Latest news with #Palkar
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra: Unfilled minority quota seats not to be included in CAP for FYJC admissions
In a reversal of the previous decision, minority-run junior colleges will be able to admit students under the minority quota till the last day of admissions, announced the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in Maharashtra through a notification dated August 4. In the previous notification dated July 30, the directorate had announced that remaining seats in the in-house and minority quotas in junior colleges will be allowed to be filled only till August 2. If the seats in this quota remain vacant even after that date, the seats will be included in the Central Admission Process. Similarly, the last date for colleges to fill up seats in the management quota is August 9. Now, according to the amended notification by Director of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Dr Mahesh Palkar, admissions under minority quota can be made by the school management till the last date of admission. This means that vacancies under minority quota will not be included in the CAP round and the school management will be allowed to fill minority quota seats in minority-managed schools till the end. Palkar told The Indian Express, 'One of the colleges went to court against the previous notification, the hearing of which was held on Tuesday and hence, the decision has been reversed.' The notice regarding the reversal of the decision was shared late night on August 5. The rules for in-house quota and management quota remain the same, and those seats will not be available for colleges to fill after the above mentioned dates. This decision is among a string of decisions that the state School and Sports Education Department has had to reverse in the last few months. In relation to minority institutes, on May 6, the state government had introduced caste-based reservations in minority institutes for Class 11 admissions from this year onwards. On June 12, the Bombay High Court granted an interim stay on the clause of the GR and admissions went ahead without the reservations.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Pune: ‘Was told women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate, but I stood my ground'
By Kavyaa Masurkar Vasanti Vijay Palkar, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, has been performing religious rituals and ceremonies for close to three decades. Formally trained in Paurohitya, Palkar began her practice in 1995 at the age of 43 and has since built a formidable reputation in the community through word of mouth. Her interest in religious rituals can be credited to her grandfather, Ganesh Upadhyay, who was a respected priest. 'I used to accompany him for Satyanarayan pujas and sit beside him, listening with wonder,' she recalled. Her father, Chintaman Upadhyay, could not continue the family tradition due to financial responsibilities. 'Being the eldest son, he was compelled to take on a job for a steady family income. However, he always felt that the family tradition had to continue, consequently encouraging me to carry it forward,' she added. Palkar began her formal training under the guidance of Jyotsana Bodas at Shri Ram Ganesh Mandal and continued under her tutelage until 2020. Over the years, she mastered various aspects of the priesthood — from Stotras and Rudras to Saptashati, Vastu Shanti, Udaka Shanti, and wedding rituals. She started small, conducting pujas during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, as well as Satyanarayan Pujas for friends and neighbours. As word spread, she was called on to perform more elaborate rituals, including grah pravesh, thread ceremonies and weddings, many of which lasted for six to ten hours. As per her, her journey wouldn't have been successful without the wholehearted support of her late husband, Vijay Palkar. 'Despite his long working hours, he would insist that I continue with my education and regularly attend classes. He would prepare lunch for our daughters and then leave for work,' she reminisced fondly. His constant encouragement gave her the strength to pursue her passion seriously, she added. Despite his sad demise last year, she has continued performing ceremonies. 'It was difficult initially, but my daughters encouraged me to keep going. Conducting rituals gave me strength and helped me move on with my life, navigate through grief with dignity,' she said. Though most of her experiences have been positive, she has also faced resistance. 'A few male priests told me that women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate and are impure, but I stood my ground. If one is truly interested and devoted to the task, there is no reason why one should not be allowed to do it, regardless of gender,' she added. At the same time, she has received affirmation from unexpected quarters. 'Many people have said they prefer women performing the ceremony over men because, in their opinion, women recite the rituals more slowly and proficiently, allowing both the organisers and attendees to connect with and understand the rituals better,' she said. Despite the time and effort involved, Palkar has never charged a fixed fee. 'Sometimes I've travelled long distances and people haven't even offered conveyance. But I do it notwithstanding because it brings peace not only to me but also to those I serve. I've never done it for the money,' she said. Many people have told her that their lives have improved after she has performed rituals in their homes. 'Some say things have started falling into place, like improved health, healed relationships, etc. This kind of feedback motivates me and reaffirms my conviction that I and my work matter,' she said. Although she hasn't insisted that her daughters or other women in the family follow her footsteps, she hopes her journey will encourage others. 'I believe in encouragement through personal examples. If my family wants to pursue this line, I'll support them wholeheartedly,' she said. For Palkar, Paurohitya is a path of service to the community as well as a means of attaining inner peace. 'Make yourself so strong that no one can push you down,' she said. 'This work has given me a sense of purpose, resilience of mind and body, and clarity of thought. I hope more women are motivated to tread this sacred path, to accrue the benefits to themselves and the society,' she summarised.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
Criminal on record murdered over 'paan' bill in Islampur
Kolhapur: Nitin Sanjay Palkar (35), a criminal with multiple charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), was brutally murdered in broad daylight at the crowded Ajinkya Market in Islampur on Thursday afternoon. According to police, Palkar—known for frequent drunken visits to the area—had threatened a local paan shop owner the previous day over unpaid dues. Enraged by the threat, the shopkeeper, along with an associate, allegedly plotted Palkar's murder. Sub-divisional police officer Mangesh Chavan said, "The paan shop owner, fearing after the threat, decided to kill Palkar. He and his friend waited with a koyta-like sharp weapon at the paan shop. Palkar arrived at the shop and started arguing. The paan shop operator and his friend started the attack. As many as 25 deep injury marks were spotted on the body of Palkar in the post-mortem." Palkar, out on bail for the past year, had a criminal history involving murder, attempted murder, and extortion since 2019. He had also been publicly paraded by police in the past. The two accused are currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway.
