Latest news with #Kamla
News18
03-08-2025
- Climate
- News18
Rivers in spate in Bihar after heavy rain, CM directs officials to remain alert
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Patna, Aug 3 (PTI) The water levels in several rivers in Bihar have risen due to heavy rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed all officials concerned to remain alert. According to the latest district-wise rainfall bulletin issued by the Meteorological Department on Sunday, 'Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Patna, Banka, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gayaji, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda and Vaishali since August 2." Several key roads and many low-lying areas in Patna were waterlogged following incessant rain in the state capital on Sunday. The Meteorological Department issued an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for several districts, including Patna, Gayaji, Jamui, Aurangabad, Khagaria, Banka, Vaishali, Samastipur, Seikhpura, Lakhisarai, East Champaran, Arwal, West Champaran and Nawada for the next 48 hours. Officials of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) said that incessant rain in several districts has caused rivers and streams to overflow. The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise, they said. Besides, incessant rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal has also led to the rivers touching or flowing above the danger level in several places, they added. No causality has been reported so far, and in certain areas in East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, villagers of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places by the district administration. 'Owing to moderate to heavy rain in certain areas in the state, major rivers, including Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla, and Adahrwa, are maintaining a rising trend in their courses in the past couple of days," the latest report of the WRD said. Ganga is flowing above the danger level in Bhagalpur, and at Gandhi Ghat and Hathidah in Patna, Burhi Gandak in East Champaran, and Kosi in Supaul and Khagaria, it added. 'Almost all rivers are maintaining a rising trend throughout their courses, engulfing low-lying localities along their courses. However, all embankments are safe," a senior WRD official said. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Sunday inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). According to a statement issued by the DMD, 'During the inspection, the CM reviewed the rainfall situation in the state, water levels of rivers, and the status of crop coverage. Bihar Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the CM about the rainfall situation in the state." The CM directed all officials concerned to remain alert, it added. 'From June 1 to August 3 this year, the state recorded 409 mm of rainfall, which is 22 per cent less than normal. The ACS also mentioned that the state received good rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 25 mm or more rainfall recorded in 222 blocks across the state," the statement said. Regarding the current water levels of rivers in the state, the ACS said that the water levels in the Ganga, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak and some other rivers have risen, but the situation is currently under control. Providing details on crop coverage, he stated that as of August 3, paddy crop coverage in the state stands at 79.43 per cent, whereas it was 67.38 per cent during the same period last year. It is expected that 100 per cent coverage will be achieved by August 15 under normal circumstances, the statement added. PTI PKD ACD view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Print
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Bihar ki beti in Trinidad & Tobago, Madhubani in Argentina—Modi's poll messaging on foreign tour
The Bihar elections are still a few months away but that did not stop Modi from consistently featuring the state in his speeches, as well as in the gifts he distributed among leaders in Trinidad and Tobago and then Argentina, during his eight-day tour of these countries for the stated goal of diplomatic engagement. 'Prime Minister Kamla ji 's ancestors used to live in Buxar, Bihar. Kamla ji has also visited,' Modi said, addressing the Indian diaspora in a 3 July event in the Port of Paris, Trinidad and Tobago. 'People consider her the daughter of Bihar. Like Kamla ji , many people here have roots in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.' New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the ancestral Buxar roots of his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago, referred to her as Bihar ki beti—a subtle nod to the electorate of Bihar ahead of the state assembly elections later this year. Modi gifted Argentine Vice-President Victoria Villarruel a Madhubani painting, showcasing the cultural identity of Bihar. Additionally, his speeches in Trinidad and Tobago turned the spotlight on Bihar, highlighting the tradition of serving food on 'sohari' or cigar plant leaves and Bhojpuri folk songs of 'chaita'. In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi began his address to the Indian diaspora with 'Sita Ram' and 'Jai Shree Ram' chants in a reference to Ramlila, which is celebrated not only in the entire Awadh region in current-day Uttar Pradesh, and adjoining Bhojpur region in current-day Bihar, but also in Trinidad and Tobago. After the completion of the Ayodhya Ram temple, the Bihar cabinet, only last week, approved the construction of another grand temple, this time for Sita, at her birthplace of Sitamarhi at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore. Modi will likely lay the foundation stone of a Sita temple at Sitamarhi before the state elections. His Bihar outreach reached a high point on 4 July when Modi called Persad-Bissessar 'Bihar ki beti' during his address at a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to give a speech at the Red House. Naming other eminent Trinidad and Tobago nationals with an India connection, including President Christine Carla Kangaloo, scholar Rudranath Capildeo, and music icon Sundar Popo, among others, Modi added, 'Descendants of 'Girmitiyas' are no longer defined by struggle, but by their success, service, and values.' 'Girmitiyas' refer to Indian indentured labourers forced to go to other British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to work at plantations. Kamla received from Modi a replica of the Ram Temple and water from the Saryu, a river famous for flowing through Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, another state, like Bihar, with similar links to Trinidad and Tobago. The significance of the upcoming Bihar elections on his mind, Modi sprinkled Bhojpuri in his speeches in Trinidad and Tobago while using the soft power of Bihar and the gifts symbolising its culture to win hearts in the Caribbean nation, and to some extent, in Argentina. In another instance, when Modi sent Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and Kiren Rijiju as special envoys to the 6 July celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, the Union ministers did not miss the opportunity to highlight the historical and cultural connection between Bihar and Buddhism. Considered the birthplace of Buddhism, Bihar boasts numerous significant Buddhist sites, including Nalanda and Vikramshila. Also read: 'Arbitrary, to be replicated in Bengal.' What pleas by ADR, Mahua challenging EC's Bihar exercise say A woman PM with Bihar roots Using Bhojpuri in his address before the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Modi said, 'You left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in your hearts. You left your soil but not your soul. You were not just migrants but messengers of timeless civilisation. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi may be cities in India, but here, they are also names of streets. Navratri, Maha Shivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit, and pride. I know your deep faith in Prabhu Ram.' Specifically, the Prime Minister referred to Patna, the capital of Bihar, to remind people that there is a Patna Street in Trinidad and Tobago. He praised Kamla again and again, not only to strengthen diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago but also to send a message to women voters in Bihar—how one woman, with roots in Bihar, is now the prime minister of another country. Kamla's ancestral town of Buxar is known as the gateway to Bhojpur. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the significance of Bhojpur was evident as the BJP lost two key seats in the belt—Buxar, where RJD candidate Sudhakar Singh won after the BJP denied a ticket to Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, and Ara, where Union Minister R.K. Singh lost. Both seats have a strong presence of RJD and CPI(ML). Bhojpur remains crucial for the NDA in the upcoming state elections. Another display of Bihar symbolism was the traditional Indian attire of several parliamentarians welcoming the Indian Prime Minister on 3 July in the Port of Spain, where Modi enjoyed a Bhojpuri 'chautaal' performance of folk songs. Later, from Modi's X handle, a post in Bhojpuri language was uploaded, praising the significance of Bhojpuri folk singing, especially 'chaita'. Several Bihar BJP leaders shared the post. At the welcome ceremony, Modi appreciated the vibrant performance, highlighting the enduring cultural bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago. BJP Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde posted on X that the Prime Minister also joined in the 'chaita' singing. Modi later posted on X, 'A cultural connect like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy (sic).' Sung in Bhojpuri across Bihar, especially Bhojpur district, and eastern Uttar Pradesh during the month of 'chaitra', 'chaita' expresses joy, love, and nature. Professor Diwakar Pandey from the department of Bhojpuri language at Veer Kunwar Singh University in Ara, told The Print, 'Chaita is a celebration of devotion to the gods of the season. After Holi, in the Bhojpur region, different tolis (groups) of people sing chaita. Once the gol (lead singing group) is chosen, the singing continues throughout chaitra.' 'Kamla ji's ancestors are from Buxar, and the Prime Minister's praise of Bhojpur and Bihar's cultural heritage abroad signified the importance of Bihar. Elections are fought not only on the ground but also in mind. Symbolism in politics has helped BJP reach a broader base in Bihar.' The dinner for Modi and Kamla also had a Bihar link—the main highlight was not the mouth-watering menu but how the food was served on 'sohari' leaves. In many parts of Bhojpur, food is traditionally served on cigar plant/banana leaves. The word 'sohari' comes from Bhojpuri and means 'food for the gods'. The leaves are commonly used in religious ceremonies in Bihar. Bigger political messaging Forty percent of Trinidad and Tobago's population have Indian ancestry. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, nearly 5.5 lakh people of Indian origin reside in the Caribbean nation. Of them, most hail from Indian indentured labourers who arrived between 1845 and 1917. There are also 1,800 Non-Resident Indians in Trinidad and Tobago. On the last leg of his trip in Argentina, Modi gifted a Madhubani painting of the Sun to Victoria Eugenia Villarruel, showcasing one of the oldest Indian folk traditions from the Mithila region of Bihar. Renowned for bold lines, intricate patterns, and natural colours, Madhubani art traditionally adorned walls. Earlier in June, Modi gifted another Madhubani painting to Korean President Lee Jae-myung during the G7 summit. A Bihar BJP leader said, 'Before Modi, several prime ministers used to visit many countries to build diplomatic relationships, but they never used such opportunities to praise the cultural diversity of the states. In every foreign trip, the PM tells the world of our rich cultural heritage via such exchanges. It has its impact not only on the diaspora but the domestic audience, too.' To visit the Dalai Lama, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, was an obvious choice. However, the choice of Lallan Singh from Bihar, where many holy places of the Buddhist community stand today, was political. It sent a message to the Buddhist community and also highlighted Bihar's historical and spiritual significance. Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, and Nalanda, a renowned medieval Buddhist monastery, are significant sites for Buddhists. Nalanda is also the home district of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. One of BJP's senior leaders said, 'Picking up Lallan Singh was a thought-out decision. Otherwise, Arunachal Chief Minister [Pema Khandu] and Kiren Rijiju are practising Buddhists. By picking an alliance partner minister from Bihar, known as 'Buddha land', the PM used this opportunity not only for diplomacy but for bigger political messaging.' (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also read: Bihar slips in Centre's school index—infra decline in 14 of 38 districts, lags in digital learning
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Buxar beams with pride as PM hails ancestral ties in Trinidad & Tobago
Patna: Residents of Buxar were filled with pride and emotion after Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi highlighted the cultural and historical significance of their region during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Modi, who was welcomed with a traditional Bhojpuri "chautaal" and served food on a "sohari" leaf, referred to the ancestral ties of Trinidad and Tobago's PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar with Bihar. "Her ancestors lived in Buxar. Kamla ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar," Modi said. Kamla traces her roots to Bhelupur village in Itarhi block of Buxar district, which she last visited in 2012. "She is the daughter of my family and panchayat and made us proud. Hundreds of people from the state and district congratulated us when she became PM for the second time earlier this year," said Chunmun Choubey, mukhiya of Kukudha panchayat. Kamla, now 73, earlier served as PM from 2010 to 2015. "She, along with her husband Gregory Bissessar and a 20-member delegation, visited Bhelupur in Jan 2012. Her grandfather, Ram Lakhan Mishra, son of Bhawani Swaroop Mishra, had migrated to Trinidad in 1889," Choubey told this newspaper over the phone. Shambhu Nath Pandey, a resident of Brahmpur in Buxar, said, "My happiness knew no bounds when Modi addressed Kamla ji as the 'daughter of Bihar'. It is a matter of pride not only for Buxar or Bihar but for the entire country that someone with roots here is leading a govt abroad. As the PM rightly said, our people carry with them their civilisation and culture wherever they go." Chandan Ram, a social activist from Dharampur near Bhelupur, recalled meeting her during her 2012 visit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Nothing could bring more joy to the panchayat and to Buxar than PM Modi praising Kamla ji and Bihar on foreign soil. Before her visit, Bhelupur didn't even have a road. Now it has all the basic facilities," he said. Industries minister Nitish Mishra added, "When PM Modi mentioned the glorious history and cultural legacy of Bihar from the land of Trinidad and Tobago, every Bihari's chest swelled with pride." Health minister Mangal Pandey said the heritage of Bihar was not only India's pride but a treasure for the entire world.
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
‘Daughter of Bihar': PM Modi Honors Trinidad and Tobago PM's Roots with Bhojpuri Chautaal Welcome
India news today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Thursday in T&T) arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day official PM Modi Trinidad visit, as the second leg of his five nation tour. In Trinidad and Tobago, he addressed his counterpart PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar as 'Bihar ki Beti' (daughter of Bihar) and talked about her Bihar roots Trinidad and Tobago. 'The family of Kamla ji originally lived in Buxar, Bihar." She herself has also been there. The people here proudly call her Bihar ki Beti,' PM Modi said while speaking to the Indian diaspora in the capital Port of Spain. 'So many of you have roots in Bihar,' he further added, congratulating the people of Trinidad and Tobago on their cultural connect with India. PM Modi on Friday (Thursday in T&T) on arrival was received at the airport by the PM of T&T Kamla, who was donning an Indian outfit along with her entire Cabinet. Cabinet members also participated by donning Indian traditional wear. In Port of Spain, PM Modi was received with a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance. The Prime Minister posted a video on X with the following caption: 'Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Trinidad & Tobago! Speaking to the Indian community in Trinidad, Prime Minister Modi praised their role in the country's development and the deep ancestral connection that the community in Trinidad shares with India. He also gifted the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago a replica of the Ram Mandir replica and holy water from the Sangam at the Maha Kumbh and the Sarayu River in Ayodhya. PM Modi also spoke about Buxar, Bihar and the international significance of the Bihar's culture in his speech. He said: 'Bihar's legacy is not just a matter of pride for India, but for the entire world. In democracy and education, in diplomacy, Bihar has led the way. I am sure the soil will continue to inspire the 21st century.'
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Out Of School, Into Adulthood: Voices Of Lost Childhoods Echo At Conclave
New Delhi: It started off like any other event — a quiet room, a screen, a few rows of chairs. But everything changed as soon as a catchy song filled the hall — honest and straight from the heart. It talked about child labour , abuse under POCSO, and the kind of childhood that ends too soon. "Even saying 'POCSO' was tough," one child said. "But now we know what it means, and what to do." What gave the lyrics meaning was the fact that the children who sang them were right there in the room. These weren't just performers. Some had dropped out of school. Some were forced into adulthood too soon. Some were trying to return to school. Some already had. Each of them carried a story that lingered long after the music ended. Like Sunil (name changed), who used to spend his days picking through garbage. School was never an option for him till Childhood Enhancement Through Training and Action (Chetna), an NGO, helped him get into Class III. That was the first time he held a pencil instead of a scrap. Or Kamla (name changed), whose eyes brimmed with emotion even before her story began. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo She dropped out twice — first because her family couldn't afford to keep her in school, and then after she was pushed into child marriage. Now, she's holding on to the hope of starting again. Until then, art and craft are her escape. Far away from her home in Bihar, Anushka (name changed) moved to Delhi just last year. Now, in Class IX, this is the first time she's seeing what a real school looks like. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi On Thursday, many young minds like them came from different corners to know what stakeholders really have to offer. Officials from key departments like the women and child development and education, and child rights activists all gathered for the stakeholder convergence organised by Chetna in collaboration with NACG EVAC. The discussion focused on how systems can better support children like them . A comic book created by kids, "Chotu and Shera," reiterated the same struggles while advocating for child rights. But the question remains, how to strengthen the system on the ground. "We've submitted recommendations to the secretary, including the need for a Delhi State Child Protection Policy, new Juvenile Justice Rules, and a State Creche Policy," said Madhavi Kotwal Samson, state convenor of NACG EVAC. "We're glad the suggestions were received positively." Responding to the proposed suggestions, women and child development secretary Rashmi Singh stressed the importance of creating the right communication channels between children and stakeholders, adding, "No child should be left behind. These children are smiling — and that's what we should aim for ." Sanjay Gupta, director of Chetna, highlighted the importance of such meets in laying a strong foundation. "Delhi, as the capital, has a unique opportunity to showcase exemplary models in child participation, development and protection." However, the way to a brighter future for the kids is fraught with challenges. Pankaj Bhatia, a cluster coordinator of the West Delhi district, said that once, a girl stood before a mobile awareness van with tears in her eyes. The van, part of the Sandesh Vahan initiative, played videos about the right to education and the joy of learning. When asked why she was crying, she simply said, "I want to go to school." But her reality was harsher — she stayed home to care for her younger siblings while her parents worked. It took a determined cluster coordinator, Pankaj Bhatia, to enrol the siblings in an anganwadi. A recent survey conducted by Samagra Shiksha identified around 11,000-12,000 children who dropped out or were never enrolled. "This time, a standard operating procedure was released because documentation was a major hurdle in the previous years. However, despite identifying the children, enrolling them is a separate challenge altogether," said Sunita Yadav, coordinator, out-of-school children, Samagra Shiksha. For Nahar Singh, joint director (retd), SCERT, the issue isn't just about enrolment. It's about the integrity of the system itself. "Where are the remaining kids?" he asked, pointing out that daily attendance in govt schools hovers around 72%. Some of this, he says, is due to manipulations by parents who admit the same child to multiple schools using different names. On the ground, those connected directly to the school system, like Simmi Sachdeva, former principal, NDMC, and OSD to director, NDMC Education, are trying to create ecosystems that make school a place children want to come to.
