Latest news with #Nivrutti
News18
03-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Illuminating Dholpur: ChandraJyoti Abhiyan And The Rebirth Of Democracy From ‘Kitab Ka Pehla Panna'
Every school textbook in India starts with the Preamble to the Constitution—the 'Kitab Ka Pehla Panna". Yet, as Nivrutti keenly observed, this page is often hurried past in the rush to complete the syllabus. Teachers, burdened by curriculum targets, and students, anxious about exams, tend to overlook this foundational text. But in a nation as diverse and dynamic as India, that first page encapsulates the soul of our democracy. Recognising this missed opportunity, the ChandraJyoti Abhiyan was born. 'If we can bring the Preamble out of obscurity," Nivrutti explains, 'we can bring the Constitution to life in young minds." And so began a journey that would transform the educational landscape of Dholpur. Schools as Hubs of Democracy The Abhiyan spread its wings to 350 schools, impacting over 50,000 students from Classes 5 to 11. Through Baal Sansad (Youth Parliament) sessions, children—many from communities historically marred by conflict—engaged directly with the principles of democracy, governance, and civic responsibility. They debated, enacted, and questioned. Primary schoolchildren began reciting the Preamble during morning assemblies, articulating ideals like Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity with a clarity that belied their age. Teachers, too, were empowered. Over 200 educators, especially Political Science teachers, received training aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, enabling them to make constitutional principles a living part of classroom discussions. Debates, quizzes, role-plays, and poster-making competitions enriched the learning experience, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. Beyond Classrooms: Communities in Action The ChandraJyoti Abhiyan did not stop at the school gates. It reached into the heart of communities through Gram Sabhas and Child-Friendly Panchayat meetings, enabling students to witness and participate in grassroots democracy. Republic Day and Constitution Day were celebrated not just as ceremonial events, but as occasions to reflect on civic duties and constitutional ideals. A particularly innovative feature was the 'Constitution on the Wall" project—vibrant murals depicting constitutional articles on the walls of the Zila Parishad office. Guided tours by Somnath himself demystified complex constitutional provisions, making them accessible to even the youngest learners. The movement culminated in a district-level competition on April 27, 2025, with 15 schools and over 150 students showcasing their knowledge. The winners were felicitated, and a ChandraJyoti Abhiyan booklet was released, capturing the journey and voices of those touched by this silent revolution. From Books to Buildings: The Savidhan Ghar Vision Building on this momentum, Nivrutti envisioned a new chapter: the Savidhan Ghar project. In a candid interview, he shared, 'During my field visits, I observed many unused government buildings—once functional, now lying idle. I asked myself, why not reimagine these spaces as vibrant centres of knowledge and civic awareness? That's how Savidhan Ghar was born—turning forgotten infrastructure into living platforms for constitutional learning and community empowerment." Dholpur has identified 28 unused government buildings across 28 Gram Panchayats. These are being renovated into community libraries—spaces where civil services aspirants, avid readers, and community members can access newspapers, books on law and governance, and educational materials. But at their core, every Savidhan Ghar will focus on the Indian Constitution, reinforcing citizenship, democracy, and participation. Advertisement Nivrutti's vision is not limited to physical renovation. 'My vision," he says, 'is to develop not just readers, but citizens—thoughtful, informed, and empowered individuals." To ensure sustainability, village-level community groups are being formed to manage these spaces, embedding a sense of ownership and pride. The Five Strategic Pillars of ChandraJyoti What makes ChandraJyoti so effective is its foundation in five strategic pillars—a framework that ensures the campaign is participatory, grounded, and scalable: 1. Community-Led and Ownership-Driven: Through extensive stakeholder consultations, local champions from education and Panchayati Raj institutions shaped the campaign's goals. An inclusive Steering Committee, with active representation from PRIs and teachers, ensures grassroots ownership and accountability. 2. Behavioural Change through the Five 'स' Approach: At the heart of ChandraJyoti is a structured journey from awareness to action- सोच (Spark): Why should I care? समझ (Reflect): How does this relate to me? संकल्प (Commit): What will I do about it? सक्रिय (Act & Share): I'm doing it—and others can see it. समाक्रिष्ट (Embed): This is now part of who we are. 3. Spaces of Civic Learning: The campaign created multiple learning spaces- advetisement Schools for learning activities; PRIs for participatory democracy in action; Zila Parishad Office as a living lab where students witness governance firsthand. 4. Culture of Constitutional Citizenship: Dholpur is emerging as a model where democratic values are not just taught but lived daily. The Five 'स' framework and civic ecosystem model are now templates for replication in other districts, nurturing a culture of empathy, ethics, and participation. 5. Resilient Institutions, Informed Citizens: The Abhiyan strengthens trust between government and citizens, especially among youth. Public institutions are better equipped to foster critical thinking and civic values at scale. ChandraJyoti: A Proof-of-Concept for Civic Renewal ChandraJyoti is not just a district programme—it's a proof-of-concept for civic renewal: Transferable Framework: The Five 'स' approach can be adapted to any thematic area or geography. Departmental Convergence: Education, Panchayati Raj, and Administration working hand-in-hand. Productisation: Replicable playbook, dashboards, and materials make scale feasible. 'Through ChandraJyoti," Nivrutti says with conviction, 'Dholpur won't just teach the Constitution—it will live it." advetisement Challenges and Reflections Yet, this journey is not without challenges. A persistent lack of ownership in government buildings often leads to neglect and decay. Teachers, burdened by administrative work, sometimes fail to act as role models for civic engagement. Education, while imparting knowledge, often falls short of equipping the next generation with the skills and values needed to thrive in a democracy. Nivrutti is candid about these realities. 'We need to reimagine the role of teachers as torchbearers of democracy, not just syllabus-finishers," he notes. He emphasises bridging the digital divide—a key element of the Savidhan Ghar model is its integration with the Digital Samvidhan Ghar platform, which will bring e-resources, e-libraries, and interactive modules to rural students. 'This is not just about buildings," he insists. 'It's about building citizens—digitally empowered, constitutionally aware, and community-focused." A Beacon for the Nation As Dholpur's children recite the Preamble and communities gather in Constitution-themed libraries, one is reminded of Nivrutti's closing reflection: 'In today's world, especially in rural India, access to credible information and learning spaces is still limited. If Savidhan Ghar can bridge that gap, even in a small way, then I believe we are sowing the seeds for a stronger, more participatory democracy. It's about building the citizen of tomorrow—starting today."
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
He only had Rs 1,120, but his heart was full of love. 93-year-old wanted to give it all to buy his wife a mangalsutra. Watch
In an age of lavish weddings and luxury gifts trending online, a quiet, emotional moment from Maharashtra has captured the attention of millions. A 93-year-old man, Nivrutti Shinde, was recently filmed fulfilling his long-cherished wish of buying a mangalsutra for his wife, Shantabai. The elderly couple , who are farmers from Ambhora Jahagir village in Jalna district, were on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi festival when they stopped at a jewellery shop. What unfolded next touched the hearts of many across the country. Not Just Jewellery, But a Token of Love For those unfamiliar, a mangalsutra is a sacred necklace in Hindu tradition, symbolizing the bond of marriage. But for Nivrutti, it meant much more—a symbol of decades of companionship. Wearing a simple white dhoti-kurta and cap, Nivrutti walked into a jewellery shop in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with Rs 1,120 saved up from his limited means. His intention was clear: to buy a mangalsutra for his wife, not as a grand gesture, but as a heartfelt gift of love. — obsolete_utopia (@obsolete_utopia) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sunteck Sky Park, Mira Road - 2 & 3 BHK @ ₹1.33 Cr* Sunteck Sky Park Learn More Initially, the store staff assumed the elderly couple might be seeking assistance, as many pilgrims often do. But their assumptions changed when the old man explained why they had come. The quiet dignity in his voice and the bond between the couple moved the shopkeeper deeply. According to reports, the jeweller was overwhelmed by the gesture. He accepted just Rs 20, treating the rest as a symbolic offering. He said the act wasn't about money but blessings, and he handed over the mangalsutra to the couple, leaving them beaming with joy. A video of the moment, shared on Instagram by @weareyuvaa, quickly went viral. Internet Reactions Overflow with Emotion The footage has since garnered over two crore views across platforms. Netizens filled the comments section with heartfelt reactions, admiring both the couple's love and the jeweller's selfless act. Some called it 'the soul of Bharat,' while others noted how such moments restore faith in humanity. One viewer wrote that true love doesn't need diamonds—just a lifetime of commitment. While a few questioned whether such personal moments should be filmed, others defended the video, saying that capturing and sharing such rare acts of compassion helps spread positivity and inspire kindness in others. At its core, this story isn't about jewellery or social media virality. It is about two elderly individuals still walking hand-in-hand—on pilgrimages, through life—and a stranger who chose humanity over business.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Watch: This ₹20 mangalsutra story of an elderly couple is going viral for all the right reasons
In a time when social media is filled with expensive gifts and grand gestures, a simple and emotional moment from Maharashtra has touched millions. A 93-year-old man, on a pilgrimage with his wife, walked into a jewellery shop– not to ask for help, but to buy a mangalsutra with his savings. What happened next was a rare act of kindness that moved even the shopkeeper. Nivrutti Shinde and his wife Shantabai, both in their 90s, were on their way to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi festival. As per online media reports, the couple from Ambhora Jahagir village in Jalna district have been walking this pilgrimage together for many years, known for their strong faith and close bond. During their journey, the couple stopped at a jewellery shop. Nivrutti, dressed in simple clothes, had ₹1,120 with him– money he had saved to buy a mangalsutra for his wife. It wasn't about buying something expensive, but about showing his love and respect. At first, the shop staff thought the elderly couple had come for help, as many pilgrims do. But when Nivrutti explained why they were there, everything changed. Moved by their honesty and love, the shopkeeper refused to take the full amount. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 왜 피부과 의사들은 장 건강부터 보라고 할까? 가꾸기 더 보기 Undo As quoted by The Mint, the shopkeeper said, 'The couple entered the shop and the man gave me ₹1,120, saying he wanted to buy a mangalsutra for his wife. I was overwhelmed by his gesture. I just took ₹20 from him as a token of blessings, and handed over the mangalsutra to the couple.' The emotional exchange was caught on video and quickly went viral, gathering millions of views across platforms. People from across the country reacted with warmth and praise, not just for the couple's bond but also for the shopkeeper's kind gesture. Comments poured in, with one user saying, 'This is what true love looks like.' Another wrote, 'No diamonds, no fancy gifts– just a lifetime of commitment. Salute to this man. ' Others added, 'God bless this gentleman,' and 'I am crying seeing this! This is absolutely heartwarming.' This story is based on widely circulated social media posts and media reports. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the identities of the individuals involved.
