Latest news with #Sarla
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Lost our child, will lose home now': Mother of boat tragedy victim after Vadodara slum receives encroachment notice
Among the 147 houses of a clustered settlement around the Raja Rani lake in Vadodara's Panigate area, which were served notice earlier this month for removal of encroachment, is one belonging to the family of Roshni Shinde, who was among the 12 students who, along with two teachers, were killed in the January 2024 Harni boat capsize. The notice comes a few days after Roshni's mother, Sarla, interrupted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's speech at an event in Vadodara on May 2, even though leaders of the ruling BJP and officials of the district administration maintain that the process for removal of encroachment had begun in 2024. Speaking to The Indian Express, Sarla, who had been questioned by the Vadodara City Detection of crime branch after she interrupted the CM's speech on May 2, said that the notice was served as a 'punishment for asking questions'. Sarla said, 'The notice was served immediately after we tried to meet the Chief Minister… What else could be the reason? The settlement has been here for 50 years and the government has decided to act now. We are families who survive on daily wages. Where will we go? Not only have we lost our child but we will also lose our home now, all for the ego of the government that was hurt because we asked for justice.' The notice, dated May 7, served to the family by the Mamlatdar of Vadodara City (East), and issued in the name of Roshni's grandmother Sushila Shinde, stated, '… you have been living in an illegal construction and encroached-upon government land… The notice is being served to you after an inquiry as per the Land Revenue Code… you or your representative must appear with sufficient documentary evidence at the Mamlatdar office at 3pm on May 19 to explain why penal action should not be initiated against you…' Officials of the district administration state that the fresh notice comes a few months after the first one served in December last year when the area was identified for an encroachment-removal drive. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official said, 'It is not true that the notice has been served (only) to the victim's family. It is a coincidence that they reside in an area that is an encroached government land that needs to be reclaimed.' The notice has been served to about 147 houses of the settlement around the Raja Rani Talav — which is among a few spots in the city that are in line for a demolition as part of the slum-free city drive of the state government. Following the demolitions around Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad on April 28, Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi had also sought similar action in the city at various places, including the twin lakes of Raja Rani and Ajab lake that are separated by a 10-feet wide bridge and surrounded by slums. The notice served to the locality, where the Shindes reside, has particularly raised eyebrows as it comes a day after suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, VMC corporator Ashish Joshi, received a notice from the District Collector and District Magistrate of Vadodara to appear for a hearing in an alleged case of land grabbing in the Danteshwar area of the city where he resides. The former BJP leader, who has been leading the cause of the victims of the Harni boat tragedy, has been named as a respondent in the notice under the Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 2020, along with 19 others. MP Joshi, who had put up a social media post on April 29 seeking Chandola-lake like action in Vadodara city, told this newspaper on Friday that the notice of the revenue department is not connected to the incident of May 2. The BJP leader said, 'There are 14 victims of the Harni boat tragedy and (kin of) two had interrupted the CM on that day. Why will only one family receive notice… ? If they are not illegal citizens and not involved in any criminal activities, the government is sensitive about the well-being of the people… it is a big vision of the Prime Minister to allot homes under the Pradhan Mantri and Mukhyamantri housing projects. These people will be rehabilitated suitably but at this moment, I cannot comment on the operational part of the procedure. The corporation will step in to oversee the rehabilitation when it happens.' The Parliamentarian said the process to de-clutter slum pockets from lakeside areas in the city had been initiated much earlier than the May 2 incident. Stating that the two women who came to the event on May 2 had not even introduced themselves as kin of Harni victims, the leader said, 'If one sees the entire communication of the CM's event, the two women first spoke about the housing scheme projects and gas connection issues. That is why the CM reacted the way he did because he did not know that they were victims. The issue was much politicised…' At the event, Patel had said the women were there 'with a special agenda'. Later, though, he granted them a hearing. According to officials, the government land on which the Raja-Rani lake slum settlement stands is important as the main feeder line of the city's water supply from Ajwa Reservoir runs underground here. Officials said that the process of reclaiming the land around Raja Rani and Ajab lakes will commence shortly, including eviction and demolition of encroachments.
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
From Betul to Dubai: Sarla Tated's inspirational life in art and service
DUBAI: The grand halls of the Dubai World Trade Center sparkled and radiated with creativity and cultural brilliance during World Art Dubai 2025 (Apr. 17 – 20). One of the region's prestigious and most attended art exhibitions, among over 10,000 artworks and over 400 artists representing 60 plus countries, was Sarla Tated from India. She is a 69-year-old artist and humanitarian hailing from Betul, Madhya Pradesh. Her participation in the art fair was not only a proud moment for her – she has overcome health issues which might have laid low less strong individuals - but also for the Indian art community. Her life in art and service has been a voyage rooted not only in artistry, but also selfless social service. Sarla Tated's artistic journey began more than 60 years ago in the small town of Betul in Central India. Her early inclination towards art developed into a lifelong passion, which she nurtured through years of practice, learning, and perseverance. A horse bursts out of its harness. Besides her skill with the brush, her artworks narrate stories, blending vivid imagination and sincere emotion. She has mastered the use of oil and acrylic mediums, and crafts both abstract forms and realistic compositions. Among her most admired pieces are those depicting horses — full of energy, grace, and thundering motion — as well as works inspired by European techniques and motifs. Her artworks are not confined to galleries. They live in places where emotion and remembrance are deeply embedded. One of her paintings hangs in a cancer hospital established by late Indian movie star Sunil Dutt, in memory of his wife Nargis Dutt, who died of cancer. The hospital serves not just as a medical institution, but also as a space of hope, where Sarla's artworks comfort, inspire and empower. Another of her paintings is displayed in the residence of Arjun Singh, late Indian Minister of Human Resource Development. These placements highlight the respect and admiration her work commands, not only in artistic circles, but also among national leaders and institutions. Sarla Tated holds MA and LLB degrees: the humanities and law combination reflects her intellectual preparation and diverse interests. Her academic background has enhanced her ability to understand the world through a broader social angle and focused artistic lens. A peacock displays its colours. Beyond art, Sarla has devoted a significant part of her life to social work. For the past 27 years, she has been an active member of Mahavir International, a renowned socio-charitable organisation. In her current role as Zone Chairperson and Trustee, she leads various initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and women's welfare. Her service includes organising free medical camps, distributing essential resources to the underprivileged, and empowering women in rural areas through skill-based programmes. She believes that education and creativity should go hand-in-hand to shape a better society. Her paintings mirror this belief, since they often touch on themes of strength, resilience, and humanity. She has exhibited her work in numerous platforms in India and internationally. 'Each exhibition is a chapter in her ever-evolving story — a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose,' says her daughter Richa Jain, who is also an artist. 'From small town showcases to global galleries, her journey is a living testament to the idea that true talent transcends boundaries.' Richa says her mother's presence at World Art Dubai 2025 was not only a personal milestone, but also a symbol of how Indian artists — especially senior women artists — are gaining recognition on international stages. At World Art Dubai, Sarla's paintings pulsed with vibrant realism and cultural soul. Viewers were drawn to their unapologetic realism, their texture and the firmness of the brushstrokes. Equine black and white. Sarla Tated's art and life journey reminds us that genuine art is not just what is seen on canvas — it is also how the artist has chosen to live, give, and uplift others through his or her talent. Katie Carey has this to say about the role of artists in society ( 'Every artist,' she says, 'plays a different and necessary part in contributing to the overall health, development, and well-being of our society. Creative thinkers and makers provide their communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration, but they also give thoughtful critique to our political, economic, and social systems — pushing communities to engage thoughtfully and make steps toward social progress.' 'An artist's role is almost that of an Alchemist — capable of transforming a few humble materials into objects which are imbued with spiritual and aesthetic value and then possibly also material value,' adds Aleta Michaletos. 'My role is to offer through my art a message of hope to society, my community and the world at large.' Sarla Tated is an Indian artist. Sarla Tated's event at World Art Dubai was honoured by the presence of Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director & Private Advisor to the Office of Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Al Ali also graciously accepted the invitation to be Chief Guest. Also present were key dignitaries like Asma Al Janahi, leading UAE Government official and Bijender Singh, Head of Chancery & Consul (Protocol, Welfare & Culture), Consulate General of India, Dubai. Their presence was an acknowledgement of the commitment of artists like Sarla Tated, whose work bridges generations, geography, genres, art and service. World Art Dubai is an eclectic melting pot of artistic styles. It offers a blend of contemporary, modern, and traditional art, from emerging artists, pop-art icons and fashion art disrupters, to experimental expressionists and fine art and photography practitioners.
