Latest news with #Guruji
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prayers pour in for Shibu's health, 2 mins head to Delhi
Ranchi: Two ministers — Irfan Ansari (health) and Sanjay Yadav (industries) — left for Delhi on Friday to oversee the health condition of JMM patriarch and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren, who is currently admitted in Gangaram Hospital for the last few days. CM Hemant Soren, his MLA wife Kalpana and other family members continued to camp in Delhi. Several high-profile people like President Droupadi Murmu and Jharkhand governor Santosh Gangwar among others visited the hospital and checked on Shibu's health. Speaking for the first time on Friday since he left for Delhi, Hemant said, "Despite being Rath Yatra today, I am unable to offer prayers in person by visiting the Jagannath temple in Ranchi as I am away due to Guruji's ill health. However, I pray to Lord Jagannath for prosperity for everyone back home in my state." In Ranchi, both JMM and Congress workers, held special puja at the Jagannath temple for his quick recovery while party cadres also laid "chadar" at Risaldar Baba in Doranda in the evening to pray for his health. Taking to X, former chief minister Raghubar Das said he spoke to Hemant over Shibu's health and wished for his speedy recovery. "Today, I have spoken to hon'ble CM Hemant Soren over Guruji's condition. I am told that he has suffered a slight paralytic attack. I wish to almighty that Guruji recovers soon and returns to Jharkhand to serve this state." Meanwhile, prayers continued to pour in for Shibu's recovery. JMM workers, holding Shibu's posters, turned up at the Jagannath temple to offer prayers for his well-being. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said, "We learnt that his (Shibu) health is slightly critical but we are more than hopeful that Bhagwan Prabhu (Lord Jagarnnath) will bless the entire state by ensuring our beloved Guruji stay healthy." Addressing devotees during the Rath Yatra, senior Congress leader Alok Dubey appealed to the public to pray for Guruji's health.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Play on 3 RSS chiefs begins statewide tour, first show at Khamgaon in Vidarbha today
1 2 Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commemorates its centenary year, a special two-act Hindi play, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath', based on the lives of the first three Sarsanghchalaks, began its statewide tour, Shatabdi Sangh Yatra, from Nagpur on Saturday. The first show will be staged at Khamgaon in Buldhana district on Sunday, where Maharashtra minister of labour, Akash Fundkar, is expected to be present. The 150-minute production marks a major cultural initiative in the centenary year of the RSS which was established in 1925. A 30-member cast will stage the play in 15 cities across Maharashtra, with a goal of completing 100 shows across India. The plan is also to stage the play at international platforms. Written by Shridhar Gadge and directed by Sanjay Pendse, the play chronicles the journey of the Sangh through the lives of RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, known as Guruji, and Madhukar Dattareya Deoras, popularly known as Balasaheb Deoras. The tour was flagged-off at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall, Barrister Abhyankar Smarak Trust, Dhantoli. "It began about a year ago in a discussion with Bhaiyyaji Joshi, the then RSS general secretary. We agreed the play must reach audiences across India and beyond, so we chose Hindi to ensure it transcended language barriers," Pendse said recounting the origins of the project. Pendse also spoke about the challenge of presenting the vast contributions of the three leaders in a two-and-a-half-hour show. "We focused on crucial turning points, moments that not only defined their lives but also inspired generations of swayamsevaks," Pendse said. Krida Bharti national committee member Prasanna Hardas, the chief guest of the flagging off ceremony, highlighted the ideological foundation of the RSS. "Dr Hedgewar always maintained that nothing in the Sangh was his alone. The ideology we uphold is rooted in the Sanatan Dharma, an ancient philosophy of global peace and service handed down by our sages." Hardas shared an anecdote from Guruji's life, emphasising his relentless dedication. "Even while suffering from a high fever, Guruji insisted on keeping to his travel schedule. Only once, on a doctor's insistence, did he pause and felt under the weather the whole day. But the very next day he addressed swayamsevaks and he was fine again. That's the spirit this play brings to life." Blending storytelling, music, dramatization, and multimedia, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath' offers audiences a vivid look at the RSS's 100-year journey. Entry to all shows is free. The event is supported by the Tararani Foundation and Vishwaraj Environment. Dharampeth Mahila Bank president Nilima Bavane, senior theatre artist and Natya Parishad office bearer Rakesh Khade, along with Nayantara Foundation founder Sarika Pendse were present at the flagging-off ceremony.
News18
15-06-2025
- General
- News18
One London Temple, Once Visited By Ex-CM Rupani, Now Grieves 20 Victims Of Ahmedabad Crash
Last Updated: The Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow is now at the heart of grief and remembrance for the British Gujarati community At least 20 victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad had connections to the same temple in north-west London, its spiritual leader told The Independent. The Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow is now at the heart of grief and remembrance for the British Gujarati community. The temple's priest, Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, said that he personally knew 20 people on board the ill-fated Air India flight 171. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Among the victims were more than 50 British nationals. 'This is a huge loss," Guruji told the British news outlet. 'I had a message from a police officer from Gujarat who said the former chief minister Vijay Rupani was on it, he has previously worshipped here." Rupani's death was confirmed through a DNA match with remains found at the crash site. The temple leader recounted waking up to a flood of calls and messages about the crash. 'The day before yesterday my priest who works here in the temple had flown from Gatwick to Ahmedabad on the same flight. He was on the same plane that crashed but travelling on the way out," Guruji said. After confirming his colleague's safety, Guruji began receiving calls from worshippers and police officers with the names of those onboard. 'Eventually, I knew 20 people personally who had been lost," he said. One of the most heart-breaking stories was that of a couple who lost their lives in the crash—just a few years after losing their son in another aviation tragedy. 'Their son was a pilot. His plane crashed in France. And now both his parents are gone too," he said. The temple has become a gathering place for the community, offering support to grieving families. Guruji said he had spent the day calling relatives to offer comfort and prayers. The Indian government has launched a formal investigation into the crash, with the UK and US aviation authorities assisting. A high-level committee is also set to meet this week to review future safety protocols. First Published: June 15, 2025, 21:23 IST
North Wales Chronicle
13-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Couple killed in Air India crash had already lost pilot son in earlier tragedy
Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, who leads the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, north-west London, said the couple had been returning from a religious celebration in India when the flight went down. Their son, a pilot, had died in a crash in France several years earlier. 'This couple had gone to India for a religious celebration – they were coming back and now this has happened,' Mr Guruji, 53, said. 'After what has happened to their son as well – it's just terrible to think about.' The spiritual leader said he personally knew 20 people who were killed in the crash, all members of the Hindu community who had worshipped at his temple over the years. The father-of-three had last spoken to some of the victims as recently as two weeks ago. Most were aged over 40 and had been travelling either to visit elderly relatives in India or to take part in religious events. Others had adult children studying at university in the UK and were returning from extended visits. 'This is the most shocking news we have ever experienced in the temple's 25-year history,' Mr Guruji said. He said the community was united in grief and urged the airline to explain how such a tragedy could have happened. 'We want answers from the airline,' he said. 'They were travelling by plane, they weren't travelling by car.' Discussing the pain felt among the Hindu community in Harrow, he said: 'It can't be described. 'The only feeling left is sadness – we can't do any more. 'When we ask people how they are, everyone knows they are sad – there is nothing more to say. 'This kind of death is different.' The temple's focus now, he said, was offering moral support and regular prayers. An interfaith service is due to be held on Saturday afternoon, with Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders taking part in candlelit prayers for the victims. Mr Guruji said the Gatwick-to-Ahmedabad route was popular in the community. 'This is the time of year people usually come from India to the UK because of the rainy season there,' he said. He added that the crash had left the wider community in a state of shock, describing it as a 'pause' while people wait to understand what happened. Mr Guruji also confirmed he knew the family of the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, and planned to travel to his hometown of Leicester on Sunday to offer support.
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Couple killed in Air India crash had already lost pilot son in earlier tragedy
Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, who leads the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, north-west London, said the couple had been returning from a religious celebration in India when the flight went down. Their son, a pilot, had died in a crash in France several years earlier. 'This couple had gone to India for a religious celebration – they were coming back and now this has happened,' Mr Guruji, 53, said. 'After what has happened to their son as well – it's just terrible to think about.' The spiritual leader said he personally knew 20 people who were killed in the crash, all members of the Hindu community who had worshipped at his temple over the years. The father-of-three had last spoken to some of the victims as recently as two weeks ago. Most were aged over 40 and had been travelling either to visit elderly relatives in India or to take part in religious events. Others had adult children studying at university in the UK and were returning from extended visits. 'This is the most shocking news we have ever experienced in the temple's 25-year history,' Mr Guruji said. He said the community was united in grief and urged the airline to explain how such a tragedy could have happened. 'We want answers from the airline,' he said. 'They were travelling by plane, they weren't travelling by car.' Discussing the pain felt among the Hindu community in Harrow, he said: 'It can't be described. 'The only feeling left is sadness – we can't do any more. 'When we ask people how they are, everyone knows they are sad – there is nothing more to say. 'This kind of death is different.' The temple's focus now, he said, was offering moral support and regular prayers. An interfaith service is due to be held on Saturday afternoon, with Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders taking part in candlelit prayers for the victims. Mr Guruji said the Gatwick-to-Ahmedabad route was popular in the community. 'This is the time of year people usually come from India to the UK because of the rainy season there,' he said. He added that the crash had left the wider community in a state of shock, describing it as a 'pause' while people wait to understand what happened. Mr Guruji also confirmed he knew the family of the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, and planned to travel to his hometown of Leicester on Sunday to offer support.
