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‘Sikhya Langar’ initiative unveiled to equip Sikh youth with essential skills, professional expertise
An initiative named “Sikhya Langar” has been unveiled towards equipping the Sikh youth with essential skills and professional expertise, Khalsa Vox reported, Khalsa Vox reported. This movement started after a round-table conference held on Monday in Amritsar, under the patronage of Jathedar Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh and spearheaded by the Member of Parliament, Vikramjit Singh Sahney. Representatives from 50 Sikh Sabha Gurdwara Committees and eminent Sikh historians attended the conference to hold discussions regarding strategies to enhance educational opportunities and uplift the Sikh community. The participants unanimously passed resolutions that have been created to shape the course of Sikh education and skill development, according to Khalsa Vox report.  One of the key resolutions stressed that every Gurdwara should allocate a significant portion, particularly 15-20 per cent of its budget towards education initiatives. This allocation would pave the way for the creation of dedicated education committees, tasked with making a comprehensive blueprint for the effective utilization of these funds, Khalsa Vox reported.  By focusing on critical areas such as addressing school dropouts and promoting higher education, these committees aim to foster a nurturing environment for learning and growth within the Sikh community. A central aspect of the “Sikhya Langar” initiative is the setting up of skill development centres in Gurdwaras around the world.   These centres will be developed to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping Sikh youth with essential employability skills. With a strong focus on developing robust industrial connections, these skill centres aim to secure job placements for the youth. The “Sikhya Langar” aims to create a generation of Sikh youth who are academically proficient and equipped with the practical expertise needed to thrive in the modern job market. The initiative envisions a brighter, more prosperous future for all, according to Khalsa Vox report.  The vision set forth at the round-table conference promises to revolutionize the landscape of Sikh education and professional growth. It incorporates the spirit of compassion and service, demonstrating the essence of the Sikh faith, the report said.  The vision is expected to reverberate across the country, leaving a profound effect on generations to come, according to Khalsa Vox report. The “Sikhya Langar” initiative stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Sikh community towards empowering its youth and preparing them to lead with excellence in the changing world.
09 Aug 2023,15:36

Kashmir Art Emporium concludes calligraphy exhibition under 'Know your artisan' initiative
Art Emporium, located in Srinagar, concluded a two-day exhibition under the 'Know your artisan' initiative on Sunday. Organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, the exhibition brought together a captivating display of calligraphy that left visitors from different walks of life enthralled and inspired. At the heart of this artistic extravaganza were two master calligraphers, each with their unique style, drawing an immense audience to the showcase. The first artist, 67-year-old Mohammad Shafi Mir, hails from north Kashmir's Baramulla district. He specializes in paper calligraphy, employing the traditional on-paper approach to create intricate and awe-inspiring pieces. On the other hand, central Kashmir's Srinagar district is home to the second artist, 40-year-old Shahnawaz Ahmad Sofi. Shahnawaz Ahmad Sofi has gained acclaim for his remarkable fusion of calligraphy and carpet weaving, crafting a distinctive blend that mesmerizes onlookers and art enthusiasts alike. The juxtaposition of Mir's classical finesse and Sofi's innovative amalgamation of mediums became the highlight of the exhibition, drawing attention and admiration from all corners. Visitors were treated to a feast of creativity, and the event reverberated with the essence of Kashmir's artistic heritage. Earlier, while inaugurating the exhibition, the Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, expressed the profound significance of such exhibitions in promoting art and supporting talented artists of the Union territory. He emphasized that the event's primary aim was to give a platform to budding artists and foster the growth of art in the region. "It helps us explore new markets, and by this, we are ensuring that our craft travels to the places where it has not reached yet," Shah explained. The event also served as a testament to Srinagar's recognition in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By showcasing innovative art forms and providing a stage for local artisans, the city continues to shine as a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. The exhibition received a warm and enthusiastic response from the visitors, who found such initiatives highly welcoming. Suhail Salim, a visitor, commented, "These initiatives are welcoming and go a long way in not only preserving our rich art and culture but also giving talented artists the recognition they truly deserve." In a world that is constantly evolving, preserving traditional art forms and embracing new artistic expressions become paramount.  The art-emporium">Kashmir Art Emporium's calligraphy exhibition stands as a testament to the region's vibrant artistic community and its commitment to nurturing creativity. As visitors departed the exhibition with hearts full of admiration and appreciation, one thing became abundantly clear - art has the power to transcend barriers, bridge gaps, and unite hearts.
26 Jul 2023,12:49

RGU-Bhoreilli anglers’ initiative on ‘save the only home we have ever known’
The Department of English, Royal Global University (RGU), organised a plantation drive and nature walk in association with Assam (Bhoreilli) Angling & Conservation Association yesterday at Garbhanga Reserve Forest here. The event was meant for celebrating the spirit and theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — “One Earth · One Family · One Future” as well as an extension of Earth Day 2023 celebrations. Earth Day Network India has been inspirational in driving people to make every day an Earth Day. Resource persons- Dipanjol Deka, Secretary Tea Association of India and a Life Member of Assam (Bhoreilli) Angling & Conservation Association accompanied by Naushad Hussain from the same organisation — attended the event and helped participants realise and understand the importance of Garbhanga ecosystem. The drive was convened by Dr Pronami Bhattacharyya, Assistant Professor, Department of English in RGU and Executive Committee member of Assam (Bhoreilli) Angling & Conservation Association. Twenty-six of the department of English volunteered to be a part of this activity. They were accompanied by Pronami Bhattacharyya, Sania Wahid, Assistant Professor, Deptartment of English Following activities marked the event: Distributing badges (designed by student Deepak Chhetri) amongst RGU students and resource persons, introductory lecture on Anthropocene by Dr Pronami Bhattacharyya, trekking (6.7 Kms) and introduction to available bird and flora species in the Reserve Forest by Dipanjol Deka. The trekking culminated at the destination Parijat Academy (Garbhanga), a non-profit school established in 2003 with just four children in a small room with a pair of desks and benches. From a humble beginning, the school has now grown of over 500-students one. Providing free education and the school is on its way towards realizing the dreams and aspirations of poor parents into a reality where children are encouraged to develop positive qualities. The school is named after flower variety Parijat. The Garbhanga branch of the school is a tiny room made of bamboo, divided further into three rooms by half bamboo walls. There are 35 kids (classes 1 & 2) from nearby Karbi villages, who have walked 10-15 kms to come and study here and stay in hostels, which are two tiny bamboo rooms, one for boys and another for girls. With no electricity, post sunset study is almost impossible, making them reply upon a few solar table lamps donated by well-wishers. RGU Students teach and interact with the Parijat Academy kids on their regular syllabus, nature/environment, music etc. The participants of the event also engaged themselves in a plantation drive at a nearby area. They involved Parijat kids to name the saplings to help them develop a bond. They promised to look after the saplings until they become robust enough to survive on their own while RGU students promised to visit from time to time as well. Source: The Shillong Times
09 May 2023,13:31

India pushes for renewable energy initiative with Central Asia
      Despite complementarities, the share of energy exports from Central Asian countries to India remains minuscule, said Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, at the webinar: India- Central Asia Business Council Webinar on Energy Cooperation, organised by FICCI.   Wilsonbabu alluded to India's substantial progress and initiatives, notably, the installed renewable energy capacity, which stood fourth largest globally, and stated that the "share of non-fossil fuel energy has reached 40% of India's energy mix."   "India stands ready to share its experience and expertise in renewable energy and welcome the Central Asian countries in the International Solar Alliance and the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative," he added.   However, he noted that "India remains dependent on fossil fuel imports" and underlined "the need for enhanced connectivity between India and Central Asia." He averred that Central Asian countries endowed with rich natural resources could enhance trade ties with India in the energy space. "Turkmenistan is among the top-five countries of the world in proven reserves of natural gas, Tajikistan has substantial reserves of crude oil, and considerable reserves of natural gas are found in Uzbekistan. In addition, the mountainous countries of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have a huge hydropower potential," he added.   Dinesh D. Jagdale, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, also spoke on occasion. He said, "India is implementing one of the largest and the fastest energy transition programmes by focusing on large-scale development and deployment of renewable energy." He noted that India had achieved 40 per cent of its installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources nine years ahead of schedule. "India has gained a lot in RE experience, and we will be happy to include this as a part of our exchange capacity-building programmes," he said.   He added that by 2030, we expect renewable energy to become the front runner in the overall energy mix. "For it to happen," he said, "we need to work on storage elements and hydropower." Joint Secretary Jagdale noted, "Some Central Asian countries have much more hydro potential. So we will also be very keen to look at the opportunities there as well."   Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, said, "a special place is given to the growth of electricity generation, including projects of renewable energy sources (in Uzbekistan)," adding, "one of the main aims is to increase the installed capacity of solar and wind power plants to 8GW by 2026."   Noting the Indian initiatives in the renewables space, Akhatov said, "Uzbekistan is ready to establish cooperation with India on the implementation of joint projects or the production of solar modules, batteries for energy storage and the production of other renewable   Representatives from chambers of commerce from Central Asian countries and industry persons also spoke on occasion. Source: The Economic Times
28 Aug 2022,17:49

Quad unveils new initiative to monitor maritime activity across Indo-Pacific
      Four-nation grouping Quad on Tuesday launched a major new initiative for the Indo-Pacific that allows the partner countries to fully monitor the waters on their shores and help ensure peace and stability in the region, a move that comes amid China's increasingly intimidatory behaviour. The announcement on the rollout of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) came at the end of the second in-person Quad summit attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.         A joint statement by the four leaders said the IPMDA will support and work in consultation with Indo-Pacific nations and regional information fusion centres in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands by providing technology and training to support shared maritime domain awareness to promote stability and prosperity. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and vowed to work "tirelessly to deliver tangible results" for the region. "The IPMDA embodies what the Quad stands for: catalysing our joint efforts towards concrete results that help to make the region more stable and prosperous," it said. The leaders also announced the establishment of the 'Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the Indo-Pacific' that is aimed at further strengthening collaboration to effectively respond to disasters in the region. According to a White House fact sheet, the IPMDA will offer a "near-real-time, integrated, and cost-effective" maritime domain awareness picture and it will transform the ability of partners in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region to fully monitor the waters on their shores, and, in turn, "uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific”. It said the new initiative will allow tracking of 'dark shipping' and other tactical-level activities, such as rendezvous at sea. "Quad countries are committed to contributing to the region's maritime domain awareness -- a fundamental requirement for peace, stability, and prosperity -- through investment in IPMDA over five years. “The partnership will innovate upon existing maritime domain awareness efforts, rapidly bringing emerging technologies to bear for the greater good of the Indo-Pacific community," the White House said. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea. The White House said the IPMDA will build a faster, wider, and more accurate maritime picture of near-real-time activities in the waters of its partners. "This common operating picture will integrate three critical regions -- the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region -- in the Indo-Pacific. The benefits of this picture are vast: it will allow tracking of 'dark shipping' and other tactical-level activities, such as rendezvous at sea, as well as improve partners' ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies," the White House said. It said the IPMDA will harness commercially-available data using existing technologies. "Through a combination of automatic identification system and radio-frequency technologies, Quad partners can provide an unprecedented 'common thread' of activities. Because of its commercial origin, this data will be unclassified, allowing the Quad to provide it to a wide range of partners who wish to benefit," it said. It said existing support infrastructure for information-sharing such as the Information Fusion Cente for Indian Ocean Region in India, the Information Fusion Center based in Singapore; the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency based in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific Fusion Center, based in Vanuatu, could be part of the initiative.   The White House said the Quad partners will begin immediate consultations on the opportunity with partners in the region. "As the initiative proceeds, the Quad will identify future technologies of promise, allowing IPMDA to remain a cutting-edge partnership that promotes peace and stability throughout the region," it said. In their statement, the Quad leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and emphasised the importance of fundamental values and principles. They also expressed their commitment to work tirelessly to deliver "tangible results" to the region. "In doing so, we will regularise the Quad activities, including regular meetings by the leaders and foreign ministers. We agree to hold our next in-person summit in 2023 hosted by Australia," they said. The Quad leaders on Tuesday also strongly opposed any coercive, provocative or unilateral actions that seek to change status quo and increase tensions in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their resolve to uphold the international rules-based order, amidst China's growing assertiveness in the region. "We strongly oppose any coercive, provocative or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo and increase tensions in the area, such as the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities," said a joint statement issued after the meeting. It said the Quad is committed to cooperation with partners in the region who share the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. "We will champion adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the maintenance of freedom of navigation and overflight, to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas," the statement said. The summit took place at a time when the relations between China and the Quad member countries have become tense, with Beijing increasingly challenging democratic values and resorting to coercive trade practices. Relations between India and China nose-dived after the Eastern Ladakh standoff in 2020 following Beijing moving thousands of troops to several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) which was strongly objected to and resisted by New Delhi. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region. "We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force, any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, and freedom of navigation and overflight, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and to the world," the joint statement said. The Quad will continue to act decisively together to advance these principles in the region and beyond, the statement said as it reaffirmed the four-nation grouping's resolve to uphold the international rules-based order where countries are free from all forms of military, economic and political coercion.   Source: rediff.com
26 May 2022,20:43

'Bangabandhu Corner' is an aesthetic initiative of Mujib's practice
Bangabandhu Corner-A new attempt to practice 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' in Bangladesh. Going to the father of the nation for a while in the busiest life. This initiative has recently expanded beyond the borders of Bangladesh and reached new heights in the international arena. Bangabandhu Corners have been set up in Bangladesh missions in different countries, most recently Mujib Corners have been inaugurated at Press Clubs in New Delhi and Kolkata. What is Bangabandhu Corner? In a word, the aim of Bangabandhu's practice is to present Bangabandhu with various materials including books and pictures in one place. Going to Bangabandhu in leisure time on the way or in the gap of work. To put it more clearly, spending some time with the father of the nation of Bangladesh. And this initiative was started by a banker named Shams-ul-Islam. In this context, the history of Bangabandhu practice in Bangladesh needs to be highlighted. After the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family in 1975, the occupiers of power conspired to take the country towards Pakistan and even tried to form a confederation with Pakistan. The history of the war of liberation was changed and Bangabandhu was exiled. Naming is also considered a heinous crime. The democratic secular constitution drafted in the spirit of the war of liberation was Islamized by military decree. Secularism, one of the four basic principles of the constitution, was abolished, and Islam was later made the state religion.  The idea was also propagated that it was not Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but Ziaur Rahman who declared independence, Major of Pakistan Army in 1971 and later General, Chief of Army Staff. Neither Mujib nor his party Bangladesh Awami League has any role in the liberation struggle of Bangladesh. The slogan of the liberation war 'Joy Bangla' was banned. Military dictators also destroyed the blood ties that Bangladesh had with India during the war of liberation. In a word, the conspiracy was to wipe out Bangabandhu and Bangladesh from the war of liberation. After the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family in 1975, the Awami League led by Bangabandhu was kept out of power for 21 long years. The architect of Bangladesh too. After the Awami League came to power with the people in the 1996 elections, Sheikh Hasina started trying to bring the country back to the line of the liberation war. Though the planned conspiracy to keep the new generation away from the war of liberation and Bangabandhu came to an end, the defeated Pakistani trend was not completely eradicated. However, opportunities arose for the war of liberation and the practice of Bangabandhu. Apart from the BNP-Jamaat rule from 2001 to 2006 and the covert military rule of 2006-2007, the nation was reborn in 2009 and the Awami League returned to power. The new journey started on the path of liberation war consciousness. By removing all obstacles, the way to rediscover Bangabandhu became easy. I began to research and write. Various books on the liberation war and Bangabandhu were published. Bangabandhu came up anew in the seminar discussion. Bangabandhu Corner is an exceptional initiative in its continuity. While Mohammad Shams-ul-Islam was the General Manager of Sylhet Circle of the state-owned Agrani Bank, Bangabandhu Corner was started on a limited scale. He himself said he was sceptical of success. But from the beginning, he got a positive response. His idea later spread to the head office of Ansar-VDP Unnayan Bank, when he was the managing director of the bank. This initiative took a more aesthetic form at the head office of Agrani Bank. After Shams-ul-Islam took over as the managing director and chief executive of the bank, Bangabandhu Corner was set up on the seventh floor of the bank building. There are more than 400 books written about Bangabandhu and the liberation war, three albums of Bangabandhu's pictures, a big picture, magazine, CD and a bronze sculpture weighing 118 kg. If you stand beside this sculpture, it seems that Bangabandhu is beside you. Shams-ul-Islam said, "I showed the picture of Bangabandhu Corner to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on one occasion. She looked at the pictures attentively and praised them." It serves as motivation. And in an effort to expand the initiative. Mr Islam, the inventor of Bangabandhu Corner, told the story behind the initiative. After independence, Bangabandhu merged Habib Bank and Commerce Bank of Pakistan and established Agrani Bank. If there was Pakistan, I could be a junior officer in any bank. Pakistan's 23-year history testifies, not more. With the rise of independent Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu, I have become the highest official of a bank today. Bengalis are getting a chance to stand with their heads held high. Being able to utilize talent and skills. He said that great efforts were made to erase Bangabandhu and the war of liberation from the minds of the people of Bangladesh, but it was not possible. After the assassination of Bangabandhu, a vacuum was naturally created. After 21 years, when the forces of the liberation war came to power, the country started its journey in the right direction under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. In this great work, I have tried to join with a new thought. My initiative is very small, but I am proud to be able to inspire busy people to spend some time with Bangabandhu. I think this is a step towards making Bangabandhu our companion in our busy time. Bangabandhu Corner has already been set up in almost all corporate offices, educational institutions and embassies and press clubs in the country. The government has decided to set up Bangabandhu Corners in libraries in all educational institutions of the country. In this way, interest is being created to know Bangabandhu. The practice is growing. Bashudeb Dhar: President, Indian Media Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (IMCAB)
26 May 2022,15:34

‘MasterChef India’ winner joins govt’s initiative to promote tourism in J-K
‘MasterChef India’ winner and celebrity chef Pankaj Bhadouria recently gave a live demonstration of her cooking skills in Kashmiri cuisine to delegates from foreign countries as part of a tourism promotional program organised by the union ministry of tourism. The students of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Srinagar also got a chance to see the famous chef in action. Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 14 (ANI): ‘MasterChef India’ winner and celebrity chef Pankaj Bhadouria recently gave a live demonstration of her cooking skills in Kashmiri cuisine to delegates from foreign countries as part of a tourism promotional program organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism. The students of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Srinagar also got a chance to see the famous chef in action. Bhadouria was among the tourism delegation who visited Kashmir Valley for a three-day visit that ended on Tuesday. An important part of the visit was the live cooking demonstrations given by renowned chefs of the country, aimed at boosting tourism by promoting India’s food culture. During the three-day visit, the delegation visited a number of places including Asia’s largest tulip garden in Kashmir and the world-famous Dal Lake where they enjoyed a ‘Shikara ride’. Bhadouria said, ” Culinary tourism is a very important part of tourism. Other than the scenic beauty and history of a place it is food that attracts people.” “What do people do when they visit Japan? They will be hoping through Sushi bars and they do the same in Vietnam. Then why not appreciate and promote Indian food?” “Organising food festivals and promoting local cuisines will give a boost to tourism. 30 per cent of all tourism is culinary tourism,” she stated. Yaseen Reshi, a Kashmiri chef, lauded the event and said that more of such programs should be done for a meaningful cultural exchange. “A delegation from Delhi has come and Chef Pankaj a part of that delegation is demonstrating Kashmiri dishes for them aiming to promote Kashmiri cuisines. People from among us should become brand ambassadors for our cuisine,” he said adding that local chefs are very few who can promote Kashmiri cuisine and hence “foreign chefs should learn our cuisine and we should learn theirs paving way for a cultural exchange”. Qazi Shabir, Principal of Institute of Hotel Management, said, “The celebrity chefs will do a live performance at the institute for the students. Today we have Pankaj Bhadhura winner of Master chef in 2010 and I am sure it will be a motivation to our students.” Toiba, a student of IHM said, “We got to know that a renowned chef is coming here, so naturally we were intrigued. She has conducted a large number of shows and is very knowledgeable. This is a wonderful opportunity for us.” Bett, a delegate from Kenya said, “The place, culture and food is exceptional. It is an honour to be here and I will ask Kenyans to come here. I promise to come back again.” (ANI)
16 Apr 2021,00:38

An exceptional initiative to distribute new books free of cost
The students of primary and secondary schools are not able to participate the ‘book festival’ on the very first day of the new year due to coronavirus pandemic situation in the country. In that case the teachers are bringing new books at the door steps of the students. Taking books students are engulfed with joy. Teachers are thinking that this is a new initiative to distribute books. Learning activities are not stopped in this pandemic situation due to different initiatives taken by the government. Teachers are taking classes through online and television. Cumilla High School has taken an exceptional initiative to distribute new books in the new year. Teachers of the school are bringing books at the door steps of the students boarded on rickshaw van. On Friday a group of teachers of Cumilla High School reached at the homes of students with books on rickshaw van at Chanpur area of Cumilla town. They distributed books according to the list. They also brought books on hands where road for rickshaw was not available. After getting the new books a student of Cumilla High School Abul Hasan said, we used to go to school to collect new books in the new year but in this year teachers are giving books going door to door. This is not bad. In this regard Headmaster of Cumilla High School Md. Humayun Kabir said, book festival was not held due to corona pandemic. So we are delivering books at the door steps of the students. Education is the most affected sector in this pandemic situation. In spite of that education ministry is handing over textbooks to the students. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the activities on Thursday. AH   
01 Jan 2021,21:43
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