Independence Day 2025: 10 Indian Baby Names That Mean Freedom
Mukti: A popular name for girls, it means liberation or freedom. (File Photo)
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Assem: This baby boy name comes from the Sanskrit word asīma, meaning limitless or boundless. It often used to describe a free spirit. (Image: Pexels)
Aditi: In Hindu mythology, Aditi is a goddess associated with freedom and the infinite. The baby girl name means boundless or limitless. (Image: Pexels)
Swarupa: This name for baby girls mean independence or true form. (Image: Pexels)
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Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- Indian Express
A YouTube video… & a man's mission: to reunite partition-separated families
It began with a chance YouTube video. On the other side of the border in Pakistan, a family had made an emotional appeal through a local channel, seeking help to locate the grave of an ancestor in a Punjab village. Watching it from his home in Fatehgarh Sahib, Sudagar Singh instantly recognised the place—he had relatives there. Guided by instinct, he travelled to Khanpur in Kharar, Mohali, searched the old Hindu cremation ground, and found the grave. Using the contact shared in the video, he informed the family. Days later, they crossed into India to pay their respects. Not long after, another story from the Partition years found him. A Muslim boy, separated from his family in the chaos of 1947, had been rescued and raised by a Sikh villager, then sent to Pakistan under the official exchange policy. That boy, Mehndi Hasan, is no more, but his son Zafar Iqbal recounted the story: during violent attacks in Sirhind, his grandmother had asked Mehndi to jump into a well with her. She died; he survived, staying in the well for two days before being rescued by Sikhs of Timber Pur and adopted by Gulab Singh, who renamed him Sudama. After four years, he was sent to Pakistan, where he built a successful life. Iqbal always wanted to thank Gulab Singh for saving and raising his father. These encounters lit a spark in Sudagar Singh. Seven years ago, he began a quiet but relentless mission—to reconnect families torn apart by the Partition. Sometimes it was just a phone call; other times, it meant travelling in person. Since then, he has reunited around 150 families, in some cases within just five to twenty-four hours. He even located Zafar Iqbal 70 years after Partition and connected him to Gulab Singh through a phone call, where the long-awaited words of gratitude finally crossed the border. For the past seven years, 57-year-old Sudagar Singh 'Chunni' of Chunni village in Fatehgarh Sahib has devoted his life to this work. He launched a YouTube channel—first under his own name, later renamed Yadaan 1947 Diyan—to share survivor interviews, reunion stories, and accounts of Muslims who stayed back in Punjab after Partition. What began as personal curiosity grew into a humanitarian mission. Over the years, he has traced relatives for 150 families, identified ancestral villages and homes for around 250 more, and located cemeteries where loved ones were laid to rest. Many have since visited their native places—journeys filled with tears, embraces, and memories pulled back from the shadows. 'Every family I help feels like my own,' he says, his voice steady but his eyes glistening. 'Partition didn't just divide land—it tore apart hearts.' His own life is rooted in a community where coexistence is not a slogan but a way of life. Chunni village has around 4,300 voters, including 300 Muslims from UP and Bihar. A mosque and gurdwara share the same premises. He once worked as a technician at the Central Government's Semi-Conductor Complex in Mohali for 16 years, until a fire gutted the unit. After voluntary retirement, he worked as an MGNREGA mate. Now, his daily work brings no salary—only the quiet satisfaction of service. He spends hours at his small internet setup, combing through online records, social media posts, old maps, and oral histories. A lead might come from a half-forgotten name, a pond in a story, or a mosque that was once a gurdwara. Among his many stories is that of Sardar Ali, separated from his Hindu Punjabi family during migration, who embraced Islam in Pakistan. His family settled in old Sirhind. Seventy-five years later, a heartfelt appeal led to a reunion in just five hours. Another time, he reconnected brothers Muhammad Suleman and Niaz Muhammad after 78 years, their first video call brimming with memories and tears. He also reunited Bashir Khan, 95, from Bhatian in Ludhiana, with an old friend after 77 years—through just a phone call. In Sirhind, a Muslim girl left behind in 1947 and married into a Sikh family was traced to her nephew in Pakistan within 24 hours. In Himatpura, Moga, he connected family members who spoke for the first time in over 70 years. 'The happiness, excitement, and tears on the faces of these families encourage me to work more in this direction,' he says. His mission has a spiritual side, too. He visits and documents old Sikh and Muslim religious sites—gurdwaras, mosques, cemeteries—ensuring their stories are not forgotten. 'In my own village, a mosque and gurdwara share the same space,' he says, 'a rare symbol of co-existence.' For him, the reward is simple yet profound—watching people cross the Radcliffe Line not as strangers, but as family. 'Borders can divide nations,' he says, 'but not the love between brothers and sisters.'
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Develop innovative mind: Addl commissioner
Caption: Additional commissioner of school education and literacy Ishwar Ullagaddi interact with students after inaugurating an exhibition organised at KE Board's High School in Dharwad as part of the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday Dharwad: Additional commissioner of school education and literacy (Belagavi division) Ishwar Ullagaddi called upon the students to develop innovative minds and contribute to the nation's progress through creative works. Inaugurating the exhibition organised as part of the Independence Day celebrations by KE Board's educational institutions in Malamaddi here on Thursday, he said students should make best use of the guidance and facilities provided by the teachers and schools and strive to attain higher goals. The expo focused on Kannada, English, Sanskrit and Hindi. Students from KE Board's High School, KEB English Medium School, KEB Central (CBSE) School, Primary School and PU College displayed models and charts explaining the origin, development, literature of these languages, writers and their books. The expo will be open from 10am to 3pm on Aug 15. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
India.com
10 hours ago
- India.com
5 Spine-Chilling Legends Of Ahmedabad Locals Still Whisper About
The largest urban center in Gujarat stands as a diverse combination of deep historical roots and cultural richness and ages-old traditions. During British colonial days 'Manchester of the East' defined Ahmedabad but its ancient legends and historical myths formulate the core essence of this city. The city's cultural heritage houses these popular stories which affect local building practices as well as religious ceremonies and routine activities. Historic metropolis Ahmedabad shares its deepest aspects through valorous tales and spiritual tales which deliver vital insights into its soul. 1. The Founding Legend: Sultan Ahmed Shah and Bhadra-Kali Legend tells that Ahmedabad grew into existence as the creation of Sultan Ahmed Shah I during his foundation in 1411 AD. During his hunting expedition near the Sabarmati River Sultan Ahmed Shah witnessed what became known as a hare chasing a dog which amazed him through this surprising sight. A favorable sign of strength and success led Sultan Ahmed Shah to build the new capital on this spot. An additional variation of the tale introduces supernatural elements. Sultan Ahmed Shah I received a divine message from Hindu goddess Bhadra-Kali who ordered him to construct the city where she had rested. The city received its name 'Karnavati' from the sultan who selected one of her many names but later developed it as Ahmedabad. The Islamic administrative system of Ahmedabad merged with traditional Hindu religious practices to create a syncretic cultural environment which shapes the contemporary Ahmedabad community. 2. Adalaj Stepwell: A Tale of Love and Betrayal The Adalaj Stepwell in Ahmedabad distinguishes itself through its beautiful craftsmanship and tragic historical background. Queen Rudabai built the stepwell in 1499 as a dedication to her spouse Vaghela chief Virsinh shortly after his death. Both history and backstory tell a story about love and devotion while also presenting tragic events. The story reveals that Virsinh petitioned Mohammed Begada to launch an invasion on Muslim intruders after the former's final combat encounter killed him. The beautiful and intelligent Rudbhai captured Mohammed Begada's attention so he pursued marriage with her. Rudabai vowed to marry Begada because he would finish the stepwell Virsinh had planned when she agreed to the marriage in memory of her dead husband. Begada completed the construction as promised but Rudabai found her way into the stepwell to end her life thus maintaining loyalty to her late husband Virsinh. Through this heartbreaking yet uplifting story the Adalaj Stepwell has evolved into something beyond its practical use as it represents both everlasting dedication and enduring strength. 3. Sabarmati Ashram: Myth Meets Modernity Sabarmati Ashram under Mahatma Gandhi has established itself as a historical site of deep importance to India's independence movement but people now recognize it with mythological importance. Local people share stories about how Gandhi selected this site because it placed him in between both prison cells and cremation grounds to symbolize the absolute limits of life. Through his dedication to non-violent truth he advised Indians to face imprisonment as well as death as natural consequences of their commitment. At the ashram every part displayed Gandhi's philosophy as it merged sacred traditions of India with current political action. Local residents spread numerous stories about divine miracles which happened throughout Gandhi's time in this location. Many villagers suggest the ashram obtained enough food for all its residents through Gandhi's steadfast faith and pure lifestyle. Local anecdotes reinforce the concept that Ahmedabad exists where divine elements and everyday life combine peaceably. 4. Navratri and Durga Puja: Celebrating Divine Feminine Power The city of Ahmedabad becomes incomplete during Navratri since this major Indian festival prioritizes celebration in the city. According to Hindu mythology Navratri pays homage to Durga who conquered Mahishasura the buffalo demon. The nine-night celebration during this festival converts Ahmedabad into a fervent center where large crowds execute traditional religious dance performances of Garba and Dandiya Raas. Ahmedabad shows remarkable devotion to Navratri because the city maintains a deep spiritual connection to Shakti or feminine power. Goddess worship beliefs are strengthened at both Ambaji Mata Mandir and Dakor's Ranchhodraiji Temple because they continuously receive yearly pilgrim visitors. The rituals of the people from Ahmedabad reveal their shared mental unity which finds its sources in mythical stories about bravery and moral righteousness. 5. Kankaria Lake: A Legacy of Leisure and Lore The landmark Kankaria Lake originated from the era of Sultan Qutb-ud-din when he constructed it in 1451. Royalty used 'Hauz-e-Qutub' as a recreation spot which later obtained its present name 'Kankaria Lake.' March 4th features major public religious and community events at this site while its original name came from the Hindi word 'kankar' which describes its extensive use of pebbles during construction. Folklore tells how the creators designed the lake to mirror the crescent moon shape in order to bless the area with prosperous benefits. According to certain folklore stories, precious treasures rest beneath the water surface at Kankaria Lake and mysterious forces guard these relics. Although no scientific proof proves these stories right, such tales make the lake more mysterious for people who want to discover its hidden secrets. Conclusion The mythological aspects of Ahmedabad form an essential component of its cultural landscape because they reveal historical stories connected to its multifaceted cultural origins. The city's foundation story by Sultan Ahmed Shah along with Adalaj Stepwell tragedy and Navratri religious passion continue to touch both residents and travelers from every corner. The myths and legends exist to remind us about the eternal human search for existence and direction which creates a distinct Ahmedabad experience.
