Latest news with #KaranSingh
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Global outreach good; Indira Gandhi too did it: Congress veteran Karan Singh
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Congress veteran Karan Singh , former Sadar-i-Riyasat of J&K, has welcomed the Centre's move to send multi-party delegations on a global outreach against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and said the then prime minister Indira Gandhi too had initiated a similar exercise ahead of the 1971 war by sending her ministers, including him, to various countries. Talking to ET, Singh said the situation after the recent Indo-Pak conflict warrants the Centre to quickly restore statehood to the Union Territory of J& said, "It (outreach) is a very good idea. Before the (1971) Bangladesh war, Mrs Gandhi too had sent her ministers around the world for this very purpose. I was then sent to four countries, the GDR, Romania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. If individual ministers were sent then, now MPs are being sent for the same purpose. It is a good step. Firstly, it projects a unified image. It helps us educate other countries about how Pakistan is so deeply involved in terrorist activities. It also helps us, hopefully, build a global opinion because during the war surprisingly no country came out in support of us."On the Centre and armed forces' response to Pahalgam killings, he said: "I am glad the PM gave a free hand to the forces. They performed very well by first hitting nine terrorist camps, and as Pakistan responded, our forces gave a good reply. I am relieved the war stopped, because it was on an escalatory ladder. The government's response was robust and it struck a delicate balance between responding effectively and yet not escalating too much."Singh said, "It is a very appropriate time now to grant statehood to J&K. First, the government has promised the Supreme Court and Parliament that statehood will be granted at the appropriate time. I feel this is the appropriate time. Second, the present situation, with power divided between the governor and the chief minister, is very awkward. For example, the CM is not involved in security matters. At all those meetings that happened prior to Pahalgam, CM Omar Abdullah was not involved. If the elected CM is not involved in security, how do you expect the security to be properly organised! Thirdly, J&K was a very important state. It was also the biggest state in British India. From being the crown of India, J&K has been demoted to being a Union Territory, even below Himachal Pradesh. Psychologically, J&K people want the statehood back. They deserve it because the people of Kashmir have come out strongly against Pakistan... Special care should be taken to address the regional imbalance and sense of neglect of Jammu, which was the hardest hit during the war."
The Wire
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
What to Do When Your Mother-Tongue Fades Away
Karan Singh with Rohan Qurashi. Photo: By arrangement. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Born heir apparent to Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh was catapulted into political life at an early age of 18 when, in 1949, he was appointed regent by his father on the intervention of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1967, Singh was inducted as a member of the Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At 36, he was the youngest person ever to become a central cabinet minister in India. Singh was for many years chancellor of the Jammu and Kashmir University, the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Banaras Hindu University. He was also the only former ruler of a princely state to voluntarily surrender his privy purse. Singh has been Ambassador of India to the United States from 1989 to 1990. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, a high civilian award, by the president in 2005. He is an honorary Major General in the Indian Army. He is also an author, having written a number of books on political science and philosophy. He has also published poems in English. He has composed and recited devotional songs in his mother tongue, Dogri. In his travels across Jammu, this author found that in urban areas, most people cannot write in Dogri and are often hesitant to speak it. While a few take pride in their linguistic heritage, the majority do not actively engage with it. In contrast, rural communities remain much more connected to their culture and roots. There is a stronger sense of concern among them regarding the preservation and survival of the Dogri language. Below are excerpts from a conversation with Singh on the language. What is the status of the Dogri language in Jammu? When I toured both the cities and rural areas many years ago, Dogri could be heard everywhere, all the time. But over the years, I've observed that in urban areas, people have largely shifted to speaking Hindi or other local languages. However, in rural regions, Dogri is still very much alive. There, you'll find many people, both young and old, who not only speak the language fluently but can also write it. But you're right – even I have felt this decline. What's more disheartening is that many of those who do speak Dogri now speak a mixed version – an amalgamation of Dogri and Punjabi. It pains me deeply to see our mother tongue slowly fading away. Can you tell us about how Dogri language came to be recognised and what more needs to be done to keep it alive? The history of the Dogri language is both ancient and rich. Its renaissance began in modern times around the 1940s, when prominent figures like Dinu Bhai Pant, Shambhu Nath Sharma (who wrote the Ramayana in Dogri), Kishan Smailpuri, and Padma Sachdev made significant contributions to Dogri literature. During that time, our primary goal was to secure official recognition for the language by getting it included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution – an essential milestone for any language in India. Eventually, with the collective efforts of myself, other leading writers, and the members of the Dogri Sanstha, Dogri was officially included in the 8th Schedule in 2003. However, witnessing the current decline of the language, I strongly believe that the government must take concrete steps to safeguard it. One crucial initiative would be to incorporate Dogri into the academic curriculum. We can take inspiration from our neighbouring state of Punjab, where it is mandatory for students to study their mother tongue up to the 12th standard. Even if we cannot implement it up to the 12th grade right away, making Dogri compulsory at least till the 8th standard would be a significant step forward. Something is always better than nothing. Such a move would not only help preserve the language and culture but also create employment opportunities and encourage more people to study and engage with Dogri. What do you think are the major reasons for the decline of the language in Jammu? Before we point fingers at the government or administrative bodies, it is important to recognise that we ourselves are partly responsible for the decline of the language. I believe that the influence of modernity has led many people to drift away from their roots. However, if we look at regions like South India or states like Punjab, the mother tongue continues to play a vital role in people's daily lives. In those places, the native language is integrated into the academic curriculum, and public signage and hoardings are often written in the regional language. Unfortunately, such practices have not been effectively implemented in our region. If we start adopting these measures gradually, there is a strong possibility that the language can be revived. I also know many friends from rural areas where both they and their families speak and write Dogri fluently. This highlights another issue: the rural-urban divide. In cities, people tend to prefer English or Hindi, whereas in rural areas, people remain more connected to their linguistic roots. Another major reason for the decline is the lack of parental support. Many parents do not encourage their children to speak Dogri, and in fact, some even feel shy or hesitant to use their mother tongue. But if the language is not spoken at home, not taught in schools, and not valued in society, then it will eventually die out. What led you to write about Dogra culture and its heritage? The rich culture of the Jammu region has always been my source of inspiration to delve deeper into its essence and share its stories. Be it the lively festivals or the remarkable historic sites, Jammu region is full of unique charm which is worth documenting. My deep connection with my region and my regional language, and the historical legacy of the region has been a constant source of motivation in my work. I had already recognised the importance of preserving and promoting this heritage for the coming generations, and I did it through writing. To ensure that my work reached a broader audience, I chose Dogri, Hindi and English as my primary language of expression. Do youngster have any career opportunities in Dogri? Unfortunately, it is true that there are fewer career opportunities in the Dogri language compared to Hindi, Urdu, and English. Moreover, there is a generally discouraged mindset when it comes to Dogri. If the government takes the initiative to include Dogri in academics, especially at the school level, there could be a significant increase in both government and private job opportunities for our youth. However, in the absence of such policies, people currently see little potential in learning or pursuing a career in the Dogri language. What what you wan to tell the young? Language is not just a means of communication – it is, in fact, our identity. The youth are the future, and it is their responsibility to carry forward the legacy of our language. I appeal to the youth of Jammu to speak their mother tongue with confidence and without hesitation. Learn any language you wish to, be it English, Hindi, or any other, but do not forget to learn and cherish your own. If the youth can find time for so many other things, then why not spare some time to learn and preserve their own mother tongue? I still remember the time when Dogri was widely spoken and heard everywhere. What has changed now? We must bring back that pride. If Marathis speak Marathi, Punjabis speak Punjabi, and Malayalis speak Malayalam, then why shouldn't we speak Dogri? I sincerely urge the people of Jammu to take care of their mother tongue, because our history, heritage, and culture are deeply rooted in it. If we lose our language, we will also lose our culture. Rohan Qurashi is a third year student of political science at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi.
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
At Primitive In Jaipur, Ancient Indian Cooking Takes Centre Stage In A Bold New Way
Jaipur's vibrant culture and timeless food traditions have always been a feast for the senses - but now, there's a thrilling new player shaking things up. Meet Primitive, the exciting new venture from husband-wife duo Karan Singh and Simran Kaur, the creative minds behind Native Cocktail Room. Together, they're reinventing Jaipur's culinary scene with bold flavours and fresh ideas you won't want to miss! This place brings ancient Indian cooking methods into a setting that feels chic, creative and full of character. Tucked away inside the artistic Hotel Pearl Palace, Primitive feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the design. The interiors blend traditional elements with a modern edge-ornate wallpapers, sleek glass accents and bold pops of red. It felt like walking into an art installation. The only thing I wished for was slightly better lighting, just to fully admire the details on the plate. What really sets Primitive apart is its commitment to open-flame cooking. The grill isn't just where food is made - it's part of the experience. Watching the chefs in action added a sense of excitement that made every dish feel special. I began my meal with the Primitive Picante, a cocktail that stood out thanks to its refreshing twist of pineapple juice. It paired beautifully with the Chicken Khurchan Tartelettes, served on a kuttu crust. The chicken was juicy, the flavours well-balanced, and the tart base added a lovely earthy texture. Next, I tried the Butte Ke Kees - a creative mix of corn broth, smoked ghee powder and jeeravan that felt comforting yet entirely new. One dish that absolutely stole the show for me was the Beetroot and Walnut Khatai. The charred beetroot paired with spiced jus and nutty khatai had such a unique texture and taste, I couldn't stop going back for more. I also loved the Pineapple Pachai. It was tangy, refreshing, and offered a nice contrast to the more intense flavours on the table. Among the non-vegetarian starters, the Primitive Pepper Chicken made an instant impression. The spices came through beautifully, and the chicken was cooked just right. I also tried the Lagan Ke Kebab, served with a soft honey brioche. The sweet-and-savoury combination really worked for me. For my second drink, I went with Calicut - a mix of coffee whiskey, coconut, peach caramel and coconut foam. While it was an interesting mix, I found the coffee and coconut pairing a bit unusual for my taste. But the Mutton Sukka that followed made up for it completely. The meat was tender, juicy and packed with flavour. Moving into the mains, I was served something truly different - Amrood Ki Kadhi. It was experimental and distinct, not something everyone might enjoy, but I appreciated the creativity behind it. The Arbi Ki Curry was another unique dish that delivered on flavour. Then came the Moongachi Dal, which felt like pure comfort in a bowl - light, wholesome and exactly what I needed midway through the meal. My personal favourite from the mains was the Chicken Pasanda. It was creamy, rich and absolutely delicious. Now for the part I always look forward to - dessert. Even though I was quite full by this point, the options in front of me were too tempting to pass up. First, I tried the Gajar Ka Halwa, which came shaped like a carrot. It featured smoked halwa, a layer of cardamom cream cheese frosting and a delicate dentelle. Visually, it was stunning, though I did wish it was a touch sweeter. The Haldi Doodh Ice Cream turned out to be a surprising hit - refreshing and unlike anything I've had before. But the true highlight was the Primitive Mithai Board. Shaped like a star and filled with fusion treats, it was a joy to explore. My favourites were the Kaju Katli Macaron and the Coffee Cardamom Chocolate Bon Bon. Primitive isn't just a restaurant - it's an experience that takes you on a journey through India's culinary roots with a bold, modern perspective. If you're planning a trip to Jaipur or already in town, make sure this place is on your list.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Indian border villagers want recompense for damages in Pakistan clashes
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan are maintaining a ceasefire that ended four days of intense military clashes, but many in the Indian-administered part of disputed Kashmir are demanding compensation for damages from cross-border firing. Hundreds of villagers evacuated their homes as the rivals targeted each other's military installations with missiles and drones, killing about 70 civilians, after New Delhi struck what it called terrorist camps across the border. Many returned to find their homes destroyed or roofless. 'Where will we go with our kids? We don't have anywhere to live and anything to eat,' said Roshan Lal, from the village of Kot Maira in Akhnoor in the district of Jammu, about 7 km (4 miles) from the de facto border. The shelling had left his home uninhabitable, the 47-year-old added. 'I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for justice,' he said. 'We need compensation for the damages.' In the nearby village of Pahari Wala, farmer Karan Singh said he buried seven cattle in his field, while his family are living in makeshift shelters. 'I left the village when the conflict began,' he said. 'We don't have a place to stay.' In Salamabad, a border village in the Kashmir Valley, shelling injured Badrudin Naik and his six-year-old son, but both returned home after five days. 'I am happy to return,' he said. 'But my house is damaged. My two uncles' houses were completely destroyed. We want a permanent peace as it is we on the border who suffer more.' Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan, which both rule part of Kashmir, but claim it in full, have fought two of their three wars over the region and engaged in several smaller clashes over the decades. Teams have fanned out in the region to assess damage to homes, shops and other facilities, said a senior local government official, who sought anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media. 'Today our teams have gone to the areas which were affected,' he said, adding, 'The government will decide the amount of compensation.' On Monday, Modi warned Pakistan that New Delhi would target 'terrorist hideouts' across the border again if there were new attacks on India. Pakistan denies Indian accusations of supporting militants who attack India. Standing in front of the cracked wall of his Pahari Wala home, Joginder Lal said Modi should ignore US President Donald Trump, who announced the ceasefire, saying Washington had played a role in halting the fighting. 'We want to take full revenge against Pakistan,' the 60-year-old added.
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Indian border villagers want recompense for damages in Pakistan clashes
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, May 13 (Reuters) - Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan are maintaining a ceasefire that ended four days of intense military clashes, but many in the Indian-ruled part of disputed Kashmir are demanding compensation for damages from cross-border firing. Hundreds of villagers evacuated their homes as the rivals targeted each other's military installations with missiles and drones, killing about 70 civilians, after New Delhi struck what it called terrorist camps across the border. Many returned to find their homes destroyed or roofless. "Where will we go with our kids? We don't have anywhere to live and anything to eat," said Roshan Lal, from the village of Kot Maira in Akhnoor in India's district of Jammu, about 7 km (4 miles) from the de facto border. The shelling had left his home uninhabitable, the 47-year-old added. "I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for justice," he said. "We need compensation for the damages." In the nearby village of Pahari Wala, farmer Karan Singh said he buried seven cattle in his field, while his family are living in makeshift shelters. "I left the village when the conflict began," he said. "We don't have a place to stay." In Salamabad, a border village in the Kashmir Valley, shelling injured Badrudin Naik and his six-year-old son, but both returned home after five days. "I am happy to return," he said. "But my house is damaged. My two uncles' houses were completely destroyed. We want a permanent peace as it is we on the border who suffer more." Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan, which both rule part of Kashmir, but claim it in full, have fought two of their three wars over the region and engaged in several smaller clashes over the decades. Teams have fanned out in the region to assess damage to homes, shops and other facilities, said a senior local government official, who sought anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media. "Today our teams have gone to the areas which were affected," he said, adding, "The government will decide the amount of compensation." On Monday, Modi warned Pakistan that New Delhi would target "terrorist hideouts" across the border again if there were new attacks on India. Pakistan denies Indian accusations of supporting militants who attack India. Standing in front of the cracked wall of his Pahari Wala home, Joginder Lal said Modi should ignore U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced the ceasefire, saying Washington had played a role in halting the fighting. "We want to take full revenge against Pakistan," the 60-year-old added.
