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Spices Board Celebrates 38th Foundation Day

Kochi, February 27, 2025: Reaffirming its commitment for export promotion of Indian spices, the Spices Board celebrated its 38th Foundation Day at its headquarters in Kochi. Smt. P. Hemalatha, IAS, Secretary, Spices Board inaugurated the programe.

spice

As part of the 38th Anniversary celebration, the Board conducted a nationwide campaign on ‘Clean and Safe Spices’ to sensitize the stakeholders on the sanitary and phytosanitary practices to be followed at various stages of production, processing, value addition and export of spices. A special sales counter for organic spices was also launched at the ‘Spices India’ outlet of Flavourit Spices Trading Limited, an enterprise under the Spices Board. The counter will offer certified organic spices and spice products in addition to responsibly cultivated and ethically sourced premium spices and allied products. Handbooks on Good Agricultural practices and Good Hygienic practices for black pepper, cumin, fennel and coriander were released during the event.

Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Director, Spices Board delivered the welcome Speech, highlighting the Board’s contributions in strengthening India’s spice sector and enhancing its global standing. Shri Jijesh T. Das, Director delivered the vote of thanks.

English Literary Gem Award 2025 goes to Litterateur Dr Birbal Jha

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New Delhi, February 26, 2025:

Dr Birbal Jha, celebrated English litterateur and author, was conferred with the coveted ‘English Literary Gem Award 2025’ at the India International Centre, New Delhi today.

This English Literature Award is in recognition of celeb Dr Birbal Jha’s extraordinary contributions to Indian culture through English literature and his unwavering commitment to advancing English Skills training in India.

Legendary living figure Dr Birbal Jha received this prestigious literary honor from Swami Sarvalokananda Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Ashram, alongside distinguished personalities, including former DGP Dr .Anand Kumar, Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal, and eminent psychologist Dr Umesh Sharma, on behalf of Arogya Srijan Nyas.

A Visionary in English Training
A pioneering force in English language training and education in India, Dr. Birbal Jha heading British Lingua has transformed the lives of millions of Indians, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Dr Birbal Jha’s widely acclaimed ‘English for All’ campaign and his books, including “Celebrate Your Life” and “Spoken English Kit,” have served as life-changing tools for millions of learners, making English learning accessible, practical, and empowering.

Dr Birbal Jha set up British Lingua in 1993 to provide unfettered access to the unprivileged and marginalized section of society in the country. He has a track record of imparting English training to more than 4,00,000 individuals through his training program.

Reflecting on his mission, Dr Birbal Jha stated:

“My goal is to equip the common man with English language skills, ensuring their educational and social upliftment. Language is a bridge to opportunity, and I am committed to making English learning a tool of empowerment for all.”

A Leader in Social Change Through Language

Beyond academics, Dr. Jha has integrated English education with social advocacy, actively championing gender equality, social justice, and cultural preservation. His literary works not only celebrate India’s rich heritage but also foster global linguistic integration, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

His contributions have been instrumental in democratizing English education, breaking socio-economic barriers, and creating an inclusive learning ecosystem. His books and educational programs cater to the needs of students, professionals, and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, equipping them with essential communication skills for personal and professional growth.

An Icon of Excellence and Recognition

For his exceptional contributions, Dr. Birbal Jha has been the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including:
Star of Asia Award
Person of the Year Award
Great Personality of India Award
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Award
Global Skills Trainer Award

Through his groundbreaking work, Dr. Jha continues to bridge the gap between education, social justice, and community development, leaving an indelible mark on Indian society and the global educational landscape. His unwavering dedication to English education and cultural enrichment has empowered millions, ensuring that knowledge remains a tool of transformation for generations to come.

All India Arogya Conference to be held on February 26, 2025, at India International Centre, New Delhi

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New Delhi, February 26, 2025:

With the aim of promoting work-life balance through holistic health, the All-India Arogya Conference is being organized under the aegis of Arogya Srijan Nyas on February 26, 2025, at India International Centre, New Delhi. The conference will focus on raising awareness about mental, physical, and emotional well-being and emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The chief guest of the conference will be Swami Sarvalokananda Ji Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission. The distinguished guests include Brigadier Sanjay Agrawal, former Director General of Police Anand Kumar, and psychologist Dr. Umesh Kumar.

These eminent personalities will share their insights and shed light on the significance of holistic health and work-life balance.

Conference Theme: “Work-Life Balance Through Holistic Health”

The objective of this event is to address the rising stress, mental pressure, and health challenges in modern lifestyles. Maintaining a work-life balance not only enhances an individual’s health but also improves productivity and overall quality of life.

On this occasion, renowned litterateur, author and linguist Dr. Birbal Jha will be honored with the “English Literature Ratna Award” in recognition of his exceptional literary contributions to English and his tireless efforts in promoting Indian culture through the English language. Dr. Jha, a pioneering figure in English language education in India, has played a crucial role in empowering individuals with language skills as employability skills while advocating for cultural enrichment and social uplifting. His works have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between Indian heritage and the global community, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

In addition, other distinguished personalities who have made outstanding contributions in various fields will also be felicitated.

This initiative by Arogya Srijan Nyas marks a significant step towards realizing the objectives of the Government of India’s health mission. Through this endeavor, efforts are being made to promote a healthy lifestyle in society and create awareness among people.

Event Details:
📅 Date: February 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Venue: India International Centre, New Delhi

Lajpat Nagar 3 RWA hosts Zero Waste Awareness Meet, leading the way in Sustainable Living

A Model Community in Sustainable Waste Management

zero waste mngt awareness

Delhi, 23 February 2025 – Lajpat Nagar 3 RWA is proving that sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of life. The neighborhood recently hosted the Zero Waste Awareness Meet, a community-driven initiative that has transformed waste management practices, ensuring that over 95% of waste is either composted or recycled. Residents have embraced the movement wholeheartedly, proving that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant environmental change.

Launched in 2023 by the Zero Waste Committee under the leadership of Mr. Charanjeet Singh, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Lajpat Nagar 3 Residents Welfare Association (RWA) team, including Mr. SB Singh, Mr. Lalit Vohra, Mrs. Sujata Bahal, Mrs. Meeta Chaddha, and Mr. Sundeep Chaddha. The event was attended by MCD officials and the DDSIL team, who elaborated on the significance of this drive and its long-term impact on waste reduction.

Since becoming fully operational in February 2024, the initiative—managed by Tozero Sustainable Solutions, founded by IIT-Delhi alumnus Ajay Agarwal—has achieved remarkable milestones, including composting 48 tons of wet waste on-site, recycling 76 tons of dry waste, and providing sustainable employment to 12 waste pickers.

zero waste mgt awarene

At the event, Councilor Sharad Kapoor, a passionate advocate for the project, praised the RWA’s dedication. “The people of Lajpat Nagar 3 are leading the way in responsible waste management. Their efforts serve as an example for the entire city. A cleaner Delhi starts with each of us, and this initiative proves that when a community comes together, real change happens.”

“Our community is proving that zero waste living is not just a vision but a tangible reality,” said Mr. Charanjeet Singh, speaking at the event, stated, “Our community is demonstrating that zero waste living is not just a concept but an achievable goal. Through consistent waste segregation, composting, and recycling, we are not only reducing landfill waste but also creating a sustainable blueprint for other communities to follow.”

Mr. Lalit Vohra, while speaking at the meet, remarked, “Waste management is often an afterthought, but this initiative proves that with a well-structured system, we can make a significant difference. Our efforts today will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for the coming generations.”

Mrs. Sujata Bahal reflected on the impact of the event, saying, “It’s heartening to see our community so engaged in this movement. When sustainable habits start at home, they spread throughout the city, inspiring others to be more responsible with their waste.”

A key message emphasized throughout the event was that “My waste is my responsibility.” This initiative aims to instill a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring that waste management is not just a community effort but a personal commitment for everyone.

The final phase of the initiative, set to launch in March 2025, will fully transition Lajpat Nagar 3 into a 100% Zero Waste Community, serving as a model for sustainable urban living. This will serve as a model for other urban neighborhoods, proving that with the right strategies and community participation, sustainable living is truly within reach.

United Way Worldwide President and CEO, Angela F. Williams, unveils ‘Rainwater Percolation Well’ model at Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 21 February 2025: In a significant step towards sustainable water management in Bengaluru, Ms. Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, unveiled an innovative ‘Rainwater Percolation Wells’ model at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (IGMF) in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) under its flagship program ‘One Billion Drops’ aims to enhance public awareness about sustainable rainwater conservation and inspire community participation in recharging the city’s natural aquifers. At IGMF Park, 12 wells have been established, each capable of conserving 1,28,100 liters of water annually. These wells are built underground, and the newly installed physical model at the park visually demonstrates how they function. This model helps communities understand the process, encouraging them to adopt similar rainwater harvesting solutions in their private spaces to conserve water and recharge borewells. United Way Bengaluru has been a leader in urban water conservation, constructing nearly 8,000 percolation wells since 2020 across public parks, government institutions, and campuses in Bengaluru, with an additional 2,000 wells in the pipeline. These 8,000 wells have the potential to significantly contribute to the city's water sustainability efforts, conserving 10.24 million liters of water annually. A similar first-of-its-kind prototype was installed at Lalbagh in 2022, which has since drawn thousands of visitors, generating widespread public awareness about rainwater percolation wells. The success of that initiative paved the way for more such models to be introduced across the city, with the latest one at IGMF Park reinforcing the importance of rainwater conservation. Speaking on this occasion, Dr. M. Jagadesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh said “The Horticulture Department, Karnataka has been working with United Way Bengaluru for several years on various environmental initiatives, from water conservation to greening urban spaces. This rainwater percolation well prototype is a great step toward public awareness and sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing this partnership to drive many more environmental initiatives in the future. "Water conservation is a critical challenge not just for Bengaluru, but for cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization. United Way believes in local solutions with global impact, and Bengaluru’s ‘One Billion Drops’ initiative exemplifies how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can drive meaningful change. By bringing together the government, corporates, and communities to adopt sustainable water conservation practices like rainwater percolation wells, we are not only addressing immediate water challenges but also building a resilient future for generations to come. United Way Bengaluru’s leadership in fostering these collaborations is truly commendable, and I hope to see similar initiatives replicated in other cities worldwide." said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, of United Way Worldwide. “Rooted in a community-focused approach, the 'One Billion Drops' campaign is not just a solution; it's a movement. A scalable, replicable model that brings together communities and stakeholders for rainwater conservation and sustainability. I am grateful to Angela for joining us to unveil the prototypeBengaluru, 21 February 2025: In a significant step towards sustainable water management in Bengaluru, Ms. Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, unveiled an innovative ‘Rainwater Percolation Wells’ model at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (IGMF) in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) under its flagship program ‘One Billion Drops’ aims to enhance public awareness about sustainable rainwater conservation and inspire community participation in recharging the city’s natural aquifers.

At IGMF Park, 12 wells have been established, each capable of conserving 1,28,100 liters of water annually. These wells are built underground, and the newly installed physical model at the park visually demonstrates how they function. This model helps communities understand the process, encouraging them to adopt similar rainwater harvesting solutions in their private spaces to conserve water and recharge borewells.

United Way Bengaluru has been a leader in urban water conservation, constructing nearly 8,000 percolation wells since 2020 across public parks, government institutions, and campuses in Bengaluru, with an additional 2,000 wells in the pipeline. These 8,000 wells have the potential to significantly contribute to the city’s water sustainability efforts, conserving 10.24 million liters of water annually. A similar first-of-its-kind prototype was installed at Lalbagh in 2022, which has since drawn thousands of visitors, generating widespread public awareness about rainwater percolation wells. The success of that initiative paved the way for more such models to be introduced across the city, with the latest one at IGMF Park reinforcing the importance of rainwater conservation.

Bengaluru, 21 February 2025: In a significant step towards sustainable water management in Bengaluru, Ms. Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, unveiled an innovative ‘Rainwater Percolation Wells’ model at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (IGMF) in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) under its flagship program ‘One Billion Drops’ aims to enhance public awareness about sustainable rainwater conservation and inspire community participation in recharging the city’s natural aquifers. At IGMF Park, 12 wells have been established, each capable of conserving 1,28,100 liters of water annually. These wells are built underground, and the newly installed physical model at the park visually demonstrates how they function. This model helps communities understand the process, encouraging them to adopt similar rainwater harvesting solutions in their private spaces to conserve water and recharge borewells. United Way Bengaluru has been a leader in urban water conservation, constructing nearly 8,000 percolation wells since 2020 across public parks, government institutions, and campuses in Bengaluru, with an additional 2,000 wells in the pipeline. These 8,000 wells have the potential to significantly contribute to the city's water sustainability efforts, conserving 10.24 million liters of water annually. A similar first-of-its-kind prototype was installed at Lalbagh in 2022, which has since drawn thousands of visitors, generating widespread public awareness about rainwater percolation wells. The success of that initiative paved the way for more such models to be introduced across the city, with the latest one at IGMF Park reinforcing the importance of rainwater conservation. Speaking on this occasion, Dr. M. Jagadesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh said “The Horticulture Department, Karnataka has been working with United Way Bengaluru for several years on various environmental initiatives, from water conservation to greening urban spaces. This rainwater percolation well prototype is a great step toward public awareness and sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing this partnership to drive many more environmental initiatives in the future. "Water conservation is a critical challenge not just for Bengaluru, but for cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization. United Way believes in local solutions with global impact, and Bengaluru’s ‘One Billion Drops’ initiative exemplifies how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can drive meaningful change. By bringing together the government, corporates, and communities to adopt sustainable water conservation practices like rainwater percolation wells, we are not only addressing immediate water challenges but also building a resilient future for generations to come. United Way Bengaluru’s leadership in fostering these collaborations is truly commendable, and I hope to see similar initiatives replicated in other cities worldwide." said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, of United Way Worldwide. “Rooted in a community-focused approach, the 'One Billion Drops' campaign is not just a solution; it's a movement. A scalable, replicable model that brings together communities and stakeholders for rainwater conservation and sustainability. I am grateful to Angela for joining us to unveil the prototype

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. M. Jagadesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh said “The Horticulture Department, Karnataka has been working with United Way Bengaluru for several years on various environmental initiatives, from water conservation to greening urban spaces. This rainwater percolation well prototype is a great step toward public awareness and sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing this partnership to drive many more environmental initiatives in the future.

“Water conservation is a critical challenge not just for Bengaluru, but for cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization. United Way believes in local solutions with global impact, and Bengaluru’s ‘One Billion Drops’ initiative exemplifies how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can drive meaningful change. By bringing together the government, corporates, and communities to adopt sustainable water conservation practices like rainwater percolation wells, we are not only addressing immediate water challenges but also building a resilient future for generations to come. United Way Bengaluru’s leadership in fostering these collaborations is truly commendable, and I hope to see similar initiatives replicated in other cities worldwide.” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, of United Way Worldwide.

“Rooted in a community-focused approach, the ‘One Billion Drops‘ campaign is not just a solution; it’s a movement. A scalable, replicable model that brings together communities and stakeholders for rainwater conservation and sustainability. I am grateful to Angela for joining us to unveil the prototype

March for Social Justice Advocates Linguistic Empowerment in Delhi

New Delhi, 20th February 2025

On World Social Justice Day, the streets of East Delhi resonated with powerful messages of equality as the March for Social Justice took place. Organized by British Lingua, a globally recognized institute for English communication, the event promoted fairness, equal opportunities, and linguistic empowerment.

Led by Dr. Birbal Jha, an eminent English litterateur and social reformer, the march highlighted his longstanding commitment to public movements such as the Namaste March (2020) for traditional Indian greetings, Atal March (2024) honoring Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Youth March (2025) commemorating Swami Vivekananda. His pioneering initiative, English for All (1993), has long advocated for accessible English education to uplift marginalized communities.

Commencing from British Lingua and concluding at Laxmi Nagar Metro Station, the procession saw hundreds of youths and social activists carrying placards with impactful messages on social and linguistic justice. Among the notable quotes displayed were:
📜 “Social justice is not just about rights; it is about giving people the tools—like English—to claim those rights.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
📜 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
📜 “English education must not be a privilege for a few, but a bridge to equality for all.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
📜 “The chains of caste and class can only be broken when education, especially in English, reaches the last person in society.” — Jyotirao Phule
📜 “To rise in modern India, mastering English is no longer a choice; it is a necessity for social mobility and justice.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
📜 “English is not just a language; it is a passport to social justice and economic mobility.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
📜 “No social reform is complete unless every child in India has access to quality English education.” — Dr. Birbal Jha

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jha emphasized, “For India to achieve true social justice, English must be accessible to all, not just the privileged. Education is the key to social mobility, and English is the tool that opens doors to global opportunities.”

The march underscored the transformative power of English education in bridging social gaps and fostering equal opportunities. It sent a strong message to policymakers, educators, and citizens to prioritize linguistic inclusivity for a more equitable society, leaving a lasting impact on future efforts toward social justice in India.

FTCCI’s Program on Electrical and Fire Safety for Industries and Residential Buildings

DR. SURESH KUMAR SINGHAL SEEN WELCOMING Y NAGI REDDY

Hyderabad, February 20, 2025:The Infrastructure, Real Estate & Smart Cities Committee of FTCCI (The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry) organised a very useful and need-of-the-hour program on Electrical and Fire Safety for Industries and Residential Buildings as the summer season begins on Wednesday night at FTCCI in Red Hills, Hyderabad

Mr. Y. Nagi Reddy, Director General, Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department, Government of Telangana; Mr. C. Lakshmi Prasad, Director (Retd). Telangana Fire Services and Civil Defence Training Institute, Government of Telangana; and Mr V. Srinivas, CEP. Synergy Infra Consultant was the chief guest and speaker at the program

Mr Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS, Director General, Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department, Government of Telangana explained on Fire Compliances and Preparedness of Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency Dept. Mr. V Srinivas, CEO, Synergy Infra Consultants Pvt Ltd explained Fire Disaster Management in Industries. Mr. C Lakshmi Prasad, Director (Retired), Telangana Fire Services and Civil Defence Training Institute Government of Telangana spoke on Fire Disaster Management in Industries by

Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI reiterated that safety is a shared responsibility. While regulatory bodies and organizations provide guidelines and policies, it is up to each of us—business owners, facility managers, engineers, architects, and residents—to ensure that these measures are implemented effectively.

Electrical and fire safety are critically important and must not be underestimated. With rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and increased dependence on electrical infrastructure, the risk of accidents and fire hazards has grown manifold. Whether it is a manufacturing facility, an office complex, or a residential building, safety should always remain a top priority, he added

At FTCCI Mr Singhal added, we are committed to creating platforms that spread awareness, educate stakeholders, and promote best practices in crucial areas like safety and compliance. Today’s session will provide valuable insights from industry experts on risk assessment, preventive measures, regulatory frameworks, and emergency response strategies to ensure safety in both industrial and residential spaces.

Abhishek Tibrewala, Chairman of FTCCI Infrastructure, Real Estate & Smart Cities Committee in his opening remarks said the state in 2024 recorded over 7,600 fire incidents, with Hyderabad alone accounting for 2,500 cases. The capital city saw over 50 incidents of fire mishaps from January 1st till February 10th. On average, the city has recorded about two or three fire accidents daily.

According to the information published the occurrences range from minor kitchen fires in homes to huge commercial & industrial disasters. The Fire department did a good job of minimising the loss of human lives and properties. The fire officials have put their sweat and time together and recently audited 5,000 major commercial structures in the city, Tibrewal said.

Safety is not just a requirement—it is a responsibility and we all are equally responsible for the same. Considering the needs of the hour, this knowledge session holds immense value. Through expert discussions and technical insights, we aim to equip ourselves with the best knowledge available, he added

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At the end of the talks of the speakers Mr. B. Sunil Chandra Reddy, Co-Chair of the FTCCI committee moderated a question and answer session and at the end of the same proposed vote of thanks. Safety is not just a regulation—it is a culture we must embrace. Let’s ensure that industries and residential buildings are fire and electrically safe environments. By working together, spreading awareness, and taking proactive measures, we can prevent accidents, save lives, and build a safer tomorrow.

The onset of summer every year is usually accompanied by a rise in fire incidents. In this light of the background, FTCCI organised a program on Electrical and Fire Safety for Industries and Residential Buildings to equip people with essential knowledge and tools to ensure electrical and fire safety in all premises.

The experts provided the latest trends, best practices, regulatory updates, compliance requirements, demonstration of fire preventive techniques, insights on minimizing risks and emergency preparedness etc and more

Youth OFBJP UK Inaugurated

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Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, YOFBJP seeks to unite young Indians abroad who share OFBJP’s values, a new platform for young Indians abroad to connect, engage, and contribute to India’s growth and OFBJP’s vision

  • YOFBJP UK launches with a vision to unite young Indians abroad, empowering them to contribute to India’s growth and OFBJP’s global mission
  • Inauguration of YOFBJP United Kingdom and website launch: Connecting global youth to India’s growth and OFBJP’s vision

London, 14 February 2025

The Youth Overseas Friends of BJP (YOFBJP) United Kingdom, a wing of OFBJP UK was officially launched in a grand inauguration ceremony led by Shri Vijay Chauthaiwale ji and Shri Shishir Bajoria ji. This event marks the establishment of OFBJP’s first-ever international youth wing, aimed at connecting young overseas Indians with India’s progress and political vision.

Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge of Videsh Vibhag of BJP, emphasized that this platform would encourage youth under 35 to contribute towards India’s development. “Our aim is simple — to create a space where young people abroad can connect with India’s growth and play their part in shaping its future,” he said. He highlighted the importance of extending Modi Ji’s ideology beyond the Indian diaspora, particularly in the UK.

Shishir Bajoria, in charge of UK-Europe, OFBJP, congratulated the youth wing team, stating that India’s development depends on its youth. He encouraged young Indians abroad to engage with the OFBJP’s mission and contribute to India’s future. “The energy and ideas of young people abroad are an important part of India’s success. Now, we have a platform to bring them into the fold,” he remarked.

Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of OFBJP UK, praised the youth’s efforts in creating this platform and encouraged them to actively participate in this movement. “This is a moment for young people to step forward and be part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. He also reflected on OFBJP’s journey and the importance of youth-driven initiatives for India’s future.

Tejasv Bharadwaj, President of YOFBJP UK, thanked the dignitaries and supporters and emphasized the platform’s mission to engage not only with the Indian diaspora but also with diverse communities globally. “Our work won’t just be about connecting with Indians overseas, but also about reaching out to others who can see India’s potential and share in its progress,” he stated. He expressed YOFBJP’s commitment to contributing to Modi Ji’s vision of a developed India, citing the importance of international cooperation.

The event also introduced the leadership team of YOFBJP UK, which includes Tejasv Bharadwaj, Mayur Rao Patel, Kartik Agarwal, Satyam Gadkari, Kaniskha Godha, Sara Saxena, Advocate Sanket Takale, Dr. Parth Patel, Anika Joshi, Shrusti Hode, and Aditi Sadana.

Finally, with the launch of its website, YOFBJP UK offers a platform for young Indians in the UK to stay informed, participate in discussions, and contribute to initiatives supporting India’s progress. The event concluded with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ symbolizing unity, patriotism, and dedication to building a stronger connection between India and its youth abroad.

MUMBAI’S ICONS, CAPTURED IN TIME

Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra

AN EXHIBITION BY PRADEEP CHANDRA AT MUSEO CAMERA

Gurugram, Feb 14: Museo Camera will present “Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra,” a captivating exhibition showcasing the photography of Pradeep Chandra. The exhibition, curated by Aditya Arya, Director of Museo Camera, will run from February 16th to 27th, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai (then Bombay) through the lens of one of India’s most celebrated photographers.

Pradeep Chandra, a veteran photojournalist, returns to Delhi after 45 years to share his extraordinary collection of images. Having spent a decade in Delhi in the 1970s, contributing to publications like Hind Pocket Books, Saptahik Hindustan, Kadambini, Sushma Shama, and Youth Times, and working with Delhi Press as a staff photographer, Chandra’s return to the city of his early career is a homecoming. His lens has captured the essence of Bombay’s dynamic culture, its influential personalities, and its transformative moments over the years, making this exhibition a significant cultural event.

Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra” is a visual chronicle of the city’s evolution, featuring iconic figures from various fields. The exhibition features an impressive array of portraits, including luminaries from the art world such as M.F. Husain, Tyeb Mehta, F.N. Souza, and Mario Miranda. Film enthusiasts will recognize legendary actors like Ashok Kumar, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjay Dutt, alongside glimpses of cinematic moments, such as Rajat Sharma interviewing Sharad Pawar on the sets of Aap Ki Adaalat.

Beyond the realm of arts and entertainment, Chandra’s lens has also captured historical and spiritual figures. The exhibition features poignant portraits of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and spiritual leader Osho Rajneesh. Music aficionados will appreciate images of maestros like Hariprasad Chaurasia, Amjad Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Zubin Mehta, and Ustad Zakir Hussain. The political landscape is also represented, with photographs of prominent leaders from Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to L.K. Advani and Narendra Modi.

This exhibition is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on Bombay’s rich history and its diverse population. Pradeep Chandra’s work, borne from his time with esteemed publications like The Indian Post, The Indian Express, The Illustrated Weekly of India, and Bombay Times, encapsulates the spirit of the city. His images are not merely snapshots; they are stories frozen in time, capturing the essence of their subjects and the era they represent.

Curator Aditya Arya’s vision brings these powerful images together, creating a narrative that resonates with both long-time residents and those new to the city. “Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in photography, history, and the vibrant culture of Mumbai.

Exhibition Details:
Title: Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra
Venue: Museo Camera
Dates: February 16th – 27th
Time : 11 am to 7 pm
Curator: Aditya Arya