Latest news with #Vishwaguru
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Haryana Makes Gita Verse Recitation Compulsory In School Morning Prayers
Haryana School Education Board has made Gita verse recitation compulsory in school prayers, aiming to instil values like discipline, focus and moral guidance. The Haryana School Education Board has asked all schools in the state to include the recitation of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita verses during their daily morning prayers. In a letter to school principals, the Board's Chairman said that reading these verses will help in the overall growth of students. The Board believes that the teachings of the Gita provide moral and spiritual lessons that can guide young minds. This step aims to teach values like discipline, responsibility, and concentration to schoolchildren. 'The motive behind introducing the recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses to school prayer meetings is that children should learn from the spirituality and the knowledge that the scripture holds in abundance and follow them in their daily life to benefit society," Pawan Kumar, HSEB Chairman, said. 'We want to see a change in future generations that will become an example to the world and help India become the Vishwaguru, as PM Modi has also said. In olden times, people from all over the world used to come to India to gain spiritual knowledge. India's spiritual knowledge is the best in the world," he added. The new rule will apply to both government and private schools that are part of the Haryana School Education Board (HSEB). Principals have been told to make sure that selected verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita are read regularly during morning assemblies. This step is part of the state's ongoing efforts to bring cultural and value-based education into schools. While some teachers welcome the move for its moral teachings, others may question the use of religious texts in public education. Officials have said that the verses will be shared in a way that highlights their educational and philosophical meaning, not religious teachings. Schools in Haryana are expected to start following this rule from the next academic term. view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 08:46 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Unity across castes, religion key to becoming Vishwaguru, says Ashok Gehlot
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot asserted that India's dream of being a Vishwaguru will be realised only when people across castes and religions are united. He said that unity among people of all castes and religions can be achieved only through social justice. "I believe everyone should have a mindset like Rahul Gandhi, then only the nation will be strengthened. We talk about becoming the Vishwaguru. The dream of becoming Vishwaguru will be fulfilled when people of all castes and religions are united. And we will be united when social justice is served," Gehlot said while talking to reporters here. Gehlot on Saturday praised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue of caste census, following which the Union Government has agreed to conduct it. He mentioned that India cannot become a world leader until untouchability is removed from society. The Congress leader held a meeting of the Congress OBC Cell on Saturday at the State Congress Office (PCC) in Jaipur. Along with Ashok Gehlot, the National Chairman of the OBC Department of the Congress, Anil Jaihind, and the State President, Harshaya Yadav, were present at the meeting. "Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of caste census, and now the government has to do it. Untouchability still exists in the country, how can India become a world leader until there is equality in the society?", Ashok Gehlot said. Gehlot stated that everyone should understand the "essence" of Rahul Gandhi and asserted that social justice should be the basic thinking of every citizen of the country. "The beauty of India in the world is its diversity. Flowers of every colour are the pride of this country. Everyone has to understand the essence of Rahul Gandhi. Social justice should be the basic thinking of every citizen. We started social justice in Rajasthan, we took many steps like giving pension to the employees of Delhi", Gehlot said. The Central government had announced that the Population Census-2027 will be conducted in two phases, and will also include the enumeration of castes.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mukesh Khanna debut in Gujarati film 'Vishwaguru': I would definitely love to do more Gujarati films- EXCLUSIVE
The upcoming Gujarati film 'Vishwaguru' is all set to release on 1st August 2025. Directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Soni and written by Kirti Bhai and Atul Soni. The music is composed by Mehul Surti. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Gaurav Paswala, Krishna Bhardwaj, Mukesh Khanna , Prashant Barot, Makarand Shukla, Sonu Chandrapal, Shraddha Dangar , Hina Jaikishan, Rajeev Mehta, Dharmesh Vyas, Jani Bhavini, Chetan Daiya, Sonali Lele, and Kurush Debu in key roles. The cast and crew of the film are currently promoting it across various cities in Gujarat. Interestingly, veteran Hindi film actor Mukesh Khanna has made his debut in Gujarati cinema with this project. To learn more about his role and experience working in a Gujarati film for the first time, ETimes caught up with the actor for an exclusive interview. How did you say yes to a Gujarati film? Was there something special in the script? To be honest, I don't usually do regional films, especially if I'm not comfortable with the language. Since I'm known for my dialogues, language plays a very important role in my performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Initially, I had said no for very reason for this film. But the makers were very keen and assured me that I could deliver all my dialogues in Hindi. In fact, I'm the only character in the film who speaks in Hindi throughout. I play the role of a Bureau Chief who is part of a very important mission. When I finally heard the full story, I found it to be quite unique, it had something different, something special. The film beautifully combines elements of spirituality and suspense, and that blend really connected with me. That's what convinced me to say yes to 'Vishwaguru'. How comfortable were you speaking in Gujarati? I didn't have to speak in Gujarati at all in this film, all my dialogues are in Hindi. The makers were clear from the beginning that I would speak only in Hindi, which made me comfortable taking up the role. My character, along with his team, is focused on solving a important mission in the story. Your take about Gujarati cinema? "I've known about Gujarati cinema for a long time. My dear friend Kiran Kumar bhai ji has done many Gujarati films, and I've always admired his work. Today, I feel Gujarati cinema is finally getting the recognition it deserves on a national level. A new era has begun, the stories, the scale, and the presentation have all evolved. Even with Vishwaguru, the film is made in both Gujarati and Hindi. In the Hindi version, all the characters speak in Hindi, not just me, which makes the film more accessible and understandable to a wider audience. It's not just a regional film anymore; it's a pan-India film with universal appeal. It may have roots in Gujarat, but its message goes far beyond. You are a nationally loved figure for your iconic TV roles — how different was it to be part of a regional language film? I've been working in this industry for over 40 years, from 'Mahabharat' and 'Shaktimaan', my journey has always been driven by meaningful content and powerful performances. I've done only around 60 films in four decades because I'm extremely choosy about my work. I never say yes unless I know exactly what my role is and what value I'm adding to the story. For me, performance is everything and a major part of that is voice and dialogue delivery. I take my dialogues very seriously. In fact, I believe your voice is 60% of your performance. If your voice doesn't land well, the audience won't connect. We often overlook their importance. Voice training is essential for every actor, it can elevate an ordinary scene into something memorable. Even though Vishwaguru is a regional language film, I was very conscious about how my performance would translate. Thankfully, I was given the freedom to speak in Hindi, which allowed me to maintain the depth and impact of my character. That's why I agreed to be a part of this film. How different was your experience working in a Gujarati film compared to other regional or Hindi films? Do you plan to do more work in Gujarati cinema in the future if opportunities align? I've worked in two Telugu films and one Malayalam film. People often think I'm very strict, but I believe before being an actor, you are a human being first. For me, every role and every dialogue matters, whether big or small. I once even refused an international film because I wasn't convinced by the script. I don't get swayed by big names, a big director or producer doesn't influence my decision. What matters to me is what I am doing in the film, what I'm contributing to the story. If I come across a strong script, I would definitely love to do more Gujarati films. But I will choose them the same way I've always chosen my work. What would you like to say to your Gujarati fans who are waiting to see you on screen? Gujarat has always held a special place in my heart. The love and respect I received here for Mahabharat and Shaktimaan has been overwhelming. I've had the honour of being present at the Rajyabhishek ceremony of Shri Narendra Modi for 3 times. Though I studied Marathi in school, I must say I speak Gujarati better than Marathi! That's the kind of connection I have with this land and its people. To all my Gujarati fans, this is a good film, and I'm sure you'll enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it. Mukesh Khanna clarifies after getting criticised for his #MeToo remark
The Print
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Bhagwant Mann doubles down on attack on Modi's 5-nation trip—'don't we have the right to question MEA?'
Earlier, Mann, Thursday, told the press, 'God knows which countries he [Modi] keeps visiting—'Magnesia,' 'Galveaisa,' 'Tarvesia' … countries where the population is 10,000. In India, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB machine,' drawing criticism from the MEA. The controversy, however, continued Friday. 'The MEA has reacted to my statement. Don't we have the right to question the MEA about our foreign policy? Which countries are you visiting? Do those countries support us later? When our relations with Pakistan went sour, not a single nation supported us. Why are you taking rounds of the world?' Mann asked during his speech. Chandigarh: A day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation trip as 'irresponsible' and 'unwarranted,' Mann doubled down in the Punjab state assembly Friday, asserting his right to question India's foreign policy. Not one to back down, Mann repeated in the assembly, 'The nations the PM visits, we haven't even heard of—'Magnesia,' 'Talvesia,' 'Galveaisa.' We don't know where these countries are, yet the PM is receiving their highest honours. Their population is 9,500. I only said that many people stop to watch a JCB in India. The PM should stay here, where the population is 140 crore, and solve their problems.' 'If you can stop the Russia-Ukraine war, why can't you stop the fight between Punjab and Haryana? The PM doesn't want the fight to stop; he wants it to go on forever. Haryana is our younger brother. This is a big political game, which is getting exposed,' Mann added. 'Our people are fighting over drinking water and sewage, and you're talking about Chandrayaan,' he added, critiquing Modi's focus on the Moon mission. 'First, fulfil the basic needs of our people, give us our fundamental rights, then you can go and become Vishwaguru.' '[The PM wants] to become Vishwaguru, but they don't even send him invitations to swearing-in ceremonies. He goes around uninvited. It seems when the PM's plane flies over a nation, he asks, 'What nation is this?' and says, 'Let's land there,'' Mann said, as assembly members burst into laughter. 'The PM can get off in any country. He went to Pakistan, had biryani, and came back. But we cannot go there; he can,' Mann said, referring to Modi's 2015 visit to Lahore. He added, 'Punjab gets orders on when to have good relations with Pakistan and when to stop.' 'Diljit Dosanjh's film included a Pakistani artist months before the unfortunate Pahalgam incident, and the shooting for the film ended long ago, but the film is yet to be released, claiming that he's a traitor. Sometimes we're Sardars, sometimes we're gaddars [traitors]. You'll give us certificates of patriotism? We're sick of these games,' Mann said, referring to criticism of Diljit Dosanjh's unreleased film Sardaar Ji 3, reportedly starring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. Mann's speech came during a discussion on a resolution to withdraw the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) deployed at the Bhakra Nangal Dam, amid the Punjab-Haryana water dispute. Mann called the CISF presence symbolic of the Centre's interference in Punjab's riparian rights. Responding to Mann's initial remarks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X on 10 July: 'We have seen comments by a high state authority about India's relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable, and do not befit the state authority. The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India's ties with friendly countries.' Addressing a press conference after the end of the Friday's proceedings, Mann, however, defended himself, saying, 'I want to know what he [Modi] went for—what did he achieve? Wherever he goes, Adani starts doing business there. This means someone is taking him there. Why not admit you're going to help someone with their business deals? I will question this. It's my right. No nation supported us against Pakistan, and the PM has taken three rounds of the world.' Responding to a separate question on an FIR against cabinet ministers Aman Arora and Harpal Cheema by Chandigarh Police on the complaint of Congress politician and Punjab assembly Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Mann said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had once been declared 'tadipar', and still, held such a key post now. 'Let FIRs be lodged against us. We don't care, even if they arrest us,' he added. Reacting to Mann's statements against the PM and the HM, BJP leader Sunil Jakhar said in a video message that the Punjab CM spoke like a power-drunk man.'When a person's shadow starts becoming larger than his stature, it means the Sun is about to set. When a person's tongue becomes longer than his status, it means the downfall of that person has begun,' said Jakhar. PM Modi returned to India Thursday from a five-nation tour from 2–9 July to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, including the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Four of the five nations—Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and Namibia—conferred their highest civilian awards on Modi. Since returning to power for a third term in June 2024, Modi has received 13 awards from other countries, including the Order of St Andrew from Russia, the Order of Freedom from Barbados, and the Order of Mubarak the Great from Kuwait. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Months after mass deportations by Trump 2.0, ED raids in Punjab, Haryana find dunki rackets still thriving
The Wire
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
India Did Go to the G7, But It is Still Alarmingly Isolated in the World
Now that the G7 summit is done and dusted, we may try to assess whether it has helped India break its disastrous isolation that Operation Sindoor revealed. , prime minister Narendra Modi did get a last-minute invitation to join the G7, but not as a participant – only as an observer. There was jubilation among his lesser-informed fans, fanned also by his multi-million rupee IT cells and the enthralled majority in Indian media. The narrative was that he is too important not to be invited and that India is not isolated, or never was. It is, was and continues to remain the Vishwaguru. Facts, unfortunately, speak otherwise and the drift is just too stark, even for jaundiced eyes to miss. History will surely contrast India's current isolation with the post-colonial decades (1940s to 1960s), when Jawaharlal Nehru and India strode like a colossus among the newly liberated nations. Her draconian Emergency notwithstanding, Indira Gandhi will never be forgotten for giving India its finest hour in 1971 by dismembering Pakistan and forcing 93,000 troops to surrender in Dhaka. These are the stuff of legends – however much we dispute, denigrate or deny. The present 'hyphenation' of India with Pakistan, an almost failed state, is a deliberate insult inflicted on Modi's India to cut to a realistic size and to taunt a drum-beaten narrative that we are almost a superpower. True, India's self respect was salvaged when PM Modi was invited by the new Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney – of Harvard and Oxford, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and then of England, overrode objections from cantankerous Sikh separatists. But to what effect? America, the very fulcrum of G7, disappeared from the scene after Trump gave just a sneering glance and left – to avoid the overtures of the European heads, keen to catch his ear, to drill some sense. Not only could Modi not hug his dear Donald for photo ops, but he had to gulp the ignominy of watching the big man wine and dine his bête noire, the dreadful de facto ruler of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This lunch may have been offered to distance him from Iran, but now that the wily soldier has declared publicly that Trump must get the Nobel Prize for peace, the blonde man is just swooning. All of Modi's efforts to woo him with delirious Indian crowds screaming ' Abki baar, ' at Houston's 'Howdy, Modi' bash has gone down the drain. The bells have been clanging quite cacophonously for India – when, after hyphenating and equating Pak with India, the west-dominated the UN Security Council went a step forward to torpedo India's righteous indignation at Pakistan sponsored terrorism that killed 26 innocents at Pahalgam. India's screams notwithstanding, the UN Security Council declared Munir's Pakistan to be the vice chair of the committee to combat terrorism. "Friend" Russia looked on, with a smirk, as India's recent track record of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds backfired. It hurts all of us and more tragic is the fact that even after two full months, India could neither produce evidence before the international community. Nor could it enforce 'accountability at the highest levels' for the "intelligence failure" at Pahalgam that India's former Army chief, General Shankar Roychowdhury, had openly declared and . The UN Security Council also appointed Pakistan as chair of the Taliban sanctions committee. This is not only ironic, but a repayment with compound interest. In fact, Human Rights Watch, an international organisation that 'new' India reviles for its constant criticism of India's track record over the last 11 years, had boldly recorded Pakistani involvement with the Taliban, long ago. It said: 'Pakistan's army and intelligence services, principally the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI), contribute to making the Taliban a highly effective military force'. But, since then, much water has flowed down the Indus, on which India has no tap, despite our current bluster to stop water. We chose not to hear these bells and blame it all on the Trump family's commercial interest in World Liberty Financial's new deal with Pakistan – to make it 'the crypto capital of South Asia" and a "global leader in the digital finance revolution." Back to our theme that India is completely isolated, especially after Operation Sindoor, we sifted through every phrase uttered at the pined-for G7 summit but could find not a word of support for India's justified war on terror. Even the Pahalgam attack was taken up by G7 only after India launched its operation against Pakistan. On the third day of the furious battle of aircrafts, missiles and drones (with no boots on the ground), the G7 did wake to 'strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22' without pointing fingers. But G7's chief focus was to 'urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan' (note how both are equated) and to 'call for immediate de-escalation and …engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome.' This is when the calculated blunderbuss Trump walked in to claim he pulled apart the two fighting children. To drive home USA's infatuation with Pakistan, the US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla said that America appreciates Munir's cooperation against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS‑KP). At the G7 Summit, nations waited for Trump to ramp up pressure on Russia and the Group was ready to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $ 60 to $ 45 dollars per barrel. This would drastically decrease Russia's oil revenues that financed its war in Ukraine. Not only did Trump veto the proposal (rewarding Putin) but he expressed his undisguised annoyance at G7 for dropping Russia from the original G8. Those Indian GDP enthusiasts who swear that high GDP means world power may note that Russia figures nowhere in the list of top 10 GDP countries. These consist of the G7 ones and China, India and Brazil. So, India's fourth GDP rank counts for so little in the Game of Thrones. Salt on wounds do not seem to stop as Trump is even reported to have suggested inclusion of China into a new G9. Wasn't he at Xi Jinping's throat – until the latter kicked his anatomy where it hurts the most? India's foreign office must surely have noted Trump's penchant for kissing those who behave the worst. Remember how passionately he had wooed the terribly unreliable Kim Jongun of North Korea? But not even mentioning India to expand it to G 10 is a diabolical outrage, meant to wake us up to play rugger the way he does. Incidentally, this G7 summit was among the rarest – from which no joint communique could be issued – so fragmented are the big boys. It is time for India to assiduously befriend just two of the European four and try to strengthen positive relations with Japan to the next level. If China and Türkiye can stand rock-like behind Pakistan, India can not be so hopelessly isolated that not one major country comes out boldly, as an all-weather friend. Well, PM Modi did get a day's rest in Canada when the leaders of G7 huddled together, without the other 'invitees'. He figured not in the actual G7 photo, but in that of the extended group – standing somewhere on the second row, looking lost as others were busy networking. It goes, however, to a dignified, erudite Canadian PM's credit that he kept the few handful of Sikh agitators at bay and took positive steps to normalise relations with India. And, surely, PM Modi must have held bilateral talks with most – and one sincerely hopes that they begin to matter. After all, his visit to a record total of 74 countries so far could not persuade even one country– even Guyana or Fiji or Papua New Guinea would do, to begin with – to come out and say that they condemn Pakistan's terrorists and support India's retaliation. Also read: Rousing Rhetoric for Diaspora, Tourist Spot Visits, Courting Domestic Voter Base: What MPs Did Abroad The hyper-publicised seven 'all party' delegations are back home after visiting 32 countries. My former colleagues in parliament must all be tired. But the 31 political leaders from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) must now be happy that Modi has finally cast his benevolent gaze at them – after excluding most, for years together, from either importance or power. The 20 politicians from 'other parties' are also grateful for this unique world tour and one of them weaponised it against the detractors in his party. Fine, but it is doubtful if even one of the 32 countries visited would stand up for India. But politics is politics and neither performance nor results matter – something else does. That's why I left it. We have taken the PM and his prickly, ultra-pontificating foreign minister to task in the earlier piece for landing us in such a friendless world. But we also have to admit that there is surely a strong malicious tinge in this west's disaffirmation of India's indisputable economic elevation. India's manufactured superpower narrative is also hot air, because economic growth is only one factor. History shows that no nation has ever been conferred a place on the high table without facing initial scorn, condescension and trial by fire. England, for instance, was just pooh-poohed as a nation of shopkeepers until Poseidon (or Varun) intervened with unruly storms in 1588, for Francis Drake to defeat the invincible Spanish Armada. But, England continued to face ridicule from the continental powers that dominated land warfare and its conquests in India and elsewhere attributed to a cocktail of fluke and bribery. It was only after Wellington managed to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, with dollops of timely assistance from Field Marshal Blucher and his merciless Prussian cavalry that England mattered. If we look intently at each one of the other nations of G7, we will understand how much blood and gore they have gone through in the past centuries. In fact, the dropped-out eighth nation, Russia, alone has witnessed more death and devastation than any other country. What is more relevant is that the entire population of these nations was involved and every village lost her sons. There was, therefore, no time for pampered citizens to indulge in warmongering from air-conditioned homes. Those mercenary TV anchors who won imaginary victories in Pakistan (and their counterparts there) have brought shame to the profession and are now a laughing stock among informed global citizens. India's isolation is a current reality and while we break out of it with all we have in us, we must also realise that 'demeaning an upstart' is left-handed recognition. The rest of the nation's journey up is long, perilous and, hopefully, less violent. Jawhar Sircar is a former Rajya Sabha MP of the Trinamool Congress. He was earlier Secretary, Government of India, and CEO of Prasar Bharati.
