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India.com
10-07-2025
- India.com
Tired Of City Chaos? These Dreamy Villages Near Guwahati Are Pure Magic
Guwahati stands as the entrance to Northeast India where people can discover its energetic traditions as well as its busy marketplaces and historic monuments. Tasks seeking peaceful rest can find relaxation in various beautiful villages which exist around Guwahati. These villages provide an excellent destination for people who love nature and history alongside those who desire peace amid forested landscapes combined with Assamese cultural heritage. The following is a list of essential villages around Guwahati that provide peaceful resort opportunities. Mayong finds its home around 40 kilometers outside Guwahati and it carries the nickname 'Land of Black Magic.' The village carries an ancient history containing stories based in mysticism alongside local folklore. The location held a central place in Indian Tantra teachings at its height as the spiritual center. The Mayong Central Museum allows visitors to view important ancient texts and black magic artifacts as well as spellcasting equipment of practitioners. Mayong presents visitors with an excellent destination to experience tranquility because it combines magical forested landscapes and Brahmaputra River scenery. Chandubi exists at the base of the Garo Hills facing 64 kilometers from Guwahati. The unusual village warrants recognition because the Chandubi Lake originated following the earthquake that occurred in 1897. Chandubi Lake perfectly mirrors both hillsides and forests which results in a remarkable panoramic vista. Travelers can experience both lake boating activities alongside peaceful walks in the surrounding tea garden areas. The area becomes more enchanting when winter arrives because it attracts numerous migratory birds to its territory. Tourists who choose to stay at Chandubi can discover the friendly character of the Rabha natives through their homestay facilities. The eastern region of India considers Sualkuchi its 'Manchester' since it sits 35 kilometers from Guwahati. All production within Sualkuchi revolves around handloom weaving which specializes in silk fabrication. Muga Eri along with Pat silk can be found in this region where skilled artisans create intricate patterns of Assamese artistic design. Tourists can experience the skilled weaving operations by visiting the textile facilities while they purchase original silk items directly from local artists. Tourists answering both the relaxed beauty and historical value of Sualkuchi need to make this destination part of their travel itinerary. The religiously important small village of Hajo exists around 24 kilometers from Guwahati. The site brings together Hinduism and Buddhism along with Islam to welcome visitors from throughout India. The main religious sites in Hajo consist of the Hayagriva Madhava Temple that plays an essential role for Vaishnavites and the Poa Mecca Mosque which holds a fourth-level holiness like Mecca alongside the Kedareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This spiritual atmosphere meets its natural charm by the Brahmaputra River to create a perfect space where visitors can relax while they reflect. Sonapur exists approximately 30 kilometers outside of Guwahati while offering its residents mountainous scenery and abundant greenery. Sonapur functions as the starting point for hikers who want to climb summits Rani Hill and Nilachal Hill. Birdwatchers will discover delightful experiences in Sonapur because the village offers numerous bird species. Several rivers and streams within the village territory provide excellent areas for outdoor leisure activities which include fishing and camping near these scenic locations. Sonapur exists near Guwahati while providing inhabitants distance from the city with its tranquil setting. Why Choose These Villages? Tourists find different charms in each village as Mayong presents its mystical character and Sualkuchi showcases its textile heritage together with Hajo demonstrating spiritual harmony. The villages give urban escape without sacrificing the chance to encounter Assam's cultural diversity and breathtaking natural attractions. These tourist locations provide environmentally conscious travel solutions to let visitors actively participate in local community activities while improving the local economies. Tips for Visiting The best time to visit is during dry months because monsoon season creates impediments to accessing specific locations. You should follow the customs and traditions of the local people when visiting sacred places and places with historical or cultural importance. You should choose accommodations as well as homestays that prioritize sustainability because they reduce environmental impact. Pack sunscreen together with insect repellent and bring clothing which fits activities outside. Final Thoughts These Guwahati neighboring villages present visitors with a wonderful combination of ancient heritage alongside cultural and spiritual exploring destinations and attractive natural landscapes. The locations ensure extraordinary experiences for those who want adventure or relaxation or wish to delve into the heritage of Assam. You should start packing your things right now to look for the beautiful secluded places around Guwahati which represent perfect retreat zones for anyone desiring peace.
AsiaOne
05-07-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
PSP introduces 3 new members, sees retirement of 3 founding members, including Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa, Singapore News
The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has co-opted three first-time General Election candidates to its Central Executive Committee (CEC) - the party's highest decision-making body. In a statement released on Saturday (July 5), the opposition party said that the three new members are Sani Ismail, Lawrence Pek and Stephanie Tan. They were General Election 2025 candidates in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, Chua Chu Kang GRC and Pioneer SMC respectively. At the same time, PSP will also see the retirement of Chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock, First Vice-Chairperson Hazel Poa and Treasurer S Nallakaruppan. PSP cited the sweeping change as part of a renewal the party's leadership following the May 3 general election. "The CEC thanks Dr Tan, Ms Poa and Mr Nalla, who are founding members of the party, for their leadership and contributions since 2019," it wrote, adding that "they will remain as members of the party". A'bas bin Kasmani, who contested in PSP's slate for Chua Chu Kang GRC, succeeds Dr Tan as chairman of the party, while Anthony Neo, who is previously head of membership, has been appointed as treasurer. The party will continue to be led by secretary-general Leong Mun Wai. The CEC appointments came after the PSP lost in all six constituencies it contested at general election. The party also lost its two Non-Constituency MP seats in Leong and Poa. Ismail was fielded in PSP's A-team - which also consisted of Leong, Poa and Dr Tan that contested in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, while Pek and Tan were fielded in Chua Chua Kang GRC and Pioneer SMC respectively. "PSP's newly renewed CEC combines the wisdom of experienced leaders with the energy and innovation of our younger members. It is essential to give younger leaders a chance to contribute to the party's growth and development and help us stay relevant and effective in serving Singaporeans," said Leong. chingshijie@
Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock (left) and vice-chair Hazel Poa have stepped down from its leadership body. SINGAPORE - Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock and one of its former Non-Constituency MPs (NCMP) and vice-chair Hazel Poa have stepped down from its leadership body. Party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan has also stepped down from the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party announced in a press release on July 5. Dr Tan will be replaced as chairman by Abas Kasmani, who was previously second vice-chair. Mr Anthony Neo will replace Mr Nallakaruppan as treasurer. Dr Tan, Ms Poa and Mr Nallakaruppan - who were unsuccessful candidates at the May general election - will remain members of the party, the PSP said. The CEC also co-opted three new members, all of whom also stood under the party banner in GE2025: Mr Sani Ismail, Mr Lawrence Pek and Ms Stephanie Tan. Mr Sani, a lawyer, was on the team contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC, while Mr Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, contested Chua Chu Kang GRC. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital Ms Tan, a former lawyer and housewife, ran in Pioneer - a single-seat ward. All three lost their races to candidates from the ruling People's Action Party. The trio have not taken on any specific positions on the CEC, which is the party's highest decision-making body. The changes follow Dr Tan's announcement after the May 3 election that he would retire from electoral politics. Dr Tan, a former presidential candidate and PAP MP, founded the party in 2019 and is largely seen as its face. He, alongside Ms Poa and secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, as well as Mr Sani and Mr Sumarleki Amjah ran as the party's A-team in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, where they lost to a team led by Education Minister Desmond Lee. The GRC, which was redrawn from the old West Coast GRC, contains Dr Tan's old ward Ayer Rajah SMC and produced the closest fight at the 2020 general election. This result sent Ms Poa and Mr Leong into Parliament as NCMPs. At GE2025, the party's overall performance dropped significantly compared with its debut in the 2020 election. This is the second set of leadership changes the party has made this year. In March 2025, a CEC election put in place the team which led the party into the general election. Mr Leong was re-elected as party chief, taking over the role from Ms Poa. Ms Poa had assumed leadership after Mr Leong stepped down in February 2024, to take responsibility for a correction direction he received under Singapore's fake news law for a social media post.
Independent Singapore
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Hazel Poa urges AGC to release findings on volunteer harassment case
SINGAPORE: The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has renewed calls for transparency from the authorities, urging the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to release the outcome of investigations into a controversial walkabout incident that took place earlier this year at Bukit Gombak. Speaking at a rally held at Bukit Gombak Stadium on Friday evening (25 Apr), PSP vice-chair Hazel Poa pressed the AGC to make its findings public. Ms Poa, who is standing for election in West Coast–Jurong West GRC, revisited the events of 4 Jan. She recounted that PSP volunteers were shadowed by individuals dressed in white, later identified as People's Action Party (PAP) volunteers, who filmed and photographed PSP members without providing any clear explanation for their actions. 'This was not the first time we faced unpleasantness at Bukit Gombak,' Ms Poa said, referencing a similar experience during a walkabout at Hillview Estate in November 2024. The January incident escalated when PAP MP for Bukit Gombak, Low Yen Ling, accused a PSP volunteer of slapping a PAP supporter. Ms Poa criticised Ms Low's handling of the situation, suggesting that rather than addressing the conduct of her own volunteers, Ms Low had made serious allegations against PSP members without substantial evidence. The matter attracted further attention after PSP volunteer Stella Stan Lee lodged a police report on 5 January, alleging that she was harassed by three individuals who followed her and filmed her at close range throughout the walkabout. Ms Lee described the experience as invasive and said it left her feeling unsafe. She further claimed that the harassment continued into a car park, where the individuals allegedly photographed vehicle number plates without consent. In a public Facebook post, PSP member S Nallakaruppan supported the PSP volunteer's account, saying he too had witnessed similar behaviour during the same event. He also raised concerns about a pattern of such incidents, pointing to an earlier encounter in November at Hillview Estate. The situation took another twist when PAP volunteer Azman Ibrahim came forward, identifying himself as the alleged victim. He uploaded two edited videos to social media, purporting to show interactions from the day. However, critics noted that the videos lacked continuity and did not provide evidence of any assault. PSP later released unedited footage that appeared to show Mr Azman closely tailing PSP volunteers while filming them, and allegedly taunting them. According to Ms Lee, police investigations were completed by mid-February, and the findings were referred to the AGC for review. Speaking at Friday's rally, Ms Poa questioned why the findings had not yet been made public. 'If the accusation that a PSP member had slapped a PAP volunteer is baseless, do you agree that an apology is due to the poor fella who is falsely accused of assault?' she asked the crowd. Ms Poa stressed that political leaders have a duty to uphold fairness, adding that unfounded allegations could tarnish reputations and erode public trust. She called on the AGC to promptly release the findings and for those responsible to apologise if the accusations are proven to be false.
CNA
26-04-2025
- Business
- CNA
GE2025: Recent missteps have 'chipped away' at trust in PAP government, says PSP's Hazel Poa
SINGAPORE: From the SimplyGo saga to the blocked Income-Allianz deal, recent incidents have chipped away at trust in the ruling party, said Progress Singapore Party's (PSP) Hazel Poa on Saturday (Apr 26) night. Speaking at the PSP's second rally at Bukit Gombak Stadium, she also highlighted the last-minute change to the People's Action Party's (PAP) team in Chua Chu Kang GRC as something that has damaged trust. The party's vice chairperson said building trust can be painstaking, but that Singapore's first-generation leaders managed to do so with the bulk of the population. "It would be a waste to chip away at that," she said. "Unfortunately, there have been many incidents in recent years doing exactly that." RECENT MISSTEPS Although the Land Transport Authority ultimately reversed its decision on SimplyGo, it only did so after 'huge public outcry', the former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament said. She said members of the public had already given feedback on the shortcomings of SimplyGo, but the government still wanted to go ahead with phasing out the older system and pushing users to SimplyGo. 'The question is, were the decision makers not aware of the public feedback?' she asked. If they were not aware, it is a case of poor management. If they were aware but disregarded the feedback, it is a case of poor judgement, she added. 'Either way, not a world-class performance commensurate with world-class salaries,' she said. Ms Poa also brought up the Income-Allianz deal which was blocked, with Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong telling parliament that the deal in its current form "would not be in the public interest". 'I find it astounding that NTUC supported the deal while being unaware of the capital reduction exercise to the tune of S$1.85 billion (US$1.41 billion),' she said, adding that she believes that NTUC and Income Insurance did not perform their duties responsibly. 'I suspect that if any of these were to happen during the time of our first-generation leaders, heads would have rolled,' she said. Another incident she brought up was the food poisoning cases which were reported by some students after they consumed ready-to-eat (RTE) meals that were handed out as part of a Total Defence exercise. The Singapore Food Agency and Ministry of Health said earlier this month that there was no conclusive evidence linking the gastroenteritis cases to the RTE meals. Ms Poa said this is a cause for concern. She added: "Is our public service falling in competence as compared to before? There are many instances telling us that it is important for us to have more opposition in parliament to check on the government." CHANGES TO CHUA CHU KANG SLATE The opposition party leader also suggested that trust may have been broken when Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong unexpectedly left Chua Chu Kang GRC to be fielded in Punggol GRC. She noted that Mr Gan had said he would lead the Chua Chua Kang team around 10 days before the surprise on Nomination Day. 'I'm sure CCK residents were shocked as well, to lose their long-time MP so suddenly. What made the PAP go back on their public announcement?' she said, asking where the line should be drawn between what can be believed and what cannot be believed. She said she would have preferred if the PAP did not announce its slate for Chua Chu Kang, rather than change its mind after doing so, adding: "This is so damaging to trust." Citing Health Minister Ong Ye Kung's comments that there is nothing wrong with switching constituencies as long as candidates are upfront about it, she said: 'I totally agree. PAP should practice what he is preaching." In her rally speech, Ms Poa also called on the government to release the outcome of the investigation into police reports made by PAP and PSP after volunteers clashed in January. PSP claimed that PAP volunteers intimidated them while they were distributing flyers to residents, while Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling said PSP 'twisted the truth'. Ms Poa said she understands that the police have finished investigations and that the matter is now with the Attorney-General's Chambers. 'If the accusation that a PSP member has slapped a PAP volunteer is baseless, do you agree that an apology is due to the poor fellow who is falsely accused of assault?' she asked supporters at the rally. 'This is only fair and it is the standard we expect,' she said. A total of 10 PSP candidates spoke at the rally on Saturday night. PSP is fielding 13 candidates across two GRCs and four SMCs.
