First India-Jaipur Edition-22nd March 2023

KANNADA

ACTOR ARRESTED FOR ‘OBJECTIONABLE’

Bengaluru: Popular Kannada actor, Chetan Kumar, also known as Chetan Ahimsa, has been arrested by Bengaluru police following a viral tweet he made about Hindutva. The actor, who is also a Dalit and tribal activist, faces charges of insulting a religion.

New Delhi: The 2023 ODI World Cup will start on October 5 with the final taking place on November 19. The report further stated that the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has shortlisted around 12 venues for the tournament and final will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

HUNT FOR AMRITPAL SINGH ENTERS DAY 4

‘80,000 COPS, HE STILL ESCAPED?’

l HC raps Punjab govt, says it big intel failure

l How are all arrested, except Amritpal, asks HC

l The next court hearing slated to be after 4 days

l 3 aides of Amritpal brought to Dibrugarh jail

Moni Sharma

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday slammed Punjab police and asked them to submit a status report in their operation against Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh.

“You have 80,000 cops.

What were they doing?

How did Amritpal Singh escape?” the HC asked Punjab government. The court remarked that this is an intelligence failure of the state’s police. The court’s remarks come amid the Punjab Police action against the Khalistan leader and members of his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’.

Court asked the state govt ‘how is everyone held, except Singh’. P6

Crucial

READ

GADKARI RECEIVES

THREAT CALLS, HIS SECURITY BEEFED UP

POSSIBLE AVATARS OF AMRITPAL...

fugitive Amritpal Singh, Khalistani leader on run for last 4 days, and hoping that people could help spot him.

ACTION TAKEN AGAINST ELEMENTS DISTURBING PEACE IN PUNJAB: MANN

Days after crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said action was taken against those who at the instance of foreign forces were speaking about disturbing the state’s peace and giving hate speeches.

NSA INVOKED AGAINST AMRITPAL, PUNJAB GOVT TELLS HC: LAWYER

Punjab government on Tuesday informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the stringent National Security Act has been invoked against radical preacher Amritpal Singh, claimed a lawyer. During a hearing on the habeas corpus petition seeking the preacher’s production in court, Justice N S Shekhawat also pulled up the state govt over Amritpal Singh giving police the slip on Saturday and called it an intelligence failure.

MOBILE INTERNET SERVICES TO RESUME IN SOME DISTRICTS

The Punjab government on Tuesday extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur and Amritsar’s Ajnala sub-division and a few areas in Mohali till Thursday noon.

THAKUR CHANGES HIS MINISTRY’S ‘FORTUNES’, AUCTIONS SLOTS WORTH `1,072 CRORE!

First India Bureau

DELHI BUDGET APPROVED BY MHA, SAY LG OFFICE SOURCES

New Delhi: Sources from the lieutenant governor’s office on Tuesday said Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had approved Delhi govt’s budget for fiscal 2023-24 & communicated it to AAP administration. This comes amid a disagreement between Centre and city govt.

SHAH’S HECTIC 8 DAYS AHEAD IN 4 STATES

HM will inaugurate Sharda Devi temple in Kupwara district of J&K today New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend a series of events in next 8 days for which he will travel to 4 States, including twice to Karnataka, officials said on Tuesday. The home minister will inaugurate the Sharda Devi temple, located in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday through video conference. The temple has been built by the Shri Sringeri Math and Seva Sharda Samiti Kashmir.

MARCH 23 Shah will inaugurate a vedic heritage portal and virtual music, based on 64 arts, in New Delhi.

MARCH 24 He will travel to Karnataka where he will attend conference of southern states and UTs & inaugurate various development on drug trafficking and national security in Bengaluru.

MARCH 25 HM will travel to Chhattisgarh where he will attend the 84th raising day celebrations of the CRPF, launch the telecast of a news service by Prasar Bharati at Jagdalpur. He will offer prayers at the Aanchalkund Dada Darbar in Chhindwara, MP.

MARCH 26 Amit Shah will visit Karnataka where he will inaugurate the Gorata martyrs memorial and memorial of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Bidar.

MARCH 28 He will attend the annual day celebrations of the ASSOCHAM in New Delhi.

MARCH 29 Shah will attend the convocation ceremony of 78 Assistant Commandants of the CRPF at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram.

6.6 magnitude quake in Af, tremors scare India and Pak

The Brezza car, in which Amritpal Singh fled, has been recovered by the Police. He was helped by four people. Arms act invoked against 4 who helped Amritpal Singh.

—Sukhchain Singh Gill, Punjab IGP

Restore red notice against Choksi: CBI

First India Bureau

New Delhi: Security was beefed up at Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s home and office in Nagpur on Tuesday after a man made 3 calls threatening to harm senior BJP leader if `10 crore was not paid to him. The caller identified himself as one Jayesh Pujari.

EXAMINE ON LESS PAINFUL METHOD OF EXECUTION, SAYS SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to start a discussion and collect necessary information to examine if there can be a less painful method than hanging by neck for execution in death penalty cases in the country.

MAHATMA GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER USHA PASSES AWAY

New Delhi: Known for his management and pragmatic approach towards any mission that is delegated to him, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur has created a record, of sorts, regarding the revenue collection from DD free dish auction!

Renowned channel Bharat24 also auctioned for a slot for over `17 cr! Turn to P5

Union Minister for I&B Anurag Thakur speaks to media at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

New Delhi: The CBI has asked an Interpol body to restore the Red Notice against fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi terming its earlier decision to drop his name from the list had “serious shortcomings, procedural violations, overreach of mandate and mistakes”.

Jaipur (FIB): Strong earthquake tremors were felt in northern India including DelhiNCR, Rajasthan. As per reports quake of 6.6 mag hit countries including Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, Pak, China. Epicenter is believed to be 90 km from Kalafgan in Afghanistan.There was no immediate report of any loss of life. People rush out of their houses as strong earthquake tremors were felt in Jaipur on Tuesday. —

BY

Right to Health Bill passed in Rajasthan Assembly amid hue & cry by docs, Oppn

ADVOCATE PROTECTION

ACT 2023 PASSED

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday passed the Rajasthan Right to Health (RTH) Bill 2022 where people of the state will be entitled for emergency care in private hospitals without any pre-payment. Any person who knowingly contravenes

New districts, divisions will result in more good governance, says Gehlot

Shiv Prakash Purohit

Mumbai: Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter

Usha Gokani passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday. Gokani, 89 years, was ailing for the last five years and was bedridden for last two years, Mani Bhavan executive secretary Meghshyam Ajgaonkar told.

Jodhpur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who reached Jodhpur on Tuesday, was accompanied by Industries Minister Shakuntala Rawat. Huge crowd of Cong workers welcomed Gehlot at the airport. Interacting with the media in Jodhpur, Gehlot said, “New districts and divisions will result in more good governance.” Gehlot also spoke on the agitation

CM Ashok Gehlot speaks to the media in Jodhpur on Tuesday. Also present here are Dhiraj Srivastava, Kunti Deora and others.

of doctors and said, “Doctors are considered as God. They should go ahead and serve. Positive talks of

doctors with the government were going on and the demands of the doctors were accepted. Don’t know why sud-

The central government is not troubling Rahul Gandhi but the whole country. Today journalists, writers and litterateurs are sent to jail for opposing the government.

—Ashok Gehlot, CM

denly they came on the streets. RTH is in everyone’s interest, which should be welcomed by all.” Turn to P8

any provision of this act or any rule made thereunder shall be punishable with a fine up to

`

10,000 for 1st contravention, and up to `20,000 for subsequent contraventions. Health minis-

Lawrence interview was not from Jaipur: Anand

Satyanarayan Sharma

Jaipur: Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava on Tuesday has made it clear that the interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi given on a national channel six days back was not from Jaipur. He said that when Lawrence was brought to Jaipur, his hair and beard were very short but in the interview, both Lawrence’s hair and beard have grown. Srivastava said that the

Anand Srivastava

police had made a video while Bishnoi was brought Jaipur and also when taken back, videos were also made during his judicial custody daily. He said that it was not possible to interview him from Jaipur.

The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed the Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill-2023 by voice vote on Tuesday. Law and Legal Affairs Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal said that the Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill, 2023 has been brought to prevent violence against advocates and Important suggestions given by the advocates have been incorporated in the Bill.

ter Parsadi Lal Meena said govt is committed to providing best healthcare facilities. P2 & P3

BJP to announce election in-charge of Rajasthan soon!

Aditi Nagar

Jaipur: BJP is gearing up for the Rajasthan Assembly elections and soon, election in-charge will be appointed in State. Word in the relevant circles of the saffron party is that discussion is happening on the names of Dharmendra Pradhan, CR Patil and Anurag Thakur for task but according to sources, Thakur is front runner. Notably, the official announcement can be made any time.

From hirsute to clean shaven, Punjab Police on Tuesday released possible avatars or looks of

Private hospital doctors and owners stage a protest march against the RTH bill, in Jaipur on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY SUNIL SHARMA

Rajasthan has become first state in the country where the Right to Health Bill has been passed

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks at the 148th Foundation Day of Arya Samaj, at Talkatora Stadium, in Delhi on Tuesday. P5

PHOTO

SANTOSH SHARMA

Healthcare services affected as doctors continue protest

Amid continuing protests by doctors, the State Assembly passed Right to Health bill that gives people the right to free treatment at hospitals

Jaipur: Clashes broke out once again between doctors and police during the doctors’ protest against the Right to Health Bill in Jaipur on Tuesday. The police tried to disperse the protesters using water cannons. Doctors were lathi-charged a day before also. Doctors have stopped working in protest against the bill. They alleged that the government has not included their conditions and suggestions in the bill. The bill was passed in the assembly on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has appealed to the doctors in Jodhpur to call off their agitation. He said that he was personally appealing to all the doctors to be positive and return to work.

From Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors Narendra Damor said, “Today, resident doctors are not working at SMS Hospital & other hospitals attached to it (JK Lone, Zanana, Sanganeri Gate). Also, resident doctors’ unions from Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota and from other districts have extended their support.

CM Gehlot to honour cattle herders today

First India Bureau Jaipur: State-level ‘Animal Keeper’ (Animal Husbandry) felicitation ceremony will take place on Wednesday. The event will be held at the State Institute of Agricultural Management at Durgapura in the city. The animal husbandry individuals will be honoured at the event. Surendra Awana and Prem Singh Rao will be honoured with state-level awards. The chief guest CM Ashok Gehlot will honour the animal husbandry individuals, which include 68 animal husbandry individuals at the district level and 352 at the panchayat samiti level.

ABVP protest against govt over seven-point demands

Bharat Dixit

FORMER CM RAJE CONDEMNS POLICE ACTION AGAINST PROTESTING DOCTORS

Jaipur: Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje condemned police action on agitating private doctors. She said that instead of resorting to lathi charge, the state government should have sensibly talked to the doctors and after knowing their views on the bill, efforts should have been made to resolve the issues. Raje also said that, earlier, the police lathicharged CHA candidates.

Jaipur: The Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday protested against the state government over their seven-point demands. The protest was organised at Aatish Market and later the ABVP workers marched towards CM residents.

A ruckus-like situation was created on New Sanganer Road, following which, the police used mild force to disperse the agitating crowd. While addressing the gathering, sen-

ior RSS functionary Nimbaram said that till earlier, the people sitting on the top posts of the country used to say that I am an accidental Hindu. “People who were allergic and trou-

bled by the word Hindu. But today, they worship by wandering from temple to temple. Those people are now giving their identity that we are also Hindus,” said Nimbaram.

protested against the bill at the Statue Circle & police tried to disperse them by using

RAJASTHAN WILL BE A MODEL STATE IN IMPLEMENTING RTH: PRASAD LAL MEENA

HC orders to remove blockade from JLN Marg

First India Bureau

8 children trafficked for labour rescued in Jaipur

DOCS COURT ARREST BUT WORK BOYCOTT ON

After two days, doctors left the Statue Circle protest site. After advice from the police, the doctors courted arrest. However, the medical leaders of the protest, in a conversation with First India News, said that they would continue to protest until the RTH bill is withdrawn. They said that the doctors would continue work boycott in all hospitals.

BJP meeting of state MPs held in New Delhi

Aditi Nagar

New Delhi: Rajasthan BJP has intensified preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. For this, a meeting of BJP MPs was held in Delhi on Tuesday. It was decided that as part of election preparations, tours of central leaders would be planned in the state as per the availability of their time. Lok Sab-

ha & Rajya Sabha MPs from the state were present in the meeting during which various organisational and political issues were discussed.Discussions were held regarding the booth empowerment campaign and the Jan Aakrsoh campaign. It was also discussed that how to make the beneficiaries of the center schemes voters of the BJP.

Jaipur: Medical and Health Minister Prasadi Lal Meena on Tuesday said that Rajasthan is the model state where the Right to Health Act is implemented and Ashok Gehlot is the first Chief Minister who had done it. While speaking to First India, Prasadi Lal Meena said, “The Right To Health Bill was passed in the state assembly with the majority and it will create a history now. People will be able to get treatment in any hospital and no hospital can deny treatment to any patient. A few things where consensus was not built have not

Guv extends greetings on Chaitra Navratri

First India Bureau

Jaipur: The nine-day Chaitra Navratri will begin on Wednesday and the Navratri Uthapana will take place on March 31. The devotees will be able to offer prayers at Amer Shila Mata Temple at 7:35 am on Wednesday while the ghat sthapana will take place at 6:30 am. The temple will be closed from 12:30 pm to 4pm. Governor Kalraj Mishra has extended his greetings to the people of the state on Navratri. He wished Shakti Swaroopa Maa Durga to shower her blessings on everyone and bring happiness, prosperity, and prosperity to the lives of the people of Rajasthan.

VETERINARY UNIVERSITY UNDER RADAR

Recognition to 8 institutes: State govt seeks reply from Vet univ in 3 days

Kashiram Choudhary

Jaipur: The state government has sought an answer from the Veterinary University after the First India News expose about the university showing favour by recognising eight Animal Husbandry Diploma Institutes and including them in the counselling.

The state government has sought a reply from the university administration in three

days. First India News, in an exclusive report, on Monday told how the Rajasthan Veterinary and the Animal Sciences University of

Bikaner gave recognition to three new institutes bypassing rules and doubled the seats in five other institutes. Without NoC from

been included in the Act, but they will be included in the rules. The hospitals who have got land on concessional rates or for free will have to adhere with norms else they will face strict action,”. “If anyone demands to include a 25-bed hospital under the act, we can incorporate that too. So, we have changed the rules without changing the act. The views of the opposition have been heard and the MLAs also congratulated. The CM has kept the view of the common man in mind in this act,” added the minister.

Aishwary Pradhan

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday took a suo-motu cognisance in the matter of blocking JLN Marg from the last three days due to Mega IT Job Jair. The single bench of Justice Samir Jain expressed displeasure and ordered Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava & DCP Traffic Prahlad Krishniya to be present before the court at the earliest. The 2 senior IPS officials appeared in court, following which, the court ordered to immediately remove the blockade from the road.

Jaipur (Agencies): At least eight child labourers were rescued from a matchbox factory in the Bindayaka industrial area in Jaipur on Tuesday.

The rescued children, aged between 13 to 17 years, were trafficked by one Hira Kumar from their native village in Bihar’s Madhepura district. Hira lured them on the pretext of providing them a better life and gainful employment in the Pink City.

The children told the rescue team that they were “forced” to work under “stressful and inhuman condition” in the matchbox factory for

long hours in two shifts per day. Despite feeling tired and sleepy due to overnight work, we could not sleep due to fear of accident as we were working on machines.”

The children told that the factory owner made them work for up to 72 hours in a week. The children had been employed couple of months ago.

the state government, the work was completed in just 5 days. The government has banned the university administration from setting up committees for the inspection of new colleges and conducting counselling proceedings.

Animal Husbandry

Deputy Secretary Kashmi Kaur wrote a letter to the University Registrar and sought an explanation for issuing affiliation of 100 seats to eight institutes.

Vikas Sharma

Doctors

State in-charge Arun Singh, BJP State President Satish Poonia, Union Ministers Kailash Chowdhary, Arjun Meghwal, Bhupendra Yadav, & other ministers were present in the meeting on Tuesday.

FOR INDIAN CINEMA…FILM ABHI BAKI HAI

ROBIN ROY

writer is Senior Journalist and former Managing Editor, First India

SOME FILMS THAT WON GLOBAL ACCOLADES….

 SANT TUKARAM

(Directed by Vishnupant Govind

Damle and Sheikh Fattelal, 1937)

Bagged special prize at the Venice Film Festival to become the first film to get global recognition

 DO BIGHA ZAMEEN

(Directed by Bimal Roy)

Won the prestigious Prix Internationale at the 1954 Cannes Film festival

 PATHER PANCHALI

(Directed by Satyajit Ray)

Won a number of awards including the Palme d’Or for Best Human Document at the 1956 Cannes Film festival

 MOTHER INDIA

(Directed by Mehboob Khan, 1957)

Nargis won the best actress award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 1958, it was 1st Indian film which was nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language film

 CHALCHITRO

(Directed by Mrinal Sen, 1981)

Film won the prestigious Alitalia Prize and the film also in the race for the Golden Lion at the 1981 Venice Film Festival

 LAGAAN

(Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, 2001)

Apart from Mother India & Salaam Bombay, Lagaan is the only other film which made it to the final nomination list for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language film category

The party has just begun. The night is still young. Indian Cinema was BIG and at the global podium… be it Venice, Berlin or Cannes… Indian Cinema was always credited for its make. However, with the success at the Oscar 2023, fully home-grown Indian Cinema has finally triumphed against all “odds”! Since the Fifties, Indian Cinema has created a ripple in the celluloid world.

Today, we take a look at the baby steps that Indian cinema in general took post-Independence, unknowingly that collectively India would create a niche (albeit small) in the arena of world cinema.

We have several times asked ourselves why was the great dream merchant icon Raj Kapoor so popular in Russia? The answer is perhaps the optimism of the charismatic actor that inspired Russians to brave through their troubled times.

In the early fifties, just after the devastating war with Germany, the country was still in ruins and people were poor and their lives were full of privations and shortages. But when they saw greater hardships being faced by the poor from India and too with a smile, it boosted their sagging optimism.

So, after watching Awara and Shri 420, Raj Kapoor became a symbol of hope and optimism for the people of Soviet Union.

Also, the common man shares perhaps the same spiritual values as perhaps all Indian movies gives the message of ‘victory of good over evil’. This is perhaps the yearn-

ing of every downtrodden soul in the world and it is so eternally bonded.

Believe it or not, in the late Eighties this anecdote reveals exactly how big B Subhash’s Disco Dancer was in Russia. When the then USSR leader Mikhail Gorbachev visited New Delhi, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi introduced Amitabh Bachchan as the ‘biggest superstar from India’, but Gorbachev apparently said, “But my daughter only knows Mithun Chakraborty.”

After Disco Dancer’s release in Soviet Union theatres in 1984, Disco Dancer grossed a whopping $76 million in that country. For the record, that is $100 million more than what Padmaavat grossed worldwide. Mithun Chakraborty -starrer Disco Dancer was the highest grossing foreign film in the Soviet Union!

BUT THESE WERE IN BITS AND PIECES…

Pather Panchali was released in Basusree, a Cal-

HINDU GROUPS’ CALL FOR ECONOMIC BOYCOTT T

here has been a spurt in antiMuslim sentiment in Maharashtra with Hindutva organisations and some BJP leaders supporting rallies organised over the last four months.

At these gatherings the Hindutva leaders have been calling for an economic boycott of Muslims to push them to penury.

Early this week right wing organisations held a rally at Mumbai’s Mira Road under the Jan Aakrosh Morcha where leaders spoke of Islamic aggression in the form of love jihad, land jihad and conversion. They

OUR NATION’S “RAY” OF HOPE...

RISE AND RISE OF SOUTH FILMS

While Indians did win Oscars in the past, this win was special as it was for the first time that an Indian production and film won the Academy Award. ‘The Slumdog Millionaire’ that won the Best Original Song in 2009 was a predominantly British production. The Naatu Naatu fever had gripped people across the world and the dance sequence have had millions of views on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

As India celebrates its historic wins at the Oscar, here's a look at the global icon Satyajit Ray, whose films, literature and art continue to have an impact on audiences across the world. Ray (1921-1991), polymath, polyglot, novelist, short-story writer, illustrator, designer and music composer, was one of the most eminent film directors of world cinema. His 'Pather Panchali' (Song of the Little Road, 1955) established his position as a major film director, winning him the earliest of the many awards that he was to win throughout his career, culminating in the Lifetime Academy Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Oscars in 1992. The award, which he could not receive in person because he was ailing, was given to him "in recognition of his rare mastery of the art of motion pictures and for his profound humanitarian outlook, which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world."

cutta cinema on August 26, 1955 and received a poor initial response. The screenings started filling up within a week or two,

buoyed by word of mouth. It opened again at another cinema, where it ran for seven weeks. A delay in subtitling led to postpone-

ment of the UK release till Dec 1957. It went on to achieve great success in the US in 1958, running for eight months at Fifth

There has been a spurt in antiMuslim sentiment in Maharashtra with Hindutva organisations and some BJP leaders supporting rallies organised over the last four months. At these gatherings, the Hindutva leaders have been calling for an economic boycott of Muslims to push them to penury

specifically targeted the Naya Nagar locality in Mira Road for its sizeable 97-98 percent Muslim population. The speakers referred to the Muslims as jihadis and asked “where will Hindus seek refuge”.

Kajal Hindustani, one of the speakers, explained that the economic boycott of Muslims is one weapon the use of which “cannot be stopped by the political leaders, the Supreme Court

or even the media”. Although Maharashtra’s BJP government has distanced itself from these rallies, those present at Mira Road included BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, local BJP leaders and members of VHP and Bajrang Dal. Rane said he supported calls for an economic boycott of Muslims.

The Hindu hardliners think that call for economic boycott will not attract censor but it also amounts to hate against a community just as calling Muslims jihadis and issuing open threats to the community members do. The economic boycott would tantamount to a social boycott of Muslims. The Jan Aakrosh Morcha’s rallies pose a threat to harmonious coexistence. On the Supreme Court’s orders the speeches are being recorded by the police. Action will follow based on legal advice.

Avenue Playhouse in New York.WB govt which produced the film earned a profit of $50,000 from its initial US release, and decades later the film grossed $402,723 from its 2015 limited release.

Lagan, on its part, made it to a close call at cinema’s biggest stage in the world, but missed chance to make the cut. Even as the maestro Ray received the Lifetime Achievement from Oscar, home-gown Indian cinema (as I termed it earlier in this column) had to wait in general for some more time before Naatu Naatu & “Trunk Call” of The Elephant Whisperers made it big at Academy Awards. This year’s unprecedented night at the Academy Awards is a manifestation of years of cerebral and emotive filmmaking without the expectation of any recognition from the West. In recent times, thanks to technology and money power, India has taken major strides in globally communicating through its popular medium of cinema and Films like Kantara (Telugu), RRR (Telugu), Pariyerum Perumal (Tamil), Sairat (Marathi) Mandela (Tamil), and Asuran (Tamil) & The Elephant Whisperers have been enough proof of this trend which has finally arrived. It is not that Indian cinema has not received recognition in the past from the Academy. But the recent bumper successes signify the Indian timetested interests in equality, fraternity, human liberty and justice. These films and recognition will take Indian cinema to the global stage where these pieces of art actually belong. After years of sustainable efforts, despite being shunned several times, people have sat up and noticed our mettle.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

TOP TWEETS

Narendra Modi @narendramodi

Navroz Mubarak! On this auspicious occasion, I pray for the happiness and good health of everyone. May the year ahead bring greater prosperity and further the spirit of togetherness in our society.

Jagat Prakash Nadda @JPNadda

Greetings to everyone on the joyous occasion of Navroz, may it bring new beginnings and fresh opportunities to all. Wishing everyone a blessed Parsi New Year!

SPIRITUAL SPEAK

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. Buddha

The

BOTH HOUSES ADJOURNED TILL

THURSDAY AMID RUCKUS AGAIN

First India Bureau

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned again with the Opposition demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe (JPC) probe into the Adani issue, and BJP demanding an “unambiguous apology” from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in the UK that democracy in India is “under attack” Meanwhile, Opposition MPs protested from the first floor of the Parliament House building on Tuesday, demanding that a Joint Parliamentary Committee be constituted to look into the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation against the Adani Group.

“Maharshi Dayanand gave first call for independence”

New Delhi (PTI):

IRRESPONSIBLE OPPN WILFULLY STALLING PARL: PIYUSH GOYAL

Opposition MPs raise slogans in Lok Sabha demanding a JPC probe into the Adani issue, on Tuesday.

RAHUL IS PRESENT-DAY MIR JAFAR OF INDIAN POLITY: BJP BJP IS JUST A TENANT, NOT

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday dubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the “presentday Mir Jafar of Indian polity” who went overseas seeking help from foreign forces to become a ‘nawab’ in India. Stepping up its attack on Ganhi over his democracy in danger remark in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reiterated the demand for an apology. “It would not be an aberration to say that Rahul Gandhi is a present-day Mir Jafar of Indian polity. What he has done in London is the same thing that Mir Jafar did,” Patra said.

EXCISE POLICY CASE

OWNER OF DEMOCRACY: CONG

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday said the ruling BJP is just a tenant and not the owner of democracy and asserted that holding the govt to account does not amount to criticising the nation. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that the BJP was resorting to “theatrics” and “drama” to divert country’s attention from the Adani issue. He said the BJP will be seen as “Jai Chands” in history and claimed its ideological forefathers were known apologisers of the British, after the BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi as “Mir Jafar”.

Destruction of evidence constant practice, CBI tells Delhi court

New Delhi (Agencies):

A Delhi court on Tuesday listed, for March 25, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s bail matter in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Special Judge MK Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court asked the probe agency to file written submissions and relevant judgments.

Appearing for CBI, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh said: “It’s

PM Modi in TN on April 8 to inaugurate railway projects

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chennai on April 8 and inaugurate railway projects, worth Rs 294 crore, including the Chennai-Kovai Vande Bharat express and Tambaram-Sengottai Express. The visit of the PM was announced by the state Public Relations Department on Tuesday but the full details of his itinerary was not yet available.

PM Modi had visited Tamil Nadu on November 11, 2022 to participate in the Gandhigram Trust’s platinum jubilee celebrations at Dindigul.

not only the mobile phones, files were also destroyed.” The CBI opposed Sisodia’s bail plea, saying that this will compromise and scuttle their investigation.

NO INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE FOUND, MANISH SISODIA TELLS COURT

New Delhi: Ex-Delhi Deputy

CM Manish Sisodia on Tuesday told a court he has cooperated with the CBI investigation into the excise scam case and none of the searches have revealed any incriminating material against him. Sisodia’s counsel, making submissions on his bail plea said his custodial interrogation was no longer required and he was not a flight risk.

“I am public servant but two other public servants, against whom allegations are graver have not been arrested,” his counsel contended.

Didi reaches Odisha, to meet CM Patnaik

Bhubaneswar (Agencies): West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) President Mamata Banerjee arrived in Odisha on Tuesday on a three-day visit.

Banerjee arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport where she was received Odisha’s Minister of State for Home and Sports, Tusharkanti Behera.

Soon after landing, she left for Puri by road with a police escort.

She is scheduled to meet Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Odisha Chief Minister

Naveen Patnaik here on March 23.

“Naveen Patnaik Ji is our senior leader. I will meet him,” Banerjee told reporters at the airport. She also informed that she will offer prayer at Lord Jagannath temple in Puri.

BJP world’s most important party: Wall Street Journal

New Delhi (ANI): The BJP is the world’s most important foreign political party and it may also be the least understood according to an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal authored by Walter Russell Mead.

“India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is, from the standpoint of American national interests, the most important foreign political party in the world. It may also be the least understood,” the WSJ piece read. BJP, after successive victories

in 2014, and 2019 is also headed for a repeat victory in 2024, the publication stated, adding that, India is emerging both as a leading economic power and, along with Japan, as the linchpin of American strategy in

Thakur changes...

Under Thakur’s leadership, a total of 65 channels took part in the auction and a revenue collection of Rs 1,072 crore was generated by the Ministry

New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday accused the Opposition of willfully stalling Parliament with its “irresponsible” comments and “unfounded” allegations to mislead the country amid global recognition of PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. Goyal, joined by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, accused the Opposition of repeatedly insulting Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar by refusing to even meet him. Even on Tuesday, some parties including Congress did not attend the meeting called by him, he said.

through auction to these channels. Notably, in the year 2022, the revenue collection was only Rs 657 crore. In fact, such was the excitement around the auction that even

Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati fearlessly propagated “swadharma, swabhasha and swaraj” in the pre-independence era when talking about these was prohibited.

By establishing the Arya Samaj, Maharshi Dayanand awakened the soul of the country which had been in slumber for years and was the first one after Ved Vyas to bring the Vedas back to their original form, Shah said at its 148th Foundation Day. In the pre-independence era when talking about “swadharma, swabhasha and swaraj” was prohibited, Maharshi Dayanand fearlessly propagated these in the country, he said. Shah said that in

FROM PG 1

though it was held on weekend - Saturday and Sunday - the auction received widespread participation.

Moreover, on Sunday itself, 13 slots were auctioned while on

It is matter of pride for me that I was born in the region from where Maharshi Dayanand came. When the country is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we must know it was Maharshi who had given the first call for Independence. —Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

spite of having Gujarati as his mother tongue and expertise in Sanskrit, he chose Hindi for his writings. Shah said PM Narendra Modi has

taken inspiration from the life of Dayanand Saraswati to take the country forward on the path of making it a “vishwa guru”.

Saturday, 14 slots were auctioned. Renowned channel Bharat24 also auctioned for a slot for over Rs 17 crore!

Thus, probably for the first time in the

history of DD FREE DISH, such a huge revenue jump has been registered and as a result, individuals associated with the media industry are congratulating Anurag Thakur!

the Indo-Pacific.

“For the foreseeable future the BJP will be calling the shots in a country without whose help American efforts to balance rising Chinese power are likely to fall short,” it added.

Union HM Amit Shah during the 148th Foundation Day of Arya Samaj, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Guj Guv Acharya Devvrat also seen.

Manish Sisodia being

WB CM Mamata Banerjee

CAR IN WHICH WPD CHIEF FLED FOUND

Chandigarh (ANI):

Fugitive pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh used several vehicles and changed his outfits while he was fleeing the police net during the crackdown on Saturday.

As the hunt to arrest

Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh is underway, Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill addressed the media and said the Brezza car, in which Amritpal Singh fled, has been recovered by the police.

He said Arms Act has been invoked against four people who helped him. “An important fact has come to light that Amritpal Singh, after fleeing, visited the Gurudwara in Nangal Ambian village (in Jalandhar district) and changed his clothes before fleeing again. This came to be known in questioning of the four people who have been nabbed.”

Giving update, he said, “National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against Amritpal Singh. A non-bailable warrant has been issued against him on March 18.”

“Police is working as per law. People have suspicions, but the prime accused (Amritpal Singh) has not been arrested yet. As soon as the arrest is made, we will inform you,” he concluded.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Punjab and Hary-

RAF, POLICE TAKE OUT FLAG MARCH IN JALANDHAR

Jalandhar: Amid the crackdown against Amritpal Singh, the Punjab Police and Rapid Action Force conducted a flag march to maintain the law and order at the PNB Chowk in Punjab’s Jalandhar on March 21. The security in the area has been tightened. Punjab Police launched the operation against Amritpal and his aides on March 18.

ana High Court slammed the Punjab police and questioned how Amritpal Singh had given them the slip repeatedly. “You have 80,000 cops. What were they doing. How did Amritpal Singh es-

Dibrugarh: Three more associates of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, including his uncle Harjit Singh, were brought to the high security Dibrugarh jail on Tuesday, an Assam Police official said. Altogether seven members linked to Amritpal Singh’s ‘Waris Punjab De’ (WPD) have been brought here since March 19, including Harjit Singh who was brought on Tuesday.Two WPD members identified as Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal and Gurinder Pal Singh were brought here by a flight from Delhi and whisked to the Dibrugarh Central Jail amidst tight security later in the day , the official said. Harjit Singh was moved to the Dibrugarh jail by road from Guwahati. A cavalcade of seven security vehicles took Harjit Singh from the Guwahati airport to the Dibrugarh Central Jail.

cape?,” the High Court asked the Punjab government. The court called it an intelligence failure.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) instructed the chiefs of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sa-

Indian envoy in Canada cancels event due to security concerns

Toronto (PTI): An event to be attended by the Indian envoy to Canada in British Columbia province had to be cancelled due to security concerns after a violent protest by Khalistan supporters. The event had been organised on Sunday at the Taj Park Convention Centre Surrey to welcome the high commissioner of India, Sanjay Kumar Verma’s first visit to the west coast. The event was ultimately cancelled for security reasons, Global News, the news and current affairs division of the Canadian Global Television Network, reported.High Commissioner Verma was scheduled to

RADICALS HECKLE INDIAN-ORIGIN JOURNALIST KAUSHAL

Surrey (Candada): Sameer

MAN BOOKED FOR SUPPORTING AMRITPAL SINGH

Udham Singh Nagar: Amid ongoing crackdown against ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh carried out by the Punjab Police, the police in the nearby state of Uttarakhand has also registered a case in Mandhi Chowki police station of Udham Singh Nagar district for sharing a post in support of Amritpal Singh, said the police.

shastra Seema Bal (SSB) to be vigilant in the international border regions of Punjab, India-Nepal, among others, in an effort to halt Amritpal Singh’s escape. The development

took place Punjab Police on March 18 launched a statewide search operation to nab Amritpal Singh and his close aides who attempted to disrupt the law and order situation in the state.

2 more aides of Amritpal being brought to Dibrugarh Central Jail amid tight security, in Dibrugarh, on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

Chandigarh (Agencies):

Asserting that the state is in safe and firm hands, Punjab

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said severest of severe action is being taken against those conspiring to disturb peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood in the state. In a video message, the Chief Minister said Punjab symbolises peace and progress as from this sacred land the great Sikh gurus have given the message of universal brotherhood

MAOISTS TORCH VEHICLES AT BRICK KILN IN JHARKHAND

Medininagar: Five tractors at a brick kiln were set ablaze by LWEs in Maoist-affected in extremist-hit Palamu district, a police official said. A group of about 40 armed members of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) forced their way to the kiln at Kanda village on Monday night and took away several workers as hostages before they torched the tractors, Palamu superintendent of police Chandan Kumar Sinha said. The Maoists, who had their faces covered, fled the scene after the crime. It is suspected that the incident took place to extort money, he said.

GUJ: DOLPHINS’ POCHING SHOCKS FOREST OFFICIALS

and well-being of every section to the people. He said right from the national freedom struggle to making the country self-reliant in foodgrain production and then in safeguarding the borders of the nation, people of Punjab have always led the country in every field during the crisis. Mann said people of Punjab are known for extending helping hand to anyone who is in trouble adding that this land has shown the path of love and peace to the world.

KEJRIWAL LAUDS MANN FOR MAINTAINING LAW & ORDER AMID HUNT FOR AMRITPAL

New Delhi (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday lauded Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for maintaining the law and order situation in Punjab amid the ongoing hunt against the Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh. While addressing the mediapersons, Kejriwal said, “I want to congratulate Punjab CM hagwant Mann for maintaining the law and order situation in a patient and mature way.”

Gandhinagar: Days after 10 fishermen from other states were nabbed for poaching dolphins and sharks off Gujarat coast, state Forest Department has decided to conduct regular patrolling in the coastal waters. It will be done in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and Customs, Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said in Assembly on Tuesday. Congress MLA Arjun Modhwadia sought to know what steps state govt was taking to save species.

AP COP FETED FOR SAVING WOMAN FROM DROWNING

Amaravati: A police constable was feted by the Andhra Pradesh government for gallantly rescuing a woman who jumped into the Godavari river to commit suicide recently. Andhra Pradesh director general of police (DGP) K. V. Rajendranath Reddy felicitated constable Angani Veerababu from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday for this act with a cash award as well.“Veerababu’s name has also been recommended for ‘Prime Minister’s Police Medal for Life Saving’,” said an official in a statement on Monday night.

Sanjay Kumar Verma

attend the event.

Indian-origin journalist Sameer Kaushal, who was at the venue to cover the protest, was also assaulted by protesters. Kaushal, said when he arrived at the venue, he found a large protest and said demonstrators would not allow him to access the event.

Kaushal , an Indian-origin journalist in Canada, was heckled by pro-Khalistan protesters in Surrey, British Columbia on Monday evening. Kaushal, in a Twitter post, said he was in Surrey to cover the Indian High Commissioner’s visit when a pro-Khalistani group threatened and roughed him up.

“The Surrey RCMP [police] remained mute spectators to this whole affair, even as the protest turned violent. Instead of stopping them, the police kept asking me to leave for my own safety,” Sameer Kaushal tweeted.

WORLD-CLASS

Visitors at Tulip Garden after it reopened for the public, in Srinagar on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY ANI

India gets Asia’s largest 4-mtre ILMT

First India Bureau

Devasthal: Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr

Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope at Devasthal in Uttarakhand in the presence of Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmeet Singh.

Speaking after the launch, Dr Singh said, it is primarily the patronage, promotion and prioritization from PM

Narendra Modi that has enabled and emboldened the scientific fraternity to successfully try new initiatives, one after the

other, in the field of science, technology and innovation, which are being rated as world class. Not only PM Modi has

given us the motivation to move ahead but also given the freedom to explore hitherto lesser explored areas like Space which has been opened up for private players or India’s oceans whose vast resources are waiting to be unfolded.

Today’s landmark event, Dr Singh said, places India at a different and a much higher level of capabilities to study the mysteries of the skies and astronomy, and to share the

same with the world.

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) announced that the world-class 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is now ready to explore the deep celestial sky. It achieved its first light in the 2nd week of May 2022. The telescope is located at an altitude of 2450 metre at the Devasthal Observatory campus of ARIES, an autonomous institute.

14 COWS KILLED IN TELANGANA ROAD ACCIDENT

Hyderabad: Fourteen cows were killed when a bus rammed a cattle herd in Nalgonda district on Tuesday. The accident occurred on Addanki-Narketpally highway near Buggabavigudem village.The coming to Hyderabad from Chennai hit the cattle herd when it was crossing the road.The coming to Hyderabad from Chennai hit the cattle herd when it was crossing the road.The farmer has suffered a loss of Rs 7 lakh.

MoU to enrich lives of 70,000 rural women & small farmers

First India Bureau

Patna: A new partnership between HarvestPlus and Heifer International (Heifer) will enrich the diets and lives of 70,000 rural women and smallholder farmers in Bihar.

HarvestPlus and Heifer will work to improve the nutrition and income generation potential of rural women and smallholder farmers.

“Heifer International believes that ending hunger and poverty begins

with agriculture, and smallholder farmers are at the heart of this effort.

their income, improve their families’ nutrition, and provide more food for the local marketplace, and leading to an end to hunger and poverty in Bihar,” said Mahendra Lohani, Sr Vice Prez, Asia, Heifer.

Punjab Police said that Amritpal visited Gurdwara and changed clothes before fleeing again; Police said that Amirtpal was helped by four people and they have been booked under the Arms Act, hunt is on for Amritpal

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel flag march amid crackdown against ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh and his aides, in Jalandhar, on Tuesday. —PHOTO BY PTI

WILL TAKE SEVEREST ACTION AGAINST THOSE CONSPIRING TO DISTURB PEACE: PUNJAB CM

Heifer’s Surita Sandosham poses with rural women from Bihar.

THREE MORE ASSOCIATES OF AMRITPAL BROUGHT TO DIBRUGARH CENTRAL JAIL

MoS Dr Jitendra Singh

GOVT MAKING ALL EFFORTS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: CM

CM Gehlot announces to upgrade SHC of Boranada to PHC, issues orders for the same

Rajeev Gaur

Jodhpur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Rajasthan International Expo during his visit to Jodhpur on Tuesday. Gehlot participated in the programme and also awarded the exporters at the function. On the initiative of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, this kind of event has been organised for the first time in Rajasthan. This programme was organized under the leadership of RAJSICO Chairman Rajiv Arora. Gehlot, in his address, while mentioning the works being done in Rajasthan from the point of view of export and industrial development, said that a better environment has been created in the field of exports. “Exports have increased and in this direction Rajasthan is making a good progress. Government is making all possible efforts for industrial development. We continued the industries even during the Corona pe-

Rajiv Arora expresses gratitude to CM for setting up an Export Council for the first time in Raj

First India Bureau

Rajiv Arora was making efforts since Export Council was formed, whichhas come true. Govt has made provisions in budget along with passing the law.

16,381 units have been installed so far & 50% export is happening from Rajasthan.

—Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister

riod,” Gehlot said. He congratulated all award winning exporters and expressed happiness over the coming

Randhawa meets Cong leaders, takes feedback

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: Room num-

ber 140 of the Assembly building has become a ‘Centre of talks.’ Randhawa met nearly a dozen ministers in this room on Monday and took one- to- one feedback.

The meeting with the remaining ministers was held on Tuesday.

Randhawa also met

Food & Civil Supplies

Min Pratap SKhachariyawas for nearly 20 minutes & various organisational issues were discussed. Appointment of Jaipur Congress District Prez was also discussed. Randhawa talked to Minister Dr Mahesh Joshi for an hour. He met MLA Rafeek Khan and district in- charge Rita Choudhary. Two leaders engaged in hot dialogue in Randhawa’s presence over the appointment of Jaipur Dist President CM Ashok Gehlot reached Assembly when heated discussion was going on.

IF MLAs ASK, WILL CALL A MEETING:

RANDHAWA

Jaipur : Commenting on calling a meeting of Congress Legislature Party on behalf of Pilot camp, state Congress in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa said, “If MLAs ask, will call a meeting. I have been taking one-to-one meetings in Jaipur since Monday.

I talked to the CM, PCC Chief and ministers and the Raj Congress is one. I will camp in Rajasthan for next few days.” In demand for resignation of MLAs and convening ofCLP meet, Minister Pratap S Khachariyawas said that Pilot is a senior leader and if he was voicing MLAs’ concerns, there was nothing wrong in it. Minister Mahesh Joshi told media outside the Assembly regarding Sachin Pilot’s remark that he would refrain from speaking on the advisory of the High Command.

“I cannot comment even if I want to. Pilot is a senior leader. There is no factionalism in Rajasthan Congress.” With regards to Pilot’s statement on calling the CLP meeting again, Pilot loyalist MLA Mukesh Bhakar said, “Government cannot come back to power only on the basis of budget and districts.”

I assure the Chief Minister that for his encouragement and gifts, every exporter, every artisan, every businessman of the State will make efforts to take Rajasthan to greater heights in export and business sectors at the international level.

—Rajiv Arora, RAJSICO Chairman

forward of women in this sector, “ We will cooperate with the council through coordination with industry depart-

ment so that the pace of economic development of Rajasthan increases with more and more people getting employ-

ment,” he said. He stressed on promoting maximum exports from Raj & assured all support from govt.

Congress leaders discuss 59 seats during SC Cell meeting

Jodhpur: “Today the whole country is facing tension. Violence, inflation, unemployment are increasing in the country. Rahul Gandhi took out a BJY against these evils. How long will we rule while dividing Hindu-Muslim? Their dictatorship is at its peak, now the public will teach a lesson. Rajasthan is getting full benefits of social welfare schemes. There is such an atmosphere in the state, that the Congress government will be repeated. Public will get more benefit of welfare schemes,” he said. Meanwhile, Gehlot also targeted Union Minister GS Shekha wat on the Sanjivani scam and said, “Un ion Minister and his family members em bezzled the money. I talked about the rights of the poor, then a false case was filed

CM assures help to Raj boy with names of 50 dists on fingertips

First India Bureau

Jaipur: Impressed by Arjun Gadri’s ability to memorise the names of 50 districts of Rajasthan, CM Ashok Gehlot promised help to him as he is from an economically weak background. The child’s video went viral on the very second day of the announcement of 19 new districts in Rajasthan.

First India Bureau

Jaipur: A meeting of Congress SC Cell was organised at the PCC. State in-charge

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC Chief GS Dotasara, Congress National President of SC cell Rajesh Lilothia,

Shankar Yadav, along with office bearers and workers of SC Cell were present at the meeting. There was a discussion on 59 SC-ST reserve seats of the Congress in the important meeting held at Rajasthan Congress Headquarters. Leadership Develop-

ment Mission will be run on 59 seats. AICC’s in-charge of frontal organisations K Raju, who is a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, presided over the meeting. Prominent leaders including Rajesh Lilothia, and Shankar Yadav were also present.

against me. If millions of people are benefited by this, then I am ready to face the punishment.”

Gehlot further added, “We request to give money to the poor. Many people’s hard earned money has gone into this. His whole family is guilty of this. Now he has filed a defamation claim against me. If lakhs of people are benefited and I have to go to jail, I don’t mind.”

“In budget farmers, youth, women all sections of society have been considered. we have tried to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor,” Gehlot said. Meanwhile, Gehlot

was questioned over police reaching Rahul Gandhi’s residence. The Chief Minister further said, “This is the murder of democracy. Rahul Gandhi has shown his mettle through Bharat Jodo Yatra. He is capable of handling the nation. For how long will the Central government run its rule by dividing Hindu-Muslim?

Now BJP is asking Muslims to embrace it, while till now you kept them aside. You insulted them and now they have remembered the Muslim society. Every caste, religion, class is given equal respect in Rajasthan. There has been a tradition of love and brotherhood here. Today Rajasthan has become the model state of the country. We are trying to repeat the government. If the public will support us, then many such public welfare schemes will be strengthened. Government implemented OPS, which BJP is opposing.”

Gadri is from Khempur village in Udaipur. He is the student of Alokdeep school. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, later spoke to Arjun Gadri on video call and heard the names of 50 districts again and praised the child. When asked about his career, Arjun told the CM that he aspires to become a teacher.

Yogesh Sharma

Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, State incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa and PCC Chief GS Dotasra during a meeting at the State Assembly on Tuesday, discussions on political issues. Sources said that a big political development is likely to be seen in the coming days. The indications are about a Cabinet reshuffle. Portfolios of

6TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF RAJUVAS

some ministers may be changed and new faces may also get a ministerial berth.

During the meet, the CM suddenly called Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria. During the talks, the Minister said that the anomalies which have been created in formation of Dudu district, should be removed. He also talked about the agitation going on in Sambhar against the same.

Guv stresses for innovation in cattle industry

Laxman Raghav and Kashiram Choudhary

Bikaner / Jaipur: Governor Kalraj Mishra on Tuesday, virtually participated in the Convocation ceremony of Rajasthan Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bikaner. While addressing the gathering, Kalraj Mishra expressed the need to work in a planned manner for the progress of cattle owners and to increase their income.

“New methods of treatment need to be introduced in sync with the traditional values related to animal protec-

tion so that side effects on livestock and animal products can be reduced due to excessive use of medicines and other

chemicals,” said Mishra

During the convocation ceremony, 21 bestperforming students were awarded medals

while 331 students were awarded Graduate degrees. Similarly, 96 students were given PostGraduate degrees and

34 students were awarded PhD degrees.

The Governor read out the Preamble and Fundamental Duties of the Indian Constitution at the beginning of the ceremony. Vice-Chancellor of University, Professor Satish Kumar Garg, Former Deputy Director General (Animal Science) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Prof ML Madan and other people were also present on the occasion.

CM Gehlot, Randhawa, Dotasra’s meet indicates major political overhaul!

CM Ashok Gehlot felicitates an exporter with ‘Rajasthan Export Award-2021’ during Rajasthan International Expo held at Expo Ground, Boranada in Jodhpur on Tuesday. Also seen here is Rajiv Arora.

CM Ashok Gehlot shares a light-hearted banter with Rajiv Arora as he is seen sitting on a Scooter & Arora is seated on the side car during the Rajasthan International Expo in Jodhpur on Tuesday.

‘For how long will Centre rule on Hindu-Muslim divide?’

GS Dotasra addresses during the one-day workshop on Leadership Development Mission at PCC office in Jaipur on Tuesday. Also seen here are Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, K Raju, Rajesh Lilothia, Shankar Yadav and others.

CM Ashok Gehlot, Sukhjinder S Randhawa and Govind Singh Dotasra during a meeting at State Assembly in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Sukhjinder S Randhawa meets Cong leaders including GS Dotasra, Dharmendra Rathore and Sandeep Choudhary in the Cabinet Room of State Assembly in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Facets of Fashion Dreams

The magnificent Fashion Connect presented by First India and Bharat24Vision of New India held at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai on March 19 gave way to a fresh splash of fashion, leaving everyone in awe with astounding trends. City First highlights the outstanding collection of the highly acclaimed and multi-faceted designer Anju Modi, reviving age-old Indian crafts and textiles showcased at Fashion Connect Season 14!

KAVITA CHAUHAN

cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, the crowned jewel of Dubai, hosted one of India’s premier single-day fashion events called Fashion Connect, season 14, Presented by First India News and Bharat24-Vision of New India on Sunday, March 19. Jagdeesh Chandra graced the magical evening and appreciated the designer, Anju Modi for her timeless collection designed with perfection and tailored to last. His

Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum was present as the Chief Guest and Yakoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor in His Highness Office attended the show as the special guest. Asia’s most loved and India’s favourite fashion designer, Anju Modi, showcased her scintillating couture collection ‘Gul Bahaar’ at Fashion Connect- Season 14. While describing her beautiful collection, the designer said, “My new couture collection, ‘Gul Bahaar’ is inspired by the cyclic nature of life. It is a beautiful curation of elegant ensembles that are built upon

the strong foundations of traditional Indian craftsmanship and yet prove their relevance in the modern world.

The collection represents the beauty of metamorphosis in nature that occurs with seasonal shifts. I believe these changes also add sparks of creativity to our lives and we’ve tried to display those emotions artistically through our outfits. I am glad to showcase my collection at Fashion Connect in Dubai.”

Her work takes a more conscious, progressive & interactive approach with her love for textiles and the Indian craft serving as the main catalyst and foundation of her designing philosophy whilst continuing to push boundaries for a unique experience.

Each dimension of Modi’s personality can be seen in her

body of work, which displays the passion and gentleness of an artist.

The 32-year-old label’s guiding principles are Timeless, Vintage & Handicraft with a deep influence from the founder’s passion for textiles and Indian craftsmanship.

Anju Modi is best known for her work in the movies Bajirao Mastani &Ram Leela.

International models: Poppy, Mudit, Marie, Eva and Natalia showcasing designer collection by Anju Modi

Jagdeesh Chandra and Yakoob Al Ali with Anju Modi, Rishee Miglani and Lokesh Sharma during the show

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

FASHION & LUXURY PERSONIFIED

THE FIRST INDIA FASHION CONNECT SEASON 14, PRESENTED BY FIRST INDIA AND BHARAT24- VISION OF NEW INDIA, HELD AT OAKS IBN BATTUTA GATE HOTEL, DUBAI ON SUNDAY WAS A UNIQUE FUSION OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN COLLECTIONS WHICH CELEBRATED THE HERITAGE OF INDIA. BESIDES THIS, A RAVISHING MERGING OF THE CULTURES OF UAE AND INDIA WAS ALSO SEEN ON THE RAMP. DURING THE SHOW, LUXURY LIFESTYLE AWARDS 2023 WERE ALSO HELD, WHEREIN THE WHO’S WHO OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES WERE FELICITATED. CITY FIRST HIGHLIGHTS SOME MAGICAL GLIMPSES CAPTURED BY OUR SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST SANTOSH SHARMA!

WELCOME BACK!

Jagdeesh Chandra was accorded a warm welcome by the members of the Bharat24 team on his return from Dubai on Monday, where he had gone to attend the Fashion Connect season 14 held on 19th March.

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

As the year 2023 is the International Year of the Millets, Agribusiness and Food Processing Committee at PHDCCI held a session themed, “The Real Indian at Heart: Millé-viciously Climate at the Global Millets (Shree Anna) conference.” The occasion was graced by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The technical session was held on March 19. The event was a part of the G20 summit. Ratika Bhargava & Riccha Khetan, popularly known as CauldronSisterss, were key speakers at the event. They talked about how one can include millet in their daily diet, along with other dignitaries.

JRPC Polo Season is being organised by Jaipur Riding & Polo Club from March 7 to 26 with the vision to promote the young and upcoming players of Rajasthan both Men and Women.

During the match, team Cavollo Polo Barn conquered the match by 6 points over team Krishna, who bagged 3 points during the match whereas in the second match team APC scored 11 points and won the match aginst Aspen who bagged 3 points.

CITY FIRST

s we gear up for Chaitra Navratri 2023, which is from March 22 to March 30 this year, you need to prioritise your health as well. The nine-day Hindu festival, which is dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, is a time of fasting, prayers, and celebrations. While religious devotees fast for nine days, there are many who use this time for rejuvenation and healing. So, fasting may be seen by some as a process of detoxification. As you do fasting, your energy levels will go down. But you can stay energised during Navratri by following easy tips!

EAT SMALL AND FREQUENT MEALS

Most of the days, you must be eating three large meals. During Navratri, opt for five or six small meals throughout the day. This will help in maintaining blood sugar levels and avoid the feeling of lethargy.

DURING THE DAY!

As we mark the beginning of the auspicious 9 days, City First highlights 5 easy ways to stay energetic as you focus on fasting and celebrations!

CHAITRA NAVRATRI 2023 BEGINS! A

STAY HYDRATED

As you do fasting, drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices to stay hydrated. It helps to detoxify the body and aids in digestion too, says the expert. Another healthy option is to drink coconut water, which can keep your body energised and active during fasting sessions.

CONSUME HIGH-PROTEIN FOODS

During Navratri, people generally avoid eating grains and pulses, which are foods high in protein. You can always make up for this by consuming protein-rich foods such as nuts, milk, yogurt and paneer.

EXERCISE REGULARLY Light exercises such as walking, yoga, or stretching help in improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and keeping you energised, says the expert.

PREFER BALANCED HEALTHY PRODUCTS

Fruits and vegetables are all good sources of fiber as well as vitamins, and minerals. So, go for bananas, apples, sweet potatoes, sabudana (tapioca), makhana (fox nuts), tomatoes, cabbage and capsicum while fasting during Navaratri.

CM Ashok Gehlot launched the first book ‘Mere Sahitya Prayog’ of meritorious student Arnav Singh of the Alwar district of Rajasthan at his residence recently. The CM released the book by cutting the ribbon and reading the first page of the book. The Chief Minister appreciated and praised Arnav and said that in today’s social environment where children are inclined towards western culture, this book of Arnav, moving away from the mainstream, once again made the society inclined towards Hindi and Urdu literature. MLA and Cabinet Minister Tikaram Julie were also present on this occasion.

‘Zila Parishad Aapke Dwar Program’ in Silora took place recently, in which common people took advantage of the services of 18 departments. Chairman of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Dharmendra Rathore said that the state government under the leadership of CM Ashok Gehlot has worked for the progress of every section. Crores of Rajasthanis will be benefited from Chief Minister Chiranjeevi’s Health Insurance Scheme, Rs.500 cylinder and pension amount. The poorest person in society will also get relief from these schemes. Chairman of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Dharmendra Rathore addressed the ‘Zilla Parishad Aapke Dwar’ camp organised at Silora on Tuesday.

KALA PURODHA SAMMAN

Gangaur Mahotsav, a symbol of good luck and faith, was organised grandly by the women’s wing of All India Kshatriya Mahasabha Trust at VKI in capital Jaipur recently. President Madhu Rathore said that this festival is the identity of Rajasthan and our festivals, customs and culture are kept alive by such events. Chief guest Pratap Singh Khachariawas, Mumal Singh Rajvi, Rajrajeshwari Singh, Manisha Rajawat Aruna Singh Rathore participated in the program. State Executive President of the organisation Seema Chauhan shared that the main attraction of the program was Isar Gangaur Ki Bindori, Gangaur Pujan and quizzes, games and many competitions related to this festival.

Holi Milan ceremony was organised at Kesar Kunj Vaishali Nagar Jaipur on Monday in which former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot along with many ministers, MLAs of Rajasthan Government, senior officials of State Congress participated. Alok Pareek, General Secretary of Jaipur City District Congress Committee was also present.

The Play House, India International School celebrated its fifteenth Annual Fiesta 2023 Cultural Pageant in the IIS Auditorium. The little wonders of Nursery, KG 1 & KG 2 mesmerized the audience with their charismatic performances. The event began with a musical enactment ‘My India, My Pride’ that showcased the diverse and rich culture of our country. Thereafter the audience was given a visual treat through the colourful and trendy dance numbers performed by the kids. The successful attempt at involving each and every child was evident on stage. Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, IIS formally Welcomed the guests and appreciated the talent and enthusiasm of the little ones.

Free physiotherapy, a healthy diet and a homoeopathic counselling camp was organised on Sunday at Light ‘n’ Healthy Multispeciality Clinic, Pratap Nagar. In the camp, more than 150 people got their health check-ups done and consulted about diet and exercise to keep the body fit. Along with this, Physiotherapist Dr Abhishek Sharma treated and counselled the patients of Physiotherapy, while Dietician Dr Jaya Sharma told people about better diet, catering etc. Dr Aditi Mishra gave free consultations on homeopathic medicine in the camp.

Recently, Rajasthan State Powerlifting Competition 2023 was organised on March 18-19 in Jodhpur city of Rajasthan. In the same event, Sonia Mangwani, a resident of the capital Jaipur, performed brilliantly in the 69 bodyweight category, Open Senior and Master category and won Gold Medal in the Master 1 Category and Silver Medal in Open Senior Category. Sonia’s husband Mahendra Mangwani won the gold medal in Master 1 under the 74 bodyweight category.

Sonia and Mahendra will now represent Rajasthan in the National Championship to be held in Agartala, Tripura State.

Rajasthan’s senior singer, dance director and lyricist Om Pawar will be honoured with the prestigious Kala Purodha Samman of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi for her significant contribution to the world of music and art. This honour will be given to her by CM Ashok Gehlot at a function organised in Jodhpur on March 25. Om Pawar is the wife of famous sitar player Pt Kailash Pawar and mother of music director Ravi Pawar and the songs sung and written by her have been released by reputed music companies. Recently released songs penned by Om Pawar and sung by renowned singer Mame Khan and Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar.

EVENTS!

Padmashree awardee renowned singer Anuradha Paudwal started reciting bhajans including ‘Navkar Mantra’, ‘Aao karen Bhakti Bholenath ki..’, ‘Achyutam Keshavam Ram Narayanam during the Bhajan Evening organised by Apex University on the fifth death anniversary of late Dr Sagarmal Juniwal, founder of Apex Group and Sanjay Shiksha Samiti on Tuesday. The program was started by his wife Nirmala Devi Juniwal.

The 51st Senior Women’s National Handball Championship was organised by Uttar Pradesh Handball Association under the aegis of Handball Association India from March 15 to March 19 in Varanasi. During the match, Rajasthan Team won the championship by scoring 37 goals against Indian Railways who scored 30 goals.

Jagdeesh Chandra with Sandeep Mishra, Prasoon Shukla, Sanjay Pandey, Shashikesh Ranjan and Amit Baliyan

Namrata, Dr Nidhi, Pallavi, Mili, Ratika, Riccha, Pallavi & Sanjay

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO

—PHOTO BY MUKESH KIRADOO