Latest news with #Katre
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SECR honours legacy of two leprosy warriors, installs plaque at Champa station
Raipur: The South East Central Railway (SECR), Bilaspur division, installed a commemorative plaque at the Champa railway station in Janjgir-Champa district to honour the contributions of two social workers, the late Sadashiv Govind Katre and the late Damodar Ganesh Bapat. The plaque, placed near the main station manager's office, is dedicated to the social service journey of the two men. Katre, who was a railway employee and a leprosy patient, founded the Bharatiya Kushtha Nivarak Sangh (BKNS) in Champa district of Chhattisgarh in 1962. He dedicated his life to the rehabilitation and empowerment of leprosy patients, working against societal neglect and personal challenges. While working as a railway employee, he elevated the concept of social service. In honour of his contributions, the govt of India established the Katrenagar post office and released a special postal cover and cancellation stamp on Nov 12, 2024, according to SECR officials. Inspired by Katre, his colleague Bapat furthered the mission and gave the association a national identity. Bapat was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2018. The plaque is a tribute to the two social workers and is meant to inspire current and future generations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Fat-Burning Patch Triggers Weight Loss "Unlike Any Other" Health Advice Today Undo The Indian Leprosy Eradication Association continues its work from its headquarters located about 7 km from the Champa railway station. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Anurag Kumar Singh said the SECR is committed to preserving such inspiring works and memories that connect society. "We hope the plaque will send a message to passengers and every section of society that service, sensitivity, and dedication are true human values. The railway administration will always respectfully remember such distinguished personalities of society," he said. Katre, affectionately known as 'Katre Guruji' by his associates, founded one of the largest leprosy centres in the country in Champa. A leprosy patient himself, he started his mission by cycling for hours with his deformed hands and feet to collect grains from village to village. The inspiration for this service came from Guru Golwalkar, who motivated Katre to dedicate his life to social service. Today, the Indian Leprosy Eradication Association in Champa is regarded as a sanctuary for leprosy patients, offering not only medical treatment but also a nurturing and dignified environment. Here, over 300 patients are trained in skills like making candles, weaving ropes, and making chalk, enabling them to live with self-respect. The centre also has a school and a hostel, the Sushil Vidyalaya, to educate the children of these patients. Born to Govind Katre and Radha Bhai in the Aron area of Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, Katre was the only son among three sisters. After losing his father at the age of eight, his life was marked by hardship. He joined the railways after his secondary education and became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was jailed for six months during the ban on the organisation in 1948. Noted social worker and Padma Shri awardee Damodar Ganesh Bapat passed away in 2019. He was 84. He dedicated his life to treating and serving leprosy patients at the BKNS in the Janjgir-Champa district. For his services to society, he was honoured with the fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2018. 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.
The Print
10-08-2025
- General
- The Print
Legacy of Air Chief Marshal LM Katre, the man who flew Spitfires & ushered IAF into a modern era
He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 16th Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture, an event attended by senior IAF officials and representatives from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He also revealed that several F16 fighter aircraft undergoing maintenance at Pakistan's Jacobabad air base were damaged and that a Saab Erieye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, aircraft was destroyed at the Bholari air base. New Delhi: IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh officially announced Saturday the Indian Air Force's S-400 Triumf air defence system shot down five Pakistani fighter aircraft and a large airborne surveillance platform from a distance of about 300 km during Operation Sindoor in early May. Instituted in memory of Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre, the IAF's 12th chief, the annual lecture pays tribute to a leader who combined front-line operational experience with a sustained push for modernisation, training reforms and stronger links with industry. ThePrint looks at the life and legacy of ACM Katre who became the second air force chief to die in harness. The other was Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, who died at the age of 49 in November 1960, caused by choking on food during an official visit to Tokyo. From leading a Spitfire squadron early in his career to overseeing the induction of Mirage 2000s, ACM Katre's service spanned multiple eras of air warfare and still continues to shape the IAF's journey, 40 years since his demise. In Royal Indian Air Force At 17, ACM Katre entered the Royal Indian Air Force as an officer cadet in 1944, receiving his commission a year later. His career spanned the closing years of the Second World War and the formative decades of independent India's air power. Katre's early flying years were shaped in the cockpit of piston-engine fighters, most notably the Supermarine Spitfire which he flew operationally in the late 1940s as the first generation of IAF's combat pilots adapted wartime experience to peacetime roles. With the service's rapid shift into the jet age, he commanded frontline squadrons including the No. 17 Squadron, famously known as the Golden Arrows, and No. 23 Squadron, called the Panthers, that successively operated the de Havilland Vampire, the IAF's first jet fighter, followed by the Hawker Hunter and later the Folland Gnat and MiG-21. These aircraft not only defined the IAF's strike and air defence capabilities through the 1950s and 1960s, but also became synonymous with the service's growing tactical sophistication, from high-speed interceptions to close-in dogfighting. From 1966 to 1968, Katre commanded an operational flying station. According to IAF's official records, his tenure is remembered for the speed with which he transformed the base from routine functioning to full combat readiness, a change attributed as much to his instinct for leadership as to his meticulous attention to men and machines. Among his innovations during this time were improvised aircraft 'hideouts', constructed with local materials, designed to conceal fighters from hostile eyes and protect them from air strikes. In subsequent simulated attack drills, the shelters proved so effective that the practice was swiftly copied across other frontline stations. Then, in October 1968, the region was struck by the kind of disaster that tested military skill in an entirely different way. Monsoon floods tore through North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan, cutting off villages and stranding thousands. Appointed the local commander of the Air Force's relief operations, Katre oversaw a complex ballet of airlifts and supply drops into some of the most inaccessible terrains in the eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan and in Assam's Goalpara district, his teams brought food, medicine and shelter to hundreds of refugees. Subsequently, in 1970, his dual achievements in sharpening operational readiness and leading critical humanitarian relief earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Katre served as the station commander of 18 Wing at Pathankot, a forward base of high strategic value in the western sector. Confronted with repeated Pakistani air raids, he maintained the base's operational capability by dispersing aircraft to minimise exposure, directing rapid runway repairs after each strike and ensuring close coordination with air-defence units to protect key assets. The IAF official records show that under his command, Pathankot's squadron, then flying Sukhoi Su-7 strike aircraft and MiG-21 interceptors, were able to sustain both offensive sorties and defensive patrols throughout the conflict, making a significant contribution to the air campaign in the western theatre. After the war, Katre turned his attention to training and institution-building. As Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he revamped the training modules completely to prioritise jet instruction, expanded facilities for ground-duty officers and introduced advanced flight simulators. These initiatives led to significant improvements in safety and training standards, which were later adopted throughout the Indian Air Force. Subsequently, Katre went on to serve as Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both Eastern and Western Air Commands. Then, in 1983, Katre was appointed the chairman of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), where he worked to better align the IAF's operational requirements with HAL's production capabilities, a coordination seen as critical to the service's modernisation efforts during that period. Recognising that indigenous manufacturing was crucial for India's strategic autonomy and modernisation, Katre worked to enhance coordination between the IAF and HAL. Under his leadership, efforts were intensified to streamline aircraft production schedules, improve quality control and expedite the development and induction of new fighter jets and support equipment A year later, Katre took over as chief of the air staff. His tenure coincided with the induction of the Dassault Mirage 2000, a modern multi-role fighter that replaced old mechanical controls with electronic fly-by-wire systems, allowing more precise handling. It also carried advanced missiles capable of engaging targets beyond the pilot's visual range, marking a major leap in air combat technology for that time. The first aircraft arrived in June 1985 with squadrons such as No. 7 and No. 1 beginning their conversion—training pilots to switch from flying one type of aircraft to another—between 1985 and 1986, reflecting Katre's push to introduce advanced capabilities into the IAF. Less than a year into his tenure, on 1 July 1985, Katre died suddenly at the age of 58 from a heart attack, becoming the second IAF chief to die in office. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: We were given free hand, no restrictions placed on us: IAF chief on Op Sindoor
GMA Network
05-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Made in the Philippines: 5 handbag brands to add to your style radar
Filipino craftsmanship has long stood out in the fashion world for its unique fusion of tradition and innovation. Rooted in the country's cultural heritage, many of our local brands highlight indigenous weaving techniques and locally sourced materials such as rattan and abaca, native to tropical countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In light of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, wear your Filipino pride and support local artisans by exploring these proudly local handbag brands. 1. CALLI Founded in 2013 by Theresa Nepomuceno, the mother of Khalil Ramos, CALLI is a Filipino luxury handbag brand that aims to keep traditional artistry alive while offering stylish, modern pieces. Using sustainable materials like abaca, raffia, and locally woven textiles, paired with traditional techniques such as Maranao langkit weaving, solihiya rattan, and hand-carved acacia woodwork, CALLI creates bags that are not only beautiful but also rich in culture and meaning. CALLI bags range from P2,950 to P22,000. You can shop via 2. Katre Initially launched as Katre Fashion House in 2009 by stylist and makeup artist Kat Erro, the brand has evolved from making ready-to-wear clothes and fashion accessories to focusing on leather handbags from 2011 and beyond. Katre is well-known for its round Boite handbags, which were introduced in 2012. The brand also allows clients a hint of personalization by stamping their initials or names on the leather goods. Katre bags range from P1,750 to P9,999. You can shop via 3. Aranaz Aranaz is a fashion accessories label by mother-daughter trio Becky, Amina, and Rosanna Aranaz that captures the art of leisure living through its carefully crafted collection. A brand rooted in appreciation for handmade artistry, Aranaz has perfected the signature blend of polished and artisanal, a balance that has earned it a devoted following among Manila's stylish and discerning crowd. Aranaz bags range from P2,080 to P20,000. You can shop via 4. Zarah Juan Zarah Juan's artistic handbag brand is a vibrant tribute to Filipino life, capturing its colors, rhythms, and everyday stories. Her collections spark a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride with playful designs inspired by icons of local life: think pineapples, vintage boomboxes, mixtapes, and old-school televisions. Zarah Juan bags range from P3,950 to P12,500. You can shop via 5. Marricola Founded in 2023 by Marriel Colaljo, Marricola is a brand birthed from her academic roots in Fine Arts and Product Design at the University of the Philippines Cebu to her hands-on experience under the mentorship of world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Through her bag collections, Marricola explores how environmental consciousness can coexist with craftsmanship, utility, and quiet elegance. Marricola bags range from P11,970 to P14,970. You can shop via —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HC dismisses PIL challenging demolition of Elphinstone bridge
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Dadar resident, which contended that the proposed demolition of the Elphinstone bridge would inconvenience local residents and cause major traffic snarls. The division-bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice Makarand Karnik dismissed the petition saying they were not experts in town planning and urged the petitioner, Prabhanjan Katre, to approach the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the project proponent. The development came a day after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government would undertake cluster redevelopment for all 19 buildings affected by the demolition of the British-era bridge and the construction of a two-deck flyover in its place. Fadnavis made the announcement following protests and concerns raised by the residents regarding the structural stability of their buildings, even though the MMRDA claimed that only two buildings would be affected. In his PIL, Katre claimed that the design of the two-deck flyover was faulty as it did not cater to nearby areas like Mata Parvati Nagar, Navshanti Nagar, and Jay Prakash Nagar or provide connectivity with least 12 hospitals including KEM Hospital and Tata Memorial Hosptial on the eastern side of Parel. The proposed flyover did not accommodate exits for ambulances and was likely to add to traffic congestion at the western end, the petition said. The PIL also raised concerns about possible mismanagement of the project, given instances like the height mismatch between Gokhale and Barfiwala bridges and the incomplete expansion of the Tilak bridge in Dadar. It urged the court to issue an injunction against MMRDA from commencing construction and sought directions to build a three-deck bridge instead of a two-deck bridge. The court, however, directed Katre to make a representation to the MMRDA and directed the special planning authority to hear him. 'We don't know what they are demolishing. Your suggestion has to go to them. We will ask them to consider this. We are not the planning authority. You may have valid suggestions, but we can't implement them,' the court said while refusing to entertain the PIL. The proposed two-deck flyover is part of the Sewri-Worli elevated connector, a 4.5-km, four-lane corridor connecting the Atal Setu on the eastern shores with the Bandra Worli Sea Link on the western coast.
India Today
29-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Not experts: Court on plea against demolition of British-era bridge in Mumbai
The Bombay High Court has directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to hear from a Mumbai-based estate consultant, who had approached the court seeking directions to cancel the plans to demolish the British-era bridge at Prabhadevi or what is also known as the Elphinstone Elphinstone Bridge is a two-lane bridge which, according to the MMRDA, was to shut for two years to be demolished as it will be replaced with a double-decker flyover called the Sewree-Worli connector. The new flyover will link Atal Setu on the city's eastern shores with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link on the western bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik remarked that neither they nor the petitioner were experts in the field of infrastructural development for the larger public good. Hence, they left the matter to the expertise of MMRDA to decide. The petitioner, PV Katre, sought that the adjoining Tilak Bridge at Dadar should be built first before the connector at Prabhadevi is demolished. He submitted that the existing Elphinston Bridge connects Prabhadevi to the Parel area, which has major hospitals, including the Tata Cancer also contended that the design of the proposed connector was faulty because the upper-level deck of the connector did not come with an exit anywhere between Worli and petitioner argued that he had made a representation to MMRDA, but received no the bench asked Katre to make a representation again and told MMRDA's counsel to look into the grievances of the public as it is bound to do so being a public Sewree-Worli Connector plan has witnessed protests by people residing in areas near to the bridge and prompted the state government to assure the inhabitants that they would be resettled in the same say that the closure of the bridge will likely cause severe disruption, inconvenience and traffic congestion due to the presence of several large hospitals in the the past two decades, mill lands have been converted into malls and office complexes. For this project, the traffic department also put across an elaborate road diversion bench said, "Ultimately, you have been constituted for the benefit of the people. You are a public body. You have to look into his grievances. He is entitled to his grievance. He may have some valuable suggestions. At least hear him. It is for people like him only that you are constructing the bridge."The bench gave Katre three days to make his representation to the MMRDA and directed the authorities to take cognisance of it. IN THIS STORY#Mumbai
