20 years later, Shah Rukh Khan's Swades BTS pics go viral, fans get nostalgic
advertisementFans flooded the comments section with heartfelt reactions. While many praised the film as a 'masterpiece' and 'cult classic,' several expressed their desire to see the movie re-released in theatres. One user wrote, 'My all-time favourite movie. Kyuki isme Indian culture ko dikhaya gaya hai. Kya performance hai (Because it showcases Indian culture. What a performance!)' Another added, 'Masterpiece by SRK.'
Released in 2004, 'Swades' tells the story of Mohan Bhargav (played by Shah Rukh Khan), a NASA scientist who returns to India in search of his roots. His journey takes him to a rural village where he reconnects with his childhood nanny (played by the late Kishori Ballal), meets a strong-willed teacher (Gayatri Joshi), and becomes involved in uplifting the local community.Though it underperformed at the box office during its initial run, 'Swades' has since earned a devoted fanbase, celebrated for its thoughtful storytelling, soul-stirring music by AR Rahman, and Shah Rukh Khan's memorable performance.- EndsTrending Reel
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Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Who is Manjul Bhargava? The Indian-origin math genius nurtured by Harvard, mentored at Princeton
At first glance, Manjul Bhargava's story reads like that of many Indian-origin overachievers in the academic world. But look closer, and his journey reveals a rare blend of intellectual brilliance, deep cultural grounding, and boundary-breaking curiosity. From mastering high school mathematics by the age of 14 to winning the Fields Medal, the most prestigious prize in mathematics, Bhargava has followed an educational path that is both elite and deeply personal. A childhood steeped in math and music Born on August 8, 1974, in Hamilton, Ontario, to Indian parents, Bhargava grew up in Long Island, New York, where his mathematical talents became evident early. His mother, Mira Bhargava, a mathematics professor at Hofstra University, was his first teacher. She introduced him to mathematical ideas not just through textbooks, but through puzzles and patterns. By age 14, Bhargava had completed his school's full curriculum in math and computer science. But he wasn't just a numbers kid. He also studied tabla under masters like Zakir Hussain and learned Sanskrit poetry from his grandfather, Purushottam Lal Bhargava—experiences that shaped his uniquely creative and interdisciplinary way of thinking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Harvard : Where talent met opportunity After graduating as valedictorian from Plainedge High School, Bhargava went on to Harvard University, where he earned his AB in mathematics in 1996. Harvard gave him not only academic rigor but also the freedom to explore advanced mathematical research as an undergraduate. His work during this time was already groundbreaking. He discovered new mathematical structures and submitted original research, earning him the 1996 Morgan Prize—the highest award for an undergraduate in mathematics in North America. Princeton: The place that shaped his research identity Bhargava pursued his PhD at Princeton University, where he studied under Sir Andrew Wiles, famed for solving Fermat's Last Theorem. This period proved transformational. His doctoral thesis, Higher Composition Laws , reimagined 200-year-old ideas from Gauss and offered powerful new tools in number theory. Bhargava's work during his PhD not only earned widespread academic acclaim but also set the foundation for a career filled with pioneering discoveries. Princeton recognized his brilliance early and appointed him a tenured full professor by age 29—an extraordinary milestone in academia. A career defined by curiosity and creativity Bhargava's post-doctoral years were marked by rapid-fire breakthroughs. He developed 14 new composition laws, offered new proofs of classical theorems like the 15 and 290 Theorems, introduced the Bhargava factorial, and co-authored proofs that advanced the understanding of elliptic curves—key to both pure mathematics and cryptography. In 2014, he received the Fields Medal for 'developing powerful new methods in the geometry of numbers.' The award confirmed what the math world had long known: Bhargava was not just a gifted problem-solver, but a thinker capable of reshaping entire domains. Bridging worlds: India, the West, and everything in between Although based at Princeton, Bhargava maintains strong ties with India. He holds adjunct appointments at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, IIT Bombay, and the University of Hyderabad. His work reflects a global perspective—rooted in Indian tradition, shaped by American education, and respected across continents. He served on the Padma Awards Committee in 2023, highlighting his growing role in shaping Indian scientific policy and recognition. What students can learn from Bhargava's path Manjul Bhargava's life is a lesson in how education is not just about prestige—it's about passion. From Harvard's lecture halls to Princeton's research labs, what carried him forward was not just intelligence, but the joy of exploration. He blended disciplines, embraced his heritage, and never lost his sense of wonder. For students in India and across the globe, Bhargava's path is an inspiring reminder: deep curiosity, nurtured by strong mentorship and an open mind, can lead not only to personal success but to discoveries that change the world. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Farhan Akhtar's 120 Bahadur rekindles the forgotten bravery of the Battle of Rezang La: The story of PVC awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
Farhan Akhtar Steps Into the Boots of a Legend The Unseen Side of Heroism: 63 Years Later You Might Also Like: Farhan Akhtar could have been Prateik Smita Patil's stepbrother: Actor reveals unknown secret about Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar Why This Story Still Matters Farhan Akhtar's 120 Bahadur is not your regular war drama. The teaser reveals a chilling, windswept landscape — Eastern Ladakh, 1962 — where 120 Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment stood their ground against a 3,000-strong Chinese force. What unfolded in the heights of Rezang La during the Sino-Indian war is considered one of the most gallant last stands in modern military to The Battle of Rezang La , the 120 soldiers, largely Ahirs from Haryana, held their position at a crucial mountain pass near Chushul with limited artillery support. Facing human-wave attacks and equipped with basic weaponry, they fought till their last breath — some engaging in hand-to-hand combat when ammunition ran Akhtar returns to the big screen playing the role of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati , the lionhearted commander who led the defence of Rezang La. Despite being grievously wounded during the battle, Major Singh refused evacuation and continued to motivate his men, embodying the spirit of 'do or die.'A report from Bollywood Shaadis reveals how the story's cinematic adaptation is deeply rooted in real-life courage. Major Singh's leadership and martyrdom are immortalised in Indian military lore, and his story will now reach a new generation through Akhtar's by Razneesh Ghai and produced under the Excel Entertainment banner, 120 Bahadur is more than a retelling of history. It is a tribute to sacrifice. The film was shot on location in Ladakh and Rajasthan to retain authenticity, and its November 21, 2025 release will coincide with the 63rd anniversary of the battle.A memorial now stands at Rezang La, honouring the fallen. An inscription on the Rewari memorial echoes their spirit:"How can a man die better, than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods."The Battle of Rezang La wasn't just a military event — it was a defining moment of resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Indian soldiers inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese — reportedly over 1,300 — and prevented a deeper intrusion into Indian to military archives, the Chinese were so struck by the courage of the Indian soldiers that they respectfully covered the fallen bodies with blankets and placed bayonets over them so that the makeshift covers did not fly off; an uncharacteristic gesture in the midst of war.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Travelling to hill stations for fresh air? Toxic Himalayan clouds can damage lungs, kidneys and liver or give cancer
In the pristine altitudes of the Himalayas and the lush folds of the Western Ghats, clouds were once considered nature's purest gift, and symbols of untouched serenity and sources of sacred rain. However, this long-held belief is now under threat, as per the reports. A new scientific study, as reported in PIB , has revealed that these clouds are quietly carrying something far more sinister. It reported that the clouds are responsible for ferrying toxic heavy metals silently from polluted lowlands to some of the highest, most fragile ecosystems. These findings shatter the myth of 'clean' mountain rain, and also ring alarm bells for human health, which can lead to potential risks ranging from development disorders to cancer. Researchers from the Atmospheric Sciences Division of the Bose Institute, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have found that clouds drifting over the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are now acting as transport vehicles for toxic heavy metals, lifted from the polluted lowlands. These non-precipitating clouds, sampled during the onset of the Indian monsoon, contain harmful metals like cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eating these 15 Foods Every Day Will Slowly Kill You Undo by Taboola by Taboola The study, titled "Source-specific multi-pathway human health risk assessment of metals present in clouds over Indian Subcontinent,warns of alarming public health consequences and environmental degradation in two of India's most ecologically sensitive regions. The presence of such metals not only shatters the myth of pure mountain rainwater but also raises red flags about long-term risks—especially those related to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases. Read more: 5 hill stations in India to experience scenic cable car rides The research, led by Dr. Sanat Kumar Das, Associate Professor at the Bose Institute, quantified the human health risks associated with these pollutants using detailed statistical modelling. The study found that clouds over the Eastern Himalayas were particularly toxic, with 1.5 times higher pollution levels than their southern counterparts. This elevated toxicity was attributed to a 40–60% increase in heavy metal loading, primarily from vehicular and industrial emissions in the foothill regions. Crucially, the study identifies inhalation as the most potent route of exposure, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas. The presence of dissolved chromium in clouds was linked to increased risks of carcinogenic diseases, while non-carcinogenic effects were attributed to metals like cadmium, copper, and zinc. Children, the study found, are especially vulnerable—30% more at risk than adults—due to their higher sensitivity to airborne pollutants. Health threats come not just from breathing in these toxic clouds, but also through dermal contact and ingestion, especially in high-altitude regions where cloud moisture is often harvested or consumed as water. Read more: Spotted: 10 best places to see leopards in India Though the findings are concerning, the study, published in Environmental Advances, does offer a sliver of relief. It notes that Indian clouds remain relatively less polluted when compared to nations like China, Italy, and the USA, placing India in a safer health zone, for now. Still, the warning is clear. What once floated above as a symbol of purity is now a vessel of pollutants. The clouds may look the same, but what they carry could be putting both human health and fragile ecosystems at serious risk.
