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A devastating fire at a North Goa nightclub claimed at least 25 lives shortly after midnight Sunday. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with flames erupting rapidly and a stampede-like situation. The temporary structure, reportedly made of palm leaves, fueled the blaze. Investigations are underway, with arrests made and owners sought.
Goa night club fire: 4 arrested, officials failure to enforce rules under scanner
Panaji: A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules. Fireworks were the likely cause of the blaze at `Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at 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 .
Shock grips Jharkhand villages as three migrant workers dead in Goa nightclub fire
I lost both my brothers Pradeep and Vinod. My father, Dhaneshwar Mahto, is in a state of shock and has been staring blank ever since, said Phagu Mahto.
Goa Blaze Tragedy: CM Sawant Says Fire Triggered by Crackers, Orders Audit Of Illegal Clubs
Goa CM Pramod Sawant said that four staff members of the nightclub have been arrested, and he has ordered action against officials.
Who is Saurabh Luthra? Award-winning restaurateur; main accused in Goa nightclub fire
A tragic inferno engulfed a nightclub in North Goa, resulting in 25 fatalities and injuring six individuals. This calamity has ignited public outrage, as suspicions of safety violations and unauthorized operations come to light. Witnesses suggest the fire may have been sparked by celebratory fireworks, leading to the arrest of the club's owners, management, and local authorities.
'I Was Just Crying And Shaking': Kazakh Dancer Recounts Narrow Escape From Goa Club Blaze
A video of her dancing moments before the blaze went viral on social media, showing the sudden shift from celebration to panic.
Watch: Nightclub fire will hurt Goa tourism: Revolutionary Goans chief Manoj Parab
Watch: Multiple violations led to nightclub fire: South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes
In a press conference on Sunday, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued a statement on the fire at the Nightclub in North Goa's Arpora that claimed lives of 25 people. He announced Rs five lakh financial aid for the victims' kins.
Goa Fire: Chief General Manager, three staffers of nightclub arrested, says CM
Authorities have arrested the chief general manager and three staff members of a North Goa nightclub. The arrests follow a devastating fire that killed 25 people late Saturday night. The blaze reportedly started from a cylinder blast. Most victims were kitchen staff, with some tourists also among the deceased. Investigations are ongoing.
The major news headlines of the day and more.
After a massive fire at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa claimed the lives of 25 people, including tourists and staff, the police on Sunday registered an FIR against its owners, manager, and event organisers. The police also detained the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat for questioning shortly after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire. Police registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane Nightclub, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by PTI. 25 people, including 14 staff memebrs and four tourists were killed after a massive fire engulfed the nightclub after midnight. The club, which opened last year, is a popular party venue in Arpora village, about 25 km from the state capital, Panaji. According to officials, most deaths were caused by suffocation, as the victims got trapped on the ground floor after the fire broke out, while three people succumbed to burn injuries. The FIR stated that the massive blaze was caused by a fireshow organised at the club and named the owners, managers and event organisers as the accused. ... the owners, partners, manager, event organiser and other managing staff of Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora without taking proper care and caution, without providing fire safety equipment and other safety gadgets, organised [a] fire show at their restaurant/club which resulted in a serious fire due to which 25 innocent people succumbed to death and also caused injuries to tourist[s] and staff, inspite of having full knowledge that organising such a show may lead to serious fire accidents the FIR stated, reported Indian Express. The restaurant did not have an emergency exit door on the ground floor as well as on the deck floor to evacuate in case of emergency, the FIR added. The said restaurant was found operating without obtaining permissions/licenses from the competent authorities, it said. The sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, Roshan Redkar, who had issued a trade license for the premises in 2013, said the club was run by Saurav Luthra, who had a dispute with his partner. There was a dispute between them, and they had filed a complaint against each other with the panchayat. We had inspected the premises and found that they did not have the permission to construct the club, he said. The panchayat had issued a demolition notice, which was stayed by officials of the Directorate of Panchayats, Redkar claimed. The chief minister stated that he was closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility, he said. A preliminary inquiry has indicated that the fire started on the first floor of the club, and due to congestion and small doors, the customers could not move out, the CM said. Some of them rushed to the ground floor and got trapped there, he said. (With inputs from PTI) Goa nightclub tragedy: Fire erupted on dance floor, says eyewitness
Deepam Row: Stalin Launches Veiled Attack on BJP, Slams 'Cheap Politics' of the Worst Kind
The Tamil Nadu CM said the people were aware of the reason behind the current problem, and also the goal of those who were raising an issue to light the lamp at a particular spot
Who is Saurabh Luthra? Engineer-turned-restaurateur behind Goa nightclub where 25 died in fire
As investigators find serious lapses in safety protocol, the club's owner has come into spotlight. Questions have also been raised about the construction of the nightclub near the backwaters of the Arpora river, allegedly without due legal permissions.
Goa nightclub had no fire NOC, CM should resign: Congress
Panaji: Alleging that the nightclub gutted in a blaze in North Goa lacked mandatory permissions and NOC, the Congress on Sunday demanded resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the tragedy. At least 25 persons died after a massive fire broke out at `Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora around midnight. Congresss Goa desk 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 .
Assam launches intensive drive to make 30 high-risk districts child-marriage free within a year
Assam has launched an accelerated plan to end child marriage in 30 high-risk districts within a year, aligning with Indias goal of becoming child-marriage free by 2030. The initiative is part of the national Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign and the wider Just Rights for Children (JRC) effort to make one lakh villages child-marriage free.
Watch: Goa governor visits injured nightclub fire victims at medical college
Goa Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju visited six victims of the nightclub fire who are undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital. Talking to reporters outside the GMCH, the Governor termed the fire incident as unfortunate and said that the injured were receiving the best care.
Who Is Saurabh Luthra? Owner Of Goa Nightclub Struck By Deadly Blaze
Luthra, a restaurateur known in the food and beverage industry for building the Romeo Lane brand across India and abroad.
Goa nightclub fire accident: What led to the inferno that claimed 25 lives?
On Saturday night, Birch by Romeo Lane was hosting a Bollywood Banger Night and about about 100 people were present at the club. While many people escaped the fire, some reportedly ran towards the kitchen downstairs and were trapped there.
Cong's Manish Tewari introduces bill in LS to free MPs from 'whip tyranny', promote good law-making
Congress MP Manish Tewari has proposed a bill to amend the Anti-Defection Law. This legislation aims to grant parliamentarians independent voting power on most bills and motions. The goal is to foster better lawmaking and free legislators from strict party whip directives. The bill seeks to empower elected representatives to act as true representatives of their constituents.
Bihar plans CISF-style force to protect industrialists as state launches major investment push
PATNA: The Bihar government is considering the creation of a specialised police unit on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to boost investor confidence and attract large-scale investments to the state. Industries Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said on Sunday that a proposal to establish the Bihar Industrial Security Force (BISF) would soon be sent to the state government. The new force would be tasked with providing dedicated security to major industrialists and investors. The government will ensure complete security and safety for investors so that they can set up industrial units without any fear. We are ready to provide land for industries. The government will take care of all investors and industrialists, Jaiswal told reporters. The announcement comes a day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting with top administrative officials to discuss the states industrial development plans. This was the first such meeting since the new government took office in November. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Industries Minister Jaiswal, senior bureaucrats and departmental heads attended the meeting. Nitish later shared details of the discussions on X, noting that the industries department will organise investors meets across major commercial centres in India and abroad to draw large industries to Bihar. The goal, he said, is to place Bihar among the countrys top five investment-friendly states in the coming years. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit presented a five-year roadmap aimed at positioning Bihar among the top-performing states, with an investment target of Rs 50 lakh crore over the next five years. The meeting reviewed a comprehensive industrial development blueprint, including plans for new manufacturing clusters, sector-specific parks and expanded skill training. Key decisions included promoting Ease of Doing Business reforms, establishing five mega food parks, developing 10 industrial parks and creating 100 MSME parks over the next five years. Work is being fast-tracked on the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) at Dobhi in Gaya, spread over 1,700 acres. Additionally, 31 new industrial parks covering 14,036 acres across 29 districts are planned, 10 of which will be sector-specific, including parks dedicated to textiles and pharmaceuticals. The state has allocated Rs 26,000 crore for the next phase of industrial development. Emphasising the importance of rapid industrialisation, Nitish said large investments were essential to accelerating economic growth and generating employment in the state.
Watch: Nightclub fire: Atishi criticises Goa government
UAE: Dubai unveils 595 new smart bus shelters for 192 million riders
Dubai's RTA has installed 595 new public bus shelters, nearing 89% completion of its 762-unit goal by 2025. This initiative modernizes public transport infrastructure, enhancing comfort and reliability for over 192 million annual riders. The project prioritizes accessibility and integrates advanced features like digital screens and air-conditioned waiting areas.
Goa night club fire: Criminal failure of governance, says Rahul
New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday demanded a comprehensive investigation and strict accountability for the tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people, with Rahul Gandhi claiming it was a criminal failure of safety and governance. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub at Arpora village in 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 .
Cong seeks thorough probe into Goa nightclub fire; Rahul alleges criminal failure of governance
New Delhi, Dec 7: The Congress on Sunday demanded a comprehensive investigation and strict accountability for the tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people, with Rahul Gandhi claiming it was a criminal failure of safety and governance. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub at Arpora village in North Goa, early Sunday, killing at least 25 people, including four tourists and 14 staff members, and injuring six others. Congress president Mallikarjun [] The post Cong seeks thorough probe into Goa nightclub fire; Rahul alleges criminal failure of governance appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Goa nightclub fire tragedy extremely heartbreaking: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren
Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday said the loss of lives in a fire accident at a nightclub in Goa was extremely heartbreaking. The chief minister extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident. At least 25 people were killed, and six others suffered injuries in the blaze that 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 .
Goa guv visits injured nightclub fire victims at GMCH
Goa Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju visited six victims of a nightclub fire at Goa Medical College and Hospital. The blaze claimed 25 lives in Arpora village. The Governor stated the injured are receiving the best care. He also mentioned the state government will review regulatory departments to prevent future incidents.
Got Lucky As Our Cab Was Late: Survivors Recall Narrow Escape From Deadly Goa Nightclub Fire
Families of the victims gathered at Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim, where several injured people are being treated.
PM Modi mourns Goa fire tragedy that killed 25, expressing deep sorrow
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Mint Explainer | India, Russia to deepen nuclear ties: What it means for Indias 100 GW goal
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Watch: BBC reports from scene of deadly Goa nightclub fire
India Editor Vikas Pandey visits the Indian nightclub where 25 people were killed in a blaze.
Caught On Camera: Goa Nightclub In Full Party Mode, Then Deadly Fire Began
When the deadly fire in Goa's 'Birch By Romeo Lane' began last night, about 100 tourists were enjoying a much-publicised 'Bollywood Banger Night'
Criminal failure of safety and governance: Rahul Gandhi slams Goa govt over Arpora fire tragedy
Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condoled the deaths of 25 people in the Arpora nightclub fire in Goa and demanded a thorough and transparent probe. Calling the tragedy a criminal failure of safety and governance, he said accountability must be fixed to prevent such incidents.
Messi Hails Miami Resolve After MLS Cup Win
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has credited the club's MLS Cup triumph to his teammates' determination, saying the group met every challenge across a demanding campaign. The 38-year-old Argentine said the 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in Saturday's final was just a reward for a season that included 58 games across all competitions for the Florida outfit. One of the objectives when we arrived here was this, said Messi, who joined Miami along with former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in July 2023. We were able to win the Leagues Cup as soon as we arrived. Now we've had a great year, where we competed in every competition we had to play. We reached another Leagues Cup final and we played a CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. Last year we finished first in the league and unfortunately went out in the first round. This year one of the objectives was to win MLS. The team put in a huge effort. It's been a very long year with a lot of matches, and the team was up to the task. Messi played a vital role in Miami's victory, assisting both Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende as the team pulled away from the Canadian side late in the match. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain ended the MLS campaign with 23 assists to go with his 35 goals in 33 outings. In 49 games across all competitions for Miami in 2025, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 43 goals and provided 26 assists. Messi played a vital role in Miami's victory, assisting both Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende as the team pulled away from the Canadian side late in the match. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain ended the MLS campaign with 23 assists to go with his 35 goals in 33 outings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Something very beautiful is ending for them, something to which they dedicated their whole lives. From now on, another life begins. I wish them the best because they are two friends I care about very much, and I'm happy they can leave with this title, Messi said. Article Source: IANS
Deadly Fire, Narrow Lane & Palm Leaves: Goa Clubs Bollywood Banger Night Ends In Very Painful Day
Goa nightclub flouted fire safety, construction norms: Tankers had to be parked 400 metres away; temporary structure made of palm leaves caught fire quickly; manager arrested
Goa Nightclub Manager Arrested, Warrant Issued Against Owner: Chief Minister After Fire Kills 25
We Saw Huge Flames: Witnesses Recount Goa Club Inferno That Killed 25
A massive blaze tore through a popular nightclub in North Goa's Arpora, harrowing eyewitness testimonies have begun to shed light on the chaotic moments surrounding the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased in the fire mishap. The injured will be given Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Watch: Goa nightclub tragedy: 23 killed after massive cylinder blast
Video Captures Moment When Massive Blaze Broke Out Inside Goa Nightclub
A massive fire at a popular nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa claimed 25 lives, with shocking footage showing panic as flames erupted and spread rapidly inside the premises.
Goa nightclub blast: Goa Govt issues emergency helplines
Goa CM said that it is to be seen whether the fire safety norms and building construction norms were followed.
Nalco plans to start Pottangi bauxite mines by mid-2026
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25 Killed in Goa Nightclub Blaze; PM, President Express Grief Over Mishap
Panaji, Dec 7: At least 25 persons were killed and six others injured in a massive fire that erupted after midnight on Sunday at a nightclub in North Goa, police said. Authorities, who had initially confirmed 23 deaths, later updated the toll to 25. The fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora [] The post 25 Killed in Goa Nightclub Blaze; PM, President Express Grief Over Mishap appeared first on Northlines .
Goa nightclub fire: Magisterial probe ordered; owner, general manager to be arrested, says state CM
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the nightclub fire in Arpora that killed 25 people shortly after midnight. The blaze broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular venue in Arpora village near Panaji.
Goa nightclub fire: Magisterial probe ordered; FIR lodged against owner, GM
The popular party venue at Arpora village, located around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year
Goa nightclub fire: Four tourists among 25 killed; were trapped along with staff in kitchen
A devastating fire at a North Goa nightclub has claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members. Six others were injured and are receiving medical attention. Initial investigations suggest the venue may have violated fire safety regulations. Authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry to determine the exact cause and ensure strict legal action against those responsible for this tragic incident.
Narrow Exit, Palm Leaves, Big DJ Night: The Making Of Goa Nightclub Inferno
The fire in a Goa nightclub, which has claimed 25 lives and left six injured, started on the dance floor. Some of the victims reportedly ran to the kitchen downstairs to escape the blaze
TRAGIC! Nightclub fire in Goa kills at least 25
Several tourists were killed in the fire at a popular nightclub in the resort in southwestern India. Police reportedly believe most of the dead were club employees.
A devastating fire ripped through a North Goa nightclub, claiming at least 25 lives and injuring many more. The blaze, reportedly triggered by an explosion, occurred in an establishment operating without valid permissions. Fire safety norms were not followed, and access for emergency services was severely hampered, leading to a tragic loss of life.
Fire Erupted On Dance Floor, People Trapped In Kitchen: Eyewitness Recalls Horrific Goa Club Fire
A sudden fire on a crowded dance floor at a Goa nightclub triggered chaos, trapping several people below and leaving at least 25 dead.
Nearly 24 lakh households have adopted rooftop solar as of December 2025 under PM Surya Ghar
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A horrifying video of a massive fire that boke out out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa has emerged online. The death toll has risen to 25, with 4 of them identified as tourists, and 14 others as staff members, Goa Police said on Sunday. The identity of the seven bodies recovered is yet to be established, officials further said.
Prime Minister Modi expressed profound sorrow over the Arpora nightclub fire, announcing Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for deceased families and Rs 50,000 for the injured from PMNRF. The devastating blaze, reportedly caused by a cylinder blast, claimed at least 25 lives and injured around 50. Goa's Chief Minister has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragedy.
Goa nightclub blaze: Fire erupted on dance floor, says eyewitness
Most of the dead were the club's kitchen workers, and included three women, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said
Goa Nightclub Fire Kills 23; Inquiry Ordered
SRINAGAR: At least 23 people were killed when a fire broke out at a popular nightclub in Goas Arpora area on Saturday, officials said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the toll early on Sunday, stating that he had inspected the site of what he described on X as a major fire and had ordered a []
Fire at Birch by Romeo Lane Goa: The nightclub in North Goa where a devastating fire broke out late at Sunday night did not follow the safety norms, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. The fire brigades could not enter the club due to the narrow lanes and their tankers had to be parked about away from the venue, making it difficult for the firemen to douse the blaze.
Goa Arpora Nightclub Fire: 23 dead after massive cylinder blast, know what led to tragedy
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also expressed deep grief over the Arpora fire that killed 23 people, describing it as a very painful day for the state, and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Goa nightclub fire kills 23; PM Modi speaks to Goa CM
Most of the dead were the club's kitchen workers, and included three women.
Goa Night Club Fire News Live Updates: PM Modi Calls Arpora Incident Deeply Saddening
The fire broke out at a famous nightclub, the Birch by Romeo Lane, in Arpora.
Goa nightclub tragedy: Fire erupted on dance floor, says eyewitness
The nightclub was jam-packed as it was the weekend, and at least 100 persons were on the dance floor
No NOC Was Issued: Official Blames Safety Norms Violation For Horrific Goa Nightclub Fire
Describing the incident as very painful day for the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday promised swift action for those found responsible for a fire.
Goa Nightclub Fire News Live Updates: A fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa killed at least 25, including tourists and staff. PM Modi announced compensation.
Goa nightclub fire: PM Modi speaks to CM Sawant, announces 2 lakh ex-gratia to kin of 23 dead
Injured persons will receive 50,000 each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
Very Painful Day For All In Goa: Chief Minister As Club Fire Kills 25
At least 25 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-club Goa's Arpora.
Staff and tourists among 23 killed in Goa nightclub fire
The fire was caused by a gas cylinder exploding in the club's kitchen, authorities say, with the nationalities of those killed not yet known.
Women, tourists among 23 dead after cylinder blast sparks fire at Goa nightclub
At least 23 people were killed in a blaze at a nightclub in North Goa following a cylinder blast late on Saturday night. Most of the victims were kitchen staff, including three women, while three to four tourists were also among the dead. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site, told reporters that three people succumbed to burn injuries and the others died due to suffocation. Sawant said initial information suggested the nightclub had not complied with fire safety norms. The fire broke out shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party venue in Arpora village, about 25 km from the state capital, Panaji. The club opened last year. We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms, Sawant said. This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season in the coastal state, he said. We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and stringent action will be taken against the guilty, the chief minister added. PM Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the Arpora nightclub blaze. The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Pramod Sawant about the situation. The state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected, he wrote on X. Goa police chief Alok Kumar said the fire was triggered by a cylinder blast. All the 23 bodies have been recovered from the premises and sent to the government medical college at Bambolim, local BJP MLA Michael Lobo said. Firefighters and police teams rushed to the scene and carried out rescue efforts through the night, Lobo told reporters. Lobo said officials would conduct a fire-safety audit of all clubs to ensure such incidents do not recur. The Calangute panchayat will issue notices to all nightclubs on Monday asking them to provide fire-safety permissions, the MLA said. He added that licences of clubs lacking the required permissions would be cancelled.
Horrific Video Captures Massive Blaze And Smoke That Engulfed Goa Club, Killing 25
Flames and thick smoke engulfed a restaurant in North Goas Arpora, leaving 23 people dead in a devastating late-night fire.
INTERVIEW|Our language is male-centric, and that needs to be corrected
K R Meera, one of the most powerful literary voices of our times, continues to probe the politics of gender and power through her writings. Known for landmark works like Aarachaar, she now returns with Kalachi, a novel exploring patriarchy, discrimination, and individuality. In an interaction with TNIE , she talks about her writing process and the inseparability of politics from a writers life. Edited excerpts You were one of the early women journalists in Malayalam. How did that journey begin? I wanted to become a writer. When I was around 17, I felt I didnt have the talent to become one. Because there were many prominent writers then, and I wondered what space I would have among them. Reportage by Anita Pratap and Chitra Subramaniam had inspired me. I wanted to try something new, and journalism felt right for me. Immediately after my course, I got selected to Manorama. Could you recall those days? The journalism field has the most narcissistic men. When I went there, the general perspective was: Why are girls here? Except for a few, such as Mammen Mathew, Jose Panchippuram and Thomas Jacob. When I think about it now, the presence of a woman made some of them uncomfortable. I used to leave the office at 9.30pm, and they would feel relieved. There were also practical difficulties, like finding a place to stay. However, it was a good experience. Once we start working, its men first always. It took time for me to claim my space. Have newsrooms changed now? Have they? For things to truly change, the mindset of the men who make key decisions has to change. If it has changed, thats good. In writing also, men were more prominent. Except the likes of Madhavikutty Sarah Joseph, Gracy teacher and Chandramathi teacher Why do we forget them? The problem is that when we are asked to list the ten best writers, we include nine men and add one woman just for the sake of inclusion. Your first story came out in 2000. It has now been 25 years of writing. How do you see your writing career at this point? For me, the process of writing is about discovering new ideas and finding the right language to express them. I dont think writing is a marathon where you must achieve something within a set time. It is not a competition where you climb to the top and break an earthen pot, like in uriyadi. Writing, for me, is an organic journey there is no final destination, no fixed goal. You took the risk of quitting a secure job to focus entirely on writing. How did you find the courage to do that? It wasnt a planned decision. You could say it came from my demanding, ego-driven and somewhat adamant nature. I was quite certain that I wouldnt go hungry. I knew I could earn through writing. Whether in journalism or literature, it has traditionally been a mans world No, I dont see it that way. I always feel that whatever a man has written was first told to him by a talented woman (laughs). There is often pressure on women to prove themselves. Have you ever felt that pressure? Yes I have always felt that I must be the best at whatever I do whether it is writing or anything else. I was conditioned that way from childhood, and I cannot escape it. Every day, I feel the pressure to prove myself to my peers through my talent and hard work. Who are your readers? Do you think from the perspective of a reader when you write? No we dont know who the reader is. When writing an article, we may have some sense, but in fiction, we cannot know. Every time, we only hope that new readers will be drawn in. I wish, whoever the readers are, they become better human beings, with a deeper understanding. But it cannot always be achieved. Now that you are a pan-Indian writer, is there any pressure to write on subjects that appeal to readers across India? No, no pressure at all. We cannot write like that. I cannot decide that I will write a pan-Indian novel. I wish to write something that no other writer has attempted or approached before. I never intend my novels to be set outside Kerala, but when I look for the situations that a story demands, sometimes they naturally lead me outside the state. Has journalism influenced your stories or the process of writing? Journalism influences my life itself. I am eternally haunted by the spirit of a murdered journalist inside me (laughs). It makes me want to wander and travel all the time. Could you tell us about your process of research and writing? Sometimes I feel there is someone else writing it for me in my head. And there is a certain magic that happens when I sit in front of the wide screen. I remember many things I thought I had forgotten, and even things I didnt know I knew. That is the joy of writing finding these things and the coincidences along the way. You once remarked you were a woman who writes, not a woman writer. How do you differentiate? My issue is with the word writer. In Malayalam, it translates into a term that inherently means a man who writes. Similarly, reader translates to a man who reads. Everything is gendered that way. Our language is male-centric, and that needs to be corrected. Isnt the experience of writing different for men and women? Dont these terms also reflect those different experiences? And should that be seen as a problem? Sometimes I think yes it is time we acknowledge this issue. A man can often write without worrying about the responsibilities of his children. This is changing now, but only if we recognise the inequality can we fix it. For equality to exist, we must also find a language that is equally efficient. Theres a politics that urges us to speak about unconventional lives, to dismantle patriarchy and we do speak about it. But unless such ideas enter everyday language, we will remain stuck in the mundane. Today, many men also take responsibility for their children. When you talk about a mens commission, these aspects should also be addressed. Some activists have been demanding a mens commission Individuals do not affect me. As a writer, all I can do is talk about the larger politics. Is a mens commission needed? Yes, it is necessary. Men must be educated about societal changes and trained to embrace them especially the changing dynamics of family life. A commission can help with that. But the current demand is for a commission to protect men from harassment... Thats because they dont understand the difference between harassment and the loss of privileges they once enjoyed. Those who demand a mens commission believe that men face more harassment today. For them, the loss of privileges amounts to harassment. What can we do except educate them? We must tell them: This is not harassment. These were privileges you enjoyed till now privileges created by earlier generations and used to suppress another section of people who also had equal rights. You must let go of them. Women characters in your works are complex and powerful, with the quality of reclaiming power Are they powerful? That is not power. As Simone de Beauvoir said, feminism is not about snatching power from men, but about dismantling the very idea of power. My characters do exactly that. They do not compete for power. Instead, they explore how beautiful the world could be if the notion of power itself disappeared if toxic masculinity disappeared. Does religion play a major role in this? Yes. Where does religion come from? It comes from the family. Religion always attacks from within. I have written about this in Kalachi. Is that why some say the family is a fascist unit? Yes. I believe family is the smallest unit of fascism. The first lessons of oppression and suppression are taught by the family. A family in its current form does more harm than good. How should an ideal family be? An ideal family is one where everyone gets the opportunity to grow, and no one suffers any form of violence verbal, physical, emotional, or spiritual. Todays family structure is built on strict distribution of power. Naturally, people carry the same structure into society because it is familiar and convenient. Have you ever felt marriage is a kind of restriction? (Smiles) Signing any paper is restrictive. I was speaking about the institution of marriage. I do not agree with the current model of marriage. Is gender a mere social construct, or is there a biological element? You shouldnt ask such a complex question to a mere writer like me (smiles). How much has writing helped you towards liberation? Writing has been my only real path to liberation. Everywhere you go, the life of a poor woman is full of restrictions. Is a womans life really that difficult? As long as the BJP rules at the Centre, I would prefer to be a man. Right-wing ideology still treats women as second-class citizens. Is it right for writers to support political parties? You were seen campaigning during the Nilambur by-election. Arent writers political beings? Is any work truly apolitical? Writing is also a livelihood. I dont care whether Congress or RSS supporters read my books. All writers are activists in some way. Every story is an attempt to fill water into broken pots. Is motherhood an outdated concept? I cannot say that. The problem arises when motherhood is imposed through fear or pressure. The real issue is that society views a woman only as a field for producing heirs. How was it in your experience? I was never someone who longed for motherhood. As a child, I always doubted whether I could be a good mother. I am absent-minded. When I finally became a mother, I saw it with a certain detachment. Had I not become a mother, I might have believed a child had been saved from me. I was terrified during pregnancy because I carried a life inside me, because I was responsible for its safety, and because I doubted my own strength to handle it. I lived with the constant fear that my mistakes might harm my child. Motherhood is a big lie. It is glorified. It is the sum of mechanisms created by every society to confine a womans entire life to one function reproduction. Isnt it mostly women themselves who celebrate motherhood? For whom is this celebration? It is a way of putting all the blame on women. Society is built by men. Women exist within households run by members of that society. They carry out mens beliefs, desires, and decisions. Women today are not treated as full social beings. Are you a man-hater? I want to see everyone simply as human. Many men have a problem with confident, strong women It is not about strength. Men are not interested in women who do not obey, respect, or acknowledge men as superior. It is a mindset. If you read Ghathakan, you will see that I say masculinity is not related to men it is related to power and mindset. It is the resistance to sharing power that leads to unhealthy and negative behaviour, whether from men, women, or transgender persons. So, are you saying it is not about gender? The problem with patriarchy is that it creates divisions higher women, lower women, higher men, lower men and then caste and religion get woven into it. It becomes a complicated structure. There is a notion that women writers here have a Madhavikutty hangover. But your style was different was that a conscious decision? I start writing only when I have a story that hasnt been told before. Yes, I was conscious of that. I have no interest in repeating what others have already written. What do you feel after finishing a book? I become restless. I start thinking: I shouldnt have written this. This isnt what I intended. Is it good enough? I cannot assess it objectively. But once it is published, I feel relaxed. Is writing an act of self-expression or rebellion for you? Both. There is expression, and there is rebellion something that may not always be possible in reality. Any contemporary authors who excite you? Harish is a good writer. Rajasree, Soniya, Athira, Mini, and many others. There are many; I may have missed some names. Do you plan to write in English? No. Malayalam is my strength. I already handle two languages Malayalam and the English used in translation contexts. How is your writing process? I prefer to see the sky, walk around, and observe. I need to go outside to write. Editing can be done at home. Qabar and Ghathakan were written at home, but distractions are constant. Though you dont have homemaker responsibilities? The problem is that everyone at home feels entitled to a womans time. A womans life is never fully her own no matter who it is, even if shes the prime minister. Your writing often shows layers realism, grounded tones, surreal elements. How did your style develop? Were you inspired by any writers? Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of my pole stars. I have always carried a sense of dissatisfaction with the world around me, and that naturally pushes me toward imagining another kind of life. Maybe thats why surreal or magical elements slip into my writing. Honestly, I think the problem might be with me (laughs). Theres a growing discussion that young people are moving away from reading. Whats your take? I have been hearing this since my own childhood. Every generation says the same thing. At any point in history, people who love reading will read, and those who dont simply wont. Does something called serious reading still exist today? Did it ever really exist (laughs)? Ideas like greatest literature, deep reading, or serious reading feel outdated now. Often, the people who preach deep reading lead shallow lives. Do you believe that a woman understands another woman better? No. An individual understands another individual. Thats the truth. We need to remove the labels of man and woman and see each other as people only then can we truly understand one another. Theres a belief that the best female characters are written by men. Do you agree? These are just generational beliefs. Theres no truth in them. People might feel that way about writers like Uroob. But I am not ready to agree with it (laughs). Because there is a myopic male perspective in all those writings. They write the kind of women they want to see, based on their own limited experiences. How can you understand an elephant by only looking at its trunk or tail? And when it comes to men has any writer truly depicted a complete man? Men dont fully reveal themselves to anyone. When we write, we write about experience, joy, lack of privilege, and so on. There are women who live life on their own terms, but even then, people ask whether that is the life they truly wanted. But do we ever ask men these questions? Men have social privilege, women dont. Inequality begins right there. Is that why, in a conversation, you said all good writings were feminist writings? Yes, of course. Anyone who believes in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution is a feminist. The values in the Preamble are essentially the basics of feminism. Its that simple. If you believe in that, you are, by default, a feminist. How important is political correctness in life and in the creative world? Political correctness is nothing but the correctness of humanity. The correctness shifts with time. Once we say something is anti-human, we must progress towards betterment, not drag it back to where it once was. I try to be careful. I also care about correcting mistakes made unknowingly. How do you feel after completing 25 years as a full-time writer? Surprise (smiles) that I swam in this sea, in this vast world. Whats your take on Kerala society do you believe there is progress? After this Left government took over, I have felt they have tried to take feminist ideas to the people. That makes me happy. It reaches young boys and girls. There is a group of people who want to live simply as humans. Changes that we see in cinema, too, are wonderful. Kerala will change. Are you unhappy that you are a writer? Being a writer is not an unhappy thing. I like writing. I am happy writing. But I dont like many things that come with it. Do you miss journalism? Always. I used to think I could have changed things (laughs). Hunting for stories and writing reports energise you. Fiction drains you. TNIE team: Kiran Prakash, Cithara Paul, Rajesh Abraham, Anil S, Rajesh Ravi, Anna Jose, Manisha V C S, Harikrishna B A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)
Deeply Saddening: PM Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid For Each In Goa Fire Mishap; President Condoles
The Prime Minister also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs. 50,000.
Goa night club fire LIVE: 23 killed in major blaze due to cylinder blast; CM orders inquiry
Most of the dead were the clubs kitchen workers, and included three women, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said
PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Goa Nightclub Fire Tragedy
Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected, PM said
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the fire mishap in Arpora, calling the incident deeply saddening and conveying his support to the affected families.
PM Modi expresses grief over Arpora fire tragedy in Goa
A devastating fire at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora, Goa, claimed 23 lives, prompting Prime Minister Modi to express deep sorrow and offer support. The incident, believed to have started after a cylinder blast, has led to calls for safety audits of all clubs in the state.
Fire at Goa nightclub caused by cylinder blast kills 23 staffers
Panaji: At least 23 staff members of a nightclub in North Goas Arpora village died in a fire late on Saturday night, a senior official said. Goa police chief Alok Kumar told PTI that the fire occurred due to a cylinder blast. At least 23 bodies have been recovered. Those who have died were 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 .
Goa Club Fire: 23 Dead, Several Injured After Massive Cylinder Blast In Arpora Nightclub
Goa Police said the explosion happened around 1 a.m. near the kitchen area of the nightclub.
Goa Nightclub Fire: CM Pramod Sawant Orders Inquiry
Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law any negligence will be dealt with firmly, CM Sawant said
Goa nightclub fire kills 23; CM Pramod Sawant orders enquiry, promises strict action
23 Killed In Goa Club Fire, Gas Cylinder Explosion Suspected
A devastating fire ripped through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane late last night in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in the death of 23 people.
Goa MLA Michael Lobo calls for safety audit of all clubs in state after Arpora fire kills 23
A devastating fire in Arpora, Goa, claimed 23 lives, prompting BJP MLA Michael Lobo to demand a safety audit of all clubs. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow, calling it a very painful day and ordering an inquiry. The blaze, which occurred around midnight, tragically killed locals and tourists, many succumbing to suffocation while attempting to escape the basement.
23 Killed in Goa Nightclub Fire After Cylinder Blast
Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot immediately and were engaged in rescue efforts through the night
Goa Nightclub Fire News Live Updates: Blaze reportedly broke out after a cylinder blast
23 dead in midnight blaze at Goa club; three women among victims
A devastating cylinder blast at a North Goa nightclub late Saturday night claimed at least 23 lives, primarily kitchen workers. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated the club may have flouted fire safety norms and promised strict action against management and officials. The incident occurred during peak tourist season.
Kane scores hat-trick as Bayern extends Bundesliga lead to 11 points
The England captain took his goal tally for Bayern Munich this season to 28 and the defending champions extended their lead to 11 points after thrashing Stuttgart 5-0 on the road.
At Vatican observatory, Goa priest decoding cosmic past
Jesuit priest Fr Richard DSouza, a galactic archaeologist at the Vatican Observatory, studies galactic cannibalism. His 2018 research in Nature Astronomy revealed the Andromeda galaxy's major merger occurred two billion years ago. DSouza, who balances cosmic research with faith, now directs the historic observatory, reminding the Church of science and faith's synergy.
Da Costa own goal sinks bottom club Mainz in Bundesliga
Mainz, Dec 6: Mainz remain rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga after a Danny da Costa own goal gave visitor Borussia Mnchengladbach a 1-0 victory. Mainz had never lost any of its previous five Friday night Bundesliga games and Gladbach had not won any of its seven but those runs were halted by Da []
Cylinder blast triggers fire at Goa nightclub, kills 23 staff members
At least 23 bodies have been recovered. Those who have died were the staff of the club, says DGP Alok Kumar
Two Goan youth killed incar-truck collision in Lonavala
PTI Pune Two youth from Bardez taluka of Goa were killed after their car collided with a mini truck at Lonavala hill station in Maharashtra in the early hours of Saturday, the police said. The victims were part of a group of 14 persons from Goa that had come to Lonavala in Pune district for [] The post Two Goan youth killed incar-truck collision in Lonavala appeared first on The Navhind Times .
