Contact
Home Blog Page 603

Becoming IAS Officer is becoming an institution- Alok Ranjan

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

In a recent online session organized by the social group ‘Ignite Thoughts’ on the auspicious occasion of Good Governance Day, Alok Ranjan, an accomplished IAS officer from the Rajasthan Cadre (Batch 2013), shared invaluable insights on preparing for civil services examinations. The session, held on December 25, 2023, via Google Meet, witnessed the active participation of over 25 enthusiastic individuals eager to embark on the challenging journey of becoming civil servants.

Alok Ranjan began the session by highlighting the significance of public grievance redressal in governance, asserting that it is a pivotal aspect of effective administration. Drawing from his own experiences, Ranjan emphasized that becoming an IAS officer is akin to becoming an institution. He urged aspiring civil servants to be resolute and consistent in their pursuit, emphasizing that handling setbacks is integral to the journey.

Central to Ranjan’s guidance was the importance of clarity in one’s objectives. He advised participants to introspect and question their motives for choosing civil services, emphasizing the need for a well-defined goal. Ranjan stressed the strategic nature of preparation, recommending a meticulous analysis of previous year question papers and a thorough understanding of the syllabus.

Alok Ranjan provided practical tips for effective preparation, emphasizing the significance of clear concepts and regular practice to enhance writing skills. He endorsed the idea of limited content consumption, advocating for a focus on understanding rather than volume. He underscored the notion that daily assessments through time-bound tests are crucial for monitoring progress.

One noteworthy piece of advice from Ranjan was to treat the journey of becoming an IAS officer as an institution, emphasizing that self-assessment and skills are the determining factors for success, regardless of one’s background or field of study.

Addressing the pervasive influence of social media, Ranjan encouraged participants to stay focused on clear conceptual understanding, portraying success as a “cake walk” when foundational knowledge is strong. While coaching was not deemed necessary, he recommended having a guide or mentor for a directed approach.

He stressed the importance of a clear mindset regarding what not to study, advocating regular assessment of syllabus knowledge through previous year question papers. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of learning current affairs from reputable sources and incorporating daily practices such as answer writing, note-making, revision, and critical analysis into one’s routine.

Delving into the broader context of governance, he asserted that public grievance redressal is the cornerstone of effective administration, promoting the idea that minimalist governance is synonymous with good governance. He urged citizens to contribute to society through charity in terms of skills and services, embodying the attitude of a problem-solving bureaucrat.

The session concluded with an open question-and-answer segment, allowing students to engage directly with Alok Ranjan. The guidance provided was not only beneficial for those actively preparing for UPSC examinations but also for students at various academic stages, from graduation to post-graduation, seeking clarity on their paths to civil services.

Story of Mamaearth Founder Ghazal Alagh and Varun Alagh

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

In the ever-evolving landscape of the cosmetics industry, a standout player has emerged, redefining the standards of well-being – Mamaearth. Founded in September 2016 by Ghazal Alagh and Varun Alagh, this Gurugram-based company has swiftly ascended to prominence, establishing itself as a beacon of organic and natural products free from toxins and contaminants.

Mamaearth’s inception was rooted in a deeply personal journey. When Ghazal and Varun Alagh were expecting their first child, the quest for safe and toxin-free baby care products led to a startling revelation – the market lacked products that met their stringent safety standards. Frustrated with the dearth of options, the couple took matters into their own hands.

Launched under the aegis of the parent company Honasa Consumer Pvt Ltd in Gurugram, Mamaearth set out to craft products using the finest ingredients, whether natural, plant-based, or man-made, ensuring they were certified both safe and effective. With a strong emphasis on baby care, the brand has diversified its portfolio to include over 80 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) of skin and hair care products for men and women, catering even to pregnant women.

Mamaearth’s dedication to safety and quality is evident in its achievements, having become Asia’s first toxin-free brand to receive the MadeSafe certification in under four years. The brand’s triumph is reflected in its meteoric growth, achieving a turnover of Rs 100 crore in just four years.

At the heart of Mamaearth’s success is its unwavering commitment to innovation. The brand has introduced groundbreaking products such as India’s first bamboo-based baby wipes, stomach roll-ons for colic relief, and a natural plant-based toothpaste tailored for children. Mamaearth addresses every facet of motherhood, offering a diverse range of products from sunscreen to stretch mark removal serums.

The role of social media and celebrity endorsements has been pivotal in Mamaearth’s marketing strategy. Notably, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, as a brand ambassador and investor, has significantly contributed to the company’s exponential growth. Social media influencers and a network of around 500 bloggers have played a crucial role in disseminating Mamaearth’s content to a vast and engaged audience.

Mamaearth’s responsiveness to consumer feedback has been a key factor in its success, leading to expansions beyond baby care into Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and beauty & personal care. The brand’s unicorn status, valued at $1.2 billion, attests to its remarkable journey.

Citing Covid-19 as a significant turning point, Mamaearth seized the opportunity to grow aggressively, launching some of its best-selling products during the pandemic. Revenues skyrocketed 8x between FY20 and FY22, and the brand recently filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise Rs 400 crore.

Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, continues to spearhead Mamaearth’s product innovation, ensuring each product upholds the highest standards. As an active angel investor, she also supports young startups led by women, contributing not just capital but invaluable insights drawn from Mamaearth’s triumphant journey. With a bright future on the horizon, Mamaearth’s steadfast commitment to safety, innovation, and consumer well-being is poised to leave an indelible mark in the cosmetics industry.

PM Modi Makes History: First World Leader to Surpass 20 Million YouTube Subscribers

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Priyanshi Pareek

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a historic feat, becoming the first world leader with over 20 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. In terms of both views and subscribers, PM Modi has outpaced his Indian and global counterparts, marking a remarkable achievement in digital engagement.

PM Modi’s channel has impressively amassed a total of 4.5 billion video views, maintaining consistent video quality and upload frequency throughout the years. Remarkably, his channel hit the 10 million subscriber milestone in February last year. The top three videos alone have collectively amassed an outstanding 175 million views, showcasing the immense popularity and reach of his content.

In comparison, PM Modi’s US counterpart Joe Biden has 794,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. Following PM Modi at the top spot is former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro with 6.4 million subscribers, followed by Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador with 4.1 million subscribers. Additionally, Indonesia President Joko Widodo joins the list with 3.2 million subscribers.

Crossing the 20 million subscribers mark not only reflects PM Modi’s widespread appeal but also highlights the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping political conversations.

In his 2014 electoral victory, PM Modi was among the pioneering leaders to harness the internet’s potential. Since then, his team has consistently worked to expand his digital presence, recognizing the importance of this medium in contemporary politics.

8 incredible Indian Farmers who won The Padma Shri

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Priyanshi Pareek

The recent Padma Awards, declared on the eve of Republic Day, celebrated the achievements of eight farmers. It’s an incredible moment for an agrarian nation that venerates agriculture as its backbone. Recognizing and honouring these farmer friends is a significant step towards giving them the well-deserved appreciation they need.

Rajkumari Devi

Rajkumari Devi, an Indian farmer, received India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri. Born into a financially struggling family in Bihar, she married young due to poverty. However, post-marriage, she initiated self-help groups and employed many impoverished families through organic farming. 

Bihar’s CM Nitish Kumar acknowledged her efforts, honouring her with the Kisan Shri award. Hailing from Anandpur village in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, she completed her matriculation after marriage. Presently, she is the proud owner of the Kisan Chachi Brand.

Babulal Dahiya

Babulal Dahiya, a prominent figure in Indian agriculture, requires no introduction among those familiar with the field. Hailing from Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, he is renowned for his advocacy of organic farming and conservation efforts. These remarkable contributions led to his receipt of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award. Today, Dahiya’s museum proudly showcases his accomplishments, preserving and honouring India’s rich agrarian heritage under his custodianship.

Recently inaugurated on January 15, the museum serves as a sanctuary for 250 tools that were once extensively utilized by farmers in Madhya Pradesh’s Baghelkhand region. These tools exhibit a diverse array of materials, including stone, metals, alloys, bamboo, wood, and leather.

Located in Pithorabad within Satna district, Babulal Dahiya’s museum finds its home in the very community he calls his own. Positioned 15 kilometers away from the district headquarters, the museum stands as a testament to the agricultural legacy of the region, preserving the invaluable tools and heritage of farming practices.

Vallabhbhai Marvaniya

Vallabhbhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya, an Indian farmer hailing from Khamdhrol village in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, gained recognition for popularizing carrots among Gujaratis. His notable contributions led to him being honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2019. 

Additionally, in 2017, he received a National Award from the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan for his remarkable efforts. Marvaniya’s innovative work also earned him the prestigious ninth National Grassroots Innovation Award in 2017, highlighting his significant contributions to agriculture and innovation.

Kanwal Singh Chauhan

Kanwal Singh Chauhan, an esteemed Indian farmer from Haryana, is renowned for his significant contributions to crop diversification within the agriculture industry. His pioneering efforts were acknowledged with the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in January 2019. Furthermore, in August 2011, he was honoured with the N. G. Ranga Farmer Award by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, further underscoring his impactful role and dedication to agricultural advancement.

Kanwal Singh Chauhan, originating from Aterna in Haryana’s Sonipat district, began farming at 15 and revolutionized the market by introducing locally cultivated baby corn in 1997, significantly reducing its price from ₹4000 to ₹70 per kg. Expanding his enterprise to canned baby corn production, he employed over 200 individuals by 2019. 

He founded the Gulab Fruits & Vegetable Growers & Marketing Cooperative Society in 2001, promoting agricultural diversity and establishing a canning unit in 2012 to minimize waste. Additionally, he initiated the Integrated Unit for Mushroom Development in 2008. Chauhan, President of Sonipat’s Progressive Farmers Club, faced threats after supporting the Modi government’s agricultural reforms during the 2020–2021 Indian farmers’ protest.

Kamala Pujhari

Kamala Pujari, a tribal woman from Koraput, Odisha, stands as a prominent advocate for organic farming. Her passion for traditional farming led her to acquire foundational techniques from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Jeypore. Pujari’s substantial contributions to the realm of organic farming earned her the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.

Kamala Pujari, a determined tribal woman from Patraput Village in Odisha’s Koraput District, champions the preservation of indigenous paddy varieties, safeguarding numerous native rice strains. Her impassioned efforts mobilized communities and advocated against chemical fertilizers, encouraging the adoption of organic farming among farmers in her area. Despite lacking formal education, she has preserved over 100 paddy varieties and rare seeds, emerging as an inspiring figure for sustainable agriculture, soil fertility enhancement, and a beacon of guidance for future generations.

Jagdish Prasad Parikh

Jagdish Prasad Parikh and Hukumchand Patidar were honoured with the Padma Shri award in Agriculture by President Ram Nath Kovind during the 2019 Padma Awards. Jagdish Parikh, a notable figure in Sikar district, Rajasthan, achieved a world record for cultivating a 25.5 kg cauliflower, utilizing organic techniques. His innovation, the “Ajitgarh Selection” cauliflower variety (15 kg), earned him the 1st National Grassroots Innovation Award in 2001. Parikh’s dedication to agro-innovations led to multiple accolades, including Intellectual Property Rights for his high-yielding and pest-resistant crops in 2017.

Bharat Bhushan Tyagi

Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, born in 1954, is a respected Indian farmer, educator, and trainer hailing from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2019. Tyagi is actively involved in organizing weekly training sessions for farmers in Bulandshahr, having imparted knowledge to over 80,000 individuals. Notably, he was honored with the Progressive Farmer Award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further highlighting his significant impact and dedication to agricultural advancement.

Venkateswara Rao Yadlapalli

Venkateswara Rao Yadlapalli, an esteemed agriculturalist from Andhra Pradesh, India, was honoured with the Padma Shri award in 2019 by the President of India for his remarkable contributions to organic farming. Notably, he selflessly dedicated his Padma Shri award to the farmers, reflecting his inspirational and altruistic nature.

Venkateswara Rao Yadlapalli, born in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district, has dedicated his life to agricultural advancement. He launched magazines like Rythunestham, Pasunestham, and Prakruthi Nestham to share farming knowledge. Moreover, he established the Rythunestham Puraskaram awards and the Rythu Nestham Foundation to support farmers and promote natural farming techniques. His exceptional efforts in organic farming earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award from the President of India in 2019.

From a Street Vendor to a Multi-Crore Company: Bhavesh Bhatia’s Inspirational Journey

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

Bhavesh Bhatia’s life story is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the unwavering spirit to overcome adversity. Born with retina muscular deterioration, Bhavesh faced the challenges of deteriorating eyesight from a young age. However, it was the loss of his vision at the age of 23 that became a turning point in his life, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

At that time, Bhavesh was working as a hotel manager, striving to save money for his mother’s cancer treatment. His mother, a pillar of strength throughout his life, provided invaluable support, guiding him through the challenges of being visually impaired. Despite the difficulties, Bhavesh’s mother instilled in him a valuable life lesson – the importance of understanding others and turning adversity into an opportunity.

With the passing of his mother, Bhavesh found solace in her words: “So what if you cannot see the world? Do something so that the World will see you.” Instead of succumbing to self-pity, Bhavesh embarked on a quest to create something that would make the world take notice.

Driven by a lifelong passion for creating things with his hands, Bhavesh ventured into candle making. Despite limited resources, he received training from the National Association for the Blind in 1999. Starting with basic candles, Bhavesh began selling his creations from a cart in Mahabaleshwar, using a friend’s cart for a nominal fee.

The initial phase was arduous, with Bhavesh making candles at night and selling them during the day. His determination and love for his craft kept him going. The turning point came when a chance encounter with a customer named Neeta sparked a connection that would change his life. Neeta, undeterred by societal judgments, chose to marry Bhavesh, becoming his lifelong companion and supporter.

Together, they faced numerous challenges, including rejection and hostility from a world unwilling to accept a visually impaired individual as a capable entrepreneur. Bhavesh’s resilience led him to secure a loan from Satara Bank, and with Neeta’s unwavering support, they purchased wax, dyes, and a hand cart, laying the foundation for what would become Sunrise Candles.

Today, Sunrise Candles is a multi-crore business producing over 9,000 designs of plain, scented, and aromatherapy candles. The company, based in Mahabaleshwar, caters to prestigious clients like Reliance Industries, Ranbaxy, and Big Bazar. What makes Sunrise Candles truly exceptional is its workforce—entirely composed of visually impaired individuals, proving that disabilities are not barriers to success.

Bhavesh’s business philosophy reflects his mother’s wisdom—thinking with the heart. His journey from a street vendor to a successful entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of resilience, creativity, and a heart-driven approach to business.

Despite achieving remarkable success, Bhavesh remains ambitious, with dreams of participating in the 2016 Paralympics, breaking world records, and inspiring every blind individual in India to stand on their own feet. His story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that with passion, determination, and a compassionate heart, one can triumph over any challenge.

Kailash Chaudhary: The Agricultural Visionary Transforming Amla Cultivation

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

In the heart of Kotputli district in Rajasthan resides Kailash Chaudhary, a man who has devoted six decades to farming, evolving with the times and leaving an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape. Kailash Chaudhary’s journey began amidst the era of camels and bullocks tilling the fields, transitioning to the modernization of tractors and advanced machinery.

In 1977, as the village head of Kiratpura, Kailash Chaudhary spearheaded a committee, consolidating fragmented fields to enhance farming efficiency. This marked the beginning of a transformative movement in the agricultural sector. The 1980s saw the electrification of fields, installing tube wells, and witnessing a fivefold increase in yield, illustrating the positive impact of collective efforts.

As the Krishi Vigyan Kendra opened in 1993-94, Kailash Chaudhary turned to organic farming, inspired by the adverse effects of chemical-rich practices. Seeking guidance from scientists, he learned to create compost from agricultural waste, reduce chemical fertilizers, and enhance crop quality, all contributing to sustainable agriculture.

In 1998, Kailash Chaudhary ventured into gooseberry cultivation, receiving support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra. However, the initial setback due to market challenges did not deter him. Instead, he explored the potential of gooseberry products, learning from a Pratapgarh-based scientist. This led to the establishment of a successful stall in Jaipur, transforming Kailash Chaudhary into a marketing guru.

Reflecting on the early 1990s, Kailash Chaudhary’s innovative approach extended to branding his wheat crop. He observed a fellow farmer selling wheat at a premium through branding and adopted a similar strategy. This experience laid the foundation for his marketing expertise, later applied to the promotion of gooseberry products.

Over the years, Kailash Chaudhary’s commitment and success have not gone unnoticed. He has received over 100 national and international awards, recognizing his contributions to agriculture. In sharing his wisdom, Kailash Chaudhary encourages fellow farmers to explore the vast potential within agriculture, emphasizing the multitude of options available—from horticulture to animal husbandry—creating numerous income opportunities. Kailash Chaudhary’s remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and determination in the field of agriculture.

Vandana Luthra: The Visionary Force Behind VLCC’s Success

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

Vandana Luthra, a stalwart in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape, stands as the driving force behind VLCC Health Care Ltd, an industry leader in beauty and wellness services. As the founder of VLCC and the chairperson of the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill and Council (B&WSSC), Luthra’s journey is a testament to her dedication and vision.

Born on July 12, 1959, Vandana Luthra envisioned transforming the health and wellness landscape in India from an early age. Inspired by her father’s business trips to Germany, where she observed the thriving health industry, she recognized the untapped potential in India. Armed with a degree from the Polytechnic for Women in New Delhi and further studies in nutrition and cosmetology in Germany, Luthra established the first VLCC Centre in Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, in 1989.

Facing a landscape with few women entrepreneurs in the 1980s, Luthra encountered skepticism and criticism. However, fueled by determination and supported by her husband, she secured a bank loan and inaugurated her first outlet. Scientifically approaching her work, she collaborated with doctors, aiming for a clinical rather than glamorous brand. Convincing health experts to join her cause took time, but the results solidified her venture’s credibility.

Today, VLCC operates in 326 locations across 153 cities in 13 countries, with 4000 employees, offering services through medical professionals, nutrition counselors, physiotherapists, cosmetologists, and beauty professionals. Luthra’s approach and dedication have positioned VLCC as a global player, with 40% of top clients from international centers.

Luthra’s success story emphasizes the importance of strong core values and perseverance in building a brand. Her journey underscores the transformative impact of self-determination, where challenges become stepping stones to success. Beyond business, Luthra is a vocal advocate for women in leadership, recognizing their exceptional abilities in diverse fields.

The Indian government’s support for women entrepreneurs is evident through initiatives like the National Skills Development Corporation and the Ministry of Labour, with VLCC actively participating in government programs like Jan-Dhan Yojana.

Vandana Luthra’s remarkable journey exemplifies determination and courage, proving that with unwavering self-determination, any dream is achievable. VLCC’s estimated annual revenue of $91.1 million attests to the enduring success of Luthra’s vision in transforming the wellness and beauty sector globally.

Equestrian Trailblazer: The Journey of Divyakriti Singh

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Priyanshi Pareek

Divyakriti Singh, the talented Indian equestrian athlete, attained a remarkable milestone by securing the gold medal in the team event for Equestrian Dressage at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Her outstanding performance led to her well-deserved recognition. Aprestigious honour in the form of the Arjuna Award for 2023, bestowed upon her by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.

Early life 

Divyakriti Singh Rathore, born on October 29, 1999, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is 24 years old as of 2023 and carries the zodiac sign of Libra. Her schooling journey culminated at Mayo College Girls School, Ajmer, Rajasthan, where she completed her education in 2017. Fascinated by her family’s heritage in polo. Her father and grandfather were notable polo players. She gravitated towards horse riding during her 7th grade. Notably, she served as the equestrian captain of her school team.

For her higher education, Divyakriti pursued graduation at Jesus and Mary College (JMC), affiliated with the University of Delhi, Delhi. Her upbringing revolved around Mundota Fort and Palace, an estate and business owned by her family, which likely played a significant role in shaping her passion for equestrian sports.

Awards and Recognition

  • India Today Woman Summit Award on 26 October 2023.
  • The Sawai Jaipur Awards 2023
  • IPA Junior National Polo Championship Winner in 2016, 2017

Divyakriti Singh capped off a remarkable year by clinching the esteemed Arjuna Award, embellishing her journey after securing the historic equestrian dressage gold medal at the Asian Games. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, announcing the National Sports Awards 2023 in New Delhi, honored Divyakriti after her nomination on December 13, culminating in her dream moment just a week later.

Recognizing her outstanding performance, the government will confer the awards, including Divyakriti’s accolade, on January 9, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Hailing from Rajasthan, she stands as the sole recipient of this prestigious award from the state this year, marking her as the first Indian woman in equestrian to be bestowed with the Arjuna Award.

As the gold medalist in equestrian at the 2022 Asian Games, her inclusion among the elite awardees resulted from a rigorous selection process conducted by a distinguished committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Khanvilkar. Comprising esteemed sporting figures, the committee lauded Divyakriti’s exceptional contributions to equestrian sports.

An elated Divyakriti stated, “It is a humbling experience, and I am grateful to my horses and my coaches, who played an equally important role in helping me achieve this feat. I am also thankful to my family who supported me wholeheartedly throughout my journey. It’s a special feeling to get honoured with such a prestigious award,” Divyakriti told TOI on Wednesday.

With a confident demeanor, Divyakriti acknowledged that receiving the Arjuna Award serves as both motivation and added responsibility for her future endeavors. She expressed a commitment to not only excel in the coming years but also fulfill the expectations placed upon her by everyone.

“It is certainly a morale-boosting award for me. I am glad that I am the first woman player to get the Arjuna Award in equestrian. It will keep me going to pump in more effort and hard work. I want to use this as a launch-pad to bring more laurels to the country. I may be the first, but I want to see more girls winning this award in the future,” said Divyakriti.

The Revered Mahavir Mandir: A Spiritual Heaven in Patna

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Priyanshi Pareek

Mahavir Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Hanuman, located in Patna, Bihar, India. Millions of pilgrims visit the temple every year. Acharya Kishore Kunal is the secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Temple Trust, Patna.

It is one of the leading Hanuman temples in the country. Thousands of devotees worshipped Shri Hanumanji and visited the temple. It is a wish-fulfilling temple, where every wish of the devotees is fulfilled, and this is the reason for the increasing number of devotees in the temple.

History

In 1948 AD, the Patna High Court declared it a public temple. The new grand temple was constructed between 1983 AD and 1985 AD with the contribution of Honorable Acharya Kishore Kunal and his devotees, and currently it is one of the world famous temples of the country.

There are two pairs of statues of Shri Hanuman ji together in the temple, the first is Paritranaya Sadhunam which means for the protection of good people and the second is Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam which means to remove the evil of evil people.

Architect

Nestled in the heart of Patna, Bihar, the Mahavir Mandir stands as a testament to devotion and spirituality. Spread across three levels, this revered temple is a hub of religious fervor and diverse offerings for its pilgrims.

On the temple’s ground floor, two distinctive Hanuman idols symbolize noble desires fulfilled and purification of evil deeds. The area extends to a peaceful courtyard with sweet and bookshops, combining spiritual and earthly elements. The central sanctum, Garbhagriha, honors Lord Hanuman and accommodates a shrine for Lord Shiva, drawing devotees for sacred rituals and blessings.

Ascending to the first floor unveils a breathtaking display of life-size idols depicting various Gods and Goddesses. The gallery boasts idols of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Nandi. Among these divine manifestations rests the revered ‘Ramsetu Shila,’ a sacred stone believed to be a fragment of the mythical floating bridge, weighing a substantial 15 kgs, constructed by the vanar sena in the epic Ramayana.

The second floor focuses on religious rituals, featuring the Sanskar Mandap resonating with mantras. It lacks idols but showcases visual narratives from the Ramayana, enhancing the spiritual journey for visitors. The Mahavir Mandir in Patna isn’t just a religious centre; it’s also a cultural treasure, blending architectural grandeur with sacred narratives, symbolizing divinity and spiritual importance.

Festivals Celebrated There

The Mahavir Mandir is a vibrant hub for numerous festivals, drawing thousands seeking solace and blessings from Lord Hanuman. Among the prominent celebrations are:

1. Ramnavami

This festival holds paramount importance, attracting over four lakh devotees in a single day. Devotees immerse themselves in the embrace of Lord Hanuman, receiving divine blessings in the form of Prasad.

2. Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrated with fervent enthusiasm, this festival occurs on the 14th dark fortnight of the Kartika month. The temple radiates with vibrant decorations, enveloped in the resonating chants devoted to Lord Hanuman.

Dalit Priest

Since 13 June 1993, Suryavanshi Das, a person from the Dalit caste, has been priest of the temple, the decision received support from three well known priests, Ramchandra Paramahans, Mahant Avaidyanath of Baba Gorakhnath Dham and Mahant Avadh Kishore Das.

Ram Rasoi

Initiated by Acharya Kishore Kunal, the Shri Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti launched a charitable effort on December 1, 2019, at the Amawa Mandir Complex in Ayodhya. Operating daily from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, this initiative provides free food outside the Ramlala temple. Utilizing 60 quintals of Govind Bhog shear rice from Mokri village in Kaimur (Bihar), it aims to feed a thousand devotees daily initially, with plans for expansion to accommodate more visitors in the future.

Now Cruise connecting Kerela to Dubai, Services starting soon..

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Apeksha Agarwal

In a significant move aimed at enhancing travel options for non-resident Indian citizens and connecting Kerala to Dubai, the Indian government, in collaboration with development authorities, has initiated a cruise service known as the International Cruise Services of India. This novel venture seeks to bridge geographical gaps and offer a budget-friendly alternative for individuals traveling between Bey Pore-Kochi-Dubai.

The cruise service, as reported by Manorama newspaper, is expected to provide a cost-effective option, with the cruise prize set at one-third of the airfare. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled this initiative, emphasizing its purpose of facilitating affordable transportation for non-resident Indians or Kerala residents traveling to the UAE or their hometowns.

What sets this cruise service apart is its affordability, offering travel at a fraction of the cost of air travel. Additionally, the cruise is slated to accommodate three times more luggage than conventional aircraft, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

The ship is anticipated to carry up to 1250 passengers at a time, promising an expansive and accessible mode of transportation. The authorities are working diligently to launch the service before the December school break, ensuring that more people can benefit from this budget-friendly travel option.

YA Rahim, President of the Indian Association Sharjah, confirmed that the cruise will take approximately three days to reach Kerala, although the travel duration to Dubai is yet to be finalized. The route is expected to cover the Norka roots of Kerala, with Kochi potentially serving as a key station.

While the exact boarding date is yet to be announced, the tickets will be made available both online and offline. The ticket prices are expected to start at a reasonable 10,000 INR, with varying levels based on class bookings. Considering the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, the cruise management is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, including hospitality and food services.

As this exciting cruise venture unfolds, it represents not just a journey from one destination to another but a connection of waves that link cultures, communities, and individuals. It opens up a new chapter in travel, providing an affordable and scenic route from the enchanting landscapes of Kerala to the vibrant cityscape of Dubai.

1...602603604...889Page 603 of 889