Latest news with #Vivekananda
News18
17 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup: Everything You Need To Know
Last Updated: The 134th Durand Cup runs from July 23 to August 23 in five Indian cities with 24 teams in six groups. The oldest football tournament in Asia is set to return for its 134th edition, scheduled from July 23 to August 23 across five cities in India. The tournament will kick off with Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC facing South United FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on July 23. Alongside the Red and Gold Brigade, five other ISL sides -Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Punjab FC – will also participate. What Is The Format Of Durand Cup? A total of 24 teams have been divided into six groups. The six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage. Where Is Durand Cup Being Held? Matches will be held across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and the new host, Imphal. What Are Groups Of Durand Cup? Group F (Imphal): TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT, Real Kashmir FC What Are The Durand Cup Group Stage Fixtures? Group A Fixtures Match Date Time Venue East Bengal FC vs South United FC 23.07.2025 17:30 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata Indian Air Force FT vs South United FC 27.07.2025 19:00 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata Namdhari FC vs South United FC 30.07.2025 19:00 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata Namdhari FC vs Indian Air Force FT 03.08.2025 16:00 Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata East Bengal FC vs Namdhari FC 06.08.2025 19:00 Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata East Bengal FC vs Indian Air Force FT 10.08.2025 19:00 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata Group B Fixtures Group C Fixtures Group D Fixtures Group E Fixtures Group F Fixtures Where To Watch Durand Cup On TV? All matches of the Durand Cup 2025 will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 2. Where To Watch Durand Cup Live Streaming? All matches of the Durand Cup 2025 will be live streamed on Sony Liv. view comments First Published: News sports » football Durand Cup: Everything You Need To Know | Groups, Fixtures & Where To Watch Live Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
New ‘spiritual' spots in Tagore Library of LU evoke reflection
Lucknow: To enhance academic rigor and cultural consciousness, Lucknow University is set to introduce two dedicated spaces at its Tagore Library, a PhD Corner for research scholars and a Swami Vivekananda Corner to honour legacy of one of the greatest spiritual leaders. The twin initiatives are part of the university's broader mission to create a library environment that caters equally to knowledge production and intellectual inspiration. The PhD Corner will offer a focused and resource-rich environment specifically for doctoral scholars. Designed with individual research cabins, the space will be equipped with computers, high-speed Internet, digital databases, citation tools and statistical software. Departments will be allotted specific time slots for access, ensuring a balanced and organised use of the facility. Meanwhile, Swami Vivekananda Corner will serve as a spiritual and philosophical retreat within the library. It will feature a curated collection of books authored by Vivekananda, as well as biographies and scholarly works on his life and teachings. The corner will also display replicas of his robes, slippers, walking stick and other symbolic artifacts, creating an immersive atmosphere that reflects his ascetic lifestyle and enduring influence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Honorary Librarian of Tagore Library, Keya Pandey, said, "With PhD Corner and Swami Vivekananda Corner, the library is turning into a holistic space that nurtures intellectual and inner growth. On one hand, our scholars will gain access to a structured, tech-enabled research facility, while on the other, they will have a contemplative zone inspired by one of India's most visionary thinkers."
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
PM Modi's Resolve of 'Taking Bharat To New Heights'
Last Updated: As Narendra Modi completes 11 years as Prime Minister, it will be relevant to revisit his contemplations as he sat on the Vivekananda Rock, when he was poised to win a third term In the summer of 2024, after a gruelling election campaign and polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari. The memorial stands on the very same rock on which Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation before he travelled to address the World's Parliament of Religions at Chicago, US, in 1893. Modi, too, spent 45 hours on that rock – contemplating, reflecting and meditating. As he completes an unprecedented and uninterrupted 11 years as Prime Minister, it will be relevant to revisit his contemplations on the rock, articulated a year back when he was poised to win a third term. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, observes Swami Ranganathananda – one of the finest exponents of Vivekananda's thought – radiates a 'new message of national and human fulfilment". Of the rock itself and its significance in Vivekananda's life, he writes: 'Very few nations can get that privilege of having a national leader of the type of Swami Vivekananda, not only intellectually great, not only a man of tremendous character and will, but a man of supreme spirituality. He imbibed the entire spiritual history of India, the spirit of our culture, into himself, and then he went forth as India's ambassador, spiritual and cultural, to the Western world. It was the first time in some hundred years that our India herself spoke to the world the authentic language of our own culture and spirituality. Swami Vivekananda decided to do this great work in the modern world after he had sat in meditation on the Rock at Kanyakumari, and discovered his mission in life. This Rock has, therefore, acquired a special significance." It was from this rock that Vivekananda leapt into the world carrying India's message of liberation. It was on it that the plan for India's resurgence was revealed to him, as he famously wrote: 'Sitting on the last bit of Indian Rock near Mother Kumari's temple, I hit upon a plan…" It was an epic moment for India. Ranganathananda says the plan was twofold: uplift India and Indians out of backwardness, banish poverty, social injustice and oppression and 'preach those tested, universal, rational truths of Vedanta, of our own ancient Sanatana Dharma, to the rest of the world". The 19th century was a period full of challenges for India. The danger of India wallowing in stagnation, completely exhausted and exploited, was becoming evident. Scholar-diplomat KM Pannikar describes this grave challenge in his The Three Determining Periods in India's History. Pannikar argues that the challenge was that 'Indians, as a people, might, for all times, fall back in the race for progress and be reduced to a position of a semi-civilised, ineffective people with no contributions to make to the world", leading to an age where the 'philosophies of ancient India might be studied by the curious and the scholarly as the ideas of the ancient Egyptians are studied today". He observes that it was Vivekananda's appearance in the 'last quarter of the 19th century" as an 'outstanding all India leader" that ultimately 'checked this dangerous tendency". The Vivekananda Rock, thus, radiates a deep symbolism and has a unique historical significance in the annals of modern India. When looked at today against the backdrop of the aspiration of a 'Viksit Bharat' and of 'Amrit Kaal' – both of which signify an era of crystallised and consolidated aspiration for fast-tracking an integral national resurgence – the Vivekananda Rock assumes renewed significance. It symbolises the next phase of India's rise as an effective, self-confident, surefooted viswamitra, conscious of its strengths. It signifies the rise of India as a compassionate republic, which knows when to wield power and force in defence of itself. It was not the Prime Minister's first visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. As a pracharak, karyakarta, seeker, ardent devotee of Vivekananda, political activist, someone who peregrinated across the length and breadth of India, he has visited it numerous times in the last four decades. In fact, even when the memorial was being constructed in the mid-1960s, he recalled that he had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari. His association with the Vivekananda Rock, thus, is long and unbroken. Its symbolism is another constant in his life – as a seeker and leader. As a pracharak, Modi was well connected with the iconic Eknath Ranade, a pracharak himself, who had plunged into the mission of erecting a memorial to Vivekananda on that same rock. It was a historic mission that he fulfilled. But this visit by Modi, in the summer of 2024, was different. He was visiting it as the PM, who had already won two mandates and was poised to win a third. Having spent quiet hours on the sacred rock at the land's end in Kanniyakumari – where the three oceans meet and the ancient temple dedicated to Bhagavati Kumari Amman stands – he expressed his innermost thoughts for India and her future. He spoke of new sankalps that emerged from his sadhana in Kanniyakumari and penned these thoughts during his return flight to Delhi. He wrote: 'Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone." In 1897, Vivekananda had said we must dedicate the next 50 years solely to the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely to the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. The many thoughts and hopes that Modi expressed, emerged from a deep state of contemplation that he had undergone. As he sat on the rock, it was the thought and vision of 'Viksit Bharat' that permeated his mind and his psyche. His meditation unmistakably evoked the resolve to initiate and realise that epochal vision of a resurgent India. In the last 11 years as PM, Modi had already begun laying the foundation of 'Viksit Bharat'. From Vivekananda's rock in Kanniyakumari, his call was to India, to young India, to all Indians, to firm up their resolve, to strive hard to realise the India of Vivekananda's hopes. The governance vision and model that Modi has put into effect, combined with the resolve of his fellow Indians, will be the principal drivers for realising that vision. Of the governance model and philosophy driving 'New India' and shaping 'Viksit Bharat', he wrote: 'Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society." Vivekananda's vision of sewa has been the foundation of this transformative governance vision and of action. The world of 21st century, Modi observed, was 'looking towards Bharat with many hopes" and, therefore: '…it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilise them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back." And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic ones. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. Modi's words that were articulated after his meditation on the Vivekananda Rock, need to be read and reread. They need to be internalised and assimilated by anyone who wishes to work for the rise of a 'New India'. He has demonstrated an indefatigable energy and an undiminished conviction in the rise of India in the last 11 years. He has ideated it, nurtured it, led it and effectuated it like few others have in the past. From being a victim and creature of history, India is now emerging as a creator of history. It is an India that Vivekananda had hoped and aspired for. top videos View all (The author is chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, and a member of the National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views) view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 07:30 IST News opinion Opinion | PM Modi's Resolve of 'Taking Bharat To New Heights' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Cosmo Para Salt Lake
1 2 3 4 5 6 In the early summer of 1962, a stretch of marshland on the eastern edge of Kolkata began its transformation into what would become one of Bengal's most iconic urban experiments. Guided by the vision of then chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, a planned township was carved out from the shallow waters of a vast salt lake — reclaimed cell by cell with slurry pumped from the Hooghly. This land would come to be known as Bidhannagar, or, more famously, Salt Lake. By the early 1970s, the first residents began to arrive — teachers, clerks, govt officers, and professionals — drawn by the promise of clean streets, planned roads, open spaces and quiet living. The timing coincided with a tumultuous historical moment: during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Sector II of Salt Lake temporarily housed over a lakh refugees. Soon after, the township hosted the Congress party's national session. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi stayed in the newly built guest house, later renamed Indira Bhavan, which eventually became the home of CPI(M) patriarch and former CM Jyoti Basu. Through the 1980s and into the '90s, Salt Lake's reputation began to crystallize. With 64 blocks and five sectors, it wasn't just a satellite township any more — it was the address to be at. While the rest of Kolkata struggled with crumbling infrastructure and narrow lanes, Salt Lake represented vision, order and quiet affluence. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Each block was carefully planned, complete with parks, community markets, and housing plots that came with their own garages. The concept of "para" evolved into something more sophisticated: neighbours gathered in well-maintained parks, shopped at clean markets that were zoned, and bonded over morning walks and evening adda sessions in open fields. Residents recall those years with unmistakable fondness. "When we moved here in 1985, it felt like a different country," said Kalyan Chakraborty (80), a former state govt employee and one of the oldest residents of Salt Lake. "Wide roads, green cover, no hawkers cluttering the pavements. It was peaceful and elegant — something Kolkata wasn't." Chandra Mukherjee of AC Block echoed the sentiment: "In the '90s, this was a power address. Ministers, bureaucrats, film stars — everyone who mattered had a house in Salt Lake." Indeed, under the Left Front regime, Bidhannagar became the nerve centre of political power. Former CM Basu resided here, as did cabinet members like former sports minister Subhas Chakraborty and former finance minister Asim Dasgupta. Their presence turned Salt Lake into a fortress of authority and sophistication. It was not uncommon to spot top actors, academics, and senior officials mingling in neighbourhood events or catching an early morning walk around the stadium. Civic infrastructure kept pace. The township boasted of an international-standard football stadium — Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan — as well as City Centre mall, a dedicated fairground, and its own swimming pool. Add to that well-planned roads separated by traffic islands, a healthy drainage system, clean water supply and strict building regulations that limited height and prevented congestion, Salt Lake was held up as the model for future Indian urbanism. But like all cities built on dreams, Salt Lake, too, has seen its foundations shift. Over the last 15 years, a slow but steady transformation has taken hold. The children of the original settlers, now professionals in their 30s and 40s, have increasingly moved away — either to other Indian cities or abroad. Left behind are elderly parents, large family homes, and a township gradually hollowing from within. "In most big houses, elderly residents live alone," said Gora Roy, secretary of CF Block residents' association. "Their children live elsewhere and elderly couples are left all by themselves. Many have even moved away with their children, leaving the homes empty." To make practical use of these oversized homes — and to generate income — many residents have converted their ground floors into commercial spaces. Cafes, boutiques, coaching centres, salons and clinics have popped up across blocks. While this has infused Salt Lake with a buzz of activity, it has also opened the doors to more dubious enterprises. In recent years, the township has made headlines for the wrong reasons: fake call centres operating out of residential homes, shady spas, and other illegal set-ups that exploit the lax enforcement in what was once a tightly regulated space. Police crackdowns are now routine and one of the primary jobs of cops now is to check on elderly residents. Adding to this churn is a demographic shift. An increasing number of non-Bengali-speaking families have bought into the township. Older stand-alone houses have been sold, demolished, and replaced by apartment blocks. The skyline is rising but so is the density — and, in some cases, the friction. The once homogenous Bengali para is now more diverse, but also less cohesive. But with commercial interest intensifying, and property rates soaring, enforcement remains patchy. The township, once proud of its uniformity and restraint, now finds itself grappling with the pressures of unregulated growth. Still, there is hope. Salt Lake remains one of the greenest and most infrastructure-rich areas in the greater Kolkata region. Its community parks, while less populated than before, continue to serve as gathering points. The local markets — despite facing competition from malls and online platforms — retain a loyal base of customers. And in quiet corners, some para traditions endure: a shared cup of tea at dusk, neighbourhood Durga Pujas, a Sunday trip to the fishmonger. "During the first few decades, there was no para culture in Salt Lake as people from outside came up and started living here. Slowly, the block associations came up and a community bonding developed. Now, every block has its own para culture with everyone feeling included," said Kumar Shankar Sadhu, former secretary of Bidhannagar welfare association. Salt Lake has never just been about buildings, boulevards, water tanks and traffic islands. It's always been about people — coming together, making a para their own, and turning the township into home.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NMC Seeks State Nod To Regularise Vivekananda Memorial, Cites No Role In Flooding
Nagpur: The civic body has informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is still awaiting the Maharashtra government's decision on regularising the Swami Vivekananda Memorial at Ambazari Lake. Citing a technical study, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) reiterated that the statue did not contribute to last year's flash floods. This disclosure was made in an affidavit filed by municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari in response to a PIL filed by Ramgopal Bachuka and others. Chaudhari stated that the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune—an ISO-certified body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti—conducted a detailed physical model study of the flood-routing system in Nagpur. The report concluded that the Vivekananda statue does not obstruct water flow and was not responsible for the severe flooding on September 23, 2023. "In view of this finding, the NMC submitted a request on May 7 to the state government for the regularisation of the memorial structure. However, a decision is still awaited," the affidavit stated. It further noted that CWPRS's mathematical model study report is expected by July 31. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The NMC also affirmed its compliance with the Dam Safety Act, 2021, taking full responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and structural integrity of the 250-year-old Ambazari Dam. "A dam safety unit has been constituted within the NMC, and works under three of the four planned phases have been completed," the affidavit stated. The completed works, costing over ₹21 crore, include the construction of retaining walls, toe drains, repairs to pitching, and a high-level bridge. The fourth phase—fabrication and installation of escape gates—is currently underway under the supervision of the state irrigation department, with financial support from the NMC. Citing Sections 20, 26, and 48 of the Dam Safety Act, the commissioner affirmed that all dam safety obligations are being met in coordination with the State Dam Safety Organization. "We remain committed to complying with all directions issued by the national and state dam safety authorities. There has been no dereliction of duty," he stated. The PIL, filed by senior citizens and civic activists, seeks accountability and safety upgrades at the Ambazari Dam following last year's floods, which affected over 28,000 families. Ambazari Dam & Vivekananda Memorial: Key Facts from NMC's Affidavit: - Dam Ownership: Ambazari Dam is 250 years old, owned by NMC - Legal Compliance: Covered under Dam Safety Act, 2021; NMC has formed a dam safety unit - Flood Study: CWPRS, Pune report states Vivekananda statue did not cause 2023 flooding - Restoration Work: ₹21.07 crore project; three out of four phases completed - Pending Action: State yet to decide on statue regularisation - Support to Irrigation Dept: Financial aid ongoing for escape gate installation - Safety Oversight: Coordination with State Dam Safety Organization continues
