In a recent statement, the Gujarat government officials have clarified that there are no plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. This clarification comes in response to reports published in some sections of the media suggesting that the state may consider bidding for the Games after Australia withdrew its hosting bid due to cost concerns.
A senior government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that they were not aware of any such move being considered. Additionally, U A Patel, the Deputy Secretary (Sports) in the state Sports, Youth, and Cultural Activities Department, emphasized that the current focus of the department is on acquiring the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics. As of now, no decision has been made to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
It is noteworthy that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat had previously expressed its aim to secure the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. In line with this goal, the state government has identified two mega sports complexes in Ahmedabad that would potentially host some of the events if Gujarat successfully wins the bid to organize the 2036 Olympics. These two complexes include the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which houses the Narendra Modi Stadium in the Motera area, and another upcoming sports complex in the Naranpura area of Ahmedabad city.
To ensure preparedness, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had conducted a meeting with top government officials in December 2022 to review the progress of the construction of these sports complexes. He stressed the importance of adhering to Olympic standards in the development of sports infrastructure, including lodging facilities for participating athletes and coaches.
The upcoming sports complex in Naranpura area, which received administrative approval and financial support from the Centre in August 2021, is being built to international standards on a land parcel of 79,500 square meters. Once completed, it will be capable of hosting national as well as international-level tournaments. The premises will include an Aquatic Complex with a FINA-approved competition size swimming pool, a Community Sports Centre with multiple facilities, a Centre for Sports Excellence with halls suitable for various sports, and an Indoor Multi Sports Arena for organizing international sports events.
With its focus set on the 2036 Olympics bid, the Gujarat government is actively working to develop world-class sports infrastructure and demonstrate its readiness to host this prestigious quadrennial sporting event.
Navya Agraval, who is a student at Stanford University, USA, was assigned the podcast on ancient prostitution in India for her summer assignment. While researching the topic, she came through the article on the Bedia Community written by Dimple Arora on Bedia Community. The Bedia community defends prostitution. They contend that sex labor is a socially and culturally acceptable means of subsistence.
In the interview, Navya and Dimple both exchange their thoughts and opinions on the topic. Navya raised questions about the lives of the community workers, who they were, and how their lives were. While sharing thoughts, they came to a remarkable statement on “how untouchability doesn’t affect people while doing sex but providing them the equal opportunity of education and employment does”
Moving forward, the interview turned toward transmitted diseases like HIV and AIDS. It was very common for people from the Bedia Community to get diseases like HIV and AIDS. She also talked about the mental setup, How their mentality has been set up that they are provided with the option of whether they want to be a prostitute or want to marry.
However, the workers of the Bedia community have always chosen prostitution with their will as they think that this will make them independent and their whole family gets dependent on them for the finance.
Concluding the interview, The men of the society have been not able to financially help the family with their inherited talent of dance and music, making the women the breadwinner.
Women had yet again made headlines in Rajasthan. It does not matter which area they belong from; women are showing their entrepreneurial spirit in every field. Whether they are from tribal belt or non-tribal, no such barriers are keeping them to soar high. The beginning of technology has become an aid to the empowerment of women. Usha Sharma, Chief Secretary Rajasthan has stated, Mobile has changed their lives, making the women more aware of everything going around.
Forti Women Wing:
Forti is a part of the Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Investment. Founded in 2017, it promotes the growth and empowerment of women.
Rajasthan Government leads towards empowering women.
The Rajasthan government is taking proactive measures to promote and support women entrepreneurs in the state. The government of Rajasthan has launched many proactive methods to ensure strength and support for women entrepreneurs in the state.
There was a series launched by Women’s Entrepreneurship Programmes (WEDP), a Jaipur-based research institution. It has helped a vast number of women in Rajasthan, which broke barriers for women leading their way through business and self-employment during the era of Covid-19. Most of the WEDPs were launched with the initiative to evoke and train women in business and self-employment.
Linebet is a Bangladesh-based internet betting firm. It was founded in 2021 and has since grown to become one of the country’s most popular sports betting websites. Linebet provides a wide range of games and services to its consumers, including classic sports betting, live casino gaming, and more. Linebet offers a safe and dependable experience to all of its clients with its user-friendly interface and secure payment options.
Users may wager on popular sports such as cricket and football from all over the world at Linebet. It also provides a variety of virtual games that are intended to resemble traditional sports betting but with higher stakes and larger payouts. Customers may select from a variety of match formats, including winner takes all, best of three or five matches, accumulator bets, and handicaps. Linebet also offers betting on a wide range of leagues from across the world.
Linebet online, in addition to sports betting, provides additional intriguing features like daily bonus offers for new players and frequent incentives for current users. Users may also create their own personal profiles on the website, where they can check their previous wagers and track their earnings over time. Customers may also view detailed information on matches they’ve wagered on, allowing them to make more educated judgements when betting on future games.
Linebet additionally prioritizes consumer protection by employing stringent security methods such as two-factor authentication for sign-ups and withdrawals. Overall, Linebet is a trustworthy online sportsbook that offers users a wonderful opportunity to profit from their passion for sports at competitive odds and pricing.
Sports betting
Linebet is the most popular online sports betting platform in Bangladesh. They provide a variety of betting choices and markets on the most important athletic events both locally and globally. Linebet provides bettors with a safe and straightforward means to place wagers, as well as an easy-to-use interface for managing accounts and tracking bets.
Users may place bets on a range of sports, including cricket, football, tennis, badminton, volleyball, kabaddi, horse racing, and others. Linebet also provides thrilling virtual betting alternatives. Players may bet on the outcomes of digital versions of famous games such as Path of Exile or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as well as other prominent eSports competitions in Bangladesh.
Linebet also offers live streaming of selected athletic events, as well as rapid updates on scores and news connected to the action they want to bet on. Before making their wagers, customers may select the best odds available for each match. The site also provides tips and guidance from gaming professionals, allowing gamers to make more educated selections when making wagers.
Linebet’s loyalty programme includes frequent tournaments and awards for its users in addition to betting possibilities. Players may enter these tournaments based on their choices from the numerous games available at Linebet. Winners earn either immediate cash awards or bonus points that may be used to place future bets at Linebet.
Football
Football betting on Linebet Bangladesh’s website is a fun and exciting way to put your football expertise to the test. With a large range of markets available, bettors may enjoy competitive odds on both pre-game and in-play picks. Football enthusiasts may place bets on domestic competitions such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) or international fixtures such as the English Premier League (EPL).
Customers at Linebet Bangladesh may place bets ranging from the fundamental 1X2 wager (commonly known as “match result”) through accumulators, Asian handicaps, goal totals, and much more. The odds for each market are continually updated and altered based on how the match progresses. As a result, bettors must act quickly in order to secure the best odds before the clock runs out.
In addition to these real-time bets, Linebet Bangladesh offers live streaming, which allows clients to place bets while watching their favourite league or game straight on the website. This feature allows you to track all of the critical events in real time and make smart judgements depending on what’s going on during the game.
Cricket
Linebet is one of Bangladesh’s major online betting platforms, offering a wide choice of cricket betting options. Users may place bets on a range of cricket events, including international tournaments, domestic leagues, and other significant contests, using an easy-to-use interface on the website.
The Linebet betting website provides a variety of cricket betting possibilities. Users may pick from a wide range of markets, including moneyline bets, totals, spreads, and props. Linebet offers more complicated betting choices like futures and parlays in addition to these basic bet kinds. Whatever sort of bet you place on the site, you can rest assured that Linebet employs superior encryption technology to keep your cash and wager history safe and secure.
Linebet offers live streaming options to its users wherever feasible in addition to traditional means of cricket betting. This enables punters to watch their favorite matches live while betting on the event. Users may also make modifications or changes to their bets at any point throughout the match via the live streaming service.
Linebet is dedicated to providing its customers with a safe and secure environment in which to place bets on cricket events. The website has a sophisticated internal system in place to prevent fraud and safeguard the privacy and security of all users’ information. Linebet’s team continuously monitors all transactions to guarantee that fair play is maintained at all times.
Basketball
Basketball betting has grown in popularity in Bangladesh, and the Linebet betting organization offers a wide range of basketball bets for both domestic and international games. The website includes all of the information needed to make intelligent bets, including live odds, game lines, and even unique bonus offers. Customers may place moneyline, point spread, and total point bets, as well as exotic bets like quarter and half-time spreads.
Linebet also provides unique tools that simplify and expedite the betting procedure. Customers will be able to access their accounts from any device with an internet connection, including mobile phones and desktops, at any time to check their balance or make a bet. There are also lessons and tips on how to appropriately gamble on basketball games.
Linebet gives its users immediate access to live streaming of basketball games, allowing them to watch the games while making bets. Customers will be able to keep track of their bets in real-time, which adds an added degree of excitement to the experience. Linebet also allows clients to participate in social betting with friends by creating personal profiles and groups. This implies that buyers may not only compare their choices, but also exchange information about forthcoming games.
Registration process
The procedure for registering a Linebet bookmaker in Bangladesh is simple and uncomplicated. Here are the steps to take:
Go to the Linebet website.
On the site, click “Register” in the upper right corner.
Fill out the form with your personal information such as name, email address and phone number, as well as your desired username and password to enter the site.
If you have a unique bonus offer, choose it to increase your chances of winning big on Linebet!
Check the box next to the Linebet Terms and Conditions, and then click the “Create My Account” button.
You will then be sent an email or text message with an activation code that you must enter in the box on the website to complete the registration process and start playing!
Live casino
Linebet, a Bangladeshi betting firm, provides consumers with an exciting and engaging live casino experience. Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo, and Dragon Tiger are just a few of the thrilling games available to players. Evolution Gaming, one of the world’s top producers of live gaming solutions, powers the live casino. This ensures that gamers get the best quality video streams and audio for an unrivaled gaming experience.
Linebet’s live casino dealers are highly trained specialists who are experts in their particular games. They have all been taught to provide the finest level of service and hospitality so that players feel welcome and at ease at all times. In addition, they employ cutting-edge technology to create a safe atmosphere with guaranteed fairness and accuracy in games.
Linebet also provides its gamers with various benefits that enhance their gaming experience. The welcome bonus provides an additional boost to new players when they begin playing at the live casino tables, whilst the loyalty programme rewards regular customers who return for more action on a regular basis. Linebet also offers frequent promotions such as cashback bonuses and leaderboard tournaments where players may win significant prizes.
Mobile app
Customers in Bangladesh can utilize the Linebet betting company’s full mobile application. The software allows users to easily and conveniently place bets on numerous sporting events, games, and other types of gambling. Customers may use the app to browse the various betting markets and odds offered, as well as choose their desired wager amounts. Customers who have settled on a bet may quickly make deposits using a secure payment option before finalizing their wager.
The Linebet mobile application also provides customers with crucial information like live scores, recent results, and betting statistics, allowing them to remain up to date on the newest betting trends. Users may also see their previous bets, manage their accounts, and receive updates about upcoming matches and promotions. Furthermore, the app has various features meant to enhance the user experience, such as daily awards for winning bets and bonus deposits for returning users.
Aside from its basic operation of offering an efficient platform for making bets, the Linebet mobile application also provides certain unique features that are not accessible anywhere else. It, for example, allows users to compete against one another in virtual tournaments sponsored by the corporation to win different rewards. There is also a chat feature within the app that allows players to talk with one another while playing or making bets. This contributes to the development of a social environment among players, who frequently utilize this place to give tips and observations on forthcoming games or events.
the Linebet mobile application is a good alternative for individuals seeking an easy-to-use platform with a plethora of tools at their disposal. This programme caters to all types of interests and preferences when it comes to enjoying thrilling gambling activities from anywhere at any time, whether they are seasoned gamblers or newcomers seeking for some additional fun in their lives.
Payment methods
Linebet is a major betting organization in Bangladesh that provides its consumers with a diverse choice of payment options. Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, and Skrill are the most common payment options offered on the website. Customers may now fund their Linebet accounts with Bank Transfer and Neteller.
Linebet users can use Visa and Mastercard, both of which are widely recognised credit cards. Customers may also deposit funds into their Linebet accounts using their debit cards from any of these businesses. All payments made with these cards are securely handled using SSL encryption technology.
Paypal is an easy-to-use payment mechanism that allows consumers to safely transfer monies from their Paypal account to their Linebet account in minutes. Skrill is another popular e-wallet choice among Linebet users in Bangladesh, since it offers minimal fees and quick deposit and withdrawal processing times.
Bank deposit is also an option for consumers in Bangladesh who want to deposit funds straight from their bank accounts into their Linebet account. Transactions are normally processed within 1-3 business days, depending on the bank’s processing time frames.
If you are looking for a spiritual and scenic destination in India, you might want to consider visiting Chitrakoot Parvat, a hill that is steeped in mythology, history and natural beauty. Chitrakoot Parvat, which means “the hill of many wonders”, is located in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama spent 11 years of his 14-year exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. It is also the place where Rama’s brother Bharat came to persuade him to return to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom, and where the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya meditated. Chitrakoot Parvat is dotted with many temples, caves, waterfalls and forests that attract pilgrims and tourists alike.
What to see in Chitrakoot Parvat
There are many attractions in and around Chitrakoot Parvat that you can explore. Here are some of the highlights:
Kamadgiri: This is the main hill of Chitrakoot Parvat, where Rama is said to have lived in a hut with Sita and Lakshmana. Kamadgiri means “the hill that fulfills all desires”, and devotees perform a 5 km circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings. There are many temples along the way, such as the Kamtanath Temple and the Bharat Milap Temple.
Ram Ghat: This is the ghat on the banks of the Mandakini River, where Rama used to bathe daily. It is also the place where he met Bharat and where the poet Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas. The ghat is bustling with activity, especially during the evening aarti, when lamps are lit and chants are sung.
Janaki Kund: This is a cave on the left bank of the Mandakini River, where Sita used to bathe. The water here is crystal clear and cool. There are also temples dedicated to Rama, Sita and Hanuman nearby.
Sphatik Shila: This is a small boulder on the river bank, where Rama and Sita used to sit and admire the beauty of nature. The rock has some footprints that are said to belong to them. It is also believed that this is where a crow pecked at Sita’s feet, and Rama cursed it to become black.
Anusuya Ashram: This is an ashram near the origin of the Mandakini River, where the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya lived. Anusuya was known for her devotion and chastity, and she once turned Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva into babies when they tested her. She also blessed Sita with a son when she visited her with Rama.
Gupt Godavari: This is a pair of caves about 18 km from Chitrakoot Parvat, where Rama and Lakshmana held a secret meeting with Sugriva, the king of monkeys. The caves have natural rock formations and a stream of water that flows through them.
Hanuman Dhara: This is a waterfall on a steep hillside, where Hanuman rested after setting fire to Lanka with his tail. The water here is said to have cooled his burns and quenched his thirst. There is also a temple of Hanuman on top of the rock.
How to reach Chitrakoot Parvat
Chitrakoot Parvat is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, about 175 km away. The nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi, about 10 km away. There are buses and taxis available from both places to reach Chitrakoot Parvat. You can also drive from nearby cities like Allahabad, Varanasi, Lucknow or Bhopal.
When to visit Chitrakoot Parvat
The best time to visit Chitrakoot Parvat is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The monsoon season from July to September can be avoided as it may cause flooding and landslides. The summer season from April to June can be very hot and dry.
Chitrakoot Parvat is a place that offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture and nature. It is a place where you can experience the divine presence of Rama, the serenity of the Mandakini River, the charm of the Vindhya Mountains and the richness of the ancient heritage. It is a place that will leave you with many wonderful memories.
Ajmer, one of the holy cities of India, home to the Dargha of saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, witnessed one of the major social horrors in 1992. One of the worst cases humanity has seen, “Ajmer 92” still haunts the people.
Now the case is about to be depicted on the big screen, named Ajmer 92.
About the case:
The case is about a sequence of crimes of rape and sexual abuse, including more than 100 women. Journalist Santosh Gupta reported on the crime in April 1992 and busted many secrets revolving around the case.
In the report it was claimed that the people who were behind it had connections with the higher authorities, such as powerful, politically well-connected individuals, some of whom had ties with the Sufi Dargah in the town.
The report brought the major series of sexual abuse and blackmail to light, where many girls were sexually abused and blackmailed by the guilty. Mostly the women who were targeted were school or college-going girls. They were lured to a remote location and abused there by one or multiple men.
The widespread crime ended in 1992 when Gupta’s story highlighted the abuse in the public domain.
Ajmer 92.
Directed by Pushpendra Singh, Ajmer 92 had already received appreciation. The trailer reflected upon the reality of Society in a short amount of time. The film will be released on 21st July 2023.
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid leader, political prisoner, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the first democratically elected president of a multiracial South Africa. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest statesmen and humanitarians of the 20th century. His life and legacy have inspired millions of people around the world to fight for justice, freedom and dignity.
On the occasion of his 105th birth anniversary, we have compiled a list of some of his most powerful and memorable quotes that reflect his wisdom, courage and compassion. These quotes can motivate us to overcome our challenges, pursue our dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
On Leadership
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.”
“A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
On Education
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
“No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.”
“Without education, your children can never really meet the challenges they will face. So it’s very important to give children education and explain that they should play a role for their country.”
On Courage
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
On Freedom
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
On Humanity
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
On Democracy
“It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”
“A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour.”
“The people of South Africa have spoken in these elections. They want change! And change is what they will get. Our plan is to create jobs, promote peace and reconciliation, and to guarantee freedom for all South Africans.”
“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.”
On Wisdom
“You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
“Fools multiply when wise men are silent.”
On Humor
“I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”
“I never lose. I either win or learn.”
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
On Legacy
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”
“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
“I am the product of Africa and her long-cherished view of rebirth that can now be realised so that all of her children may play in the sun.”
We hope you enjoyed reading these inspiring quotes by Nelson Mandela. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Dalkhai is a folk dance of Odisha, India, that originated in the Sambalpur district. It is performed by the Adivasi communities of Western Odisha, such as the Binjhal, Kuda, Mirdha, Sama and others. The dance is named after the word ‘Dalkhai’, which means ‘lady love’ in Oriya, and is used as an address to a lover at the beginning and end of each stanza sung in the dance.
History and Significance
Dalkhai is a dance that reflects the culture and traditions of the Adivasi people of Odisha. It is based on the themes of love, nature, mythology and social issues. The dance depicts the stories of Radha and Krishna, Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the daily life and struggles of the Adivasi people.
Dalkhai is also a festival that is celebrated in the month of October, coinciding with the Dussehra festival. The festival is marked by worshipping Goddess Durga, who is made of sand on the riverbank and placed under a tree. The festival also involves offering sacrifices to the goddess, singing folk songs, playing musical instruments and performing the Dalkhai dance. The festival is a way of expressing gratitude to the goddess for her blessings and protection.
Features and Style
Dalkhai is a dance that involves both male and female dancers, who wear colorful and traditional costumes and ornaments. The women wear printed Sambalpuri sarees, scarves, necklaces, bangles and anklets, while the men wear dhotis, kurtas, turbans and waistbands. The women also tie bells around their ankles to produce rhythmic sounds while dancing.
The dance is accompanied by a rich orchestra of folk music played by instruments such as dhol (a double-sided drum), nisan (a large iron drum), tamki (a small drum), tasa (a brass drum) and mahuri (a double-reed instrument). The dhol player leads the tempo and dances in front of the women. The dance consists of various steps and movements that are synchronized with the music and lyrics. The dance also involves flirting and teasing between the male and female dancers.
Celebration in 2023
The Dalkhai festival in 2023 will be celebrated from October 14 to October 21, coinciding with the Dussehra festival. The festival will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by the Adivasi communities of Western Odisha, as well as by other people who appreciate the folk culture of Odisha. The festival will be an occasion to showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Odisha’s folk dance and music.
The festival will also be an opportunity to promote tourism and cultural exchange in Odisha, as many visitors from other states and countries will be attracted to witness the spectacle of Dalkhai. The festival will also be a platform to encourage young talent and preserve the folk art form for future generations.
Mrinalini Sarabhai, who was born on May 11, 1918, was one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the field of Indian classical dance. She was an expert in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, two of the most prominent dance forms of South India, and also a choreographer, a teacher, and a social activist. Google Doodle honoured her on her 100th birth anniversary in 2018.
Early Life and Education
Mrinalini Sarabhai was born in Kerala to a distinguished family of lawyers, social workers, and freedom fighters. Her father, Dr. Subbarama Swaminathan, was a renowned barrister at the Madras High Court and principal of the Madras Law College, while her mother, Ammu Swaminathan, was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and a parliamentarian.
She spent her childhood in Switzerland, where she learned the Dalcroze method, a Western technique of dance movements. She returned to India and joined Shantiniketan, the school founded by Rabindranath Tagore, where she discovered her passion for dance. She later went to the United States and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to train in dance.
She came back to India and learned Bharatanatyam from Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Kathakali from Thakazhi Kunchu Kurup, and Mohiniattam from Kalyanikutty Amma. She also studied Manipuri and other folk dances from various regions of India. She developed her own style and technique by blending the classical and folk elements of dance.
Career and Achievements
Mrinalini Sarabhai married Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned physicist and the father of the Indian space program, in 1942. They had two children, Mallika and Kartikeya, who also became eminent dancers and artists.
She founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad in 1948, which became one of the leading institutions for imparting training in dance, drama, music, and puppetry. She choreographed more than 300 dance dramas on various themes ranging from mythology to social issues. She also performed extensively in India and abroad, earning acclaim and recognition for her artistry and innovation.
She was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights, environmental protection, communal harmony, and cultural diversity. She used her dance as a medium to raise awareness and inspire action on these issues. She also wrote several books on dance, art, and culture.
She received many awards and honours for her contribution to Indian classical dance and culture. Some of them are:
Padma Shri (1965)
Padma Bhushan (1992)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1968)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1994)
Kalidas Samman (2004)
Nishagandhi Puraskaram (2010)
She passed away on January 21, 2016 at the age of 97 in Ahmedabad. She left behind a rich legacy of dance that continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set its sights on the moon once again with the upcoming launch of Chandrayaan-3, and leading the mission is the renowned scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava. Scheduled for launch at 2:35 pm on Friday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Chandrayaan-3 aims to explore the uncharted territory of the moon’s south pole.
The mission will be propelled into space by ISRO’s GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle, equipped with a composite of propulsion, lander, and rover components. The lander is designed for a soft landing on a designated lunar site and will deploy the rover to conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the moon’s surface. If successful, India will join an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, that have achieved a soft landing on the moon.
At the forefront of this crucial lunar mission is Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, a highly respected senior scientist at ISRO. Dr. Karidhal, affectionately known as India’s “rocket woman,” has an illustrious career that includes serving as the Mission Director for Chandrayaan-2 and the Deputy Operations Director for Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.
Hailing from Lucknow, Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava pursued her passion for space by obtaining a master’s degree in Physics from Lucknow University, followed by an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. She joined ISRO in 1997, where she rapidly rose through the ranks and played a crucial role in several significant space missions.
Dr. Karidhal’s accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including the ISRO Young Scientist Award presented by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. She was also honored with the ISRO Team Award for her contributions to the Mars Orbiter Mission in 2015 and the Women Achievers in Aerospace award by the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI).
From a young age, Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava has been captivated by space and diligently collected newspaper clippings on ISRO and NASA’s achievements. Her passion and expertise have resulted in over 20 published papers in esteemed international and national journals.
The launch of Chandrayaan-3 marks another significant milestone in Dr. Karidhal’s remarkable career and further cements her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of space exploration. As the mission lead, she will spearhead the team of dedicated scientists and engineers in their pursuit of scientific knowledge and lunar discovery.
Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava’s contributions to India’s space program extend far beyond her technical expertise. She serves as an inspiration, particularly to young women aspiring to pursue careers in science and engineering. Her achievements exemplify the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and determination that have propelled India’s space exploration endeavors to new heights.
As Chandrayaan-3 prepares for its ambitious mission to the moon, Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava stands as a symbol of India’s scientific excellence and a beacon of inspiration for future generations of scientists and dreamers. Her indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work continue to shape the trajectory of India’s space exploration journey, propelling the nation toward even greater scientific achievements.
