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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Remembering Shubha Singh: Foreign Affairs Journalist and Unlikely Admirer of Prince Charles
Published : May 29, 2025 15:43 IST - 5 MINS READ In the mid-1990s, the only person in the world who thought highly of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) was Shubha Singh, my colleague at The Pioneer. Charles's then-wife, Princess Diana, was globally beloved, and this was even before her fatal car crash in Paris in 1997. Prince Charles was much reviled: on seeing Camilla on TV, various acquaintances would seethe about the 'horsey-faced woman'. Shubha, however, had a different view, and part of the reason was that she was our Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) correspondent. Besides dealing with India's mandarins in South Block and networking with the embassies in New Delhi, she was invited to state banquets for visiting dignitaries, including princes. A perk of the MEA beat was that it was almost daily that one embassy or another held a reception. Our art writer Juliet Reynolds, an English expatriate with a caustic style, once whispered that a senior editor from the paper (and wife) did not miss a single embassy cocktail party, 'gobbling up all the food'. Also Read | Daniel Ellsberg (1931-2023): 'Pentagon Papers' whistle-blower leaves a legacy of courage Shubha, however, was not a glutton for hors d'oeuvres. She was tall and thin, among the seniormost of our political bureau. The bureau was headed by the late Padmanand Jha (Paddy), and we had been hired by the legendary Vinod Mehta when he launched a New Delhi edition of The Pioneer in 1991, the old Lucknow paper started by the English in the 19th century, famously counting Rudyard Kipling among its sub-editors. It had fallen on hard times, however, and now looked drab and small-town. Industrialist Lalit Mohan Thapar bought it, and Vinod produced a beautifully designed newspaper with interesting stories that was the rage in Delhi for the three years he led it. Shubha was full of grace. She never talked of her pedigree to her rag-tag bunch of colleagues. Her brother Ajay did a stint as Minister of State for Railways in V. P. Singh's short-lived (but momentous) government. I was unaware of this connection until our deputy bureau chief and resident quipster, KV Ramesh, referred to Ajay as the 'jeans-clad Jat'. Even Shubha laughed, though she never wore jeans; her daily wear was a nondescript salwar kameez and Rajasthani Bundi waistcoat. Woman of vast knowledge Shubha spoke often about the Pacific Island nation of Fiji, and her depth of knowledge about it puzzled me until she revealed that she had lived and taught at a school there. Her father, Captain Bhagwan Singh, was posted as High Commissioner (1971-1976) soon after Fiji's independence. He had served in the King's army during the Second World War and was India's first Jat IAS officer. He was also the grandson of an indentured worker, Ram Chander, taken from their ancestral village in Agra to Fiji in 1917. (Ajay represented Agra in the Lok Sabha, 1989-1991, and followed his father's footsteps as high commissioner to Fiji in 2005.) Shubha was 38 when she joined The Pioneer from the Telegraph (I was 27). She was thin-faced, wore glasses that hid her shrewd eyes, and had thinning hair that she kept short. Her smile revealed full upper teeth, but when she was tickled her upper gums showed. In a newspaper newsroom, activity is concentrated in the evening. The Pioneer bureau was a zany place, though we were steps from Vinod's door (and he had a habit of quietly strolling up from behind). Two of our colleagues in their mid-30s, Prakash Patra and the late GK Singh, would finish their copy first (our department had three computers) and then spend the evening with Patra ragging GK. Shubha would laugh the loudest. She never spoke in anger. In KV's words, she had a 'sardonic sense of humour' and not 'a bad bone in her body'. She generously passed news tips to those of us on other beats. She broke the news of India's recognition of Israel (under then Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao). Like the rest of us, she was politically left-of-centre. She was part of the gang that started the Indian Women's Press Corps in 1994. Shubha was unflappable, even when one of our political correspondents, Faraz Ahmed, habitually made the filthiest of remarks that cannot be reproduced here. However, she did raise an eyebrow at KV's occasional double entendre, and this kept the quipster in check. She and I chatted as I was the Home Ministry correspondent and used to regularly report from Kashmir (for which I am eternally grateful to Paddy and Vinod). Her network of foreign diplomats was, during those turbulent and violent years, always keen to hear the latest from Kashmir; so, she and I routinely exchanged notes. One day, our conversation drifted to Prince Charles, who in the 1990s visited India more than once. I casually. disdained his neglect of the beautiful Diana. 'She's nothing but a melodramatic bimbo,' Shubha hissed, much to my surprise because she rarely used such strong words. Also Read | Veteran journalist M.S. Prabhakara passes away 'What!' I exclaimed. 'Charles is no better.' Shubha countered by revealing that Charles was a deep and sensitive man. 'How do you know this?' I asked, incredulously. She had sat next to him during a Rashtrapati Bhawan banquet that she was invited to as the MEA correspondent, and she had conversed with him throughout. So what, I said. She looked me in the eye. 'When you sit and talk to someone for a length of time, you get to know the person,' she said, with a mix of seriousness and passion. I could offer no reply. Shubha passed away on May 25, weeks after turning 72. She had spent two years in agony, due to doctors' negligence at a corporate hospital. In 2023, after a routine gum cancer procedure, a tracheostomy mishap sent fire from her mouth down her airway. She was in and out of hospital since. Hopefully death was a merciful release. Though many of my former colleagues have passed away over the years, this one hit me hard, even though we hadn't spoken in decades. Possibly that's because of recent bereavements. I wish I had kept in touch. Aditya Sinha is a writer living on the outskirts of Delhi.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Belagavi City Corp (BCC) slaps Rs 7 crore penalty on firm over tax evasion
Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 7,08,66,578 on Vega Funmobile Private Limited for alleged tax evasion and violations of building construction norms BELAGAVI: Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has levied a tax penalty of Rs 7,08,66,578 on Vega Funmobile Private Limited for alleged tax evasion and serious violations in building construction norms. According to BCC sources, the penalty was imposed based on discrepancies between the actual built-up area and the area declared for property tax assessment, and also in view of the fact that it continued to pay taxes under the commercial slab though its operations fell under the industrial category . The company reportedly admitted to the violations during proceedings, prompting action under Section 112(C) of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act , 1976. Shubha B, the BCC commissioner, passed the order, following three hearings on Jan 31, April 15, and April 21, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Egypt (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo In keeping with the Municipal Act, the company must deposit 50% of the penalty amount before appealing to the BCC standing committee on taxation. "The tax was calculated after deducting previously paid tax amounts," Shubha told TOI. "The 24,000 sq ft structure is entirely unauthorised, constructed without a valid building permit. Despite this, the company has been paying tax since 2004, using the self-assessment scheme, which lacked verification," the officer said. Shubha added that Vega Funmobile had entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BEMCO Company for leasing the land in August 2002. Initially, in 2002-03, the company had paid taxes, declaring the land as vacant. Though building permission was granted in Dec 2003, there was no construction in 2004-05. Even then, building tax was paid under the commercial slab, even though the usage fell under the industrial category. The commissioner initiated a detailed inquiry upon detecting these discrepancies. Following the hearings, an order dated April 25 directed the company to remit the full tax and penalty amount to BCC.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BCC slaps Rs 7Cr penalty on firm over tax evasion
Belagavi: Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has levied a tax penalty of Rs 7,08,66,578 on Vega Funmobile Private Limited for alleged tax evasion and serious violations in building construction norms. According to BCC sources, the penalty was imposed based on discrepancies between the actual built-up area and the area declared for property tax assessment , and also in view of the fact that it continued to pay taxes under the commercial slab though its operations fell under the industrial category . The company reportedly admitted to the violations during proceedings, prompting action under Section 112(C) of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act , 1976. Shubha B, the BCC commissioner, passed the order, following three hearings on Jan 31, April 15, and April 21, 2025. In keeping with the Municipal Act, the company must deposit 50% of the penalty amount before appealing to the BCC standing committee on taxation. "The tax was calculated after deducting previously paid tax amounts," Shubha told TOI. "The 24,000 sq ft structure is entirely unauthorised, constructed without a valid building permit. Despite this, the company has been paying tax since 2004, using the self-assessment scheme, which lacked verification," the officer said. Shubha added that Vega Funmobile had entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BEMCO Company for leasing the land in August 2002. Initially, in 2002-03, the company had paid taxes, declaring the land as vacant. Though building permission was granted in Dec 2003, there was no construction in 2004-05. Even then, building tax was paid under the commercial slab, even though the usage fell under the industrial category. The commissioner initiated a detailed inquiry upon detecting these discrepancies. Following the hearings, an order dated April 25 directed the company to remit the full tax and penalty amount to BCC.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Shubha Dhananjay to receive National Achievement Award from Srishti Institute of Performing Arts
Among the few artistes in the State to master both Bharatnatyam and Kathak, Shubha Dhananjay is a pioneer when it comes to using special Kannada compositions in her performances. Shubha, who is currently president of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy, has also mastered several forms of folk art and is passionately involved in training her students in the same, at her dance institute Natyantharanga, which was established in 1987. Over the past four decades, Shubha has amassed awards and accolades at state, national and international levels. Apart from judging dance competitions, Shubha produces ballets for Natyantharanga and grooms students at Karana, which she began in 2006, to impart vocal, instrumental, dance and yoga training. On May 5, the Srishti Institute of Performing Arts in association with the Rotary Bugle Rock organisation in Bengaluru, will bestow the National Achievement Award on Shubha. The award ceremony will be followed by her Bharatanatyam performance. 'I feel honoured and thank Srishti for extending this award to me. It is gratifying to be in a line-up of awardees that has included names such as Vyjayanthimala, Birju Maharaj, vocalist RK Srikantan and flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia among others,' says Shubha. Auspicious start Born in Thirthahalli in Shimoga district to N Narasimhaiah, an engineer, and Lolakshamma, a dance and music enthusiast, destiny played a part in Shubha's future when her father was transferred to Bengaluru when she was seven. 'Eager to find a dance guru for me, my parents were thrilled when guru SV Srinivas, a simple man in a dhoti and kurta, arrived at our doorstep after hearing my sister and I were eager to learn dance,' says Shubha. 'We were undergoing fundamental lessons in the Mysore and Pandanallur styles when Guru Srinivas, who originally hailed from Madurai, had moved to Bengaluru and was looking to train students in the Tanjore style. We did not hesitate to join him as he belonged to a lineage of gurus who were instrumental in the establishment of Kalakshetra in Chennai.' Though dance was a passion from childhood, Shubha's family believed she would follow in her brother's footsteps as he was pursuing medicine at Bangalore Medical College at the time. However, that was also when dancer Maya Rao shifted from Delhi to Bengaluru and began the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography that offered degree courses for dancers. 'Nothing could stop me from knocking at her door, and the world of dance widened further for me.' In the 1980s, the word choreography was novel, to say nothing of a degree in the same. Shubha explains that while artistes wondered what such a course would entail, students were equally curious about the possibilities this stream could offer. 'Our study of choreography was shastra-based and substantial, with Natyashastra as our foundation, with dimensions of stage, lighting, language and costumes. We were also exposed to the history of choreography, world history of dance, folk dances of India and the world, as well as ensemble production,' says Shubha, adding, universities and dance platforms eventually began inviting her for lectures on comparative studies and philosophies of choreography. Globe trotter Soon after Shubha's Bharatanatya Ranga Pravesha in 1987, which was attended by the likes of art critics such as BVK Shastry, TB Narasimhachar, Gunagrahi and SN Chandrashekar, she was awarded the Best Dancer Gold Medals, at both the state and national levels. Following this, she was selected to perform at the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana in London. 'I have been on world stages for the last 37 years and looking back, it is gratifying to see thousands of students who trained at Natyantharanga come into their own. Among the awards I have received, I am grateful to have been selected as the Cultural Ambassador in Bali, Indonesia, and for the French Canadian Heritage Society Fellowship Award from Montreal University in Canada and the Ugadi Puraskar from the Lalithakala Academy among others.' Sree Devi Mahatme, Mohini Bhasmasura, Srinivasa Kalyana, Kanmani Krishna, Radha Madhava, Mysuru Huli Tippu Sultan, and Kittur Rani Chennamma are a few of Shubha's works that have been presented at major literary, cultural and religious festivals such as the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Mysore Dasara, Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola and the Hampi Utsava, apart from global dance festivals in the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Maldives, Nepal, Iraq, China, Cambodia and Malaysia. Shubha has also choreographed special ballets including Vachana Vaibhava which incorporates vachanas by saint poets such as Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, Siddarama, Sarvajna, and Kuvempu. Cherished treasures While crediting her husband Dhananjay for being a pillar of support and steering Natyantharanga, she is happy her daughters Maya and Mudra perform with her, taking its legacy forward. 'My father Narasimaiah was a multi-linguist and had translated several Bharatanatyam compositions from Tamil to Kannada. He also penned original compositions which I took up in my recitals and I plan to work on his spiritual compositions shortly. I believe my students will take this precious collection forward for posterity.' Shubha regularly identifies talent from rural areas and trains them free of charge. She has also created large choreography sets with up to 600 dancers during Suvarna Karnataka and Dasara celebrations. Shubha hopes to continue in her new role as the 16th President of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy, where she not only dances and teaches, but also leads the way by organising dance and music events in India and abroad, to take the institution forward. The National Achievement Award instituted by the Srishti Institute of Performing Arts will be presented to Shubha Dhananjay on May 5 at 5.30pm, at Ravindra Kalakshetra. Shubha will present a Bharatnatyam performance on May 5 and a Kathak performance on May 6, at 6.30pm, at the same venue. Entry free. Call 2224 1325 for details
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Bullet touched my hair': How Karnataka family narrowly survived Pahalgham terror attack
One flick of her hair, a stubborn child's hunger and an unexpected craving for Maggi noodles became a lifeline for Karnataka's Hegde family, which narrowly escaped the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Pradeep Hegde, his wife Shubha, and their 12-year-old son Siddhant were on a trip to Kashmir to explore the Baisaran meadows — often called 'Mini Switzerland'. On the fateful day of April 22, Shubha Hegde was saved by a hair as terrorists stormed the valley and killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator, NDTV reported. According to the Hegde family, they had reached the top of the meadows after a tough, muddy hour-long horse ride, where they spent some time sightseeing and were about to head toward the adventure activity zone when Siddhant, feeling hungry, insisted they stop to eat first. Pahalgam attack news live updates: PM Modi-led CCS reviews J&K security situation "About 15-20 seconds later, we saw two guys with big guns. They were shooting continuously," Pradeep said, adding that while one terrorist went towards the lower part of the Valley, another headed towards them. "Initially, we did not realise what was happening. Then we lay down. At this point, my wife thought of getting my bag, which was on the table. Our IDs and phones were in it. She got up to take the bag and felt something go past her right ear. It was a bullet," Pradeep added. Also Read | Government revamps National Security Advisory Board after Pahalgam terror attack That's when Shubha, realising their IDs and phones were left on the table, instinctively got up to grab the bag. In that moment, in the brief time it took her to lean forward, a bullet whizzed past her right ear, grazing her hair. "Something touched my hair," Shubha recalled. "I didn't realise it was a bullet at first, but the force made me turn — I saw it had hit the floor. God saved me." Pradeep said he had no clue at that point that it was a terrorist attack, adding that someone shouted and asked people to run towards the gate. "I was 100 per cent sure we were going to die," Pradeep said. "But my wife just kept saying 'nothing will happen'. That confidence, I think, kept us going." Also Read | Man says terror suspect spoke to him day before Pahalgam attack: 'Hindu ho kya?' Pradeep further said that there was a rush at the gate of the valley, which created a stampede-like situation, due to which their son Siddhant fell. The family eventually found their horseman hiding behind a tree, terrified but alive. He agreed to help. With Siddhant too exhausted to continue on foot, the horseman caught one of the runaway horses and placed the boy on it. Later, he found two more horses for Pradeep and Shubha, guiding them safely downhill, back to life. On April 22, terrorists killed 26 people, including one Nepali national, in Kashmir's Pahalgam. The assault has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted swift diplomatic and strategic countermeasures from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level security meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the three service chiefs, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. PM Modi told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources told PTI.
