams and aspirations and the issues agreed upon within the stipulated time frame,” he said.
Modi, who had brought water from the Yamuna River and soil from Parliament Complex, to be spread in the new capital, said, “This symbol has a message and strength that Delhi will always stand and move shoulder to shoulder in Andhra’s journey to touch newer heights.”
Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is an Indian festival that celebrates good forces over evil forces various forms with great zeal and enthusiasm. It spans for 10 days and is celebrated in varied traditions across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Dussehra is celebrated, differently in different parts of the country, depending upon the legend that is followed in each region. People all over the country participate in the occasion in their own way. Even though festive celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same – to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil.
Vijayadashmi (‘Vijay’ means ‘victory’ and ‘Dashmi means ‘tenth day’). Mythology states on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife – Sita. In other words, symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil.
Mythology also states that Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror and on Dussehra Goddess Durga won the battle over the demon Mahishasur.
The Mahabharata is another series of Hindu mythology says it’s the day when Agyatawas of Pandavas got over.
All the above stories symbolize the victory of mankind. That is why this day is held in high regard by people who believe that whenever there will be chaos in the society and evil will try to take over humanity, God will appear in a the form of saviour to protect his devotees.
It is also interesting to know and very few people are aware that this day is also celebrated as “Ashok Vijayadashmi” since the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is believed to have converted to Buddhism on this day. Ashok Vijaya Dashmi is being celebrated all over India by the followers of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Since this festival is celebrated across the country in different ways, Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival – Durga Puja. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, burnt at Ramlila maidans. In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on this day. The Dusshera of Mysore is very famous in terms of grandeur and splendour. Each region of the country has its own specialty in the celebrations. While at some places people engage in public processions. At many places in the country, colourful fairs and exhibitions are also organized on this occasion.
The Vijayadashami or Dussehra festival holds tremendous cultural significance and we simply symbolize the power of goodness and humanity is above all kind of powers. For all who live on this land – irrespective of their caste, creed or religion – the festival should be celebrated with gaiety and love.
“Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe says he can be a little over-accommodating when fans ask him to pose for photos.
Radcliffe said he felt terrible for his “Harry Potter” castmate Rupert Grint when he heard the actor had followed a fan home – because he couldn’t say no to her, reports in a magazine said.
“I’m better at saying no than Rupert Grint. He ended up going back to a fan’s house because he couldn’t say no to anything they asked. That’s when it’s gone too far.” Radcliffe’s girlfriend Erin Darke has been known to give the actor a hard time when he’s too polite to rude fans.
“One time, a girl came up to me and said, ‘Could I have a picture?’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure, if you want to’. And she goes, ‘Well, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to…’ “Me being me, I’m just like, ‘Sorry, that’s silly of me’. Then she walks off and Erin says to me, ‘You don’t have to be nice if someone’s rude’.”
“Slumdog Millionaire” star Freida Pinto stepped out for a romantic evening with professional polo player Ronnie Barcardi at Fogo de Chao restaurant in Beverly Hills. The 31-year-old actress, who dated Dev Patel for six years after meeting on the set of
“Slumdog Millionaire” in 2008, looks fully enamored with the new man in her life, reported E!Online. After dining at the Brazillian steakhouse, the couple topped off the evening with a sweet ice-cream treat at Salt & Straw. Pinto wrapped her arms around his waist and they shared a kiss together.
The duo looked relaxed while in their element, Pinto dressed in a laid-back printed jumpsuit and Bacardi rocking a backwards cap and t-shirt.
Sanah Kapoor, who will make her Bollywood acting debut with “Shaandaar”, says she would love to play veteran actress Sadhana’s role in the 1966 film “Mera Saaya”.
The courtroom drama saw Sadhana playing a double role and the budding actress wants to play the characters too.
Talking about her dream role from the old era of Hindi films, Sanah said: “I would love to do Anarkali’s role and Sadhana’s role in ‘Mera Saaya’. I would like to explore, do different roles and prove myself as a good actor.”
Speaking about bonding with her star brother Shahid Kapoor, Sanah said: “We share a typical elder brother and little sister bond. He is a very protective brother and he always treats me like a kid. I guess I will never be a grown-up for him.”
Sanah plays “a fat girl” in the film, which was released on Thursday.
“In our society there are certain fixed norms of beauty and beautiful girls. If someone is short or fat, people look at them differently which is very wrong. In the film, my character Esha goes through the same feelings,” she said.
Ever since the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance have formed the government in Maharashtra both the parties have been involved in power tussle. Sena which had always had an upper hand in the state politics is unhappy playing second fiddle to BJP. Sena is also unhappy with the step motherly treatment meted out against it by BJP. To express its displeasure, Sena had put up a poster showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowing before the late Balasaheb Thackeray at Sena Bhawan in Dadar. Through this poster Sena is trying to remind BJP and Modi of those days when Sena had dominated state politics.
The slogan on the banners was apparently a barb aimed at Modi. The slogan read: “Have you forgotten those days or were you just pretending when your proud heads were bowed at the feet of Balasaheb!”
Union home minister Rajnath Singh too featured in the banners, with an image showing him bowing before Bal Thackeray. Photos of the banners went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from BJP leaders.
The BMC took down the poster voluntarily as soon as they found out that it had been put up illegally. BMC allegedly told Sena workers that the poster was illegally put up as they had failed to obtain permission for it from the civic body.
“We only put up posters to remember our old days. It is not to disrespect any political leader,” said Shiv Sena MLA Rajendra Raut.
Shiv Sena President, Uddhav Thackeray issued a statement which mentioned, “The Sena has nothing to do with the banner, which is not an authentic one. It doesn’t reflect the party’s views. Workers may have put it (up) in a fit of rage. We request media persons to not have any more discussions over it.”
Sena had parted ways with the BJP ahead of the assembly election last year. After two months Sena joined the BJP led Maharashtra government after NCP withdrew outside support to the party. Sena had recently forced the cancellation of Ghulam Ali concert in Mumbai. It also had opposed the Kasuri book launch event but the show was held in the city amid tight security. Thus a tug of war between both Sena and BJP continues for supremacy.
Meanwhile the BJP has been sidelining Shiv Sena and did not invite Uddhav Thackeray for Modi’s functions in Mumbai. Modi laid the foundation stone for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s memorial at Indu Mills in Dadar and conducted ‘bhoomi pujan’ for two new Metro lines at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), where he also addressed a rally.
The invitation was sent only at the 11th hour and Uddhav decided to visit Marathwada to review the drought situation there. Meanwhile, a close aide of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said the poster is not one that has “official” endorsement of the party.
After entering the 69th Year of Independence, we Indians are still unable to adapt the Article 1 of our constitution which says “Bharat as a Union of states” and the principles of preamble (Equality, fraternity etc). Racist, harsh and discriminatory attitude towards the dressing, physical features, complexion is rampant in our society. Is this the future “that our forefathers thought of”? We are progressing superficially but nothing has changed much, Dalit are discriminated even today in some parts of the country. They are not allowed to enter in kitchen or temples. There is no social acceptance for down trodden people. On the other side in urban areas, Dalit youth needs reservations and they are fighting for it but they do not accept merits. They are seeking advantage in studies as well as jobs; however refuse to come in main stream through competition. We call ourselves citizens of independent nation; however lack the mental growth and human progress. I am upset with political leaders who are making their bread on ‘Dalit’ politics. They are just bothered about themselves and not about their community. They are doing politics in community’s name. If leaders like Mayawati, Ramvilas Paswan and Ramdas Athawale are following footsteps of Babasaheb Ambedkar then today this community would have been liberated and prospered in many ways.
Recently, killings of two Dalit’s children in Faridabad have shocked the world. Caste system and religious intolerance has become day to day politics in India. Earlier, angry locals blocked the Delhi-Agra highway demanding immediate action. Two-and-a-half-years-old Vaibhav and 11-month-old Divya were killed in Faridabad’s Sumped village after their house was set on fire allegedly by some upper caste men. Their mother Rekha, 28, suffered serious burns and is battling for life in a Delhi hospital. Their father Jitender, 31, also received injuries while trying to save them. Why such issues always occur before elections? No one knows, however common people get killed and politicians bake their bread on it. This is just a horrible thing, politicians are blaming each other. Words like Dalits, Brahmins, Muslims, Christians have become great selling topics for news channels to grab TRP and this is the reason why the politicians sell their fake caste ideologies. You have always seen politicians with the criminal background but no system has stopped them to reach parliament or assemblies. That’s another reason why crime is increasing. These crimes are happening because population of a 125 crores is being controlled by some 20000 odd politicians. We cannot call it democracy. The day India or rather the responsible citizens of India stand up against corrupt and sick minded politicians who have caste and religious ideologies; only then we can call ourselves as a civilised society.
Even the most tolerant person can never achieve open minded thought because, in a cognitive sense, each new experience must be amalgamated with the previous before it can be processed. Based on what has been learned about prejudice so far, human beings have a great deal to learn about each other before prejudice can be reduced. Even in the earliest civilizations, people felt that guilt and misfortune could be shifted from one man to another, known in modern times as projection. Discrimination helps to boost the self-esteem. One guaranteed way to maintain high self-esteem is by having someone to look down on.
Stereotyped characteristics are, in some cases, a displacement of personality traits which are undesirable. Guilt, fear, anger, anxiety and greed are some of the most prominent, but not the only emotions for which prejudice serves a functional significance.
The cognitive, social and humanistic perspectives rely heavily on each other to provide a full explanation of prejudice. Woman’s plight is even more pathetic, verbal abuse as well as accusing them of illegal and immoral trade exposed the mindset of our Nation. Only people who have experienced the horror and the brutalising effects of the caste system will understand what it means to be a Dalit in Indian society. A Dalit is considered to be untouchable, invisible, and unapproachable and even, in a way, unthinkable.
Dalits have been suffering, humiliated, martyr from the last two thousand years. Does the world know about this man-made tragedy? Even though untouchability was officially abolished by law in the 1950’s in India, the Dalits still experience the agony of untouchability very deeply in all walks of life: social, economic and political. For Dalit children, the future does not look much better. Fifteen million children are bonded labourers, working in slave-like conditions, and the majority of them are Dalits. Thousands of girls are forced into prostitution even before reaching the age of puberty. Devadasis, literally meaning “female servants of god,” usually belong to the Dalit community. These girls are pretty and have caught the fancy of a higher caste man. Once dedicated as a devadasi, the girl can become the playmate of such a man. Afterwards, she is cast aside and auctioned off to an urban brothel. As a devadasi, she is unable to marry forever.
Dalit women also suffer another form of abuse. They are often raped as a form of retaliation. Sexual abuse and other forms of violence against women are used by landowners to inflict political “lessons”, and crush dissent within the Dalit community. It’s really shameful for all of us that such activities are taking place in our country. After independence everybody was scared that how a country like India can remain united out of its diversity in all walks of life i.e. caste, tribe, religion etc. No religion or nation preaches intolerance or endorses the view to look down upon anyone. If we feel that looking down on someone who is not from our background is justified and flaunts our nationalistic attitude, then we must realize that it is time we review our understanding. A prejudice is a belief about a group of people based on their religion, ethnicity, race, gender, handicap or any other factors. It can be positive or negative, but as a prejudice involves passing judgement on a large group of people regardless of their individual qualities, it is considered to be unfair. Prejudice which causes unfair treatment is called discrimination, and in many cases discrimination can be illegal. Prejudices and discrimination can result in serious problems for both the people that hold them and the people that they are prejudiced against. Most of the people who discriminate against a group do so because of upbringing or societal reasons. However, some prejudices are due to a bad experience with a certain person or a traumatic life event that has caused an individual to stereotype an entire group. Many prejudices develop from fears or misunderstanding of a certain culture or race.
Conflict of interest in job and education are very unfortunate. It may start trust deficit among the Indian. Are we becoming a nation of bigoted folks? By committing hate crimes against the people of the north eastern states, we are sowing the seeds of dissension. If the police don’t apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice, we are putting our pluralistic structure of our country, of which we are so proud, in real danger.
“Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe says he can be a little over-accommodating when fans ask him to pose for photos.
“Slumdog Millionaire” star Freida Pinto stepped out for a romantic evening with professional polo player Ronnie Barcardi at Fogo de Chao restaurant in Beverly Hills. The 31-year-old actress, who dated Dev Patel for six years after meeting on the set of
Proud father Shah Rukh Khan thinks that his kids are growing up to be very cool and he will have to make efforts to keep up to them.
Sanah Kapoor, who will make her Bollywood acting debut with “Shaandaar”, says she would love to play veteran actress Sadhana’s role in the 1966 film “Mera Saaya”.
Ever since the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance have formed the government in Maharashtra both the parties have been involved in power tussle. Sena which had always had an upper hand in the state politics is unhappy playing second fiddle to BJP. Sena is also unhappy with the step motherly treatment meted out against it by BJP. To express its displeasure, Sena had put up a poster showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowing before the late Balasaheb Thackeray at Sena Bhawan in Dadar. Through this poster Sena is trying to remind BJP and Modi of those days when Sena had dominated state politics.