Latest news with #Chakravarti
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
From colonial liberation to personal freedom: How Guwahati students view independence today
Guwahati: While national pride still resonates with many, for today's youth, independence is no longer just about flag-hoisting ceremonies or remembering colonial struggles. It's about the freedom to live, speak, and exist authentically. While speaking with college students, TOI explored how young Indians perceive freedom today. Many expressed that while political independence was achieved 78 years ago, true independence remains elusive, arguing that political freedom alone does not guarantee personal, economic, or social liberation. For them, the idea of independence feels flawed — a concept that often falls short in practice, especially in a world where self-expression and opportunity are still limited. For them, freedom is not just a historical milestone — it's a lived experience, and one they're still fighting for. Bipanshi Chakravarti, a political science student from Handique Girl's College, believes that true independence would be realised when society makes space for them, and ensures equal opportunities to live, grow and contribute without discrimination or neglect. "Freedom after all is not complete until it extends to every living being who shares our streets, our resources and our future," Chakravarti said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Premium SCO plots at an offer price till 31st August Microtek Grandfront, Gurugram Undo While students define independence as the freedom to choose a career without parental pressure or to act without societal constraints, they also highlight a clear generational divide in how freedom is understood and experienced today. "During our grandparents' time, the idea of independence was completely different, back when our country was under colonial rule, it was all about survival — food, shelter, political stability. Ours is all about expression, climate, responsibility and equality. Our elders literally fought to rebuild a nation from scratch, we on the other hand are trying to shape a fairer one," said Konkona Bharadwaj, a student of Tata Institute of Social Science. In today's digital age, where communication has been transformed by technology, young people find themselves navigating a complex landscape of expression. While some believe that online platforms have empowered them to speak creatively and amplify unheard voices, others feel constrained by invisible boundaries. Many students shared that freedom of speech exists only within unwritten limits — beyond which they risk legal, social, or political repercussions. In both physical and virtual spaces, the fear of backlash, trolling, or being targeted often forces them into silence, making true freedom of expression feel conditional and fragile. According to Sabique Hasan Ahmed, a resident of Guwahati and a student at BR Ambedkar University, social media can serve as a powerful platform for student activism, offering visibility to their causes and inspiring others to take a stand. However, he said he has not been able to express his opinions online, without being trolled by unknown faces. "I have experienced in the last three years, I have stopped posting frequently, and even if I do, it will be on an important topic which will align sentimentally with others," Ahmed said. Udipta Nobis, a student of Gauhati Commerce College, noted that people are often quick to report, bully, or censor anyone whose opinions differ from their own. This growing intolerance in public discourse replaces healthy debate with hostility, making individuals feel unsafe to voice their perspectives. "Over time, such an environment can take a toll on mental health, as constant fear of being targeted or humiliated online leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and social withdrawal. The pressure to conform, coupled with the risk of public shaming, not only silences diverse viewpoints but also erodes the emotional well-being of young people," Nobis said. 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 !
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Indian Express
Postal department officer flags ‘suspicious' hirings, seeks CBI probe into ‘organised recruitment gang' in Haryana circle
Flagging 'suspicious recruitments' in the Haryana circle of the Department of Post, the Gurugram Post Master General has sought a CBI probe into the possibility of an 'organised recruitment gang' operating within the department, The Indian Express has learnt. According to sources, in separate letters to Sanjay Singh, the Chief Post Master General (C-PMG) of Haryana Circle and the CBI on July 11, PMG Gurugram Aakash Deep Chakravarti also alleged that no action has been taken despite repeatedly bringing these to the notice of senior officials of his department. When contacted, Chakravarti confirmed to The Indian Express that he had written to the department and CBI's Chandigarh unit. 'There are at least 70 cases of recruitment which raise many doubts. These indicate a big recruitment gang operating in the department, and this needs to be investigated,' he said. In his letter, Chakravarti further wrote: 'This issue is being vigorously pursued with you and your office since November 2024 but charge memo has not been issued… Since no action has been taken by your office, it is presumed that you are protecting (the said employee)… In such a scenario, the case is being marked to DIG, CBI, Chandigarh as organised gang is operating in Haryana Circle for a long time and jobs given to persons who are not qualified to hold the post.' The letter also cites a recent case in which an employee allegedly mentioned his qualification as 'Intermediate from Delhi University'. The department reached out to the Registrar of Delhi University, who clarified that there's no such degree, it goes on to say, adding that the employee did not respond to the letters and the show-cause notice issued to him. An FIR in the case was registered in March 2024. According to sources, of these 70 posts, some are in the feeder category – that is employees who can be promoted to higher, and in this case, gazetted roles. Others, meanwhile, are clerical roles. Sanjay Singh confirmed that he had received the letter. 'We will inquire about the matter from our department,' he said. According to sources, the alleged 'suspicious' recruitments were done in the last five years. Shyamlal Yadav is one of the pioneers of the effective use of RTI for investigative reporting. He is a member of the Investigative Team. His reporting on polluted rivers, foreign travel of public servants, MPs appointing relatives as assistants, fake journals, LIC's lapsed policies, Honorary doctorates conferred to politicians and officials, Bank officials putting their own money into Jan Dhan accounts and more has made a huge impact. He is member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). He has been part of global investigations like Paradise Papers, Fincen Files, Pandora Papers, Uber Files and Hidden Treasures. After his investigation in March 2023 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York returned 16 antiquities to India. Besides investigative work, he keeps writing on social and political issues. ... Read More
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Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
TCS announces leadership rejig with a focus on AI-first transformation
With a focus on AI-first transformation, India's largest information technology (IT) services player Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Wednesday announced key leadership changes. As part of this transformation, the company appointed Janardhan Santhanam as the chief information officer (CIO) with effect from July 1, 2025. Sanathanam will be reporting to the chief operating officer (COO) Aarthi Subramanian. The company added that Krishnakanth Narayanrao, who heads Ultimatix, will report to Sanathanam. Ultimatix is an internal platform that caters to TCS employees to access various resources and services. 'The AI-first transformation of TCS is as much about culture as it is about technology. This will require exceptional collaboration across functions and groups, and active participation from each one of you,' wrote K Krithivasan, CEO and MD, TCS in an internal email to employees announcing these changes. The email has been seen by Business Standard. Sanathanam has been with TCS for 25 years, and brings deep experience across technology, delivery, domain and talent development. 'The opportunities to leverage AI to reimagine various aspects of our operations are immense. We must now look at how we can leverage AI technologies to achieve greater efficiency, improve employee experience, and enhance customer engagement. Our goal will be to make TCS the best showcase of what can be achieved with AI,' he said. TCS also announced the elevation of Sreenivasa Chakravarti as the head of IoT and Digital Engineering Services with effect from July 1, 2025. He takes this role over from Regu Ayyaswamy who retires from TCS on September 30, 2025. Chakravarti will also report to COO Subramanian. Chakravarti has been part of the IoT-DE unit and has been responsible for sales, delivery & operations for the last two years. Ayyaswamy will be mentoring and supporting Chakravarti over the next quarter, said the email addressed to employees by Subramanian. These leadership changes are in lieu with the focus on AI, data and cloud along with security and enterprise solutions. A few months back the company also announced the appointment of a COO and a chief strategy officer. TCS will be announcing its first quarter FY26 results on July 10. The company closed FY25 with revenue of ₹255,342 crore. It crossed the $30 billion revenue milestone. The order book TCV for FY25 was at $39.2 billion.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan: Ronit Roy gets emotional as the character of King Someshwar comes to an end; says 'I'm walking away with a lot of memories, lessons, and love'
It's an emotional moment for actor Ronit Bose Roy and fans of Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, as the story progresses and we bid farewell to the powerful and dignified character, King Someshwar played by Ronit Bose Roy. Known for his commanding screen presence and nuanced performances, Ronit brought depth, grace, and gravitas to the role of the noble king, winning hearts across generations. Ronit's portrayal of King Someshwar, a ruler torn between duty, destiny, and the love for his son, Prithviraj has left an indelible mark on the show. As the story progresses, King Someshwar faces an untimely death, and a new chapter will unfold in this epic saga. Ronit opened about the experience of playing King Someshwar, 'Portraying King Someshwar has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career, it's not just about the costume or the crown, it's about carrying the weight of a father, a ruler, and a man torn between duty and emotion. I poured my heart into every scene, and I am looking forward to what comes ahead in the story. I'm walking away with a lot of memories, lessons, and love. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.89 Cr.* Hero Homes Learn More Undo I wish the entire team continued success and hope the show reaches even greater heights in the times to come." Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan stars Basant Kumar, Padmini Kolhapure, Anuja Sathe, Ronit Roy, Rumi Khan and Urva Savaliya, who plays the young Prithviraj Chauhan. He showcases the early life and journey to becoming a legendary warrior king. In conversation with Ronit Roy
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Gave her life to Air India: Mother of Saineeta, first crew member laid to rest after Ahmedabad crash
The last rites and funeral of flight attendant Saineeta Chakravarti, 35, one of the victims of the fateful June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, took place at her home in Santacruz on Monday, after her DNA sample matched with that of her family. Chakravarti's remains were the first from the 12-member crew, most of whom were from Mumbai, to be brought to the city. Over 100 people gathered at her modest home at Juhu Koliwada and later at her funeral at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium, amid heavy rain. Among her family members, distant relatives, and neighbours were her fellow Air India crew members and former colleagues from her previous stint at GoAir. Also Read | DNA verification completed for 119 victims in Air India plane crash While some colleagues had taken a day off from work, others had flown down to Mumbai and rushed to the funeral directly from the airport to pay their respects. They all spoke fondly of Chakravarti. 'She was always courteous and had a smile on her face. She was very communicative and understanding,' said her Air India colleague and friend of eight years, who did not want to be named. 'She was fierce and passionate about her job. She loved her independence, took care of her family dearly and had great dreams,' said her grandmother, Anjali Chakaravarti, as she swiped through Saineeta's photos from her many trips. Anjali stopped at a photo taken in Bangkok, which happened to be her last trip. 'She brought gifts for everyone from her trips. Last time, she had brought some perfumes on Eid,' said Anjali, teary-eyed. Also Read | Did double engine failure cause the Air India plane crash? PIB fact-checks Always fond of airplanes since childhood, Saineeta looked up to her aunt, who was also a flight attendant. 'She took inspiration from me and passed it along to her nieces, and made me quite proud,' said her aunt, who did not wish to be named. Saineeta was the sole breadwinner in her immediate family of three. Her father, Abin Chakravarti, who was sleep-deprived after going to Ahmedabad to identify his daughter's remains and the tedious paperwork that followed, said, 'We were not in a state to travel, so we sent two of her cousins for the DNA sampling. But a lot of documentation work had to be done, so I had to go. Air India gave us two more tickets for me and one aide, and we flew down the day before yesterday. We got a glimpse of the crash site. I can't get the visuals out of my head. I haven't had time to process the loss.' As Saineeta's pyre burned, her distraught mother bid adieu with the salutation of 'Jai Hind', which echoed the prayer room. 'My daughter gave her life for Air India,' she said.
