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United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Indian MPs make their presence in Malaysia with focus on combating terrorism and exposing Pakistan
Kuala Lumpur, Jun 1 (UNI) India's all-party Parliamentary delegation on Sunday interacted with representatives from leading Malaysian media houses and social media influencers. They also briefed them about the purpose of their visit with a focus on fighting terrorism of all forms and how their neighbouring country, Pakistan, was aiding the terror modules. The delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha during the meetings with Malaysian interlocutors conveyed New Delhi's new normal in zero tolerance against terrorism. The delegation also paid homage to the Malaysian national who lost her life in the Mumbai terror attack in 2008 (26/11 attacks) and brought out the threat posed by terrorism to the whole of mankind. During the interaction, the delegation met the members of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur and conveyed India's principled and resolute stand against terrorism. They briefed the participants on the cross-border terrorism affecting India over the decades, in particular about the dastardly terror attacks at Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir where 26 people were gunned down on April 26, said one of the members in the delegation. The briefing also covered the context and background of Operation Sindoor and India's resolute policy of combating terrorism. The diaspora members were encouraged to share the message across communities and platforms. The interaction captured the voices of Indian diaspora members, including those from the Malaysian Indian Muslim community, who unequivocally condemned cross-border terrorist attacks. The multi-party delegation members paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a towering figure in India's struggle for independence at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Culture Centre (NSCBICC) at Brickfields. The All-Party delegation also interacted with Indian National Army (INA) veteran S.P. Narayanasamy, who was part of the Balak Sena of the INA. The delegation thanked Narayanasamy for his solidarity against the menace of terrorism. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee engaged himself in a warm and insightful interaction with members of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. The delegation visited the iconic Torana Gate in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, a monument that celebrates the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia. The delegation is scheduled to meet the Malaysian ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of think-tanks, academia, media and Indian community to convey India's national consensus and collective resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. UNI PC BD
India Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Abhishek Banerjee pays tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose during Singapore visit
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, currently on a diplomatic visit to South Asian countries as part of an all-party MP delegation, on Tuesday paid homage to Indian freedom fighters in visited the Indian National Army (INA) Memorial at Esplanade Park, where he remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a pivotal figure in India's independence movement. Due to ongoing renovations at the memorial ahead of major events in Singapore, Banerjee offered his tributes from outside the at the INA Memorial in Esplanade Park, Singapore, I solemnly remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose — a towering statesman, fearless patriot, and a defining figure in India's quest for freedom. The moment stirred profound emotion within me — a poignant reminder of the heroic struggles led by revolutionaries like Netaji," Banerjee said. The INA Memorial was originally constructed during the Japanese occupation of Singapore to honour the "Unknown Warrior" of the Indian National Army. The foundation stone was laid by Subhas Chandra Bose himself on 8 July 1945, with the structure completed by August 1945. Inscribed on the memorial are the words Unity (Etihaad), Faith (Etmad), and Sacrifice (Kurbani), reflecting the INA's core addition to the INA Memorial, Banerjee also visited the Ramakrishna Mission in Singapore, a spiritual and humanitarian institution inspired by the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna, Maa Sarada Devi, and Swami social media platform X, Banerjee shared details of his engagements with Singapore's government officials, academics, think tanks, media, and business leaders. "In meetings with Singaporean interlocutors, we underlined the new normal in India's counterterrorism policy: PRECISE, RESPONSIBLE, and UNFLINCHING. We also had an insightful meeting with Mr Edwin Tong, Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs," he also interacted with the Indiann living in Singapore, describing it as a 'reflection of the shared resilience, unity and unwavering solidarity of our diaspora in the face of terrorism".The MP joined the delegation after Trinamool's Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan was unable to participate. The Centre selected 51 leaders across party lines — including parliamentarians and former ministers — for seven delegations tasked with engaging world capitals. Their mission is to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and present India's position on Operation Sindoor, the recent three-day military response to the Pahalgam terror Watch
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Panch Matha Para Shyambazar
1 2 3 4 5 6 Shyambazar in north Kolkata stands as a crucial cultural intersection where heritage remains ever-present. It exists in the tea stalls, along the ghats, and within the deteriorating mansions, while contemporary cafes and delivery services operate through these same streets. At the riverside ghats, both the Hooghly and temporal progression appear suspended. The statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on horseback at Shyambazar five-point crossing serves as a significant marker, reflecting the area's connection to India's Independence struggle. What's in a name? According to author Rangalal Bandyopadhyay's writings, "...the two villages named Shyambazar and Shyampukur are very ancient. The existence of the village named Shyambazar is found in government documents from 1749..." Whilst its antiquity is recorded, the name's origins remain unclear, with various explanations regarding the identity of 'Shyam'. The most plausible historical account is documented in Evan Cotton's 'Calcutta Old and New'. It records that before the Battle of Plassey in the mid-18th century, numerous Bengali merchants established commercial ventures in Kolkata. One such trader, Shobharam Basak, was a devotee of Shyam Rai or Shyamchand. He dedicated the area as Shyambazar to his deity and constructed a pond for worship, now called Shyampukur. Shobharam owned the Shyambazar market, which developed into a prominent trading centre. The Shyampukur police station remains the longest-serving law enforcement facility in the area. Historical context The East India Co, alarmed by potential Maratha invasions, requested Alivardi Khan, Bengal's Nawab, to construct a defensive trench around Calcutta. The 7-kilometre excavation commenced in 1742 from Bagbazar (Perrin's Point), funded entirely through Indian taxation. The project was abandoned after six months, with Upjohn's indicating the Maratha Ditch's location. Following their victory at Plassey, the British East India Co expanded their colonial presence. In 1766, they constructed six roads linking Dihi Kolkata with outlying areas, including Shyambazar Road. Horse-drawn trams arrived in Shyambazar in 1882, followed by electric trams in 1889. Central Avenue's extension to Shyambazar in 1911 was renamed Bhupen Bose Avenue, honouring the distinguished Bengali lawyer, educator and politician Bhupendra Nath Bose. The area has been the residence to numerous distinguished individuals — Nilmoni Mitra, Bengal's first qualified engineer, created notable structures like Sadharon Brahma Samaj and Metropolitan Institute. The locality also produced Upendranath Brahmachari, who discovered urea stibamine to treat 'kala azar'. The residence of Nagendranath Basu, who compiled the first encyclopaedias in Bengali and Hindi ('Bangla Biswakosh' and 'Hindi Vishwakosh'), is situated in Shyambazar. The area is linked with artistic luminaries like Girish Chandra Ghosh, Amritalal Basu, Binodini Dasi, and others. The locality houses some of Kolkata's oldest educational establishments. Shyambazar AV School was founded in 1855, whilst Town School Calcutta began in 1894. Notable institutions include Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Seth Anandaram Jaipuria College, and R G Kar Medical College, established in 1886. Football's birth place "For the first time in the history of Indian Football, a core Bengali team, Mohun Bagan, won IFA Shield by defeating a competent White team...," Reuter, London wrote. In 1911, Mohun Bagan's barefooted players defeated the East Yorkshire Regiment, marking the first sporting triumph against imperial forces. These players are commemorated on Mohun Bagan Row, where the club originated in 1889. The club's foundation meeting occurred on Aug 15, 1889, at 14, Balaram Ghosh Street. Prominent families supported its establishment, with its first grounds at Mohun Bagan Villa. In 1890, it became 'Mohun Bagan Athletic Club'. Cultural evolution Shyambazar emerged as a prominent theatre district under the patronage of Calcutta's wealthy elite. The first Bengali production, 'Bidyasundar', was staged in Nabin Chandra Basu's mansion in 1835. Theatre groups such as Bagbazar Amateur Theatre Group and Shyambazar Natya Samaj were instrumental in establishing public, commercial theatre during the mid-19th century. The Star Theatre was established in 1883 at 68, Beadon Street through the efforts of Girish Chandra Ghosh, Binodini, Amritalal Basu and others. In 1888, it relocated to 75/3 Cornwallis Street. The theatre, now a grade-one heritage structure, was renamed Binodini by chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Dec 2024, highlighting its historical significance. The neighbourhood's theatrical landscape has transformed significantly. Former theatres like Bijan Theatre, Rangana, Biswarupa, Rangmahal, and Sarkarina have been replaced by residential complexes or commercial establishments. The once-vibrant stretch from Shyambazar to Hatibagan, previously lined with single-screen cinemas like Mitra, Rupbani, Shree, and others, has largely disappeared. Shyambazar's architectural heritage includes distinctive features such as airy verandahs, iron latticework, louvred windows, and French doors. The Kamala Baati, with its neo-Gothic clock tower, exemplifies this heritage. However, as noted by advocate Debabarata Mukhopadhyay, a resident since 1969, "The old houses are slowly being replaced with modern flats to accommodate more people. The Sen bari, the third official office of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, is being demolished. The neighbourhood is changing and becoming more cosmopolitan." Religion and revolution 55, Shyampukur Street holds historical significance as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's residence during his illness in 1885. Notable visitors included Girish Chandra Ghosh, Mahendralal Sarkar, and others. Nati Binodini visited dressed as a European gentleman. The house, acquired by Ramakrishna Math in 2010, now serves as a museum. Mayer Bari on Udbodhan Lane, where Sarada Devi lived from 1909 to 1920, is another significant spiritual site. The area features historic religious structures, including the century-old Ghomta Kali Bari and the Niamatullah Ghat Mosque from 1794. According to researcher Sabir Ahamed, the mosque's location between two Hindu temples symbolises communal harmony. "Shyambazar and its adjacent neighbourhoods were hubs of nationalist politics. Nandalal and Pashupati Bose's house — the Basu Bati — held anti-British meetings and rallies. A procession was led by Rabindranath Tagore from Federation Hall to Basu Bati in Oct 1906. It was in the courtyard of this house Tagore initiated the 'raksha bandhan utsav'," said Swarnali Chattopadhyay, heritage activist. The area is associated with revolutionaries like Aurobindo Ghosh, arrested in 1908, and Dinesh Chandra Majumdar's 1933 police confrontation near Mohun Bagan Lane. Living by the river The riverside ghats remain vital community spaces. Mita Ghosh, 68, describes the Bagbazar ghat as her sanctuary since age 18. "I have been coming here since I was 18 and got married. Priests perform rituals, young boys take a dip in the river, and people just indulge in adda," she added. Despite deteriorating infrastructure, these ghats continue to serve various community functions. Nearby Kumartuli maintains its traditional idol-making craft while adapting to modern demands. "Shyambazar-Bagbazar is one of the oldest neighbourhoods and still evokes an old-world charm. One of the salient features of the area now is the coexistence of the traditional and modern — apartments share space with old houses and mansions; old food joints exist side by side with modern-day cafes and restaurants and even in transportation, we have the metro, bus routes and the age-old ferry service," said Barun Kumar Ganguly, businessman. Eating good The area's culinary scene combines traditional establishments like Golbari and Mitra Cafe with contemporary outlets. Historic eateries like Adi Haridas Modak, dating back 250 years, maintain their legacy while adapting to changing times. Street side shopping Hatibagan maintains its character as an affordable shopping destination while incorporating modern retail elements. As Sangeeta Ghosh, a local shopkeeper, notes, traditional businesses are adapting to digital payment methods while preserving their essential character. The Sunday morning pet bazar at Galiff Street near Shyambazar adds a uniqueness to the neighbourhood. GFX Who's the 'Shyam' in Shyambazar ? According to Evan Cotton's 'Calcutta Old and New', the origin of Shyambazar dates back to pre-Battle of Plassey (before mid-18th century) Several Bengali traders set up businesses in Kolkata during this period A Bengali trader, Shobharam Basak, worshipped Shyam Rai or Shyamchand as his family deity Named the area Shyambazar after his deity Basak owned the Shyambazar market John Zephaniah Holwell, who was an employee of the East India Company, documented the existence of a large market called Charles Bazaar The Basak family renamed Charles Bazaar after their family deity, Shyam Rai Another theory suggests that the area belonged to distinguished resident Shyamacharan Mukhopadhyay. The name Shyambazar featured in the first official map of Kolkata made in 1784 by Lt Col Mark wood supports the fact Netaji Statue Establishment on Jan 23, 1969 on Subhas Chandra Bose's 73rd birthday Second statue of Subhas Chandra Bose in Kolkata First was installed in 1965 at Raj Bhavan's south-eastern corner Sculptor of the Shyambazar statue | Marathi sculptor Nagesh Yavalkar Made of bronze Height | 15 feet 1 inch Pedestal height | 16 feet Scientist Satyendra Nath Bose, speaker Bijay Kumar Banerjee, mayor Govind Chandra De were present during the inauguration VOX Indrani Bhattacharya | Govt employee Vivek Para Vivek Para, nestled in the heart of N Kolkata, carries a soul that resonates with history, culture, and the warmth of everyday life Subhadeep Dutta | Cardiac technologist Thakur para Kumartuli is an all-time festival. We always have fun in the neighborhood Suman Saha | Coordinator, electrodiagnostic centre Festival Para All kinds of festivals are celebrated here. We are very glad to stay here Himadri Sekher Das | Govt employee Mayer Para Presence of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi's bathing ghat and divine Durga Puja of Bagbazar Biraj Sen | Pvt consultant Nivedita avenue Sister Nivedita has served a very important role in the upliftment of the underprivileged in the area Abhishek Munshi | IT professional Sabuj Biplab Para This para not only means only greenery, Ganga and various birds, it also represents historical places such as the house of Girish Ghosh
News18
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
How 'Jai Hind' Became A Proud Salutation In The Indian Army
Last Updated: Post-independence, attempts to integrate INA personnel into the Indian Army faced resistance from the military and administrative establishment, despite support from Nehru 'Jai Hind" has become a rallying cry on Indian social media, expressing national pride and support for the armed forces. Its historical roots trace back to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who was the first to formalise 'Jai Hind" as a greeting within the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, which he founded. The Indian National Army (INA) comprised around 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers, including notable officers like Major General Shahnawaz Khan, Colonel Prem Sehgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, who left the British Army to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's movement. Historical accounts also suggest that Captain Mohan Singh initially formed the INA in 1942 with Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese. However, several factors led to its disbandment later that year. Netaji revived the INA after arriving in Japan in 1943 and formally established the Azad Hind Government on October 21, 1943, which was recognised by countries such as Germany and Japan. Under Netaji's leadership, the INA grew to over 50,000 soldiers, strengthened by fresh recruits and defectors from the British Army. After World War II, the British government put Major General Shahnawaz Khan, Colonel Prem Sehgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon on trial at the Red Fort. The Indian National Congress, with prominent lawyers like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kailash Nath Katju, defended them, asserting that the officers were freedom fighters, not deserters. Although they were initially sentenced, widespread public outrage forced the British to release them in 1946. After independence, there were attempts to integrate INA personnel into the Indian Army. While leaders like Prime Minister Nehru supported the move, the military and administrative establishment, still shaped by British training and ethos, resisted it. They argued that such a step might set an undesirable precedent and instead recommended focusing on the rehabilitation of INA soldiers. As a result, 'Jai Hind" was embraced by the Indian armed forces as a standard salutation, replacing various religious salutations with a unified patriotic slogan. Today, it stands as a proud declaration of India's strength, unity, and enduring legacy. First Published: May 08, 2025, 18:43 IST
Scroll.in
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
How some Indian National Army recruits in Singapore worked to undermine Japan during WWII
World War II spread from Europe to Asia December 1941 when Japan launched its own Blitzkrieg. This surprising move had an influence on the Indian freedom struggle. Soon after Japan captured Singapore in February 1942, the Indian National Army was recruited from the thousands of Indian army men who had been part of the British-led Allied army defending Singapore and had become prisoners of war. Supported by Japan, the goal of the Indian National Army was to free India of British rule. Indian history textbooks are filled with stories of the Indian National Army. Less well known, though, is that there was an active anti-Japanese resistance embedded within the organisation. They believed that seeking Japan's help for Indian independence was fraught with risk and tried to sabotage the movement from within. This took many forms. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose declared the establishment of Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad-Hind or the Provisional Government of Free India in 1943 at Singapore's Cathay Cinema. This picture of that rally is courtesy the National Archives of Singapore. — India Wants To Know: India's First Panel Quiz Show (@IWTKQuiz) January 23, 2023 In mid-1942, a long-range radio station was started by Japan and Indian nationalists to broadcast anti-British propaganda to India. It was based in Singapore's tallest building – the Cathay cinema. A daily programme of broadcasts explained the need for independence, elaborated on the strength of the Indian National Army and underscored that Japanese support for the movement was genuine. It encouraged Indians to unite and rise against the British. Its routine would be familiar to some media houses today. A morning meeting was held by the Japanese, who were in charge, to decide the focus and news for the day. A script was written in English and given to the broadcasters, who would read them out in various Indian languages. The Japanese would be listening but were not been able to understand everyone. So some made their own changes. One of the features was to read out messages from Indian POWs in Singapore to their families in India, telling them that they were alive and well. The Japanese asked the announcers to add that they were very happy under Japan. Some resisted this. In August 1942, one of the POWs asked to do this was Havildar Shikoh, of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps. A Muslim from Sri Lanka, he had grown up in Lucknow, was 5-foot 8, broad-faced, of medium build and 22 years old. When the station heard his 'deep resonant voice, singularly beautiful', he was asked to join as a regular. Staunchly anti-Japanese, he flatly refused. But after discussing the matters with some seniors, Shikoh decided to take the plunge. His goal was to steal or read uncensored documents and pass the information on to the wider resistance network of anti-Japanese POWs and civilians. Soon, he became the voice of Awaz-e-Islam, one of the daily broadcasts. Using his access within the station, he made a duplicate key to the office of the Japanese news censor. A post-war assessment report says that he then 'engaged in the very dangerous occupation of extracting information from the locked drawer of the Japanese director's desk'. Once, Shikoh was seen by a fellow India taking papers out. Fortunately for him only reprimanded. In clandestine meetings with the wider network, he would pass on the documents. In another close shave, Shikoh was almost caught at the Luna Café. As Shikoh continued reading out messages from POWs to their family in India, he embedded coded references that sounded outwardly innocent, but the family would understand what they really meant. In 1944, Shikoh was joined by Upper Division Clerk Inayatullah Mark of the Indian Army Ordinance Corps. A Protestant from Montgomery, Punjab, 26-year-old Mark was thin, 5-foot, 9, a graduate in History and Economics. After Singapore's surrender to the Japanese in February 1942, Mark slipped into the city, mingled and lived amongst the thousands of Indians civilians there, till he was caught in August that year. He served as a supply officer in an Indian National Army regiment till March 1944, when he was posted as an English broadcaster at the radio station due to his sonorous voice. Mark too was anti-Japanese. But his activities had already attracted attention. As a result, his Chinese fiancé Grace Tan had been interrogated about him. Though Mark could not take the same risks as Shikoh, the two men worked well together, feeding the resistance with uncensored news. In early 1945, Mark was posted to the Indian National Army in Ipoh, Malaysia. By now Shikoh had come under suspicion too, but was able to obtain 15 days leave in April and headed there. He was followed by an Indian spy who worked for the Japanese secret police, the Kempetai, who reported back regularly to his superiors in Singapore. Fortunately for Shikoh, he was able to remain a step ahead because the spy's updates made by telephone from a restaurant were overheard by a waitress also part of the anti-Japanese network. She relayed them to Mark, with whom Shikoh was staying. Arrangements were made and Shikoh joined anti-Japanese guerillas nearby. With them he focused on fighting Japanese propaganda trying to drive a wedge between the ethnic groups in Malaya – Muslim Malays, Chinese and Hindu Indians. In August 1945, Shikoh started working with Force 136, which consisted of Britons and locals – Malays, Chinese and Indians – many trained in India, to sabotage the Japanese war effort. Soon after, the war ended and in September 1945, Malaya was liberated by Indian troops. When Shikoh returned to India after the war is not clear. Mark probably stayed back in Singapore with Grace, by then his wife. Like resistance networks across the world during the war, people of similar views in Singapore banded together. Shikoh and Mark were able to distribute uncensored news – a commodity as useful and as scarce as food – within the anti-Japanese network. For hundreds who were discovered, it meant immediate torture and death. This fear hung over the network every day, so what they did was very brave.
