<ul><li>On March 21, Indian Railways inaugurated its latest tour package under the Bharat Gaurav scheme — a 15-day train journey covering India’s northeastern states. </li><li>Bharat <keyword id="16955191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaurav-tour" source="Orion">Gaurav tour</keyword> trains are a form of tour package which includes services like off-board travel and excursions by buses, hotel stays, tour guides, meals, travel insurance, etc. </li><li>The first Bharat Gaurav train commenced on June 14, 2022, from Coimbatore to Shirdi. </li><li>As of March 17, 2023, 26 trips of Bharat Gaurav trains have been operated covering around 22 states and four Union Territories.</li></ul>On March 21, Indian Railways inaugurated the latest Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train – designed to take travelers through the northeastern states, as part of the ‘North East Discovery: Beyond Guwahati’ theme. The 15-day train tour will <a href="https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/railways/bharat-gaurav-train-on-north-east-circuit-commences-its-15-day-tour-to-cover-5-ne-states/98903595">cover </a>Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Kaziranga in Assam, Unakoti, Agartala and Udaipur in Tripura, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland and Shillong and Cherapunji in Meghalaya. The package includes an overnight stay in Kaziranga and a morning jungle safari at the Kaziranga National Park, among other services. The package costs ₹1.06 lakh per person for AC 2-tier and includes services such as two fine dining restaurants, a mini library, shower cubicles in coaches, etc. This is the latest package under the theme-based ‘Bharat Gaurav’ trains announced by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What’s the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ scheme?" comment="subhead2" text="What’s the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ scheme?">What’s the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ scheme? </cmsannotation> The Union Government introduced the Bharat Gaurav trains initiative in November 2021 under its “Dekho Apna Desh” programme. These trains showcase India’s rich <keyword id="59849" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="cultural-heritage" source="Orion">cultural heritage</keyword> and historical places, and promote domestic tourism. As per <a href="https://www.irctctourism.com/bharatgaurav">IRCTC</a>, Bharat Gaurav trains are a tour package wherein services like off-board travel and excursions by buses, hotel stays, tour guides, meals, travel insurance, etc. are provided along with allied onboard services, like a <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-railways-launch-first-train-service-under-bharat-gaurav-scheme-101655222065602.html">doctor on-board</a>. These journeys terminate at the originating stations but various onboarding and deboarding stations are provided on the way. Under the initiative, private players, including tour operators, state governments and others, can procure trains from Indian Railways on lease and operate them on any circuit. The private players will <a href="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/nov/doc20221122133101.pdf">also have the right </a>to decide the itinerary, route and tariff. Private service providers can take <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/why-indian-railways-bharat-gaurav-scheme-is-significant/article65548423.ece">custody </a>of the trains for a minimum period of two years and a maximum period of the coaches’ service life. For example, the Government of Karnataka (GoK) launched the “Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan” covering Kashi, Puri and Dwarka, in association with IRCTC. The eight-day round trip <a href="https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=SZKBG01">starts </a>at ₹15,000. Under it, two upcoming tours are starting from April 14 and April 28. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The maiden Bharat Gaurav train" comment="subhead2" text="The maiden Bharat Gaurav train">The maiden Bharat Gaurav train</cmsannotation> The maiden Bharat Gaurav train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi commenced on June 14, 2022. Operated by South Star Rail, the 5-day round trip <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1834013">included </a>stoppages at Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam Road, and Wadi. <div type="twitter" handle="RailMinIndia" handlename="Ministry of Railways" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1569567411963314176/S8mUUK-i_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1193" retweetcount="219" status="The First Bharat Gaurav Train!Catch a glimpse of the grand welcome for a memorable journey to the country's rich… https://t.co/a3I3QKMXCh" createdat="1655220427000" id="1536731972327702528"></div> Among other services, the maiden train included an on-rail radio jockey, a doctor on board, and private security. As per <a href="https://tamil.asianetnews.com/tamilnadu/india-first-private-train-fare-from-coimbatore-to-shirdi-being-more-passengers-said-rdgg6d">reports</a>, there were two categories of fares — package fare and regular ticket fare. As for regular ticket fares, first class AC is ₹10,000, second class AC is ₹7,000 and third class AC is ₹5,000. Charges are fixed at ₹2,500 for non-AC sleeper. As for the package fares, first class AC is ₹12,999, second class AC is ₹9,999, and third class AC is ₹7,999. Non-AC sleeper is priced at ₹4,999. Special Darshan in Shirdi, AC room accommodation for three, tour guide and insurance are included in this package. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tours available under the Bharat Gaurav scheme" comment="subhead2" text="Tours available under the Bharat Gaurav scheme">Tours available under the Bharat Gaurav scheme</cmsannotation> As of March 17, 2023, 26 trips of Bharat Gaurav trains have been operated covering around 22 states and four Union Territories. Currently, over 10 different tour packages are available under the Bharat Gaurav scheme. One can book the specific package through the IRCTC website. Here’s the link for Bharat Gaurav trains — <a href="https://www.irctourism.com./bharatgaurav">https://www.irctourism.com./bharatgaurav</a>. Listed below are some upcoming Bharat Gaurav tours: Bharat Nepal Astha Yatra Connecting India and Nep, the Bharat Nepal Astha Yatra is a 10-day-long journey covering Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj in India and Pashupatinath (Kathmandu) in Nepal, starting at ₹27,815 per person for double/triple sharing standard fare. The round trip starts from Jalandhar City on March 31, 2023. It covers 12 tourist attractions including, but not limited to the Swaymbhunath Stupa in Nepal, Ganga Aarti at Varanasi Ghat, Ram Janmbhoomi temple in Ayodhya, etc. The package includes onboard and off-board meals, insurance, AC and Non-AC hotel stays and transportation in non-AC buses. Shri Ramayan Yatra <a href="https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=CDBG04">The 18-day-long journey </a>is a pilgrimage tour covering the prominent places associated with the life of Lord Ram. The round trip departs from Delhi on April 7, 2023, and will cover Ayodhya, Nandigram, Janakpur, Sitamarhi, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi, Rameshwaram, Bhadrachalam and Nagpur, before returning to Delhi. The tour starts at ₹1.11 lakh for triple-share second AC class. The train only includes AC coaches (first and second AC). The fare includes travel insurance, accommodation, meals (onboard and off-board), and transfers and sightseeing by AC buses. The itinerary covers 35 tourist attractions. Some of the noteworthy destinations included in the itinerary are Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya, Bharat-Hanuman Temple and Bharat Kund in Nandigram, Tulsi Manas temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Vishwanath temple &amp; Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, among others. Guru Kirpa Yatra The 11-day round trip includes a visit to the five sacred Takht associated with the Sikh religion, along with other prominent Gurudwaras in India. The round trip departs from Lucknow on April 5, 2023, and will cover Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur), Sri Kiratpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib (Sirhind), Sri Akal Takht (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Bhatinda), Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), Sri Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib (Bidar), and Sri Harmandirji Sahib (Patna), before returning to Lucknow. The tour starts at ₹19,999 for double/triple-sharing sleeper economy class. The train includes sleeper class and 2-tier and 3-tier AC coaches. The fare includes hotel accommodation, meals (onboard and off-board), and transfers. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apples-latest-patent-reveals-an-under-display-tech-for-biometrics-and-gesture-control-in-iphones-and-apple-watch-but-we-wont-see-it-on-iphone-15/articleshow/99027301.cms">Apple's latest patent reveals an under-display tech for biometrics and gesture control in iPhones and Apple Watch, but we won’t see it on iPhone 15</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/indias-active-covid-cases-cross-10000-for-the-first-time-in-134-days/articleshow/99025608.cms">India’s active Covid cases cross 10,000 for the first time in 134 days</a>

Everything to know about Bharat Gaurav tour packages - railway tours showcasing India’s cultural heritage

<ul><li><keyword id="6357787" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shimla" source="Orion">Shimla</keyword> is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offering natural beauty and old-world charm.</li><li>Best Time to visit is from April to October for pleasant weather, colorful springs, and vibrant autumn foliage.</li><li>Explore Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge, Ridge, Jakhu Hill, Kufri, and Chadwick Falls. Diverse accommodation options available for all budgets.</li></ul>Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque hill station that will captivate you with its natural beauty and old-world charm. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Shimla offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its pleasant weather, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, Shimla is a favorite destination for travelers seeking tranquility and breathtaking vistas. <h3>When to Go:</h3><ul><li>The best time to visit Shimla is during the summer months, from April to October, when the weather is pleasant.</li><li>The spring season brings with it a burst of colorful flowers, while autumn offers stunning views with the foliage changing into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.</li></ul><h3>How to Reach:</h3><ul><li>By Air: Shimla has its own airport, Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located approximately 22 kilometers from the city center. Regular flights connect Shimla to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.</li></ul><ul><li>By Train: The Kalka-Shimla Railway offers a scenic train journey from Kalka to Shimla. Kalka is well-connected to major cities in India by train.</li></ul><ul><li>By Road: Shimla is well-connected to neighboring cities and towns by road. Regular bus services operate from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali. The journey to Shimla by road offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.</li></ul><h3>Where to Stay:</h3>Shimla offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and budget. From luxury resorts and hotels to cozy homestays and guesthouses, you can find the perfect place to stay in Shimla. Popular areas to consider for accommodation include the Mall Road, Ridge, and nearby areas offering panoramic views of the mountains. Suggested Itinerary for <keyword id="17670444" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="3-days-in-Shimla" source="Orion">3 Days in Shimla</keyword>: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Day </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Morning </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Afternoon </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Evening </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Visit Mall Road </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Explore Viceregal Lodge </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Head to the Ridge, enjoy sunset views and Christ Church </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Embark on Shimla-Kalka toy train journey </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Explore Jakhu Hill and visit Jakhu Temple </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indulge in shopping at Lakkar Bazaar </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Visit Kufri, enjoy pony or yak ride and explore Himalayan Nature Park </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Spend time at Chadwick Falls </td><td style="border-left:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-right:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;border-top:solid #d9d9e3 0.75pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f7f7f8;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Savor Himachali cuisine at local restaurants </td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>Day 1:</h3>Morning: Begin your day by visiting the heart of Shimla, the Mall Road. Take a leisurely stroll along this bustling promenade lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. Soak in the charm of the surroundings and indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs. Afternoon: Explore the renowned Viceregal Lodge, also known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. This architectural marvel served as the summer retreat of the British viceroys during the colonial era. Admire its grandeur and stroll through the well-maintained gardens. Evening: Head to the Ridge, a spacious open area with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the cool breeze as you take a leisurely walk and admire the neo-Gothic style Christ Church, one of Shimla's iconic landmarks. Don't miss the stunning sunset views from this vantage point. <h3>Day 2:</h3>Morning: Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Shimla-Kalka toy train. This narrow-gauge railway offers a memorable ride through the picturesque mountains, verdant valleys, and charming hillside villages. Marvel at the engineering marvels like the famous 103 tunnels and the stunning vistas along the way. Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. Trek up to the Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located atop the hill. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Himalayan range from this vantage point. Evening: Indulge in a shopping spree at Lakkar Bazaar, known for its wooden crafts and artifacts. Browse through the shops offering intricately carved wooden souvenirs, decorative items, and traditional Himachali handicrafts. Take back a piece of Shimla's craftsmanship as a memento. <h3>Day 3:</h3>Morning: Visit the scenic Kufri, located about 16 kilometers from Shimla. Surrounded by lush green hills and snow-capped peaks, Kufri offers a perfect setting for nature lovers. Enjoy a pony ride or take a yak ride to explore the beautiful surroundings. Visit the Himalayan Nature Park to see a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna. Afternoon: Spend some time at the beautiful Chadwick Falls, located about 7 kilometers from Shimla. Admire the cascading waterfalls surrounded by a serene forested area. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Evening: End your trip on a high note by savoring delicious Himachali cuisine at one of the local restaurants. Try local specialties like Madra, Chha Gosht, Tudkiya Bhat, and Sidu. Relish the flavors of Himachal Pradesh and bid farewell to Shimla with a satisfied palate. Shimla, with its natural beauty, colonial heritage, and serene ambiance, promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a romantic getaway, Shimla has something to offer to every traveler. Explore its charming streets, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A complete itinerary for your 3 days in Shimla

<ul><li><ul><li>Cultural diplomat and author <keyword id="182794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amish-Tripathi" source="Orion">Amish Tripathi</keyword>’s new book <keyword id="14079627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="War-of-Lanka" source="Orion">War of Lanka</keyword> sold six and a half million copies within two weeks of launch. </li><li>War of Lanka also saw India’s first Metaverse launch for a book, where an augmented reality filter was uploaded on Instagram for users. </li><li>India has become wealthier post 1991 and the emergence of ‘real’ India is inspiring films based on myths, says Tripathi. </li></ul> </li></ul>From the time he left his banking job to become a full-time writer in 2011, Amish Tripathi has attempted to give Indian deities human-like attributes through his take on myths. In his books, deities get angry, make human mistakes and even poke fun at each other. Director Shekhar Kapur, who is making a web series on Tripathi’s <keyword id="810431" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiva-Trilogy" source="Orion">Shiva trilogy</keyword>, called him ‘India’s literary popstar’. Tripathi’s first trilogy on deity Shiva became the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. His most recent book ‘War of Lanka’ has already sold six and a half million copies and is currently under reprint. What makes his books popular is not just the content but also his marketing hooks. He roped in marketing agency Think WhyNot to launch an augmented reality filter on Instagram for the ‘War of Lanka’. Custom merchandise or making the first music album in Indian publishing history for ‘The Oath of the Vayuputras’ – the third book in his Shiva Trilogy – are some other marketing examples. The author of seven books encapsulating the stories of Ram, Raavan, Sita and Shiva, Tripathi talks to Business Insider India about topics ranging from the importance of myths to the impact of the pandemic on the publishing industry. Currently serving as a cultural diplomat as head of the Nehru Center in London, Tripathi also shares his take on the real India. <keyword id="14491960" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UK-Prime-Minister-Rishi-Sunak" source="Orion">UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak</keyword> invited you to 10 Downing Street, how was the experience? Oh, it was very nice. It was a small get-together in 10 Downing Street, a celebration of Diwali. He had got people from the local Swami Chinmaya Mission to read a prayer. We did a proper lighting of the lamp with traditional rituals. It was also very nice to see so many native White British and other communities in attendance, celebrating a Hindu/Jain/Sikh festival with warmth and happiness. It's been almost a month since War of Lanka has been released. How has the response been? I will be honest. Prior to the launch of the book, I was a little nervous, quite nervous, actually, for various reasons. One, it was a completely new publisher and a new relationship. Secondly, Harper just had a few months post the contract signing to get the book out in the market. To bring the book out in just three-four months is difficult… I thought they did a very good job. Third was the pandemic, which had hit the publishing industry badly, and many bookstores and publishing houses had shut down. Since the distribution itself was shrinking, sales would be difficult. Lastly, since I also have a diplomatic job in the UK, I did not have that much time for the book tour. Normally, my book tour would spread out over three-four months, but now I only had three-four weeks; and I had to cover 14 cities across India in that time. But despite these constraints, War of Lanka is breaking records. It is selling even faster than Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta. And all my previous book sales have also shot up. I can’t thank my readers enough for their consistent love and support. I am curious to know why you haven't written about Hanuman, a Shiva incarnation, especially after having dedicated separate books to Ram, Ravan and Sita? I might take that up actually. Lord Hanuman is a very fascinating character and represents loyalty, having a code and staying true to it, no matter what. That's what makes him worth respecting and worshiping. There is a separate spin-off story in mind that I have for Lord Hanuman. And one I hope to take up after some time. There will also be a story on Guru Vashishta and Guru Vishwamitra and how their relationship turned from friendship to enmity. People say youngsters don’t read as different forms of medium are competing for attention. Why do you think your book has struck a chord with the readers? Is it because of your standout marketing techniques as with a metaverse launch of the book? The metaverse campaign was very innovative, yes. And I am very grateful to Sangram Surve and his Think WhyNot agency for putting this together in association with Meta. Also, I think this assumption that the youth don't read is, frankly, a judgmental approach. The idea that today’s youth have low IQ, low attention spans, and only want to entertain themselves with flaky things is just plain silly. One person can have different tastes. I like thought-provoking movies like Schindler’s List or Inception, but I also like the suspension-of-brains movies of Salman Khan. The youth are like that as well. By the way, a vast majority of my readers are young. Second when it comes to marketing, social media has made word of mouth very powerful. The opinion of critics matters little now as compared to a decade ago. There are movies that are very well marketed that have been super flops. And a movie that had almost minimal marketing spends, like Kantara, was a massive hit. At the heart of it all, it has to be a good product, be it a movie or a book. If it's not a good product, no matter how much marketing you do, it's not going to work. If there is no depth in the movie or the book, if there's nothing to talk about, then word-of-mouth will be poor. A cult book has to be thought-provoking and initiate conversations. I myself tried the AR filters on Instagram and I came out to be on Raavan’s army. It would interest you to know that while many modern Indians think Raavan is Tamilian or Lankan, this may not necessarily match up to ancient texts. When you study ancient texts or folk traditions, it is revealed Raavan was born close to Delhi, a little ahead of Noida. One of the oldest temples of Raavan is situated there. He was not the original ruler of Lanka. The original ruler was Kubaer. Raavan deposed Kubaer and took over Lanka. Will you be venturing into writing about any other epic like Mahabharat? I do have various ideas. Let's see where life takes me. There is a fifth book that will join the Shiva Trilogy and the Ramachandra series called the <keyword id="15501176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rise-of-Meluha" source="Orion">Rise of Meluha</keyword>. But that will be released many years later. Is there a reason why Sita was portrayed as aggressive and militant in your book Sita-Warrior of Mithila? Was this because it has been written from a male perspective? There is a difference between being militant and being strong. Goddess Durga is not militant but she is strong. The image of Goddess Sita in the minds of modern urban Indians is largely inspired from a 1980s television series. In the original Valmiki Ramayana, Sita is portrayed in a much stronger form. And in the Adbhut Ramayan, also credited to Valmiki ji, Sita Maa is the one who kills the elder, more powerful Raavan. In ancient times, Indian women were seen as powerful with their own agency. We had women who ruled large empires like Rani Prabhavatigupta and Rani Rudramadevi. We had women Rishis (roughly the equivalent of Abrahamic prophets and messiahs). We even had women who founded universities. Frankly, our ancestors would be disappointed at how badly we, in modern India, treat women. We have been hearing about the Shiva trilogy for quite some time now. Is it expected soon? These are early days as we just started work on it. So let's see how it comes out. But we'll make announcements in the future. Coming to Indian cinema, there has been a shift in the portrayal of stories. Films are being inspired by myths like in Adipurush, Thank God, Ram Sethu, Ponniyan Selvan. Why do you think there is such a shift? Post 1991 India has become wealthier and the emergence of the real India is inspiring the demand for such stories. There is a real India that was always there, just that they didn't have money to form a big market. That is the India outside of the elite areas of our big cities. This is an India that is very deeply rooted in our ancient traditions and culture. And now, there are many citizens from the real India who have now risen because of economic growth over the last 30 years. A recent IMF report had said over 450 million Indians have been pulled out of poverty just in the last 10 years. And economic growth is creating a new consumer class. Smaller budget movies are making more money than big Hindi film movies because I think in many ways, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil movies are more rooted in the real India. This is something perhaps the Hindi film industry will pick up overtime. A Hindi film producer told me an interesting analysis. He felt that perhaps the Hindi film industry had become too elitist – he used the term ‘focused on Pali Hill, and South Mumbai and also perhaps, London &amp; New York’. He said that we should forget that there is a real India outside of Pali Hill and South Mumbai. And that is the main market for Indian movies. What does real India mean to you? Perhaps those who are more comfortable in Mangalore or Varanasi than in London, I think that's the real India. So, someone like you or me… My family’s roots are in Kashi and I was born in Mumbai; so I know English, Hindi, and some Marathi. But I can go to a Lord Shiva temple in Thrissur, Kerala. And I’ve been there actually, four-five years ago. I don’t understand Malayalam, but my books, by God's grace, do well in Malayalam. There were many out there who recognized me because many of them had read my books. But we couldn’t communicate well with each other because most of them there didn’t know English or Hindi, and I didn’t know Malayalam. And yet, when we started chanting and praying to Lord Shiva, we felt connected. I felt at home. That to me is the real India. Where we feel at home. Now, we may also get along with Western people, but essentially, where is home for us? For me, the real India is home. You began your journey as a writer in 2010. How has the scene of Indian publishing and marketing changed since then? This is the best and worst of times. Earlier the definition of bestseller was selling 5,000 to 10,000 books. Today a bestseller should sell at least 40,000 to 50,000 copies. There are some authors whose books sell in the hundreds of thousands. And few, such as Chetan and me, who are lucky enough for our books to sell in the millions. But on the negative side, GST has really hit the industry. I have myself appealed often to the government if they could give some relief on this, because we are a very tiny industry. Books have a positive impact culturally but in terms of revenue, we are very small. Second, piracy is hurting us a great deal. Many bookstores are suffering hard times as well because rental costs have shot up and piracy has hit them. Books in terms of price to space ratio are not as high as compared to jewelry or mobile phones, so high rental costs often make bookstore unviable. How do you think mythology is relevant in today's society? Indians often confuse myth with mithya or untruth. The Indian word for it would be Itihas or Kavya or Purana. The English word myth comes from the Greek word mythos, which means a story hiding a philosophical truth. I try to explore philosophies that I think are worth learning. Rather than making it a pedantic nonfiction philosophy textbook, if you try and bring it across through a story, you might have a greater chance of having an impact. There are various philosophies from our ancients that are worth learning. There is a line which I love, Ati Sarvatra Varjayet i.e. extremism of any kind should be avoided. But if you see the western approach, it is almost like extremism should be followed, always. For example, in the West, fighting for women’s rights gets translated into hatred for men. How's that good for society? I try to explore many of these philosophies through my books. What are the choices that we make? You will find that cultures which celebrate myths tend to be much more wise and liberal, intuitively liberal. You have celebrated devotees of both Vishnu and Shiva in your books. How do you strike a balance between the two? This so-called competition between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu is relatively modern. The Indian way is we are comfortable with multiple truths and we realise that the source is unity. One of the thousand names of Lord Vishnu listed in Vishnu Shahasranaam, which is chanted by many Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu) regularly, is Shiva. On the other hand, many Shaivites (devotees of Lord Shiva) know the 1008 names of Lord Shiva that are listed in many of the found in the Shaivite puranas. And one of the names listed for Lord Shiva is Vishnu. So they are One and the Same. This competition is more between unwise devotees and should be avoided.

Raavan was born in Delhi, a little ahead of Noida: Amish Tripathi

<ul><li>AAP tweets <keyword id="6586872" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sundar-kand">Sundar Kand</keyword> will be recited in the capital city on every first Tuesday of the month. </li><li>Sundar Kand, the most interesting segment of Epic Ramayan deals with the heroic adventures of Hanuman in Lanka while he went there in search of Sita </li><li>Tradition says Sundar Kand recitation carries immense benefits to the reciters and listeners and it is all the more beneficial to recite it on Tuedays. </li></ul>Just before the Delhi elections, Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP Supremo claimed he was a devotee of Hanuman and visited Hanuman temples to say his prayers. After the unprecedented victory of the party fetching it 62 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly Elections February 2020, AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj tweets Sundar Kand will be recited on first Tuesdays of all months in Chirag Delhi’s ancient Shiv Mandir. As per the announcement, this will become a regular feature from now onwards scheduled at 4:30 pm at this temple once a month. Mythology says Hanuman’s mother called him Sundara meaning a charming one. Sundara Kand (Chapter) is the fifth Kand in the Ramayan composed by Valmiki. The seven Kands of Valmiki’s Ramayan include Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkindha Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yuddha Kanda and Uttara Kanda. Ramayan translating as the ‘Movement or journey of Rama’ is the story of Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu on this earth. Hanuman appears for the first time in Kishkinda Kanda and then continues to accompany Ram thereon playing a very important role in Rama’s search of Sita and the battle against the demon Ravan. Sundar Kand story outline The Sundar Kand of Ramayan presents an exciting and inspiring account of the adventures of Hanuman. Sundar Kand also gives adorable pictures of Hanuman’s physical prowess and superior intelligence. Chanting the name of Rama, Hanuman assumes a huge form to leap over the sea to reach Lanka. He fights a number of demons on the way and no power could stop him reaching Lanka on the sky route. Upon reaching Lanka, Hanuman finds the whereabouts of Sita and pacifies the agony stricken Sita. Hanuman instills confidence in Sita that her beloved husband Rama will arrive at Lanka to rescue her from Ravan’s captivity. Hanuman creates a hell like scene in Lanka destroying demons and buildings and creating a terror in the minds of the residents including Ravan. He is captured and taken to the court of Ravan where he has a dialogue with the demon requesting him to release Sita. Ravan was far from giving heed to his advice. He would rather express his anger and order for setting fire to Hanuman’s tail. Hanuman happily jumps and wanders hither and thither in Lanka setting the whole city of Lanka ablaze. Hanuman then returns to Kishkinta to intimate Rama about the good news of finding Sita. The specialty of reciting <keyword id="2151876" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunderkand">Sunderkand</keyword> on Tuesdays It is said Hanuman found Sita in Lanka on a Tuesday. Hence Mother Sita gave a boon that whoever worships Hanuman on Tuesdays will get her blessings too in addition to Hanuman’s own blessings. Hence reciting Sunderkand on Tuesdays is considered a highly auspicious and beneficial practice. Benefits of reciting Sunderkand In terms of its benefits to the reciters and listeners, Sundar Kand is believed to confer great benefits like nothing else. Sundar Kand removes afflictions, worries and mental agony. It enhances hope, courage and confidence. Sundar Kand is said to confer prosperity, luck, health and wealth to the chanters and listeners.

Sundar kand story outline, its importance and benefits

A massive Diwali-Dussehra celebration festival showcasing the best of Indian culture, heritage, and values in an unparalleled manner has attracted a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,000 persons from all walks of life and ethnicities here in <keyword id="15710" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="texas" source="Orion">Texas</keyword>. The 11th Grand International Diwali-Dussehra Festival, depicting the "victory of good over evil", at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, a Greater <keyword id="100821" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="houston" source="Orion">Houston</keyword> suburb, was attended by several dignitaries, including US congressmen, judges, mayors, and commissioners on Saturday. Organised by the Shri Sita Ram Foundation (SSRF), a non-profit organisation, the epic celebration from 2012 onwards has grown tremendously over the years and continues to attract more attendees across Texas and other states every year. The foundation finds innovative and unique ways to share Indian Vedic culture and values. Last year it initiated efforts to highlight Diwali's message of "Good Over Evil" by involving consul generals of 15 countries in the Dussehra parade. This year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent in a video message, with Houston Mayor <keyword id="3691420" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sylvester-turner" source="Orion">Sylvester Turner</keyword> being the Grand Marshal along with consul generals of several countries joining for the Dussehra parade. The football stadium was brilliantly transformed and decorated with millions of dazzling multi-coloured lights, lit-up main entrance gates, and colourful silk-draped vendor booths. The ceilings and walls of the concourse and field were decorated with traditional banners, flags, hangings, and pictures of several deities. The vendor booths did a brisk business in selling traditional Diwali items, including Diwali diyas, jewellery, fashion clothing, and toys. A "food bazaar" served vegetarian food from every part of <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. This festival had special attractions for children like henna booths, face painting, balloons, moonwalks, merry-go-rounds, a petting zoo, horse buggy rides, clowns, etc. Performances like folk dances, martial arts of India, and kids in costumes of the characters from the scriptures were presented on a two-tiered 60 ft. by 40 ft. stage, with professionally installed stage lights, special effects, and huge LED screens adding a wow factor for the audience. A 24-foot-tall figure of lord Hanuman and a 35-foot-tall figure of Lord Ram was installed next to the stage. A play in English depicting the life of lord Rama and his final battle to overcome evil kept the audience glued to their seats till the end, earning a standing ovation. Arun Verma, president of SSRF, said: "India is a country of festivals and Diwali being the biggest of all festivals, we try to introduce, educate, promote and showcase the rich vibrant culture and moral value to the Indian diaspora and all Americans, while celebrating the 'Victory of Good over Evil' and 'Universal Brotherhood'." "We bring the best of the best and do it on a grand scale. You name it, and we have it over here." The festival is "open to anybody" as it also includes aspects of American culture, according to Verma. "Our belief is that the entire world is one big family and we need to treat everybody like a brother and a sister. To demonstrate that, we have invited every one of them," he said. "Looking at the overwhelming response this year and the record crowd, we may have to take this festival to an even bigger location than this football field with the capacity of 10,000 spectators" as we had to stop people from entering after it crossed the maximum capacity due to city restraints, he told PTI. The Sugar Land festival, which Verma said is the biggest of its kind in Texas, combines the two Hindu holidays of Diwali and Dussehra. The festival featured a unique multi-coloured magnificent parade with 40 floats by local temples and community organisations representing scenes, stories, and characters from Indian scriptures. Mayor <keyword id="169084" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="turner" source="Orion">Turner</keyword>, who was the Grand Marshal, lead the parade alongside the Consul General of India in Houston, Aseem Mahajan, the Consulate General of France in Houston, Valerie Baraba, Indian American Fort Bend County Judge, K P George, as well as several representatives of the Texas Congressmen and other official dignitaries. The parade included representatives of the nearly 100 consul generals in Houston who represent several foreign countries. Valerie Baraban said in a tweet that she was "thrilled to participate in the Grand 11th International Diwali-Dussehra festival alongside Mayor Sylvester Turner, CG Mahajan, and other members of the consular corps. India is one of France's major partners in the Indo-pacific region". This year's festival also celebrated the 75th anniversary of India's independence "Amrit Mahotsav". Fifteen major freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chander Bose were honoured by carrying 75 Indian flags during the parade. "The entire Houston Consular Corp. joined the celebrations in the true spirit of Vasudeva Kumtumbkam, thus treating the entire world as a big family. This was depicted in the parade by 100 volunteers carrying 100 national flags of the entire Houston Consular Corp," Verma said. As November elections are around the corner, a few political candidates like Beto O'Rourke, who is running for Texas Governor position, found the stage to greet Indian Americans. Wishing everyone Diwali, he said, adding that "we celebrate this festival of lights to push out darkness and celebrate the triumph of good over evil", with each of us having a chance to "make sure we are heard in this great democracy". The Ravan Dahan, the burning of a 25-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnath, was held amongst the loud sound of crackers and spectacular fireworks to celebrate the occasion of the "Victory of Good Over Evil". SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/pvr-reports-net-loss-of-71-23-crore-in-q2-attributes-it-to-bollywood-hollywood-flops/articleshow/94917917.cms">PVR reports net loss of ₹71.23 crore in Q2, attributes it to Bollywood, Hollywood flops</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/arunachal-pradeshs-eagle-sanctuary-has-woodpeckers-flycatchers-and-more-but-no-eagles/articleshow/94916258.cms">Arunachal Pradesh's eagle sanctuary has woodpeckers, flycatchers and more - but no eagles</a>

With veg food stalls and henna booths, Houston's Dusshera-Diwali festival attracts 10,000 people

New Delhi, Apr 17 () Amid the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, nearly 40-50 farm labourers living on the Yamuna floodplains have been cut off from the rest of the world and left waiting for the boat with food packets to arrive. They are facing hardships due to lack of connectivity through roads and dependent on outsiders for basic amenities. Around 40-50 farm labourers are totally cut off and can be reached only through boats, Sonu Pandit, a resident of Chilla village, said. "There are 15-20 families, including mine, who receive food that is brought to us through boats. Life was already tough for us and the lockdown made things worse," said Shiv Kumar, 25, who works as a farm labourer along with his four brothers. A community kitchen ,'Sewa Rasoi', run by Virendra Sachdeva and his friends Rajiv Kohli and Vijemdra Dhama in Mayur Vihar, is providing food parcels to the farm labourers amid the lockdown. "We learnt about the plight of people living on the Yamuna floodplains. Around 200 food packets are being sent to them daily through a boat," said Sachdeva, former president of the Mayur Vihar unit of the BJP. Abdul, a 23-year-old farm labourer and a construction worker, said he was worried when the lockdown was announced as he relied on his daily wages for food. "But luckily, we get food packets and sometimes dry ration from Sewa Bharti. Earlier, we used to buy items from nearby localities but it has stopped now due to the lockdown. We take water from a tanker near the Hanuman temple," he said. VIT SNESNE

Lockdown: Anxiety grips farm labourers living on Yamuna floodplains

<ul><li>Exit polls show a comfortable win for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly election 2020.</li><li>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tried to steer the conversation towards issues of nationalism by addressing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Shaheen Bagh protests.</li><li>AAP used its own advantage to point how BJP was focusing on “Hindu Muslim” issues rather than issues of development.</li></ul> Exit polls predict a comfortable win for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly election 2020 with its main opponent, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), trailing in second. One of the main reasons for AAP’s projected victory may be the fact that it stuck to its narrative⁠ — its work in the last five years ⁠— and did not yield to BJP’s attempts to steer the election rhetoric to communal issues. Many times, the Saffron party tried to steer the conversation away from development towards issues of nationalism. It brought issues like the Shaheen Bagh protests and the Citizenship Amendment Act (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/CAA-protests">CAA</a>) into the spotlight to sway voters. AAP, while addressing the issues, kept their response measured. And, that may just have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-aap-will-win-but-wont-sweep-according-to-exit-poll-data/articleshow/74030428.cms">worked in their favour</a>. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Polls </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">BJP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Congress </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ABP C-Voter </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">54 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">12 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India Today Axis </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">64 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Times Now IPSOS </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">47 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Neta App NewsX </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">55 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">14 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Poll of polls </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">55 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">14 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td></tr></tbody></table> "Shaheen Bhag protests are sponsored by AAP," the BJP charged BJP leaders have continuously tried to discredit the Shaheed Bagh protests claiming that it is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-amit-shah-accuses-of-kejriwal-of-backing-rioters/articleshow/73652208.cms">“sponsored” by divisive forces</a> trying to “break up the country”. 
 <div type="image" title="shaheedbagh_edited" msid="74057279" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shaheen Bagh protests&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>


 AAP, on the other hand, hedged its bets. The party’s maintained its stance that citizens have a right to protest peacefully, and did not amp up its stance against the CAA. "The Delhi election is completely fought and voted on education and the work done on the ground. We are contesting this election on the work done by our government but the BJP wants to divert attention," Kejriwal told <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/delhi-assembly-polls-2020/story/arvind-kejriwal-interview-delhi-polls-caa-nrc-amit-shah-bjp-shaheen-bagh-1641344-2020-01-29">India Today.</a> AAP did point out how the protests are creating traffic issues, something that would strike a chord with car owners in Delhi, but did not harp on it for too long. “Shoot the traitors,” cried BJP When BJP’s Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur prodded people in his rally to “Goli maaro gaddaron ko” (shoot the traitors) — while referring to the protestors at Shaheen Bagh— it may have seemed like a low-hanging fruit for the AAP to capitalise on. 
 <div type="image" title="thakur_edited" msid="74057356" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Anurag Thakur, BJP party member, who incited people at a rally by shouting,&amp;#8220;&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;Goli maaro gaddaron ko&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;&amp;#8221; (shoot the traitors) &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>


 Kejriwal could have called for Thakur’s prosecution for trying to incite violence in an election rally. That would have meant taking a clear side in a completely polarised debate. Instead, the Delhi chief minister played safe. He watched the Election Commission ban Thakur from campaigning for 48 hours and even though he did criticise it, he quickly returned to his own strength⁠— the improvement of Delhi schools and the proliferation of free local clinics for the poor across the city. The ‘Hindu Muslim’video The BJP complained to the Election Commission about a video that Kejriwal posted on Twitter, ahead of the election, on February 2. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="ArvindKejriwal" handlename="Arvind Kejriwal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/945853608389574656/REH_LpUJ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="16513" retweetcount="4725" status="जनता से किसीने मुझे ये वीडियो भेजा है। ये दर्शाता है जनता को क्या चाहिए https://t.co/DyEwgUDIuM" createdat="1580660749000" id="1224006013331705856"></div>



 The Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Kejriwal on February 8 addressing the “Hindu-Muslim” video. The video showed other parties talking on religious issues but Kejriwal focusing on development and women safety. According to the BJP, it has the potential of “aggravating existing differences”. The poll watchdog also said that Kejriwal’s remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct. Kejriwal did his bit to appease ‘Hindu’ voters While charging the BJP for ratcheting up the sentiments of Hindu fundamentalists, Kejriwal did his bit to woo the same voters. In a public event hosted by a TV channel, the Delhi Chief Minister started chanting Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer to the Hindu deity Hanuman, proving his religious affiliation and credentials to those who cared. If the average BJP supporter who is concerned about the “Hindu” cause— as sceptical as he may be of Kejriwal⁠— sat down to notice the chant, he had to hear the CM’s story of how the AAP government delivered on its promises in the last five years. In effect, he landed on a pitch meant for the BJP, albeit for a fleeting moment, but played to his own strengths to woo the BJP voter. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="ArvindKejriwal" handlename="Arvind Kejriwal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/945853608389574656/REH_LpUJ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="31437" retweetcount="5367" status="क्या आपने हनुमान चालीसा सुना है? जरूर सुनिए। मन को बहुत शांति मिलती है https://t.co/niyUOxCEFu" createdat="1580727692000" id="1224286795770167297"></div>



 “Kejriwal insulted Lord Hanuman,” alleged BJP Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari He also turned up at a Hanuman temple during the campaign. When the BJP tried to <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-elections-2020-after-arvind-kejriwals-hanuman-temple-visit-ugly-row-over-desecration-2176982">rake up a controversy</a> there, AAP was quick to criticise its rival for the “<a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/feb/04/aap-seeks-fir-campaign-ban-on-bjp-leaders-over-calling-cm-arvind-kejriwal-terrorist-2098694.html">level of discourse</a>”. AAP had a sweeping win in 2015 during the last Delhi Assembly when they won in 67 out of Delhi’s 70 constituencies. This time around, their win may not be as big but Kejriwal’s second term in office is likely. AAP’s election strategy has a lesson for political parties in power in different states across the country on how to deal with BJP’s offensive. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-aap-will-win-but-wont-sweep-according-to-exit-poll-data/articleshow/74030428.cms">Delhi Exit Polls 2020: AAP will win but won’t sweep as BJP makes dent, as per poll of polls</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/deshbhakti-curriculum-jan-lokpal-statehood-in-aap-manifesto/articleshow/73931351.cms">Deshbhakti curriculum, Jan Lokpal, statehood in AAP manifesto</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/arvind-kejriwal-joins-the-battle-for-slum-votes-as-pegs-his-guarantee-against-modis-life-size-persona/articleshow/73428210.cms">Arvind Kejriwal joins the battle for slum votes as he pegs his 'guarantee' against Modi's life-size persona</a>

Election strategy: AAP may win in Delhi by not falling for BJP’s traps

Destiny of an elderly couple, who were struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic-induced lockdown, changed overnight when a huge crowd thronged outside their make-shift food joint to enjoy home cooked food after a heartbreaking video went viral on <keyword id="6354632" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-media">social media</keyword>. Good fortune knocked on Kanta Prasad and Badami Devi's door, a night after the story of their struggle amid the unprecedented coronavirus crisis moved lakhs of people, including celebrities, politicians, and even companies, prompting an outpour of support. The husband over 80-years-old and his elderly wife, both frail and weakened by growing age, had been maintaining the small food kiosk '<keyword id="10070196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="baba-ka-dhaba">Baba ka Dhaba</keyword>' near Hanuman Temple in Delhi's <keyword id="116893" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malviya-Nagar">Malviya Nagar</keyword>, since 1988. Usually a popular joint before Covid struck, the couple lost their daily income as people started avoiding roadside food. A few days back a video on social media showed Kanta Prasad break down as they could not even sell a plate of chappatis and matar paneer. His frail wife rolled out the rotis and he cooked them over the stove fire. The utensils were spotless clean, the mixed daal looked delicious, said the videographer. "But none are ready to eat them," whimpered Prasad, complaining that through the day they cannot even sell out 500 gm of "daal or sabzi". He cried ruing over their loss of livelihood. The Thursday morning was different though. And it was the first time that things looked up for the elderly couple since unlocking started. "After the lockdown, our situation had become worse. We used to set-up shop at 6-7 a.m. and make food by 9.30 a.m. but no customers came. This morning I opened the shop at 6 a.m. and by 9 a.m., the food was sold. People are giving us so much love. Our lives have changed overnight." Prasad said that he has two sons and a daughter, but no one helps them. His elder son Azad Hind informed IANS, "I was an office boy before the lockdown but then I lost the job. I am currently looking for work." For the last three decades, his parents have been selling home cooked food like dal, chawal and roti at nominal prices. The video, which went viral, was originally uploaded by a good samaritan on YouTube and later shared on various social media platforms. It got over a lakh views. In the video, when the YouTuber asks about the earning, they say, "We are not able to earn much." Prasad claimed that they earn Rs 70 every day. At the end of the video, the old man broke down and was seen wiping away tears. The overnight campaign caused #BabaKaDhaba to trend on Twitter. Several people also posted images and videos of their visits to the eatery after watching the video.

Baba ka Dhaba – elderly couple in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar say their lives changed overnight after their story went viral

Mumbai coronavirus micro containment-zone has 717 areas in 24 wards — here’s the entire list

(Image credit: Midday) 
 
 Around 10 am on Wednesday morning, 81-year-old Pushpaben Dhamji Bhalla stepped out of her Landmark Tower residence in <keyword id="50155" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dadar">Dadar</keyword> to go to the Hanuman Temple located right outside the complex. 
	But, as soon as she came out of the society gates, she was approached by a stranger who claimed to be a policeman. 
	 
	While flashing an ID card, he told her that he is one of the Crime Branch officials who are patrolling the area in civil clothes. He further added that she was in a very sensitive area and it would be best if she removed her gold bangles (which were worth around Rs 50,000) and put it in his big for safekeeping. 
	 
	He promised to return the ornaments to her when she crossed the danger zone and made it to the other side where he would meet her. 
	 
	Not one to be fooled, Pushpaben, who had doubted the stranger’s intentions from the very beginning, asked him to leave her alone. It was then that she noticed that he wasn’t alone and two more of his associates were waiting for him inside a taxi that was parked close by. 
	 
	Meanwhile, the stranger kept trying to convincing her. “When I refused, he got agitated and even tried to force me to obey. But I was adamant and refused to follow his orders. When he tried to grab my hand, I hit him hard, three to four times, with my walking stick," she recounted. 
	 
	On hearing the scuffle, a vegetable vendor came to her rescue from the other side of the road. Some pedestrians also stopped to ask her if everything was fine. 
	 
	It was only then that the man realised that he had not only underestimated Pushpaben but also made a huge mistake. But, before he could escape, the crowd overpowered him and called the police, claimed a cop from RAK Marg police. 
	 
	The man was later identified as Ali Raza Aziz Jaffari (49), a resident of Ambivli. 
	 
	When asked whether this incident would make her think twice before stepping out again, she was quick to reply, “I am not scared at all. If this happens again, I will do the same thing- hit the crooks with the stick,” 
	 Her <keyword id="55338" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bravery">bravery</keyword> and quick thinking has impressed not only her family but also Siddharth Kasbe, the Senior Police Inspector from RAK Marg station. 
	 
	"Pushpaben is an example for other women who fall prey to such fake cops. Despite her age, she caught hold of the accused and got him arrested." 
	 
	(H/T: <a href="http://www.mid-day.com/articles/fiery-81-year-old-woman-fights-off-mugger-gets-him-arrested/17224159">Midday</a>)

Badass alert: This 81-year-old grandmother fought off man posing as a cop and even got him arrested

Maharashtra identified 14 districts as red zones— here’s the complete list of containment zones in Mumbai and Pune

Sanjay Kanojia/AFP via Getty ImagesA cyclist wearing a face mask rides past a mural depicting Hindu god Hanuman in Allahabad, India, on March 18, 2020.<ul class="summary-list"><li>India is home to more than 1.3 billion people, but so far has only reported 176 coronavirus cases and three deaths.</li><li>Experts fear that testing rates, that are being kept low to prevent panic and to keep healthcare costs down, may be camouflaging the real scope of the outbreak.</li><li>India faces several hurdles in its fight against COVID-19, including high population density, lack of hygiene, and insufficient healthcare funding.</li><li>Officials have already begun cracking down: travel restrictions, schools, restaurants, and public space closures, exam cancellations, and remote work mandates are in effect.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>India, the world's second-most populous country, has remained largely unscathed as the coronavirus continues its relentless march across the globe. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, <a href="https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6">India has reported 176 cases and three deaths</a> as of Wednesday. By contrast, China, whose population is 1.4 billion people, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">reported at least 81,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths</a>. Even Italy, the worst-hit nation outside Asia, with a population of around 60 million people, has surpassed 35,700 cases and 2,900 deaths.But India's caseload may not be accurate. The country is conducting only about 90 tests per day, the <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/Indiasrestrictivecriteriaforvirustestingmaymasktoll/58b05ada591d1028cc775d45b55c3eac/text?Query=india%20AND%20coronavirus&amp;mediaType=text&amp;sortBy=arrivaldatetime:desc&amp;dateRange=Anytime&amp;totalCount=50&amp;currentItemNo=2">Associated Press</a> reported, and only 11,500 Indians have been screened for the COVID-19 virus so far. This, despite the country having the capacity to test up to 8,000 people a day.The World Health Organization is urging governments to step up testing as the coronavirus outbreak grows."We need to be geared to respond to the evolving situation with the aim to stop transmission of COVID-19 at the earliest to minimize the impact," Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO's director for the region that includes India, told AP. "We need to act now."<h2>Testing numbers kept low to avoid 'paranoia'</h2>However, India is only screening people who have either traveled there from a country that's been badly affected or those who have come in contact with a patient or are presenting symptoms themselves, AP said. As of Tuesday, officials have expanded the criteria to include medical workers who are treating COVID-19 patients and have symptoms too.Balaram Bharghava, who heads the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the WHO guidance was "premature" for India because the coronavirus' rate of spread is not as rapid as it has been in other countries and community transmission hasn't been detected yet."Therefore it creates more fear, more paranoia, and more hype," Bhargava said, according to AP.Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty ImagesA health worker (L) wearing a facemask checks the body temperature of devotees at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on March 18, 2020.Officials say they are also trying to avoid overloading hospitals and keeping costs down. India's health-care expenditure amounts to only 3.7% of its GDP, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-will-be-10-times-higher-by-april-15-expert-2196779">NDTV</a> reported, leading to public hospitals that are overcrowded, private healthcare that many can't afford, and a lack of funding to combat illnesses like tuberculosis, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDs. In the case of COVID-19, patients aren't charged for tests, but each one costs the government about 5,000 rupees ($67).Many people who may have come in contact with the virus are being sent home without being tested, though, AP reported.This happened to a British citizen who was turned away from a public hospital even though she had a cough, shortness of breath, and a private doctor's referral - and informed officials that she may have been exposed to a coronavirus patient due to her work in the hospitality industry. She tried to get tested another time, but was rejected again, forcing her to leave India for France, where her family is based, AP said. <h2>High population density creates social distancing challenges</h2>Such accounts have sparked concerns about the government statistics being far lower than the real count."Given the pattern of disease in other places, and given our low level of testing, then I do think that community transmission is happening, " Dr. Gagandeep Kang, director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, told AP.India's bloated population density decreases the chance of social distancing, which experts say is the only way to "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-one-week-enforce-social-distancing-flatten-curve-coronavirus-2020-3">flatten the curve</a>" of the coronavirus' infection rate.Satyabrata Tripathy/Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesSome people wear face masks and others use handkerchiefs to protect from the coronavirus on a crowded train at Andheri Metro Station on March 17, 2020 in Mumbai, India.But India's big cities are overcrowded with residents, many of whom are stuffed into slums, low-income dwellings, single- and multiple-family homes, and skyscrapers. NDTV estimated that around 420 people live on just 0.4 square miles of land in many of the country's largest cities."Social distancing is something often talked about but only works well for the urban middle class," said Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, adjunct professor of epidemiology at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University.He continued: "It doesn't work well for the urban poor or the rural population where its extremely difficult both in terms of compactly packed houses, but also because many of them have to go to work in areas which are not necessarily suitable for social distancing."Shreyanka Rao, of New Delhi, echoed the sentiment."While it's easy to say maintain social distancing, it's still something that can only be practiced by privileged people who have the time, space and wherewithal to do so," she told Insider. "While the [South] Korean and Singaporean approach is laudable, their systems, resources and volumes are in a different league."<h2>Lack of hygiene complicates bid to fight coronavirus </h2>India's fight against coronavirus is also plagued by a lack of clean water. Experts have said that using hand sanitizer and washing hands for at least 20 seconds is helpful in warding off the infection. But Dharam Singh Rajput, like many residents, can <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/CleanwateraccessforIndiaspoorspawnsvirusconcerns/680dd4c0c13ed020b5ad31848cfc31bf/text?Query=india%20AND%20coronavirus&amp;mediaType=text&amp;sortBy=arrivaldatetime:desc&amp;dateRange=Anytime&amp;totalCount=50&amp;currentItemNo=1">neither afford to purchase bottles of hand sanitizer nor access clean running water</a>, the AP said. Rajput lives in India's capital city of New Delhi, but open sewers and piles of garbage can be found across his neighborhood."The kind of water we have access to has the potential to cause more diseases instead of warding off the virus if we use it to wash our hands," Rajput told AP.Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty ImagesA worker fumigates the interiors of a Karnataka Interstate Transport bus to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Bangalore, India, on March 19, 2020.An apparent lack of hygiene has also been reported at hospitals nationwide. There have been reports that some <a href="https://qz.com/india/1819659/why-are-patients-fleeing-indias-coronavirus-isolation-wards/">coronavirus cases are fleeing hospitals</a> because of substandard hygiene. In the state of Maharashtra, five people were tested for coronavirus. One of them tested negative, but the entire group left the isolation ward where they were being kept before the others' results came in because it was too dirty, AP reported.Aditya Bhatnagar, who has been quarantined with 50 other people following a flight from Spain, said more than half a dozen people are packed into each room while quarantined, and noted that the quarantine spaces don't have clean bedsheets or sanitary restrooms. No one's been given masks or hand sanitizer, either."I don't think these measures would be enough to contain the pandemic," Bhatnagar told AP, explaining that some people had decided to tell shell out 4,000 rupees a night ($55) and await their COVID-19 test results at a private hospital instead.<h2>'An avalanche' is coming</h2>Government officials are particularly worried about the situation in Maharashtra, which is home not only to India's financial hub, Mumbai, but also the highest number of cases: 39 as of Monday. Across the nation, India has begun closing down schools, theaters, malls, and other public spaces, university exams have been called off, and government and private offices have been urged to switch to remote work schedules, NDTV reported. Ganga Pandit, who lives in Pune, told Insider that only five people at a time are being allowed into major grocery stores, where he noticed that people are panic buying medicines, antiseptic creams, soap, and face masks. Pradeep Gaur/Mint via Getty ImagesPeople rush to buy masks, hand sanitizers and medicines at a pharmacy shop in New Delhi, India.Since a majority of the country's cases have been "imported" from foreign countries - whether by people traveling there or coming in contact with those who did - India has also enforced strict travel restrictions, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/india-poor-testing-rate-masked-coronavirus-cases-200318040314568.html">Al Jazeera</a> reported.Tourists and non-Indian residents from China, Iran, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are prohibited from entering the country. People who travel from or transition through the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait will be quarantined for 14 days upon landing in India, and its borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar have been mostly closed. But people, like Sudhanshu Pandey, tweeted his concerns that India is on the fast track to a "<a href="https://twitter.com/SUD_0107/status/1240635871923245057">worst-case scenario</a>," and called on authorities to lock down big cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune.Experts agree."They are not understanding that this is an avalanche," Dr. T. Jacob John, the former head of ICMR's Centre for Advanced Research in Virology, told NDTV. "As every week passes, the avalanche is growing bigger and bigger."Read more:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-death-rate-by-country-current-fatalities-compared-to-cases-2020-3">One chart shows different countries' current coronavirus death rates, based on the known number of cases and deaths</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-no-new-local-coronavirus-cases-first-time-during-outbreak-2020-3">China reported no new local coronavirus cases for the first time during the outbreak</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-one-week-enforce-social-distancing-flatten-curve-coronavirus-2020-3">The US has one week to enforce social distancing and 'flatten the curve' as the coronavirus outbreak escalates. Here's why these days are so critical.</a><ul><li> </li></ul> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-anxiety-therapy-advice-self-care-2020-3">Why you shouldn't judge yourself for having coronavirus anxiety, according to a therapist</a></h3>

You Searched For "Hanuman Temple" and got 12 results

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