Tejas pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal cremated with full military honours
CHANDIGARH: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force pilot who died in a Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show , were laid to rest with full military honours at his native village, Patialkhad near Yol in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. From the airport, his mortal remains were taken to Patialkhad, where villagers, family members and officials gathered to pay emotional tributes as the last rites were performed with full military honours. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour as locals chanted Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Nammu bhai ka naam rahega, referring to Syal by his nickname. In an emotional moment, Squadron Leader Afshan, in uniform, stood beside her husbands coffin and offered a final salute as her eyes filled with tears, a gesture symbolising both love and unshakeable service to the nation. Meanwhile, his mother Veena Devi clung to the coffin of her son. A cousin of Syal lit his pyre. In tears, his father Jagan Nath, an ex-serviceman and former principal with the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, said, The country has lost a remarkable pilot, I have lost my son. I have now to be brave and take care of myself and the family. When I asked him about the air show he told me to watch on YouTube. Remembering his son, Nath added, From LKG till he completed his education he was never slapped by me. In whichever competition he took part he always stood first. He had also won the national talent scholar competition. His parents were in Hyderabad to meet him when the tragedy allegedly struck. Meanwhile, his uncle Madan Lal said, All villagers are waiting here. Some relatives have also arrived. The last rites will be performed today. This is a great loss for the country. He was exceptionally honest and straightforward. Possible g-force blackout: Expert on Tejas crash; pilots father says he learnt of sons death from YouTube Locals described Syal as a gem and the pride of their village and school. Pankaj Chadha, who studied with him at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, said they had lost one of our gems, as Syal was the pride of their school. We will go to his native village, Patialkhad as he made all of us very proud, he said. Everyone in Patialkhad is grieving. He was like a younger brother to us. This should not have happened. We met him just three to four months ago when he visited the village, said local resident Sandeep Kumar. A highly skilled fighter pilot with an exemplary service record, Syal was posted at the Hyderabad airbase. His mortal remains were flown from Coimbatore to Kangra in a special Air Force aircraft, in which his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, their seven-year-old daughter Arayana and his parents, Jagannath Syal and Veena Devi, accompanied him. He had visited the village four months ago. His elder sister works with the Education Department. Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma was also present during the cremation. He termed the loss unbearable for both the state and the country and assured the family of the governments unwavering support. Nagrota Bagwan MLA R S Bali, who holds cabinet rank as chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, was present at the airport on behalf of the state government to receive the body. Syal joined the IAF after clearing the National Defence Academy exam in 2009. He had studied at a primary school in Dalhousie, Army Public School in Yol cantonment, and Sainik School in Sujanpur Tira.
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Mortal Remains Of Wing Commander Namansh Syal Flown To TNs Sulur Air Base
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Nov 23: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who was killed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, were flown to Coimbatore on Sunday. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar laid a wreath and paid tributes to Sayal at the Air Force Station in neighbouring Sulur. Syal, who hailed from Himachal Pradesh, was killed on Friday (November 21) after the indigenous multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, crashed during the aerial display at [] The post Mortal Remains Of Wing Commander Namansh Syal Flown To TNs Sulur Air Base appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tamil Nadu: Mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal brought to Sulur Air Base
Wing Commander Namansh Syal's mortal remains returned to Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore after his tragic demise in a Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show. The Emirati Defence Forces honored the brave pilot with a ceremonial guard of honour. A court of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the accident.
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Stalin writes to PM Modi, says rejection of Metro Rail projects by Centre has caused resentment
In a passionate appeal, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M K Stalin has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to re-evaluate the dismissal of Metro Rail initiatives for the cities of Coimbatore and Madurai. Emphasizing widespread public discontent, Stalin argued for the vital role of efficient public transport in facilitating urban expansion.
T.N. CM Stalin to visit Coimbatore, Erode on November 25 and 26
Stalin Urges Modi to Reconsider Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Projects
The rejection, he said, has caused deep resentment among people of both cities.
The Kangra valley has been left shattered after Wing Commander Naman Syal, 34, of the Indian Air Force, was martyred when his Tejas fighter jet crashed in the United Arab Emirates on Friday while taking part in the Dubai Airshow 2025. The indigenous aircraft went down during a practice and demonstration flight in the afternoon local time, with visuals showing the jet losing altitude before hitting the ground and bursting into flames, sending thick smoke into the sky and leaving spectators at the prestigious airshow stunned. Wing Commander Syal, a resident of Patialakad village in Nagrota Bagwan, was known for his discipline and exceptional service record. He completed his schooling at Primary School Dalhousie, Army Public School YoL Cantt Dharamshala, and Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira in Himachal Pradesh, before joining the NDA in 2009, as reported by The Indian Express . His father, Jagan Nath Syal, a retired Army officer and former principal, recounted the devastating moment he learned of the crash to The Indian Express . I last spoke to my son yesterday. He told me to see his performance during the air show on TV channels or YouTube. Around 4 pm today, I was searching for videos of the ongoing air show in Dubai on YouTube when I saw reports about the plane crash. Immediately, I called my daughter-in-law, who is also a Wing Commander, to check what happened. Moments later, at least six Air Force officers arrived at our house, and I realised something bad happened. The Syal family, including his mother Veena Syal, is currently at Namans home in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, while his wife, also an IAF officer, was undergoing training in Kolkata. Jagan Nath Syal described his son as excellent in studies and someone who dreamt big about his life. This incident left us completely shattered, he told The Indian Express . Wing Commander Syal is survived by his wife and their six-year-old daughter. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound sorrow on X, saying, The news of the tragic death of Himachal Pradeshs Kangra districts brave son, Naman Syal ji, in the Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show is extremely saddening and heartbreaking. The nation has lost a courageous, dutiful, and valiant pilot I bow to the indomitable bravery, sense of duty, and dedication to national service of the brave son, as reported. The tragedy sent waves of grief across the Kangra valley. Villagers gathered outside the Syal family home late into the night, many in shock, lighting bonfires to keep warm as they tried to come to terms with the loss of the brave officer. Pilot lost control or blackout due to g-forces: Defence expert Capt Anil Gaur Looking at the nature of the Tejas aircraft crash during the Dubai Air Show 2025, defence expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd.) speculated that the incident might have occurred due to the pilot losing control or a blackout due to the g-forces induced by gravity. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Captain Gaur said that the exact cause of the crash can only be determined after the data from the cockpit is retrieved. Expressing condolences to the family of Wing Commander Naman Syal, who tragically lost his life in the crash, Captain Gaur said, It is sad that our Tejas jet was crashed during the Dubai air show and our brave pilot lost his life. From the visuals, it seems that the jet lost control during the acrobatics, or there might have been a pilot blackout. Blackout here means the excessive gravitational force. Pilots wear a G-suit so that the blood does not pool in their legs; there might have been an issue with that. What exactly happened can only be determined once the cockpit data is retrieved. I express my condolences to the family of the pilot, he added. Excessive g-forces can cause blood to pool in the lower body, potentially leading to a pilot blackout. The Indian Air Force announced the death of the Pilot after a Tejas aircraft crashed and burst into flames at the Dubai Air Show 2025 on Friday. An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief, a statement by the Indian Air Force said. The IAF said a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident in which the pilot succumbed to fatal injuries. The plane went down while performing an aerial display before a large crowd, local media reported. Khaleej Times reported that the fighter jet crashed into the ground soon after take-off. Photos and videos shared online show plumes of black smoke billowing into the air from the aircraft on the ground. The news outlet cited one eyewitness as saying, As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I am not sure which aircraft it was. (With inputs from Agencies)
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
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From Classroom Concepts to Real-World Ventures at CS Academy
) streams at the Kovaipudur campus, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant marketplace brimming with creativity, energy, and enterprise. A vibrant student-led fete with 56 stalls brought entrepreneurship to life at CS Academy, highlighting creativity, teamwork and practical business learning ) and Grades 7 to 12 (CBSE) showcased their entrepreneurial skills by conceptualizing and managing their own ventures. A total of 56 student-run stalls were set up, featuring an impressive range of food, games, art, accessories, and crafts. Each stall reflected the creativity, teamwork, and initiative of its student team as they took charge of every aspect of their business, including planning, budgeting, marketing, and sales, under the guidance of their assigned mentors. Parents played a special role as judges for the event, assessing the stalls based on rubrics shared in advance. The evaluation considered creativity, presentation, teamwork, and financial performance, giving students a realistic and rewarding experience of entrepreneurship. The fete drew a tremendous turnout of parents and relatives, who came in large numbers to support the students and witness their innovative ideas in action. The festive atmosphere and the students enthusiasm made the day a memorable and inspiring experience for all. It was incredible to see children display such confidence, creativity, and responsibility , shared a parent of a student participant. This initiative not only taught them business skills but also instilled teamwork, financial awareness, and leadership, which are lessons far beyond the classroom. Adding to the sentiment, the Head of the Commerce Department at CS Academy remarked, Seeing our students turn ideas into real ventures was immensely fulfilling. Their energy and innovation truly brought the spirit of entrepreneurship alive on campus. csacademy.in/coimbatore .
Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin accuses BJP, AIADMK for allegedly protecting people in vote chori
In a spirited address, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin took aim at the BJP and AIADMK, accusing them of orchestrating vote theft. He voiced his disappointment over the Centre's decision to deny a statue honoring Raja Raja Chola and the lack of metro rail initiatives for Coimbatore.
Submit revised project proposals for Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Rail projects: Nainar Nagenthran
He alleges that the ruling party and its allies are playing up the Metro Rail issue to overshadow Prime Minister Narendra Modis handing over of assistance worth 18,000 crore to the farmers at a function held in Coimbatore
Chief Minister Stalin will bring Metro Rail to Coimbatore, Madurai, says Senthilbalaji
Mr. Senthilbalaji alleged that the Centre had not initially sanctioned funds for the Chennai Metro Rail project either, but the DMK government implemented it
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NDA will bring Metro Rail to Coimbatore when it comes to power in T.N. next year, says Vanathi
She alleges that the ruling DMK and its allies are trying to create an impression that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is against Tamil Nadu and the Centre rejected the Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai with a motive
Watch: Coimbatore and Madurai Metro rail: what went wrong?
A major controversy is brewing in Tamil Nadu. The Union Government has sent back the Detailed Project Reports or DPRs for the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects. Chief Minister MK Stalin has lashed out at the Centre, calling the move biased and unjustified. With Assembly elections just months away, this decision is no longer just about transport its turning into a full-blown political flashpoint. Why were the DPRs returned? Is the Centres reasoning valid? And what does this mean for the future of urban mobility in Tamil Nadu?
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Manohar Lal Khattar accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of polticising the Union governments rejection of the Metro Rail project proposals
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South India to lead natural farming revolution: PM Modi
Coimbatore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backing organic farming, on Wednesday said South India has been a living university of agriculture. Inaugurating the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 here, the PM noted that Coimbatore region is home to some of the worlds oldest functioning dams, and that the Kalingarayan canal was built here in the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
South India is living varsity of agriculture: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed natural farming at the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025. He praised Coimbatore's ancient water management systems. The PM urged farmers to adopt natural farming on one acre for one season. He called for integrating natural farming into agricultural education. The summit aims to promote sustainable, chemical-free farming for India's future.
PM Inaugurates Tamil Nadu Farmers Summit, Holds Roadshow Months Ahead Of Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Natural Farmers Summit in Coimbatore, a mega gathering that would bring together nearly 50,000 farmers from across South India to promote natural and indigenous farming practices.
Tamil outfits oppose Modis visit to Coimbatore
Stalin Calls Centre's 'No Metro' Decision for Madurai, Coimbatore an 'Act of Revenge'
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry recently reportedly returned Tamil Nadu's Detailed Project Reports for the two Tier-II cities, citing the Metro Rail Policy, 2017
India on path of becoming global hub of organic farming: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, declaring India's path to becoming a global organic farming hub. He emphasized organic farming's benefits for soil health and climate change, while also releasing over Rs 18,000 crore for farmers under PM-KISAN.
'Bihar's Air Arriving In Tamil Nadu': PM Modi's Big Message In Coimbatore Ahead Of Assembly Polls
PM Modi releases 21st PM-KISAN installment of 18,000 cr for 9 cr farmers in Coimbatore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, disbursing over 18,000 crore to 9 crore farmers. This was a part of his visit to Coimbatore for the South India Natural Farming Summit, which promotes sustainable and chemical-free agriculture.
PM Modi meets farmers, unveils natural farming exhibition in Coimbatore
He will release the 21st PM-KISAN instalment worth over 18,000 crore to benefit nine crore farmers nationwide.
PM Kisan 21st instalment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st PM Kisan instalment in Coimbatore. He transferred Rs 18,000 crore to 9 crore farmers. The scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers. Beneficiaries can check their names on the official PM Kisan portal. eKYC is mandatory for receiving payments.
Tamil Nadu: PM Modi to release Rs 18,000 crore in funds to farmers
PM Modi releases the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN worth Rs 18,000 crore in Coimbatore, benefiting over nine crore farmers and inaugurates the South India Organic Farming Conference
Stalin calls Union govt`s `no metro` decision for Madurai, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin criticised the Union government for rejecting Metro Rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore, alleging political bias and revenge against the state
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Stalin said while BJP-ruled states received Metro Rail projects for Tier-II cities, Tamil Nadus proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore continued to be dismissed on flimsy grounds.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Puttaparthi to honor spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba's birth centenary, paying respects at his Mahasamadhi. Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh leaders, the PM also released commemorative stamps and a coin celebrating Baba's legacy. Later, he will inaugurate a natural farming summit in Coimbatore and release PM-KISAN funds for farmers.
PM Modi to inaugurate natural farming summit, to release aid under PM-Kisan in Coimbatore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore on Wednesday. He will also release over Rs 18,000 crore as the 21st installment of PM-KISAN to 9 crore farmers. The summit aims to promote natural farming and create market linkages. Over 50,000 participants are expected to attend the event.
CM Stalin accuses Centre of denying Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore, Madurai on flimsy grounds
Mr. Stalin said pushing such a political custom, in which BJP-ruled States get Metros for smaller Tier II cities while opposition-ruled States are deprived, is a disgraceful approach
Of motherhood and memories: Author with Chennai roots talks about her win
When writer Chital Mehta learned that her forthcoming novel Have You Seen Romit? had won the 2025 James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, she sighed deeply and cried. For an author whose work has been shaped by displacement, migration, and the resilience of people, the recognition felt like an affirmation of the stories she has spent years trying to bring into the world. Speaking to CE from her home in Delaware, USA, she reflects on a journey that began far from where she lives today. Raised in Chennai and Coimbatore, she found her earliest refuge in local libraries places that offered both companionship and possibility at a time when becoming a writer felt like a dream. It helped her navigate the uncertainties of adolescence, the constraints placed on young women, and the complex emotional terrain that would later inform her fiction. Her new novel, described by judge RO Kwon as a gripping, intensely moving portrayal of a woman whose ferocious love for her children clashes with how others expect her to behave, explores motherhood, fear, gendered expectations, and the silences that shape Indian families. The book, scheduled for release in 2026, is already being hailed for its emotional force and its unflinching look at how women negotiate identity within and often against social boundaries. In this exclusive conversation, she speaks candidly about the years-long writing process, the characters who haunted her until she gave them voice, and how winning the McPherson Prize has reshaped her understanding of belonging both personally and artistically. What follows is a conversation with a writer who has carved her own path with determination, introspection, and a steadfast belief that stories find us when were ready. Excerpts: Share some memories from your upbringing that influenced your decision to become a writer? How did these cities shape your literary journey? Becoming a writer wasnt a decision. I think it evolved naturally as I grew. I began writing my daily experiences into a journal. This became my way of understanding the world, answering the difficult questions that others couldnt, and making sense of unfair situations. My parents did everything to ensure books were available so I could read. I devoured books at my school library. I borrowed books from people who bought them because I couldnt. I was lucky as my parents never stopped me from reading novels. Reading novels in the community I grew up in was considered a bad thing because novels exposed you to stuff you didnt want your child to know. As I grew into a teenager, writing and reading became my only way of making sense of confusion, anger, and disappointment. When I look at people, I look beyond them, wondering what their story is. What was the process of developing Ushas character and her dilemmas? We all look up to our mothers for confidence and strength. Usha, although she is different, was born out of my perception of my own mother. I visualised my mother going out of her way to look for her child because its something she is capable of. In the book, Usha is flawed and is someone who yearns for societys acceptance. She wants peace in the family, and shell endure anything. But when her son goes missing, she breaks free from the cage that she has built around herself. I put myself in Ushas skin as she walked through the forests. One of the things that I did to understand Usha better was to go on long walks with her. I spoke with her inside my head as I walked. I wrote letters to her. Gender roles, especially the expectations placed on women and mothers, are central to Ushas narrative. How do you see her choices as both a reflection and a challenge to these norms? Growing up, I have seen women going out of their way to get what they want, surprising everybody. I have also seen women who abide by the rules wanting to be in the realms of the society. Usha is torn between love for her son and the need to preserve her familys honour. Yet, she chooses to do what is right in her heart. That space where things feel right to her, thats the space she goes in search of. She doesnt do this lightly. She goes through intense emotional turmoil when she chooses to walk away from her home. The motif of libraries and books as sanctuaries for young people surfaces throughout the text. What role did these spaces play in your own life and in shaping Romits identity? Even though I grew up reading and wanting to be a writer, there was nobody whom I could relate to. When I worked in Chennai as a software engineer, the local library was my refuge. I buried myself in books on weekends. Still, I never told people that I was a writer, though I filled notebooks with novel drafts. Romit, to me, is someone who has a clear idea of what he wants but is confused about the ways to get what he wants. Writing, as a profession, is confusing to many. I bring that up in Romits household about how a creative profession is often weighed with the money it brings. There is a recurring thread of silence. How did you write the silences in this story? That is probably the most difficult part. There are moments of silence in our daily lives when we go through a set of emotions. Translating silence into text isnt easy. I slipped into each of the characters and wrote from their point of view. Not everything made it into the book. But it helped me observe them in silence, in anger, in confusion. Throughout her search for Romit, Usha grows in courage, strength, and understanding. Could you share how her journey becomes less about finding her son and more about discovering herself? Ushas path toward finding herself doesnt come easily. I push her to the point where the psychological stakes are high for her. As a mother and a person, she is well aware of her flaws and strengths. She has utmost love for her children, but is that love enough for her to battle with the world and unknown terrains? What she discovers through her journey of finding Romit is how free she becomes when she breaks the boundaries she had confined herself to long ago. How did you approach writing Ushas and Vijayas relationship, and what does this friendship mean for Usha during her most difficult moments? Vijaya appeared in the sixth version of the draft. Initially, I had two youngsters helping Usha. Something about them didnt sound right. Vijaya is flawed like Usha, but in a different way. She is battling her past. Usha, who has been taught to be judgmental, opens up when she learns that Vijaya holds the key to finding Romit. Usha has always understood the world as black and white, but after meeting Vijaya, she sees the layers between the colours. The layers we dont necessarily talk about, but we all experience them when we meet someone outside of our league. These women belong to different generations, yet they come together for the same cause. Despite their differences, they remain focused on their goal. What aspects of your novel, do you hope, resonate with readers? As a reader, I find immense strength in Usha. On days when parenting is hard, I ask myself what would Usha do in this situation? Somehow, the answers appear even if I dont understand them right away. I hope that anyone reading this book finds the courage to do the things that scare them. Because, often, its the thing that scares us the most that helps us become the person we want to become. How has your creative voice changed since The Chennai Killings? The Chennai Killings taught me to embrace revision and rewriting, something I had been terrified of. Still, its only with Have You Seen Romit? that I truly found the courage to rewrite and cut words many times. I even rewrote the book from the first page. My voice had definitely changed largely. The Chennai Killings was a plot-based novel, while Have You Seen Romit? is a character-based voice-driven novel. How important is it to you to see stories like yours represented in Indian and global literary spaces? I want to read stories that talk about flawed characters, about the things that we whisper inside our houses, about characters who are everyday heroes but rarely come into the limelight. I think these are the people we connect to, even on a global level. There is so much about India that remains untapped when it comes to books. Id definitely like to see stories like mine create an impact on the global level. These are stories that talk about courage and hope. How can literary spaces and publications better support emerging voices? There is a strong need for a writing community where writers talk about craft. I want to see more discussion around the craft of writing itself. I want to see more literary agents in India who encourage work that takes risks, work that focuses more on the voice of the writer. One way this can be done is by encouraging the need to build community among writers. Writers need to connect with other writers to talk about craft and their vision. Writers spend so much time alone at the desk. It takes a toll on them as a book takes years to complete. Having a writing community where you can lean on makes the journey more manageable.
The row over Karunanidhis Anna way-Periyar way remark during 1991 election campaign
Although Karunanidhi was quick to clarify his observation made during poll campaign in Coimbatore district on May 15 in 1991, it did not satisfy many.
Centre returns Tamil Nadus metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai
Coimbatore FPO coordinates with TNPL to bring fallow land in district under pulpwood cultivation
Centre returns DPRs of Coimbatore and Madurai metros citing lack of required population
It has asked TN government to look at alternative modes of transports like bus systems and BRTS
Wild elephants damage compound wall of housing project in Coimbatore district
Kolu Kondattam contest winners felicitated in Coimbatore
Union government rejects Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore, Madurai
In a communication dated November 14, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs cited the two cities lack the mandated two million population according to the 2011 census
PM to visit Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, release funds for farmers
PM Modi will arrive in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, around 10 am to take part in the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Following the event, he will travel to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and inaugurate the South India Natural Farming Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 21st installment of the PM Kisan scheme on November 19, 2025, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2,000 via DBT, but eKYC is mandatory. Farmers can complete it via OTP, biometric at CSCs, or through face-authentication on the PM-Kisan mobile app.
Ahead of PM Modis Coimbatore visit, T.N. CM Stalin puts forth three demands on behalf of farmers
Referring to the recent visit ofcentral teams, he said orders have not yet been issued by the Government of India for relaxing the moisture content from 17% to 22%.
Desired response from farmers elusive in Coimbatore for PMFBY
Prime Minister to honour 10 organic farmers during his visit to Coimbatore on Nov. 19
Red Zones declared in Coimbatore for Prime Minister Modis visit on November 19
Vehant Technologies gets Rs 40 cr order from AAI to install explosive detectors at airports
MUMBAI, Nov 17: Vehant Technologies on Monday said it has secured an order worth Rs 40 crore from Airports Authority of India for supply, installation and maintenance of 232 units of Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs) at over 60 airports in the country. The airports include Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Varanasi, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Port Blair, Coimbatore, among others, the company said. The company had received an order for 20 units of ETD NanoSniffer from AAI for deployment on trial basis, [] The post Vehant Technologies gets Rs 40 cr order from AAI to install explosive detectors at airports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
20 motorcycles with modified exhaust system barred from road safety rally in Coimbatore
Coimbatore railway junction likely to be redeveloped on PPP model
Temporary changes in vehicle parking at Coimbatore airport
Footboard travel a common sight on Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU train during peak hours
HR&CE dismisses lifetime trustee of Coimbatore Dharmalingeshwarar Temple over mismanagement
Coimbatore Vizha continues in the city
About 5,000 acres of agricultural land left fallow in the last one year in Coimbatore district
PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore on Nov 19
Modi will speak during the summit, organized by the farmers' associations in Tamil Nadu.
Kochi ranks fourth in youth employability, overtakes Delhi and Hyderabad: Report
KOCHI: Kochi has pulled off a stunning leap in Indias talent map outpacing metro giants Delhi and Hyderabad with a whopping 76.56% employability score, according to the India Skill Report 2026. The report by Education Testing Device (ETS), a global education and talent solutions firm, prepared along with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said the coastal city, long known for its culture and cosmopolitan buzz, is now stamping its authority as one of the countrys fastest-rising skill and opportunity hubs. As Global Capability Centres (GCCs) now employing over 2 million professionals and generating USD 46 billion in annual exports spread their wings, the ripple effects are energising Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore once considered secondary markets are fast becoming the new engines of global delivery, it said. As far as the youth employability is concerned, Kerala scored 72.16%, above Delhi at 71.25%. Kerala stood fourth in the rankings; Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 78.64%, followed by Maharashtra (75.42%), Karnataka (73.85%). Keralas Higher Education Minister R Bindu believes this rise is no accident. The steps taken for skill development in our higher education institutions are paying off, she told TNIE . Our new four-year UG programme ensures students pick up real, industry-ready skills while they study. According to the report, Lucknow leads the top-performing cities with a 79.45% score, followed by Pune (78.92%), Bengaluru (77.84%), Kochi (76.56%), and Chandigarh (75.12%). Among the tier-2 cities, Lucknow and Kochi are emergingas strong talent hubs, it said. The report also highlighted the pivotal contribution of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP Kerala) in strengthening Keralas employability profile. ASAP Keralas market-aligned training programmes, supported by structured internships, have significantly boosted youth employability across high-demand sectors, it said. Industry experts echo optimism Kochi is perfectly positioned a big city with a dense web of educational institutions, a booming startup culture, and a strong IT presence, says Sreekumar V, secretary of GTech, a Thiruvananthapuram-based association of IT companies. He pointed to the explosive growth of MuLearn, GTECHs flagship skilling initiative. This year alone, 67,000 students joined MuLearn. Companies now recognise that these students bring raw potential that can be shaped through focused, in-house training. The momentum is unmistakable. Nearly 30% of BFSI hiring in Tier-2 cities is now happening in places like Kochi a trend mirrored in IT and pharma-healthcare as well. Backing this up, a recent Nasscom report on GCCs crowned Kochi the No. 1 Tier-2 hotspot for global centres, highlighting its 8,000+ GCC workforce, robust talent supply, and deepening academia-industry linkages. From once playing catch-up to now setting the pace, Kochi isnt just rising its rewriting the rules of Indias talent race.
232 elephants died in Coimbatore Forest Division from 2010 to 2025
Tidco allocates land to 20 companies in Coimbatore to manufacture defence products
Coimbatore Vizha takes off with sound, light, vintage cars, and more
Erode student dies of rabies in Coimbatore
Walkathon and Zumba session held in Coimbatore on World Diabetes Day
Awareness rally on diabetes and eye health held in Coimbatore
Weavers, gold jewellery manufacturers in Coimbatore seek GST relaxations
Coimbatore collectorate, Town Hall area receive bomb threat
Pilloor II pipeline burst causes road cave-in near Saravanampatti in Coimbatore
A young student lists the changes she wants to see in her city.
Forest Department ups vigil as more elephants use Coimbatore forests for migration
Prime Minister Modi to address South India Natural Farming Summit 25 in Coimbatore on November 19
Event organised to take forward farming practices propagated by late G. Nammazhvar, organic farming expert
11,425 beneficiaries receive maturity benefits under Girl Child Protection Scheme in Coimbatore
