Page 107 - Human Interest
Padma Honours: Gambhir wants to better "human being", Chhetri "hungrier" to perform even better
Gautam Gambhir the "human being" aspires to surpass the cricketer, Sunil Chhetri wants to be "hungrier" whenever when he dons the national colours while Bajrang sought blessings from one and all with an aim to scale greater heights after being nominated for Padma Shri awards. The two-time World champion cricketer, national football captain and reigning Asian Games champion wrestler took to twitter to express their gratitude. "It's an honour I accept with gratitude. But it's an honour which also comes with responsibility. I'm living for the day when Gautam Gambhir the human being beats Gautam Gambhir the cricketer. That will be my day, my award to myself," Gambhir wrote on his twitter page. Chhetri in a series of tweets thanked his family and fans for their support and also indicated that there is no chance of an international retirement round the corner for the second highest goal-getter (among current players) in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo. "Today, I find yet ...
Filled with pride, love: Bollywood celebs wish Happy R-Day
On the 70th Republic Day on Saturday, a slew of celebrities
Gita Mehta declines to accept Padma Shri in election year
Eminent writer Gita Mehta on Saturday declined to accept the Padmi Shri, saying it could be "misconstrued" in an year of major elections. Mehta, who is Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's sister, was awarded the Padma Shri in the field of literature and education. "I am deeply honoured that the Government of India should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I feel I must decline as there is a general election looming and the timing of the award might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment both to the Government and myself, which I would much regret," Mehta said in her statement from New York. Lok Sabha polls in the country as well as state Assembly election in Odisha are due this year. Prominent among the books authored by Mehta are 'Karma Cola', 'A River Sutra', 'Snakes and Ladders: Glimpses of Modern India' and 'Eternal Ganesha: From Birth to Rebirth'. The 76-year-old writer has also produced and/or directed 14 documentaries.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's sister, writer Gita Mehta turns down Padma Shri
Noted writer-filmmaker Gita Mehta who is also the sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declined the Padma Shri award citing the timing of the awards, which comes just ahead of the general elections in India, might be misconstrued.Mehta, 76, was selected for the coveted honour in the category Literature and Education. "I am deeply honoured that the Government of India should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I feel I must decline as there is a general election looming and the timing of the award might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment both to the Government and myself, which I would much regret," Mehta said in a press note issued by her today.Meanwhile, when asked, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik refused to comment specifically but congratulating all those who have been conferred with the honour."I congratulate all the Odias who got the Padma award," he said after participating in a function to mark the Republic Day.Union Ministry of Home ...
Scarlett Moffatt happy to represent curvy girl
Television personality Scarlett Moffatt has vowed to always embrace her curves.
Govt transparent in choosing Padma awardees : Social worker Rajani Kant
Social worker Rajani Kant of Varanasi, who made it to the list of Padma Shri awardees this year, said that there is transparency by the government in choosing the names of the Padma awardees else persons like him could never think of getting it. "It has increased my confidence that the system has been very transparent otherwise people like us never think of getting the award or even getting nominated for it. In 2017, when I was awarded by the Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the nations Intellectual Property for working in field of Geographical Indicators (GI), the government has chosen and picked me by itself and I have never applied for the same," said Rajani Kant."I am thankful to the government for choosing me for Padma award. I have never applied or strived for it but the government itself has selected my name," he added.The Padma awards are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the second, third and fourth highest civilian ...
PM Modi govt recognised my father's talent: Hiralal Yadav's son on Padma Shri
The family members of the 90-year-old vocal-artist Hiralal Yadav from Varanasi, were overwhelmed and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no sooner Yadav's name surfaced among those who will be conferred with Padma Shri award this year.Varanasi is the Parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday announced the names of 112 recipients of the Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country on the eve of the country's 70th Republic Day. Hiralal Yadav's elder son Ramji Yadav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given due recognition to the talent and work of his father which none of the other government recognised. "No government did what Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has done. He has recognised the talent and work of my father which none of the other governments did," said Ramji Yadav. "We are overjoyed. Our dreams have become a reality today. My father finally got what he deserved," he said.The Padma .
ICCW confers bravery awards on 21 children amid tussle with govt
The Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) conferred bravery awards on 21 children on Friday amid a tussle with the government. In the past, the NGO used to select the children for bravery awards, which were presented on Republic Day by the president. But this year, the government distanced itself from ICCW after its financial integrity was questioned by the Delhi High Court during the hearing of a writ petition. The Women and Child Development Ministry has also filed an FIR against the ICCW over alleged embezzlement of funds. The ministry was funding ICCW for the National Creche Scheme as well as the National Bravery Awards. The government also reinvented the national children's awards for this year and included bravery as one of the categories under what is now the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2019'. They awards were presented to 26 recipients on Tuesday. However, ICCW had already selected these children for its awards and held a separate function on Friday to felicitate
L&T's A.M. Naik gets Padma Vibhushan; 3 get other Padma awards
While industry veteran A.M. Naik of the engineering and construction conglomerate L&T group was chosen on Friday for the country's second- highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan, three others were chosen for other Padma awards for their contribution in the field of trade and industry.
Karnataka CM regrets Lingayat seer not being awarded Bharat Ratna
Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday regretted that the Central government did not confer Bharat Ratna on the southern state's iconic Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami, who passed away at Tumakuru on Monday.
Assam CM hails Centre's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday welcomed the Centre's decision to confer the Bharat Ratna posthumously on singer Bhupen Hazarika. In a statement issued here, Sonowal thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring the highest civilian award of the country on the legendary singer from Assam, honouring the long-pending demand of the people of the state and the north-east. "Dr Hazarika, with his message of humanity, was not only a great son of Assam, but of India as a unifier of people of all languages and creed through his contributions to the field of art and culture of the country. He is an inspiration for the new generation to go forward with his message of peace, harmony and brotherhood," Sonowal said, paying rich tributes to the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee. "Bharat Ratna for the Bard of Brahmaputra is a great honour for Assam and its glorious culture. A proud moment for all of us. Congratulations to all," he added. Assam Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and ..
HS Phoolka dedicates Padma Shri award to those working for human rights
Senior advocate and activist HS Phoolka, who chosen for Padma Shri award, dedicated the honour to all those who are working for the protection of human rights.Phoolka, who is widely known for his legal battle to secure justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, further thanked the government of India and President for recognizing his efforts.Speaking to ANI, Phoolka said, "I am grateful to President and the government of India for giving me the award. This award is for everyone who is working for the protection of human rights, who is working for downtrodden and who is working to uphold the rule of law in the country."When asked if he feels that the award is given to him for being active in the legal battle to secure justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Phoolka stated that he has got "absolutely no idea about the same"."I don't know who recommended my name, why they recommended my name. I have absolutely no idea. I am just thankful to the government and ...
J-K: First Kashmiri to receive Ashok Chakra, Nazir Ahmad Wani to be honoured by his colleagues too
Late Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who has been posthumously awarded Indias highest peace time gallantry award 'Ashok Chakra' this Republic Day, will also be honoured by his colleagues and officers at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Headquarters at Rangreth in Budgam. Wani, the first Kashmiri to receive the honour, has been chosen for displaying exceptional courage when his unit engaged heavily-armed terrorists on November 25 last year in Hirapur village near Batgund in Kashmir."We have also decided to honour Wani as he was one of the Kashmiri youths who gives us the message that we have to move forward for the country together with such courage. It is a proud moment for us," CO of 162 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army Rajiv Ranjan Singh told ANI.Hailing from Cheki Ashmuji area of Kulgam district in Kashmir, Wani was once a militant but he gave up the militancy and joined the Territorial Army in 2004 and was later a part of the Rashtriya Rifles.The gallant soldier's widow Mahajabeen
Bhupen Hazarika's family grateful to Central, Assam govt after Bharat Ratna recognition
Late playback singer Bhupen Hazarika's brother Samar Hazarika on Friday expressed gratitude towards the Central and Assam governments after the former was chosen for Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour.Speaking to ANI, Samar said, "We are grateful to the central and the Assam government. They've given him the highest honour. Before his death also, there has been a constant demand in Assam for conferring him with the Bharat Ratna. The Government of India has fulfilled our demand, so we're really happy".Hazarika, who hailed from Assam, was a playback singer, lyricist, musician. He was born on September 8, 1926, and passed away on November 5, 2011.Along with Hazarika, former President Pranab Mukherjee and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh were also chosen for Bharat Ratna.Soon after the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced the award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the singer on Twitter.The Prime Minister tweeted, "The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are ..
Our own has been recognised and honoured: Rahul after Pranab Mukherjee chosen for Bharat Ratna
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday congratulated former President Pranab Mukherjee on being chosen for the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.Rahul said that his party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution to public service and nation building of one of their own, has been recognised and honoured."Congratulations to Pranab Da on being awarded the Bharat Ratna! The Congress Party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution to public service & nation building of one of our own, has been recognised & honoured," Congress president wrote on his Twitter handle.Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid told ANI: "It's government's decision. I celebrate the fact that Pranab Da has got the well-deserved award of Bharat Ratna. I am sure that for others also there are very good reasons. Those contributed to the country's growth and glory being recognised by the country is a welcome sign."Soon after the Rashtrapati Bhavan ...
Cong leaders hail decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Pranab Mukherjee
The Congress on Friday welcomed the decision to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on former president Pranab Mukherjee, saying he was "one of our own" who was being honoured for his contribution. Congratulating Mukherjee, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said he was "one of our own" who was being recognised and honoured for his immense contribution to public service and nation building. "Congratulations to Pranab Da on being awarded the Bharat Ratna. The Congress Party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution to public service and nation building of one of our own, has been recognised and honoured," he said on Twitter. Gandhi also expressed happiness for the Bharat Ratna being conferred on Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh and singer Bhupen Hazarika, both posthumously. "I'm happy that Shri Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh have been honoured, posthumously, with the Bharat Ratna," he tweeted. The opposition party was quick to claim that ...
Padma Vibhushan will encourage to continue my work: Purandare
Noted historian Babasaheb Purandare, known for his research and work on Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, said the Padma Vibhushan awarded to him by the government will encourage him to continue his task further. Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, was Friday awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, for contribution in the field of art-acting-theatre. Purandare said this award is not just an honour but an encouragement and inspiration to continue the work he has been doing for the last 50 years. "Today I am happy and I would like to tell that I am going to stop giving lectures and attending public events. "Henceforth, I am going to study more and would like to take the research and work I have done on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the last 50 years in front of the people," said an elated Purandare. He said besides encouragement and inspiration, what he received is a confidence and belief that there are people who are ..
Pranab Mukherjee among three selected for Bharat Ratna, 112 Padma awards this year
Former president Pranab Mukherjee, Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh and singer Bhupen Hazarika will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna -- the country's highest civilian award, the government announced on Friday. The Bharat Ratna will be conferred after a gap of four years. Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Narendra Modi government in 2015. A Rashtrapati Bhavan communique, on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, said the President was pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) and Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee, fondly known as 'Pranab Da', will be the sixth president to be receive this award. He was the president between 2012 and 2017. The government also announced names of 112 persons, including one transgender, who have been selected for Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri in the fields of art, social work, public ...
Goa lifeguard firm enters Guinness Book for record buoy laying
Lifeguard service provider Drishti Marine has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for laying the longest chain of buoys at the Nexa P1 Powerboat, a statement said on Friday.
Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, Nanaji Deshmukh get Bharat Ratna (Roundup)
The government on Friday night sprang a surprise picking former President Pranab Mukherjee, a Congressman all his life, for the Bharat Ratna, country's highest civilan honour, along with Nanaji Deshmukh, one of the founders of BJP, and eminent Assamese poet and musician Bhupen Hazarika, choices that were perceived to be made with an eye on the coming Lok Sabha elections.