Latest news with #Pratapgarh-based
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Unforgettable experience: P'garh sandalwood farmer
Prayagraj: Utkrisht Pandey, a Pratapgarh-based sandalwood farmer, who was invited as a special guest along with his wife, Dr Toolika Pandey, to the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort on August 15, on Tuesday described the invitation as a lifetime honour at the Red Fort, Delhi. Pandey told TOI, "For the very first time in my life, I was invited as a special guest to witness the Independence Day Ceremony at the historic Red Fort, New Delhi, by the Ministry of Ayush & National Medicinal Plants Board." He added, "This invitation was not just a personal honour but a recognition of the efforts being made in the field of sandalwood farming, medicinal plants, and sustainable agriculture. Standing amidst the grandeur of our national capital, with the tricolour flying high at Red Fort, was an overwhelming and unforgettable experience. From the warm welcome extended by the Ministry of Ayush to the thoughtful arrangements and special recognition, every moment reflected the value of India's rich herbal and Ayurvedic heritage," said Pandey, adding, "It was an honour to be part of a celebration that symbolises the strength, unity, and cultural pride of our nation. " He added, "I return with gratitude, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to continue working for the promotion of sustainable farming, organic practices, and the growth of medicinal plant heritage." Pandey, on his seven-acre farm, 'Rishigram', in Bhadauna village of Pratapgarh district, has successfully cultivated over 3,000 sandalwood plants and four hybrid turmeric varieties, showcasing exemplary organic and natural farming practices. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
No trace of newlywed Pratapgarh couple on honeymoon trip to Sikkim
Prayagraj: It has been 13 days since the newlywed couple from Pratapgarh district - Kaushlendra (29) and Ankita (26) – went missing after the tourist vehicle in which they were travelling with 10 other passengers plunged into the swollen Teesta River in Mangan district of Sikkim and the family of the couple are yet to hear from the authorities about the two. After tying the nuptial knot in May, the couple went to Sikkim for their honeymoon on May 24. They went missing from May 29 onwards. It was later established that the mini-bus they boarded along with other tourists had fallen into Teesta River. Though authorities roped in divers and rescuers but there has been no trace of the couple since. The couple, Kaushalendra Pratap Singh (29) and Ankita Singh (26) got married just 25 days ago had gone to Sikkim on their honeymoon on May 24. A group of four family members, who returned home on Tuesday empty-handed from Sikkim, are in a state of shock and continuously shedding tears. They shared their experience with top police and administrative officials of Pratapgarh and even explained the horrific view of the Teesta river and the accident site to them. Talking to TOI, SP (Pratapgarh) Dr Anil Kumar said, "Four of the family members of the couple who rushed to the spot soon after the incident returned home on family members met with senior police and administrative authorities in Gangtok and also narrated the extensive search operation being carried out by the authorities concerned." The search operation was carried out by removing the rocks and debris of the Teesta river flowing in a ravine of thousands of feet. Teams are still searching till Chungthang, about eight km from the accident site. SP, meanwhile, said, "Even as the flow of the river has now become normal, it is not easy to search among the debris. No belongings related to the Pratapgarh-based couple have been found so far. The family members have returned on the assurance of the officers. " Sher Bahadur, who reached Gangtok in search of his son and daughter-in-law, kept searching for the couple along with his relatives and family members. They also met the two tourists who survived the accident . Sher Bahadur told Pratapgarh police officials that the two surviving tourists identified the Pratapgarh couple by looking at their photos as they were travelling in the vehicle. The vehicle was carrying 11 tourists and a driver and was returning from Chungthang to Gangtok when it lost control around 9 pm due to heavy rainfall. Eight tourists, including Kaushalendra and Ankita, remain untraceable till now. The unfortunate news has devastated both the Pratapgarh couple's families. The families of both are still living under uncertainty. Ankita worked in the medicine department at Medanta Hospital in Lucknow. Kaushalendra, his parents' only child, was preparing for the civil services examination in Delhi. Their honeymoon plans were finalised on a whim after their waitlisted train tickets were confirmed on May 22.
