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India Gazette
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Asha Bhosle, Minister Ashish Selar visit RD Burman's residence to celebrate singer's 85th birth anniversary
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): Padma Vibhushan singer Asha Bhosale visited the late legendary musician RD Burman's residence to pay her respects on his 85th birth anniversary. Asha Bhosle annually visits her late husband and veteran singer R.D. Burman's residence on his birth anniversary to express her gratitude for his contributions to the music industry. She is often joined by RD Burman fans who also visit the singer's residence to pay tribute. This year, the Maharashtra Bhushan singer was joined by the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar. Asha Bhosle offered flowers at the photo of RD Barman, followed by placing a garland at the harmonium in a tribute to his musical career. The veteran singer was joined by Ashish Selar, who paid tribute by offering his respects to R.D. Burman. It was followed by the birthday cake-cutting ceremony. While talking to ANI, Asha Bhosale recounted her experience working with RD Burman, also popularly known as Pancham Da. She expressed her sorrow at the absence of the legendary singer among them as they celebrated his 85th birthday anniversary. 'It's been so many years. I mean, he was an assistant in Nau Do Gyarah. I have been singing with his father since then. Then with him. There are many things. We have done many good songs. Good, I mean, difficult songs too. Easy songs too. We have done a lot. It's his birthday, but he is not here. I feel very sad about this. So, celebrating his birthday, I just think of him. It's very good to think of him,' said Asha Bhosle. On the occasion of RD Burman's birth anniversary, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister, Shelar, said that Pancham Da's work has inspired millions of Indians. 'I would like to say this to all the people of India. All the people in the world who love music. They are remembering Panchamda today. Their songs. The music they have composed. The songs they have sung at some places. And at some places, he has also worked in films. We remember Panchamda in many such roles. And the work he has done. It gives happiness, peace, prosperity, and enthusiasm to every Indian,' said Asish Shelar. Burman's full name was Rahul Dev Burman, and he was born on June 27, 1939, in Calcutta to singer and composer Sachin Dev Burman. Popularly known as Pancham Da, he composed music for 331 films and did most of the work with his wife Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. He also sang many great songs, including 'Mehbooba Mehbooba', the famous song from the film 'Sholay'. Despite being the foundation for numerous budding Bollywood music directors, he only received three Filmfare Awards, one of which was awarded posthumously for '1942: A Love Story'. Burman was first married to Rita Patel, from whom he separated in 1971. After that, he collaborated with Asha Bhosle on several occasions on the professional front. Both the artists were trendsetters at that time and their love for music brought them closer. He was six years younger than Asha and fell head over heels in love with her. He proposed to her, but she initially rejected his proposal, reportedly because of the haunting memories of her past marriage. However, after a lot of persuasion, Asha agreed to marry him, and they tied the knot in 1980. The couple was happy together but went through a rough patch in the late 1980s because of Burman's alcoholism. However, they remained on good terms for several years. Burman passed away at the age of 54 due to cardiac arrest. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Asha Bhosle, Minister Ashish Selar visit RD Burman's residence to celebrate singer's 86th birth anniversary
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): Padma Vibhushan singer Asha Bhosale visited the late legendary musician RD Burman's residence to pay her respects on his 86th birth anniversary. Asha Bhosle annually visits her late husband and veteran singer R.D. Burman's residence on his birth anniversary to express her gratitude for his contributions to the music industry. She is often joined by RD Burman fans who also visit the singer's residence to pay tribute. This year, the Maharashtra Bhushan singer was joined by the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar. Asha Bhosle offered flowers at the photo of RD Barman, followed by placing a garland at the harmonium in a tribute to his musical career. The veteran singer was joined by Ashish Selar, who paid tribute by offering his respects to R.D. Burman. It was followed by the birthday cake-cutting ceremony. While talking to ANI, Asha Bhosale recounted her experience working with RD Burman, also popularly known as Pancham Da. She expressed her sorrow at the absence of the legendary singer among them as they celebrated his 85th birthday anniversary. 'It's been so many years. I mean, he was an assistant in Nau Do Gyarah. I have been singing with his father since then. Then with him. There are many things. We have done many good songs. Good, I mean, difficult songs too. Easy songs too. We have done a lot. It's his birthday, but he is not here. I feel very sad about this. So, celebrating his birthday, I just think of him. It's very good to think of him,' said Asha Bhosle. On the occasion of RD Burman's birth anniversary, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister, Shelar, said that Pancham Da's work has inspired millions of Indians. 'I would like to say this to all the people of India. All the people in the world who love music. They are remembering Panchamda today. Their songs. The music they have composed. The songs they have sung at some places. And at some places, he has also worked in films. We remember Panchamda in many such roles. And the work he has done. It gives happiness, peace, prosperity, and enthusiasm to every Indian,' said Asish Shelar. Burman's full name was Rahul Dev Burman, and he was born on June 27, 1939, in Calcutta to singer and composer Sachin Dev Burman. Popularly known as Pancham Da, he composed music for 331 films and did most of the work with his wife Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. He also sang many great songs, including 'Mehbooba Mehbooba', the famous song from the film 'Sholay'. Despite being the foundation for numerous budding Bollywood music directors, he only received three Filmfare Awards, one of which was awarded posthumously for '1942: A Love Story'. Burman was first married to Rita Patel, from whom he separated in 1971. After that, he collaborated with Asha Bhosle on several occasions on the professional front. Both the artists were trendsetters at that time and their love for music brought them closer. He was six years younger than Asha and fell head over heels in love with her. He proposed to her, but she initially rejected his proposal, reportedly because of the haunting memories of her past marriage. However, after a lot of persuasion, Asha agreed to marry him, and they tied the knot in 1980. The couple was happy together but went through a rough patch in the late 1980s because of Burman's alcoholism. However, they remained on good terms for several years. Burman passed away at the age of 54 due to cardiac arrest. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Vijay Kelkar felicitated with Punyabhushan Award
PUNE: Distinguished economist and well-known figure in India's economic policy reforms, Vijay Kelkar, on Monday was felicitated with the Punyabhushan Award for his exceptional contributions to the field of economics. The awards ceremony was held in Pune wherein union minister Nitin Gadkari conferred the prestigious award on Kelkar. Kelkar's name had been finalised for the award by the selection committee chaired by renowned scientist Raghunath Mashelkar. Alongside Kelkar, the Pune-based Punyabhushan Foundation also honoured four soldiers who sustained injuries while on duty and the mother of a war martyr for the sacrifices made by these brave hearts for their country. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Padma Vibhushan professor MM Sharma felicitated economist Vijay Kelkar (centre) with the Punyabhushan Award 2025 in Pune on Monday. (HT) Gadkari expressed deep respect for Mashelkar and said that he was truly pleased to see Kelkar receive the award. 'Sometimes, a person adds prestige to an award and today, both the receiver and the award have made each other more prestigious,' Gadkari said. Referring to Kelkar's contributions to the goods and services tax (GST) policy, Gadkari praised Kelkar's role in shaping an economic system that has curbed tax evasion and boosted government revenue. 'GST has brought discipline into the system, reduced black money, and today, it has become a model followed across the world,' Gadkari said, adding that the Indian economy has greatly benefited from such structural changes and that Kelkar deserves all the credit for the same. Gadkari did not hesitate to criticise outdated economic ideologies. 'Thoughts like socialism, communism, and capitalism have become obsolete. Old decisions taken by political parties now need to be revised but no one is ready to take that bold step and we also don't have a system where people who made wrong decisions during their time in government confess or admit that their decisions were wrong' Gadkari said. 'There is no shortage of funds today and investment in capital markets is high but the system does not move at the speed it should. When we propose innovative ideas, the default response from officers is, 'It is not possible' that often blocks development,' Gadkari said. 'If we want to uplift the poor, we must be ready to break the laws even 10 times. We did just that while implementing the e-cycle scheme and eradicated cycle rickshaw,' he said. The union minister stated that the automobile industry is a key factor in the Indian economy and announced that within the next seven years, India will become the world's leading automobile manufacturing hub. Concluding his speech, Gadkari said that the welfare of the poor, economic prosperity, and progressive policy reforms can only be achieved through the knowledge, efforts and minds of people like Kelkar.
India.com
20-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Meet 92-year-old man who owns 71 hospitals, 5000 pharmacy outlets, still goes to office daily... Telugu superstar Ram Charan is his..., name is...
You can hardly take a stroll around town and not see the familiar sight of Apollo Pharmacies. Being a 24/7 operation, it has become the go-to place for everything from prescription medicines to personal care items such as shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics. But behind this omnipresence is an inspiring story. Interested in learning about how Apollo began and became a health care behemoth? Here is a glimpse into its journey. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy is the founder of India's largest hospital network, and his incredible work ethic and vision have thoroughly transformed the healthcare system of our country. At the age of 92, he is still following a regimen- he goes to his office every day at 10:00 am, and works until 5:00 pm and does this six days a week. To see his dedication, energy, and lifestyle at that age is astonishing and inspires people, demonstrating that there is no limit on passion and dedication. As an embodiment of his vision of world-class healthcare services in India, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy founded Apollo Hospitals in Chennai in 1983, and it was an audacious step in a country with hardly any private healthcare. Apollo Hospitals became a bastion for leading doctors and specialists from many prestigious hospitals in the US and UK, as well as non-resident Indian (NRI) specialists. In 1979, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy was upset by the death of a cardiac patient who was unable to have surgery because he did not have the resources to afford the necessary treatment abroad. This moment became a touchstone for Dr. Reddy. With a strong resolve to transform the system, he took the opportunity to establish Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. With backing from the government and the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, he established Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. This visionary step was a game-changer, bringing world-class cardiac care and comprehensive medical services to India. Recognized and revered globally, Dr. Prathap C Reddy was honoured with the 'Padma Vibhushan,' India's second-highest civilian award, for his unwavering pursuit of excellence in healthcare. His biography, 'Healer: Dr. Prathap Chandra Reddy and the Transformation of India,' serves as a testament to his incredible journey of healing and caring, inspiring generations to come.
The Print
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
From Brutus to hero—How former Sikkim CM Dorjee's image changed in state's history
Sidhu was a well-connected IPS officer. He was the son-in-law of then Foreign Affairs Minister Swaran Singh under Indira Gandhi when he took up his posting in Gangtok in 1973 as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Sidhu noted that Gandhi's approach to foreign policy was quite different from that of her father, and by this time, Jawaharlal Nehru's key foreign policy and intelligence advisers, TN Kaul and BN Mullik, had given way to Kewal Singh and RN Kao, masters in the strategic game. But the most significant factor was the forceful personality of Indira Gandhi. In fact, Sidhu states clearly in the Preface that one of the reasons he wrote the book was to resurrect the reputation of Dorjee, who had led the movement for democracy in Sikkim. After spending years in political wilderness in Kalimpong ( where I met him both as SDO of Kalimpong and later as the CEO of Himul Milk Project), he received the Padma Vibhushan – India's second highest civilian award in 2002 and the Sikkim Ratan in 2004. If Datta Ray's book Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim had portrayed the Kazi Lhendup Dorjee as the ungrateful Brutus who betrayed the trust of the Chogyal to become the first Chief Minister of the new state, GBS Sidhu's book Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy reversed the stand. After India's decisive military victory of 1971, which changed the cartography of South Asia, she was determined to assert India's role as the dominant regional power. The UN recognition of Bhutan took her by surprise, and the foreign office got quite an earful as India was not consulted on this move. Sidhu highlights Chogyal's antipathy toward his Nepali subjects – whom he felt were outsiders, but by then they were 75 per cent of the population. The more he supported the claims of Bhutias and Lepchas as the first inhabitants of Sikkim, the greater was the anti-Chogyal feeling in the majority community. This was also the key point stressed by BS Das, in his book The Sikkim Saga (1984), the Administrator of Sikkim present along with Sidhu during the period of turmoil. According to Das, had the Chogyal accepted the peaceful transition to adult franchise with a Nepali majority assembly and accepted the position of a constitutional head with symbolic powers per the 1973 arrangements of Sikkim as an Associate state of India, the applecart might not have been rocked. However, Das also admits that there was a lack of ground-level coordination among the different agencies of the government of India. There's also Sikkim: Requiem for a Himalayan Kingdom by the Scotsman Andrew Duff (2015), who was trying to trace his grandfather's travel to the Sikkim Himalayas undertaken over a century ago. He had access to the weekly letters of the Scottish Headmistresses of the Paljor Namgyal Girls' school in Gangtok. Both Martha Hamilton and Isabel Ritchie had maintained their journal, and also wrote regularly to their family in Scotland. These letters and journal entries give a first-hand, contemporaneous account of the events in Gangtok from 1959 to 1975, including the fairytale marriage celebrations of the Chogyal with Hope Cooke. Of course, the perspective is largely that of the royal palace, as the missionaries were often invited to dine with the royal family and shared some of their confidences. However, to be fair to Duff, he also gives the viewpoint of the other dramatis personae, including Kazi Saheb, in his narrative. In Kolkata, at a literature festival in 2016, I spoke to Duff. The focus of the book is not political – but the major events do find a fair coverage in its pages. Also read: Sikkim's accession to India has 6 stories. And 3 strong-willed women India's 22nd state In 2021, Ambassador Preet Mohan Singh Malik, who had been posted in Sikkim in the late 1960s, penned his memoirs under the title Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance in 2021. He delves deep into history and has a keen interest in historical reasoning. Even before listing the contents, he quotes professor and former Ambassador of India to China KM Panikkar: 'But a nation can neglect geography only at its peril.' The thesis advanced in the book is that India under Nehru neglected 'geography'. But in hindsight, Panikkar too can be accused of giving a clean chit to the Chinese Communist Party's 'imperial ambitions' concerning the non-Han nationalities. In fact, Nehru's China policy was shaped, over and above the protestations of the Secretary General of the foreign office, Girja Shankar Bajpai, by the dispatches from Panikkar, who was, in many ways, a fellow traveller. The 18 chapters are divided into three parts: Britain, Tibet and Sikkim; Britain and its perfidious dealings with Tibet; and India, Tibet, and Sikkim. Malik combines insights into the erstwhile kingdom's unique history with the intriguing story of how Sikkim became India's 22nd state. He examines the often-fraught relationship between the Lepchas (Rongpas) — its original inhabitants — and the Bhutias, people of Tibetan origin who established institutions of religion and governance, and founded the Namgyal dynasty that ruled Sikkim until it became a part of the Indian Union. He also traces the clash of both with the Nepali settlers who would eventually form the majority. Last, but not least, let us look at a book written by Biraj Adhikari, an insider: Sikkim: The Wounds of History (2010). As his name suggests, Adhikari is a Sikkimese of Nepali origin. He was a school-going teenager when he had to learn a new national anthem and salute a new flag. He writes about the dilemma of talking about the 'merger' in public, while calling it an 'annexation' in private conversation. Adhikari is not an apologist for the Chogyal either – he points out that for all his pretensions of sovereignty, the Chogyal always held an Indian passport. Adhikari blames the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi for describing the 1956 Chogyal trip to New Delhi as a 'state visit', and playing the Sikkim National Anthem on his ceremonial arrival. His book talks about the multiple dilemmas faced by his generation. Are Sikkimese full-fledged Indians, especially in the context of 371 F? Well, even though Sikkimese have all the privileges of Indian citizenship, what about Indians living in Sikkim? They are denied several privileges reserved for Sikkim state subjects—preferential access to education, employment and land rights and exemption from the payment of income tax. As Sikkim grows at a double-digit pace, it would certainly attract many more non-Sikkimese Indians, and a demographic change of a magnitude similar to the one in the latter half of the 19th century may be in the offing. And if demography is indeed destiny, then those currently enjoying the privileges of being Sikkim state subjects may resist the extension of similar rights to the rest of their countrymen. Adhikari tried his hand in the democratic polity of Sikkim—but was always second in the hustings. However, he was always an influential voice in Sikkim poetics – having been associated with Sikkim National Congress, Sikkim National Peoples Party, and Hamro Sikkim. But he hopes for a closure to the apprehensions which many people in this state, with a fragile demography, are legitimately concerned with. One hopes that this extended essay gives us an insight not just into the facts of the case, but also about the multiple perspectives that shape our understanding of the events in the past. History, as they say, is always in the making. Sanjeev Chopra is a former IAS officer and Festival Director of Valley of Words. Until recently, he was director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. He tweets @ChopraSanjeev. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
