Latest news with #Baba
Time Out
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
Ilios Travel founder launches new employee-owned touring company
Veteran tourism entrepreneur Mohamed Baba has officially launched Aurum Africa, an employee-owned premium touring company. With a founding team of 40, including 25 staff shareholders, Aurum Africa offers curated, guided experiences and journey logistics across Southern Africa. The venture aims to redefine transformation in the tourism sector through "equity sharing local empowerment." Speaking at the launch event held at the Cape Grace Hotel, Baba said Aurum Africa was born from a desire to move beyond "lip service to real, lived transformation." "True transformation isn't about compliance scorecards or token gestures. I'm determined that Aurum Africa will stand as proof that true empowerment is possible when you trust your people with real ownership, not just promises," he said. At the launch, Baba, who spent three decades shaping local tour experiences in the industry, also confirmed that he is no longer involved in Illios Travel, the company he founded over 25 years ago. Having exited the business in 2021, Baba said Illios remains an integral part of his legacy. However, Aurum Africa now represents a new chapter built on "shared ownership, a fresh vision, and a deeper commitment to transformation in the tourism sector." 'Our guests deserve experiences shaped by people who are truly invested – not just employees, but owners,' he said. Shareholder Shadley Basadien, who spoke about 'The Aurum Journey' at the launch, emphasised the personal impact of the ownership model and the opportunity created for the company's business model. 'When you own part of the business you're building, every guest interaction, every tour, every success becomes personal. That's what creates exceptional experiences,' Basadien said. Lending his support to the initiative, SATSA CEO David Frost commended the Baba for the new initiative and longstanding drive to see real empowerment take place in the industry. Aurum Africa aims to positioned itself as a replicable blueprint for the industry, added Baba.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Lakh To Throng Tajbagh On Chhabisi Of Sufi Saint During Shahi Sandal
Nagpur: The Darbari Shahi Sandal will mark the Sufi saint Baba Tajuddin's Chhabisi – the most important day of the ongoing 103rd annual urs at Tajbagh – on Tuesday. The sandal commemorates the return of the mystic from Pagalkhana (Regional Mental Hospital), when he was taken in a buggy by Maratha ruler Raghuji on a 15km parade. The grand sandal will kick off from another saint Mohammad Hussain's dargah close to Tajbagh. It will merge with the Darbari Shahi Sandal at 10am before going past several important points touched by Baba Tajuddin during the procession taken out by him in his lifetime. Starting from the shrine, the procession will pass through Ashok Square and reach Teen Naal Chowk, where it will be welcomed by Baba's followers. More than two lakh devotees are likely to take part in the day-long procession, while another two lakh will stay back at the dargah. The procession will include several bands, street performers, buggies, horses, and qawwals singing and expressing their devotion for Baba Tajuddin, who is regarded as one of the most important mystics of South Asia. Community feasts at different places will also be held by Baba's followers. On Sunday night, city MP and Union minister Nitin Gadkari paid obeisance at the dargah along with Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust chairman Pyare Khan and secretary Taj Ahmed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Gadkari said, "This is Baba's place, and no wrongdoing should occur here. It is not just a place but a symbol of respect and reverence for Baba. Therefore, its progress is our responsibility. Under the leadership of Pyare Khan, many significant and essential tasks have been accomplished here. He completed every task with honesty and dedication to maintain the glory of Baba's place and ensure better facilities for every devotee who visits." The Lok Sabha MP added that the govt has also initiated several important schemes for the development of this place and completed major projects. "Whether it is road construction, cleanliness efforts, or lighting arrangements, work has been done at every level to provide convenience to those who visit Baba's court. I want to clearly state that if anyone engages in dishonesty or tries to cause any disturbance in Baba's work, I will not spare them. Baba's premises are a place of worship, and they demand honesty and pure intentions. There should be no negligence or carelessness in Baba's work. It is our collective duty to make this place even better and ensure its sanctity is preserved," he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian millers, exporters optimistic as Bangladesh plans to import 9 lakh tonne rice: Stakeholders
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Indian rice millers and exporters are upbeat about Bangladesh's "plan to import 9 lakh tonnes of rice", anticipating a boost in demand and better prices for the cereal, stakeholders said on India accounting for 46 per cent of global rice exports, the country is expected to "emerge as the primary beneficiary of the move for its proximity, availability, and competitive pricing", they said."Of the total import plan, 4 lakh tonnes will be procured directly by the Bangladesh government through international tenders, while another 5 lakh tonnes will be imported by private traders of the neighbouring country. The decision comes earlier than usual, amid fear of crop loss due to heavy rain that could impact Bangladesh's Amon paddy currently being sown," Ricevilla Foods CEO Suraj Agarwal told Baba Bakreswar Rice Mill Director Rahul Agarwal said the rice industry in the country, especially in Bengal, is well-positioned to benefit from the proposed plan by the Bangladesh authorities, and he did not foresee any diplomatic hurdle amid India's curbs on the import of garments and jute through the Petrapole border."At least 30-40 per cent of the private imports will likely be sourced from Bengal mills and traders. Bengal mills will also participate in the government tenders for 4 lakh tonnes. States like Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar will benefit the most," he Indian rice varieties such as 'Swarna', 'Ratna', 'Miniket', and 'Sona Masoori' are expected to see price gains in both West Bengal and southern India amid the anticipated demand surge, he of 'Swarna Mansoori' parboiled rice, now at Rs 29 per kg (ex-mill), may rise to Rs 31-32, while 'Miniket' variety currently being sold at Rs 41-42, could touch Rs 45 per kg in the coming weeks, Suraj Agarwal early import plan reflects "precautionary steps ahead of possible floods during the Amon season", the stakeholders Bangladesh government has already procured 3.76 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy and 9.50 lakh tonnes of rice against a target of 14 lakh tonnes, with procurement set to conclude by mid-August, according to August, Bangladesh proposed to expand its food-friendly programme to 55 lakh families, providing 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg during August, September, October, November, February, and March, the reports believe the development will further strengthen "India's position as Bangladesh's key rice supplier while firming up prices for low-to-medium rice varieties in the domestic market".Visakhapatnam and Paradip ports are major ones for rice exports.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Foreign funding, terror camp plans: FIR against conversion kingpin Chhangur Baba
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has made explosive revelations in the FIR against Chhangur Baba, mastermind of the religious conversion gang, alleging that he was plotting to set up a terrorist training facility with the help of foreign Baba, alias Jamaluddin, and his associates were arrested earlier this month for orchestrating large-scale religious conversions. He is accused of receiving over Rs 500 crore through around 40 bank accounts from foreign sources, including Gulf countries and possibly to the FIR filed by the UP ATS, these funds were allegedly used to build a luxurious mansion in Balrampur and purchase premium SUVs like Fortuner and Creta. The money also funded anti-national activities, including the construction of a large building intended to be used as a terror camp. Police claim Chhangur Baba's conversion network extended beyond Uttar Pradesh, operating in several other states. Hindu women and minors were reportedly targeted and coerced into conversion. According to investigators, Chhangur Baba had built a team that received commissions for each successful ATS has so far arrested Baba's son Mehboob, and associates Naveen Rohra and Neetu alias Nasreen, who are believed to be key players in the revealed that the operation followed a structured incentive system, with conversion payouts varying by caste. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the financial angle and the ownership of properties worth over Rs 100 crore, allegedly acquired illegally in Balrampur and Pune, some on encroached government Baba has denied all allegations, saying, "I am innocent. I don't know anything."FATWA AGAINST CHHANGUR BABAMeanwhile, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, issued a fatwa against Chhangur Baba and called for his boycott by the community.'The work done by Baba is not only illegal but also against the principles of Islam,' he said. 'Such a person should be boycotted.'Officials said the probe will continue to uncover the full extent of the religious conversion gang's operations and its national and international links. Raids are ongoing to locate other absconding suspects.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Baba, I have to wear a swimsuit; it is a part of the show. I cannot not…': When Sushmita Sen recalled going against father's wish to become Miss India
Before she became the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1994, Sushmita Sen had to face a personal battle at home. Her decision to participate in Miss India created a painful rift with her father. 'My father wanted me to be an IAS officer, so I was studying accordingly,' she revealed in a video interview. 'When the bomb was dropped on my dad, that she was going to enter Miss India, my father didn't speak to me for a bit.' 'I remember having this very emotional moment with my father where I promised him—I said, Baba, I have to wear a swimsuit. It is a part of the show. I cannot not wear it. But I promise you, I will add respect to it. It won't be crass. I will do it as dignified.' She made a heartfelt case, grounded in her sense of fairness. 'Baba, I can't compete in a competition where everyone does one thing and I don't do it. Then there's no way to compete.' It was an honest appeal, but not one that immediately won over her father. 'He was not very happy with that,' she recalled. 'When I won Miss India and I told my father that I will represent my country, Baba…', her voice softens in recollection, 'that, for my father being a defence personnel… he had balled his lungs out. I remember looking at my dad's face and thinking—suddenly I had given him the biggest moment of his life.' Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa underlines why such stories matter. 'The creation of confidence in children depends on their parents' ability to build it rather than destroy it,' she says. 'A child observes themselves through your self-concept which makes this matter extremely vital.' In families where love is conditional on obedience, confidence can be deeply compromised. 'Many parents withhold affection thinking they're preparing their children for the real world. But the child suffers from an absence of necessary love and ends up lacking confidence,' she explains. 'Children grow best when they know their parents stand by their side while leading them toward independence.' Years later, Sushmita would become a global icon, and it all started with a difficult conversation at home.
