Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah will address his party's MPs on September 21, during which he is likely to announce programs to be taken up to spread the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of the Nation.

Sources in the party said that Shah will address the MPs, who have been asked to be present at state party headquarters on September 21, through video conferencing. Shah will be present at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.

The party has already asked its MPs to take out 'padyatras' across the country to spread the teachings of the Father of the Nation.

Shah, also the Union Home Minister, is likely to officially announce the initiatives and activities to be taken up by the MPs in their respective constituencies as part of celebrations.

During the course of the yatra, Shah is likely to ask leaders to make cleanliness drive, tree plantation, eliminate single-use plastic and other social initiatives of the Modi government a mass movement.

The government has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the national and international level to propagate his message. A committee has also been constituted for this purpose.

In his last address on his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that mega preparations are underway to mark the birth anniversary.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah will address his party's MPs on September 21, during which he is likely to announce programs to be taken up to spread the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of the Nation.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah will address his party's MPs on September 21, during which he is likely to announce programs to be taken up to spread the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of the Nation. Sources in the party said that Shah will address the MPs, who have been asked to be present at state party headquarters on September 21, through video conferencing. Shah will be present at the BJP headquarters in Delhi. The party has already asked its MPs to take out 'padyatras' across the country to spread the teachings of the Father of the Nation. Shah, also the Union Home Minister, is likely to officially announce the initiatives and activities to be taken up by the MPs in their respective constituencies as part of celebrations. During the course of the yatra, Shah is likely to ask leaders to make cleanliness drive, tree plantation, eliminate single-use plastic and other social initiatives of the Modi government a mass movement. The government has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the national and international level to propagate his message. A committee has also been constituted for this purpose. In his last address on his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that mega preparations are underway to mark the birth anniversary.

Home Minister Amit Shah to addres BJP MPs on September 21

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi here in the presence of Mayor and President of Canton Vaud and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said, "Mahatma Gandhi's life teaches us many things. He built his first hermitage in India on the banks of River Sabarmati. Today, we have brought him to the banks of Lake Geneva."

He continued, "It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved nature and cared so much for it. His legacy shall inspire us as we work together to tackle climate change and to conserve our ecology."

Adding that Mahatma Gandhi believed in the oneness of humanity and embraced all cultures and all peoples, the President said, "As two democracies with a deep respect for diversity, Mahatma Gandhi shall continue to guide us in our shared journey to bring peace and joy for one and all."

On Friday, Kovind led the delegation-level talks along with his Swiss counterpart Ueli Maurer and witnessed the signing and exchange of MOUs/agreements between two countries.

Kovind is currently on a three-nation visit to Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia since September 9. He arrived in Switzerland on Thursday following the successful completion of his bilateral engagements in Iceland.

He will leave for Slovenia --the final leg of his state visit to three nations-- tomorrow.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi here in the presence of Mayor and President of Canton Vaud and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said, "Mahatma Gandhi's life teaches us many things.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi here in the presence of Mayor and President of Canton Vaud and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said, "Mahatma Gandhi's life teaches us many things. He built his first hermitage in India on the banks of River Sabarmati. Today, we have brought him to the banks of Lake Geneva." He continued, "It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved nature and cared so much for it. His legacy shall inspire us as we work together to tackle climate change and to conserve our ecology." Adding that Mahatma Gandhi believed in the oneness of humanity and embraced all cultures and all peoples, the President said, "As two democracies with a deep respect for diversity, Mahatma Gandhi shall continue to guide us in our shared journey to bring peace and joy for one and all." On Friday, Kovind led the delegation-level talks along with his Swiss counterpart Ueli Maurer and witnessed the signing and exchange of MOUs/agreements between two countries. Kovind is currently on a three-nation visit to Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia since September 9. He arrived in Switzerland on Thursday following the successful completion of his bilateral engagements in Iceland. He will leave for Slovenia --the final leg of his state visit to three nations-- tomorrow.

President Kovind unveils statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Switzerland

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several&nbsp;commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The meeting was attended by the&nbsp;senior ministers of various ministries&nbsp;including Home, Defence,&nbsp;Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present.

Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24,&nbsp;the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront&nbsp;in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital.&nbsp;

The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27.&nbsp;

The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1.

On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc.

In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed.&nbsp;

Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled.&nbsp;

A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The meeting was attended by the senior ministers of various ministries including Home, Defence, Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present. Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24, the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital. The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27. The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1. On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc. In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed. Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled. A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.

PM Modi chairs executive committee meeting on commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

On the eve of India's Independence Day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeal-of-art-370-not-communal-was-need-of-the-hour-vice-president-naidu-242922">President Kovind addressed</a> the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu &amp; Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region.

"The changes will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges and same facilities as their fellow citizens in the rest of the country," President Kovind said.

The Parliament had earlier this month adopted a resolution to repeal Article 370, which provided special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. It also passed a bill to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh without a legislature.

The reorganization bill was signed by the President after it was passed by the two Houses of Parliament and it was notified by the government on August 9.

"We are at a special juncture," the president said adding that the government was enabling all basic provisions including progressive, egalitarian laws and provisions related to RTE, accessing public information through RTI, reservations in education and employment and other facilities for deprived communities.

It also includes justice for our daughters by abolishing unequal practices such as instant Triple Talaq, the President added.

"This year also marks the 550th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, wisest and most influential Indians of all time Guru Nanak Devji. He was the founder of Sikhism but the reverence &amp; respect he commands go far beyond just our Sikh brothers and sisters."

"We complete 72 years as a free nation at a very special juncture. In a few weeks from now, on October 2, we will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of our successful effort to liberate our nation," President Kovind said while addressing the nation.

"India's tradition has been live and let live," he said, adding," small towns are being connected by air."

"When we design and deliver welfare programmes for our disadvantaged fellow citizens and families when we seek to harness the power of the Sun as renewable energy, we put Gandhian philosophy into action," he said.

The President thanked the people for taking part in the 17th general election and congratulated the voters for turning up at polling stations enthusiastically in large numbers.

President Kovind also recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and revolutionaries who made sacrifices for the country's freedom from colonial rule.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, President Kovind addressed the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, President Kovind addressed the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region. "The changes will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges and same facilities as their fellow citizens in the rest of the country," President Kovind said. The Parliament had earlier this month adopted a resolution to repeal Article 370, which provided special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. It also passed a bill to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh without a legislature. The reorganization bill was signed by the President after it was passed by the two Houses of Parliament and it was notified by the government on August 9. "We are at a special juncture," the president said adding that the government was enabling all basic provisions including progressive, egalitarian laws and provisions related to RTE, accessing public information through RTI, reservations in education and employment and other facilities for deprived communities. It also includes justice for our daughters by abolishing unequal practices such as instant Triple Talaq, the President added. "This year also marks the 550th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, wisest and most influential Indians of all time Guru Nanak Devji. He was the founder of Sikhism but the reverence & respect he commands go far beyond just our Sikh brothers and sisters." "We complete 72 years as a free nation at a very special juncture. In a few weeks from now, on October 2, we will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of our successful effort to liberate our nation," President Kovind said while addressing the nation. "India's tradition has been live and let live," he said, adding," small towns are being connected by air." "When we design and deliver welfare programmes for our disadvantaged fellow citizens and families when we seek to harness the power of the Sun as renewable energy, we put Gandhian philosophy into action," he said. The President thanked the people for taking part in the 17th general election and congratulated the voters for turning up at polling stations enthusiastically in large numbers. President Kovind also recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and revolutionaries who made sacrifices for the country's freedom from colonial rule.

Changes in J&K will enable people to enjoy similar rights as others in India: President Kovind

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday announced that a campaign to eradicate malnutrition and anaemia will be launched in all districts to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

'The state government has set the goal to make Chhattisgarh malnutrition and anaemia free within the next three years. Under this campaign, people suffering from malnutrition and anaemia will be provided free of cost nutritious food every day,' the Chief Minister said while addressing the state-level programme held in Vikas Nagar Stadium of District Headquarters Kondagaon today.

'According to the latest data released by the NITI Aayog, 37.60 per cent children of age below 5 years<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-seven-naxals-killed-in-encounter-in-rajnandgaon-240364"> in Chhattisgarh</a> are suffering from malnutrition and 41.50 per cent daughters and mothers in the state are suffering from anaemia,' he said.

The Chief Minister said that the campaign to make Chhattisgarh free of malnutrition and anaemia was started as a pilot project in Korba, Sarguja, Koriya and selected panchayats of other districts in Bastar region, under which free nutritious food was provided to all the people suffering from anaemia and malnutrition.

'This campaign was initiated as a pilot project in the Bastar region from July 2019 and it will be soon conducted in other aspirational districts of the state as well... The campaign will be launched on Gandhi Jayanti, free nutritious meals will be provided every day to the patients of malnutrition and anaemia, as per the list issued by each of the gram panchayat, customized as per their physical requirement and preferences,' he said.

Baghel said he will ensure maximum participation of renowned charitable organisations, public representatives, NGOs, media groups and other competent people.

The Chief Minister also announced a hike in scholarship for students of pre-metric hostels from Rs 700 to Rs 1000 and a significant increase in the number of seats in the colleges.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday announced that a campaign to eradicate malnutrition and anaemia will be launched in all districts to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday announced that a campaign to eradicate malnutrition and anaemia will be launched in all districts to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 'The state government has set the goal to make Chhattisgarh malnutrition and anaemia free within the next three years. Under this campaign, people suffering from malnutrition and anaemia will be provided free of cost nutritious food every day,' the Chief Minister said while addressing the state-level programme held in Vikas Nagar Stadium of District Headquarters Kondagaon today. 'According to the latest data released by the NITI Aayog, 37.60 per cent children of age below 5 years in Chhattisgarh are suffering from malnutrition and 41.50 per cent daughters and mothers in the state are suffering from anaemia,' he said. The Chief Minister said that the campaign to make Chhattisgarh free of malnutrition and anaemia was started as a pilot project in Korba, Sarguja, Koriya and selected panchayats of other districts in Bastar region, under which free nutritious food was provided to all the people suffering from anaemia and malnutrition. 'This campaign was initiated as a pilot project in the Bastar region from July 2019 and it will be soon conducted in other aspirational districts of the state as well... The campaign will be launched on Gandhi Jayanti, free nutritious meals will be provided every day to the patients of malnutrition and anaemia, as per the list issued by each of the gram panchayat, customized as per their physical requirement and preferences,' he said. Baghel said he will ensure maximum participation of renowned charitable organisations, public representatives, NGOs, media groups and other competent people. The Chief Minister also announced a hike in scholarship for students of pre-metric hostels from Rs 700 to Rs 1000 and a significant increase in the number of seats in the colleges.

Chhattisgarh government sets a goal to make the state free from malnutrition, anemia in next 3 years

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-amit-shah-attend-bharatiya-janata-party-parliamentary-party-meet-236320">Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting</a> on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people."&nbsp;

"Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said.

PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025.

"The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said.

Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties.

"He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi.&nbsp; 
Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation.

"I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons.

BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)&nbsp;

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people." "Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said. PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025. "The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said. Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties. "He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi. Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation. "I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons. BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)

PM Narendra Modi  asks parliamentarians to ensure better reach of govt schemes

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi's</a> oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands".

"I had the opportunity to visit India with President (Barack) Obama. After President Obama and Prime Minister Modi had an exchange with the business community, we went to a room where the two leaders made their appearance. I must say Prime Minister Modi made one of the most fantastic speeches ever I have heard," she said in a conversation with Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) John Chambers at the second edition of the event.

"He (Modi) spoke in English. It was very inspirational and he spoke about values about all the things we talk about like valuing our planet and people... But it was quite spectacular and different. We have our vision, knowledge and strategy. But the message is important and he is a master in that. He had the audience in the palm of his hands," she remarked.&nbsp;

Calling herself a "worshipper" of Mahatma Gandhi, she recalled an incident saying, "I was wearing a hat in the school and a nun asked me that "who do think you are? Mahatma Gandhi?" I had no idea about it."&nbsp;

"I went to the library and there was a lot of books on Mahatma Gandhi back in the 1950s. At college, I used to get all the books on Mahatma Gandhi in the class. I learnt more and more about him. I became completely worshipping at the shrine of Mahatma Gandhi," she continued.

She said that civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. had visited India in the 1950s where he studied about Mahatma Gandhi and learnt about non-violence and "satyagraha", which she stressed was "insistence of truth".

"The 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 90th anniversary of Martin Luther King is a strong connection for all of us," Pelosi underlined while calling "satyagraha" as a spiritual gift that India has given to the US.

The Speaker underlined that the US is "blessed" with the Indian diaspora in her country.

"We have a running start on how we go forward in this particular relationship. We have to be respectful of India's priorities. There is a need to recognise the public part of the public-private partnership," Pelosi said.&nbsp;

The House Speaker called "strategic" and "partnership" as two important words in the US-India bilateral ties.

"There is an opportunity to lift the values of the whole world, create more markets, and be more entrepreneurial through the US-India strategic partnership."&nbsp;

"We all have to play a role in eradication of diseases, preservation of our planet and also to end corruption which is rampant in so many places and hampers economic growth that is needed in good markets for US and India for their businesses to take advantage of," she said while calling for continuous cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

Pelosi also termed the US relationship with China as "complicated".

"If you look at China, you can talk about growing middle class and growing economy. But it is also a very repressive place. Three million Uighurs in "education" camps, what they are doing in Hong Kong to diminish democracy there and the diminishing culture, language and religion in Tibet," she said.

However, Pelosi hailed China for taking "giant steps" in reducing carbon emissions in the Asian country.

"We do work together on climate in spite of the fact that they tried so many things to reduce pollution, which is a political and health problem in China," she further said.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands".

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands". "I had the opportunity to visit India with President (Barack) Obama. After President Obama and Prime Minister Modi had an exchange with the business community, we went to a room where the two leaders made their appearance. I must say Prime Minister Modi made one of the most fantastic speeches ever I have heard," she said in a conversation with Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) John Chambers at the second edition of the event. "He (Modi) spoke in English. It was very inspirational and he spoke about values about all the things we talk about like valuing our planet and people... But it was quite spectacular and different. We have our vision, knowledge and strategy. But the message is important and he is a master in that. He had the audience in the palm of his hands," she remarked. Calling herself a "worshipper" of Mahatma Gandhi, she recalled an incident saying, "I was wearing a hat in the school and a nun asked me that "who do think you are? Mahatma Gandhi?" I had no idea about it." "I went to the library and there was a lot of books on Mahatma Gandhi back in the 1950s. At college, I used to get all the books on Mahatma Gandhi in the class. I learnt more and more about him. I became completely worshipping at the shrine of Mahatma Gandhi," she continued. She said that civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. had visited India in the 1950s where he studied about Mahatma Gandhi and learnt about non-violence and "satyagraha", which she stressed was "insistence of truth". "The 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 90th anniversary of Martin Luther King is a strong connection for all of us," Pelosi underlined while calling "satyagraha" as a spiritual gift that India has given to the US. The Speaker underlined that the US is "blessed" with the Indian diaspora in her country. "We have a running start on how we go forward in this particular relationship. We have to be respectful of India's priorities. There is a need to recognise the public part of the public-private partnership," Pelosi said. The House Speaker called "strategic" and "partnership" as two important words in the US-India bilateral ties. "There is an opportunity to lift the values of the whole world, create more markets, and be more entrepreneurial through the US-India strategic partnership." "We all have to play a role in eradication of diseases, preservation of our planet and also to end corruption which is rampant in so many places and hampers economic growth that is needed in good markets for US and India for their businesses to take advantage of," she said while calling for continuous cooperation between the two countries. Pelosi also termed the US relationship with China as "complicated". "If you look at China, you can talk about growing middle class and growing economy. But it is also a very repressive place. Three million Uighurs in "education" camps, what they are doing in Hong Kong to diminish democracy there and the diminishing culture, language and religion in Tibet," she said. However, Pelosi hailed China for taking "giant steps" in reducing carbon emissions in the Asian country. "We do work together on climate in spite of the fact that they tried so many things to reduce pollution, which is a political and health problem in China," she further said.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi praises PM Modi's oratory skills, says he had 'audience in the palm of his hands'

Themed "Gandhi's Idea of India: Truth, Harmony, Non-Violence", the 6th edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) will open gates for bibliophiles in Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, starting July 19. 
 
The three-day event, to be attended by over 250 celebrities, will witness speakers deliberating on Gandhi's works and ideas through literature, lived experiences, politics, arts and films.&nbsp; 
 
The KLF is well known for its socially relevant themes and in a way compels all creative people to think and articulate the contemporary.&nbsp; 
 
Like its past editions the KLF this year also has a hard-hitting theme for writers, poets and artists to ponder on. 
 
"The central theme focuses on Gandhian Ideology. Several sessions on different themes will connect to the central theme on Gandhi's Idea of India," the organisers said. 
 
The event will witness sessions and discussions by the likes of Namita Gokhale, Anand Neelakantan, Anu Chaudhary, Rashmi Bansal, Yashwant Sinha and Swanad Kirkire, among others from varying fields of interest. 
 
The key sessions at the literary festival will be on topics including cultural nationalism, Gandhigiri, generation Y, Odisha, media, market, cinema, and sports.&nbsp; 
 
"This year the world is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It is only fitting to pay tribute to him, his ideas and reflect upon them in contemporary times. KLF 2019 will pay literary and creative tribute to the immortal spirit of Gandhi ji," Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder director of KLF, said. 
 
Four awards in literature -- a distinguished writer in Odia, a woman writer, a writer in any global language and a young writer in any global language -- will be conferred during the event.&nbsp; 
 
Also, more than 20 new books and monographs will be released during the three-day festival, the organisers said 
 
A dedicated platform, Kalinga Art Festival, will provide a unique platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect their art to the central theme of the festival. 
 
Apart from the literary discussions, the festival will also witness cultural programs to showcase Odisha's art, culture and literature. 
&nbsp; 
Storytelling session 'Dastan-E-Mantoiyat' by Syed Shadab Hussain and Meera Rizvi, screening of Oscar-nominated director Ashvin Kumar's 'No Fathers in Kashmir' will be the star attraction of the festival, they said.&nbsp; 
 
The festival will come to an end on July 21.&nbsp;

Themed "Gandhi's Idea of India: Truth, Harmony, Non-Violence", the 6th edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) will open gates for bibliophiles in Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, starting July 19.

Themed "Gandhi's Idea of India: Truth, Harmony, Non-Violence", the 6th edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) will open gates for bibliophiles in Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, starting July 19. The three-day event, to be attended by over 250 celebrities, will witness speakers deliberating on Gandhi's works and ideas through literature, lived experiences, politics, arts and films. The KLF is well known for its socially relevant themes and in a way compels all creative people to think and articulate the contemporary. Like its past editions the KLF this year also has a hard-hitting theme for writers, poets and artists to ponder on. "The central theme focuses on Gandhian Ideology. Several sessions on different themes will connect to the central theme on Gandhi's Idea of India," the organisers said. The event will witness sessions and discussions by the likes of Namita Gokhale, Anand Neelakantan, Anu Chaudhary, Rashmi Bansal, Yashwant Sinha and Swanad Kirkire, among others from varying fields of interest. The key sessions at the literary festival will be on topics including cultural nationalism, Gandhigiri, generation Y, Odisha, media, market, cinema, and sports. "This year the world is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It is only fitting to pay tribute to him, his ideas and reflect upon them in contemporary times. KLF 2019 will pay literary and creative tribute to the immortal spirit of Gandhi ji," Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder director of KLF, said. Four awards in literature -- a distinguished writer in Odia, a woman writer, a writer in any global language and a young writer in any global language -- will be conferred during the event. Also, more than 20 new books and monographs will be released during the three-day festival, the organisers said A dedicated platform, Kalinga Art Festival, will provide a unique platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect their art to the central theme of the festival. Apart from the literary discussions, the festival will also witness cultural programs to showcase Odisha's art, culture and literature. Storytelling session 'Dastan-E-Mantoiyat' by Syed Shadab Hussain and Meera Rizvi, screening of Oscar-nominated director Ashvin Kumar's 'No Fathers in Kashmir' will be the star attraction of the festival, they said. The festival will come to an end on July 21.

Kalinga Literary Festival to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction.

A B.Ed. college situated in the town serving as the district headquarters for East Champaran district has showcased, inside its premises, nearly a score of mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which went under the hammer earlier this year.

Among the mementoes on display here is a cutout of the map of India, gifted by Bardoli MP Parbhubhai Vasava on which one finds a photograph of PM Modi along with depictions of his endeavours such as the Swachh Bharat Yojana, the Ujjwala scheme and the Start-Up India initiative.

Another notable exhibit is a memento, designed like a Buddhist Stupa, which was presented to the prime minister by the Maharashtra government upon commencement of construction of a memorial of B R Ambedkar.

"It is a matter of pride for us that we happen to be the only ones in Bihar to have won some of the over 1,000 mementoes in the auction.

"The funds thus generated were meant to be diverted for the Namami Gange project which would, again, be of benefit of our state since the holy river flows here," says Yamuna Sekaria who heads the 'Radha Krishna Seva Sansthan', the name by which the college is better known.

The son of Shambhu Nath Sekaria, a well-known social and environmental activist from Motihari, Yamuna Sekaria calls himself an ardent admirer of Modi, greatly impressed by his tireless energy and his passion to serve the nation.

Sekaria, however, declines to divulge the prices at which the items were sold at the auction, saying, all the participants had been requested to keep it a secret, since "it was not a sell-off meant for commercial purposes".

PM Modi had visited the town in April last year when he inaugurated a railway station named 'Bapudham' highlighting the town's association with the Champaran Satyagraha, which Mahatma Gandhi had launched for oppressed indigo planters.

A certificate of appreciation issued by the National Gallery of Modern Arts issued to those who had spent their time and efforts in participating in the auction of the prime minister's mementoes is also proudly displayed at the college.&nbsp;

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction.

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction. A B.Ed. college situated in the town serving as the district headquarters for East Champaran district has showcased, inside its premises, nearly a score of mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which went under the hammer earlier this year. Among the mementoes on display here is a cutout of the map of India, gifted by Bardoli MP Parbhubhai Vasava on which one finds a photograph of PM Modi along with depictions of his endeavours such as the Swachh Bharat Yojana, the Ujjwala scheme and the Start-Up India initiative. Another notable exhibit is a memento, designed like a Buddhist Stupa, which was presented to the prime minister by the Maharashtra government upon commencement of construction of a memorial of B R Ambedkar. "It is a matter of pride for us that we happen to be the only ones in Bihar to have won some of the over 1,000 mementoes in the auction. "The funds thus generated were meant to be diverted for the Namami Gange project which would, again, be of benefit of our state since the holy river flows here," says Yamuna Sekaria who heads the 'Radha Krishna Seva Sansthan', the name by which the college is better known. The son of Shambhu Nath Sekaria, a well-known social and environmental activist from Motihari, Yamuna Sekaria calls himself an ardent admirer of Modi, greatly impressed by his tireless energy and his passion to serve the nation. Sekaria, however, declines to divulge the prices at which the items were sold at the auction, saying, all the participants had been requested to keep it a secret, since "it was not a sell-off meant for commercial purposes". PM Modi had visited the town in April last year when he inaugurated a railway station named 'Bapudham' highlighting the town's association with the Champaran Satyagraha, which Mahatma Gandhi had launched for oppressed indigo planters. A certificate of appreciation issued by the National Gallery of Modern Arts issued to those who had spent their time and efforts in participating in the auction of the prime minister's mementoes is also proudly displayed at the college.

Mementos received by PM Modi put on display at Bihar town

Few other public figures have inspired artistic imaginations as sustainably as Mahatma Gandhi had done. Here was a man who hardly watched films, rarely attended a concert of classical music and demonstrated no great interest in Western-style modernism in the visual and performing art forms.&nbsp;

To understand Gandhi’s psyche, therefore, one has to visit his ideas on the arts, literature and their creators.

On December 10, 1931, he told Romain Rolland: “I am against the formula of ‘art for art’s sake’. For me, all art must be based on truth.” Seven years later, he said, “We have somehow accustomed ourselves to the belief that art is independent of the purity of private life… I can say that purity of life is the highest and truest art. The art of producing good music from a cultivated voice can be achieved by many, but the art of producing that music from the harmony of a pure life is achieved very rarely.”

Beauty, to Gandhi, emanates from truth and purity of life. “Truth is the first thing to be sought for, and beauty and goodness will then be added unto you…” His love and appreciation for the works of Tolstoy, Ruskin, Thoreau, Tagore and for the painting and artwork of Nandalal Bose as well as the musical renditions by M S Subbulakshmi, Juthika Roy and Pandit Omkarnath Thakur should perhaps be seen in this context.&nbsp;

While Gandhi was steadfast in his ideas, he was not unaware of his own limitations. About Nandalal Bose of Santiniketan, he commented, “For, he is a creative artist and I am none. God has given me the sense of art, but not the organs to give it a concrete shape. He has blessed Nandalal Babu with both”’ On another occasion, “I am not an art student… I do not write or speak about it because I am conscious of my limitations. My functions are different from the artist’s and I should not go out of my way to assume his position.” He used the services of Bose for the Congress sessions and exhibitions and was all praise of his artistic genius.

About Oscar Wilde, his comment, “Wilde saw the highest art simply in outward forms and, therefore, succeeded in beautifying immorality…” may appear dated and puritanical in the context of today’s sensibilities, but Gandhi hits the nail when he says, “On the other hand, truth may manifest itself in forms which may not be outwardly beautiful. Socrates, we are told, was the most truthful man of his time and yet his features are said to have been the ugliest in Greece. To my mind, he was beautiful because all his life he was striving for truth…”

Gandhi read and wrote extensively, and travelled incessantly. He was self-luminous, experimenting continuously with himself, and was so immersed in the ‘real’ issues of life, that he hardly had time or perhaps even the inclination to be enriched by ‘fiction’. His once observed, in the context of Gujarati literature, “The less we revel in the realm of the fiction, the better for us.”

His aversion to the cinema and his refusal to see any good in it stemmed from his understanding that cinema, of dance and music, is primarily for amusement and exerts a malefic influence on society.&nbsp;

He was persuaded to meet Charlie Chaplin, impressed him a great deal, but never showed any interest in his work. Late in his life (1943-44), he condescended to watch two movies, Vijay Bhatt’s Ram Rajya and Curtiz’s Mission to Moscow. He apparently did not comment on either.&nbsp;

During his lifetime, many socially relevant films were made on issues dear to him, but he refused to see much merit in cinematic art. Gandhi’s attitude to the theatre was also almost similar.&nbsp;

He was more interested in music, but of a special variety. Invited to a performance by the great Ustad Abdul Karim Khan at the residence of Dilip Kumar Roy, Gandhi reportedly started collecting subscription for Congress party in between.&nbsp;

On Gandhi’s request, Gauhar Jaan performed for a charity show, but Gandhi eventually shied away from attending the function himself. He may not have had an interest in the subtleties of pure classical music, but he used to enjoy bhajans. Subbulakshmi’s rendition of a Dikshitar Kirti Mamava Pattabhirama…was deeply appreciated. Post-independence, Gandhi wanted her to sing and record Hari Tum Haro… and reportedly said that he would rather have her speak the bhajan than have anyone else sing it!&nbsp;

Gandhi also liked the devotional songs by Juthika Roy whose records used to be played before his prayer meetings. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar composed the music for Gandhi’s favourite Raghupati Raghava…About Omkarnath Thakur, Gandhi is believed to have said: “Pandit Omkarnathji can achieve through a single song of his what I can achieve through several speeches.”

He was also fond of the singing of Dilip Kumar Roy and named his protégé Uma Basu as the ‘Nightingale of Bengal’. No wonder he admitted that he would have died of the crushing burden of work “if there was no music and no laughter in me.”

Gandhi read Tagore in translation since his yearning to learn Bangla had to wait till the last days of his life. His favourite song ‘If no one responds to your call, walk alone, walk alone’ used to be sung during Gandhi’s days at Noakhali. After the Poona Pact was signed, Gandhi’s fast was broken with Tagore himself singing ‘When the heart is hard and parched up, come upon me with a shower of mercy’.&nbsp;

He was often criticised, misunderstood and not considered a connoisseur of the arts, but he continued pursuing his own goals. This may be reflective of an orthodox attitude that almost borders on the spiritual, not in sync with the prevalent western mores, but Gandhi’s approach in this regard has not been inconsistent with his philosophy of life. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-little-known-side-of-mahatma-2761238">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Few other public figures have inspired artistic imaginations as sustainably as Mahatma Gandhi had done. Here was a man who hardly watched films, rarely attended a concert of classical music and demonstrated no great interest in Western-style modernism in the visual and performing art forms.

Few other public figures have inspired artistic imaginations as sustainably as Mahatma Gandhi had done. Here was a man who hardly watched films, rarely attended a concert of classical music and demonstrated no great interest in Western-style modernism in the visual and performing art forms. To understand Gandhi’s psyche, therefore, one has to visit his ideas on the arts, literature and their creators. On December 10, 1931, he told Romain Rolland: “I am against the formula of ‘art for art’s sake’. For me, all art must be based on truth.” Seven years later, he said, “We have somehow accustomed ourselves to the belief that art is independent of the purity of private life… I can say that purity of life is the highest and truest art. The art of producing good music from a cultivated voice can be achieved by many, but the art of producing that music from the harmony of a pure life is achieved very rarely.” Beauty, to Gandhi, emanates from truth and purity of life. “Truth is the first thing to be sought for, and beauty and goodness will then be added unto you…” His love and appreciation for the works of Tolstoy, Ruskin, Thoreau, Tagore and for the painting and artwork of Nandalal Bose as well as the musical renditions by M S Subbulakshmi, Juthika Roy and Pandit Omkarnath Thakur should perhaps be seen in this context. While Gandhi was steadfast in his ideas, he was not unaware of his own limitations. About Nandalal Bose of Santiniketan, he commented, “For, he is a creative artist and I am none. God has given me the sense of art, but not the organs to give it a concrete shape. He has blessed Nandalal Babu with both”’ On another occasion, “I am not an art student… I do not write or speak about it because I am conscious of my limitations. My functions are different from the artist’s and I should not go out of my way to assume his position.” He used the services of Bose for the Congress sessions and exhibitions and was all praise of his artistic genius. About Oscar Wilde, his comment, “Wilde saw the highest art simply in outward forms and, therefore, succeeded in beautifying immorality…” may appear dated and puritanical in the context of today’s sensibilities, but Gandhi hits the nail when he says, “On the other hand, truth may manifest itself in forms which may not be outwardly beautiful. Socrates, we are told, was the most truthful man of his time and yet his features are said to have been the ugliest in Greece. To my mind, he was beautiful because all his life he was striving for truth…” Gandhi read and wrote extensively, and travelled incessantly. He was self-luminous, experimenting continuously with himself, and was so immersed in the ‘real’ issues of life, that he hardly had time or perhaps even the inclination to be enriched by ‘fiction’. His once observed, in the context of Gujarati literature, “The less we revel in the realm of the fiction, the better for us.” His aversion to the cinema and his refusal to see any good in it stemmed from his understanding that cinema, of dance and music, is primarily for amusement and exerts a malefic influence on society. He was persuaded to meet Charlie Chaplin, impressed him a great deal, but never showed any interest in his work. Late in his life (1943-44), he condescended to watch two movies, Vijay Bhatt’s Ram Rajya and Curtiz’s Mission to Moscow. He apparently did not comment on either. During his lifetime, many socially relevant films were made on issues dear to him, but he refused to see much merit in cinematic art. Gandhi’s attitude to the theatre was also almost similar. He was more interested in music, but of a special variety. Invited to a performance by the great Ustad Abdul Karim Khan at the residence of Dilip Kumar Roy, Gandhi reportedly started collecting subscription for Congress party in between. On Gandhi’s request, Gauhar Jaan performed for a charity show, but Gandhi eventually shied away from attending the function himself. He may not have had an interest in the subtleties of pure classical music, but he used to enjoy bhajans. Subbulakshmi’s rendition of a Dikshitar Kirti Mamava Pattabhirama…was deeply appreciated. Post-independence, Gandhi wanted her to sing and record Hari Tum Haro… and reportedly said that he would rather have her speak the bhajan than have anyone else sing it! Gandhi also liked the devotional songs by Juthika Roy whose records used to be played before his prayer meetings. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar composed the music for Gandhi’s favourite Raghupati Raghava…About Omkarnath Thakur, Gandhi is believed to have said: “Pandit Omkarnathji can achieve through a single song of his what I can achieve through several speeches.” He was also fond of the singing of Dilip Kumar Roy and named his protégé Uma Basu as the ‘Nightingale of Bengal’. No wonder he admitted that he would have died of the crushing burden of work “if there was no music and no laughter in me.” Gandhi read Tagore in translation since his yearning to learn Bangla had to wait till the last days of his life. His favourite song ‘If no one responds to your call, walk alone, walk alone’ used to be sung during Gandhi’s days at Noakhali. After the Poona Pact was signed, Gandhi’s fast was broken with Tagore himself singing ‘When the heart is hard and parched up, come upon me with a shower of mercy’. He was often criticised, misunderstood and not considered a connoisseur of the arts, but he continued pursuing his own goals. This may be reflective of an orthodox attitude that almost borders on the spiritual, not in sync with the prevalent western mores, but Gandhi’s approach in this regard has not been inconsistent with his philosophy of life. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: Little known side of Mahatma Gandhi

Families of slain BJP workers reaches New Delhi arrives at New Delhi for Modi’s swearing-in. Watch this video to know more.

Families of slain BJP workers reaches New Delhi

According to sources, PM-elect Narendra Modi will meet Cabinet ministers at 4:30 pm today ahead of swearing-in. Watch this video to know more.

PM-elect Modi to meet Cabinet ministers at 4:30 pm

Myanmar President Win Myint arrives at New Delhi to attend Modi’s swearing-in. Watch this video to know more.

LIVE: Myanmar President Win Myint arrives at New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers today at 7 pm. Watch this video to know more.

BJP president Amit Shah meets PM-elect Modi

In the biggest-ever event held in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attended by nearly 8,000 guests, including foreign dignitaries and chief ministers and governors. A tight and multi-layered security arrangement has been made in the national capital with the deployment of around 10,000 security personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Watch this video to know more.

Rashtrapati Bhavan gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

All Shiv Sena leaders to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the National War Memorial. Watch this video to know more.

All Shiv Sena leaders to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the National War Memorial. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at the National War Memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays respect to Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ahead of his swearing-in ceremony today at 7 pm. PM Modi will take oath for the second consecutive term at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi pays respect to Mahatma Gandhi

Reportedly, around 8,000 guests will attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. Watch this video to know more.

Overseas diaspora says 'NaMo'

Leaders from Bimstec countries yesterday confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 evening.

WION Exclusive: In conversation with BJP's foreign affairs in-charge

Leaders from Bimstec countries yesterday confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 evening. In this video know why invite to BIMSTEC leaders is Important?

Why invite to BIMSTEC leaders is Important?

PM-elect Narendra Modi is set to take oath with his new cabinet of ministers on Thursday evening at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ahead of his swearing-in, Modi visited Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi`s memorial. Watch this video to know more.

Reports: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy took oath as CM of Andhra Pradesh in Vijayawada. He was administered the oath of office by Governor E S L Narasimhan. Watch this video to know more.

Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh CM

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reserve-bank-of-india-sells-entire-stake-in-national-housing-bank-nabard-to-govt-for-rs-1470-cr-213344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW_vSLtu_hAhVEPI8KHd4xDdkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0NJPzoSw6w8AIY5EPzqTTO">Reserve Bank of India</a> (RBI) has announced that it will shortly issue Rs 20 denomination banknotes, in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series, bearing the signature of the central bank`s governor Shaktikanta Das.

"The Rs 20 note will be greenish-yellow in colour. The new banknote has a motif of Ellora Caves on the reverse, depicting the country`s cultural heritage," a statement by the RBI said.

All the banknotes in the denomination of Rs 20 issued by the RBI in the earlier series will continue to be legal tender, it clarified.

The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.

The dimension of the new Rs 20 note will be 63 mm x 129 mm, the statement said. The obverse (front) side of the note contains a see-through register with denominational numeral 100, a latent image with the numeral and also a Devanagari version of the same.

It also contains a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre, with micro letters `RBI`, `Bharat`, `India` and `20`, along with with a guarantee clause, Governor`s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards the right of Gandhi`s portrait.

On the right side of the portrait are -- an Ashoka Pillar emblem and electrotype (20) watermarks.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will shortly issue Rs 20 denomination banknotes, in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series, bearing the signature of the central bank`s governor Shaktikanta Das.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will shortly issue Rs 20 denomination banknotes, in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series, bearing the signature of the central bank`s governor Shaktikanta Das. "The Rs 20 note will be greenish-yellow in colour. The new banknote has a motif of Ellora Caves on the reverse, depicting the country`s cultural heritage," a statement by the RBI said. All the banknotes in the denomination of Rs 20 issued by the RBI in the earlier series will continue to be legal tender, it clarified. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse. The dimension of the new Rs 20 note will be 63 mm x 129 mm, the statement said. The obverse (front) side of the note contains a see-through register with denominational numeral 100, a latent image with the numeral and also a Devanagari version of the same. It also contains a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre, with micro letters `RBI`, `Bharat`, `India` and `20`, along with with a guarantee clause, Governor`s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards the right of Gandhi`s portrait. On the right side of the portrait are -- an Ashoka Pillar emblem and electrotype (20) watermarks.

RBI to issue new Rs 20 denomination banknotes

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system.&nbsp; 
 
Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said.&nbsp; 
 
'People in the BJP and RSS are not able to tolerate their criticism. 
 
Mahatma Gandhi had said views of opposition should be respected in democracy, but neither Prime Minister (Modi) nor former state chief minister (Raje) can tolerate their criticism as they do not believe in the&nbsp;democratic systems, 'Gehlot said at a public meeting in Sri Dungargarh.&nbsp; 
 
He said the saffron brigade was doing politics with the 'mask of democracy'.&nbsp; 
 
The chief minister alleged that the BJP recalled the issue of Ram Temple when elections were near.&nbsp; 
 
Targeting the central government over its 2014 election promises, the senior Congress leader said Modi failed to bring back black money, deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide 2 crore employment every year. 
 
Gehlot added that there was 'no guarantee'&nbsp;of future elections if Modi was voted back to power. 
&nbsp; 
'...There is no guarantee that there will be elections in the future if Modi is elected again,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system. Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system. Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said. 'People in the BJP and RSS are not able to tolerate their criticism. Mahatma Gandhi had said views of opposition should be respected in democracy, but neither Prime Minister (Modi) nor former state chief minister (Raje) can tolerate their criticism as they do not believe in the democratic systems, 'Gehlot said at a public meeting in Sri Dungargarh. He said the saffron brigade was doing politics with the 'mask of democracy'. The chief minister alleged that the BJP recalled the issue of Ram Temple when elections were near. Targeting the central government over its 2014 election promises, the senior Congress leader said Modi failed to bring back black money, deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide 2 crore employment every year. Gehlot added that there was 'no guarantee' of future elections if Modi was voted back to power. '...There is no guarantee that there will be elections in the future if Modi is elected again,' he said.

BJP-RSS cannot tolerate criticism, no regard for democracy: Ashok Gehlot

Five people have been arrested for allegedly burning an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi, in an enactment of his assassination on his death anniversary, officials said Thursday.

The suspects, allegedly belonging to the right-wing All India Hindu Mahasabha, fired at the effigy before setting it ablaze on Wednesday, police said.

They shouted slogans against Gandhi and in praise of his killer Nathu Ram Godse during the act, a video which surfaced later suggested.

The charges against the men include promoting hatred and disrupting harmony, police said.

A purported video of the enactment of Gandhi's assassination was circulated on social media, with the right wing-group drawing massive condemnation.

Police Wednesday registered a case against 13 people, including the group's national general secretary Puja Shakun Pandey, who was seen firing at the effigy in the video, the officials said.

"We are taking this matter seriously and action will be taken against all those found guilty," Aligarh's Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Kulhary said.

Two of the accused, Manoj, who had set the effigy on fire, and Abhishek were arrested Wednesday, another officer said.

"This morning, we arrested Gajendra, who is locally called 'Vakil saheb'. He had also opened fire at the effigy along with Pandey," Additional Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun told.

"Two more accused were arrested later this evening. They have been identified as Harishankar Sharma and Rajeev, the tall man with a beard and black jacket, as seen in the footage," he said.

They have been booked under the Indian Penal Code Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage reli?gious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reli?gious beliefs), 147, 148, 149 (related to rioting), Jadaun said.

Five people have been arrested for allegedly burning an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi, in an enactment of his assassination on his death anniversary, officials said Thursday.

Five people have been arrested for allegedly burning an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi, in an enactment of his assassination on his death anniversary, officials said Thursday. The suspects, allegedly belonging to the right-wing All India Hindu Mahasabha, fired at the effigy before setting it ablaze on Wednesday, police said. They shouted slogans against Gandhi and in praise of his killer Nathu Ram Godse during the act, a video which surfaced later suggested. The charges against the men include promoting hatred and disrupting harmony, police said. A purported video of the enactment of Gandhi's assassination was circulated on social media, with the right wing-group drawing massive condemnation. Police Wednesday registered a case against 13 people, including the group's national general secretary Puja Shakun Pandey, who was seen firing at the effigy in the video, the officials said. "We are taking this matter seriously and action will be taken against all those found guilty," Aligarh's Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Kulhary said. Two of the accused, Manoj, who had set the effigy on fire, and Abhishek were arrested Wednesday, another officer said. "This morning, we arrested Gajendra, who is locally called 'Vakil saheb'. He had also opened fire at the effigy along with Pandey," Additional Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun told. "Two more accused were arrested later this evening. They have been identified as Harishankar Sharma and Rajeev, the tall man with a beard and black jacket, as seen in the footage," he said. They have been booked under the Indian Penal Code Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage reli?gious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reli?gious beliefs), 147, 148, 149 (related to rioting), Jadaun said.

Five held for burning Mahatma Gandhi's effigy, enact his assassination

The nation remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary Wednesday with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation.

Kovind, Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tributes at Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat here.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were among others who paid homage to the Father of the Nation at Rajghat, where an inter-religion prayer was held.

Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram" was also played at Rajghat.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh also paid tributes to the Mahatma at his memorial.&nbsp;

Remembering Mahatma on his death anniversary, Modi tweeted,&nbsp;"...Remembering Bapu on his Punya Tithi. We reiterate our commitment to follow the path shown by him and abide by the values he stood for."

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948.&nbsp;

The prime minister also paid tributes to all those who laid down their lives for the country.

"We salute all the martyrs who laid down their lives for India. The country remains eternally grateful to them for their service and sacrifice," he said.&nbsp;

Several Union ministers and senior leaders paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.

The nation remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary Wednesday with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation.

The nation remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary Wednesday with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation. Kovind, Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tributes at Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat here. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were among others who paid homage to the Father of the Nation at Rajghat, where an inter-religion prayer was held. Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram" was also played at Rajghat. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh also paid tributes to the Mahatma at his memorial. Remembering Mahatma on his death anniversary, Modi tweeted, "...Remembering Bapu on his Punya Tithi. We reiterate our commitment to follow the path shown by him and abide by the values he stood for." Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948. The prime minister also paid tributes to all those who laid down their lives for the country. "We salute all the martyrs who laid down their lives for India. The country remains eternally grateful to them for their service and sacrifice," he said. Several Union ministers and senior leaders paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.

Nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary

70 years back, right-wing ideologue, Nathuram Godse inspired by fascist ideas assassinated Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who in his eyes was compromising Indian interest at the cost of Pakistan. He pumped three bullets in Bapu’s frail body. The last word he uttered was “He Ram” and subsequently, he collapsed on the spot bringing post-partition violence to a halt.

To borrow words from the famous writer and poet, Makarand Paranjape, his assassination created a collective guilt bringing mad men to a halt and injected normalcy of routine to a land already wounded by macabre violence.

Bapu today is being remembered by political parties for different reasons. Today there exists a rush to appropriate Gandhi politically to milk him for current politics. Whether it is khadi or charkha, the symbols associated with self-sustenance and non-violence are being used either to reimagine a non-existent past or to appropriate him for political campaigns.&nbsp;

This is expected of political parties, but the larger issue today is that today 70 years after his assassination, India stands at the same crossroads where it stood right after independence. The consensus built by the freedom fighters which found expression in the Constitution stands challenged today. The idea of citizenship stands challenged today. The legal domain also stands challenged today in context of Ayodhya dispute where the incumbent regime wants to start the work even before the judgment can be delivered. Gandhi’s idealism and decency in public life stands challenged today. In India, cultural harmony stands challenged today.

Gandhi should be remembered for his idea of a composite society with a long past. Instead of harping on homogenous cultural past, Gandhi’s idea of India was inclusive and accommodative. It is ironical that today both Left and Right appreciate Gandhi to fight each other. Left was not at all comfortable with Gandhi’s religiosity, non-violence and his relationship with Bombay elites.

The right attacked Gandhi for a secular India. They detested his idea of Muslims being part of Indian nation. They believed that Gandhi was partial towards Pakistan.

Neither of them could tolerate his idea of Ram Rajya and blending of different cultural and religious tradition which was evident in the prayer meetings he organized every day in mornings.

Gandhi touched India profoundly. During the freedom struggle, he was the moral fulcrum of the Congress and his leadership united hundreds of local and regional insurgencies against the British under the Congress umbrella. He created a line of leaders who would go on to run the country. In his own way, those he found extreme in their action or outside his political eco-system had to leave the Congress to chart their own journey. The example, in this case, is Subhash Chandra Bose. Bapu’s assassination also led to Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal working even more closely even though they bickered with each other on the issues of policy and mandate.

Gandhi symbolized the eternal truth of the Indian sub-continent. Big religious and social changes have always been brought about by people who are called saints or ‘sants’ in the name of the ‘true’ social fabric of the soil. Gandhi was also in the same category. His campaign for freedom had strong moral and cultural underpinning. His struggle was defined by his sense of morality which was not instrumental in nature. It differentiated Bapu’s struggle with freedom struggles which rocked African and Asian continents.

He was wedded to both religion and spirituality. People would find it difficult to recall as to how many temples did Gandhi visit during his lifetime but even today his commitment to the idea of Ram cannot be questioned.

He did not abandon cultural and religious codes in public life. He did not compromise pluralism in Indian society. Today politicians in India are trying to prove their devoutness by visiting temples which is devoid of spirituality.

India today remembers Gandhi for attributes which suits them. A complex personality like Gandhi had one very simple message and that being compassion in public life. It is the absence of this compassion which India lacks today. There are many things which India of today can be critiqued from Gandhian perspective; be it the size of the state and rising inequality but we can begin by injecting compassion and decency in public life.

Lastly, Gandhi viewed India as a plural state. His "Ram Rajya" was all-encompassing. India today is witnessing an attempt to alter its character and it must be resisted at any cost as India cannot become a Hindu Pakistan. India should not mimic the French secularism experience, but it can also become a which does not respect its cultural heritage. His death should remind us all.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

70 years back, right-wing ideologue, Nathuram Godse inspired by fascist ideas assassinated Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who in his eyes was compromising Indian interest at the cost of Pakistan.

70 years back, right-wing ideologue, Nathuram Godse inspired by fascist ideas assassinated Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who in his eyes was compromising Indian interest at the cost of Pakistan. He pumped three bullets in Bapu’s frail body. The last word he uttered was “He Ram” and subsequently, he collapsed on the spot bringing post-partition violence to a halt. To borrow words from the famous writer and poet, Makarand Paranjape, his assassination created a collective guilt bringing mad men to a halt and injected normalcy of routine to a land already wounded by macabre violence. Bapu today is being remembered by political parties for different reasons. Today there exists a rush to appropriate Gandhi politically to milk him for current politics. Whether it is khadi or charkha, the symbols associated with self-sustenance and non-violence are being used either to reimagine a non-existent past or to appropriate him for political campaigns. This is expected of political parties, but the larger issue today is that today 70 years after his assassination, India stands at the same crossroads where it stood right after independence. The consensus built by the freedom fighters which found expression in the Constitution stands challenged today. The idea of citizenship stands challenged today. The legal domain also stands challenged today in context of Ayodhya dispute where the incumbent regime wants to start the work even before the judgment can be delivered. Gandhi’s idealism and decency in public life stands challenged today. In India, cultural harmony stands challenged today. Gandhi should be remembered for his idea of a composite society with a long past. Instead of harping on homogenous cultural past, Gandhi’s idea of India was inclusive and accommodative. It is ironical that today both Left and Right appreciate Gandhi to fight each other. Left was not at all comfortable with Gandhi’s religiosity, non-violence and his relationship with Bombay elites. The right attacked Gandhi for a secular India. They detested his idea of Muslims being part of Indian nation. They believed that Gandhi was partial towards Pakistan. Neither of them could tolerate his idea of Ram Rajya and blending of different cultural and religious tradition which was evident in the prayer meetings he organized every day in mornings. Gandhi touched India profoundly. During the freedom struggle, he was the moral fulcrum of the Congress and his leadership united hundreds of local and regional insurgencies against the British under the Congress umbrella. He created a line of leaders who would go on to run the country. In his own way, those he found extreme in their action or outside his political eco-system had to leave the Congress to chart their own journey. The example, in this case, is Subhash Chandra Bose. Bapu’s assassination also led to Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal working even more closely even though they bickered with each other on the issues of policy and mandate. Gandhi symbolized the eternal truth of the Indian sub-continent. Big religious and social changes have always been brought about by people who are called saints or ‘sants’ in the name of the ‘true’ social fabric of the soil. Gandhi was also in the same category. His campaign for freedom had strong moral and cultural underpinning. His struggle was defined by his sense of morality which was not instrumental in nature. It differentiated Bapu’s struggle with freedom struggles which rocked African and Asian continents. He was wedded to both religion and spirituality. People would find it difficult to recall as to how many temples did Gandhi visit during his lifetime but even today his commitment to the idea of Ram cannot be questioned. He did not abandon cultural and religious codes in public life. He did not compromise pluralism in Indian society. Today politicians in India are trying to prove their devoutness by visiting temples which is devoid of spirituality. India today remembers Gandhi for attributes which suits them. A complex personality like Gandhi had one very simple message and that being compassion in public life. It is the absence of this compassion which India lacks today. There are many things which India of today can be critiqued from Gandhian perspective; be it the size of the state and rising inequality but we can begin by injecting compassion and decency in public life. Lastly, Gandhi viewed India as a plural state. His "Ram Rajya" was all-encompassing. India today is witnessing an attempt to alter its character and it must be resisted at any cost as India cannot become a Hindu Pakistan. India should not mimic the French secularism experience, but it can also become a which does not respect its cultural heritage. His death should remind us all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Remembering Gandhi: Selective appropriation of Bapu

Declining to toe the government's stand that he required security, Mahatma Gandhi had told the authorities that he would leave Delhi if protection was insisted upon, Kalyanam who was secretary to the father of the nation said.

Although there were warnings to Gandhiji from the government -several weeks ahead of his assassination - that he faced threat to his life, the man who steered the nation's freedom movement told the authorities that he does not want security.

January 30, the day of the assassination of Gandhi in 1948 is observed as Martyr's Day.

"Gandhiji said I don't believe in security, I don't want security, if you want me to have security, I will leave Delhi and will go somewhere else," Kalyanam told PTI.

"Had Gandhiji agreed to have security, people might have been frisked and his assassination could have been averted,"&nbsp;he said.

Asked on memorable incidents with Gandhiji, the 96-year old recalled that Gandhiji had admonished a railway station master once for telling him that "you are a great leader why do you need a ticket to travel."

Kalyanam said he was tasked by Gandhiji to buy third class tickets for his entourage through the railway had earmarked a separate coach for the top leader.

Kalyanam joined Gandhiji in 1943 and served him till his death when he was assassinated in 1948.&nbsp;

Declining to toe the government's stand that he required security, Mahatma Gandhi had told the authorities that he would leave Delhi if protection was insisted upon, Kalyanam who was secretary to the father of the nation said.

Declining to toe the government's stand that he required security, Mahatma Gandhi had told the authorities that he would leave Delhi if protection was insisted upon, Kalyanam who was secretary to the father of the nation said. Although there were warnings to Gandhiji from the government -several weeks ahead of his assassination - that he faced threat to his life, the man who steered the nation's freedom movement told the authorities that he does not want security. January 30, the day of the assassination of Gandhi in 1948 is observed as Martyr's Day. "Gandhiji said I don't believe in security, I don't want security, if you want me to have security, I will leave Delhi and will go somewhere else," Kalyanam told PTI. "Had Gandhiji agreed to have security, people might have been frisked and his assassination could have been averted," he said. Asked on memorable incidents with Gandhiji, the 96-year old recalled that Gandhiji had admonished a railway station master once for telling him that "you are a great leader why do you need a ticket to travel." Kalyanam said he was tasked by Gandhiji to buy third class tickets for his entourage through the railway had earmarked a separate coach for the top leader. Kalyanam joined Gandhiji in 1943 and served him till his death when he was assassinated in 1948.

Assassination could have been averted: Mahatma Gandhi's secretary

In pics: How world celebrated India's 70th Republic Day

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-cm-confirms-entry-of-2-women-tdp-board-denies-temple-shut-for-purification-187821"> two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple </a>of Lord Ayyappa.

As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places.

But in Kozhikode, protesters blocked vehicles and burnt tyres in the morning.

The hartal, which began at 6 am, has been called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, spearheading protests against the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP).

The BJP is supporting the shutdown while the Congress-led UDF is observing a "black day" on Thursday.

Two women,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126"> Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42)</a>, created history be stepping into the hallowed precincts guarded by police three months after the Supreme Court's historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity.

As the news spread like wildfire from the hill shrine, protests erupted at several places, with Hindu right-wing activists blocking highways and forcing closure of shops and markets.

BJP and CPI(M) workers clashed in front of the Secretariat for over five hours Wednesday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

A 55-year-old man, who was seriously injured in stone throwing at Pandalam, died late Wednesday night.

Merchants' organisations have said they would not cooperate with the hartal and keep shops and business establishments open.

Meanwhile, state DGP Loknath Behara has warned of strict action against those indulging in violence during the hartal.

Various universities, including Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur have postponed their examinations scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;

As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places.

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa. As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places. But in Kozhikode, protesters blocked vehicles and burnt tyres in the morning. The hartal, which began at 6 am, has been called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, spearheading protests against the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP). The BJP is supporting the shutdown while the Congress-led UDF is observing a "black day" on Thursday. Two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), created history be stepping into the hallowed precincts guarded by police three months after the Supreme Court's historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity. As the news spread like wildfire from the hill shrine, protests erupted at several places, with Hindu right-wing activists blocking highways and forcing closure of shops and markets. BJP and CPI(M) workers clashed in front of the Secretariat for over five hours Wednesday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. A 55-year-old man, who was seriously injured in stone throwing at Pandalam, died late Wednesday night. Merchants' organisations have said they would not cooperate with the hartal and keep shops and business establishments open. Meanwhile, state DGP Loknath Behara has warned of strict action against those indulging in violence during the hartal. Various universities, including Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur have postponed their examinations scheduled for Thursday.

Kerala shutdown over entry of 2 women to Sabarimala temple, public transport hit

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