Why Muslims converting to Hinduism in big news?

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December 12, 2021

These days politics and religion are playing a big role, religious vote banks are a fate changer for many. When a Hindu gets converted to Christianity or Islam there is huge outrage and accusation but when a Muslim gets converted to Hinduism for whatever reason, they become stalwarts. You will see them in every news space. Panellists in prime-time debates, to add more to it, their sins are forgiven and they become political tools too.

We all have the right to choose our religion, we all are born not knowing anything about any God or any Religion. They don’t have any beliefs or any meaningful thoughts for that matter. As we grow up, we become religious by following the family we were born in, language to learn, what nationality to have, where to live, and with whom to live for the rest of our life. For the first few years or so of our lives, we have zero authority over that decision. Well, most of us love where we belong and many don’t find solace and they change their beliefs once they grow up to make that decision.

Nevertheless, people can decide to remain religious or to shun religion later on but if you can’t be loyal to one belief, how can you remain loyal to the one you adopted is a big question. In the recent past many Muslim men got converted to Hinduism for their own reasons, one common factor was that they all were abusing their earlier beliefs they lived for ages. India has a history of Muslims getting converted to Hinduism but none of them slammed Islamic practises or randomly abused the Prophet. They just moved dignifiedly.

Muslim scholar Hassan Palakkode, Aashish Khan, the son of sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Nafisa Ali, former Miss India and leading social activist, Nargis Dutt (Fatima Rashid), famous Bollywood actress, Annapurna Devi (Roshanara Khan), famous musician, Revathi Masoosai, Muslim born Malaysian convert, Haridas Thakura – Prominent Vaishnavite saint born in 1450, instrumental in the early appearance and spread of Hare Krishna movement. He used to chant “Hare Krishna” 300,000 times daily! His Muslim name remains unknown to this day. Khushboo Sundar (born Khushboo Khan)- Tamil movie actress, Asha Gawli (born Aisha)- Wife of Arun Gawli, notorious gangster (dada) turned politician from Mumbai. Harilal Mohandas Gandhi – He was the son of Mahatma Gandhi (father of India) and converted to Islam. He was in Islam for a few months, before reverting back to Hinduism. Mohammad Umer – Bhopal born man whose marriage and conversion to Hinduism was upheld by an Indian High Court. More than 8,000 Muslims in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh converted to Hinduism from July 2014 – December 2014 under the Ghar Wapsi programme. The number of people converting from Islam to Hinduism is rising rapidly but none of them hit the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) doesn’t require one to hate or undermine people from other faiths. Muslims & Christians are converting back to HINDUISM as they realise the importance of broad-mindedness and tolerance that they can pursue. Similarly, those elite class women and men converting to Islam, have their reasons. The dangerous trend is making these conversions for communal clashes and controversies. Some conversions have laughable reasons such as Furqan Ahmad, an e-rickshaw driver in Noida, an Uttar Pradesh urban sprawl contiguous to Delhi. After failing to secure an arms license from the district administration at Baghpat, where he is from, despite trying for it for six years, Ahmad tonsured his head, kept a choti, applied a tilak to his forehead, and declared before officials that he was now Hindu and that his new name was Phool Singh. The reason, Ahmad believed he has been denied a licence only because he is Muslim, and that the only way to overcome religious discrimination is to embrace Hinduism.

Shahzad Rana, a Muslim man in the Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh, converted to Hinduism along with his family. He claimed that Lord Ram has been appearing in his dreams, asking him to return to Hinduism. Following his conversion, Shahzad adopted the Hindu name Sanju Rana and approached the office of the district magistrate to make his conversion official. As per the claims made by him, his ancestors were Hindus, who were forced to convert to Islam.

Upset over Muslims Celebrating Gen Rawat’s Death on the Internet, Kerala Filmmaker Ali Akbar converted To Hinduism. Same time Rajasthan police arrested 28-year-old Manish Kumar Meena and 25-year-old Jeevanlal Ninama for allegedly posting “offensive” content on the crash. Many Hindu men were arrested from various places, is any Hindu getting converted? When ‘Love Jihad’ has been making headlines, a Muslim man got converted to Hinduism and married a Hindu girl at an Arya Samaj temple. He recited shlokas and took the seven vows walking around the fire as they got married at Bhopal in April 2016.

Well, Indian media and politics have made religion a top topic in the minds of people. I am not sure if the problem is truly as bad as they make it sound. I think Muslims who convert to Hinduism are accepting it because they feel welcomed. Conversion is not wrong if it’s done with an open mind and heart. Just like Shankaracharya who converted all Jains and Buddhists back to Hinduism. He did it in a very peaceful way through shastrarth (debate). Muslims may want to embrace Hinduism if possible.

But these days most of the Hindus who are pro-saffron parties are dishonest. They will defend the conversion saying Hinduism is a tolerant religion and Muslims who have converted to Hinduism have understood its significance and relevance. But when the vice versa happens, that is. Hindus who convert to Islam or Christianity are forcefully converted and rice-bag converts. This suits their propaganda well and helps in the mass mobilisation against Muslims and Christians. Many a time, Muslim girls convert to Hinduism for marriage but that is not highlighted in media. In such cases, we defend saying those Muslim girls willingly converted to Hinduism but when the vice versa will happen, they will say Hindu girls are ALWAYS forcefully converted. Media and politics are highly venomous to invite religious unrest.

Any suggestions, comments or disputes with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com

Dr Vaidehi Taman to receive Honorary PhD in Journalism from The Commonwealth University

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Shailendra Khopkar

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December 12, 2021

dr vaidehi taman, doctorate, phd, vaidehi taman, taman, honorary doctorate, the commonwealth university — Dr Vaidehi Taman to receive Honorary PhD in Journalism from The Commonwealth University 3

The Commonwealth University to confer Honorary Doctorate to Dr Vaidehi Taman, the Editor of Afternoon Voice, for her outstanding contribution towards journalism. For distinguishing herself professionally through meritorious service that has impacted journalism neutrally and positively.

The Commonwealth University will confer an honorary doctorate award (Doctor of Journalism – Honoris Causa) to Dr Vaidehi Taman.

Dr Vaidehi is editor of an English daily of Mumbai called Afternoon Voice; she is also the face of the upcoming digital news venture “The Democracy”.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary and non-profit regional accreditation commission. It performs peer evaluation and provides accreditation for higher education institutions.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is recognized by the US Secretary of Education, as well as by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to provide regional accreditation.

Dr Vaidehi said, “I am so excited and looking forward to receiving Honoris Causa, such experiences keep me motivated towards further learning. I believe in fair journalism because it is the most powerful weapon to combat life challenges with a high penchant to change the world.”

The event is scheduled to be held on December 18, 2021, in Gurgaon.

Syed Waseem Rizvi alias Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi – Muslim men getting converted to Hinduism

By

Vaidehi Taman

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December 12, 2021

Film producer Ali Akbar sparked the controversy by becoming Ramasimhan – the name he chose for himself. He said that Ramasimhan was a man who was killed when he stood close to his culture and therefore that name was appropriate for him. Following disgraceful reactions to the news of the death of General Bipin Rawat, Ali Akbar deactivated his Facebook account. He was also affected by the fact that no religious leader called out such reactions and decided to convert. He made his announcement through a new account. He also said that he would not force his daughters to change religion and that he would leave it to their choice.

Similarly, Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi, formerly known as Waseem Rizvi, is the former member and chairman of the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh; he on his will underwent a religious conversion to Hinduism. He is known for filing a petition in India’s Supreme Court, as well as producing the Bollywood film Ram Ki Janmabhoomi.

Nancy Nagvekar, a social worker said, “Religion is a very personal thing. It is each individual person’s decision and belief. However, what I do not understand is the response of everyone. If a Hindu converted to Islam or Christianity, then so many allegations are made about inducement, love jihad etc. and also there are anti-conversion laws. Why is the same not applied in this case and why there is so much media circus about it”.
Spokesperson of Anjuman Ahya-e-Sunnat says, “Every person has the freedom to choose his religion. When you go to a market, four biscuits are kept in front of you. Every person has their own choices. If someone is using Parle-G, I can’t force him to switch to Oreo by saying it’s sweeter and has cream in it, etc. You get various fruits in the market; you can’t persuade anyone to buy things of your choice. It’s their choice at the end of the day. Wasim Rizvi Sahab is well educated and understands everything. He might have found something appealing in the Hindu religion, so he must have adopted it. There’s nothing to discuss in it.”

When asked about Ali Akbar, “That is a different matter as far as I have read. He was attacked, or maybe he didn’t like some things done by the community and so he joined Hinduism. The same goes here as well, it’s their personal choice.”

President of the All India Jamiatul Quresh Action Committee said, “Syed Waseem Rizvi was not a Muslim at all. Islam has a disciplined life. He was out of discipline prescribed by Islam. He was just using his Muslim name. He was neither a pious person nor a normal Muslim person. If he changes his name, that is for his personal benefit. That does not affect any person from the Hindu or Muslim community. People of all religions know all his activities. He is doing it for his personal gains. This is a cheap publicity stunt.”

When asked about Ali Akbar he said, “I do not know anything about him. But, I know that Islam is a religion of peace and one needs to follow his relationship with god. The practices of Mohammad Sallallahu, we just need to follow that. This is a religion of peace and everything is qualified. Even the scientists didn’t find anything wrong in the practices of the Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu and in the Quran also. Anyone, even if a Muslim is going against the practices of Islam, which should not be appreciated. This is a violation done for his personal benefit.”

Suhail Khandvani of the Haji Ali Trust says, “On the religious platform I would have no comment on this. This is his personal decision to change his religion. It is his individual decision, blaming the circumstances is not good. Syed Waseem Rizvi has made his decision, now fate will speak for him.”

K. Rahman Khan a Veteran Politician belonging to the Indian National Congress and a former Union Minister of Minority Affairs and also Ex-Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha said, “It is Syed Waseem Rizvi’s personal choice. We live in a democracy; you may practice any religion you want. The constitution permits it. It is accepted all over the country. It is his individual decision; it is nothing to do with the Muslim community or religion. It is his heart.”

Senior Journalist Vikas Shrivastava said, “It is all about one’s upbringing. Probably he, entire his life, has been taught the other side of Islam. He might be surrounded more by the people who made him inclined towards Hinduism and it is often reflected in his speeches. He always sounded a staunch admirer of Hinduism and its practices.”

Swami Shree Gautam Ji told Afternoon Voice, “Sayed Waseem Rizvi, is most welcome to Satya Sanatan Sanskriti, it’s his late realizations, as we all know Sanatan Dharma is the mother of all Dharma (religion) and community, as you say religion, the actual meaning of Satan Dharm is to live life with a happy soul, rest all religions are just community, not Dharam. On this Earth, only one Dharma exists and that is Sanatan, which means to live life with a happy soul, no violence, no curtly.”

Advocate Abbas Kazmi said, “According to him he was thrown out of Islam and to save his own skin he has converted to Hinduism. There are several cases on him for swindling Wakf properties and monies. His own family has disowned him. He is in no position to criticise Islam. He is playing in the hands of radical and fascist forces.”

Pramod Pandit Joshi, the Spokesperson of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha said, “Sanatan Religion base is Philosophical. But Islam is not on philosophy, actually, Mohmmad is not Philosopher he listening to some Yahudi philosophy (pravachan) in Damishk. Islam is political religion after khalifa control, deaths of Hasan-Husain. The guide book of Islam was rewritten after Mohammad by khalifa.”

Ambika Prabhu of Hindu Mahasabha said, “Dharm simply means a path of rightness and nothing else… So, who doesn’t want to be good?”

Veteran Journalist Dharmesh Thakkar said, “Religion is a very personal choice and they both have the freedom to decide and take up any religion they feel comfortable with but why make it political? Is it genuine belief and faith that made him convert or political ambitions? All religions are equal and say the same thing. It is our interpretation that creates all the dogmas and communal disharmony.”

BJP’s Nandita Thakur said, “Waseem Rizvi being Ex Muslim has seen Islam closely than me so he knows Islam more than me but incidences that are happening across the world be it in Islamic countries or in non-Islamic countries, be it with believers or non-believers of Islam forces a non-Muslim like me to believe what he is saying.”

T.S. Bhal founder of Red Swastik Society said, “Rizvi, is welcome to most democratic, boundless and magnanimous dharma. He could have retained his name. Anyone who wants to enjoy religious freedom shall refuse to Hindu Sanatan Dharma.”

Dr Minam Ansari said, “I believe they both have all the rights to switch as many religions they want. We are no one to question them for their right to freedom of religion. They also can say anything they want under the pretext of free speech. But we have seen Rizvi’s behaviour in the recent past hurting religious sentiments (still he believes the community is unstable?). What raises eyebrows is the fact that the case was filed against him by the CBI in 2020 for irregularities and misappropriation of Waqf funds. We would like to know if that case continues to hold credence even now.”

Congress Worker, Deepak Bagri said, “Religion brings people together, it’s people who use religion as a tool to spread hate and violence. No religion in the world supports violence and neither does Islam. I wish he would have read the Quran once to know what it stands for. I strongly condemn his statement but also support his right to freedom of religion.”

Syed Waseem Rizvi alias Tyagi was elected a Samajwadi Party (SP) corporator from the Kashmiri Mohalla ward of Old City in Lucknow in 2000, and in 2008, became a member of the Shia Central Waqf Board. In 2012, Tyagi was expelled from the Samajwadi Party for six years after falling out with Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad, who accused him of misappropriation of funds. Tyagi termed these charges as “cooked up” motivated by the desire to “weaken his argument”. Tyagi later got relief from the court and was reinstated. In January 2018, Tyagi wrote to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Prime Minister of India, seeking the abolition of Madrasas and said that some of them act as breeding grounds for terrorists instead of ensuring jobs for Muslims.

India a country of Hindus, not Hindutvadis, says Rahul Gandhi

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 12, 2021

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said India is a country of Hindus and not Hindutvadis, who want to be in power in any condition.

He said if there is inflation in the country and there is suffering, then this has been done by Hindutvadis.

“This is a country of Hindus, not Hindutvadis. If there is inflation in the country and there is suffering, then this has been done by Hindutvadis. Hindutvadis want power in any condition, ” Gandhi said addressing a rally against rising inflation.

He targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his friends have “ruined” the country during the NDA dispensation.

“Modi Ji and his three-four industrialist friends ruined the country in seven years,” Gandhi alleged.

“I am Hindu and not Hindutvadi,” he said.

Adv Pranita Deshpande appointed as International Vice-President & Legal Advisor of World Dalit Council

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Web Team

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December 12, 2021

The Vishwa Dalit Parishad (an international movement) has appointed Advocate Pranita Deshpande as International Vice President and Legal Advisor of the World Dalit Council.

The Vishwa Dalit Parishad is a world-class social work organization. It was concluded in Delhi in the presence of Prof. Dr Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, former Member of Parliament.

The meeting unanimously appointed Pranita Adwait Deshpande, an Indian-born advocate based in the Netherlands, as the International Vice President and Legal Adviser of the Association for the first time.

Advocate Pranita Adwait Deshpande, a highly regarded Dutch-based entrepreneur and well-known international journalist, has expressed her desire to work in the Dalit movement, despite being a Brahmin born under the influence of the World Dalit Council’s international and India-wide work.

As per the nature and scope of his work, he has been appointed as the International Vice President and Legal Adviser of the organization.

International President Bhupendra Pal Singh Chamar, National President Former MP Prof. Dr Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, National General Secretary Prof. Dr Valmik K. Sarvade, National Vice President Mohan Rewappa Mane, National Secretary Haribhau Gaikwad, Maharashtra President Advocate Shirin Ware, State President of Tamil Nadu Vinod Jadhav in charge of Vinayaga Murthy, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Gujarat, State Spokesperson and Legal Adviser Advocate Gajanan Kshirsagar, State General Secretary Pankaj Kharat, State Organizer Vishal Ingle, State Vice President Adv Jyotsna Bhivasane, State Cultural Department Head Advocate Sanjay Ghaghare, State Office Secretary Vishal Gadhve, State Publicity Chief Sagar Waghmare, State General Secretary Ashok Kamble have congratulated.

Indian politics can never be Congress mukt

By

Vaidehi Taman

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December 10, 2021

congress, uttar pradesh elections, up election, priyanka gandhi vadra, priyanka, rahul gandhi, gandhi, congress mukt, sonia gandhi — Larger than life cut-outs of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during the Kisan Nyay rally, ahead of UP Assembly Elections 2022, in Varanasi, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Image: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Somewhere Mamta Banerjee is not going to be calm when it comes to Congress. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena need her for their national status. There is a dilemma in Maha Vikas Aghadi. Rahu Gandhi is trying his best to balance between all three alliance parties but the outsiders are not letting it settle. Coming back to power in Maharashtra is not nearly possible for BJP, now Uttar Pradesh is one more state that will not only decide the fate of BJP but also the survival of Congress.

Priyanka Gandhi is able to articulate major decisions in the Congress party. Whenever Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were contesting elections, she always supported them in campaigning for them. Whenever the state Congress unit invited her she used to canvas for the contestant. Maharashtra Congress needs her most for their sustenance and authoritative stand.

Let’s talk about the latest Hindi Belt state election held. After winning MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh it’s said Priyanka Gandhi played a crucial role in choosing Chief Minister. Today we know what position Congress is in. Congress has gone lame. Congress dependence on regional support is seen to increase. There are assumptions and astrological predictions of becoming a Powerful leader leading the Nation on Priyanka Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi has all along been active in Congress party politics behind the curtains and also in the open off and on like her mother Sonia Gandhi to prop up her brother Rahul Gandhi. It will take time to prove her real worth in the Congress party let alone Indian politics. Priyanka Gandhi holds the promise of a mature and popular politician in the years to come as she starts delving deep into Indian politics. Her grandmother was also called ‘goongi guria’ in her early years of politics but how she transformed herself needs no mention here. For now, I see changing the fortunes of Congress as such. She has already done her best in Uttar Pradesh and for now, increased women votes in the coming general election.

Congress is not going to end until and unless the Gandhi dynasty is there (or may without them too). India is a democracy so a multi-party system/opposition is required. If congress is eliminated other parties will take it, But which party. So congress will always be the number one or number two party in India in future until some other party takes its place. The biggest example is AAP, this party is almost perfect to replace the Congress party in opposition, But Media (+ Social Media), BJP ( + Governor + Lawsuits ) and its own mistakes ended all hope for it.

Previously the opposition tried to end Congress in 1977, 1989 and 1998 but they returned every time. Even BJP/Modi may hold power in centre/states for the longer term; they will still find Congress in opposition every time. Even mistakes/radicalization by BJP/Modi is backfiring, so a lot of voters/states will consider congress in future, which may/may not be enough for congress to come back to the centre. But they will grow stronger in the future no doubt.

A big issue is that BJP supporters (like some questioner / other answerers) think that the whole of India thinks like them, but this is not the case, India is comprised of many thoughts pro-capitalism/pro-socialist/pro-communism, pro-nationalism/pro-regionalism/pro-individualism, pro-conservation/pro-liberalism and lot more. So other groups (READ people who dislike Modi/BJP ideology/policies) of people already there and when they have no other reasonable option, they will choose Congress in huge numbers. Again Congress is always going to rule or remain as an opposition party even in future.

At The Uttar Pradesh election rally, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strode on stage and asked the crowd to repeat after her: “I’m a woman, I can fight.” The slogan is at the heart of the party’s bid to revive its fortunes in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state that goes to the polls early next year, by winning over women voters who have long been marginalized but are starting to find a voice. The Uttar Pradesh result will offer a clue as to whether the Congress, which dominated Indian politics for decades, can mount a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the next general election in 2024. Modi came to power in 2014 on promises of economic growth and a strong, modern India, and secured a convincing re-election victory in 2019.

Rahul Gandhi was unable to fire up voters and quit as Congress chief in July 2019 after a general election mauling. The party is now led by their mother, Sonia Gandhi, as interim president, compounding a perception held by some that it is old-fashioned and overly reliant on the Gandhis. With its secular legacy, the Congress portrays itself as an inclusive national party and it will be hoping an appeal to women-led by Priyanka Gandhi, who only entered politics in 2019, will strike a chord as it presents an alternative to Modi’s hardline Hindu agenda.

Any suggestions, comments or disputes with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com

Maha Vikas Aghadi: Congress-Sena bonhomie, Rahul Gandhi expected to strengthen ties with the Sena

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 10, 2021

There is a proposal to invite Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi to the Congress Foundation Day ceremony on December 28. Rahul Gandhi the Congress leader is expected to strengthen ties with the Shiv Sena, which has vehemently opposed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s proposal to have a Congress-mukt opposition. Sources in the Congress said that plans are stirring to have Gandhi meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, preferably at the latter’s residence, next week.

The Congress-Sena friendliness was on display in the wake of Mamata’s outburst against Gandhi and the Congress in Mumbai. Sena MP Sanjay Raut met Rahul and his sister Priyanka early this week. Before meeting the Gandhi siblings, Raut had made it clear, through his editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna and public statements, that no united and strong opposition front was possible without the Congress, which also is the mainstay of the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra.

Earlier this week Mamata met NCP’s Sharad Pawar in Mumbai, but could not meet Thackeray who was in a big bubble. Minister and Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray and Raut met the Trinamool Congress president. Congress members look forward to the meeting.

Another Congress leader said there is a proposal to invite Gandhi to address a public rally at Shivaji Park on the party’s foundation day (December 28), but it does not seem possible in view of the Covid protocol and restrictions.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the prevailing situation should help the authorities concerned decide about the permission for the public rally. “If a public rally isn’t possible, Rahul Ji can very well visit the historic places where the party was founded in the city. He can meet leaders indoors as well,” said the leader, adding that a meeting with Thackeray could happen even later this month if it does not take place next week.

The Congress has changed its official candidate for the legislative council poll in Nagpur, replacing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) import, Dr Ravindra aka Chhotu Bhoyar, with an independent, Mangesh Sudhakar Deshmukh. With a day to go for polling on December 10, the party made an announcement to this effect on Thursday evening. The four-time corporator, Bhoyar, was given a ticket within a day for the polls late last month.

Projected as “a giant killer in the making” against the BJP’s former energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Bhoyar dropped the campaign midway, telling the Congress that he would not be able to arrange resources. Party leaders met last Saturday to support Deshmukh instead of Bhoyar but got the high command’s clearance on Thursday.

Maharashtra Congress Vice-President Mohan Joshi wrote to Nagpur City President Vikas Thakre and Nagpur Rural Chief Rajendra Mulak that since Bhoyar has expressed his inability to contest, the All-India Congress Committee has decided that Deshmukh be given support.

Pooja Hegde finishes filming for ‘Beast’

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 10, 2021

Actor Pooja Hegde on Friday said she has concluded the shooting for her next film “Beast”, featuring South star Thalapathy Vijay.

The upcoming Tamil-language movie is a comedy-action thriller, being written and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

Sun Pictures, who is backing “Beast” took to social media to share the news of Hegde wrapping up the shoot, alongside a video message from the actor. “It’s a wrap for @hegdepooja! Hear what she has to say about shooting for #Beast with #Thalapathy @actorvijay and director @Nelsondilipkumar,” the tweet read.

Hegde, who returns to Tamil films after a gap of nine years, said she thoroughly enjoyed working on “Beast”.

“It’s been great working on ‘Beast’ because everyone is so lively and it felt like a vacation while we were shooting. It has been an absolute pleasure to be on the sets, we have loved so much making the film. And I hope you guys will laugh as well.

“In typical Nelson and Vijay sir’s style, this film is going to be entertainment. Sadly, today is my last day for ‘Beast’, it’s a shoot wrap for my portion,” the 31-year-old actor said in the 46-second video clip.

“Beast”, which is Hegde’s first film with Vijay, went on floors earlier this year. Last week, the director had revealed via social media that the team has completed 100 days of shooting. The film is scheduled to release in 2022.

Hegde has an exciting and diverse slate of projects lined up that includes the multilingual film “Radha Shyam” with Prabhas, Telugu action-drama “Acharya” with Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan, Rohit Shetty-directed Hindi film “Cirkus” opposite Ranveer Singh and Salman Khan-starrer “Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali”.

Deputy CM, Home Minister hold meeting to review COVID-19 situation in Pune

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 10, 2021

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Friday held a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in Pune, said sources.

“The meeting is currently underway at Pune Council Hall. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil are joined by other senior officials of the district,” informed sources.

This is the first meeting after cases of new COVID-19 variant Omicron were detected in the city. A total of seven people in Pune had tested positive for Omicron. Six people, including three Nigerian nationals, tested positive for the ‘Omicron’ strain in Pimpri Chinchwad of Pune district, informed Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Patil on Monday. Later, one more was tested positive for the variant in Pune city.

Meanwhile, one of these seven people has recovered from the infection. “The first Omicron patient of the Pune city has tested negative in his RT-PCR test and is all set to go home today,” said Deputy Health Chief of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Dr Sanjeev Wavare on Friday. The first two cases of the Omicron variant were reported in the country in Karnataka, followed by one in Gujarat’s Jamnagar and then another in Maharashtra’s Dombivili.

The new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 25. As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year. On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as ‘Omicron’. The WHO has classified Omicron as a ‘variant of concern’.

Salute to the brave hearts – India mourns “irreparable loss” to the country and the forces

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 9, 2021

General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, Brigadier L S Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Wing Commander PS Chauhan, Squadron Leader K Singh, JWO Das, JWO Pradeep A, Havildar Satpal, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitender Kumar, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar and Lance Naik Sai Teja were killed when the chopper crashed on its way to Wellington from the Sulur Air Force Base in Coimbatore.

The black box of the chopper has been recovered. The helicopter crashed shortly after it took off from the Air Force base in Sulur at 11.45 am, Coimbatore. It was on its way to Wellington in Nilgiri Hills where General Rawat was to address a gathering at the Defence Services Staff College. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary, Air Force Chief visited the crash site this morning.

The Mi-17 V5 helicopter was making its descent and would have landed in 10 more minutes when it came down, barely 10 km from a road. The Air Force has now ordered an Inquiry into what happened. The only survivor of the mishap is Air Force Group Captain Varun Singh, who is being treated for severe burns. Group Captain Singh had gone to Sulur from Wellington to receive General Rawat.

Videos from the crash site showed wreckage scattered on a hillside and rescuers struggling through smoke and fire to locate bodies. Charred bodies were pulled out from under mangled metal and fallen trees. Shortly after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefed by the Defence Minister, called a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security at his residence.

Tributes have poured in for the General from across the country and abroad. The Prime Minister described him as an “outstanding soldier” and a “true patriot”. The Defense Minister called it an “irreparable loss” to the country and the forces.

The funeral of General Rawat and his wife will take place tomorrow. Their bodies are expected to reach Delhi by a military plane today evening.

General Rawat, 63, took charge as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2020. The position was created to integrate Army, Navy and the Air Force. A former Army Chief, he was also appointed the head of the newly-created Department of Military Affairs.

The general joined the army as a second lieutenant in 1978 and had four decades of service behind him, having commanded forces in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Actual Control bordering China.