Latest news with #Heera
Indian Express
01-08-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘If Idgah was the doorway, Do Bailon Ki Katha was the mirror': Remembering Premchand
On what would have been Munshi Premchand's 145th birthday, I find myself returning to a story that reshaped how I saw the world. If Idgah was the doorway into Premchand's world, Do Bailon Ki Katha was the mirror he held up to society. Hamid may have taught us love and sacrifice, but it was Heera and Moti, the two oxen in this short story, who stirred something deeper in me when I was all of 13. We often read stories with human protagonists, but this was different. It was not a tale of arrogant kings, powerful Gods, or even ordinary men. It was a story of two humble bullocks. Voiceless and speechless, these animals of burden, tirelessly toil in fields, yet Premchand lends them vivid personalities. I still remember reading that first page and feeling strangely emotional. The story has stayed with me. Heera and Moti dearly loved their master, Jhuri, and shared a remarkable camaraderie. Both were self-respecting, brave, and benevolent. Their owner treated them with affection. One day, however, they were sent to Jhuri's in-laws' house, where they were mistreated and forced to plough fields beyond their strength. Once free-spirited, they soon found themselves bound in suffering. Unable to bear the injustice, they revolted. They broke free, caused chaos, and ultimately ran away, only to be separated. Eventually, they were auctioned off to a butcher. Miraculously, they escaped from the slaughter house and made their way back to their rightful owner. The narrative that follows is layered with humour, sorrow, and empathy. The two are reunited, but not before we see the world through their wounds. What strikes me most, even today, is not only the animal friendship but how Premchand exposes human hypocrisy. The two oxen behave more honourably than the men around them. They do not speak, yet their protest is louder than any slogan. They refuse to become machines of greed. They walk away. And in that act lies the story of every worker, every underpaid laborer, every being resisting cruelty. It was the first story that made me question authority. Why should endurance be expected simply because someone is silent? Why should loyalty be a license for exploitation? Heera and Moti were not just bullocks. They were symbols. Their pain was real, and so was their choice to escape it. For a ninth-grade student, this story offered the first glimpse of quiet rebellion. In this seemingly simple tale, Premchand opens with a metaphor, of a donkey, often mocked and rarely understood. For him, the donkey represents tolerance. Regardless of what life offers, joy or sorrow, it remains unmoved, like a monk. In a world where emotions often scream louder than actions, Premchand praises the virtue of composure. Unfortunately, humans mistake this stillness for stupidity. Perhaps it is because we lack what the donkey possesses: patience and grace. Similarly, Heera and Moti were not mere animals in a field. They were friends, brothers, comrades. The story begins with them licking and nudging each other: small gestures of affection that speak to a bond stronger than any chain. Whether feeding from the same trough or pulling the same plough, they carried one another's burdens. Even during hardship, they never abandoned each other. Their trial arrives in the form of a violent bull. But this is not just a fight between animals. It is a metaphor for how all beings—human or otherwise—must stand together in moments of crisis. Heera fights to protect Moti, even when escape is possible. Later, when the wall of the slaughterhouse collapses and freedom is near, Moti does not run alone. He waits for Heera, who refuses to leave. Whether it is sharing food or enduring beatings, the bullocks consistently place each other first. That is not merely friendship. That is solidarity. Few human friendships reflect such depth of devotion. In those scenes, Premchand shows us that courage is not always about confrontation. Sometimes, it is about choosing to stay. Premchand does not stop at exploring the bond between animals. He extends it to the relationship between humans and animals. When Heera and Moti return to Jhuri after fleeing from their new owner, Gaya, he is deeply moved. His wife may see them as mere beasts, but for Jhuri, they are part of his family. For Heera and Moti, love outweighs comfort. Premchand reminds us that animals feel. They crave affection. They mourn. They remember kindness. 'Azadi sabko chahiye.' Freedom, Premchand insists, is not limited to humans. Heera and Moti flee not from impulse but from instinct. They recognise oppression. They seek dignity. Whether it is the British colonizing India or a cruel master exploiting animals, bondage must be challenged. And when the moment comes, it must be escaped. Freedom, Premchand suggests, is always worth the struggle. The symbolism in the story is subtle, but once perceived, it cannot be forgotten. Written during colonial rule, Do Bailon Ki Katha is not only about two bullocks. It is about India itself. Premchand channels national resistance through their rebellion. Just as Heera and Moti resist cruelty, so too were India's oppressed rising against imperialism. The story does not raise slogans, but it hums with the anger of a people awakening. Premchand did not write for the intellectual elite. He did not try to impress with language. He told stories the way elders do under the shade of a neem tree. Simple, measured and unforgettable Do Bailon Ki Katha exemplifies that storytelling. Reading it brought an odd kind of maturity. I began to see the world differently, not only the world of animals, but also the lives of laborers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, and farmers. The story was never didactic, but it made me uncomfortable in the best possible way. Even now, when I read about animal cruelty or bonded labor, I find myself returning to that chapter in Kshitij. The scene where Heera and Moti collapse from exhaustion, while others stand around laughing, feels eerily familiar. We are still those bystanders. And in that sense, Premchand remains as relevant as ever. What made Premchand timeless was not merely his choice of subjects, but the tenderness with which he wrote them. His stories were not meant to shock or preach. They drew you in gently, then turned the mirror toward you. The beauty of Do Bailon Ki Katha is that it is not simply a fable. It is a human drama told through non-human characters. And perhaps that is why it stings. Because in those two oxen, we begin to see ourselves. It is curious how we grow older, but some stories seem to grow with us. When I first read it, I saw pain. Years later, I saw resistance. Now, I see companionship. I read Do Bailon Ki Katha in school. But I suspect I will remember it in life. It was Premchand's way of reminding us that even the voiceless have choices. Even the beaten down can say no. In a world that continues to normalise injustice, perhaps the most radical act is to walk away. Maybe we all carry a little of Heera and Moti within us. Maybe we are still waiting to find the courage to break free. (As I See It is a space for bookish reflection, part personal essay and part love letter to the written word.)
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
10 years jail to man under NDPS Act
Darbhanga: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act special judge-cum-ADJ-I of Darbhanga court on Tuesday awarded 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to one Mohd Rajik alias Heera, a resident of Donar under Laheriasarai PS, under Section 22 of the NDPS Act for storing intoxicating medicines on his premises. Special public prosecutor under the NDPS Act, Chamak Lal Pandit, who conducted the prosecution, said ASI Umesh Oraon of local Beta outpost lodged an FIR on May 23, 2021, after recovering the drugs. The prosecution produced six witnesses to substantiate the charge.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Good work leading to more work is a myth: Brishti Roy
Brishti Roy, who won hearts as Heera in Purataw n , spoke to us about collaborating with Sharmila Tagore , the unpredictable nature of the film industry, and why she prefers authenticity — on screen and in life. You worked with legendary actress Sharmila Tagore. Tell us about your experience. I was nervous — Sharmila ma'am has a timeless grace — but she instantly put me at ease by holding my hand and saying, 'Such a sweet girl you are.' It felt like fantasy blending into reality. One chilly shoot day by the Ganges, she saw me trying to warm my hands and wrapped them in her shawl. Another time, she noticed me knitting and said, 'Show me? You're quite good.' Our bond was quiet, warm, and genuine. Watching her taught me how to act with ease and make strangers feel like family. After 14 years of struggle, I've finally received recognition. But even then, no major offers have come in since Puratawn . That's the reality here. You just have to stay patient and keep going : Brishti Roy I want to chase roles that move me: Brishti Roy How did you bag Heera's (the caregiver of Mrs Sen's played by Sharmila Tagore) character in Suman Ghosh 's Purataw n ? I came on board purely through auditions, which I take pride in. I've always preferred earning roles over using references—it strengthens my confidence. Sabarni Das had mentioned me to Suman da, and his assistant soon called me in. I had no clue about the film's scale or that Sharmila Tagore was making a comeback. Only after two rounds of auditions and being selected did I learn who else was involved. Since the release, the response has been overwhelming. Brishti Roy tries her hand at knitting with Sharmila Tagore on the set of Puratawn You were a familiar face on television for nearly a decade. Why the shift? Television pays well, but it demands long hours. It's hard to juggle other work alongside. Had I been locked into a serial, I might've missed out on Puratawn . I've chosen uncertainty over comfort, chasing roles that move me. I'm also excited to explore more layered roles on OTT. Do you watch a lot of movies? All kinds — good and bad. I actually learned English by watching subtitled films. Coming from a Bengali-medium background, Hollywood classics helped me grasp the language. Tell us about your next projects. I've completed Kalponik by Arko Mukherjee, which is part of this year's Kolkata International Film Festival . I'm also in The National Furniture Since 1935 by Ajay Kanujia, where I acted alongside Sanjay Mishra—I play the only female character in the film. 'I brought Heera to life with gestures and details that felt personal and familar' When I got the script, Suman da (Ghosh) encouraged me to rewrite Heera in my own words. I added small gestures and mannerisms to make her feel real. It was my idea for Heera to call Sharmila ma'am 'Thammi,' which Suman da liked and added to the script. My college days at Bangabasi were invaluable. I used to commute by local trains and would often overhear conversations between domestic workers heading home. That's where I picked up the dialect, body language, tone, and rhythm — and wove those details into Heera. Brishti Roy with her pet bird, Jojo I love spending time with my bird, Jojo, talking to my orchids, and cycling. Jojo roams free and travels with me. We went to the mountains together and it was so peaceful : Brishti Roy Pix: Anindya Saha Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Property of jailed drug peddler razed in Transport Nagar
The Ludhiana police on Monday demolished the illegally constructed house of a notorious drug trafficker and convict, who is lodged in a jail, in Transport Nagar. The properties of at least eight drug peddlers have been demolished so far in the city. The police team along with Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) reached the house of the convict Lakhan, son of Heera, a resident of Hari Krishna Colony, who is currently lodged in jail serving a 10-year sentence under the NDPS Act. According to police, Lakhan has five separate cases registered against him related to drug trafficking. Assistant town planner Kuljit Singh Mangat and building inspector Harminder Singh Makkar from the MC, confirmed that the demolished house had been built illegally on municipal land that was earmarked for vehicle parking under the Transport Nagar development scheme. 'The action sends a clear message—there is no place for drug traffickers in Punjab,' said commissioner Swapan Sharma. 'The Punjab government is adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, and strict action will continue against those involved in the trade.' Police said the demolition is part of a broader crackdown where assets illegally acquired through the drug trade are being seized or razed. Commissioner Sharma warned other traffickers to quit the drug trade or face similar consequences. 'The state's youth have been led astray by such individuals,' he added. Crackdown on drug properties May 1: The Khanna police, in collaboration with the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), demolished houses of three drug traffickers in Dhamot Kalan village, Payal. March 24: The Ludhiana police, in coordination with MC, razed a two-storey residential property of a drug peddler in Rajouri Garden Colony, Haibowal. March 19: The Khanna police and MC demolished the illegal property of alleged drug trafficker Munish Tandon, who is lodged in jail. March 18: The Ludhiana Rural police, in collaboration with panchayat authorities, razed an unauthorised two-storey house of an alleged drug peddler in Burj Hari Singh village. March 6: The Khanna police and MC demolished six buildings in the town's Meat Market. March 4: The Ludhiana police, in a joint operation with Railways, demolished properties of two drug peddling accused in Talwandi Kalan village of Ladhowal.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jefferson Award winner brought spirit of giving to USA
Mar. 21—LIMA — Heera Shenoy left India with her husband and 2 1/2-year-old son in 1982. They came to the United States seeking a better life, and Shenoy knew it would take hard work and plenty of it to succeed in the New World. She was willing to make that commitment. Today, at age 88, she continues to amaze others much younger with her commitment to volunteerism. Shenoy is in her 15th year of volunteer service at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, averaging 88 volunteer hours each month. That service has not gone unnoticed as she is one of nine winners of the 2025 Jefferson Award for Public Service. Getting Heera Shenoy to lend her time and talents wherever needed is the easy part of this story. Getting the petite woman to step into the spotlight — even for a brief moment — is much more difficult. "I would be happy if this story wasn't written," she chided during an interview in recognition of her Jefferson Award. "I was even nominated without my knowledge. I don't volunteer my time to get attention. I feel good when I can give back to society," Shenoy said. "When we first came to this country we went through a lot of hardships and now I can understand the problems of others and help out wherever I can. I volunteer because I like to do it." New country, new job Trained in India with a Master's degree in cytogenetics, Shenoy found work at St. Rita's Hospital — now Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center — in the accounting, finance and IT departments. She worked in the IT field for the hospital for 43 years before her job was outsourced some 10 years ago. "I worked 85 to 90 hours a week for 24 years; one day job and one night job," Shenoy said. Today she volunteers at Mercy Health and the India Club. She takes people to appointments, escorts Haitian ladies to nursing homes to look for employment and brings food to elderly shut-ins. She is also a fixture at the Mercy Health Thrift Store in Lima. Without hesitation "Heera gives — her time, her talents, her resources — without hesitation," said Sara Heitmeyer, volunteer/auxiliary resource director for the hospital. "Her willingness to help those in need lifts up all who come in contact with her. She is completely unaware of how much she impacts those she helps. Heera feels that she has been blessed and therefore must bless others." Heitmeyer said Shenoy worked two jobs for many years to put her son through college. "Heera came to this country (from India) with very little. It's because of the hardships she herself has faced that she is so sensitive to the needs of others." "I have known Heera since 2007 when she volunteered as an assistant treasurer for the India Club in Cridersville," Heidi Barnett said. "She has volunteered at St. Rita's since 2005. She helped build a shelter for Eagle Scouts, contributed regularly to St. Jude's and helped settle new arrivals from India by opening her heart and her home. She has regularly donated and collected donations for Goodwill and the Lima Soup Kitchen. "Heera is a pious, devout Hindu Brahmin. She is humble, caring and wants to help others like a soldier of God and a silent worker without expecting any return," Barnett said. Maddie Brunner, fitness coordinator at Mercy Health, said Shenoy exhibits "exceptional dedication" that contributes to the center's success. "Heera comes to the fitness center six days a week and cleans for us. She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and brings a lot of joy to the fitness center. She never fails to being a smile to the faces of those working out in the center." Featured Local Savings
