Latest news with #Munshi
India Today
17 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Before climate talks, Tagore, KM Munshi and others championed sustainable living
Well before environmentalism became part of the modern world's policy vocabulary, a group of visionaries had already begun articulating ideas around sustainable living, ecological balance, and decentralised development. Rabindranath Tagore and KM Munshi were among the early 20th-century Indian thinkers who not only shaped cultural and political discourse but also laid down a framework for environmental thinking -- one that has become even more relevant as India faces growing ecological on June 6, as the world observes World Environment Day, the voices of these great thinkers remain absent from mainstream discourse. Despite the undeniable facts before us, we lack the kind of compelling voices that can truly reach and move the Guha's latest book, Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism, revisits the works and legacy of the early thinkers and how they at that time were seeing society. These emerge from the deep ethos of civilisational remains striking is how foresighted these individuals were. JC Kumarappa, an economist and close ally of Mahatma Gandhi, had already warned that economies dependent on coal and oil would eventually fuel conflicts between FORGOTTEN FOUNDATIONS Rabindranath Tagore's vision of establishing Shatinekatan extended beyond literature and education. He believed that any meaningful idea of national regeneration had to engage with the rhythms of the land and the lifeways of its critique of industrial modernity was early and consistent. He warned against imitating Western models of progress that ignored the lived realities of rural communities. The emphasis on self-reliance, rural renewal, and holistic development shared by him would later influence Gandhian thought, but even independently, his was a voice grounded in the experience of agrarian India. (AI-generated image) advertisementTagore called for harmony between progress and restraint. His essays and letters reveal a nuanced understanding of how large-scale industrial activity often displaced local livelihoods and fractured social systems. For him, rebuilding India was as much about nurturing the land as it was about reclaiming cultural Munshi, a Constituent Assembly member and founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, took a more institutional route. While remembered primarily for his legal and literary contributions, Munshi's work in soil conservation and afforestation was launched the Van Mahotsav in 1950, envisioning it as a nationwide tree-planting campaign to combat deforestation. But beyond symbolism, Munshi advocated for watershed management and ecological planning in a newly independent India struggling with droughts, floods, and food believed that environmental regeneration was key to India's development, especially in the context of post-Partition nation-building. Yet, as Guha notes, Munshi's ideological alignment with cultural nationalism complicates his sought to link environmental renewal with civilisational pride, which at times echoed exclusionary FROM THE PASTWe can also have a look at figures like Radhakamal Mukerjee, who critiqued the limitations of GDP as a measure of national well-being, and JC Kumarappa, who exposed the unsustainable economics of large-scale wonders how the early advocates of organic farming might have responded to the Supreme Court's stance on genetically modified mustard, or how JC Kumarappa, with his sharp critique of extractive economies, would have viewed the decision to open up forest lands in Chhattisgarh for coal writings forecasted concerns that now dominate global forums -- resource inequality, community displacement, and the environmental cost of unchecked argued that ecological balance could only be achieved when the voices of peasants, tribal communities, and marginalised groups were part of the ideas of Tagore, Munshi, and others were not ahead of their time, and perhaps even more so for roots of Indian environmentalism run deep. But to build on them, we must first Watch
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Abducted clerk rescued, hunt to nab culprits underway
1 2 3 Chatra: A 35-year-old clerk (Munshi) of a private construction company, who was abducted by armed criminals on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday from the site of an under-construction bridge, was rescued by the police on Monday. Chatra SP Sumit Kumar Agarwal said Dharmendra Gupta was rescued from Hazaribag, but refused to divulge further details saying raids were underway arrest the kidnappers. Gupta, police sources said, was abducted from the site of an under-construction bridge over Purvaiya River at Balbal under Giddhaur police station limits. The bridge is being built by a private company for the rural works department. The miscreants robbed two CCTV cameras, 14 mobile phones, two helmets and other items. The miscreants, bike borne and armed, had hid their faces with towels, labours in the construction site told the police. At first, they dismantled the CCTV cameras and took away the mobiles and other belongings. They forced Gupta to sit on one of their bikes and drove off, the labours told the police on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Sumit Kumar Agarwal said, "He has been recovered safely Hazaribag district. I can't say anything more at this moment as raids are ongoing in this regard."
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Two killed, 24 injured as tractor-trolley overturns in MP's Morena
Bhopal: Two persons were killed and 24 others were severely injured in a road accident near Karah Dham, also known as Patiawale Baba, in the Noorabad police station area of Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. An overloaded tractor-trolley carrying villagers overturned, leading to the deaths of two individuals, while reports suggest a third victim may have succumbed to injuries during treatment. Also, as many as 24 people, including nine children, were severely injured, and of them, three are reportedly critical, police officials said. The incident occurred as residents of Hatipura and Rithonia villages were returning home from a marriage function in Banmore. The vehicle, packed with nearly 40 passengers, lost control near a slope and a sharp turn. Police sources said that the driver was operating the tractor-trolley recklessly, and upon losing control, he fled the scene, leaving behind the injured and deceased. Speaking to IANS, investigation officer OP Rawat confirmed that an MRG report had been registered following the post-mortem of two victims, including a woman. However, the officer stated that he had no official confirmation regarding the third fatality. The accident left 24 people injured, including nine children. Three of the critically wounded were referred to Gwalior for advanced medical care. The impact of the crash was severe, with more than 30 passengers trapped beneath the overturned vehicle. Bystanders rushed to assist, pulling victims from the wreckage and notifying emergency services, police said. The deceased have been identified as Munshi, aged 50, and Pista Bai, aged 35, both residents of Hatipura. Another victim, Asharfi, aged 45, reportedly passed away at a hospital in Gwalior. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, seeking to determine whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role. Meanwhile, Karah Dham, a revered spiritual site known for its continuous recitation of the Akhand Ramayana (non-stop chanting of devotional hymns), remains a place of deep significance in the region. Local beliefs hold that the well within the ashram possesses healing properties, particularly for dog bites. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the dangers of overcrowded tractor-trolleys used for transportation in rural areas.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Surprise inspection: No Class 10 student at Bahraich madrasa can write name in English
: A surprise inspection at a madrasa in Bahraich has revealed that none of its Class 10 students could write their names, nor the name of the madrasa, in English, officials said. The inspection prompted the authorities to issue a warning and a notice to the madrasa, asking it focus on other subjects besides Arabic and Persian. District minority welfare officer Sanjay Mishra, who conducted the exercise, told reporters on Monday that the surprise inspection was carried out at Jamia Gaziya Sayyadul Uloom, a recognised madrasa in the Badi Takiya area of Bahraich. One of the teachers was found absent though it was not recorded in the attendance register, Mishra said and also noted that students' attendance in Munshi, Maulvi, and Alim classes was significantly lower compared to the registered number. 'During the inspection, Class 10 students were asked to write their names and that of the madrasa in English. But none could do it,' he claimed and pointed out that the institution's focus was largely limited to Arabic and Persian studies with little attention to other subjects. 'Neglecting the broader education of students is playing with their future,' the officer said. The authorities have warned the madrasa of strict action if immediate steps are not taken towards improving the quality of education. Notices have been sent to the madrasa management and the absent teacher. Qari Irfan, a faculty member at the madrasa, said 15 students have been enrolled in Class 10 so far, and of them 10 were present during Monday's surprise inspection. 'The students asked to write in English are new to this seminary. They are weak in English and could not perform to the satisfaction of the inspecting officials. We will hold separate classes for struggling students,' the acting principal (Naib Principal) of the madrasa Maulana Shamsuddin said. Shamsuddin pointed out that besides imparting religious education, the madrssa had provisions for teaching English, Hindi, Mathematics, and Science. 'That is why a science teacher had been appointed. But more emphasis was given to Arabic, Persian, and Urdu rather than these subjects.' 'However, since the implementation of the NCERT curriculum... we have now started focusing on all subjects. It is better for the children's future that they are not limited to becoming just Alims (religious scholars) but also have opportunities in other fields as well,' he said. In view of the minority welfare officer's warning, 'we have now prepared a timetable for teachers to teach all subjects', the acting principal added. About the officer complaining that very few students of Munshi, Maulvi, and Alim classes being in attendance at the seminary, Irfan said the madrasa has enrolled 350 pupils for this academic session so far and the admissions were still in progress. The student count is expected to increase as admissions continue, the teacher said. The madrasa has a three-tier academic structure. Classes 1 to 5, categorized as the primary level, are referred to as 'Darja Tehtania'; Classes 6 to 8, the junior level, are known as 'Darja Faukania', while Classes 9 to 12, comprising the high school and intermediate levels, are termed 'Darja Alia.' Irfan further said that teachers handling classes up to 10 are traditionally titled 'Maulvi' or 'Munshi,' while those teaching Classes 11 and 12 hold the title of 'Alim'. Bahraich district has 301 recognised madrasas. Additionally, a recent survey has identified 495 unrecognised madrasas in the district, according to officials. (WITH AGENCY INPUTS)
NDTV
28-04-2025
- General
- NDTV
Class 10 Students At This UP Madrassa Can't Write Their Names: Official
Bahraich: A surprise inspection at a madrassa in Bahraich has unveiled the sorry state of education there, with officials saying that none of its class 10 students could write their names in English. Alarmed, authorities issued a warning and a notice to the madrassa and asked the seminary to focus on other subjects besides Arabic and Persian. Qari Irfan, a faculty member at the seminary, said 15 students have been enrolled in class 10 so far, and of them 10 were present during Monday's surprise inspection. "The students asked to write in English are new to this seminary. They are weak in English and could not perform to the satisfaction of the inspecting officials. We will hold separate classes for struggling students," the acting principal (Naib Principal) of the madrassa, Maulana Shamsuddin, told PTI. District Minority Welfare Officer Sanjay Mishra told reporters on Monday that the surprise inspection was conducted at Jamia Gaziya Sayyadul Uloom, a recognised madrassa in the Badi Takiya area. One of the teachers was found absent, though it was not recorded in the attendance register, Mishra said and also noted that students' attendance in Munshi, Maulvi, and Alim classes was significantly lower compared to the registered number. "During the inspection, class 10 students were asked to write their names and that of the madrassa in English. But none could do it," he claimed and pointed out that the seminary's focus was largely limited to Arabic and Persian studies with little attention to other subjects. This has led to an "alarming" academic situation, the officer said, adding, "Neglecting the broader education of students is playing with their future." The authorities have warned the madrassa of strict action if immediate steps are not taken towards improving the quality of education. Notices have been sent to the madrassa management and the absent teacher. Shamsuddin pointed out that besides imparting religious education, the madrassa had provisions for teaching English, Hindi, Mathematics, and Science. "Which is why a science teacher had been appointed. But more emphasis was given to Arabic, Persian, and Urdu rather than these subjects." "However, since the implementation of the NCERT curriculum... we have now started focusing on all subjects. It is better for the children's future that they are not limited to becoming just Alims (religious scholars) but also have opportunities in other fields as well," he said. In view of the minority welfare officer's warning, "we have now prepared a timetable for teachers to teach all subjects", the acting principal added. About the officer complaining that very few students of Munshi, Maulvi, and Alim classes being in attendance at the seminary, Irfan said the madrassa has enrolled 350 pupils for this academic session so far and the admissions was still in progress. The student count is expected to increase as admissions continue, the teacher said. The seminary has a three-tier academic structure. Classes 1 to 5, categorized as the primary level, are referred to as "Darja Tehtania"; classes 6 to 8, the junior level, are known as "Darja Faukania", while classes 9 to 12, comprising the high school and intermediate levels, are termed "Darja Alia." Irfan further said that teachers handling classes up to 10 are traditionally titled "Maulvi" or "Munshi," while those teaching Classes 11 and 12 hold the title of "Alim". The Bahraich district has 301 recognised madrassas. Additionally, a recent survey has identified 495 unrecognised madrassas in the district, according to officials.
