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Nashik Court Upholds 2 Years Jail Term Of Maharashtra Minister
The First Class Magistrate Court had sentenced Mr. Kokate to the two-year prison sentence and also imposed Rs 10,000 fine on him. The case dates back more than three decades and pertains to the acquisition of a flat meant for the Low Income Group category by allegedly using fabricated documents.
JJ Hospital killings convict arrested for contract killing of Mumbai builder, brought from UP jail
Mumbai: Two suffered burn injuries after a cylinder blast occurred in a chawl in Mankhurd
Dharavi rehab: Few thousand need to go to transit homes
Nashik court upholds Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate`s 2-year jail term
The case relates to the alleged submission of fake documents to obtain flats under the state governments quota. A magistrates court had on February 20 convicted Kokate and his brother Vijay Kokate, sentencing both to two years imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 each
Nashik Kumbh 2027 tree felling sparks environmental battle
The authorities Nashik civic body to the chief minister of Maharashtra have not given up hopes of felling substantial numbers of trees to accommodate the sadhus who would come for the October 2027 kumbh on the river Godavari. They are trying to persuade the tree-lovers to entertain hopes that the government would do 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 .
Thane: RTO Files FIR Against Uber After Kalyan Bike Taxi Molestation Case
Selfie row case: Prithvi Shaw opposes Sapna Gills appeal
Mumbai: Five-star hotel alerts BKC police after 30 guests get fake payment links
Maharashtra Urban polls set the stage for a high-stake 2026 battle
Mahayuti has a fragile truce but MVA partners have not yet settled By T N Ashok The announcement of Maharashtras urban local body election schedule has done more than set the clock ticking for civic pollsit has forced an uneasy ruling alliance to rediscover the value of unity. With voting for all 29 [] The post Maharashtra Urban polls set the stage for a high-stake 2026 battle appeared first on Northlines .
A magistrate's court had on February 20 convicted the NCP leader and his brother Vijay Kokate and sentenced them to two-year imprisonment in the case pertaining to submitting fake documents to get flats under a government quota. On March 5, a sessions court stayed the conviction of the duo.
Nashik district court convicts NCP minister Manikrao Kokate in cheating and fraud case
MUMBAI: The NCP minister Manikrao Kokate is in trouble after the Nashik District Session court upheld the order of the First Class court on Tuesday, confirming the two years imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000 for falsifying the income proof documents. The minister falsified the documents to get two swanky apartments in the Chief Ministers 10 per cent housing quota. The verdict of the district court is a big setback for Minister Kokate. If Kokate did not get respite by the Bombay High Court immediately, then he would have to lose his ministerial berth and would also have to face two years imprisonment. The NCP minister would likely approach the Bombay High Court to protect himself from disqualification as a member of the Maharashtra Assembly. Kokate was convicted in connection with the illegal acquisition of two flats under the Chief Ministers discretionary quota. Kokate and his brother Sunil Kokate were convicted for their offences punishable under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 474 (possession of forged documents) and 34 (acts done by several persons with common intention). The case against the Kokate was registered in 1995 on the complaint of former minister, late T S Dighole. As per the prosecution complaint, Kokate and his brother were allotted two flats meant for the Low Income Group (LIG) on College Road in Yeolakar Mala area under the Chief Minister's 10 per cent discretionary quota. To be eligible, they made false claims of belonging to the LIG category and not owning a house in the city. A case of cheating, forgery and other offences under the then Indian Penal Code was registered against the Kokate brothers and two others at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik. NCP MLA Kokate might face disqualification as per the mandate in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, related to elections to the Parliament and state legislature and qualifications and disqualifications for membership of such houses. As per Section 8 (3) of the said Act, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.
Swades Foundation expands operations to three new districts in Maharashtra
The expanded footprint covers an estimated 2.33 lakh rural households and nearly 1.2 million people, significantly enhancing the organisations ability to scale its impact
He was being fatherly: Bihar minister defends Nitish Kumar over hijab row
Bihar Minority Affairs Minister Zama Khan defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a viral video showed him pulling down a woman doctors hijab at an AYUSH appointment ceremony, calling the act fatherly amid sharp opposition criticism
Electricity an integral part of right to life: Delhi HC
Allowing a writ petition filed by a tenant occupying the third floor of a property in west Delhi, a single-judge bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna ruled that electricity is a basic necessity and an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution
Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance announcement for Mumbai civic polls likely soon, says Raut
Mumbai: Police arrest two, including Nigerian national, for posession of drugs worth 10 crore
Ex-govt official duped of 44L by cyber fraudsters posing as NIA, ED officials in Navi Mumbai
In unique gesture, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed drives PM Modi to hotel
Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali received PM Modi at the Addis Ababa International Airport. In a unique gesture, he personally drove the Indian Prime Minister to the hotel. On the way, he took the initiative of visiting the Science Museum and Friendship Park
Nightclub fire: Goa Police take Luthra brothers for medical examination
Goa Police have taken Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra for medical examination after detaining them at Delhi Airport. The Luthra brothers will be produced before the Patiala House court in the national capital, after which the Goa police will take them to the state
Man posing as Maha CMs PA cheats bizman of 74L, FIR filed
2 senior Kalyan Cong netas quit; one to join Shiv Sena
12 members of an inter-state fraud gang posing as IT officials busted in Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari
RAIPUR: Dhamtari police on Tuesday arrested twelve members of an inter-state fraud gang who posed as Income Tax officers, conducting a fake raid in Raipur. According to authorities, An inter-state gang involved in organised crime had entered the house of a doctor without carrying any valid search warrant or identification cards and pretended to be IT officials. Following a complaint,the Kotwali police registered a case and launched an investigation. Separate police teams were dispatched to different districts of Chhattisgarh and adjoining Maharashtra. With consistent efforts, searches and technical analysis of available details gathered, all the accused were taken into custody and brought to Dhamtari, said Suraj Singh Parihar, the district police chief. During interrogation, the accused persons admitted that they had learned about Rs 200 crore reportedly kept at the house of complainant Dilip Rathore. They planned to carry out a fake IT raid but failed to locate the cash and fled in their vehicles. The complainant identified all the accused involved in the incident. Based on substantial evidence, the police arrested the gang members and sent them to jail. Vehicles, mobile phones, and a jute sack allegedly used to carry cash were also seized. Dhamtari Police urged citizens to verify identification cards and valid orders or warrants when approached by officials of any government department and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
AIMIM to contest seats in 27 civic corporations in Maharashtra: Jaleel
AIMIM Maharashtra president Imtiaz Jaleel said that the party has not yet finalised the number of seats it will contest but confirmed that the list of candidates will be announced by December 22 or 23
'India Defeated On Day 1 Of Operation Sindoor': Congress Leader Prithviraj Chavan's Shocker
Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan also alleged that the India Air Force was completely grounded due to the high probability of an aircraft being shot down by Pakistan
Modi ji has deep hatred for Mahatma Gandhis ideas, rights of the poor: Rahul
Launching a sharp attack on Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for removing Mahatma Gandhis name from the flagship rural employment scheme, the Congress leader alleged that the Centre had first weakened MGNREGA and was now attempting to dismantle it altogether
NIA to have dedicated court in each state, UT; Delhi to have 16 special courts: Centre tells SC
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that to ensure speedy trial, it has decided to set up a dedicated NIA court in each state and Union territory and more than one court at places where there are over 10 cases under anti-terror law. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was also told by the Delhi government that 16 special courts are being created in the national capital to deal with organised crime and terror cases. The top court asked the Centre and the Delhi government to explore the possibility of enacting a stringent anti-organised crime law like MCOCA for the entire National Capital Region, to avoid any jurisdictional conflict between different law enforcement agencies. Taking note of gangster Mahesh Khatri, who has multiple cases registered against him in different areas of the NCR and is before the court seeking bail on the ground of delayed trial, CJI Kant said hardened criminals involved in organised crime take undue advantage of the jurisdictional issues in NCR and evade the law. Sometimes the offence is generated in say A state, and the offender moves to B state. But which court or agency should take cognisance of the matter for prompt investigation, or which courts shall have the competent jurisdiction itself becomes an issue in the criminal trial, the bench said. The top court was hearing bail pleas of Khatri and of Kailash Ramchandani, a Naxal sympathiser from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, who was booked after 15 policemen of a quick response team were killed in an IED blast in 2019. The CJI said the eventual benefit goes to the hardened criminals, which may not be in the interest of society or the nation. It seems that the issue requires consideration, including the desirability of formulation of effective laws for the effective utilisation of existing legal architecture in the NCR region, he said. While pointing to the multiple FIR in the case of Khatri, Justice Bagchi told Additional Solicitor Generals Aishwarya Bhati (Centre) and SD Sanjay (Delhi government) that they can explore the possibility of invoking of NIA Act in such cases, where there are multiple FIRs in different states. He said NIA has the supervening power of taking over all the investigation, particularly in respect of these organised crime brackets. Bhati pointed to the status report of the Centre and said that a virtual meeting of the union home secretary was held with his counterparts of different states and it was agreed that additional infrastructure and post of judicial officers will be created to deal with NIA cases and for this funds will be allocated. She submitted that the Centre has decided to set up NIA courts in each states and union territories and where there are more than 10 cases like in Kerala due to banned PFI-related cases, more than one NIA court will be there. I can say that Rs one crore for recurring and non-recurring expenditure has been proposed by the Centre for setting up additional NIA courts, she submitted. Sanjay on other hand submitted that the 16 special courts which have been committed for trial of gangster and terror related cases, will start functioning in three months. The bench said, We want these dedicated courts to conduct day-to-day trials in NIA and special statute cases and would not hold trials for any other case. It is only when they are idle, they will look into other cases. CJI Kant said it should not be a case that existing courts are designated as special courts and burden the existing judicial machinery by entrusting special enactment cases. Both Bhati and Sanjay assured the bench that it was not the case and additional infrastructure is being created. The top court directed both the law officers to file an action taken report and posted the matter for further hearing in January, 2026. Earlier, in July the top court had pulled up the Centre and Maharashtra government for designating existing courts as special courts as it asked for the creation of newer ones meant for special cases. It had said if existing courts were designated as special courts for trials under the NIA Act, cases of undertrials languishing in jail for years, senior citizens, people from marginalised sections and matrimonial disputes would be delayed. The top court had underscored the need of the hour to be the creation of more infrastructure, appointment of judges and staff and the government sanctioning the posts. On May 23, the top court underlined the need for dedicated courts for NIA cases while calling for a judicial audit of laws enacted by the Centre and the prospective ones by the states. It said the cases entrusted to the NIA were heinous cases, having pan India ramifications and each such case contained hundreds of witnesses and the trial did not progress with the required pace as the presiding officers of the court were busy with other cases. The top court further said the only appropriate course meant setting up special courts where trial of cases only related to special statutes could be carried out with a day-to-day hearing.
Cases Against Nawab Malik Cast Shadow On BJP-NCP Unity For Mumbai Civic Polls
A day after the announcement of the Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra, a series of meetings began in Mumbai to decide on possible alliances.
India recorded over 1.13 lakh dengue cases, 94 deaths till November: Govt
According to the data, Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of dengue cases at 20,866, followed by Maharashtra with 13,333 cases, and Kerala with 10,239 cases
Australia mass shooting suspect originally from Hyderabad: Telangana Police
In a statement, the office of the Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) said the that one of the suspect, Sajid Akram, migrated to Australia around 27 years ago and had only limited contact with his family in Hyderabad
Kolkata air pollution worse than Delhi; experts seek more monitoring stations
After Kolkatas air quality remained worse than Delhis for seven consecutive days, environmentalists urged authorities to install more automatic air quality monitoring stations in densely populated and traffic-heavy areas to ensure accurate, real-time pollution data
Finance Minister Sitharaman says `India fastest-growing major economy`
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Parliament Winter Session said that India is growing at 8.2 per cent, far above the global average, and remains the fastest-growing major economy. She highlighted rating upgrades, rising exports and reduced inequality as proof of strong economic fundamentals
Jordan Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II drives PM Modi to museum
Earlier in the day, PM Modi shared the outcomes of his Jordan visit and said that these mark a meaningful expansion of the partnership between the two nations
Ukraine President says, `30 countries to approve compensation for damages`
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and around 30 countries are set to approve a compensation body to assess damages caused by Russias invasion, though funding sources remain uncertain. Zelenskyy voiced readiness to drop his country`s bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees, but rejected the US push for ceding territory
Maharashtra Farmer Alleges He Was Forced To Sell Kidney After 1 Lakh Loan Ballooned To 74 Lakh
Roshan Sadashiv Kude from Chandrapur alleges he sold his kidney in Cambodia after debt from local moneylenders soared to Rs 74 lakh.
Uttar Pradesh: Cop among accused, four gang members arrested in extortion case
A sub-inspector posted at a police station in Hapur district has been suspended after being named as an accused in an extortion case in Uttar Pradeshs Amroha district, police said on Tuesday
President Murmu expresses grief over Mathura road accident in Uttar Pradesh
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a road accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. At least seven buses and three smaller vehicles collided with each other in the dense fog at around 4.30 am, the officer said
President Murmu inaugurates gallery of Param Vir Chakra awardees
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing portraits of Indias bravest soldiers honoured with the Param Vir Chakra. The Param Vir Chakra is India`s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying the most exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war
Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite their Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS parties for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik. A formal announcement is expected next week, marking a significant political realignment after recent electoral setbacks. This alliance will contest elections in major cities, with local units deciding on tie-ups elsewhere.
Parliament Winter Session: Centre moves legislation amid Opposition protest
The government on Tuesday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha in Parliament Winter Session to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent, triggering strong opposition from several parties
Rs 1 Lakh Loan Balloons To Rs 74 Lakh, Maharashtra Farmer Sells Kidney
A farmer from Maharashtra was forced to travel to Cambodia and sell his kidney as a Rs 1 lakh loan and the Rs 10,000 per day interest caused his debt to balloon to Rs 74 lakh.
Bondi Beach mass shooting inspired by Islamic State group, say Australian Police
Tuesdays news conference by political and law enforcement leaders was the first time officials publicly confirmed their assessment of the suspects ideologies. PM Anthony Albanese said the remarks were based on evidence collected, including the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle that has been seized
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) announced its intention to contest all municipal corporations in Maharashtra, welcoming the Election Commission's January 15 election date. The party aims to present itself as a people-centric alternative, focusing on urban governance and civic issues like infrastructure and healthcare.
Karnataka pips Maharashtra to win national conservation energy award-2025
Karnataka has reclaimed the National Energy Conservation Award for 2025, showcasing its strong performance in energy efficiency initiatives. The state also maintained its 'front-runner' status in the State Energy Efficiency Index for the third consecutive year, outperforming Maharashtra in the latest evaluation.
Mathura: 13 dead, 25 injured in Yamuna Expressway pile-up; buses catch fire
At least 13 people were killed and 35 injured after a major vehicle pile-up involving seven buses and three smaller vehicles on the Yamuna Motorway in Mathura early Tuesday. Dense fog caused low visibility, triggering collisions and a massive fire
Air India Express to launch direct VaranasiBangkok flights from February 2026
Air India Express has announced a new non-stop weekly flight between Varanasi and Bangkok starting February 1, 2026. The route aims to boost connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Thailand, supporting tourism, the Buddhist circuit and international travel from Tier-II cities
Sonia Gandhi raises pay, vacancy issues of frontline women workers
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday urged the Centre to double its contribution to the pay of ASHA and anganwadi workers and fill nearly three lakh vacancies under the ICDS. Sonia said anganwadi workers are paid a meagre base honorarium of Rs 4,500 and Rs 2,250 per month by the central government
Low visibility disrupts flight ops at Delhi airport, 126 flights cancelled
Low visibility conditions on Tuesday disrupted flight operations at Delhi airport, leading to the cancellation of 126 flights, while IndiGo cancelled 110 services across its network due to weather-related issues
Sunni Dawate Islami scholars urged Muslims to counter hatred with love and a vice-free life, emphasizing brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. Islamic scholar Allama Qamruzzaman Khan Azmi highlighted the Prophet's victory through love during the conquest of Makkah as an example of overcoming enmity with mercy and high moral character.
Thane textile businessman duped of Rs 35 lakh; 4 booked
Thane: Police have registered a case against four Mumbai-based traders for allegedly cheating a textile businessman from Maharashtras Thane district of Rs 35 lakh, officials said on Tuesday. The accused purchased consignments of grey (unprocessed) cloth from the 42-year-old victim, a resident of Gayatri Nagar in Bhiwandi town, between June and November this year. However, 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 .
Lionel Messi departs from Jamnagar airport after visiting Vantara
Football legend Lionel Messi on Tuesday departed from Jamnagar after visiting Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation centre, during his GOAT India Tour 2025. Delhi hosted the grand finale of the Argentine footballer`s India tour, bringing the historic four-city tour to a smooth, successful close amid immense fan enthusiasm
National Herald case: Court decline cognizance of ED complaint against Gandhis
A Delhi court has refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorates prosecution complaint against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, calling it not maintainable under the PMLA, while allowing the probe to continue
Shakti Pumps shares gain 40% in just 4 days. What's fuelling the rally?
Shakti Pumps shares surged for the fourth consecutive day, driven by multiple large solar pump orders across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. The strong order inflow underscores its leadership in solar-powered irrigation solutions, boosting market confidence. Technical indicators show healthy momentum, supporting continued investor interest amid positive sectoral trends.
Maharashtra: Three killed, two injured in car-jeep collision in Beed
The jeep heading from Beed to Latur collided head-on with a car coming from the opposite direction. Three car occupants died on the spot, while two persons travelling in the jeep suffered serious injuries, a police official said
Thane Textile Businessman Duped Of Rs 35 Lakh, Case Filed Against 4
Police have registered a case against four Mumbai-based traders for allegedly cheating a textile businessman from Maharashtra's Thane district of Rs 35 lakh, officials said on Tuesday.
Trump file U10 billion lawsuit accusing BBC of defamation, election interference
US President Donald Trump has sued the BBC for $10 billion, alleging defamation and unfair practices over the editing of his January 6, 2021 speech. The BBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press
A recent report reveals widespread underperformance among Mumbai corporators from 2017-2021, with 90% scoring below average. Committee meeting attendance declined, and civic questions raised saw a year-on-year dip. The study highlights systemic weaknesses, including limited monitoring and poor documentation, urging voters to demand accountability and transparent governance.
PM Modi to meet Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed during second leg of three-nation tour
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali covering all aspects of bilateral ties, including political engagement, development cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people relations
Maharashtra Govt Clears Over 50 GRs In A Day Before Model Code Kicks In For Civic Elections
The Government Resolutions included major policy decisions impacting Mumbai and other urban centres, fund allocations for various departments, and approvals for projects
PM Modi, Jordans King Abdullah II discuss trade, security and strategic ties
The Prime Minister acknowledged King Abdullah II`s personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, calling it noteworthy, especially as India and Jordan mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year
Assam Police seizes 90,000 Yaba tablets worth Rs 26 crores from Cachar
Police also apprehended two persons and recovered the drugs from the secret chamber of a truck
UAE condemns Israeli Cabinet`s approval to establish 19 settlements in West Bank
The Ministry warned that any attempt to annex the West Bank is categorically rejected, as it undermines the foundations of the two-state solution
Israeli border police arrest 513 Palestinians staying illegally in Israel
In the Jerusalem area and Jerusalem itself, 391 illegal residents and 34 suspects of aiding illegal residence were apprehended
Ghazipur, Anand Vihar worst hit with AQI 410 as smog blankets Delhi
a tourist grappling with Delhi pollution explained his situation, saying, The situation here is very serious because of pollution. I arrived in Delhi last evening from Indore. Compared to Indore, I am experiencing difficulty in breathing. Visibility here is very poor; we cannot see the India Gate properly. It is affecting our health
Mumbai's richest civic body, the BMC, will vote on January 15, alongside 28 other state municipal corporations. The State Election Commission announced the date, with results on January 16. Just before the model code of conduct took effect, significant project announcements and contract awards were made, including a central park and underground sports complex for Mumbai.
Floods kill at least 37 in Moroccos coastal city of Safi
Both employ thousands to catch, mine and process the commodities for export.
Tesla tests robotaxis in Austin without human safety drivers
The announcement followed a video posted on X on Sunday that appeared to show a Tesla Model Y driving through Austins streets with no occupants
New robot app store lets users control droids with phones
Users can guide movements and trigger preloaded demonstrations.
WPI inflation remains negative at minus 0.32 per cent in November
Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation was at (-) 1.21 per cent in October and 2.16 per cent in November last year
President Rejects Mercy Plea Of Man Convicted Of Raping 2-Year-Old
President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the mercy petition of a man convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a two-year-old girl in Maharashtra in 2012, officials said on Sunday.
Hullabaloo over the new High Court
Sutradhaars, Sir PM and Lady Flora, have decided to devote more time to their weekly walkabouts. Today, both are deep in discussion over the design of the new High Court building in Bandra East
Dowry demands have no place in 21st-century India
The bride allegedly told the groom and family to go take a walk
Weaving a millennium-old journey
Express News Service Some histories survive not in stone inscriptions or textbooks, but in language spoken at home, recipes passed down from kitchens, and clothes woven over generations. For a community that migrated over a thousand years without losing its name, language or craft, documentation becomes an act of preservation. The book From Homeland to Heartland: The Story of the Sourashtras , unveiled on Sunday at THE Park is both record and remembrance of the past. Authored by Anitha Rajarajan and Biswajit Balasubramanian, the coffee-table book brings together migration, textiles, faith, food, and lived memory into a single, accessible narrative. The launch was conceived as a multisensory experience, extending the books themes beyond the page. Guests were welcomed with a thoughtfully curated Saurashtrian menu that traced the communitys long journey across regions. From Debili of Gujarat and Kothi Vadi from Maharashtra to Punugulu recalling the Vijayanagar era, the culinary trail culminated in Tamil Nadu with idli and Saurashtra amti, before closing with bun halwa, a sweet symbol of memory and identity. The launch happened in the presence of scholars, writers, cultural practitioners and members of the Sourashtra community, with Nirmala Lakshman, as chief guest, Preetha Reddy, vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, as guest of honour, and author and historian Sriram V as special guest. Opening the event, Biswajit Balasubramanian spoke about how a single question what their ancestors names might have been a thousand years ago sparked years of research and travel. He noted that much of the communitys recorded history existed only in Tamil. We needed a book in English, not a heavy research document, but something engaging, visual and easy to read, something a young Saurashtrian in Chennai or Singapore or Berlin could pick up, he said. He concluded by saying, Our migration has three striking pillars: our language, our mastery of textiles, and royal patronage.This is not the final word on Sourashtras. It is the beginning of a larger conversation. Anitha Rajarajan traced the communitys deep-rooted presence in Madurai, describing the city as the cultural headquarters of the Sourashtras. The Sourashtras have always lived with a quiet sense of purpose never loud, never demanding, yet deeply woven into the citys progress, she said. From pioneering education initiatives and early noon-meal schemes to contributions in textiles, music, cinema, and philanthropy, she outlined how the community became quietly woven into Madurais civic and cultural life, emphasising the need to document lived histories. Commending the authors, Sriram spoke about the importance of communities recording their own narratives, because, when history is written only through an external lens, it becomes authoritative and everything else is considered inferior. While Preetha reflected on food, fabric, and ritual as living archives of civilisation, Nirmala described the book as a meticulous and much-needed documentation. She shared, Saurashtrans came not just as settlers, but engaged deeply with local society and contributed to Tamil civilisational life. She added that the book reminds how migrant communities have shaped Tamil Nadu, while retaining their own distinct identity. Designed with photographs, illustrations, maps, QR codes, and oral histories, From Homeland to Heartland stands as both a cultural archive and an invitation for future generations to read, remember, and continue.
Bombay high court panel: 36 sites in city mostly fail to comply with AQI norms
Mom moves Bombay high court over Mumbai schools refusal to admit autistic twins
Gangster held for Virar builders murder in 2022
Latur Man Sets Another Ablaze To Stage Own Death, Girlfriends Chats Expose Plot
The case came to light in the early hours of Sunday when police in Ausa taluka of Maharashtras Latur district were alerted to a charred body found inside a completely burnt car.
DC Edit| Fresh Start For BJP With A Young Working Chief
It may be remembered that several of the partys chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh) and Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan) were all under 60 when they were chosen for the post. The new young boss will be working with those young veterans
Post-CAG red flag, Maha power co prepays entire 12,800cr loan, hints at tariff cut
Docs suicide: Pre-arrest bail for kin of ministers PA
India and Jordan share common, clear stance against terrorism: PM Modi
It is Prime Minister Modi`s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan - he had earlier transited through Jordan in February 2018 while on his way to the State of Palestine
Actor flags improperly parked car, assaulted
Man misinterprets family courts maintenance order, Bombay HC clarifies its 50k each to wife & 2 kids
