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The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Mortal remains of trainee pilot killed in Canada flown in
The mortal remains of Sreehari Sukesh, 23, a trainee pilot from Thripunithura in Kochi who was killed in Canada during a flying session, were flown to Kochi on Saturday (July 26, 2025) morning. The Air India flight, AI 833, carrying the body arrived at the Kochi airport at around 8.10 a.m. Relatives of the deceased received the body. Hibi Eden, MP, intervened to ensure that that the body was released at the earliest after completing the formalities. The body was taken to a hospital, from where it would be taken to the flat at Thripunithura, where the victim's parents and sister are residing. 'The body will be kept at the flat for people to pay their last respects till around 4 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Thripunithura public crematorium no later than 5 p.m.,' said Deepesh Chandran, a relative of the deceased. The youngster was killed after his flight collided with another during a practice flying session in Manitoba province, Canada, on July 8. May Royes, 20, from Canada, was the other victim. Since then, the autopsy has been completed, and the body was moved to a funeral home. The Consulate General of India in Toronto received relevant documents from the funeral home on July 22. The Consulate completed the formalities and issued the relevant documents, including the no objection certificate, to repatriate the body. The body was initially flown to Delhi from Toronto by Air India flight, AI188, on July 25. The victim is survived by father K. Sukesh, manager at the Angamaly branch of the Central Bank of India, mother Deepa Chandran, an IT professional with UST Global in Infopark, and a younger sister. The family has been going through an agonising time waiting for his mortal remains. Sreehari left for Canada one and a half years ago and used to communicate with his family back home through video calls . His last call came the day before his death. Sreehari had last visited home in November 2024 and left in the first week of February 2025. He was on the verge of completing the mandatory flying hours to qualify as a commercial pilot, a dream which he had cherished all along.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Fuelled by rising xenophobia, incidents of Hinduphobia continue to escalate in Canada
Toronto: From a rath yatra in Toronto pelted with eggs and a river ritual attracting attacks to temples being vandalised, incidents of Hinduphobia continue to escalate in Canada, fuelled by rising xenophobia in the country. Ganga aarti being performed on the banks of the Credit river in the Greater Toronto Area on July 4. (Credit: Consulate General of India/X) The rath yatra or chariot fest, an annual event, organised by ISKCON in Toronto, was disrupted as eggs were tossed at the procession by unidentified miscreants on Saturday. That left members of the congregation shocked since the rath yatra is a Toronto staple, with this being its 53rd edition. 'Anti-immigration sentiment is feeding into this,' a committee member of ISKCON Toronto told the Hindustan Times. A police report was filed. In a statement, ISKCON Communications North America said it 'strongly condemns this disrespectful and potentially dangerous act. There is no place for such behaviour in a multicultural and tolerant society like Canada'. 'We are grateful that no serious injuries occurred, and we commend the prompt response of law enforcement. We urge that the individuals responsible be held accountable under applicable laws,' the released issued on Monday added. India also reacted. In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Monday, 'Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony.' He added that New Delhi had 'strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable' and hoped Ottawa 'will take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people'. This incident came just days after as a Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Credit river in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA town of Mississauga came in for xenophobic attacks online. The Aarti was performed on July 4 and when Mississauga city councillor Dipika Damerla posted a video of its online, some of the reaction was racist and critical. In a response, she said the post 'got a lot of love but also a lot of hate and misinformation'. 'Nothing, not even flowers were put into the river' which, along with the site, were 'left pristine' after the ritual was performed, she said. She said the Ganga aarti could be performed at any river to honour them for providing 'life sustenance to all of us'. In April, the Sri Krishna Brundavana Temple in the town of Georgetown in Ontario was vandalised. That followed a spate of incidents of vandalisation of Hindu temples across country between 2023 and 2024. At least 20 temples were targeted during that period and desecrated often with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti spray-painted on their walls and exteriors. These incidents come as anti-immigration sentiment has grown in Canada in recent years following the high numbers of newcomers entering the country due to the policies of the government of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. As the largest and most visible cohort, Indians have been the principle targets of the growing xenophobic trend. 'There is anti-immigration narrative building in Canada and the growth of Hinduphobia is part of that,' immigration professional Naresh Chavda said. He added that the sentiment has been aggravated by the actions against immigrants taken by the administration of President Donald Trump in the United States. In November last year, there was a violent invasion of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton by pro-Khalistan protesters, resulting in multiple arrests. 'It's unacceptable that in a country priding itself on multiculturalism, Hindu Canadians must constantly defend their right to exist and worship peacefully,' Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada, said. He called on all levels of government and law enforcement to 'address this growing threat seriously'. The spate of hate targeting Hindus has often been met with silence from the federal government and lack of police action in the form of arrests. In October 2023, an e-petition for the recognition of Hinduphobia in Canada was moved by GTA resident Vijay Jain and attracted over 25,000 signatures. It was presented in the House of Commons by its sponsoring MP Melissa Lantsman. However, there was no action from the government, other than an anodyne response thanking the petitioner 'for expressing their concerns regarding the growing negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination of Hindus in Canada'.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Seattle sinks its teeth into mango mania as India eyes bigger exports in juiciest diplomacy yet:
Seattle was treated to a delicious slice of India this week as the Consulate General of India, in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), rolled out an event celebrating the country's most cherished fruit—the mango. Held on Thursday, the 'Flavors of Indian Mangoes' event aimed not only to delight taste buds but also to explore ways to make premium Indian mangoes a regular feature in grocery aisles across the US Pacific Northwest. Five varieties, one unforgettable tasting Guests were invited to sample five distinctive mango varieties—Dussehri, Chausa, Langra, Mallika, and Totapuri. Each had its moment in the spotlight as leading importers and select media from Seattle discovered their signature aromas, textures, and vibrant sweetness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The experience was crafted to show how mangoes are much more than just a summer fruit in India—they are a cultural icon, a family ritual, and a national passion. 'The participating dignitaries savoured each variety and appreciated their richness,' the Consulate shared in a statement. Live Events A lineup of distinguished guests The evening welcomed several prominent figures, including Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Senator Manka Dhingra, and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho. Their presence underscored growing enthusiasm for strengthening agricultural trade ties between India and Washington State. Earlier in the week, a separate Indian Food Festival and Mango Promotion event was hosted in Redmond on July 9, where Washington State Representative Alex Ybarra joined members of the Indian American community for an exclusive tasting session. Trade talks & market expansion Beyond the tasting, the event doubled as a platform to promote Indian mango exports. In 2024, India recorded a 19% increase in mango exports to the US, reaffirming America as a key growth market. Industry experts gave presentations highlighting the mango's journey from Indian orchards to American homes and its importance as a symbol of cultural heritage. On the sidelines, exporters and US retail representatives held discussions aimed at expanding the presence of premium Indian mangoes throughout the region. 'The meetings explored ways to bring the King of Fruits to more consumers in the Pacific Northwest,' the Consulate noted. (With PTI inputs)
West Australian
09-07-2025
- West Australian
All About INDIA, a special free event
The colour and contrasts, the sounds and stories brought to life in a special free India event. Stephen Scourfield, Travel Editor of The West Australian and The Sunday Times, will share his experiences over many years in India. He has travelled to most parts of India, and has a deep understanding of and love for the country. Stephen has also led many tours for his readers to India. Refreshments will be served. The event will be held at the premises of the Consulate General of India, Perth. It is presented in partnership by West Travel Club and the Consulate General of India, Perth. INSPIRATION Stephen will talk about his experiences over many years in many parts of India, bringing the country in all its facets to life through his colourful writing, storytelling and photographic images. INFORMATION The presentation will also focus on information and practicalities. + The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). How to see the best of Rajasthan, and what places to add on. + Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and the Kerala Backwaters, Kochi and the Western Ghats). + Travel on trains (the Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on Wheels, Royal India trains, Golden Chariot). + On the water (river cruising on the Ganges and coastal cruises). + The wildlife of the north-east, travelling to the Indian Himalayas, Mumbai and the north-west. YOUR QUESTIONS Stephen and the Consulate General of India staff will answer your questions. YOUR TAKEAWAY Guests will leave with information and contacts to help plan and book a visit to India. Consulate General of India, Perth Floor 6, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth (opposite Perth Concert Hall) There is undercover parking at Perth Concert Hall and outdoor parking between that and the river, in the big Terrace Road carpark. The Blue, Green and Purple CAT buses all have routes along St Georges Terrace. Tuesday, July 29, 4pm to 6pm. This is a free event, but places are limited and guests need to book a free ticket. Registration closes at noon on Friday, July 25. Follow the QR code or go to the consulate's booking site. The event is from 4pm to 6pm. 4pm to 4.30pm: Entry, registration and informal welcome. 4.30pm to 5.30pm: Welcome by Consul General, and Stephen Scourfield presents India. 5.30pm to 6pm: Q&A and refreshments.
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Indonesia: Classical Indian dance drama 'Shiva Tandava' steals the show at Bali Festival
Jakarta: Over 400 people attended the screening of powerful Indian classical dance drama 'Shiva Tandava' at the 47th Bali Art Festival in Indonesia, on Friday. Organised by the Consulate General of India (CGI) and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Bali in collaboration with Sangamam Global Academy, the event also saw attendance of several Indonesians, including top ministers. Addressing the audience, Indian Consul General in Bali Shashank Vikram spoke about the significance of cultural exchanges and the legacy of traditional arts. "With enthusiastic attendance of over 400 audience including government officials, academicians, members of Indian diaspora, artists, students, and business personalities, the programme concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to all talented Indian troupes and Balinese artists performed that evening," the Consulate General of India in Bali posted on X. The programme on Friday was inaugurated by the SVCC Director of SVCC, Naveen Meghwal, and graced by the presence of Padma Shri recipient I Wayan Dibia, representing the Bali Provincial Department of Culture. The event was followed by the first performance, the energised and vibrant fusion of Kathak and Balinese dance 'Gaaye Jaa'. Following this, the most awaited collaboration of Bharatnatyam and Kathak dance was magnificently performed, leaving the audience deeply moved. The 47th Bali Arts Festival at Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar was officially opened on June 21 by Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, representing Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The festival is scheduled to run until July 19. "This is not only an annual agenda, but an important milestone in the journey of advancing culture in the country. Since it was first held in 1979, the Bali Arts Festival has become proof of Bali's consistency in maintaining its cultural ties," said Fadli. India and Indonesia share millennia-old close cultural and commercial contacts. The Hindu, Buddhist, and later Muslim faiths travelled to Indonesia from the shores of India. The stories from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata form a source of Indonesian folk art and drama. The shared culture, colonial history, and post-independence goals of political sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and independent foreign policy are unifying factors in the bilateral relationship.
