Latest news with #Panchamrit
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
BJP leader Smriti Irani offers prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 31 (ANI): Former Union Minister and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani on Saturday offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple located in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district and sought the blessings from Lord Shiva. The BJP leader reached near the gate of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and worshipped Baba Mahakal. After that, she sat in the Nandi hall of the temple and was seen engrossed in deep devotion on the occasion. After offering prayers, Irani spoke to ANI and said that it was her good fortune that she got an opportunity to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple and pray for the well-being of everyone. Additionally, she also prayed for the protection of the soldiers deployed on the borders and their families. 'I consider it my good fortune that I had a darshan of Baba Mahakal. It is the fortune of every devotee who has faith in Mahadev. Today, I prayed before Lord Shiva to make everyone's family happy, prosperous, and bless everyone with good health. I wished that the elders should become strong and the younger should get immense love from Baba Mahakal. I especially prayed for the protection of our soldiers deployed on the borders and their families,' Irani said. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Bhasma Aarti is one of the most revered rituals here at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM. According to temple traditions, the ritual begins with the opening of Baba Mahakal's doors in the early hours, followed by a holy bath with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. The deity is then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood before the unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti take place, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells. Devotees from across the country visit the temple to witness this divine ritual, believing that attending the Bhasma Aarti brings blessings and fulfillment of wishes. (ANI)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India must become more energy-efficient for sustainable growth: IIT-Jodhpur director
1 2 Nagpur: By increasing the share of renewables, electrifying end-use sectors, and utilizing biomass-enabled carbon capture, India could potentially save 36.9 GW of energy demand, said Avinash Kumar Agarwal, director of IIT-Jodhpur, on Tuesday. Agarwal, who was delivering the keynote address at the 'Energy Dialogues: Clean. Viable. Inclusive' workshop organized by CSIR-Neeri, stressed India must become more energy-efficient to ensure sustainable growth. G Sridhar, director general, SSS-NIBE, Kapurthala, and Thallada Bhaskar, director, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, were the guests of honour. "Energy consumption is directly tied to economic growth," Agrawal said, noting that India's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are low. Referring to India's Panchamrit goals, he said, "While we are aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, India's high coal consumption (400 million tonnes/year) necessitates the development of efficient coal technologies, including exploring high-ash coal and hydrogen (blue to green), for future energy solutions. " He urged scientists to focus on the development of green fuels compatible with IC engines to facilitate a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo Neeri director S Venkata Mohan stressed energy access is a fundamental right. Neeri chief scientist Nitin Labhsetwar said, "India must chart its own low-emission growth path, rather than blindly emulating Western models." Later, Agarwal chaired a session moderated by Labhsetwar, which brought together leading scientists and innovators committed to tackling climate change with home-grown solutions. The central theme of the discussion was how Neeri is gearing up to take sustainability to the next level with several ambitious initiatives. The institute is focusing heavily on scaling up carbon capture technologies that can reduce industrial emissions effectively, alongside developing integrated solar-biomass hybrid energy systems designed to maximise clean power generation even in rural areas. The panellists made it clear that these projects are not just lab experiments but are being designed for real-world impact solutions that will reach communities, industries and policymakers alike. Amit Bansiwal, chief scientist at Neeri, spoke passionately about the institute's roadmap to embed sustainability across every stage of a product's life cycle, ensuring environmental responsibility is built into development from the ground up. Avneesh Anshul, principal scientist at Neeri, emphasised Neeri's commitment to making clean technologies accessible and practical for India's diverse population, highlighting collaborations with industry partners to bring innovations from pilot stages to large-scale adoption. S Venkata Mohan outlined plans to strengthen grass roots innovation, encouraging local solutions that align with national sustainability goals. The event concluded on an optimistic note, reinforced by LITU VC Atul Vaidya's call for a science-driven future that balances innovation with social and environmental needs.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ludhiana: Blood camp marks martyr Sukhdev's birth anniv; kin disappointed by govt no-show
Ludhiana: A blood donation camp was organised at the birthplace of martyr Sukhdev Thapar in Naughara Mohalla to mark his birth anniversary. A total of 189 people participated by donating blood. However, his descendants expressed disappointment with the state govt for not attending the event. The martyr's descendant, Ashok Thapar, expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the birth anniversary of martyr Sukhdev. However, he condemned the Punjab govt and the district administration for ignoring the martyr's birthday. He said the chief minister, cabinet ministers, MLAs, and deputy commissioner belonging to the ruling party not paying their respects is an insult to the martyr. Only senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar and councillor Aman Bagga visited the martyr's ancestral house. He said the Aam Aadmi Party, which regards Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh as its icon and uses his image in every govt office to garner support, did not find time to pay respects at the birthplace of Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar, who laid down his life alongside Bhagat Singh. Even Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has not visited the martyr's birthplace even once during his three-year rule. On Wednesday, the chief minister even returned from a programme at a distance of only a hundred metres from the birthplace. Earlier in the day, the martyr's descendant Ashok Thapar, along with the trust members, anointed the statue of Shaheed Sukhdev with Panchamrit and offered flower garlands. After the Panchamrit bath, representatives of social, religious, political, and business organisations remembered Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar by offering oblations in the Havan Yagna. MSID:: 121191366 413 |
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Opinion This Earth Day, a reminder: There is no Planet B
What does it take to sustain human life on Earth? The answer remains simple: Clean air, safe water, nourishing food, and access to the natural resources that allow us to live with dignity and purpose. Now ask yourself: Can there be any system, any kind of 'bank', from which we keep withdrawing these essentials endlessly, without ever making a deposit? Surprisingly, there is. And it is nature itself, what many of us call Mother Earth. We have turned Mother Earth into a one-way bank account, mindlessly withdrawing while giving little or nothing back. Catalysed by consumption, greed, and the illusion that nature is infinite, humanity has entered an era of ecological overdraft. Our forests are vanishing; our oceans are choking with plastic and the air in many cities has become unbreathable. Groundwater reserves are dwindling and soil fertility is declining. Weather patterns have become erratic, with extreme events like floods, wildfires, and heat waves occurring more frequently. The Earth can no longer afford our greed. As a reminder of humanity's responsibility to preserve Earth's resources for future generations, we celebrate April 22 as Earth Day. It is a day to reflect on the planet's health, educate communities about pressing environmental issues, and advocate for sustainable practices. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has influenced global environmental frameworks, fostered international cooperation and inspired landmark agreements. However, it often gets reduced to symbolic gestures — a social-media post, a tree-planting event, a school skit. While awareness matters, this day is not just about optics. It is a powerful reminder to introspect, act, and shift from exploitation to stewardship. India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is making a crucial pivot toward sustainability. At the 2021 COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Panchamrit — a five-point agenda that includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, and reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent. These are bold goals and signal a clear shift from rhetoric to responsibility. Solar energy has emerged as one of India's most powerful climate solutions. The International Solar Alliance, co-led with France, is reshaping global energy diplomacy. Domestically, initiatives like the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers to use solar-powered irrigation, while large solar parks in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan are redefining how India powers its homes and industries. Solar power already contributes to over 15 per cent of India's renewable energy mix — and it is growing. Electric mobility is another frontier. With schemes like FAME, the government is making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. Indian Railways is committed to becoming net-zero by 2030. Meanwhile, cities are expanding public transport networks and investing in clean fuels. India's biodiversity and wildlife conservation programmes have shown tangible success. Project Tiger and Project Elephant have led to population increases. India is now home to over 75 per cent of the world's tiger population. Wetlands are being protected under Ramsar designations. The Green India Mission is working to improve forest cover — not just in quantity but in ecological quality. Urban air pollution remains a persistent threat, but interventions like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) are gaining traction. Cities are receiving funds to monitor air quality, switch to cleaner fuels, and improve waste management. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, while initially focused on sanitation, has broadened its scope to plastic waste-segregation and composting. Water conservation, too, is evolving, with flagship programmes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana and Namami Gange. India's agricultural sector is also adapting. Organic farming is being encouraged through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Micro-irrigation and climate-resilient farming practices are gaining ground. Importantly, from the foundational Environment Protection Act to newer rules on e-waste, plastic management, and green building codes, India's legal framework is expanding to meet contemporary challenges. Meanwhile, campaigns like the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative remind us that environmentalism isn't just about big policy — it's also about small, everyday choices. Yet, we must acknowledge the gaps. Implementation is inconsistent across states. Climate finance is not at the scale required. Development and conservation are still seen as competing agendas, especially in urban planning. Illegal encroachments, deforestation and pollution continue despite the existence of laws and guidelines. But here's the hope: The momentum is real. Sustainability is no longer a niche issue. It is entering mainstream governance, infrastructure planning, business strategy and citizen consciousness. From classrooms to boardrooms, the idea that we must live with nature, not against it, is gaining ground. This Earth Day, let us not ask what nature can still give us. Let us ask what we can still give back. Planting trees is good. Reducing plastic use is essential. But we must go further. Consume consciously. Choose public transport when possible. Support policies and leaders who put sustainability first. Reconnect with nature, not just on holidays, but in daily life. Educate children to be Earth's caretakers. Push for accountability — from industries, governments, and ourselves. If we continue on this path of unchecked exploitation, nature will not wait for permission to rebalance itself. Unlike a man-made bank, Mother Earth doesn't offer bailouts. Once we bankrupt this system, there's no Planet B. Let Earth Day be more than a date on the calendar. Let it be a turning point — for policy, people, and the planet.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yash visits Mahakaleshwar Temple ahead of shooting for Nitesh Tiwari's directorial 'Ramayana'
'KGF' star Yash visited the revered Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday morning as he prepares to begin shooting for the much-anticipated mythological epic 'Ramayana,' starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. Participates in sacred Bhasma aarti ritual As per an ANI report, Yash took part in the early morning Bhasma Aarti, one of the temple's most sacred and spiritually significant rituals. The ceremony, held during the Brahma Muhurta hours between 3:30 am and 5:30 am, involves bathing the deity Baba Mahakal with Panchamrit, which is a sacred blend of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey, and is followed by adorning the idol with cannabis and sandalwood paste around the sounds of drums and conch shells. He dressed simply and was seen in a white shirt and sporting a long beard. The 39-year-old actor immersed himself fully in the rituals, guided by the temple priests. He performed the aarti with deep reverence, joined by several priests, as devotees gathered to witness the solemn occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Speaking to the media, Yash expressed his happiness at visiting the temple and shared his strong faith in Lord Shiva and his prayers for the happiness and prosperity of all. Set to play Raavan in 'Ramayana' This visit holds special significance as Yash is reportedly set to begin shooting for the mythological epic 'Ramayana,' directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The actor will portray the formidable role of Raavan and is also co-producing the film. The filming is set to start soon in Mumbai, with Yash's schedule focusing initially on his solo scenes. The 'Ramayana' project is expected to include cutting-edge technology to present the epic saga to a global audience. The first part of the two-part series is slated for release on Diwali 2026, with the second part following in 2027. Yash's temple visit follows a tradition he follows before every major project, seeking divine blessings to ensure a successful journey ahead.
