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Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pak's days numbered, terrorism will be reason for its demise: Yogi
letters@ : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday asserted that that Pakistan's days are numbered and terrorism will be the reason for its demise. He also said Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of India's identity. Adityanath was in Ayodhya to inaugurate the newly constructed Hanuman Katha Mandapam at Hanuman Garhi temple. Addressing the gathering, he issued a stern warning against terrorism, particularly Pakistan-sponsored extremism. Citing the valour of Lord Hanuman, he said, 'India never provokes, but if provoked, it does not spare.' 'Pakistan is destroying itself by harbouring terrorism. Our armed forces have neutralised more than 124 terrorists. This is Pakistan's doing. It shelters those who threaten peace. Terrorism will be its downfall, and its days are numbered,' Yogi asserted. 'Pakistan holds no place in the spiritual realm. A nation without spiritual identity has a limited existence, its end is inevitable, ' the chief minister said. He added Sanatan Dharma forms the core of India's identity and must be protected at all costs. Striking a note of caution, he said, 'The country must recognize its true allies and adversaries.' Commenting on the ongoing development work in Ayodhya and its transformation post -2017 after BJP came to power in the state, CM said: 'Before 2014 and 2017, Ayodhya had broken roads, power shortages, and neglected ghats.' He criticised previous governments for neglecting the temple town. In contrast, he said, the 'double engine' government post-2017 has ushered in rapid development—Ayodhya is now connected by four-lane highways, an extensive railway network, and the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, putting the city on the global map. He described the construction of Ram Mandir as a landmark achievement in the history of Sanatan Dharma. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 500-year-long darkness surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi issue was finally dispelled, he said. The double-engine government accomplished what was once impossible under previous regimes, he added. Recalling historical milestones, the chief minister cited the Supreme Court's verdict in favour of Ram Janmabhoomi in November 2019, the Bhoomi Pujan by Prime Minister Modi on August 5, 2020, and the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024. 'Modi ji is the first Prime Minister to visit Ayodhya and pay obeisance to Ram Lalla. His unwavering resolve—'Saugandh Ram ki khate hain, mandir wahin banayenge'—has been fulfilled with honour,' Adityanath said. Emphasising that Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of India's identity and existence, the chief minister declared that any affront to its dignity would never be tolerated. He urged the sadhus and Naga sadhus of Hanuman Garhi to preserve their warrior spirit and remain vigilant in defending Sanatan Dharma. The chief minister also highlighted the successful Deepotsav celebrations as a global symbol of Ayodhya's resurgence, stating, 'Ayodhya gave the world Diwali, and today, Deepotsav is its global identity.' Positioning Ayodhya as the global epicenter of Sanatan Dharma, he said mentioning Ayodhya inspires reverence among devotees worldwide. 'There isn't a follower of Sanatan Dharma—be it in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand—who doesn't feel drawn to Ayodhya when they visit India,' he said. He underlined the sacred tradition of visiting Hanuman Garhi before proceeding to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. 'Just as in Kashi, devotees first visit Kaal Bhairav before having darshan of Baba Vishwanath, in Ayodhya, one first pays respect at Hanuman Garhi before seeking blessings from Shri Ram. This is the enduring expression of Sanatan Dharma's faith and tradition,' he said. He described the Sri Hanuman Katha Mandapam as a vibrant centre for Satsang, storytelling, and spiritual gatherings. He emphasized that the Mandapam will elevate the grandeur of Hanuman Garhi by providing accommodations for special guests and dignitaries. Assuring full support of the double-engine government, he committed to the continued development of Hanuman Garhi as a prominent spiritual landmark. Calling upon the sadhus and Naga sadhus to enhance the scale and impact of Sanatan Dharma's programmes, Yogi stressed the importance of discerning true friends from adversaries. He urged that those obstructing Sanatan Dharma's path be identified and reported to the government and administration. Referring to the Mahakumbh of 2025, the chief minister noted that over 66 crore devotees participated peacefully, without any disruptions—a testament to the strength and harmony of Sanatan Dharma, which stands ready to guide the world. He highlighted the historical connection between Gorakshapeeth and Ayodhya. CM recalled the roles played by his guru Mahant Avaidyanath, VHP leader Ashok Singhal, and Digambar Akhara's Mahant Ramchandra Maharaj in strengthening the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Their relentless efforts culminated in the magnificent Ram Mandir temple we see today, he added. He described Hanuman Garhi as a confluence of devotion, power, intelligence, and strategy, and referred to it as an unwavering stronghold of Sanatan Dharma. He paid tribute to Baba Abhayram Das Maharaj, crediting his vision and the dedication of Hanuman Garhi's saints and Nagas for bringing the grand Mandapam to life. 'Hanuman Garhi is not just a temple; it is a symbol of warrior spirit dedicated to protecting Sanatan Dharma,' he said. Adityanath hailed the Mandapam as a future spiritual hub that will propagate Sanatan values through discourses and storytelling. He lauded the Nagas of Hanuman Garhi as warriors of a time when the Akharas stood strong against foreign invasions and religious persecution. He felicitated those who made significant contributions to the construction of the Hanuman Katha Mandapam by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. The awardees included Ankit Jaiswal, Jai Prakash Srivastava, Ranjit Jaiswal, Vipul Agarwal, Sanjay Singh, and Vinay Singh. CM pays tribute to braveheart from Ayodhya Chief minister paid tributes to Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of Ayodhya, who laid down his life while saving a soldier in Sikkim. The state government honours its brave hearts by providing ₹50 lakhs in compensation, giving one family member a government job, and constructing a memorial in the martyr's name, the chief minister said.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
French Open 2025 draw Live Streaming: When and where to watch men's and women's singles draws - All you need to know
It is that time of the year when world tennis awaits the start of the second Grand Slam of the year, with the French Open slated to begin from Sunday onwards at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. This will be the first major on Parisian clay since the retirement of the legendary Rafael Nadal, who claimed an unprecedented 14 titles in the tournament. Focus will be on the two defending champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who head into the Slam on the back of contrasting results. While Alcaraz won in Barcelona and lifted the Masters 1000 in Rome, to stand favourite to retain his crown, Swiatek had struggled to find momentum through the clay season, that saw her drop to the fifth spot in the WTA rankings. The French Open 2025 singles and the doubles draw will take place on May 22, Thursday, in Paris. The French Open 2025 singles and the doubles draw will happen at 5:30 PM IST. The French Open 2025 draw will not be aired in India. The French Open 2025 draw will be live-streamed on the Roland Garros YouTube page. However, you can catch the analysis of the draw here at Matches of the Roland Garros tournament will be aired live on Sony Ten Network from the main draw onwards. They will also be streamed online on the Sony Liv app and website in India. Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Alexander Zverev Taylor Fritz Jack Draper Novak Djokovic Casper Ruud Lorenzo Musetti Alex De Miñaur Holger Rune Daniil Medvedev Tommy Paul Ben Shelton Arthur Fils Frances Tiafoe Grigor Dimitrov Andrey Rublev Francisco Cerúndolo Jakub Mensik Stefanos Tsitsipas Tomas Machac Ugo Humbert Sebastian Korda Karen Khachanov Alexei Popyrin Alejandro Davidovich Denis Shapovalov Matteo Berrettini Brandon Nakashima Felix Auger-Aliassime Hubert Hurkacz Alex Michelsen Aryna Sabalenka Coco Gauff Jessica Pegula Jasmine Paolini Iga Swiatek Mirra Andreeva Madison Keys Qinwen Zheng Emma Navarro Paula Badosa Diana Shnaider Elena Rybakina Karolina Muchova Elina Svitolina Barbora Krejcikova Amanda Anisimova Daria Kasatkina Donna Vekic Ludmilla Samsonova Jelena Ostapenko Clara Tauson Ekaterina Alexandrova Beatriz Haddad Maia Elise Mertens Magdalena Frech Marta Kostyuk Peyton Stearns Leylah Fernandez Linda Noskova Anna Kalinskaya Sofia Kenin Yulia Putintseva
India.com
03-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Amid rising tensions with India, Pakistan makes another SHOCKING move, Islamabad starts preparations for...
Amid rising tensions with India, Pakistan makes another SHOCKING move, Islamabad starts preparations for... India views Pakistan's reported move to carry out a ballistic missile test, while tensions remain high following the Pahalgam terror attack, as a dangerous and irresponsible step, according to people familiar with the situation. The missile test plan comes amid a series of actions by Pakistan that India sees as aggressive. These include increased naval exercises in the Arabian Sea and frequent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Relations between the two neighbours have sharply deteriorated since the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. In response, India has taken strong measures, including halting the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari land crossing — the only active road border between the two countries. 'Pakistan is believed to be getting ready to launch a surface-to-surface missile this week,' said one of the sources to . Calling the move a 'reckless provocation,' the person added that this kind of behaviour, especially at such a sensitive time, only adds fuel to the fire. Sources told the publication that Pakistan has also been quick to issue naval alerts, step up activity in the Arabian Sea, and has not stopped its repeated violations along the LoC since the attack in Pahalgam. These steps, they said, seem aimed at creating further tension rather than easing the situation. Between January and early April this year, Pakistani forces violated the February 2021 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) about 15 times. However, the situation escalated sharply on Wednesday when Pakistani troops opened fire at several Indian posts along both the LoC and the international border, triggering the most intense cross-border exchange since the truce was reinstated in 2021. Unlike earlier minor and short-lived incidents that were quickly managed through communication channels, the recent attacks have been more widespread and coordinated, occurring at multiple locations and growing in intensity since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian armed forces full freedom to choose how and when to respond. He also emphasized India's firm commitment to strike hard against terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated during a press briefing on Wednesday that Pakistan does not intend to escalate the situation but will hit back 'very strongly' if provoked. He also dismissed claims linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack and called for an independent probe. In retaliation to India's actions, Pakistan has introduced several measures of its own, including shutting down its airspace to Indian commercial flights and halting all forms of trade, even those routed through third countries.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chief priest steps out of Hanuman Garhi, visits Ram temple in ‘Shahi Juloos'
letters@ : A nearly 300-year-old tradition was broken at Ayodhya's famous Hanuman Garhi temple for the first time in nearly 300 years when the chief priest (Gaddi Nasheen) Mahant Prem Das stepped out of the premises on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday and visited the Ram temple in a procession after taking a ritual bath in the Saryu river. According to the centuries' old tradition of the Hanuman Garhi temple, it is mandatory for the presiding Mahant (chief priest) to never leave the premises, which is defined as an area of 52 bighas, for the rest of his life after being ordained to the position of Gaddi Nasheen. But on Wednesday, riding on elephants, horses and camels, hundreds of Naga sadhus took part in the 'Shahi Juloos' (procession) led by Mahant Prem Das with the Nirvani Akhara's 'Nishaan' (insignia) to the accompaniment of music and dances by local performers who followed. The departure from tradition came after the Panch (members) of Nirvani Akhara, which manages the Hanuman Garhi temple, were moved by the desire of the chief priest to visit the Ram temple and they unanimously granted him permission to do so. Mahant Sanjay Das, a senior mahant (priest) of Hanuman Garhi temple, said: 'The tradition (of the chief priest not stepping out of the premises) has been going on for 288 years (since 1737). This is because the head priest is dedicated solely to serving Lord Hanuman. The constitution of Hanuman Garhi was documented in 1925, where the traditions that had been followed since the beginning were formally recognised by the Naga Sadhus. After assuming the position, the head priest resides within the Hanuman Garhi complex. They serve Lord Hanuman there, and their only their body can leave the premises (after death).' Sanjay Das, a senior mahant (priest) of Hanuman Garhi said, 'The civil court also respects this rule of Hanuman Garhi. In any civil lawsuit, the representative of the Akhara appears in court instead of the presiding Mahant. If necessary, the court itself comes to Hanuman Garhi to record the statement of the presiding Mahant.' Though the distance between Hanuman Garhi temple and Ram temple is just about 1 km, the entire Wednesday's event lasted about seven hours with the procession covering a distance of about 6 km. The procession first reached the banks of the Saryu River (2 km from Hanuman Garhi). Thereafter, the chief priest and Naga Sadhus took a ritual bath in the river. Next, the procession moved towards the Ram temple, said Mahant Ramkumar Das, the chief of Nirvani Akhara. The procession returned to Hanuman Garhi from Ram Temple at around 1 pm.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
NCP (SP) stage protest over PMRDA DP
puneletters@ The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) on Tuesday staged a protest demanding the scrapping of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (PMRDA) development plan (DP), alleging massive corruption in its formulation. Led by city unit president Prashant Jagtap, NCP (SP) workers held a demonstration outside the district collector's office. 'There is corruption of ₹3,000 crore in the PMRDA development plan. Several reservations were altered, and we have audio and video evidence to support these claims,' Jagtap claimed. He further alleged that during the preparation of the plan, money was collected from farmers whose land was marked for reservation. 'Many farmers have submitted proof of these dealings. We will submit all the evidence to the state government,' he added. Recently, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the cancellation of the PMRDA development plan. Reacting to the development, PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Yogesh Mhase said, 'The cancellation of the Development Plan will not affect ongoing development, as the Regional Plan remains in effect. Land acquisition for projects will proceed according to the Regional Plan.' When asked about the NCP's allegations, Mhase said, 'We are not aware of any such allegations and have not received any official complaints so far.'
