Latest news with #Banerjee
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mamata inaugurates first Rath Yatra, sweeps path, pulls chariots: ‘Soul-stirring experience'
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday inaugurated the first Rath Yatra from the newly constructed and inaugurated Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, in the Purba Medinipur district and participated in all the ceremonial rituals. Several cabinet ministers also participated in the festivities. Around 2 pm, the Chief Minister began the festivities by ceremonially sweeping the road in front of the three chariots with a golden broom. She performed the aarti and then pulled the ropes of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings — Balabhadra and Subhadra. Appealing to the devotees through a public address system, CM Banerjee stated that they could touch the ropes of all three chariots from inside the barricades along the 750-metre procession route, from the main temple to the sibling deities' aunt's place. The pilgrims were asked to stand behind barricades along the procession route and were not allowed to spill onto the streets to pull the ropes of the chariots. On Thursday, the chief minister had said that no one would be allowed to spill onto the street to pull the ropes of the chariots of the sibling deities. Following this, a group of children of ISKCON devotees from abroad performed to the music by Madhab's rock band. Earlier in the day, nearly 40 ISKCON devotees, mostly international, danced for hours in front of the chariots to the devotional chants of 'Hare Ram, Hare Krishna.' Banerjee said people across different communities, religion, caste and creed have participated in the festival. 'I extend my sincere love and greetings to everyone on the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra. May everyone's life be blessed and happy by the grace of the eternal, eternal Lord Sri Sri Jagannath. Thousands of pilgrims from home and abroad have taken part in the holy Rath Yatra today. I too pulled the rope of the chariot from among the people at Jagannath Dham in Digha. On this auspicious occasion of the auspicious time, people of all religions, castes and communities of Bengal have taken part in the holy pilgrimage. Devbhoomi Digha has become the heart of spirituality today. May the message of unity, equality and peace resonate in every corner of Bengal. May glorious Bengal remain bound in the bond of harmony. I once again congratulate everyone on a happy Rath Yatra,' Chief Minister Banerjee wrote on her social media page. In another post on X, the chief minister described the atmosphere in Digha as divine and spiritually unifying. Banerjee praised the district administration for their planning and thanked the devotees for their presence, concluding with a prayer for peace, prosperity, and protection for the people. 'It was a profoundly emotional, soul-stirring, and awe-inspiring experience to be part of the Rath Yatra celebrations at the newly consecrated Jagannath Dham in Digha. The sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense wafting through the air, and the resonant chants of 'Joy Jagannath' created an atmosphere of divine grace and spiritual unity. As a humble servant of the Lord of the Universe, I swept the streets in a gesture of reverence. With deep devotion in my heart, I offered aarati, seeking blessings for peace and harmony. It was deeply moving to witness Lord Jagannath's chariot roll forward for the very first time in Digha. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the District Administration for the meticulous planning, ensuring the safety and seamless participation of thousands of devotees. I am deeply grateful to our Maa, Mati, Manush whose presence enriched the occasion with love, warmth, and spiritual fervour. On this sacred day, I pray to Prabhu Jagannath to bless our land and its people, to fill every life with peace, prosperity, and strength, and to protect us from those who seek to divide, deprive, and oppress. Joy Jagannath! Joy Bangla,' Banerjee wrote on X.
News18
17 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
'Police Can't Be Everywhere': Kalyan Banerjee's Remark On Kolkata Gangrape Sparks Outrage
Last Updated: Banerjee stated that only a few men commit such crimes and questioned what could be done if a friend raped another friend Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Friday sparked massive political backlash after making controversial remarks about the alleged gangrape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata. Speaking to the media on the incident, Banerjee stated that only a few men commit such crimes and questioned what could be done if a friend raped another friend. 'I am not an advocate into the incident that occurred at the Law College but the accused should be arrested. A few men commit this type of crime…But what can be done if a friend rapes his friend," he said. Hooghly, West Bengal | On Kolkata alleged gangrape case, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee says, 'I am not an advocate into the incident that occurred at the Law College but the accused should be arrested. A few men commit this type of crime…But what can be done if a friend rapes his… — ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025 The TMC MP pointed out that this was an incident involving students at a government college and questioned who would protect the victim if the police were not always present. 'Will the Police be there in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her (victim)? This (South Calcutta Law College) is a government college. Will the Police always be there?," he asked. He further said that no law or police could prevent such crimes unless there was a change in society's mindset. Banerjee added," College authorities are not part of the government machinery." BJP hits back Meanwhile, the BJP West Bengal unit strongly criticised the TMC leader's remarks. In a post on X, the party accused Banerjee of showing sympathy towards the accused. 'TMC MP comes out in support of rapists! In Kasba, a college student has been gang-raped by a TMCP leader and his gang. But TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee calls women's safety concerns a mere 'political agenda,'" the BJP posted. TMC MP comes out in support of rapists!In Kasba, a college student has been gang-raped by a TMCP leader and his gang. But TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee calls women's safety concerns a mere 'political agenda."In the RG Kar rape case, as Bengal rose in protest through 'Raat Jago,"… — BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) June 27, 2025 Referring to Banerjee's comments on the RG Kar Medical College case, the BJP said, 'In the RG Kar rape case, as Bengal rose in protest through 'Raat Jago," Kalyan mocks the movement and shamelessly claims the govt has no role if a rape happens inside a college. So the police can hold umbrellas for TMC leaders and Mamata Banerjee, but not protect women?" 'This disgraceful attitude is why women in Bengal feel abandoned, unsafe, and unheard," the party added. 'Crossed all limits of shamelessness' BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also slammed Banerjee, saying he had crossed 'all limits of shamelessness." 'He trivialized the crime by saying it was committed by 'classmates." So rape by classmates is acceptable now?," the BJP leader asked on X. SHAME!In the horrific gang rape case of a college student in Kasba, involving a TMCP leader and his associates, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee has crossed all limits of shamelessness. When asked about women's safety, he dismissed it as a mere 'political agenda." On the RG Kar rape… — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 27, 2025 'Is the role of West Bengal Police now limited to guarding Mamata Banerjee's residence and holding umbrellas over TMC leaders, while Bengal's daughters cry for justice?," Malviya asked. He further added that under Mamata Banerjee, Bengal has descended into lawlessness, and leaders like Kalyan Banerjee prove that the TMC doesn't care. Location : Kolkata, India, India First Published: June 27, 2025, 20:49 IST News politics 'Police Can't Be Everywhere': Kalyan Banerjee's Remark On Kolkata Gangrape Sparks Outrage
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Now a star in orbit, Shubhanshu Shukla was always a natural in the sky
BENGALURU: He was the kind of cadet who didn't just learn to fly — he belonged in the sky. Years before Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS), he was already turning heads in the cockpit of a Super Dimona aircraft at the National Defence Academy (NDA). Back then, he was just another cadet from the Hunter Squadron — call sign not yet famous, dreams still earthbound. But to the instructor watching closely from the co-pilot's seat, one thing was clear: the young man had wings. 'He had a natural flair for flying,' recalled Group Captain (retd) Anupam Banerjee, Shukla's first flying instructor at NDA. 'In just the first few sorties, we could tell. Some cadets struggle with the feel of the controls or spatial awareness. Not Shukla. He was confident, intuitive — a very natural flier.' It was 20 years ago. The aircraft was an Austrian-built HK-36TC Super Dimona, used for ab-initio flying exposure at NDA before cadets move on to formal pilot training at the Air Force Academy. Shux, as Banerjee recalled, aced those initial flights — an early indication of the career that lay ahead: Jaguars, test pilot school, and finally, a ride to low-Earth orbit on Axiom-4 (Ax-4). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Избавляемся от боли в суставах с помощью натуральных средств! Здоровые Суставы Undo But what truly stood out, Banerjee said, wasn't just skill. 'He was sincere, extremely hardworking, and that's a rare combination when paired with ability. I told him then — you'll go far if you keep this up.' Years later, when Shukla was preparing for spaceflight, he sent Banerjee a message. He hadn't forgotten the words. 'He told me he remembered what I'd said: that it's not enough to be a good flier or officer — you must be a good human being. That stayed with him. And when he told me that, it meant a lot.' Banerjee had flown with Shukla only seven or eight times, but the connection endured. 'He always stayed in touch. Not many do. Whenever he reached a big moment in life, he'd send a message. That says a lot about the man he's become.' Before launch, the two had one last conversation. 'I knew he was about to enter quarantine, so I wished him luck. I told him life had already prepared him for what was coming. And that, a part of me was going to space with him.' Watching Shukla dock with the ISS, Banerjee says he felt something beyond pride. 'It's still unbelievable to me — that someone I trained, someone who first flew with me, is now in space. It's not just about reaching orbit. It's about who he is as a person. That matters even more.' In a way, Shukla's story is a flight path traced not just in the sky, but in character. 'When your students do well, you feel proud. But when they turn out to be fine human beings too — that's greater joy.' So yes, Shux may now be astronaut number 634. But long before he floated weightlessly in a pressurised module, he was already soaring — on skill, sincerity, and the sort of quiet steel that can't be taught.
India Gazette
19 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"BJP can do anything through back door": SP chief Akhilesh Yadav supports CM Mamata's NRC allegation
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 27(ANI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that the Election Commission and the BJP could be using a backdoor to implement the NRC. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav said, 'The BJP can do anything through the back door... If CM Mamata Banerjee says something about the BJP conspiring, then we have to be alert...' Meanwhile, on Thursday, CM Banerjee has alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is targeting the youth of Bengal under the guise of a new voter list verification process. She expressed strong reservations about a new declaration form introduced by the ECI, which requires the submission of parents' birth certificates for enrolling names in the voters' list. 'We have received two letters from the ECI. Other parties will also get them soon. Although they said it is for Bihar, this will be applicable in other states too. This is very concerning. They have introduced a declaration form for getting your name on the voter list. For those born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, a new declaration form must be submitted along with their parents' birth certificates to have their names enrolled in the voters' list. The ECI says that parents' birth certificates must be submitted. What is going on in the name of full enumeration? This is a document and declaration form from the ECI. There are many irregularities,' Banerjee told reporters. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief accused the BJP and the ECI of working in tandem and 'targeting Bengal and its people.' She also raised concerns over the ECI's request for data on booth-level agents. 'Every party has its booth-level agents and they [ECI] sort all their data by sending letters to us. Why should I declare their secrecy? So that you can buy them? Why should I share my data? I will not. I will fight for all the parties and for democracy,' she said. Criticising the selective age bracket targeted by the ECI's new directive, she asked, 'What about those born before 1987? Are they not Indian citizens? The country became independent in 1947. So, why are they targeting the years 1987 to 2004? I do not understand their plan. Why have they targeted this bracket? Will the young generation not vote? How will poor people get documents? Are they doing this to establish the NRC? What is their intention? You are targeting people born between 1987 and 2004,' she asked. She requested the ECI to rectify the electoral roll with proper guidelines so that no valid name is deleted. 'Do not pressurise the common people to accept only your verdict. Rural people will be left out because of your decision, and then you will include names of 'borrowed' voters to increase the list. This is because you are losing. Just because you will lose, you will add names from other States. This is more dangerous than NRC,' she added. 'The ECI wants that the preachers of the BJP and the goons of the BJP brought from other states will only vote. This will not work in Indian democracy,' she added. (ANI)
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
ZSI to aid Army with research on edible fauna; announces celebrations for its 110th Foundation Day anniversary
Written by Shambhavi Pandey The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) will mark its 110th Foundation Day on June 30 with a series of key initiatives, including the signing of two MoUs with the Indian Army and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The MoU with the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School of the Indian Army is aimed at supporting research on edible fauna in the Himalayan region to aid survival training in remote terrains, while the other MoU will be signed with the IUCN to strengthen global partnerships in biodiversity conservation. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Kolkata Press Club, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI, announced the plans for the upcoming celebration at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. The event will be presided over by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, with top ministry officials in attendance. Banerjee also highlighted the organisation's upcoming role as host of the Animal Taxonomy Summit 2025, which will bring together over 500 delegates from India and abroad to discuss taxonomy, systematics and faunal conservation from July 1 to 3. In honour of its 110th year, ZSI has organised a 110-hour national hackathon on biodiversity conservation and climate change. Of the 205 participating teams, five have made it to the grand finale scheduled for June 30. These finalists—from Jabalpur, Jodhpur, Digha, Solan, and Shillong—will compete for cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000. One of the highlights of the Foundation Day will be the release of the second version of the Checklist of Fauna of India, a comprehensive record of over 1,05,000 known animal species compiled by more than 180 scientists. 'ZSI is like an organisation that makes Aadhaar cards for different species,' Dr. Banerjee joked, explaining that the list documents when, where, and by whom each species was discovered. The event will also see the release of ZSI's flagship publications, Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries, alongside other new volumes. Dr Banerjee credited the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at both the central and state levels for enabling the scientific progress that leads to new discoveries each year. 'Being relevant for over a century in a fast-changing world is no small feat,' she said. The writer is an intern at The Indian Express
