Chennai: Senior leader of the Balochistan freedom movement Prof Naela Quadri Baloch, who is in exile in Canada, has said that a Government of Balochistan in Exile(GBE) has been established on March 21.The Baloch leader, in a statement on Friday, said that she would be the head of the government and the Government in Exile is established somewhere in Europe.She said that the exact geographical place of the Government in Exile cannot be revealed at present due to security reasons as well as to fulfill international requirements. The Balochistan Government in Exile has already established diplomatic relationships with three countries.The head of the Government of Balochistan in Exile said that the names and details of the ministers and other senior office-bearers will be announced soon.Prof Naela Quadri Baloch said that the representatives of the GBE are in the process to lobby with governments and international agencies. She said that all Baloch parties, groups, and forums will be contacted and invited to support and run the government on democratic principles.The process of establishment of the government commenced many years back and it was openly demanded by her during her visit to India in 2016. She said that the Government of India kept quiet on the demand.Prof Baloch said that she, along with various other Balochistan movements and groups, were working tirelessly for the establishment of the Government of Balochistan in Exile and this hard work has fructified now.This, she said, was the only way to end the colonial occupation and unite the 40 million Baloch people living in three regions of Balochistan.Prof Naela Quadri Baloch said that she had gained support from Baloch groups living in Afghanistan and Western Balochistan in Iran also.Advocacy groups are in touch with powerful nations and international agencies, she said, adding that 40 million Baloch people all over the world are eligible to apply for citizenship and passport from the Government of Balochistan in Exile.Prof Baloch called upon the UNIO and international community to immediately intervene and to end the ongoing genocide in Balochistan and safe recovery of 55,000 Baloch, including women and children who were forcefully taken into custody or enforced disappearance.She said that the Government of Balochistan in Exile salutes and honours the blood of Baloch martyrs and sacrifices of Baloch freedom fighters who have kept the flag of Balochistan high.Prof Baloch while speaking to IANS said: "It's been a cherished dream for the people of Balochistan and the Government of Balochistan in Exile will lobby with governments and international agencies for the support required. We cannot reveal the headquarters and secretariat of the Government in Exile presently due to security and legal reasons." —IANS

Senior leader of the Balochistan freedom movement Prof Naela Quadri Baloch, who is in exile in Canada, has said that a Government of Balochistan in Exile(GBE) has been established on March 21.  The Baloch leader, in a statement on Friday, said that she would be the head of the government and the Government in Exile is established somewhere in Europe.

'Government Of Balochistan In Exile Established'

New Delhi (The Hawk) :The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that many of our heroes of the freedom struggle did not get the recognition and respect they deserved, in our history books. Therefore, he called for making people aware of the sacrifices made by such great men and women so as to inspire the new generation to walk in their footsteps and work for nation building.&nbsp;Addressing a gathering after releasing the biography of late freedom fighter and political leader, Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today, the Vice President said that the history of our freedom struggle is replete with innumerable stories of sacrifice and selfless devotion to the motherland and we should be proud of our glorious past.The book titled, ‘Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna: A Political Crusader’ (English) and ‘Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna: Bhartiya Chetana KeSamwahak’ (Revised edition in Hindi) has been written by Prof. Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Dr. Ram Naresh Tripathi.Calling Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna as a renowned freedom fighter, a principled politician and astute administrator, the Vice President said that he dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation. “When we go through his biography, at the first glance it appears that he was a rebel, but as we read on, it becomes clear that to him the Nation came first,” he added.Observing that Shri Bahuguna was deeply wedded to the concept of liberty, Shri Naidu said that he joined the freedom movement at the young age of seventeen and was imprisoned and tortured by British authorizes for his role in Quit India movement. Praising his selfless love for motherland, the Vice President referred to an incident wherein Shri Bahuguna declined to accept a piece of land offered to him under freedom fighter quota, with a request that it may be allotted to some other needy freedom fighter.Calling Shri Bahuguna a man of principles and Gandhian values, the Vice President lauded him for opposing the imposition of Emergency in the country. Referring to his sensitive and caring nature, he said that since his student days, Shri Bahuguna always took up the cause of poor children at school and tried to help them in various ways. “As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the state stood first in India in land distribution to the SC/ST community. Impressed by his contribution Sri Vinoba Bhave gave him the title of Mitti Nandan,” he added.Praising Shri Bahuguna’s concern for the underprivileged sections of the society, the Vice President said that he would often assemble boys and conduct cleanliness drives in the village and help women fetch drinking water from far distances. Complimenting the Government for taking these issues of the common man on priority through various programs such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Shri Naidu appealed to every citizen to become an active partner in the implementation of these programs and work for making India neat, clean and green.The Vice President also mentioned an incident when in 1980, Shri Bahuguna resigned from his political party, and as a matter of principle, resigned simultaneously from the Parliament as well, even though there was no anti-defection law at that time mandating his resignation. He called such principled and high moral standards as a shining light for our parliamentarians today to emulate. “Shri Bahuguna's impatience was not for power but for a positive change in the system,” he added.Complimenting the authors for coming up with this well-researched and insightful biography of one of the foremost figures of Indian politics and freedom struggle, Shri Naidu expressed confidence that the book would send an inspirational message to the youth of this country and will motivate them to follow the path of patriotism and service to the needy.The Union Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State of Law and Justice, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Vijay Bahuguna, Smt. Rita Bahuguna Joshi and other eminent personalities graced the occasion.Following is the full text of speech –“I am very pleased to be here with you to release the biography of Late Sri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna authored by his daughter Prof. Rita Bahuguna Joshi alongwith Dr Ram Naresh Tripathi.The Hindi version of this book titled&nbsp;‘Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna: Bhartiya Chetna KeSamwahak’&nbsp;was first released in 1997. I am glad to note that in this English edition and revised Hindi edition, there has been much value addition to the original script providing the readers interesting insights into the life and philosophy of one of the stalwarts of our times, Shri Bahuguna.Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna was a renowned freedom fighter, a principled politician and astute administrator who dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation. Born in a remote village in Pauri Garhwal area of present-day Uttarakhand in 1921, he rose from very humble beginnings to create his own space on the political map of the country.When we go through his biography, at the first glance it appears that he was a rebel, but as we read on, it becomes clear that to him the Nation came first. He was deeply wedded to the concept of liberty that drew him into the freedom movement at the young age of 17. His father, who was a patwari, wanted him to become an ICS officer, but for Shri Bahuguna, love for his motherland came first. As the President of the Allahabad University Student Union, he defied prohibitory orders in 1942 and led student protests for the country's freedom. During these protests, many of Shri Bahuguna’s colleagues fell to police bullets and he himself was arrested and tortured by the British authorities. He was imprisoned for life in Naini and Sultanpur jails in Uttar Pradesh. However, due to fast deteriorating health, he was released after about four years.When the country attained freedom, the Government of India offered land to freedom fighters for their livelihood. Setting an example of selfless love for one’s motherland, Shri Bahuguna returned the land assigned to him with a request that it may be allotted to some other needy freedom fighter.Dear friends,The history of our freedom struggle is replete with innumerable stories of sacrifice and selfless devotion to the motherland. But sadly, many of these heroes did not get the recognition and respect they deserved, in our history books. We should make every effort to make our younger generation aware of the sacrifices of such great men and women. This would inspire them to walk in the footsteps of these great personalities and work for nation building.Shri Bahuguna believed in Gandhian philosophy and worked for the downtrodden and the marginalized throughout his life. A man of principles, he had the courage to oppose the imposition of Emergency and refused to compromise the dignity of his office for selfish gains.Shri Bahuguna’s sensitivity and caring nature could be noticed since his childhood. As a student, he took up the cause of poor children at school in Pauri and tried to help them in various ways including arranging books for them.He was a very bright student and always passed every class with distinction. As a Class 10 student in Government Inter College Allahabad, he organized a day-long students mock Parliament where the problems and challenges of India were discussed.During those days, whenever he went home, he would collect boys and conduct cleanliness drives in the village. Water was scarce and women had to walk long distances to fetch it.Shri Bahuguna would collect pots from homes, tie cloth on the mouth of each pot, and alongwith other boys fill the pitchers for village women folk.I am glad that the Government has taken these issues of the common man on priority. Close to 11 crore toilets have been built in rural India under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). On a parallel footing, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 is being implemented to sustain the progress made in sanitation and solid waste management, and to build a “Garbage Free” Urban India. I would urge every citizen to become an active partner in the implementation of these programs and work for making India neat, clean and green.Sisters and brothers,Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna chose to work for the weaker sections of society especially for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and minorities. As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the state stood first in India in land distribution to the SC/ST community. Impressed by his contribution Sri Vinoba Bhave gave him the title of ‘Mitti Nandan’.Shri Bahuguna had famously said – “Till the time wealth is at the top and sweat at the bottom, the message of Swaraj will not go far and wide. We have to rule not just for the sake of ruling, but for bringing about transformative changes.”These are the ideals that inspire our vision of Antyodaya and Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sab Ka Vishwaas and motivate us to work for the uplift of the poor and marginalized.Imbued with the spirit of the freedom movement, Shri Bahuguna never deviated from the ideology and principles dear to him. He led a life of struggle and his impatience was not for power but for a positive change in the system.Hailing from a small village, Shri Bahuguna’s sojourn in politics during the decades of 1970’s and 1980’s is interesting and engaging. He was extremely committed to the betterment of the working classes. Bahuguna ji may have changed political parties but he never deviated from nationalist, socialist and secular ideology. As a young man he had a vision for the Nation.Walking in the footsteps of Acharya Narendra Dev, Shri Bahuguna set a high benchmark in political life when in 1980, he resigned from the Congress Party and simultaneously from the Parliament as well, even though, there was no anti-defection law at that time mandating his resignation. Such principled and high moral standards are a shining light for our parliamentarians today to emulate.On reading this biography, one comes across Shri Bahuguna as a man who served the nation with deep commitment, who was bold, fearless and incorruptible. Above all, we see him as a leader who did not ever compromise when it came to his self-respect.I compliment the authors for coming up with this well-researched and insightful book on one of the foremost figures of Indian politics and freedom struggle. I am sure Shri Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna’s exemplary life,as recorded in this biography, would send an inspirational message to the youth of this country and will motivate them to follow the path of patriotism and service to the needy.My best wishes.Thank you.Jai Hind.”

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that many of our heroes of the freedom struggle did not get the recognition and respect they deserved, in our history books. Therefore, he called for making people aware of the sacrifices made by such great men and women so as to inspire the new generation to walk in their footsteps and work for nation building. 

Our younger generation should be made aware of the sacrifices made by many less known freedom fighters to inspire them VP

Our younger generation should be made aware of the sacrifices made by many less known freedom fighters to inspire them :VP

Washington:&nbsp;The US State Department has said that North Korea continued to seriously limit religious freedom and other basic human rights of its people in 2021. In its 2021 country report on international religious freedom released on Thursday, the Department claimed that up to 70,000 North Koreans may be held prisoners for their religious beliefs. “Since 2001, the DPRK has been designated as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom,” Yonhap News Agency quoted the report as saying which referred to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.The State Department had designated North Korea as a state violator of religious freedom in November for the 20th consecutive year. The country was one of only 10 nations to be designated a “country of particular concern” in 2020. The report added that access to North Korea has further narrowed since Pyongyang began enforcing an unprecedented border closure in 2020 as a precaution against the Covid-19 pandemic. “Covid-19 restrictions in the DPRK further limited people’s rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, to freedom of association and of peaceful assembly, and to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”Citing a report from Open Doors USA, a US-based NGO, the Department said the North is estimated to be holding “50,000 to 70,000 citizens in prison for being Christian”. The report further noted the North has five state-controlled Christian churches in Pyongyang, but that access to those facilities for the sake of genuine religious activity, especially by regular people, is “heavily restricted”. North Korean authorities even arrested those “whom they believed lingered too long outside those churches to listen to the music or consistently drove past them each week when services were held, on suspicion of being secret Christians”, it added.—IANS

The US State Department has said that North Korea continued to seriously limit religious freedom and other basic human rights of its people in 2021.

N.Korea Continues To Seriously Restrict Religious Freedom: US

New Delhi: &nbsp;Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur launched a nationwide 'Fit India Freedom Rider Cycle Rally' on Friday from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi on the occasion of World Bicycle Day 2022. Anurag Thakur, along with 750 young cyclists, covered a distance of 7.5 km during the cycle rally that started from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. "Today on World Bicycle Day we want to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to everyone. Fit India Movement, Khelo India movement, Clean India movement and Healthy India movement all can be accomplished by riding a bicycle. It'll also cut down the pollution level," Thakur said. "On the world bicycle day, across the country, thousands of cyclists have joined us for the camping for fit India movement, Khelo India movement, Clean India movement and Health India movement. By using the bicycle you can cut down the pollution level, you can stay fit and you can also promote the clean India campaign because there will be less pollution or no pollution by the use of bicycles," he added.Apart from Thakur, Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Health &amp; Family Welfare Mansukh Mandviya, MoS for culture and external affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, and MPs Manoj Tiwari, Harsh Vardhan and Ramesh Bidhuri also attended the event. More than 9.68 lakh kilometres of distance will be covered by 1.29 lakh young cyclists through the proposed bicycle rallies organized today on World Bicycle Day 2022. The aim of cycle rallies organized in the country is to encourage and motivate people to adopt cycling in their daily lives for physical fitness and keep them immune to health disorders including obesity, stress, anxiety, and diseases. The cycle rallies across India on World Bicycle Day have been organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav-India@75.—ANI

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur launched a nationwide 'Fit India Freedom Rider Cycle Rally' on Friday from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi on the occasion of World Bicycle Day 2022.

Anurag Thakur launches nationwide 'Fit India Freedom Rider Cycle Rally'

New Delhi: India on Friday responded to what it termed as "ill-informed comments" by senior US officials" on religious freedom in India and said it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.India made these remarks in response to media queries regarding the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed on Thursday that there are rising attacks on people at places of worship in India."We have noted the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill-informed comments by senior US officials," External Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said."It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided," he added.Underlining that India values religious freedom and human rights, Bagchi said India has regularly highlighted issues of concern in the US, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks."In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence," he said.Earlier on Thursday, Blinken released the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom."... In India, the world's largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, we are seeing rising attacks on people in places of worship," he said while delivering his address.The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom - the International Religious Freedom Report - describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious beliefs and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The US Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.&nbsp;—ANI

India on Friday responded to what it termed as "ill-informed comments" by senior US officials" on religious freedom in India and said it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.

'Biased Views, Motivated Inputs': India Slams US Report On Religious Freedom

New Delhi: India on Friday rejected its criticism it in a United States State Department report on religious freedom, saying it is unfortunate that 'vote bank politics is being practised in international relations'. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the observation on India in the report is based on 'motivated inputs and biased views'.The annual report on international religious freedom, released by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, alleged that attacks on members of the minority communities, including killings, assaults, and intimidation, took place in India throughout 2021. 'We have noted the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill-informed comments by senior US officials,' Bagchi said. 'It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.'We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided,' he added.Bagchi was responding to media queries on the report.'As a naturally pluralistic society, India values religious freedom and human rights.'In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence,' he said.The India section of the report mentioned incidents of attacks on the religious minorities'Attacks on members of religious minority communities, including killings, assaults, and intimidation, occurred throughout the year.'These included incidents of cow vigilantism against non-Hindus based on allegations of cow slaughter or trade in beef,' said the India section of the report.—PTI

India on Friday rejected its criticism it in a United States State Department report on religious freedom, saying it is unfortunate that 'vote bank politics is being practised in international relations'.

'Ill-informed': India rejects criticism in US religious freedom report

India on Friday rejected its criticism it in a United States State Department report on religious freedom, saying it is unfortunate that 'vote bank politics is being practised in international relations'.



New Delhi (The Hawk): To mark a befitting conclusion of the celebrations across 75 locations spread throughout the country, Insolvency &amp; Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) organised a one day long iconic event at the Habitat Centre, here today, to trace the journey of reforms in the said three stages of a business.Hon’ble Justice Ashok Bhushan Chairperson, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Shri Rajesh Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India attended the event as Guests of Honour.&nbsp;The Conference was followed by a half day Insolvency Professionals Conclave.Mr. Ravi Mital, Chairperson, IBBI delivered the welcome address.&nbsp;Hon’ble Justice Ashok Bhushan, Chairperson, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in his address as Chief Guest&nbsp;deliberated on the journey of economic reforms by noting evolution from&nbsp;risk averse nature of society to reduced stigma for failure. He stated that earlier the individuals looked primarily for employment stability, but the outlook towards entrepreneurship has improved significantly with reforms.Shri Rajesh Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs lauded the achievements of the Code and initiatives undertaken by IBBI under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He stated that future reforms including cross border insolvency framework are on anvil and will be introduced soon. He discussed the role of IBC in the context of corporate governance and economic reforms, that has promoted entrepreneurship in the Country. Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairperson, CCI while addressing participants dwelt upon the interplay between insolvency law and competition law. He highlighted the economic reforms relating to competition law and its positive impact on entrepreneurship.Further Shri Dharmender Singh, Hon’ble Member (Judicial), NCLT and&nbsp;Shri Avinash K. Srivastava Hon’ble Member (Technical),&nbsp;NCLT; addressed the participants on the theme ”Insolvency professional from the perspectives of Adjudicating Authority”,&nbsp;in the IP Conclave. Shri Praveen Kumar, DG &amp; CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs in his address during the IP Conclave, discussed the role of Graduate Insolvency Programme in development of the institution of Insolvency Professionals.Shri Anant Barua, Whole Time Member, Securities and Exchange Board of India; Shri Amit Pradhan, ED, IBBI, and Shri Sandip Garg, ED, IBBI; Shri Amarjit Singh Chandhiok Senior Advocate; President, INSOL India; Shri Shardul Shroff Executive Chairman, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas &amp; Co.; Shri Satish Kumar Gupta Insolvency Professional; Shri Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri MD &amp; CEO, National E-Governance Services Ltd.; Shri Kapil Mantri Head M&amp;A, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd.; and CS Alka Kapoor, COO ICSI IIP also addressed the participants at the event. Shri Santosh Shukla, ED, IBBI and Shri Rajesh Kumar Gupta, CGM, IBBI delivered vote of thanks after the inaugural and first technical session.A publication titled, “Anusandhaan: Exploring New Perspectives on Insolvency” containing 26 research papers that emerged out of an international research conference organized by IBBI and IIM Ahmedabad recently was released during the inaugural session of the Conference. Further, IBBI also felicitated IPs who coordinated the conduct of 75 awareness programmes across the country, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.Large number of stakeholders of the IBC ecosystem, from across the country, including insolvency professionals, registered valuers, economists, financial creditors, service providers, researchers, students, professionals, regulators, academia and government officers joined the Conference both in physical well as online mode.Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. Since the beginning of AKAM celebrations which was started on 12th&nbsp;March, 2021 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, IBBI has organized a large number of activities and events as part of the Mahotsav.

To mark a befitting conclusion of the celebrations across 75 locations spread throughout the country, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) organised a one day long iconic event at the Habitat Centre, here today, to trace the journey of reforms in the said three stages of a business.

IBBI conducts Conference on “Entrepreneurship Liberty: Freedom of Entry, Competition and Exit” and IP Conclave

New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, today. Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Minister Shri G.Kishan Reddy were among those present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that he is feeling privileged at getting an opportunity to salute the great land of Andhra Pradesh with such a rich legacy. He noted the confluence of major events like Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju and 100 years of Rampa Rebellion. The Prime Minister bowed to the memory of the great “Manyam Veerudu” Alluri Sitarama Raju and paid him tributes on behalf of the entire country. He also expressed happiness at meeting the members of the family of the great freedom fighter. The Prime Minister also paid tributes to the ‘Adivasi Parampara’ and the freedom fighter that emerged from the tradition of Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister informed that the 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju Garu and the 100th anniversary of Rampa Kranti will be celebrated throughout the year. Restoration of his birth place at Pandrangi, renovation of Chintapalli police station, construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu, these works are symbols of the spirit of Amrit Mahotsav, he said.The Prime Minister said that today’s programme reflects the pledge of making everyone aware of the heroic deeds of our freedom fighters. The Prime Minister noted that the freedom struggle is not just a history of a few years, few areas, or of a few people. This history is the history of sacrifice, tenacity and sacrifices of every nook and corner of India. “History of our freedom movement is a symbol of the strength of our diversity, culture and of our unity as a nation”, he added. Terming Alluri Sitarama Raju a symbol of India’s culture, tribal identity, valour, ideals and values, the Prime Minister remarked that from the birth of Sitaram Raju Garu to his sacrifice, his life journey is an inspiration to all of us. He dedicated his life for the rights of tribal society, for their happiness and sorrow and for the freedom of the country. “Alluri Sitarama Raju represents the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ that has been uniting the country in one thread of unity”, the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister said that India’s spiritualism gave Alluri Sitarama Raju a sense of compassion and kindness, a sense of identification and equality for the tribal society, knowledge and courage. Noting the youth of Alluri Sitarama Raju and those who laid down their lives at the Rampa Rebellion, the Prime Minister emphasised that their sacrifice is a source of energy and inspiration for the entire nation even today. “Youth of the country led the freedom struggle. Today, this is the best opportunity for the youth to come forward for the development of the country”, the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that “today, there are new opportunities, avenues, thought processes and possibilities in New India today and our youth is taking up the responsibility of realising these possibilities.”The Prime Minister said Andhra Pradesh is the land of heroes and patriots. Here there were freedom heroes like Pingali Venkayya, who prepared the flag of the country. This is the land of heroes like Kaneganti Hanumanthu, Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu and Potti Sriramulu. The Prime Minister urged that today, it is the responsibility of all of us countrymen to fulfil the dreams of these fighters in Amrit Kaal. Our new India should be the India of their dreams. An India - in which the poor, farmers, labourers, backward, tribals have equal opportunities for all. The Prime Minister stated that, during the last 8 years, the government has worked relentlessly for the welfare of the tribal community of the country.The Prime Minister said for the first time since independence, tribal museums are being set up to showcase the tribal pride and heritage in the country. “Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum” is also being built in Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh. Similarly 15 November, the birthday of Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been demarcated as Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Prime Minister said that the foreign rulers perpetrated maximum atrocities on the tribal community and tried to destroy their culture.The Prime Minister said today tribal art and skills are getting a new identity through the Skill India Mission. 'Vocal for Local' is making tribal art skills a means of income. Decades old laws which prevented tribal people from cutting forest produce like bamboo, we changed them and gave them rights on forest produce, he said. Similarly, the number of forest products for MSP procurement increased from 12 to more than 90. More than 3000 Van Gan Vikas Kendra and More than 50,000 Van Gana Self Help Groups are connecting tribal products and art with modern opportunities. Aspirational Districts Schemes will greatly benefit tribal districts and, on the education front, more than 750 Eklavya Model schools are being established and education in Mother tongue is being promoted under National Education Policy. The Prime Minister said "Manyam Veerudu" Alluri Sitarama Raju, during his struggle with the British, showed that - 'Dum hai to mujhe rok lo'- Stop me if you can. Today the country is also facing the challenges before it. With the same courage, 130 crore countrymen, with unity and strength, are telling every challenge - 'Dum hai to hamain rok lo', the Prime Minister concluded.Background of the eventAs part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Government is committed to giving due recognition to the contribution of freedom fighters and making people across the country aware of them. As part of the endeavour, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of the legendary freedom fighter, Alluri Sitarama Raju, in Bhimavaram. Born on 4th July 1897, Alluri Sitarama Raju is remembered for his fight against the British, in order to safeguard the interests of the tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region. He had led the Rampa rebellion, which was launched in 1922. He is referred to as “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungles) by the local people. The government has planned a series of initiatives as part of the year-long celebration. The birthplace of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Pandrangi in Vizianagaram district and Chintapalli Police Station (to mark 100 years of Rampa Rebellion - the attack on this police station marked the beginning of Rampa Rebellion) will be restored. Government has also approved the construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu with a statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju in Dhyana Mudra, depicting the life story of the freedom fighter through mural paintings and AI-enabled interactive system.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, today. Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Minister Shri G.Kishan Reddy were among those present on the occasion.

PM Launches Year-Long 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration Of Alluri Sitarama Raju

Islamabad: Pakistan's dismal record in labour conditions, human rights, religious freedom and governance can turn out to be roadblocks in its attempts to secure a General System of Preferences (GSP) favour from the United States, according to a media report.Reportedly, the US is planning to expand the scope of its GSP program and many Asian countries including Pakistan have enhanced their diplomatic outreach for securing the benefits.Several local and international NGOs keep on issuing poor report cards to Islamabad on worker conditions including bonded labour, child protection, women's rights, and human trafficking, Geopolitica.info reported. Notably, Pakistan is already facing heavy compliance challenge as a beneficiary of a similar incentive provided by the European Union under its GSP plus scheme.EU is about to include six fresh conventions in the new scheme, which may be difficult for Pakistan to comply with and implement. Response from the US on regular trade and investment proposals of Pakistan is not encouraging either.Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khan reportedly held an informal discussion in June 2022 with senior officials of the United States Trade Representatives (USTR) for advancing Pakistan's case on GSP and other trade issues. Despite it, the US side was quite firm and particular on its expectations out of such proposals.This includes the proposal of organizing a long pending meeting of Trade and Investment Framework (TIFA) council. The USTR officials apparently insisted on the need to hold a virtual seminar on Good Regulatory Practices (GRP); a Virtual convention on Supply Chain management and diversification; and crafting a joint statement on Women Empowerment before that, Geopolitica.info reported.Surrounded by the challenges of rising international debt, high domestic inflation and dwindling foreign reserves, Pakistan's economy requires a major push for its economic growth, the media reports said.Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that Pakistan will receive USD 1.7 billion tranches in the coming three to six weeks, after reaching the staff-level agreement earlier this week.The World Bank has approved USD 200 million to spur agricultural growth in Pakistan's Punjab province amid the dwindling economy of the country. —ANI

Pakistan's dismal record in labour conditions, human rights, religious freedom and governance can turn out to be roadblocks in its attempts to secure a General System of Preferences (GSP) favour from the United States, according to a media report.

US Seems Less Interested In Trade With Pakistan: Report

New Delhi: The government on Thursday told Parliament that it does not agree with the conclusions drawn by ‘Reporters Without Borders’ in the World Press Freedom Index that ranked India 150th among 180 nations.Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, said the government did not agree with the conclusions drawn by the organisation for various reasons including “very low sample size, little or no weightage to fundamentals of democracy, adoption of a methodology which is questionable and non-transparent”.Thakur was responding to separate questions put by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP member Sanjay Singh.The minister said the Government was committed to ensuring the right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Constitution.Thakur said the Press Council of India (PCI) has been set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 mainly to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in the country.He said the PCI looks into the complaints filed ‘by the Press’ regarding curtailment of press freedom.Thakur said the PCI was also empowered to take suo moto cognizance in matters on the pressing issues concerning freedom of the Press and safeguarding of its high standards.In response to Kharge’s question on the arrest of journalists, the minister said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain data separately on attacks on journalists.According to the World Press Freedom Index, released in May, India’s ranking dropped to 150th position from last year’s 142nd rank among 180 nations.—PTI

The government on Thursday told Parliament that it does not agree with the conclusions drawn by ‘Reporters Without Borders’ in the World Press Freedom Index that ranked India 150th among 180 nations.

Govt rejects World Press Freedom Index findings

New Delhi (The Hawk): Ministry of Culture has released the third Comic book on stories of 20 Tribal Freedom Fighters on 2nd&nbsp;August at Tiranga Utsav celebration in New Delhi.On the occasion,&nbsp;Union Minister for Home affairs and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah,&nbsp;Union&nbsp;Minister for Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs &amp; Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State for External Affairs, Smt Meenakshi Lekhi were present.This collection of stories recalls the sacrifices of some of the bravest men and women who inspired their tribes and gave up their lives to fight British ruleMinistry of Culture as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKM) has released pictorial books on 75 freedom fighters in collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) to create awareness among the youth and children about the supreme sacrifice and patriotism of our lesser known heroes of freedom struggle. The first ACK Comic book on India's 20 Women Unsung Heroes and Second Comic book on stories of 15 Women elected to the Constituent Assembly has been released earlier.The tribal freedom fighters, who were unsung heroes of freedom struggle,&nbsp;and whose stories have been included are as follows:&nbsp;<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Tilka Majhi rebelled against the atrocities of the British East India Company. He mobilised the Pahadia tribe to which he belonged and raided the Company treasury. He was hanged.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Thalakkal Chanthu of the Kurichiyar tribe was an invaluable part of Pazhassi Raja's war against the East India Company. He was hanged.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.Budhu Bhagat of the Oraon tribe was shot down in one of his many encounters with the British, along with his brother, seven sons and 150 men from his tribe. 4.Tirot Singh, a Khasi chief, realised the duplicity of the British and waged war against them. He was captured, tortured and imprisoned. He died in prison.&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;Raghoji Bhangre belonged to the Mahadeo Koli tribe. He revolted against the British&nbsp;and continued his struggle even though his mother was imprisoned. He was captured and hanged. 6.Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu from the Santhal community, revolted against the British and their stooges. They led the Santhal in the Hul rebellion. Both were betrayed, caught and hanged. 7.Rendo Manjhi and Chakra Bisoi of the Khond tribe objected to the British interfering in their customs. Rendo was caught and hanged while Chakra Bisoi became a fugitive and died in hiding. 8.The Indian Uprising in Meerut had begun. Nilambar and Pitamber who belonged to the Bhogta clan of the Kharwar tribe were inspired to revolt and led their people to rise up against British oppression. They were both captured and hanged. 9.Ramji Gond of the Gond tribe rose against the feudal system by which&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;wealthy landlords&nbsp;&nbsp;oppressed the poor with the support of the British. He was caught and hanged, 10.Telanga Kharia of the Kharia tribe, refused to accept the tax system of the&nbsp;&nbsp;British and their governance. He insisted that they follow their traditional method of self-governance and organized raids on the treasury. He was betrayed and shot dead. 11.Tantiya Bhil, known as the Robin Hood of the Central Provinces, robbed trains carrying British wealth and distributed it among his tribe, the Bhils. He was trapped and hanged. 12.Major Paona Brajabasi of Manipur, fought to defend the kingdom of Manipur. He was the hero of the Anglo-Manipur war. He fought like a lion but was overpowered and beheaded. 13.Birsa Munda, of the Munda tribe, became a legend in his opposition to the British. He led the Mundas in a series of confrontations with them. He was caught and imprisoned and according to British records, died of cholera. He was 25 years old when he died. 14.Matmur Jamoh of the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, rebelled against the arrogance of the British. He and his companions surrendered to the British as their villages were being burnt. They were sent to the Cellular Jail and died there. 15.Tana Bhagat of the Oraon tribe was inspired by a divine vision to preach to his people and make them aware of the exploitation of their British overlords. He was caught and tortured severely. He was released, a broken man, and died subsequently. 16.Malati Mem of the Tea-garden community was inspired to join Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha movement. She fought against the British monopoly over opium and educated her people about the dangers of opium addiction. During an encounter with the police, she was shot dead. 17.Laxman Naik of the Bhuyan tribe, was also inspired by Gandhi and campaigned extensively to get tribes to join the freedom movement. The British framed him for the killing of a friend and he was hanged to death. 18.Helen Lepcha of the Lepcha tribe, was an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Her influence over her people made the British restless. She was shot at, imprisoned and hounded but she never lost courage. In 1941 she helped Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose escape from house arrest and travel to Germany. She was awarded the Tamra Patra for her invaluable contribution to the freedom struggle. 19.Pulimaya Devi Podar heard Gandhi when she was in school and wanted to join the freedom struggle immediately. Despite stiff opposition from her family she joined the movement after her studies and encouraged women to join her. She was imprisoned for her participation in protests. After independence she continued to serve her people and was awarded the title of 'Swatantra Sainani'.

Ministry of Culture has released the third Comic book on stories of 20 Tribal Freedom Fighters on 2nd August at Tiranga Utsav celebration in New Delhi

Ministry of Culture releases the third Comic book on stories of 20 Tribal Freedom Fighters

Kabul: <span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">A peaceful protest by dozens of women who were marching in the streets of Kabul on Saturday chanting “food, work, and freedom” was attacked and stopped by Taliban forces.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Social media images showed Taliban forces firing warning shots and physically assaulting the women to disperse their gathering in the heart of the city, reports dpa news agency.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Another video clip showed a small group of women cornered by the Taliban in a closed place.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">“We are inside a drug store, they have imprisoned us here,” an activist said in one of the videos.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">The protesters also chanted that they are tired of discrimination against women.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">As the one-year anniversary of the Taliban regime gets closer, women are once again on the streets to denounce the restrictions imposed by the regime on their rights to education, work and freedom of movement.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have curtailed basic women’s rights and those who have protested have been suppressed.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">No country has recognised the Taliban’s de facto government.&nbsp;
—IANS

A peaceful protest by dozens of women who were marching in the streets of Kabul on Saturday chanting “food, work, and freedom” was attacked and stopped by Taliban forces. 

 Taliban disperses women's rally in Kabul with warning shots, violence

Mumbai: At an age when most children attended kindergarten and mouthed ABCD, one feisty eight-year-old girl from Saras village in Gujarat, Usha Mehta, joined a protest march of the Independence Movement in 1928, and shouted the slogan, "Simon, Go back", hurling her first brick at the British Raj edifice.
Years later, when Usha was 22, she shot into limelight by launching the 'Secret Congress Radio', five days after Mahatma Gandhi's 'Quit India' call on August 8 1942, with the movement to start the following day from the Gowalia Tank (August Kranti) Maidan.
Unnerved, the police swooped on the gathering and nabbed all the Indian National Congress (INC) leaders and dumped them in jails, leaving the unguided junior leaders and youngsters to carry forward the 'Quit India' crusade.
In barely five days, Usha and her team-mates like Vithalbhai Jhaveri, Babubhai Thakkar, Chandrakant Jhaveri and Nanka Motwani, the owner of Chicago Radio and others, rustled up the 'Secret Congress Radio'.
The secret radio, audible on a frequency of 42.34 metres, from 'somewhere in India', made its first not-so-secret hour-long transmission on August 14, 1942, and was beamed live twice or once daily in English and Hindi.
Switching locations daily to avert detection by the furious British, the radio aired patriotic songs, messages from the top leaders, slogans, recorded speeches, uncensored news of British atrocities, banned information, certain leaked news pertaining to the Second World War, and other stuff.
It electrified the masses and the INC leaders immensely, attracting several aggressive notables and fiery speakers like Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Achyutrao Patwardhan, Purushottam Trikamdas and others to broadcast their speeches and even pre-recorded 'content' by Gandhiji, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and others.
The radio remained highly popular for around 3 months till an 'insider' ratted on the 'secret location', culminating in a police raid in November 1942, the broadcast station shut down, all equipment confiscated with Usha and others shunted behind bars for the next four years at Yerawada Central Jail, Pune, till March 1946.
As many leaders acknowledged later, her courage to run a radio station at the height of the WWII (1939-1945) was a commendable feat that helped unite the masses and helped the cause of the Freedom struggle. Born on March 25, 1920, Usha was just five years old when she first had Gandhiji's 'darshan' at the Sabarmati Ashram (founded in 1917) in Ahmedabad, and later attended his workers' camps near Surat, she spun khadi, participated in protest demonstrations and campaigned for total prohibition.
All this and more, she managed under the stern eye of her father, Hariprasad Mehta, a Judge under the British Crown, who didn't take kindly to her pro-freedom activities, till he retired in 1930, and then, his 10-year-old jumped into the historic Salt Yatra of Gandhiji when he broke the Salt Act on April 6, 1930.
A couple of years later in 1932, the family shifted to Bombay, Usha continued her education here and became even more involved with the freedom movement, then picking up momentum all over the country.
After her primary schooling in Kheda and Bharuch and then in Mumbai, she completed her Matriculation in 1935 through Chandaramji High School in Girgaum, and joined the Wilson College (now, 190 years old) at Chowpatty, to graduate in Philosophy with a 1st Class in 1939.
Post-Independence ,the 27-year-old Usha returned to her academics, and deeply influenced by Gandhiji, she became a celibate, adopted a frugal Gandhian lifestyle, shunned comforts and luxuries, wore only khadi saris till the end, her white saris with an occasional coloured border, standing out in the crowds, and propounded Gandhian philosophy for the rest of her life.
Back to the varsity, she acquired a doctorate and became the popular 'Dr Usha Mehta', a familiar figure in Mumbai academic and political circles, capping her long career as a student, teacher, professor and then as the Head of Department of Civics &amp;amp; Politics at the University of Bombay, retiring in 1980, aged 60. Ironically, despite playing a memorable role in the independence struggle, on that historic date of August 15, 1947, when India became unshackled with the Freedom at Midnight, Usha lay on the sick-bed as the rigours of her jail term in Pune the previous year took a toll on her frail health.
After hanging up her chappals, she got down to a hectic social life, spreading Gandhian ideology through articles, essays, books and speeches, in English and Gujarati. She was elected the President of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (GSN), which later acquired the historic Mani Bhavan, the home of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter Maniben, which hosted Gandhiji on his Bombay trips, and converted it into a memorial to the Father of the Nation, and she was active with the Gandhi Peace Foundation and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Though Dr Mehta was decorated with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, and several events were dedicated to her during the Golden Jubilee of Independence in 1997, her heart was in turmoil with the happenings in the country. Dr Mehta occasionally aired her agony, saying "this was not the Freedom" that she and others had fought, what with people chasing power over public service, though she admired how the country had progressed on all fronts.
In early August 2000, though a bit down in health, she attended the customary anniversary of 'Quit India Day' on August 9 to return home weary and weak, and breathed her last in the night of August 11. Dr Mehta is survived by her three nephews -- the eminent Bollywood film-maker Ketan Mehta, and two well-known medicos, Dr Yatin Mehta in Gurugram and Dr Nirad Mehta in Mumbai. —IANS

 At an age when most children attended kindergarten and mouthed ABCD, one feisty eight-year-old girl from Saras village in Gujarat, Usha Mehta, joined a protest march of the Independence Movement in 1928, and shouted the slogan, "Simon, Go back", hurling her first brick at the British Raj edifice.

Usha Mehta: Freedom Fighter At 8, Aired 'Secret Congress Radio' At 22, Became A Legend

Chennai: Even as the country gears up to celebrate its 75th Independence Day on Monday, actor Rajinikanth has urged people to honour and salute freedom fighters, martyrs and leaders by having their children hoist the national flag outside their homes, offices and work places.&nbsp;
Taking to Twitter, Rajinikanth both posted a video and a post, which urged people to fly the National flag outside their homes and offices as a mark of respect to freedom fighters and as an expression of unity.
His post read: “This is the 75th year of Independence for India, our motherland. As a mark of respect, and as an expression of our unity, for all the lakhs of people who suffered untold struggles and miseries, pain and humiliation, for all those many thousands of people who scarified their lives selflessly for this freedom, for all those freedom fighters, martyrs and leaders — let us honour and salute them with gratitude beyond caste, religion and politics.”
“Let us pass on our Indian National flag to our next generation of kids and youngsters to be proudly displayed outside our homes, offices and work places.”
“Let us celebrate the great Indian 75th Independence Day with pride. Let our National flag fly everywhere as we salute them. Jai Hind.”&nbsp;
—IANS

Even as the country gears up to celebrate its 75th Independence Day on Monday, actor Rajinikanth has urged people to honour and salute freedom fighters, martyrs and leaders by having their children hoist the national flag outside their homes, offices and work places. 

 Honour freedom fighters by flying the National Flag, says Rajinikanth

New Delhi (The Hawk): Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel inaugurated a photo exhibition and spearheaded various programmes at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
The event was graced by Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar, Minister of Energy, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Gwalior, Smt. Shobha Sikarwar, Mayor, Gwalior, Shri Munnalal Goyal, Chairman, MP State Seed &amp; Farm Development Corporation, Shri Bhagat Singh Kushwah, Minister of State, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Imarti Devi, Chairperson, MP Laghu Udyog Nigam and officials from MoCA, AAI, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and District Administration.
Addressing on the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation said, “India is the only country which never invaded any other country in its history but faced many foreign invasions. Instead of bowing down to these invasions, the people of India have always shown courage and resilience and never allowed any foreign power to settle on our land. Our National Flag (Tiranga) is a symbol of our sacrifice, our cultural supremacy and is a perfect example of our country’s diversity. We are going to celebrate 75th Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav tomorrow and every citizen will have to take a pledge to make India great again.”
Recalling the horrors of Partition, Shri Scindia said, “We have to teach our future generation the lessons behind partition so that they are aware of such catastrophic event in our history. India is a subcontinent itself and no other country in the world is a subcontinent. But India was partitioned in accordance with some people’s nefarious desires which lead to many families broken and many lives were lost. Many people became refugee in their own country and this photo exhibition that we have opened today showcases the suffering our elders had borne, and I request everyone to come and see it once. I salute their spirit as they re-establish themselves with what they have and contributed to the growth story of our nation.”
As India celebrates 75th Years of Independence, Ministry of Civil Aviation organized a photo exhibition on 14th August at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior. The event was inaugurated and led by Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. During the event, he hoisted the National Flag (Tiranga) and paid his respect to Maharani Lakshmi Bai at her Samadhi. He also met and felicitated the Martyrs/freedom fighters and their family members, who have participated in our freedom struggle.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is being observed by the Indian Government and the Indian populace to mark the country's 75th anniversary of independence with an enthusiasm to bring the Tiranga home and be a part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

 Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel inaugurated a photo exhibition and spearheaded various programmes at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

Scindia Visits Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior To Pay Tribute To The Martyrs Of Freedom Struggle 

New Delhi: As India is celebrating 75 years of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS on Monday.&nbsp;
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi said that the citizens are thankful to Bapu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar and others who sacrificed their lives on the path of duty.&nbsp;
“This nation is thankful to Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and our innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of British Rule,” he added
Prime Minister Modi further said that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path, new pledge with renewed strength. “Every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India, be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Maha,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that India’s strength is in its diversity. “India is the mother of democracy that can cause trouble for even the biggest of sultanates.”
“Our 75 years of journey has been full of ups and downs and the citizens never gave up. Despite challenges faced post-Independence, nothing could hamper the zeal of Indian citizens… This soil has power. Despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward,” he asserted.
He said that the hundreds year of slavery has hurt India but due to conviction the people, the nation achieved the independence. “I have tried to empower the people that was the goal of Mahatma Gandhi,” said the Prime Minister.
“India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute to them. Every government has to address this aspirational society,” he added.&nbsp;
—IANS

As India is celebrating 75 years of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS on Monday. 

 PM Modi hoists Tricolour at Red Fort; remebers freedom fighters

Srinagar (The Hawk): Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the instrument of accession on October 26, 1947, and the Indian Army landed here to expel the tribal invaders soon after.
The day has been recognised by the J&amp;K government as the accession day and is a national holiday since 2020.
The first Governor General of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, referred to the union of the former Jammu and Kashmir state with the newly created Pakistan as "the unfinished task of partition" after the subcontinent was divided on August 15, 1947, creating the independent nations of India and Pakistan.
Pakistan invaded J&amp;K with members of the Waziristani Afridi tribe in order to accomplish its goal.
It was carefully arranged that the tribal attackers would take the loot and Pakistan would take the territory.
Like vultures on a dead animal, the tribal people of Kashmir flocked there. One to ten men outnumbered the Maharaja's troops. The invading tribals robbed, raped, and plunder like any barbarian invader would do despite the first resistance, but it was ineffective.
From day one, the people of Kashmir had understood their intentions, and they fought alongside the Indian Army to expel the invaders.
Kashmiris' resistance to the tribal invasion is demonstrated by the fact that more than 6,000 of them died battling the invaders.
On October 27, 1947, the first Indian Air Force sortie touched down at the Srinagar airport, and the soldiers thereafter entered the city.
The fight of Shalteng, which took place on the outskirts of Srinagar, was one of the biggest conflicts the army engaged in with the tribal people.
Maharaja Hari Singh had departed the Valley after the tribals damaged the Mohra Power Station and cut off the electricity to the palace and Srinagar city. The tribals killed the engineer who was in charge there.
The Poonch district revolt, which the Maharaja was also dealing with, was also being discreetly encouraged from the other side of the border.
More than 1,000 troops are said to have died chasing the tribal people away.
Tribals who had been uprooted from Srinagar's outskirts were unable to establish themselves until they crossed the Kohala Bridge over the Jhelum River into regions that are currently occupied by Pakistan.
The local population served as the Indian army's eyes and ears, and they used various means to vent their rage at the invading tribes.
In the Valley, where residents organised small resistance organisations against the invaders, this cry could be heard everywhere: "Hamlawar Khabardar Hum Kashmiri Hain Tayar (Invaders beware, we are ready to battle you out).
Although broad peace had been achieved by the beginning of September 1947, the invasion was resisted until 1948.
In 1948, the UN dispatched a team of observers to J&amp;K to monitor the line of cease-fire between Pakistan and India. Finally, this line was used as the de facto boundary known as the Line of Control (LoC).
The Indian Army displayed exemplary gallantry in their combat against the tribals, resulting in the deaths of 1,103 troops from all ranks.
During the J&amp;K Operations of 1947–1948, the Indian army received 3 twin Vir Chakra awards, 284 Vir Chakra awards, 47 Maha Vir Chakra awards, and 5 Param Vir Chakra awards.
The Indian Army lost 76 officers, 31 JCOs, and 996 other ranks throughout the protracted combat, for a total of 1103.
The army's and the residents' sacrifices allowed Jammu and Kashmir to finally achieve its independence.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the instrument of accession on October 26, 1947, and the Indian Army landed here to expel the tribal invaders soon after.

October 26 commemorates Indian Army and local sacrifices for J&K freedom

Prem Prakash UpadhyayDehradun (The Hawk): A British merchant came to India. Jahangir's court was set up. They applied and entered the court. Got permission to do business. The merchant palace was built on the strong foundation of profit. The profit kept on increasing but the tax payment kept getting deducted. Nawab, Raja-Rajwade did not agree on this. The businessman did not want interference on his earnings. Got into vandalism. Siraj-ud-daulah or Mir Kasim of Bengal kept measuring whatever came in the way of profit. The fair skin, the head covered with a hat, and the cunning, shrewd mind inside began to enjoy doing business in India. Indians should be soaked in sweat and hunters should play with money. This news was told to the Crown sitting seven seas away. By setting up factories in gestures, the intention to move forward was generated. The intoxication of profit started climbing the stairs of politics. More troops were called through waterways. Straightforward, truthful, courageous, peace-loving Indians were being tricked into growing up by the culture of the West, and in this your future is secure, it was explained. Some were forced and some were threatened with death.A true man wakes up even if it is late, but he definitely wakes up. There was a murmur against the white Britishers. In Champaran, Meerut, Lucknow, Kanpur, Almora, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Kolkata, Maharashtra, a great war broke out against Union Jet, which became Nawab by profit. The words of the writer, poet, litterateur thundered and filled the hearts of the people with enthusiasm. The young man boiled like milk. Farmers, laborers left their plow and hammer and started agitating on the road. Hundreds of teachers, lawyers, administrators, doctors, professors even common citizen stumbled upon the job of slavery. The throne sitting far away shook. Strong orders were passed on the Indians. Jallianwala Bagh brutal massacre, martyrs Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev were hanged without lobbying. The country was now united against this unnatural and injustice of British rule which had tarnished Union Jet. Do or die, the Quit India movement was not a slogan, it had become the aura of every Indian. Country was first. And all later. Thousands, lakhs of people have sacrificed everything to mother India for the betterment of their future generations. The earth was stained with blood fighting against injustice. The country became independent under an agreement. There was all-round happiness. Along with the tricolor, happiness was also unfurling. Yes, why not? Who were breathing in the free air. The tricolor united the whole country from east to west, from north to south. The provinces had merged with the Indian Union due to the hard work of the great patriot Patel. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the founder of the Indian National Army and the great revolutionary, was continuously giving strength to the country even from foreign lands. Now there was a dream in every eye. Life will be happy, this belief was ours. Seventy-five years have passed in no time. The fruits has yet to come&nbsp;Although we all indians have been celebrating 75th anniversary of idependance as 'azadi ka amrit mahotsav'. It's the time to think , rethink about those who have laid down their life for goodness of ours. so in result we must preserve their feeling and should live in brotherhood,peace,respect each other and above all should never go opponent to the nation.

A British merchant came to India. Jahangir's court was set up. They applied and entered the court. Got permission to do business. 

From Divide And Rule To The Nectar Festival Of Freedom

Guwahati: Did you know that a 12-year-old girl from Assam by the name of Tileswari Barua is the youngest martyr of India's freedom struggle? Or that General Thangal of Manipur is the oldest martyr of India, having been hanged to death at the age of 80?
A new book titled 'Untold Stories of the Freedom Struggle from Northeast India' written by veteran Guwahati-based journalist and author Samudra Gupta Kashyap, has not only rediscovered these two stories, but has also brought together numerous other stories of patriotism, courage and sacrifice from across the northeastern region.
The book has been published recently by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
Divided into seven chapters each dealing with one of the seven states of the northeast, the book brings to the fore hitherto unrecognised battles that freedom-loving tribal communities of the region fought against the heavily-armed, repressive, exploitative British.
It begins with the story of the first revolt led by Gomdhar Konwar two years after the British annexed Assam in 1826, records the execution of Piyoli Phukan and Jiuram Duliya Barua in 1830 and then unfolds, in a chronological manner, a series of incidents of the anti-colonial resistance till 1947.
The Maniram Dewan story and massacre of over 185 Hindustani sepoys in 1857, which had so long remained neglected at the national level, the subcontinent's first peasants' uprising at Phulaguri (1861) against the British, the Patharughat massacre (1894), the role played by women (including attainment of martyrdom by over a dozen of them), the Dhekiajuli massacre (1942), -- all of Assam -- come together in this well-researched book.
Likewise, the amazing manner in which the Khamti, Singpho, Adi, Mishmi and Wanchoo communities of present-day Arunachal Pradesh, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribals of present-day Meghalaya, the Angamis of the Naga Hills, the Lushais of present-day Mizoram and the Kuki and Zeliangrongs of Manipur were engaged in bloody battles to protect their respective homelands from British subjugation have been brilliantly described.
Yet another episode described in detail is the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The full-scale war the British waged on Manipur, the armed resistance leading to the killing of five top British officers, the martyrdom of Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Kajao Singh, Chirai Naga and Niranjan Singh, the Battle of Khongjom and the heroism of Paona Brajabasi, Nupi Lan or Manipur's women warriors, takes the reader back in time to the dark days of British expansionism in the northeast. The author has also described in detail the Muslim League conspiracy to include Assam in its Pakistan plan by way of engineering a silent demographic invasion, and how the Assamese leaders under Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi stood up against the silence of the All India Congress Committee to this issue. "Bringing out all these from across the northeast was a huge challenge, especially because of lack of proper documentation of most of the incidents. In fact, barring Assam, Manipur and partially Meghalaya, the anti-colonial resistance movements in the other states have been hardly researched and documented. In many cases, one had to take help of British documents and reports and then recreate the stories from the opposite angle," Kashyap, who is currently a State Information Commissioner in Assam, told IANS. "Certain stories, like the Khamtis under Ranuwa Gohain wiping out a British station and killing the eastern Assam administrator Col Adam White along with 80 of his Hindustani soldiers in Sadiya in January 1839, the way the Nagas defended Khonoma village from 1844 to 1879, the manner in which Lalsuthlaha, Ngura, Suakpuilala, Pasaltha Khuangchera, Ropuiliani, Zakapa, Hnawncheuva explained in the book.
Lushai chiefs of present-day Mizoram fought the better-equipped British forces, and were also dug out with great difficulties in the absence of proper documentation," Kashyap, who had as a senior writer and journalist reported northeast to the outside world for close to four decades, added. —IANS

Did you know that a 12-year-old girl from Assam by the name of Tileswari Barua is the youngest martyr of India's freedom struggle? Or that General Thangal of Manipur is the oldest martyr of India, having been hanged to death at the age of 80?

Book Recaps The Untold Stories Of Freedom Struggle In N-E

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that no additional restrictions other than those prescribed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution can be imposed on the right to free speech of a citizen, and emphasized that restrictions under Article 19(2) are exhaustive.
A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice S.A. Nazeer and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, A.S. Bopanna, V. Ramasubramanian, and B.V. Nagarathna, delivered the verdict. However, Justice Nagarathna delivered a separate judgment. Justice Ramasubra-manian, reading the majority judgment, said no additional restrictions against free speech can be imposed except those mentioned under the Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
"The grounds...in Article 19(2) for restricting the right to free speech are exhaustive... additional restrictions not found in Article 19 (2) cannot be imposed on the exercise of the right conferred by Article 19 (1) (a)", said Justice Ramasubramanian.
The top court said a minister's statement can't be vicariously attributed to the government and the minister is liable for the statement himself.
The constitution bench judgement delivered the verdict on whether restrictions can be imposed on the right to freedom of speech and expression of a public functionary.
Justice Nagarathna said hate speech strikes at the root of equality and fraternity and added that fundamental duties could be used to check disparaging speeches and promote harmony among citizens.
Justice Nagarathna said the court cannot impose any greater/ additional restrictions on the fundamental right of free speech of such public functionaries.
The detailed judgment in the matter will be uploaded later in the day.
The case originated from a statement made by Azam Khan, then Uttar Pradesh minister, about gang-rape case victims. The top court was hearing a plea filed by a man whose wife and daughter were allegedly gang-raped in July 2016 on a highway near Bulandshahr seeking transfer of the case to Delhi. The plea also sought lodging of a case against Khan in connection with his controversial statement that the gang-rape case was a "political conspiracy".
In October 2017, a three-judge bench referred the matter to the constitution bench to decide various issues, which included whether a public functionary or a minister can claim freedom of speech while expressing views on sensitive matters.—IANS

The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that no additional restrictions other than those prescribed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution can be imposed on the right to free speech of a citizen, and emphasized that restrictions under Article 19(2) are exhaustive.

The Hawk

Tag : freedom

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