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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Maithili writer invited to Red Fort I-Day event
Madhubani: Young Maithili author Gunjan Shri has been invited as a special guest to the prestigious at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Aug 15. His invitation comes under the Yuva Lekhak Yojana (Young Author Mentorship Scheme), an initiative of the ministry of defence and the ministry of education, implemented through the National Book Trust (NBT). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A resident of Ramnagar village in the Benipatti subdivision of Madhubani district, Gunjan was selected from among 100 young authors writing in 22 Indian languages. His father, Kamal Mohan 'Chunnu', is also a notable figure in contemporary Maithili literature. Gunjan's literary contributions have been widely appreciated. His works include 'Premak Timeline', 'Tarhatthi Par Samay' and 'Bhartiya Swatantrata Andolan Mein Dalit Samaj Ka Yogdan'. His travelogue, 'Marsi', was published under the Yatra Books imprint. Earlier, Gunjan represented Maithili literature at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan and has participated in literary events and seminars across 22 countries, promoting Indian languages and culture on the global stage. Reacting to the honour, Gunjan said, "I am grateful to the Centre for this recognition. It is a matter of immense pride to represent the Maithili language and culture on such a significant national platform." His achievement has been widely celebrated not only in Maithili-speaking regions but across the country, where he is regarded as a symbol of young India's literary promise and cultural richness.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
The four pillars of Delhi's heritage
When Arnav Vij, Aryan Bardeja, Vihaan Tampi and Karissa Gupta discovered that their school stood right next to a historic gurudwara—home to a large rock where Bhagat Singh once tested bombs ahead of the famous Central Legislative Assembly bombing in 1929—they were stunned. The realisation that they passed daily by a site of such historical importance moved the young history enthusiasts to do something about it. 'It made us realise that in a culturally rich city like Delhi, there are countless lesser-known or hidden places with deep historical and cultural significance,' says Vihaan. Thus was born WaPas or Walking Past—an app that guides users through historical monuments across Delhi-NCR. Developed by the four Class XII students of Noida's Shiv Nadar School, WaPas uses GPS and geotagging to help users rediscover the history they walk past every day, one notification at a time. 'It's a navigation app that tells users about nearby monuments, historical places, and landmarks—especially the lesser-known ones,' says Aryan. The app currently features over 500 monuments and heritage sites. 'We wanted to cover both the famous and the forgotten,' says Arnav, adding, 'For instance, near Feroz Shah Kotla, there are old watchtowers that are largely neglected. We've also mapped small mosques, several gurudwaras, besides well-known sites like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb.' WaPas acts as a pocket-sized heritage guide. 'Our goal is to raise awareness about the heritage in our own neighbourhoods,' says Vihaan, who led the app's development, adding, 'We hope the app becomes a catalyst for people to visit and appreciate these lesser-known sites.'
India.com
10-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Meet the last Mughal heiress who now survives on Rs 6000 pension, has Bahadur Shah Zafar's connection, she lives in..., her name is...
Meet the last Mughal heiress who now survives on Rs 6000 pension, has Bahadur Shah Zafar's connection, she lives in…, her name is… The Mughals ruled most parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries, starting from 1526 and until 1857. During their rule, Mughal emperors looted gold, jewellery and other precious stones and metals from India, making themselves enormously wealthy. When you imagine a Mughal heiress, you must have imagined her wearing several diamond and gold jewellery, living a comforting royal life. But, the imagination is not true. The great-granddaughter-in-law of India's last Mughal emperor who once lived in luxury, lives in a slum area on the outskirts of Kolkata city. 60-year-old Sultana Begum, who claimed to be related to the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, is living her life full of hardships. She lives in a hut with her family in Howrah. As per reports, she shares a kitchen with neighbours and street-side taps for washing clothes. A Mughal descendant's Journey From Royalty to Poverty In the 1980s, after the death of her husband Prince Mirza Bedar Bukht, Sultana's life changed tremendously. Since then she has been surviving on a pension per month pension of Rs 6,000. The family, burdened by the financial strain of raising six children, faces major economic hardship. Her daughters are also dealing with financial hardships and unable to help her. Sultana lives with her daughter Madhu Begam. She has filed several petitions to the government for help but get no response. As her royal ancestry is well-documented, the 60-year-old received a little support. Are Human Rights Organisations And NGOs Helping Sultana? Many descendants of India's former aristocracy, including Sultana, have experienced major financial hardship following British rule. Human rights advocates are helping these families. The contrast between their noble lineage and current poverty highlights historical negligence. While facing hardships, Sultana maintains pride in her heritage, recalling her late husband's emphasis on their royal ancestry and their refusal to resort to begging. She continues to petition the government for the support she believes her family is entitled to. The Mughal Dynasty The Mughal dynasty from which Sultana belongs contributed several architectural legacies throughout 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The Mughal, irrespective of their atrocities, built several beautiful structures such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, the Agra Fort and the Lahore Shalimar Gardens, most of them are recognised as world heritage sites by UNESCO. However, Sultana, for several years, sending petitions to central and state governments for help and a decent pension, but got no proper response.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Who Are Delhi's Roads Named After?
New Delhi: By the time you've made your way from Tughlaq Road to Bhagat Singh Marg, you've time-travelled about 700 years. And you didn't even notice. Delhi isn't just a city of monuments, it's a city of memory. Its roads, in particular, are time capsules. They don't just take you places; they tell you who got to write the history books. Or rewrite them. From Mughal emperors and British viceroys to freedom fighters and near-forgotten local leaders, the capital's street signs double up as a living museum of India's political, cultural and ideological inheritance. And while the buildings beside them have crumbled and risen again, the road names, with all their symbolic weight, have stayed. Sometimes unchanged, sometimes challenged, sometimes completely rewritten. In Delhi, the battle over who we are often begins with where we drive. Names That Built Empires Walk, or rather, drive through Lutyens' Delhi, and you'll still find yourself surrounded by the ghosts of the Mughal dynasty. Akbar Road. Shahjahan Road. Humayun Road. Even Babar Lane. Some of the oldest roads in Delhi carry the names of rulers from the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, eras that deeply shaped the city's language, architecture and power structures. Tughlaq Road: Named after Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. Ironically, his capital, Tughlaqabad, lies in ruins, but the road named after him runs through the heart of Lutyens' Delhi. Akbar Road: For the Mughal emperor, often called the architect of syncretic rule in India. Home to several Congress party offices, it has become a symbolic space for political power. Aurangzeb Road (renamed Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road in 2015): One of the most controversial names. Aurangzeb, a strict Mughal ruler, is seen by some as a despot and by others as a devout leader. The renaming was framed as honouring a "true nationalist." Shahjahan Road: Named after the emperor who built the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, two of Delhi's most enduring icons. But in recent years, these names have come under fire - literally, under white paint and political petitions. In 2022, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta urged the NDMC to rename six such roads, calling them "symbols of slavery." He proposed new names: Akbar Road as Maharana Pratap Road, Tughlaq Road as Guru Gobind Singh Marg and Shahjahan Road after General Bipin Rawat. This isn't new. In 2015, Aurangzeb Road became APJ Abdul Kalam Road following public pressure and political backing. Critics called it erasure of history, supporters said it was historical correction. Either way, the precedent had been set. Viceroys, Princes And The British Blueprint When the British rebuilt Delhi as the new imperial capital in 1911, they named roads not for local figures, but for governors, viceroys, and visiting royalty. Curzon Road (now Kasturba Gandhi Marg): Originally named after Lord Curzon, infamous for dividing Bengal in 1905. Renamed post-independence to honour Gandhi's wife and fellow freedom fighter. Connaught Place / Connaught Circus: Still bears the name of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. Though officially renamed Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk, the British names continue in common usage. Kingsway (now Kartavya Path): Once the route for British parades, later renamed Rajpath post-Independence, and more recently renamed Kartavya Path under the Modi government, in a bid to decolonise and "Indianise" public symbols. Minto Road and Minto Bridge: Still named after Lord Minto, British Viceroy from 1905-1910. Unlike Curzon or Kingsway, these names haven't faced public or political pressure yet, possibly because they're lower-profile. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, didn't do much in Delhi, but he got a traffic circle and a central shopping district. Lord Curzon, infamous for partitioning Bengal, was once immortalised in the very heart of New Delhi. These names reinforced the empire's narrative: that Britain had brought order, governance and elegance to a "wild" land. Post-1947, newly independent India began peeling off these layers. Kingsway became Rajpath. Curzon Road was rechristened for the Gandhian legacy. Race Course Road - the address of the Prime Minister - was transformed into Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016. But the residue of colonial presence still lingers. Freedom Fighters, Founding Fathers And Forgotten Heroes Post-independence, Delhi saw a wave of renamings - not just to erase colonial names, but to honour the leaders who shaped the idea of a free India. Vijay Chowk: Formerly the site of imperial parades, it now honours India's victory in the 1971 war. Subhash Marg, Bhagat Singh Marg, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Dadabhai Naoroji Road: Each one commemorates leaders who resisted both British rule and communal politics. Kamraj Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Purana Quila Road (near Indira Gandhi's residence): Markers of India's Nehruvian legacy, many of these roads are located near the power corridors of central Delhi. Interestingly, Race Course Road, the Prime Minister's official residence address, was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016. A symbolic shift from colonial leisure to public welfare. Municipal bodies in Delhi, especially the BJP-led North Delhi Municipal Corporation, have often renamed unnamed or obscure properties after local figures, from community leaders to councillors and even vague "religious personalities." In one recent round, 34 new names were assigned: Baba Ramdev Park (not the yoga guru, but a Rajasthani saint), Master Attar Singh Park (proposed because "the Brahmin population exceeds 10,000"), and Ashwini Kumar Hall (identity unclear). Even leaders from the ruling party admitted that councillors were proposing names after relatives or friends. And since the rules only prohibit renaming properties that already have names, these proposals walk a legal grey zone, while cluttering the symbolic map of Delhi with a mix of reverence and randomness. Roads Of Memory Thankfully, not all renaming debates are messy. Some road names honour genuine titans of Indian history. Netaji Subhash Marg. Bhagat Singh Marg. Kamraj Marg. Rajendra Prasad Road. These are legacy markers, not contested so much as celebrated. Others, like Chittaranjan Park and Kamla Nehru Ridge, preserve the memory of leaders who didn't wield swords but still shaped the nation. Mr. C.R. Das, a lawyer and activist, and Kamla Nehru, a social reformer and political partner to Jawaharlal Nehru, may have been overshadowed by bigger figures, but their names remain rooted in the city's geography. Where Faith Finds Its Address Delhi has long been a melting pot, not just of power but of prayer. Some road names, thankfully, have little to do with politics and more with everyday geography or faith. Street names like Nizamuddin, Jama Masjid Road, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road and St. James Church Road illustrate how faiths have lived side-by-side in the capital. Yamuna Marg: Named after the river that has shaped Delhi for centuries. Nizamuddin Road: Home to the dargah of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, this road blends religion and history. Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road, Hanuman Road, Church Road: Reflect religious diversity and how Delhi's roads mirror its faith communities. Chandni Chowk: Designed by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan. Its name means "moonlit square," and it still bustles with traders, shoppers and history. These spiritual street names aren't controversial. They're lived realities: shrines in stone and asphalt, as sacred as they are secular. Roads That Remember (And Roads That Forget) There are glaring omissions, too. Delhi still lacks roads named after many iconic women beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family. Rani Gaidinliu, Captain Lakshmi Sehgal and Hansa Mehta - a few feature on the map. Dalit leaders, too, are underrepresented beyond Ambedkar. What's In A Name? It's easy to scoff at road renaming as political posturing, and sometimes, it is. But in a city as old and contested as Delhi, names do matter. They tell us whose story gets told. They shape the way we remember and forget. After all, roads outlast the regimes that name them. Politicians come and go. Monarchs fall. Councillors get voted out. But Shahjahan Road? It's still there. So is Bhagat Singh Marg. The signboards may fade, and the asphalt may crack. But the memory endures. Which is why every name change becomes a fight not just for territory, but for truth. Every Turn Tells A Story The next time you take a cab in Delhi, look up from your phone. You might just find yourself driving over the past. Was this road named for a conqueror, a coloniser, a revolutionary or a forgotten saint? Was it renamed in rage or reverence? Does it belong to the people who walk it every day, or to those who only seek to rename it from afar? Delhi's roads don't just lead you somewhere. They ask where you're coming from. So, the next time you ask for directions, don't just look at the map. Look at the names. They'll tell you more than Google ever could.
India.com
04-06-2025
- General
- India.com
How Local Markets Define The Soul Of Delhi?
As India's political center and cultural epicenter Delhi permeates with cultural traditions started by its centuries-old history. The civic essence of this lively metropolitan area is expressed through its active markets such as the Red Fort and Qutub Minar and the Humayun's Tomb. These marketplaces demonstrate more than business activities because they present both the cultural variety and historical customs and present-day character of Delhi. Visitors can discover the authentic lifestyle of Delhi residents through the various merchandise available in these market bazaars including street food and handicrafts and textiles and spices. The Vibrant Tapestry of Chandni Chowk A discussion on the markets of Delhi requires starting with Chandni Chowk since it represents the monumental status of one of the oldest living markets in the entire city. Chandni Chowk extends its Mughal-era charm into the present day due to its origin from a marketplace established by Jahanara Begum during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The mock market of Old Delhi provides shoppers with a maze of traditional items including jewelry along with sarees and traditional Indian treats and street dining options. All food enthusiasts need to explore Paranthe Wali Gali inside Chandni Chowk because it consists of unique traditional eateries along its tight passages. The historic street features multiple shops where people eat piping hot parathas containing unusual fillings such as rabri (sweetened milk) and khoya (milk solids) along with fresh fruits. The historical Karim's restaurant situated near Jama Masjid stands out as a famous dining establishment that offers traditional Mughlai cuisine. Kinari Bazaar in Delhi stands out as a destination which offers wedding trousseau along with embellishments and ornate bridal outfits to its guests. At Chandni Chowk visitors experience more than market activities since the area keeps alive traditions from multiple centuries and functions as a center of communal residential culture. The combination of motoring vehicles with yelling street vendors along with cooking smells which express the true core of Delhi makes Chandni Chowk authentically distinctive. Dilli Haat: A Celebration of Indian Crafts Visitors seeking a single destination that presents the wide array of Indian art forms should visit the Dilli Haat market. The Sri Aurobindo Marg location hosts this open-air marketplace which welcomes artists from all areas of the country who present handmade crafts including textiles, pottery, tribal jewelry and woodwork items. Throughout its operation Dilli Haat serves as a marketplace dedicated to artisan craftspeople from rural regions by maintaining honest commercial practices to sustain traditional craft traditions. Each two-week period brings fresh crafts and cuisines to the market which keeps visitors interested in their regular visits. Dilli Haat's food vendors provide customers regional meals that consist of Rajasthani dal-bati-churma and South Indian idlis along with Kashmiri kebabs. Visitors at this Indian market can experience the full spectrum of national traditions because it creates a compact version of the country that pleases regional and international visitors. Sarojini Nagar: Affordable Fashion Paradise Budget shoppers consider Sarojini Nagar Market their perfect shopping destination. Sarojini Nagar Market provides affordable trendy clothing and fashionable accessories and footwear to students and professionals who join families in shopping. South Delhi's Sarojini Nagar offers both counterfeit luxury brand products as well as unique independent designs making it attractive to shopping lovers. Sarojini Nagar's main attraction stems from its constantly evolving inventory since shoppers will encounter different products with every stop. The one essential element at this market is bargaining while achieving discounts creates an essential part of the experience. Customers find excellent deals and diverse styles whether they need dramatic jewelry items or fashionable sunglasses or premium-priced clothes at this marketplace. Lajpat Nagar Central Market: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity The shopping center at Lajpat Nagar Central Market stands as a major attraction point within South Delhi. People can explore traditional stores that sell ethnic behaviors alongside home décor products and puja requirements while enjoying modern café culture at this busy shopping area. This market is celebrated for providing bridal lehengas together with silk sarees and embroidered fabrics which make it the prime selection for wedding and festive ceremonies in the area. Food enthusiasts visiting this place will find various local snacks such as chaat, momos and chole bhature. Multiple dessert establishments operate within the market to provide visitors with delicious desserts such as gulab jamuns and jalebis. Lajpat Nagar showcases Delhi's essential identity by blending modern consumer culture with time-tested customs which symbolize how the city integrates traditional ways of life with developing aspirations. Khari Baoli: Asia's Largest Spice Market The complete understanding of how cultures fuse together in Delhi requires visiting Khari Baoli which stands as Asia's biggest wholesale spice market. Beyond Fatehpuri Masjid in Old Delhi exists this historical marketplace that fills its walls with stacks of scented spices and dried produce along with nuts and vegetables. This market floods the nostrils with the pungent aromas of cardamom which mix beautifully with turmeric and saffron and cumin. Khari Baoli delivers essential connections through its supply chain operations which support restaurant food services collectively with home kitchens along with export activities. Those visiting the market gain valuable knowledge about the essential role that spices play in Indian culinary traditions. Strolling through its tight passageways next to towering blocks of vibrant produce brings visitors a vivid time trip to a bygone era with trading links to distant destinations. Connaught Place: Where Heritage Meets Commerce Connaught Place mainly draws visitors through its upscale shopping scene but the central area keeps several compact retail spaces waiting to be discovered. Inside the underground Palika Bazaar one can find electronic devices along with watches and affordable souvenirs. Backpackers along with souvenir hunters find appeal at Janpath Market where they can access bohemian clothing and both Tibetan artifacts together with semi-precious stones. The combination of Delhi's historic past and modern retail demand finds its best expression in Connaught Place. Her impressive architecture creates a striking visual contrast to the unpredictable neighborhood streets to show how Delhi successfully combines modern development with traditional foundations. Summary The local markets of Delhi function as the metropolitan heart while offering vibrant vitality and living force. These places showcase the continuous struggle for survival along with inventive spirit and change-oriented development while reflecting Delhi's historic growth pattern. Each marketplace in Delhi presents different perspectives on the city's distinctive qualities through its exploration of traditional Chandni Chowk lanes and its display of Indian art at Dilli Haat and its shopping scene at Sarojini Nagar. The bazaars operate as vibrant cultural centers that unite communities together in addition to serving as venues for shopping. One discovers the authentic character of Delhi by becoming fully present in its bustling markets through visual experiences and auditory sensations along with aromatic encounters. The city unveils its authentic character in this location as people find a multi-rooted flower garden of cultural traditions and sensory experiences across different tastes.
