Latest news with #AdiShankaracharya
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
National education Chintan Baithak inaugurated by Mohan Bhagwat at Veliyanad, Kerala
KOCHI: A two-day national education Chintan Baithak organised as a prelude to the Gyan Sabha by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN) — an education-focused affiliate of the RSS — began at the Adi Sankara Nilayam, the headquarters of the Chinmaya International Foundation, at Veliyanad near Piravom on Friday. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat visited the ancestral home of Adi Shankaracharya and inaugurated the Chintan Baithak by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The conference has brought together around 100 educationists and coordinators affiliated with SSUN from across India, the organisation said in a statement. 'Over the course of two days, the sessions will focus on formulating both short-term and long-term organisational strategies in the field of education aligned with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', guided by the vision of Mohan Bhagwat,' the statement said. SSUN national secretary Dr Atul Kothari said there must be a balance of materialism and spirituality in education.
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shilpa Shirodkar Calls Herself 'Spiritually Inclined', Says 'I Enjoy Learning, Listening...'
Last Updated: Shilpa Shirodkar says her new show, Shankar - The Revolutionary Man, gave her a chance to grow personally and explore a deeper sense of purpose beyond the screen. Actress Shilpa Shirodkar has revealed how her new show, 'Shankar – The Revolutionary Man," became a turning point in her life, leading her on a spiritual journey. In an interview with IANS, Shilpa shared that the experience gave her a chance to grow personally and explore a deeper sense of purpose beyond the screen. When asked how her journey from Bollywood to reality shows eventually led her to a spiritual path, Shirodkar revealed how her new show gave her a chance to grow personally and spiritually. She shared, 'I have always been spiritually inclined. I enjoy learning, listening, and exploring different kinds of knowledge. So, when this show came my way, it felt like a life-changing moment for me. I thought to myself that if I were to be a part of this project, it would offer so much more for me to learn, both professionally and personally." Speaking about her role in the show, the 'Gopi Kishan' actress stated, 'I am portraying the role of Adi Shankaracharya's mother, Arambha. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to play such an important figure in his life. Adi Shankaracharya had a very strong personality, and his mother played a pivotal role in shaping his journey. So, for me, it's truly a privilege to step into her shoes." 'I have the chance to work alongside such an iconic figure—Modi ji—and to portray Adi Shankaracharya's mother, which is truly an honour. Personally, I feel like I am learning something new every day, whether it's from reading the script or through interactions on set. It's an incredible chance for growth," Shilpa added. 'Shankar—The Revolutionary Man" is an upcoming series inspired by the life and teachings of the great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. Produced by Modi Studios in collaboration with Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi, the show features a stellar cast including Abhishek Nigam in the titular role, Rajesh Shringarpure, Farnaz Shetty, Rati Pandey, Manoj Joshi, and others. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
11-07-2025
- India.com
A Hidden Journey Through Varanasi's Oldest Streets You Must Experience Once
Among the oldest continuously inhabited places globally Varanasi maintains its name Banaras or Kashi as its most famous title. This historic city exists by the Ganges River which has supported a spiritual and cultural center for 3000 years. The historical maze of its streets reveals the captivating blend of cultural elements which gives viewers exclusive access to Indian heritage. The oldest living streets of Varanasi take you on a historical journey through time as every neighborhood tells stories about endurance and human activities and spiritual beliefs. The Historical Significance of Varanasi The city of Varanasi maintains profound historical value for Hindus together with Buddhists and Jains. Hindu myths claim Lord Shiva founded the city therefore making it one of the seven sacred places known as Sapta Puri in Hinduism. People seek liberation from rebirth through death at this holy site so they can achieve moksha. Pilgrims together with scholars and travelers have come to Varanasi because of this belief since centuries ago which resulted in shaping its vibrant culture and architectural development. Archaeological findings indicate Varanasi received its first settlers during the beginning of the Iron Age approximately 12th century BCE. Time stretched over millennia until the city evolved into an intellectual hub along with becoming a prominent center for philosophy and art and musical scholarship. The Gupta Empire period between 4th–6th centuries CE brought prominence to Varanasi when scholars including Adi Shankaracharya arrived to join later scholars such as Kabir and Tulsidas. The trade route crossings near the city nourished its diverse urban makeup. The Oldest Streets: A Journey Through Time 1. Vishwanath Gali The sacred Vishwanath Gali represents Varanasi because it serves as the main route to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Shiva Temple stands as a vital religious site because it counts as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. A narrow pathway containing shops which sell religious items together with sweets and textiles extends through this street. Every day numerous pilgrims walk this path while their devotional songs blend with religious aromas that come from freshly made offerings. For generations Vishwanath Gali has observed several changes take place. The temple complex underwent multiple destructions and rebuilds because of invasions starting from its antiquity construction phase. Currently the gali represents the perpetual vitality of the city since religious devotion triumphs over physical obstacles. 2. Dashashwamedh Ghat Road Age-old streets link Dashashwamedh Ghat to its location near where the Ganges and Varuna rivers meet. A local legend describes Lord Brahma conducting the magnificent ten-horse sacrifice at this spot which many believe earned the deviation its title. Small local eateries serving kachori and lassi at Dashashwamedh stand amongst temples and ashrams that line this road. In the evening this district becomes vivid with the ancient Ganga Aarti performed at this spot for centuries. The holy priest performs Vedic hymns while waving lamps to create divine energy for the crowd who gathers to see this event. The nighttime walk through these streets creates a sensory invasion through the sounds of bells alongside the motion of flickering flames and the peaceful water flow below. 3. Manikarnika Ghat Lane The path to Manikarnika Ghat shows visitors how they can closely understand the subjects of life and death. The primary cremation ground of Varanasi serves as this ghat which teaches people about the fleeting nature of human life. Legend tells that Goddess Parvati lost her earring (mani) at this spot and Lord Shiva dedicated special effort in digging a well to find it which became known as Manikarnika. The narrow passageways around the ghat relate numerous stories about death alongside freedom from karma. Activity begins when mourning relatives lead funeral processions carrying dead bodies covered in white cloth as they recite chanting prayers. The place exudes both dignity and tranquility because it shows how Hindu beliefs regard life as a cycle. 4. Chowk Area The medieval heart of Varanasi named Chowk keeps its market momentum active across all present days. Throughout different Mughal and Maratha reigns this region operated as their administrative and financial capital. Old havelis (mansions) as well as mosques and temples form a network of pathways that reflect the blend of beliefs which shaped the city's history. Moving through Chowk presents an experience similar to exploring an active historical collection. The local artisans make Banarasi silk sarees in traditional ways while jalebi and samosa vendors operate their food stalls. The combination of Mughal architecture with local design elements enhances the appeal of this site which should be seen by all history enthusiasts. Cultural Continuity Amid Modernization Despite rapid urbanization, Varanasi's oldest streets retain their authenticity. People from multiple generations have maintained continuous residence and employment in these zones throughout the years while protecting the ancient customs. Traditional Banarasi silk weavers maintain their historic handloom machinery for creating exclusive sophisticated patterns which Conceptualize Antique Styles. The historic lanes face preservation threats from both pollution and both overcrowding alongside crumbling infrastructure. The local government together with UNESCO directs their combined efforts to protect Varanasi's cultural heritage while building a sustainable tourism framework for the city. Initiatives for maintaining both ghats and historic buildings will let upcoming generations feel the eternal appeal of this ancient city. Summary Walking through the historic streets of Varanasi takes travelers on an experience that connects them with generations of the past. Each passing step uncovers successive elements of historical content, spiritual character and community persistence. These streets contain within their sacred corridors and philosophical depths all the elements that define human civilization. These streets connect people to their history and show that religious commitment combined with community engagement endures throughout time. All pilgrims, historians and curious explorers can find life's eternal beat while walking through Varanasi's ancient paths.
Economic Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Dew drops on petals
The mathematical probability of your existence today, if calculated 5,000 years ago, would have been nearly zero. Your ancestors survived through tremendous uncertainties. There have been floods, famines, pandemics and earthquakes along this timeline. There was no law and order, infrastructure, technology, and economic system, and kingdoms would change hands you take that next breath of fresh air, think about how impossible it was for this moment to have even existed. Your emotions, worries, happiness, unhappiness, awareness and sense of consciousness in this moment almost never made it to today. Think of the energy you spend on trying to secure your future in the context of all events that impacted your ancestry in these 5,000 years and events that will affect your progeny in future. You could have done nothing about that past; you can do nothing about future. You can only be thankful for the next breath, awareness of being alive, and make the most of this moment. Adi Shankaracharya wrote, nalini dalagata jalamati taralam tadvajjivita matisaya chapalam - your life is as fragile as a dew drop on a lotus petal. He further advised pranayamam, pratyaharam, nitya anitya viveka vicharam - regulate your breath, evaluate yourself, and discriminate between what is uncertain and what is permanent. Become self- aware, build your value system, live the moment, do your karm, stay happy, and leave the next 5,000 years to the same forces that shaped the path until now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Inside TechM CEO's 'baptism by fire' and the blaze he still needs to douse Why the RBI's stability report must go beyond rituals and routines How the sinking of MSC Elsa 3 exposed India's maritime blind spots Profits plenty, prices attractive, still PSU stocks languish. Why? The bike taxi dreams of Rapido, Uber, and Ola just got a jolt. But they're winning public favour Stock Radar: Indus Tower stock breaks out from Symmetrical Triangle pattern; could hit fresh 52-week high – check target & stop loss Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Will worst of perception be over in Q1 earning season? 9 IT stocks, probably best contrarian bets. Use a different way to be contrarian Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 25% in 1 year
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Why the Kedarnath Yatra has become accident prone
The Kedarnath Yatra is among the oldest and sacred pilgrimages in India. Its roots are traced to the time of Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have restored the shrine. For pilgrims, it used to be a spiritual journey marked by devotion and endurance rather than mere physical expedition, something I experienced during my tenure as the superintendent of police in Chamoli district in 1994. However, this pilgrimage has undergone a drastic transformation in the last 10 years. Following the devastating 2013 floods and extensive reconstruction efforts by the government, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the shrine, the Yatra has seen an unprecedented surge in footfall. From a daily average of just 2,500 pilgrims in the early 1990s, the number now exceeds 30,000 per day. This brings forth logistical, ecological, and spiritual challenges. The massive influx of pilgrims has placed enormous pressure on Kedarnath's fragile Himalayan ecosystem and carrying capacity. Managing such vast numbers has become increasingly difficult, especially since the subject is deeply emotional and religious, making regulatory enforcement sensitive. In more recent times, the Yatra has morphed into a status symbol, driven by social media trends where the spiritual essence is often overshadowed by selfie culture and digital bragging rights. After the 2013 disaster, the trekking path had to be extended from 14 km to 19 km due to terrain shifts, making the journey more arduous. The shared pathway for horses and pedestrians has become overcrowded, unhygienic, unsafe, and even inhumane. It holds the potential to turn into a major tragedy someday. Helicopter services, once introduced as a relief and convenience utility, have now become another source of ecological and administrative strain. It causes heavy noise pollution, consumes fossil fuels, and generates vibrations that negatively impact the delicate mountain ecology. More importantly, the sudden changes in altitude and temperature, from the plains to an elevation of 12,000 feet, often result in medical emergencies due to poor acclimatisation. Accessing heli-tickets has become a nightmare, with long queues, black marketing and fake website scams. Though only about 2,000 pilgrims can be flown in a day, and that too only when the weather is clear, demand often exceeds 10,000 as a result of VIP requests and public demand. The weather in the region is highly unpredictable. Visibility can drop to zero within minutes, rendering safe landings impossible even if helicopters are hovering directly above the helipad. In such scenarios, pressure mounts on both the administration and pilots to overlook safety protocols. Strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can significantly reduce the possibility of accidents, but it would also substantially reduce the number of flights, something that goes against commercial interests and public demand. On June 15, 2025, a Bell 407 helicopter en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed, claiming the lives of all seven onboard including a child and the pilot. Poor weather and low visibility appear to be the main cause. The pilot took off before the scheduled time despite adverse weather conditions, risking his life and those of the passengers. This is the fifth helicopter accident during the 2025 Char Dham Yatra season. The growing pressure on pilots from helicopter operators, VIPs, and pilgrims alike, combined with violations of SOPs, has made helicopter services dangerous. This calls for scrutiny and introspection. To ensure a safe and sustainable Yatra, a multi-pronged approach must be adopted. First and foremost is the construction of a large-capacity, high-quality ropeway system, similar to those found in the Swiss Alps. This would offer a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to both trekking and helicopter travel. Once operational, the use of horses must be completely phased out, with comprehensive rehabilitation plans provided for horse owners. The ropeway project, already announced, must be executed urgently. Weather-based flight restrictions should be mandatory, supported by real-time monitoring systems at all helipads. Pilots should receive specialised training in mountain flying, and their duty hours must be strictly regulated. Helipads should be technologically upgraded to ensure safe take-offs and landings, and only technically superior helicopters meeting the highest maintenance standards should be allowed to operate in the Kedarnath Valley. A centralised command centre for all helicopter operations should be set up, and public safety advisories backed by enforceable SOPs must be widely disseminated. Kedarnath is not merely a destination; it is a living embodiment of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Overcrowding, exceeding the carrying capacity, and rampant commercialisation are threatening the very essence of this sacred site. Unsafe air travel, ecological degradation, and mounting logistical chaos demand immediate and honest introspection by all stakeholders, including the government, pilgrims, service providers, and the society at large. Ashok Kumar, a former Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, is Vice Chancellor of Sports University of Haryana. The views expressed are personal.
