Latest news with #Bhonsle
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Raghuji Bhonsle's Sword To Reach Mum Today, Mudhoji Raje To Attend Ceremony
1 2 Nagpur: The legendary sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, a rare 18th-century Maratha weapon that was overseas for over two centuries, is set to arrive in Mumbai on Monday. The state govt will accord it a grand reception at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where cultural minister Ashish Shelar will receive the sword before it is showcased in an evening 'Senasahebsubha Parakram Darshan' ceremony at the P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi. The evening ceremony will also be graced by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, the descendant of Raghuji Bhonsle and head of the Bhonsle family in Nagpur, will be travelling from Kolhapur to attend the evening ceremony. His office bearers have confirmed his participation, noting that he is among the invitees and will be present for the official unveiling of the sword. Sources said Bhonsle will also hold discussions with government officials and likely with Shelar on bringing the sword to Nagpur at the earliest. The sword, won by the Maharashtra govt earlier this year in a London auction, was personally collected by Shelar. It bears the gold-inscribed Devanagari inscription 'Shreemant Raghoji Bhonsle Senasahebsuha Firang' and features a European-style straight blade with intricate Maratha koftgari hilt detailing. Experts believe it may have left India after the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi or as a ceremonial gift to the East India Company. The day-long programme in Mumbai begins with the sword's reception at 10 am, followed by homage at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the airport precinct in the presence of Shelar. A bike rally and a decorated chariot procession will then carry the sword to the Kala Academy. Deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are also expected, along with other state dignitaries. For Nagpur, the ceremony holds special historical significance. Raghuji Bhonsle, who ruled from 1695 to 1755, was instrumental in establishing the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur and expanded Maratha influence deep into Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and southern India. The sword's return and public display provide a tangible connection to the city's rich Maratha legacy, making it an event of pride for the people of Nagpur as well. The exhibition of the sword will remain open to the public from August 19 to 25, between 11 am and 7 pm, at the art gallery of P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Alongside the sword, information on twelve heritage-listed forts will be on display. Entry is free for all visitors. 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.
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
I'm sitting on 16 ready screenplays, says director Devashish Makhija
Having directed critically well-received and socially conscious films for decades, national award winning director Devashish Makhija is well-known as a screen-writer and director with films like Bhonsle (2018), Joram (2022) and Ajji (2018) under his belt. While film enthusiasts know him as the creator of stories that typically follow a character locked in a fight against the system, be it a tribal man labelled as a maoist trying to escape with his baby daughter in Joram, an older Mahrashtrian cop forced to retire in Bhonsle, or a grandmother seeking justice for a sexually assaulted child, the film personality is also a prolific fiction writer and now a published poet set to take part in a panel at Bengaluru Poetry Festival. Titled 'Serenading in 70 mm', the panel will see Makhija, media professional Archana Vasudev and young lyricists Neeraj Pandey and Ritwik Kaikini discuss how poetry elevates narratives in cinema. Makhija says, 'We are hoping to explore how poetry finds its way into cinema beyond lyrics and how being a poet shapes our approach to storytelling in cinema.' Reflecting on his own approach to writing poems, recently released as a collection Bewilderness, and for film, he notes a vast difference, 'Because a film reaches so many people, writing for cinema is trying to reach out to an audience. But poetry, for me, is inward and a lot more intimate. If it reaches out to people, it's a bonus.' However, he also finds that one form has influenced the other, saying, 'I work really hard to ensure that every word is earning its place in my poem. All of that informs my film writing. The other way around, because film is primarily an audio and a visual medium, I've seen my poems have started becoming more image heavy and sound heavy in the last 15 years.'
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ya Taj Echoes As Bhonsle Royal Keeps Urs Parcham Flying High
Nagpur: Keeping alive a century-old tradition that reflects Nagpur's pluralistic culture, Jaysinh Bhonsle, member of the royal family of erstwhile Maratha kingdom of Nagpur, hoisted the 'parcham' (banner) on the dome of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Dargah on Friday. Prayers were offered for peace and well-being of the country, marking the beginning of the 103rd Urs of the Sufi saint, who was an icon of communal harmony. The largest Sufi shrine in Maharashtra, Tajbagh dargah is a unique Muslim shrine, where only descendants of a Hindu family have the right to hoist the 'parcham' and mark the beginning of Urs (death anniversary). The six-day event starts on the 22nd of the Islamic month of Muharram. The Sufi master considered Raja Raghuji Raje IV, who ruled Nagpur in the late 19th century as his brother and legend goes the saint willed that only the king's family should hoist the 'parcham' at his mausoleum, Bhonsle told TOI. The first day of Urs witnessed nearly 80,000 pilgrims, including many who came from outside Nagpur to seek blessings, with some even hoping for a miracle. "Union minister Nitin Gadkari would be visiting the shrine on July 22. Invites have been sent to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and other political leaders too," said Pyare Khan, president of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust, which manages the shrine that straddles 84 acres. Many devotees have come from abroad too, he said. Crowds began to swell gradually after morning hours, with people jostling for 'ziyarat'. Resting under a makeshift shed, Sheikh Javed, a pilgrim from Seoni in Madhya Pradesh attended to his unwell wife. "She gets dizzy very often. We are getting her treated at a hospital but have come to seek blessings from the saint for her early recovery," he said. Zaheer Warsi, 72, who walks on crutches, has come from Ayodhya. With his left leg injured in an accident, he hopes to gather enough charity from pilgrims to fund his surgery. Syed Tahir from Lucknow came with his son, who suffers epileptic bouts, with a similar hope of 'shifa' (healing). A group of fakirs also sat in a group. A horse carriage gifted to the Baba by King Raghuji stands on display at the shrine. It was made in England and the chassis remains the same, but the body has been refabricated, keeping the old design intact, said Bhonsle. Hindu mystic Gajanan Maharaj was a contemporary of Baba Tajuddin and both rode a buggy on the king's patronage, he said.
India.com
07-07-2025
- India.com
We Dug Into Nagpur's History—Here Are 10 Crazy Facts We Found!
Nagpur, or 'Orange City' as many refer to it, is situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is rich in history and vibrant culture. Because of Nagpur's central location within India and its cultural and economic relevance, the city has a lot to offer. Below is a list of ten remarkable facts about the city that you should be aware of. 1. Geographical Significance: The Heart of India It is often stated that Nagpur is the Heart of India owing to its the core location in the country. The so-called Zero Mile Stone also marks the very center of the country. It is one of the few remaining monuments from British rule in India which seeks to signify the central location. The monument is also known to mark the starting point of measuring distances to other major cities of India. Because of all these factors Nagpur tends to be one of the most important cities in the country in terms of infrastructure. 2. The Orange Capital of India Nagpur is famous for its delicious oranges, particularly the Nagpur Santra (a variety of mandarin oranges). The region's soil and climate are ideal for cultivating these juicy, sweet fruits, making it one of the largest producers of oranges in India. Every year, thousands of tons of oranges are exported from Nagpur, contributing significantly to the local economy. The city's association with oranges has earned it the nickname 'Orange City.' 3. A Hub for Wildlife Enthusiasts Nagpur is surrounded by some of India's most prominent wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. It serves as a gateway to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park (famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book), and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. These reserves attract tourists and nature lovers from around the world, making Nagpur a hotspot for eco-tourism and wildlife safaris. 4. Roots of History and Heritage Culture Nagpur's history goes back many centuries. Initially, it was a small Gond village and later came under the dominion of the Bhonsle dynasty in the Maratha Empire. The city was annexed by the British East India Company in 1853 after Raghoji III's death. Nagpur has remained a key city during the Indian independence movement and still upholds historical traces like the Sitabuldi Fort and Ambazari Lake. 5. Academic Achievements The city of Nagpur boasts some of India's most acclaimed educational centers such as Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is one of the first in India. Founded in 1923, the university has multiple colleges and research institutes under its jurisdiction. Other institutions also add to the image of Nagpur being an educational hub which includes Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. 6. Industrial Growth and Economic Importance Nagpur, as a part of Vidarbha, contributes significantly to the economy of Maharashtra. It is an industrial center with growing activities in agriculture, IT, textiles, steel, and many more. The Multi-modal International Cargo Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project further cements its position as a commercial hub. By integrating air cargo services with highway and railway freight services, MIHAN aims to boost global trade traffic through Nagpur. 7. Religious Diversity and Spiritual Sites Nagpur is also popular for its diverse religions and spiritual interest. Temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras show the rich diversity of cultures in the city. The Deekshabhoomi Stupa is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage center alongside Dragon Palace Temple, which is decorated with detailed sculptures and art. Bohra Masjid is also a well known Islamic structure. All of these places serve as pilgrimage sites as well as tourist attractions. 8. Green Cover and Environmental Initiatives Nagpur is extremely green which is why it has earned the title of one of the most clean and green cities in India. Tree plantation drives, waste disposal programs, and water saving activities have been started to protect the natural environment. Nagpur's lakes smack parks including Futala Lake, Japanese Rose Garden and Seminary Hills are famous recreational places for people living in the city or visiting it. 9. Culinary Delights Nagpur's culinary practices showcase the rich Nagpuri culture along with the other ethnic influences. Traditional Maharashtrian dishes such as zunka bhakar , pav bhaji , and misal pav are greatly appreciated here as well. But what makes Nagpur unique is its street food. The city serves a variety of dishes from spicy vada pav to cool sugarcane juice. Also, do not miss out on the region's famous orange desserts and drinks. 10. Connectivity and Smart City Vision Nagpur's rail, road, and air transport services are well integrated. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport links the city to prominent domestic and international airports. In addition, Nagpur was honored as one of the first smart cities under India's Smart City Mission. This program aims to upgrade city infrastructure, improve services, foster eco-friendly practices, and so forth while keeping it a city that is developed yet livable. Conclusion Nagpur is an exciting city that seamlessly combines old with new modern life—far more than simply a point on the map and 'Orange City.' Its exquisite cuisine, placid nature, and wonderful historic sites are all majestic, so the city is never failing to charm. The list of ten facts illustrates the multifold value this city has- it is not just another overpopulated metro, but an important part of India's culture and economy, thus meriting recognition as a megacity.
The Wire
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Wire
India's Military Jugaad: From Battlefield Fix to Export Opportunity
As India pushes to expand defence exports, it should also market a less publicised strength: the military's unmatched jugaad – its ability to improvise cost-effective, adaptable fixes to upgrade and sustain a wide array of equipment. For militaries that can't afford cutting-edge Western systems, India's -driven approach offers a distinct niche: reasonably priced, battle-tested, resource-efficient alternatives to meet operational needs. Veterans and defence analysts argue that India's knack for stretching limited budgets to deliver battlefield capability is highly exportable – especially to developing nations with similar constraints. There is growing interest in refurbished air defence systems, upgraded Soviet-era platforms, and low-cost ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) solutions that blend components from diverse sources. India's experience with retrofitting legacy platforms offers a viable model Many militaries across Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia face the same problems that shaped India's jugaad ethos: tight budgets, aging inventories, unreliable supply chains, and politically fraught procurement. These countries are not necessarily looking for next-gen weapons – but for maintainable, effective systems that won't strain their defence budgets. India's experience with retrofitting legacy platforms like the 1960s-era MiG-21 'Bis', modularising battlefield electronics, developing simulators, and integrating Israeli, French, Russian, and indigenous systems offers a viable model. Military technicians from the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and DRDO have extended the life of Cold War-era Soviet air defence systems, which performed effectively during last month's Operation Sindoor alongside modern platforms. Indigenous systems like the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Dhanush 155mm/45-calibre howitzer, and the ALH Rudra helicopter embody the mindset – melding domestic engineering with imported subsystems to produce efficient, cost-effective weapon platforms. Rudra combines a locally built airframe with Indian Helina anti-tank missiles and French Mistral air-to-air missiles. Pinaka integrates indigenous engineering with imported subsystems to deliver a powerful, modular system adaptable to many battlefield needs. Dhanush represents a smart upgrade of the 1980s-era Bofors FH-77B howitzer, retrofitted with modern electronics and locally sourced components. By enhancing a proven system, Indian engineers created an affordable artillery piece with renewed battlefield relevance. 'India should showcase and export its jugaad capabilities, which remain unparalleled,' said Brigadier Rahul Bhonsle (Retd) of New Delhi-based Security Risks consultancy. He called jugaad the indigenous defence industry's core strength, arguing it offers economical alternatives to nations struggling with expensive system replacements. Still, Bhonsle warned that in its current form lacks the standardisation and documentation needed for global exports. To become a serious exporter of adaptive military technology, India must transform from ad hoc innovation into a certifiable, modular, and globally compliant framework. Industry experts agree. Manuals, upgrade protocols, and implementation documentation are needed to make jugaad export-ready. Collaborations between start-ups, MSMEs, DRDO, armed forces technicians, and the corporatised Ordnance Factory Board could help formalise the process. Western militaries operate under strict rules on certification and IP compliance—standards that improvised fixes often breach. Even India's celebrated upgrades to the Su-30MKI, integrating French and Indian missiles with Israeli EW systems and helmet-mounted sights, would violate OEM contracts in most Western countries. Nevertheless, India's ability to keep over 290 ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters flying in Siachen at 14,000 feet – far beyond the original design envelope – is a striking example of battlefield ingenuity. How jugaad helped India during past conflicts During the 1999 Kargil War, the IAF rapidly armed Mirage 2000H fighters with Indian-made 1,000 lb precision-guided bombs, achieving devastating accuracy. Earlier, Indian defence technicians had quietly helped the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan maintain and overhaul its Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters – critical assets in the fight against the Taliban. On land, Soviet-era BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles were upgraded with thermal sights and night-fighting capabilities. DRDO engineers repurposed the BMP-2 chassis to build the MUNTRA series of unmanned ground vehicles for surveillance, mine detection, and NBC operations – keeping troops out of high-risk zones. Likewise, the T-72 'Ajeya' tanks were retrofitted with Israeli and Indian thermal imagers and night sights, despite lacking the original design provisions. The P-18 early warning radar from the 1970s was modernised with Indian-built digital processors and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. Naval aviation saw similar upgrades. The licence-built Dornier Do-228, a German design from the 1980s, was retrofitted with EO pods for coastal surveillance, creating real-time ISTAR capability. These low-cost aircraft now supplement the Indian Navy's expensive P-8I Poseidons. In conflict zones like Kashmir, the Northeast, and Punjab, the Army turned civilian vehicles – tractors, Maruti Gypsies, Nissan Jongas – into light armoured vehicles, fitting them with machine guns and communications gear. These improvised platforms, often built in local workshops, were ideal for rugged terrain and counterinsurgency missions. Also Read: The Wonders of Jugaad in the Indian and Pakistani Militaries Army engineers also regularly adapted commercial cranes and trucks into mobile bridging systems for flood relief and operations in high-altitude zones – quick, local solutions that proved invaluable during emergencies. Looking forward, there is significant export potential in jugaad -style life-extension kits, low-cost battlefield management systems, drone jammers, and retrofit packages – particularly for countries still operating Soviet-origin tanks, APCs, and aircraft. Indian start-ups and state research labs are also blending off-the-shelf components with limited imports to build drones, simulators, and training systems – many of which proved effective during Operation Sindoor. What this shows is that when jugaad is embedded in a formal engineering framework, it can drive a new model of affordable hybrid innovation. But to scale globally, it must be codified – its ingenuity preserved, but refined into standardised, export-ready packages. Veterans argue the Ministry of Defence must evolve from a gatekeeper into a facilitator – empowering the private sector, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, to lead in adapting India's jugaad model for international markets. That shift requires simplifying procurement rules, speeding up export clearances, and investing in documentation and quality control. Only by cutting red tape and backing Indian innovation can the country transform its battlefield experience into a global defence asset. But unlocking potential ultimately rests with the MoD – still hampered by bureaucracy and risk aversion. Whether it can rise to the moment remains uncertain.
