Latest news with #MaharishiValmiki
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chitrakoot, Mahoba to get world-class ropeways soon
In a major move to modernising religious tourism infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has announced plans to develop world-class ropeway systems at two of the state's most revered pilgrimage destinations—Valmiki Ashram in Chitrakoot and the Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri Hill in Mahoba. According to tourism department officials the ropeways, designed to meet international standards, aim to make access to these hilltop temples safer, faster, and more convenient for lakhs of pilgrims who visit each year. This initiative not only strengthens connectivity but blend heritage with modern infrastructure and boost tourism across the state. The proposed ropeway projects will be equipped with advanced safety features, durable components, and all-weather operational capability. The routes will be designed keeping in mind the local topography, seismic activity, seasonal variations, and travel patterns to ensure reliable and secure travel throughout the year. 'These ropeways are not merely about convenience—they are about enriching the spiritual experience for millions by making sacred sites more accessible,' said a senior tourism department official. 'We are connecting tradition with technology.' At Chitrakoot Valmiki Ashram a ropeway will be developed near Bagrehi village, along the Chitrakoot–Prayagraj highway, to connect devotees with the ancient ashram of Maharishi Valmiki, author of the Ramayana. The site is revered for its spiritual significance and attracts pilgrims year-round. The department has identified 8,920 sq meters land for the same. While in Mahoba Gorakh Giri Hill – Siddh Baba Temple, the ropeway will connect pilgrims to the Siddh Baba Temple, a sacred site associated with Guru Gorakhnath, located around 2 km from Mahoba city in Raheliya village. Here the department has identified 9,750 sq meters of land. Both systems will be built using state-of-the-art technology to ensure high reliability and safety, offering a comfortable experience for all age groups, especially the elderly and physically challenged pilgrims. The number of devotees visiting these locations annually is expected to rise significantly with the introduction of ropeways, which aim to enhance safety, ease congestion, and boost local employment opportunities. Principle secretary culture and tourism Mukesh Meshram said, 'The construction is expected to begin soon following final approvals and surveys. We hope to have these ropeway systems could become operational as early as next year.'
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Criticism and nature of admiration
Authored by GS Tripathi Great people are publicly admired and face criticisms, too. However, a person who is publicly admired, but not criticised is not great; he might be mighty, but intolerant. Those who are neither respected nor criticised publicly are ordinary folks. It does not mean that these people are never admired or criticised. They have their short-range quotas among their limited admirers and critics. In other words, admiration and criticism for them occur somewhat privately. The Bhagwad Gita advises that one should do one's duty, whether it be pleasantor unpleasant, without bothering about admirations and criticisms. A common human tendency is to embrace pleasantness and avoid unpleasantness. However, life is not a bed of roses. When we wish to honour somebody, we usually admire him. This does not mean that the person has only virtues, and no vices. It is simply overlooking the negative side. Chanakya Niti says, 'Learned people have only virtues, and no vices.' This is said to emphasise the role of learning in life; it should not imply that they have no weaknesses. All human beings have both strengths and weaknesses. There is a saying that all saints had a past, which might not be so saintly. Folklore says that Maharishi Valmiki was a wicked man, Daku Ratnakar, in his teens and adulthood. Somewhat similar was the case with Angulimal, a cruel man, who changed after encountering the Buddha. Thus, transformations in life are not uncommon. It is also true with matter that transforms with temperature, pressure and other extraneous forces. Rigidity resists transformation, while flexibility allows it. Both life and matter have these traits. People are happy when their strengths are cited, but not when their weaknesses are pointed out. Some people enjoy mimicry and caricatures of others, but they feel irritated when it comes to them. The Gita classifies human values in three categories – sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic. Sattvic character is associated with truth and honesty, rajasic character with motive, and tamasic character with negativity. Sattvic admiration surfaces when the admirer's soul is in a joyous state. It is the purest and most transparent form of admiration. It is long-range, that is, its effect spreads far and wide. It creates positivity and brightness all around. Rajasic admiration is like vishakumbham payomukham , nectar in the mouth, poison in the heart. It is characterised by flowery language coming out of a dark heart. This kind of admiration is widespread in a society that seeks material glory and benefit. A tamasic state is always devoid of admiration, be it public or private. It is always critical of everything. Attributes that describe this state are darkness, inertia, noise and chaos. Rise of unrighteousness can only be brought down by the spread of righteousness. Many are never admired publicly or privately. They spend their whole lives in ignominy. Oliver Goldsmith says, 'They spend their whole lives without passionately declaiming against Providence or calling their fellows to be gazers on their intrepidity.' The writer is an adjunct professor of Physics at Berhampur University Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
