Latest news with #Khanna
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Pet abandonment crisis in India worsens in monsoon, rescuers highlight need for responsible adoption and care
1 2 Pune: Animal welfare groups in the city have highlighted a sharp rise in pet abandonment cases as the monsoon sets in. Activists explained that damp conditions lead to a higher risk of illnesses — like tick fever, skin and gastrointestinal infections — making it more difficult and expensive for people to care for their pets. Faced with rising costs and limited resources, some make the inexcusable choice to abandon the animal. Earlier this year, a video of a German Shepherd abandoned in a Delhi market, waiting for eight hours for her family, was widely shared online. Her story, heartbreaking but not rare, spotlighted a growing crisis. Since the 2020 Covid lockdown, which saw an impulsive surge in pet adoptions, India has faced a steady uptick in abandonment cases. Excuses cited for the heartless choice include housing disputes, financial strain, or lack of pet-friendly infrastructure around. Many simply underestimate the long-term nature of this responsibility. Cute puppies grow into strong, demanding dogs, some with behavioural or health challenges. When owners can't or won't invest in training or care, pets are dumped at overflowing shelters. Puneeta Khanna, Pune district unit head for People for Animals (PFA), said the problem is exacerbated by unregulated breeders. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Dodge Ram 1500 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo "Illegal breeders are in it for a quick buck. No genetic testing is done. As dogs grow up, they develop health problems like cancer, diabetes, organ failure, etc. Treatment and care are costly and difficult. Abandonment is chosen." Khanna further blames vaccine reluctance. "There's a DHPPiL 9-in-1 vaccine that costs around Rs700–1,000. People purchase expensive foreign breeds and splurge on fancy accessories and other stuff to show off on social media but won't spend on basic healthcare. These dogs end up in shelters, often for life, because no one wants to adopt an ill pet," she said. The emotional toll on abandoned animals is significant. Last year, a pitbull abandoned on Mahim Beach in Mumbai went on a biting spree, likely triggered by stress and confusion. "Abandonment wreaks havoc on a dog's psyche. They go through cycles of anxiety, wariness, and eventually, cautious trust—only if they're lucky. We often have to fundraise for treatment from our own pockets," said Richa Singh Chowdhury, founder of Bowsome Senior Dog India Foundation in Ahmedabad, who rescues abandoned aging and ill pet dogs from across India, provides treatment, and then tries to find new homes for them. She pointed out that even adopted rescue dogs are sometimes "returned". "Even after being told what care is required, people bring them back after months or even years." Dog trainer and counsellor Shalaka Mundada, who began advising pet parents in 2010 after three dogs were dumped at her hostel, stresses the need for informed decisions. "You're signing up for a 12 to 15-year commitment. Breed, lifestyle, job schedules, personality, all of it matters when choosing a pet," she emphasised. Despite laws under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that label abandonment as cruelty, enforcement is weak. Meet Ashar, cruelty response legal advisor at PETA India, said that the law focuses more on safeguarding people than punishing animal cruelty. "For instance, an abandoned dog in its disoriented and stressed state could attack people or knock someone down by running into them. Pets raised in households cannot survive on the streets, so when abandoned if the dog meets with an accident and loses a limb, only then does it tend to attract BNS section 325. " Solutions exist but require systemic change, said volunteers. Until then, shelters and rescuers continue to shoulder the burden—emotionally, logistically, and financially.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mumtaz says 'Why is girlfriend less than a wife' as she opens up on Anju Mahendru's reaction after Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia: 'Jab insaan pyaar karta hai...'
Mumtaz was very close friends with Rajesh Khanna as they also shared a great rapport on-screen. Khanna's pairing with Mumtaz was the most appreciated onscreen. But Mumtaz was also great friends with Khanna's girlfriend Anju Mahendru . In a recent interview, she was asked about Anju's reaction when Khanna was dating her and then suddenly decided to marry Dimple Kapadia . Mumtaz reacted and said in an interview with Filmy Beat, "I don't think she really cared. She said, "Theek hai. If he really thinks someone is better or he loves her. I wish him all the best, he's a nice person. Ek cheez aap kabhi bhi forcefully nahi le sakte. Ya toh hota hai, nahi hota hai ya dhokha hota hai. Ya toh saccha pyaar samajhke insaan dhoka khaa leta hai par kuch log seriously pyar karte the but muqaddar mein rehta nahi tha. (She didn't really care. She was like, 'if he finds someone better, if he's happy, let him be.' See one cannot force love. Either there is love or there is cheating. And sometimes even if there is true love, two people are not meant to be together.)" The veteran actress further said, "She was like a wife to him. Wahin rehte the, sambhalte the. She used to entertain me, my husband. She used to offer my husband drink, khana peena, unka ghar sambhalna. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Bagair shadi ke wife hoti hai, she was like that. (She was like a wife to him without getting married. She was staying with him and handling his entire house)." Mumtaz also defended Anju and spoke about the way society looks at a girlfriend and a wife. She admitted that when there is love, a girlfriend also should get the same amount of respect. The actress said, "Jab insaan ek doosre se pyaar karta hai, woh shadi se zyada important hai. Kitne log shadi karke chhod dete hai but why is girlfriend less than a wife? Until and unless she is doing something really wrong but I feel, joh biwi ke saath taaluk hota hai wahi girlfriend ke saath hota hai. Sirf usko 10 bacche paida karne ka haq hota hai, gf ko nahi hota hai. That's it, what else? (When people love each other, that's more important than marriage. People leave each other even after getting married. So, why is girlfriend considered less than a wife? Unless she is doing something really wrong, but a man has the same relationship with a girlfriend which he has with his wife. The only difference is, a wife has the right to have ten kids with that man which the girlfriend doesn't)." Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 and Anju was always with him till the day he died. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Celebrity Masterchef's Vikas Khanna opens up about being shamed early in his career; writes ‘It drove me to follow my purpose'
World-renowned chef, filmmaker, and author Vikas Khanna recently opened up about a formative moment early in his culinary career—one that could have broken his spirit, but instead ignited a lifetime of purpose and perseverance. In 1992, while training at the Mughal Sheraton in Agra, Khanna was working the tandoor during the lunch buffet. One afternoon, as he placed fresh rotis on a guest's table, he overheard a mother scolding her son: 'If you don't take your studies and summer homework seriously, you'll end up like him.' The table turned to stare. Khanna simply smiled and walked away. That moment, painful yet pivotal, stayed with him. 'When I returned home to Amritsar, I told my grandmother what had happened,' he recalled. 'She simply said: 'Listen to your heart and choose happiness over money. Choose purpose over business.'' Her words became a guiding light. Rather than letting shame define him, Khanna doubled down on his passion. Over the next four decades, he honored his roots, culinary heritage, and craft with relentless dedication. His journey—from Amritsar's bustling kitchens to Michelin-starred acclaim in New York—became a testament to self-belief and resilience. Today, Vikas Khanna is celebrated globally for his contributions to Indian cuisine and culture. His flagship restaurant Junoon earned a Michelin star for several years, and he has authored over 25 books. His humanitarian efforts during the pandemic, distributing millions of meals through his 'Feed India' initiative, earned widespread praise. Reflecting on a more recent high point, Khanna recalled a conversation with Nita Ambani during her visit to his Bungalow restaurant. 'She said, 'This place represents us—our traditions—and honors our ancestors,'' he shared. 'That reminded me of my grandmother's words and made me realize how far that young boy at the tandoor had come.' From being mocked for his dreams to becoming a culinary icon, Vikas Khanna's journey is a masterclass in choosing purpose, pride, and passion over everything else.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘When Mrs Ambani visited': Nita Ambani meets Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna at NYC restaurant
Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, recently visited Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna's Bungalow restaurant in New York City. The visit prompted a wave of nostalgia and deep reflection for Khanna, who took to Instagram to share a poignant memory from the early days of his career. (Also read: High school dropout Nikhil Kamath becomes guest of honour at Nita Ambani's school) Khanna recounted a moment from 1992 when he was training at the Mughal Sheraton in Agra, where he worked the tandoor during the lunch buffet. As he placed fresh rotis on a table one afternoon, he overheard a mother scolding her son, telling him, "If you don't take your studies and summer homework seriously, you'll end up like him." This remark, which was aimed at him, left a lasting impression on Khanna. "I still remember how the entire table turned to look at me. I smiled and walked away," he wrote. Returning home to Amritsar, Khanna shared the incident with his grandmother, who imparted a piece of advice that would remain with him forever: 'Listen to your heart and choose happiness over money. Choose purpose over business.' This guidance influenced Khanna's decision to stay true to his roots and pursue his craft with unwavering dedication for more than four decades. During their conversation, Ambani shared her vision for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), stating, "So when Mrs. Ambani visited Bungalow with her vision for #NMACCIndiaWeekend and said, 'This place represents us—our traditions—and honours our ancestors. It is our responsibility to represent our legacy & inheritance.'" For Khanna, this moment resonated deeply, as it connected the memory of his early struggles with the recognition and celebration of his cultural journey. Khanna expressed his gratitude in the post, stating, "Thank you, Mrs. Ambani, for your love and support—for helping represent India to the world, with beauty, pride, and grace." Check out the post here: A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup) (Also read: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) to host 3-day 'India weekend' in New York City) The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is set to host an exciting three-day cultural event in New York from September 12 to 14 at the Lincoln Center. This event, led by Nita Ambani, will be a celebration of India's rich heritage, featuring a showcase of Indian art, music, and performances. The event will serve as a global platform for Indian artists, offering them the opportunity to display their talents on an international stage.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This California school district backtracks on ‘equity' grading policy
For a brief few hours, Rep. Ro Khanna, known for his willingness to critique both parties, had a problem brewing in a northern California county he represents on Wednesday afternoon. Khanna, D-Calif., spoke out against a proposed grading system that was meant to make the schooling experience more bearable. In a social media post Wednesday, he slammed the San Francisco Unified School District for removing honors courses in biology and English and establishing an 'equity' grading plan. This Northern California school district was going to vote on a 24-page agenda, first reported by The Voice of San Francisco. It would cost $172,000 to train and guide students on this new system, meant to be tested across 14 district schools. The equity grading plan would remove homework or weekly tests and allow students to score a high letter grade despite lower marks. For example, if a student previously needed a 90 score for an A, they would have instead only needed an 80. 'My immigrant dad asked me where the missing 10% went when I scored a 90,' Khanna said in a social media post. He represents the East Bay area, next door to San Francisco. 'He came to America for the chance to work hard & pursue excellence. Giving A's for 80% & no homework is not equity — it betrays the American Dream and every parent who wants more for their kids." Khanna is aligned with conservatives like Turning Point USA's Kirk on this issue. 'San Francisco public schools will allow students to score as low as 41% on a test and still get a C — and they can take the test as many times as they want!' Kirk wrote in a post on Wednesday. 'This is what the push for 'equity' is always about.' Hours after Khanna published his post, the school district said they were delaying implementation of this initiative. Khanna said he was 'glad' to see the district backtrack. San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su announced the news Wednesday evening in a statement. 'It's clear there are a lot of questions, concerns, and misinformation with this proposal,' she said in a statement. 'We want to make sure any changes benefit our students. I have decided not to pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community.'
