Latest news with #Barwa
Indian Express
a day ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Pioneer hockey coach Pratima Barwa, who produced players like Salima Tete & Sangeeta Kumari, no more
Pratima Barwa, a hockey coach who trained many adivasi girls in Jharkhand and helped shape Olympians like Salima Tete, Sangita Kumari and Beauty Dungdung, has passed away at the age of 46 following a brain hemorrhage at a Ranchi hospital. Barwa, a native of Kocha village in Khunti's Torpa block, had suffered a seizure on May 27 while holding her infant son in her arms. She breathed her last on Sunday morning after surviving for four days in the ICU. Her funeral was held at her village in the evening. Khunti, known for its rich tribal identity, has long been a cradle of Indian hockey. It was from this very region that Jaipal Singh Munda emerged to become the captain of the Indian hockey team that won gold at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Nearly a century later, Barwa carried forward that legacy, not with a stick in hand, but with an unwavering commitment to nurture young girls in the sport. Her coaching, often in remote fields with bare minimum facilities, produced several Adivasi hockey stars. 'She dedicated her entire life to hockey,' said Sanjeeta Barwa, her younger sister. 'She started playing in Class 5 after being selected for Gumla's training programme. Later, she trained at the Bariatu Hockey Centre and then joined the Punjab Hockey Academy before returning to Jharkhand.' Barwa played for Jharkhand for nearly two decades, though a leg injury put paid to her chances of making it to the national team. After her playing career, she became a full-time coach under the Jharkhand government's Department of Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs. Barwa was initially posted in Simdega, one of Jharkhand's hockey hubs, where she served for over a decade before being transferred to Khunti. Until her illness, she was coaching at the School of Excellence (SS+2) in Khunti, a residential centre nurturing young tribal talent. 'She produced many state, national-level and international players. She worked with the likes of Salima Tete, who is now the captain of the Indian hockey team, Sangita Kumari and Beauty Dungdung,' Sanjeeta said. Born into a hockey-loving adivasi family, Barwa drew inspiration from her father Late Gopal Barwa, a CRPF jawan and local player, and her uncles who played in village tournaments. She grew up watching matches dubbed the 'Khassi Cup' and 'Murga Cup,' where goats and chickens were prizes. Her sister remembers her struggles with clarity. 'She came up the hard way — no money, limited resources — but she never gave up. Even when she had seizures in 2022, she recovered and guided the Jharkhand team at the Rourkela nationals in 2023.' 'Even while battling illness, she remained hopeful about returning to the field,' said her tearful sister. 'She told me, 'I want to get better and go back to training my girls.'' Former India captain Asunta Lakra, currently a national selector, recalled her deep bond with Barwa, describing her as a quiet force in Jharkhand's grassroots sports movement. 'I first met Pratima didi at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bariatu, Ranchi, in the late 1990s. She was our senior — strict but gentle, a natural leader who kept the team disciplined without ever raising her voice,' Asunta told The Indian Express. 'She would say, 'I want to be a turning point in at least one girl's life.' No one talks about it, but every single international player coming from Simdega or even Jharkhand today — they were once under her care,' Lakra claimed. 'She never sought the limelight and didn't get the recognition she truly deserved — not from the system, not even from us sometimes.' Barwa's husband, Sukra Lohra, is a CRPF jawan currently posted in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. They married in 2018 and have a one-and-a-half-year-old son. He remembers how passionate his wife was about hockey, often choosing to be on the ground over holidays at home. 'She would say, 'I couldn't play much, but I want to make sure the children I coach get every opportunity,'' he recalls. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called Barwa's passing an irreparable loss for the state and the Indian hockey fraternity. 'The untimely demise of hockey coach Pratima Barwa ji, who gave many talented international hockey players to Jharkhand and the country, is extremely saddening,' he wrote on social media. He called her 'an ideal for the hardworking daughters of Jharkhand.' Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Pratima, who was living her dream of playing for India through students like Salima, passes away at 44
Gumla/Kolkata: Pratima Barwa, the childhood coach of Indian women's team captain Salima Tete and many of current stars like Sangita Kumari, Beauty Dungdung and Deepika Soreng, passed away on Sunday. She was just 44 years old. A resident of Tapkara Kocha village in Torpa block of Khunti district, Barwa was undergoing treatment at Paras hospital in Dhurwa, Ranchi, from Thursday where she died of brain haemorrhage at 8:27am on Sunday. Barwa started playing hockey in her childhood but had to stop playing because of an injury. However, that didn't deter her love affair with the game as she shifted to coaching early on. It was at the Residential Girls' Hockey Training Centre in Simdega that she started imparting her knowledge and trained numerous players for 15 years from 2008 to 2024. While seeing her pupils star for the country brought her immense happiness, the proudest moment of her coaching career was when Salima became the captain of the women's team last year. She had then told TOI, "I couldn't fulfil my dream of playing for India, but through my students I have achieved my dreams. What I couldn't do as a player, I have been able to do all that as a coach." Besides training, Barwa, who earned her diploma in coaching in 2007-08 at NIS Patiala, also played a major role as the Training Centre in Simdega got an Astroturf for the first time way back in 2015. It was after her side lost the Nehru Girls Hockey Tournament (U17) final in 2010 by nine goals to Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School Shahabad, who had Rani Rampal in their team, that they raised the demand for an Astroturf surface. "We then got the go-ahead in 2013 and the field was ready two years later. During this time she used to monitor the progress with us and was beyond happy when it was finally complete," said Hockey Simdega president Manoj Konbegi. Later in 2021, the ground also successfully hosted two national championships — sub-junior women's and junior women's hockey. But sadly for Jharkhand, the host side lost both the finals. But Barwa's students like Deepika, Ropni Kumari and Rajni Kerketta showed what they were capable of as they slowly and steadily made it to the national camp. "With the premature demise of Pratima ji, Jharkhand has lost an invaluable coach. She had the immense credit of churning out the country's top woman hockey players from Jharkhand. She made a huge contribution in the development of hockey in the state," Konbegi added. Barwa, however, had been struggling with her health for a while and had requested for a transfer to Residential Boys Hockey Training Centre in Khunti where she had been training for the past one year. She, however, was present at the inaugural edition of the women's Hockey India League earlier this year and was elated to see her students play alongside the best of the world. Ahead of the Women's HIL final at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, she also shared an emotional moment with Salima who was elated to see her coach at the stands. Sadly, those meet-ups won't happen any more and she will be sorely missed by one and all. Yet, she will continue to live on through her students, who number in the hundreds.
Dubai Eye
14-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai launches real estate initiative for Emirati senior citizens
Dubai has launched the 'Barwa' programme to empower Emirati senior citizens and People of Determination to manage their real estate assets independently and with ease. It provides digital tools, in-person services and expert advice based on each individual's needs. It will also enable real estate transactions to be completed without having to step out of their home using the 'Al Taresh' service. Additionally, the 'Al Karani' service will assign a personal assistant for each case to ensure ongoing support and follow-up. It prioritises direct outreach by delivering services at beneficiaries' places of residence, eliminating the need for travel and ensuring a seamless, accessible experience. Through its mobile and field services pillar, the programme deploys dedicated units under the 'Al Taresh' service to carry out real estate transactions at the homes of senior citizens and People of Determination. In addition, the 'Al Karani' service assigns a personal assistant to each beneficiary to follow up on their transactions and provide continuous support. The digital services pillar features the 'Al Kaitoob' platform, which enables seamless remote property management and is equipped with accessibility technologies tailored for people with disabilities. It also includes 'Al Mersal', a real-time digital support service available through the call centre to assist beneficiaries promptly and effectively. Within the financial and real estate advisory pillar, specialised teams offer personalised guidance on property investment strategies and achieving sustainable returns. Meanwhile, the awareness and training pillar introduces the 'Real Estate Katateeb' initiative, which delivers educational workshops to help beneficiaries better understand property management and sound investment practices. Public-private partnership The programme also includes a service facilities pillar through 'Al Barza', dedicated reception lounges for senior citizens and People of Determination located at Dubai Land Department's main building. These spaces are designed to provide a premium, comfortable, and accessible customer experience. The strength of public-private collaboration is reflected in the 'Al Hasela' initiative, which offers integrated services such as lease management, routine maintenance, and investment consultancy. Qualified companies deliver these services at preferential rates tailored to meet the specific needs of the programme's target groups. Commenting on the launch, Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita said: 'The Barwa programme is more than a service initiative. It is designed to simplify property management, protect real estate rights, and deliver tailored services that promote peace of mind, independence, and a better quality of life. In line with the 'Hand in Hand' theme of the 'Year of Community,' Barwa reinforces our commitment to inclusion and social cohesion.'
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Hamdan bin Mohammed Launches Barwa Programme to Empower Senior Citizens, People of Determination in Dubai
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the 'Barwa' programme, a pioneering initiative by the Dubai Land Department and Community Development Authority aimed at supporting senior citizens and People of Determination in managing their real estate assets independently. Unveiled under the slogan 'You are valuable and should always be appreciated,' the Barwa programme is the first of its kind in the region. It offers a human-centred approach to property services, combining digital, advisory, and on-site support to enhance the quality of life and promote inclusion and social stability. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, focusing on accessible, sustainable services that cater to the diverse needs of its beneficiaries. Dedicated mobile teams, personal assistants, and digital platforms such as Al Kaitoob and Al Mersal ensure real estate transactions can be handled easily and efficiently from the comfort of beneficiaries' homes. A ceremony marking the launch included the signing of key cooperation agreements with public and private entities, including Harbour Real Estate, Al Ruwad, and service trustee centres Afnan and Al Tabou. Officials from both DLD and CDA highlighted the programme's role in protecting real estate rights, simplifying asset management, and reinforcing social cohesion. Specialised lounges, financial advisory, and educational workshops further complement the offering. Barwa stands as a new model of collaborative governance in Dubai, designed to deliver real-world impact by placing dignity, independence, and social well-being at the heart of public service. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
14-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'Barwa' initiative for senior citizens and People of Determination
- Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'Barwa' initiative for senior citizens and People of DeterminationDubai Land -Department and Community Development Authority partner to roll out the programme under the slogan 'You are valuable and should always be appreciated' - Initiative enables beneficiaries to manage their real estate assets independently and with greater convenience - The programme facilitates a comprehensive suite of digital, on-site, and advisory services specifically designed to meet the needs of the targeted segments - The scheme reinforces the values of community partnership and supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, witnessed the launch of the 'Barwa' programme, an initiative developed by the Dubai Land Department in collaboration with the Community Development Authority, under the slogan 'You are valuable and should always be appreciated'. A first of its kind in the region, this initiative is a sustainable, socially driven real estate programme centred on human well-being. It will empower senior citizens and People of Determination in Dubai by enabling them to manage their real estate assets independently and with greater ease. Barwa also aims to promote family cohesion and social stability through comprehensive, integrated property solutions tailored to the needs of senior citizens and People of Determination. The 'Barwa' programme represents an innovative model for delivering government services through a human-centred lens. It provides a comprehensive suite of digital, on-site, and advisory services specifically designed to meet the needs of senior citizens and People of Determination. The programme also reinforces the values of community partnership and supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, ensuring equal opportunities, and promoting the inclusion of all segments of society within a sustainable development framework. The programme was officially launched during a ceremony held at Dubai Land Department, which included the signing of a cooperation agreement between DLD and the Community Development Authority (CDA). The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of the Dubai Land Department; and Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, in the presence of CEOs from both entities. In addition, four cooperation agreements were signed with Harbour Real Estate, On Plan Real Estate, Al Ruwad Real Estate, and SBK Real Estate. The service trustee centres Afnan and Al Tabou will also participate in the programme, offering dedicated support to senior citizens and People of Determination. High-quality services His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita said: 'This programme reflects Dubai Land Department's vision of delivering high-quality real estate services while reaffirming our enduring commitment to supporting segments of society that hold a special place in our hearts; individuals who have played a vital role in the development and prosperity of our nation. We are proud to launch this initiative in close partnership with the Community Development Authority, whose leading role in advancing empowerment and social solidarity is truly commendable. This collaboration stands as a distinguished example of government synergy, united in placing human well-being at the centre of our efforts.' He added: 'The Barwa programme is more than a service initiative; it is designed to simplify property management, protect their real estate rights, and deliver tailored services that promote peace of mind, independence, and an enhanced quality of life, in line with the 'Hand in Hand' theme of the 'Year of Community,' reinforcing our dedication to inclusion and social cohesion.' Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid said: 'The Barwa programme represents a model of integrated collaboration between government entities and reaffirms the Community Development Authority's commitment to its pivotal role in empowering priority groups – particularly senior citizens and people of determination – to access government services in a way that preserves their dignity and supports their social and economic stability. Institutional partnerships are the most sustainable path to achieving meaningful social impact. From this perspective, our collaboration with Dubai Land Department in launching Barwa is a strategic step toward expanding our reach by linking social data with real estate services and delivering tailored solutions that address the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.' She added: 'This collaboration aligns with our efforts to advance the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by developing innovative service models that enhance quality of life, promote the independence of senior citizens, and reinforce the principle of equal opportunity. We remain committed to expanding this partnership to firmly establish a comprehensive, community-focused approach that empowers all segments of society to live with dignity, well-being, and stability.' Integrated pillars The Barwa programme is built on a set of integrated pillars designed to address the diverse needs of its target groups with efficiency and flexibility. It prioritises direct outreach by delivering services at beneficiaries' places of residence, eliminating the need for travel and ensuring a seamless, accessible experience. Through its mobile and field services pillar, the programme deploys dedicated units under the 'Al Taresh' service to carry out real estate transactions at the homes of senior citizens and People of Determination. In addition, the 'Al Karani' service assigns a personal assistant to each beneficiary to follow up on their transactions and provide continuous support. The digital services pillar features the 'Al Kaitoob' platform, which enables seamless remote property management and is equipped with accessibility technologies tailored for people with disabilities. It also includes 'Al Mersal', a real-time digital support service available through the call centre to assist beneficiaries promptly and effectively. Within the financial and real estate advisory pillar, specialised teams offer personalised guidance on property investment strategies and achieving sustainable returns. Meanwhile, the awareness and training pillar introduces the 'Real Estate Katateeb' initiative, which delivers educational workshops to help beneficiaries better understand property management and sound investment practices. Public-private partnership The programme also includes a service facilities pillar through 'Al Barza', dedicated reception lounges for senior citizens and People of Determination located at Dubai Land Department's main building. These spaces are designed to provide a premium, comfortable, and accessible customer experience. The strength of public-private collaboration is reflected in the 'Al Hasela' initiative, which offers integrated services such as lease management, routine maintenance, and investment consultancy. Qualified companies deliver these services at preferential rates tailored to meet the specific needs of the programme's target groups. The institutional framework of the programme is reinforced through the government partnership pillar, where the 'Registry of Honoured Citizens' facilitates seamless data and information exchange between Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority. This integration enables the delivery of personalised, end-to-end services, supported by a dedicated communication team committed to ensuring beneficiaries' comfort, as well as their real estate and social stability. The Barwa initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to pioneering human-centred real estate innovation, where social impact and digital transformation converge to place people at the forefront of service delivery. The partnership between Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority stands as a sustainable model of collaboration between government and community sectors, contributing to the development of a cohesive, inclusive, and thriving society. It further reinforces Dubai's global reputation as a hub for real estate innovation, with human well-being at the core of its policies and strategic vision. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
