Home Blog Page 1849

Explore the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Bhavnagar in Gujarat, where sea waves anoint Lord Bholenath, read how sacred Dhwaja is protected even during high tide

ભાર્ગવ રાજ્યગુરુ
-
0
Explore the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Bhavnagar in Gujarat, where sea waves anoint Lord Bholenath, read how sacred Dhwaja is protected even during high tide

India is home to numerous temples and Hindu sanctuaries, each harbouring its own trove of hidden secrets. Whether it’s the revered Dwarka, the illustrious Jagannath Temple, or the enigmatic Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, these sacred spaces possess a cosmic energy that sets them apart and imbues them with deep significance. Temples in northern India often find their serenity amidst the pristine rivers and majestic Himalayan landscapes, while their counterparts in the southern regions stand as magnificent exemplars of India’s rich temple architectural heritage.

These distinct geographical and architectural features have woven a tapestry of spiritual diversity and cultural significance across the nation’s sacred landscape. Today, we delve into the realm of one such ancient temple, the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

The Nishkalank Mahadev temple, nestled along the Bhavnagar coast, boasts a rich and illustrious history steeped in mythology. However, numerous intriguing facets of this temple remain relatively unknown to the general public. Today, we embark on a journey to unearth and share intriguing insights about this majestic and mythological Shivalaya – the temple of Lord Shiva.

Local resident Rajdeepbhai Desai told OpIndia, “Nishkalank Mahadev Shivalaya, situated in the Arabian Sea approximately 3 km from Koliak village within Bhavnagar district, offers a truly captivating experience in close communion with nature. Visiting this sacred site bestows a sense of blessing upon Shiva devotees and pilgrims, imparting profound tranquillity.

The positive energy enveloping the place has the remarkable ability to dispel worldly perplexities, granting an extraordinary sense of peace. In the divine presence of the immaculate Mahadev, one momentarily feels transported to another realm. It stands as a paramount responsibility for every Shiva devotee and the local community to cherish and promote such a remarkable holy place.”

Ancient History of Nishkalanka Mahadev

During an exclusive conversation with Opindia, Jayadevagiri Goswami, the chief priest of the Nishkalank Mahadev temple, said, “Five and a half millennia ago, the epic Mahabharata war unfolded, culminating in the Pandavas’ triumph but also mourning the loss of numerous family members. Seeking redemption for their deeds, the Pandavas turned to Lord Krishna for guidance. He instructed them to carry a black flag and a black cow and explained that when both the cow and flag turned white, they should install a Shivalinga at that spot. Worshipping Lord Shiva there would cleanse them of their sins.”

He further said, “The five Pandavas arrived at a beach near Bhavnagar, where they witnessed the transformation of the cow’s colour and the flag to white. In response, they consecrated five Shivalingas and performed Vedic rituals to honour Lord Shiva. This act liberated them from the burden of the violence and bloodshed that marred the war, which included the deaths of their own kin. The local community affectionately knows this sacred site as Naklang Mahadev.”

The five Pandavas established five Shivalingas to seek penance for the transgressions of Kurukshetra. Remarkably, these five Shivalingas continue to stand tall at the site. Devotees can have darshan and worship at this sacred location for a limited five-hour window daily. Beyond these hours, the sea waves cover the Shivalingas. The devotees see this phenomenon as if the sea deity conducts a ritual jalabhishek (water anointing) on the Shivalingas. The word Nishkalank literally means one that frees the worshipper from the blots of bad karmas. By worshipping Lord Shiva here, five Pandavas cleansed the blot of committing violence in the war of Mahabharata.

Nishkalank Mahadev is located in the Arabian Sea

Numerous coastal places of worship grace India’s seashores, including Shivalayas – that is temples of Lord Shiva. However, this temple possesses a unique distinction as it is situated 3 kilometres inside the sea from the shoreline. Here, each day, the waves of the Arabian Sea reverentially perform Jalabhishek on all five Shivlings. Devotees can catch a glimpse of the sacred deity Mahadev for a brief 5-hour period daily. During the remaining hours, this shrine remains submerged beneath the sea’s waters, with only its pinnacle and pillars visible during high tide.

Due to its unique location in the heart of the sea, this Shiva temple offers a darshan of the deity during specific hours each day. The timing of darshan is intricately tied to the ebb and flow of the tide, which fluctuates in accordance with the Hindu calendar’s lunar months. High tide and low tide cycles align with the phases of the full moon and new moon. Under normal circumstances, this temple experiences periods of submersion in seawater, followed by the sea receding to reveal the path leading to the temple.

A big fair is held on the New Moon of the month of Bhadrapada; the Maharaja of Bhavnagar princely state hoists the Dhwaja

Typically, during the sacred Hindu month of Shravan, and particularly on Shravan Mondays, thousands of devout pilgrims converge upon this site. Additionally, a traditional folk fair is celebrated during the new moon of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, drawing a massive crowd. An estimated 2 to 3 lakh individuals attend this fair, fervently chanting praises to Lord Mahadev. Notably, participants from South India, including Gujaratis, actively engage in this vibrant gathering. The locals affectionately refer to this fair as the Naklang Fair, and it holds special significance, particularly for the people of Chennai.

Traditional fair at the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

As per the temple’s auspicious timings (Muhurat), devotees partake in a ritual sea bath before seeking the divine Darshan of the deity and offering heartfelt worship to Lord Shiva. Remarkably, the village residents generously extend their hospitality by providing lodging and meals to the visiting pilgrims, a testament to the warm and welcoming spirit of this coastal Hindu community.

Maharaja of Bhavnagar offering the Dhwaja to the temple.

On the auspicious day of Bhadrapada Amavasya (new moon), a significant ceremony unfolds as the Maharaja of Bhavnagar state presents a revered 52-yard Dhwaja (Dharmik saffron flag) to the temple. The commencement of the fair hinges upon the solemn hoisting of this flag, accompanied by the recitation of Vedic mantras. This age-old tradition, spanning centuries, continues to this day. Remarkably, the very same Dhwaja continues to flutter on the top of the temple for an entire year. Astonishingly, despite the temple’s year-round exposure to the sea’s elements and the region’s occasional heavy winds, this flag remains unharmed. It even withstood the formidable earthquake of 2001, waving proudly without any damage.

The stunning natural beauty of the place

Imagine the enchanting experience of strolling along the damp seabed to witness five magnificent Shivalingas nestled in the heart of the sea. The picturesque vistas must be truly captivating! Devotees undertake a faith-filled journey, traversing a 3-kilometre expanse of sea with bare feet, to partake in the divine Darshan of this extraordinary temple. The soothing, balmy sea breezes, the ethereal ambience, and the profound tranquillity combine to transform this sacred site into a full-fledged tourist attraction, bridging the gap between land and sea. Even the younger generation finds excitement in capturing images of this temple situated in the sea.

Surrounding the temple, one encounters the serene embrace of the sea. Here, one can immerse themselves in the inherent positive energies of the ocean. The tranquil and melodious sounds of nature, the warm hospitality of the coastal community, and the majestic flight of birds all contribute to the temple’s natural grandeur.

Traditional beliefs linked to the temple

Folk beliefs vary significantly from place to place, and they constitute a crucial and distinctive aspect of any folk culture, encompassing folk beliefs, legends, and mythical narratives. The local populace holds profound and steadfast convictions associated with this temple, each rooted in its own set of beliefs and traditions.

The local belief holds that the mere sight of the Nishkalank Mahadev temple’s flag can absolve an individual of all their sins. Furthermore, it is thought that by applying the ashes of a deceased relative’s pyre to the Shivalinga and allowing them to flow into the water, the departed soul can attain salvation. Within the temple, offerings of pyre ashes, milk, curd, and Shriphal (coconut) are made to the deity.

‘India vs Bharat’ is not a matter of debate, Supreme Court already said both names can be used: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘India vs Bharat’ is not a matter of debate, Supreme Court already said both names can be used: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

In what can be perceived as an attempt to end the debate on speculations that the official name of India will be changed to Bharat, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that there is no controversy on the issue. It is notable that the Assam CM was among those who had triggered the speculations and the subsequent debates on the issue with a cryptic tweet on 5 September.

Addressing the media in Guwahati today (6 September), Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the matter of using India or Bharat is not a matter of debate, and both names can be used interchangeably. He said that just a few days ago when Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, nobody had objected to the name.

It is notable that on 11 August, three new bills, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 were presented by the home minister. These laws will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and the Evidence Act, 1872, and all 3 new laws have Hindi names with the word Bharat, not India.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also added that the Supreme Court has already settled the matter in 2016, when the apex court had said that both the names India and Bharat can be used. The court had delivered this verdict in response to a PIL seeking a direction that India be called ‘Bharat’ for all purposes. A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice U U Lalit had said, “Bharat or India? You want to call it Bharat, go right ahead. Someone wants to call it India, let him call it India.” The court was hearing a petition by Niranjan Bhatwal, a social activist from Maharashtra.

When a similar petition was filed in 2020, Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde dismissed it saying that “India is already called Bharat in the Constitution itself”. However, the court had said that petitioner can make a representation in front of the central government over the issue.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also said that several prime ministers in the past, including Dr. Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, had taken oath of office using the name Bharat. He said that Indira Gandhi also took oath as the Pradhan Mantri of Bharat, not as Prime Minister of India.

Therefore, it is not a matter of debate, the CM said.

It is notable that whenever a union minister chose to take oath in Hindi, the name Bharat is used, while the name India is used for oaths taken in English.

The speculations of renaming the country had started after the Modi government announced a special session of parliament without announcing an agenda. Later the speculation was bolstered when the words ‘President of Bharat’ was used in an invitation for G20 Summit dinner sent by the president. Amid this, Himanta Biswa Sarma had tweeted, “REPUBLIC OF BHARAT – happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL,” reinforcing the speculations.

This had already created a massive debate with opposition parties opposing the move. But the comments by Assam CM seems to indicate that there is no plan to change the name of the country. Notably, it has already been reported that while the special session will start on 18th September in the old parliament house, it will be move to the new parliament house on 19th September on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The new parliament house was inaugurated in May this year by PM Modi, but the monsoon session was held in the old parliament as some finishing works at the new building were yet to be completed.

Therefore, the agenda of the special session could be starting business in the newly built parliament, and the agenda may not include changing the official name of the country.

“Need proper response”: PM Modi reacts on Udhaynidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma, asks ministers to respond firmly

OpIndia Staff
-
0
“Need proper response”: PM Modi reacts on Udhaynidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma, asks ministers to respond firmly

In his first reaction to the hate speech by the son of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, PM Modi has categorically stated that the remarks of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin “needs a proper response”. While addressing the Council of Ministers meeting ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, PM Modi instructed Cabinet Ministers to properly respond to the opposition for making hateful remarks against Sanatan Dharma. 

However, he advised the Ministers to exercise caution and not indulge in the India vs. Bharat dispute. He added that only the authorised person should speak on the matter. According to media reports, the PM asserted that Ministers should instead focus on contemporary issues and firmly respond to Udhayanidhi Stalin and the opposition’s vile remarks against Sanatan Dharma with facts.  

During the Council of Ministers meeting, PM Modi reportedly said, “Do not go into history but stick to the facts as per the Constitution. Also, speak about the contemporary situation of the issue.” 

Apparently, PM Modi’s remark comes in the wake of an outright display of Hinduphobia which has spiralled after Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call for uprooting and eradication of Sanatan Dharma. 

Evidently, on Wednesday (6 September), another Congress leader spewed venom against Hinduism. The Home Minister of Karnataka G Parameshwara made a controversial remark on Hinduism and asked ‘Who knows when it (Hindu dharma) was born?’  

On the other hand, despite massive public outrage, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, has refused to apologise for comparing Sanatan Dharma with diseases like Malaria and corona and calling for the complete eradication of Sanatan Dharma. 

Earlier in the day, a Police official said that an FIR has been registered against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank Kharge in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur for allegedly outraging religious feelings.

Meanwhile, a group of Hindu youth in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, took out a protest march against Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks insulting the Sanatana Dharma. 

In the protest march, demonstrators rallied with an effigy of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s son and inserted a bamboo inside it saying that those who insult Sanatana Dharma will meet the same fate.

The anti-Sanatan remark has attracted widespread condemnation from believers of Sanatan Dharma. In fact, the Malaysian Hindu Sangam wrote a letter to the High Commission of India condemning Udayanidhi Stalin’s hatred against Sanatana Dharma. In the letter, the Hindu Sangam requested the Indian Government to take tough action in this matter.

US city Louisville declares 3 September as ‘Sanatana Dharma Day’ amid ‘eradicate Sanatana’ calls by opposition parties in India

OpIndia Staff
-
0
US city Louisville declares 3 September as ‘Sanatana Dharma Day’ amid ‘eradicate Sanatana’ calls by opposition parties in India

Craig Greenberg, the mayor of Louisville city in Kentucky in the United States has declared 3 September as ‘Sanatana Dharma Day’ in the city. The official pronouncement was read at the Maha Kumbha Abhishekam event at the Hindu Temple of Kentucky in Louisville by Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith on behalf of the mayor.

The celebration was attended by several spiritual leaders and dignitaries including Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Bhagawati Saraswati along with Lieutenant governor Jacqueline Coleman, deputy chief of staff Keisha Dorsey, among others.

Notably, Greg Fisher, a former mayor of Louisville had earlier proclaimed 20 July to be ‘Encyclopaedia of Hinduism Day’ in Kentucky.

Chidanand Saraswati and Bhagawati Saraswati presided over the religious ceremony which launched the sacred rites and rituals that re-energise, rejuvenate and re-imbue the deities of the temple with potent divine energy. The observance was part of the auspicious occasion that entailed seven days of pooja and havan at the temple.

The intricacies of the various connotations associated with each of the elements provided in the pooja, such as the fire, the water, the flowers, etc., were revealed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The immense influence and significance of Sanatan Dharma and the Sanatan tradition were stressed by Chidanand Saraswati.

Hinduism’s connection with science and spirituality was underlined by Bhagawati Saraswati who illustrated how the two fields interact as well as overlap. The deputy mayor officially conferred Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Chidanand Saraswati with honorary citizenship of Louisville following the addresses. In addition to being appointed a Kentucky Colonel, a high state award, the latter had already been given the Key to the City of Louisville.

He voiced his displeasure over the recent controversy which revolved around the inflammatory remarks of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. “It is so sad that in India, some people are creating such negativity around Sanatan Dharma without realizing or understanding its value and depth, and yet here in America, in Louisville, Kentucky, we are celebrating the great declaration by the government of a day dedicated to Sanatan Dharma.”

Row over provocative comments on Sanatana Dharma

DMK youth wing chief and Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin equated Sanatan Dharma with diseases and called out for its complete eradication. “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona, we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. The same is the case with Sanatan,” he stated while addressing the ‘Eradicate Sanatan Conference.’

When the controversy escalated, he asserted that he would stand by every word he uttered in connection with the religion and further urged for uprooting it completely. “Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma.”

Meanwhile, he garnered support from Congress party including son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, son of veteran Congressman P Chidambaram and Lok Sabha MP Karti P Chidambaram and Tamil Nadu Congress spokesperson and General Secretary Lakshmi Ramachandran for his outrageous statement.

Priyank Kharge claimed, “Any religion that does not promote equality or does not ensure you have the dignity of being human is not religion, according to me. Any religion that does not give equal rights or does not treat you like humans is as good as disease.”

Karti P Chidambaram went on an anti-Hindu tirade and alleged, “Sanatan Dharma is nothing but code for a Caste Hierarchical Society. All those batting for it are hankering for the Good Ole Days! Caste is the Curse of India.”

Lakshmi Ramachandra attempted to create a divide between north and south Indian. She posted, “Sanathanam is another name for the hate-mongering, casteist Hindutva which has its origins in the North. In the south, our Hinduism is peace-loving and striving to be inclusive. Ramanujar, Vallalar and Narayana Guru kind of Hinduism is our Hinduism.”

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal mentioned that Congress believes in the ideology of “Sarva Dharma Samabhava.” However, he added that “every political party has the freedom to tell their views” and Congress party respects everybody’s beliefs.

Ghaziabad: Investigation into irregularities in Kanya Vivaah Yojna unearths 156 fake marriages, accused faked marriages to take money

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Ghaziabad: Investigation into irregularities in Kanya Vivaah Yojna unearths 156 fake marriages, accused faked marriages to take money

An investigation on the orders of Lokayukta has unearthed a major fraud where hundreds of accused with the help of middlemen took away money under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivaah Yojana (UP government’s mass marriage scheme) in Ghaziabad. In the investigation, around 156 marriages solemnized were found to be fake. 

As per the investigation, these girls have either been married many years ago, or they faked the marriage during the event. The investigation found that some accused got their daughters married twice or faked the year of their marriage to siphon money under the scheme. 

The probe found that some girls had been married for two to six years, yet they sat in the wedding hall on the day of the mass marriage event with their husbands. The already-married couples acted as if their marriages were to be solemnised afresh on that day.  

In some cases, the so-called to-be married couple got photographed in the mass marriage event and they parted ways once money under the government scheme was credited into their account. 

In many cases, the middlemen lured laborers who had registered themselves with the Labour Department. They promised the laborers to give Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 and in return they asked them to sign the marriage forms availed under the government scheme. In lieu of money, these laborers gave their important documents like Aadhaar cards and photos to these middlemen. These middlemen carried out all the formalities like filling out the online application forms for the marriage of the daughters of the labourers.

In cahoots with officials in the Labour Department, they got the applications approved. 

As per the modus operandi, the middlemen asked anyone to sit in the wedding hall and pretend to be a married couple during such an event in Ghaziabad, on November 24, 2022. Subsequently, they carried out other formalities under the scheme like photographing the fake wedding. Once it was done, they received the sanctioned money under the scheme, and the ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ parted ways. 

However, the nexus got exposed when some labourers did not receive the full amount and they raised complaints regarding the same. 

The probe finds instances of forgery and fabrication as well

As reported by Dainik Bhaskar, Mahendra Singh who is a resident of Nai Basti Harvanshnagar, got his three daughters married under this scheme and received Rs 2.25 lakh from the government. The investigation found that two daughters only existed on paper and the date of birth on the Aadhaar cards of his daughters only showed an age gap of 3 to 5 months which is not possible.

Dharam Singh, a labourer from Amrala village received money from the government to get his daughter married under the scheme however Investigation revealed that the daughter had been married 5 years ago. 

Similarly, Premvati, a native of Atrauli village took money by showing her daughter Nidhi’s marriage. However, the investigation found that she does not have any daughter with this name. Interestingly, on the Aadhaar card, Premwati’s age is reflected as 30 years whereas her daughter’s age is 27 years.

Timeline of investigation and similar action elsewhere

Afterward, on 16 March 2023, Pandit Gajendra Sharma, General Secretary of the National Organisation of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kisan Shakti), sent a complaint to Lokayukta Lucknow accusing fraud in marriages. 

Along with the complaint, he also submitted a list of 175 marriages which he claimed were fake. Consequently, in the first week of April, the Lokayukta ordered an investigation and asked for an investigation report from DM Ghaziabad Rakesh Kumar Singh within 15 days. The three-member committee, after conducting a long investigation, submitted its report to the DM.

On August 21, 2023, the DM sent an 800-page investigation report to the Deputy Commissioner, Lucknow. According to the report, 156 out of 175 complaints were found genuine and these 156 marriages were indeed found to be fraudulent, as per the investigation. Whereas, 2 complaints could not be verified and 3 complaints were incorrect. While the names of 14 laborers were found to be double in the list of 175.

Subsequently, in May 2023, an FIR was filed at Sihani Gate police station in Ghaziabad against 7 girls accusing them of conducting fraud in marriages. It was alleged that these girls were already married and to siphon money from the government, they pretended to be married again under mass marriage event. 

Notably, many similar fraudulent or cases of forgery in marriages have also been caught in Bulandshahr. In some cases, money has also been recovered from some laborers. Whereas, three people from the Labor Department have also been suspended. 

Earlier, similar cases of fraud in marriages were caught in Noida in the year 2018.

UP govt’s Kanya Vivaah Yojana

Under the Yogi Adityanath government’s mass marriage scheme, labourers who have been registered with the labour department for at least 365 days, can get financial assistance of Rs 82000 for their daughter’s marriage.

Under the scheme, the state government organises mass marriages for daughters of registered labourers and provides financial help to the family. 

Rs 65000 are given for the marriage grant, Rs 10000 for the clothes of the bride and groom, and Rs 7000 are given for other arrangements. 

In Ghaziabad, one such mass marriage event took place on 24 November 2022 in which marriages of almost three thousand couples from 3 districts were solemnised.

Tata Group in talks with Haldiram for 51 per cent stake, the snack maker wants a $10 billion valuation

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Tata Group in talks with Haldiram for 51 per cent stake, the snack maker wants a $10 billion valuation

The consumer division of Tata Group is in negotiations to acquire at least 51% of beloved Indian snack food producer Haldiram, a report published in Reuters said. The snack maker had reportedly demanded a $10 billion valuation.

The Indian giant would straight away compete with Pepsi (PEP.O) and Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail if a merger were to be successfully executed.

A 10% stake sale from the popular snack brand is reportedly under consideration with private equity groups like Bain Capital. Tata Consumer Products (TACN.NS) owns the United Kingdom tea business Tetley as well as collaborates with Starbucks (SBUX.O) in India. The sources informed that Haldiram generates about $1.5 billion in yearly revenue and the conglomerate resisted the $10 billion valuation.

After the news broke out, Tata Consumer shares increased more than 3% in late 6 August stock market trade. According to a third individual with firsthand knowledge of the conversations, Tata intends to purchase more than 51% of Haldiram’s shares but has informed them that their “ask is very high.”

The person mentioned that the prospective acquisition offers Tata a fascinating prospect and added, “Tata (Consumer) is seen as a tea company. Haldiram’s is huge in the consumer space and has a wide market share.” The sources required anonymity in order to speak.

Tata Consumer Products “does not comment on market speculation,” based on a spokesperson. Krishan Kumar Chutani, the CEO of Haldiram, and Bain declined to comment on the development.

The family-run Haldiram’s chain has its roots in a small shop that opened in 1937 and is renowned for its ‘bhujia’ snack which can be bought in mom-and-pop shops for a meagre Rs 10. According to Euromonitor International, its market share in India’s $6.2 billion savoury snack market is approximately 13%. Pepsi, known for its Lay’s potato chips, has about 13% as well.

Snacks by Haldiram are now offered in international markets like Singapore and the United States. The company operates 150 restaurants that serve regional fare, sweets along western food.

Ankur Bisen, head of consumer and retail at Indian consultancy Technopak remarked, “If you want to suddenly grow big in size, no one better to provide access than Haldiram’s. No other brand attacks packaged food, and food services, with equal panache.”

The consumer division of Tata, which also distributes salt, lentils and mineral water, generated $1.7 billion in revenue during the most recent fiscal year. It is a minor component of the Tata Group, which includes companies in the car, aviation, and hotel industries and generated combined sales of over $144 billion in 2022.

Manohar Lal Agrawal, the chairman of Haldiram, stated in an interview last year that the business aimed to draw in private equity investors and make its stock market debut in two to three years.

A minimum of $981 million in sales was generated by Haldiram in the fiscal year that ended in March 2022, as per regulatory filings for the company which has numerous registered firms throughout the nation. However, in accordance with the first two sources, its yearly operating profit is roughly $200 million and its revenue has now reached close to $1.5 billion.

Xi Jinping skipping G20 summit in Delhi due to turmoil in Chinese domestic politics and slump in economy, was criticised by party veterans: Report

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Xi Jinping skipping G20 summit in Delhi due to turmoil in Chinese domestic politics and slump in economy, was criticised by party veterans: Report

As China has officially announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be giving a pass to the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, the discussion around what could have been the reason behind missing a crucial G20 meet. Notably, in place of President Jinping the, Chinese delegation will be led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Interestingly, this is the first time since Jinping assumed power in 2012 that he will be missing a G20 meet which brings 19 countries and the European Union together. Although he was not present at the G20 Summit in Rome in 2021 due to the pandemic, he attended the event via video link. Many arguments are coming up one such being that the move is to snub India as the country has taken a strong stand against China over its unfounded claims on the Indian territories in Arunachal Pradesh and some areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC),

Before moving ahead, it is worth noting that China had recently released a ‘standard map’ laying claims on Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. China’s bizarre claims, however, were met with criticism from the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who in an interview said that “China has a habit of releasing such maps, and told China that merely including other countries’ territories in its map meant nothing, as the territories are very much part of India.” In addition, India also registered against China’s actions through diplomatic channels.

Other countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Russia have also issued statements objecting to the map for including their territories.

Other than the speculations around China’s attempt to snub India, the annual gathering of incumbent and retiring Chinese Communist Party officials in the coastal resort of Beidaihe, Hebei Province, appears to have been a forerunner to Jinping’s decision not to attend the G20 conference.

The specifics of the discussions that took place behind closed doors at the Beidaihe summit were not made public, however, some interesting information is beginning to surface.

CCP elders rebuked Xi Jinping

According to a Nikkei Asia report, the tone at this year’s Beidaihe summit was noticeably different from the previous ten gatherings held since Xi became the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary in 2012. Citing sources the report stated that a group of retired party elders lambasted Xi Jinping in an unprecedented manner during this year’s session.

China is currently confronting severe challenges. Its economy is in a slump not seen since the late 1970s, when “reform and opening-up” began.

The Nikkei Asia report states that the Chinese real estate sector is in turmoil, as evidenced by the troubles of big developer Evergrande Group. The percentage of youth unemployment has reached such frightening proportions that Chinese authorities stopped publishing numbers this summer.

It is notable that in August this year, Evergrande Group filed for bankruptcy in a bid to protect its assets in the United States and reach an agreement with its creditors. Once China’s top developer, the Evergrande Group defaulted on its more than $300bn in debt in 2021. Recently, China’s largest property developer, Country Garden, said that it faced a loss of USD 7.1 billion in the first six months of the year.

Moreover, the Chinese military is currently in disarray as a consequence of the removal of two top Rocket Force generals, which became public in July. In addition, the dismissal of Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his position has left the ministry engulfed in suspicion and uncertainty.

According to the report, current military turbulence raised concern among party elders who were in control during China’s economic boom.

The party elders apparently conducted their own meeting in preparation for Beidaihe to gather their ideas before presenting them to the current leaders. This meeting is thought to have taken place on Beijing’s outskirts.

Following that, a group of elders travelled to Beidaihe to convey their agreement to Xi Jinping and other leaders of the present league. It is being said that this face-to-face meeting occurred on a single day.

‘Further turmoils can jeopardise public support to the CCP’

The primary concern put forth before Xi Jinping was that if the political, economic, and social upheavals continued without adequate responses, the party’s power could be jeopardised owing to a loss of public backing. “The elders emphasised that further turmoil must be avoided,”  Nikkei Asia report reads.

Zeng Qinghong, a former vice president and one of the late former President Jiang’s closest advisors, was a key figure among the elders. Zeng was instrumental in allowing Xi, who was relatively unknown at the time, to quickly climb to power inside the party. The 84-year-old continues to wield power inside the party and has a vast network of personal ties.

Reprimanded by party elders, Jinping directs his advisors to deal with “remaining issues”

According to the report, after receiving unexpected criticism from senior party members, Xi sought solace with close aides he had appointed to crucial posts. Xi Jinping reportedly conveyed his displeasure and blamed his three predecessors, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao.

“All the issues left by the previous three leaders are on my shoulders. I’ve spent the last decade attempting to settle things, yet they remain unresolved. Am I to blame?” Jinping reportedly said. It is also said that he directed his advisers to take charge of settling any unresolved issues.

Among the said “unresolved” issues is China’s declining relationship with the rest of the world, which has resulted in slow trade and a steep drop in foreign investment.

Jinping’s G20 miss attempt at face-saving?

Jinping’s decision to miss the upcoming G20 summit in India could be an attempt at face-saving as the conversation at the G20 conference may centre on China’s economy and its impact on the global economy. The CCP’s inner circle has most likely concluded that Premier Li, who is in charge of the Chinese economy, should attend the summit to discuss these issues.

Interestingly, the Chinese President’s decision to skip the G20 summit comes on the heels of another absence. Xi Jinping did not attend a business forum hosted during the BRICS summit in South Africa in late August, following the Beidaihe meeting. Instead, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao read his speech.

Back then it was speculated that Jinping opted not to take part in the forum out of concern about being confronted with upfront questions regarding China’s economic low performance. A further reason for his absence from the G20 summit is the failure to resolve tense relations with the United States.

G20 meeting in New Delhi

The New Delhi G20 Summit, which will bring an end to a series of meetings over the course of the year, is going to be held in New Delhi on 9-10 September this year. The 43 Heads of Delegations- the largest ever in G20-will be participating in the final G20 Summit.

The G20 Summit is a forum for international economic cooperation and represents 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and two-thirds of the global population. The G20 presidency is a very important opportunity for India, as it gives India an opportunity to become a major player on the global stage.

Gujarat: Architect from Surat crafts an extraordinary portrait of PM Narendra Modi using 7,200 diamonds to celebrate PM’s 73rd birthday

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Gujarat: Architect from Surat crafts an extraordinary portrait of PM Narendra Modi using 7,200 diamonds to celebrate PM’s 73rd birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity is well-known, transcending age groups and borders. His supporters express their admiration in various ways, both in India and abroad. A talented architect from Surat, Gujarat, has created an exceptional portrait of the Prime Minister using 7,200 diamonds. This young artist aims to present this remarkable gift to PM Modi on his 73rd birthday, which falls on September 17.

Vipul Jepiwala, a resident of Surat, is not only an architect and engineer by profession but also an ardent admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While his primary business involves designing homes, he developed a new passion for creating portraits. As Prime Minister Modi’s 73rd birthday approached, Vipul decided to do something extraordinary. He embarked on the ambitious project of crafting a portrait of the Prime Minister adorned with diamonds, setting it apart from ordinary portraits.

Diamonds used in the Modi portrait

Vipul’s remarkable portrait of Prime Minister Modi is adorned with a staggering total of 7,200 diamonds. He meticulously chose diamonds in four distinct colours to create this masterpiece. White diamonds were employed for depicting the beard and hair, while skin-coloured diamonds were selected for the face. Additionally, different-coloured diamonds were utilised to craft the coat. Vipul dedicated approximately three months of painstaking effort to complete this extraordinary portrait.

The inspiration for creating this diamond portrait struck Vipul when he observed Prime Minister Modi presenting diamonds to the First Lady during his visit to the United States. This gesture ignited Vipul’s creative spark, motivating him to craft a diamond-studded portrait. Although this marks Vipul’s first-ever diamond portrait, he dedicated approximately three and a half months to its meticulous preparation. His ultimate wish is for PM Modi to graciously accept this unique creation as a heartfelt gift.

Vipul personally handpicked each and every diamond adorning this portrait. When inquired about the value of this masterpiece and the diamonds it contains, he humbly stated that its worth is immeasurable compared to Prime Minister Modi. The architect from Surat aspires for this diamond-studded portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crafted from 7200 diamonds, to reach its intended recipient.

World’s largest Ashtadhatu Nataraja statue installed at Bharat Mandapam ahead of G20 summit: PM Modi says, ‘testament to India’s artistry and traditions’

ANI
-
0
World’s largest Ashtadhatu Nataraja statue installed at Bharat Mandapam ahead of G20 summit: PM Modi says, ‘testament to India’s artistry and traditions’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remarked that the magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of India’s rich history and culture.

Sharing a post on the social media platform, X, by Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, the Prime Minister said, “The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of our rich history and culture. As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India’s age-old artistry and traditions.”

The World’s largest Nataraja statue made from ‘Ashtadhatu’ (eight metals) was installed in front of Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday, which is the venue for the G20 summit in the national capital. 

The statue is 27 feet tall and weighs around 20 tons which has been made from lost wax technique.

Notably, the Nataraja sculpture is an iconic representation of Lord Shiva, which holds immense artistic, religious and spiritual significance.

In this statue, Lord Shiva is presented performing the dynamic dance posture called tandava, which exudes energy and vitality.

The Nataraja statue is created by the traditional Sthapatis of Swamimalai in the traditional lost wax casting process following canons and measurements as mentioned in Silpa Shastra, which have followed in the making of Nataraja since the Chola period, i.e., 9th century AD onwards.

The statue is made with eight metals namely; copper- 87%, zinc- 10%, lead- 3%, tin-trace quantity, silver-trace quantity, gold-trace quantity, mercury-trace quantity, and iron as support.

India is all set to host the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country.

The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Abbott India recalls batches of popular antacid Digene gel after a complaint of foul taste and odour, DCGI issues alert against usage of recalled products

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Abbott India recalls batches of popular antacid Digene gel after a complaint of foul taste and odour, DCGI issues alert against usage of recalled products

The Mumbai-based drug manufacturing company, Abbott India is recalling several batches of its popular antacid ‘Digene syrup’, as per reports. The recall was initiated following a customer complaint of a bitter taste and pungent odour. 

As per the information received, Abbott India has taken this as a voluntary step and is recalling batches, particularly of the mint and orange-flavored syrup. The company added that it will also recall all batches of Digene Gel manufactured at the Goa unit.

Apart from this, the drug maker has also announced that it is voluntarily stopping the production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility. 

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the regulating body in India, issued a letter in this regard on 31st August. Citing a customer complaint, the DCGI letter stated, “On 9th August 2023, one bottle of Digene Gel Mint flavour used by the customer is of regular taste (sweet) and light pink colour whereas another bottle of same batch observed it was of white colour with a bitter taste and pungent odour as per the complaint.” 

The drug regulator added that in response to the customer complaint, the drug maker informed them about their decision to recall the said products. The company announced, “for a voluntary recall of the impugned product Digene Mint flavour and Digene Gel orange and voluntarily stopped production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility.” 

(DCGI letter communicating about the recall order and directions for healthcare professionals, as shared by Dr. Sudhir Kumar)

The letter added that the company has also informed the drug regulator about the “voluntary product recall of all batches of Digene Gel of all flavors – Mint, Orange, and Mix fruits flavors which are within the shelf life and manufactured at Goa facility.”

Confirming the development, Abbott India stated that it is going ahead with voluntary recall, however, it added that it was an “isolated customer complaint on taste and odour”.

“Abbott in India has voluntarily recalled Digene Gel antacid medicine manufactured at our Goa site due to isolated customer complaints on taste and odour,” an Abbott spokesperson was quoted saying in the News18 report.

However, the spokesperson stated that there were no reports of health concerns to the customer and maintained that their other forms of medication have not been impacted by this. 

The spokesperson said, “There have been no reports of patient health concerns. Other forms of Digene, such as tablets and stick packs are not impacted and Digene Gel manufactured at our other production site is not affected and continues to be available in sufficient quantities to meet current demand.”

DCGI writes to all healthcare professionals, issues alert

In a letter addressed to all drug regulators in states, Union Territories, and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the DCGI stated that doctors and healthcare professionals should carefully prescribe and educate their patients to discontinue the use of the said product (recalled batches of Digene syrups, including all that were manufactured at company’s Goa facility). 

It also asked healthcare professionals to report any side effects arising due to consumption of the Digene syrup.

“Healthcare professionals should promptly report any suspicious cases of adverse events linked to this product,” DCGI Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi said.

Further, the DCGI official advised consumers and patients to discontinue the usage of Digene Gel which was manufactured at Abbott’s Goa facility.

The letter asked wholesalers and distributors to remove the impacted product with all batch numbers manufactured at the Goa facility within active shelf life from the distribution. 

Earlier, in April, Abbott India had initiated a recall of a batch of medication used to treat hypothyroidism due to a labeling error.

Following the directions of apex health regulators, doctors, and healthcare professionals have alerted patients regarding the same and have asked them to discontinue the usage of Digene antacid syrup, particularly manufactured at the Goa facility. 

1...1,8481,8491,850...7,648Page 1,849 of 7,648