Aligarh, Oct 1-23 : A video featuring BJP MP Satish Gautam has stirred controversy as it circulated widely on social media, raising questions and concerns over his actions towards a woman MLA during a recent event. The incident, which occurred on September 25, has garnered significant attention and is causing embarrassment for the BJP.
In the video, Gautam can be seen placing his hands on the shoulders of the woman MLA while they were both on stage. This gesture made the MLA visibly uncomfortable, leading her to change her seat and relocate elsewhere on the stage.
The incident unfolded during a program organized by Kol MLA Anil Parashar to commemorate Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary at the Shri Ram Banquet Hall. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including ministers, and the woman MLA was among the dignitaries present.
Notably, BJP MLA Barauli Thakur Jaiveer Singh is observed paying close attention to Gautam’s actions during the incident in the video.
As the video went viral on social media, criticism of the BJP leader quickly mounted over the alleged inappropriate conduct. Surendra Rajput, National Media Panelist of the Congress Party, commented, “This is the reality of cultured BJP.”
Amidst the controversy, it remains to be seen whether the BJP will issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Minister Smriti Irani Will Comment on This Matter?
The incident involving BJP MP Satish Gautam has raised questions not only about his conduct but also about the response of fellow party members and leaders, including Minister Smriti Irani. Will Minister Irani choose to address this matter and provide her perspective on the incident? As the controversy unfolds, the public awaits her statement regarding this incident involving a colleague from her political party.
Celebrating the Art of Theatre: Qadir Ali Baig Festival Returns
Hyderabad, Oct 1- 23 : The eagerly awaited 18th edition of the prestigious Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival is all set to kick off in Hyderabad on October 5, promising five days of captivating theatrical experiences.
This year’s festival will take place at iconic venues including the Salar Jung Museum and Taramati Baradari. The lineup boasts plays with diverse themes, featuring the works of renowned writers like Ismat Chughtai, German playwright Sibylle Berg, and more. These plays will explore themes such as human relationships, the history of dissent, episodes from the Ramayana, the grip of greed, and the passion for acting.
The festival will showcase the talents of esteemed artists from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Anantapur, including Anjan Srivastav, Masood Akhtar, Mita Vashisht, Sunil Shanbag, Ayesha Raza, Anubha Fatehpuria, Dr. Dalavai Kullayappa, and many others. Genres will range from traditional puppet theatre to adaptations, biographical dramas, poetry, dance, and satire.
In addition to the captivating performances, the festival will offer free master classes conducted by prominent figures in the theatre world, including Mohammad Ali Baig, Anjan Srivastav, and Sunil Shanbag. These classes will cover topics such as theatre management, the Indian method of acting, and the intersection of life and art in theatre.
The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival is curated by Padma Shri recipient Mohammad Ali Baig as a heartfelt tribute to his legendary father, the theatre doyen Qadir Ali Baig. The festival is presented in collaboration with Telangana Tourism, Salar Jung Museum, Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad, and is proudly headlined by the Aparna Group.
Mohammad Ali Baig highlighted the festival’s remarkable journey over the past 18 years, where it has evolved into one of the subcontinent’s most renowned theatre gatherings. The festival has been a platform for established theatre icons and has provided a stage for emerging talent from various cities.
From classical to contemporary theatre, puppetry, circus performances, biographical dramas, solo acts, mythological tales, and avant-garde productions, the festival has presented a rich tapestry of theatrical experiences for enthusiasts in the southern region. Eminent thespians like Habib Tanvir, Usha Ganguli, Tom Alter, Surekha Sikri, and Jalabala Vaidya have graced this platform with their last stage appearances, while actors like Alyque Padamsee, Pankaj Kapur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda have made memorable comebacks to theatre here.
Leading luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Anupam Kher have paid annual tributes to Qadir Ali Baig through their performances at this distinguished theatre assembly.
New Delhi, Oct-1-23 : Jairam Ramesh, a prominent leader of the Congress party, showered praise on Rahul Gandhi for his recent deeply personal and thought-provoking article. In a post on a social media platform, Congress General Secretary Ramesh expressed his admiration for Rahul Gandhi’s contribution to raising the level of public discourse.
He stated, “Today, Rahul Gandhi has raised the public discourse immensely with this deeply personal and thought-provoking article. This is in line with the personality whose true form was seen during the 4000 km long Bharat Jodo (Pad) Yatra.”
Ramesh accompanied his statement with a link to the article authored by the former party chief.
Party General Secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal also commended Rahul Gandhi’s thought-provoking piece in his own social media post. He emphasized that Rahul Gandhi’s article provides a profound understanding of how to perceive Hinduism in the midst of polarized times.
Rahul Gandhi’s article, titled ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram,’ delves into the essence of Hinduism, challenging notions that confine it to cultural norms or geographical boundaries. In his article, Rahul Gandhi eloquently describes life as a journey through an ocean of joy, love, and fear. He emphasizes that Hinduism is not limited to cultural norms or geography but is a path toward the realization of truth, open to anyone who chooses to walk on it.
He elaborates that a true Hindu is someone who faces fear courageously and looks at all beings in the vast ocean of life with love, compassion, and respect. A Hindu’s duty, or Dharma, involves protecting those who struggle in the same ocean.
Rahul Gandhi asserts that a Hindu learns to embrace fear as an intimate friend and never allows it to lead to anger, hatred, or violence. A Hindu remains humble, curious, and open to understanding, welcoming all paths as their own.
Rahul Gandhi’s article has sparked discussions and reflections on the essence of Hinduism and its broader meaning in contemporary society.
The website now hosts a list of nearly 300 CAS (specialists) who have expressed their readiness to contribute their services to the DME.
Hyderabad, Oct -1-23 : The Directorate of Public Health and Family Welfare, along with the Telangana Vaidya Vidhan Parishad (TVVP), is set to conduct counseling sessions for Post Graduate qualified Civil Assistant Surgeons (CAS). These sessions are aimed at CAS specialists across various specialties who express their interest in serving in the teaching hospitals under the purview of the Director of Medical Education (DME). The counseling sessions are scheduled to commence on October 3.
The comprehensive list, comprising nearly 300 CAS specialists, who have indicated their willingness to join the DME, has been made accessible on the official website, www.dme.telangana.gov.in.
The counseling sessions, scheduled between 11 am and 1 pm, will cater to specialists in a range of medical fields, including general medicine, general surgery, radio-diagnostics, pulmonary medicine, ENT, orthopedics, psychiatry, radiotherapy, forensic medicine, nephrology, and plastic surgery.
This initiative aims to streamline the integration of highly skilled CAS specialists into the teaching hospitals under the Director of Medical Education, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services in the region. The announcement signifies a significant step forward in the healthcare sector of Telangana.
Hyderabad, Oct 1-23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Hyderabad today, landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to a warm welcome by leaders of the BJP State unit and Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav. From there, the Prime Minister swiftly departed for Mahabubnagar, continuing with his packed schedule.
Notably, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao chose not to be present to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hyderabad, a practice he has maintained during the Prime Minister’s previous visits to the state. Instead, ministers from the state were delegated the responsibility of greeting the Prime Minister.
The reason cited for Chief Minister KCR’s absence was his ongoing battle with viral fever, which has kept him away from public engagements. Following the confirmation of Modi’s visit, criticism emerged from various quarters, including Ministers KTR and Harish Rao, who accused the Prime Minister of engaging in political posturing for votes. KTR specifically questioned whether the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy lift scheme would receive national recognition under Modi’s leadership.
At present, Prime Minister Modi is at a public meeting venue and is expected to address the gathering until 4 o’clock. Subsequently, at 4.10 pm, he will depart from Mahabubnagar to Shamshabad via helicopter. His arrival at the airport is anticipated at 4.45 pm, and at 4.50 pm, he will embark on his journey from Shamshabad to Delhi via a special flight.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Hyderabad and Mahabubnagar holds significance, and his engagements are closely watched by political observers and the public alike.
Hyderabad- Oct 1-23 : Undergraduate engineering students in the state of Telangana are poised to gain valuable expertise in corporate finance, risk management, financial management, and accounting, among other areas within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. In a groundbreaking move, engineering colleges in Telangana will soon launch a minor course in Financial Services as part of their BE/BTech programs.
Recognizing the abundance of career opportunities available in the BFSI sector, the Telangana Education Department, in collaboration with the Commissionerate of Technical Education and esteemed state universities such as Osmania University (OU) and JNTU – Hyderabad, has made the decision to introduce this novel course in BE/BTech programs. A recent meeting between the department and universities laid the groundwork for the course’s modalities and curriculum, with another meeting scheduled for the first week of October to further refine the program.
The Financial Services minor course will be available to third-year undergraduate engineering students, regardless of their primary program. Students aspiring to pursue careers in the BFSI sector can opt for this course, ultimately earning a BE/BTech degree with a specialization in Financial Services.
Currently, engineering students have access to minor courses in interdisciplinary fields such as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Internet of Things.
Initially, the Financial Services course will be introduced in autonomous engineering institutions such as Osmania University College of Engineering (OUCE) and CBIT, with plans to expand it to other affiliated colleges under Osmania University, JNTU – Hyderabad, and Kakatiya University.
The curriculum for this course will be meticulously designed through collaboration between universities and BFSI sector experts. Students will benefit from instruction provided by industry professionals and working experts in addition to university professors. The program will encompass both theoretical and practical elements, including hands-on projects and internships within the BFSI sector to provide students with practical training.
Setting a precedent, the OUCE’s Academic Council, the highest decision-making body of the institution, has allocated 18 credits for the Financial Services course, spanning from the third-year first semester to the eighth semester.
In a bid to enhance students’ employability, there are plans to introduce the BCom Financial Services program in degree colleges, starting from the next academic year, for those pursuing conventional degree courses.
This forward-looking initiative is expected to equip engineering students in Telangana with valuable skills and opportunities in the dynamic BFSI sector, further enhancing their career prospects.
“Dil hi to hai na sang-o-khisht, dard se bhar na aaye kyun, Royenge hum hazaar baar, koee hamein sataaye kyun?”
“It’s just a heart, not stone or brick, why doesn’t it fill with pain? I will cry a thousand times, why does someone torment me so?”
Urdu, the eleventh most spoken language in the world, possesses a lyrical essence unlike any other. It has garnered popularity not only in South Asia but also in the UK, USA, France, and Germany, along with the Gulf region. Urdu’s influence extends to places like Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal, and South Africa, where over a billion people converse in this language.
Urdu, a blend of languages, is a Persianized form of Hindustani. With 30 consonants, 20 vowels, and two diphthongs, it is non-tonal and emphasizes the penultimate syllable. While Urdu shares intelligibility with Hindi, its formal vocabulary draws from Arabic and Persian, distinguishing it from Hindi.
Notably, the 2011 census reveals that Urdu is the seventh most spoken language in India, with over eight crore speakers. It holds official status in several Indian states and is recognized in the Constitution of India. Moreover, Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and a registered regional language in Nepal.
Ethnologue’s 2018 edition ranks Urdu as the 11th most spoken language globally, boasting approximately 16.32 crore speakers. Its sophistication and eloquence define beauty and grace, setting it apart as a language of distinction.
Urdu’s journey began in the South, with influential figures like Alauddin Hasan Bahmani contributing to its popularity in the Deccan region. This brought Urdu into contact with Marathi, Telugu, and Kannada, enriching its linguistic tapestry. The origins of Urdu literature can be traced to works like ‘Meraj ul Aashiqeen’ by Khawaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz, further enhancing the language’s cultural significance
Rahul Gandhi Promises Caste-Based Census and Criticizes BJP During Madhya Pradesh Address
Shajapur- Sep 30- 2023 : Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a public gathering during Congress’s Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday, pledged that if Congress secures power at the national level, they will immediately initiate a caste-based census to determine the precise number of Other Backward Class (OBC) citizens in India. Gandhi stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all segments of society.
“We want the participation of all. This is India of all, not of a few industrialists. Right after our government comes to power, we will conduct a caste census and will inform everybody how many are OBC, SC, ST, and general,” said Gandhi, while criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for their alleged focus on diverting attention, spreading hatred, and inciting violence.
Gandhi’s address took place in Kalapipal during Congress’s Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Shajapur, with state assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh scheduled for November.
In his inaugural rally in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi targeted both the BJP-led state government and the central government, emphasizing the importance of conducting a caste census in India, a promise made by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“Caste census is one of the most important issues in India. How many OBCs are there? What should be their participation? When I raised the question of caste census, the people of BJP started trembling. Narendra Modi starts running away. Amit Shah (Union home minister) will do Hindu-Muslim. We will do this first thing when the Congress government comes to power,” Rahul Gandhi asserted.
He also highlighted the underrepresentation of OBC officers in top government positions, stating, “India is run by 90 officers (cabinet secretary and secretary to the Government of India). They decide where the money will go. But, among these, only three officers are from OBC. OBC officers have only 5% participation in the entire budget of India of ₹4,500,000 crore, whereas the OBC population in India is 50%.”
Rahul Gandhi further raised concerns about the influence of Adani and advocated for women’s reservation. He criticized the government for prioritizing organizations and a few major industrialists over the welfare of the people.
Gandhi’s speech also addressed women’s reservation, advocating for its importance while expressing reservations about certain aspects of the proposed bill that could delay its implementation.
Additionally, he described Madhya Pradesh as an “epicenter of corruption” under BJP rule, citing various instances of alleged corruption, including the Vyapam scam.
Praising the governance in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh, Gandhi claimed that the Congress had fulfilled its promises in these states and criticized the BJP for not delivering on its commitments in Madhya Pradesh.
Lastly, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and central government officials were responsible for framing the country’s laws, rather than elected representatives of the BJP, and suggested that these entities were diverting attention from critical issues.
He framed the political landscape as a battle between two ideologies, with Congress representing one side and RSS and BJP the other, emphasizing the contrast between values of hatred, violence, and ego versus love, respect, and brotherhood.
Gandhi concluded by suggesting that the BJP’s approach had led to public dissatisfaction, as evidenced by the Janakrosh (public anger) among the people.
Key Figure in Indo-Saudi Relations and Memorandum of Understanding on Yoga
Jeddah , Sep- 30, 2023 : Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, a distinguished diplomat with a 33-year-long career in the foreign service, has bid farewell to his role as Secretary for Consular, Passport, and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Hailing from Hyderabad, Dr. Sayeed played a pivotal role in strengthening Indo-Saudi relations and facilitating the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi following the G-20 summit in the Indian capital.
On his final day in office, Dr. Sayeed shared his insights with ‘Telangana Today’ over the phone, highlighting his role in ushering a new era in Indo-Saudi relations. He expressed gratitude for the warm affection he received from the Indian Diaspora during his career.
Dr. Sayeed, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1989 batch, served in various capacities across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Denmark, the United States of America, Seychelles, and Yemen. In the 1990s, he also served as the Regional Passport Officer in Hyderabad.
Known as a people’s diplomat, Dr. Sayeed earned respect and recognition during his tenures in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. He was instrumental in facilitating the signing of a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Yoga between India and Saudi Arabia, marking the first such agreement between an Islamic nation and India. Additionally, he played a significant role in categorizing Indian Haj pilgrims.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, a Hadhrami Arab, commonly known as Chaush, hails from a respected family in Hyderabad, adding a cultural richness to his diplomatic career.
Meanwhile, the Centre’s Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi as the new Secretary for Consular, Passport, and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry, succeeding Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. Pardeshi previously served as the Special Secretary of G-20 operations.
Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed: A Diplomatic Journey
Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, born on September 18, 1963, is a distinguished Indian diplomat, celebrated author, and accomplished Toastmaster. He is a member of the esteemed Indian Foreign Service (IFS) of the 1989 Batch. Currently, he holds the prestigious position of Secretary for Consular, Passport, Visas, Overseas Emigration, and NRI & Overseas Indian Affairs, with responsibilities encompassing affairs of GCC and WANA countries, within India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Sayeed has undertaken various diplomatic roles, leaving an indelible mark on Indian diplomacy. Notable among his assignments are his stints as the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, High Commissioner of India in Seychelles, Ambassador of India to Yemen, and Consul General of India in Chicago and Jeddah. His diplomatic journey has also seen him serving in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Denmark. In these diverse roles, spanning nearly 33 years, Dr. Sayeed has adeptly represented India’s interests across political, economic, and cultural domains, fostering harmonious relationships with nations across the globe.
In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed possesses an academic prowess. He holds a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Geology, both earned from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India. Furthermore, he has an Advanced Diploma in Arabic from the American University in Cairo. His dedication to self-improvement is exemplified by his attainment of the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) designation. Dr. Sayeed’s academic achievements are further accentuated by his receipt of the Shri Y.G.K. Murthy Gold Medal from Osmania University in Hyderabad, a testament to his scholarly excellence.
As Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed embarks on a new chapter in his life following his retirement from the diplomatic service, his contributions to Indian diplomacy, culture, and literature will continue to be celebrated. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring diplomats and scholars alike.
Traffic Restrictions Between 8 AM and 6 PM to Facilitate Smooth Conduct of the Procession
Hyderabad – Sep- 30, 2023 : In anticipation of the Milad-un-Nabi juloos scheduled for Sunday in the old city of Hyderabad, the Hyderabad traffic police have issued a traffic diversion plan. The diversions will be in effect between 8 AM and 6 PM to ensure the safe and orderly passage of the procession.
During this time frame, the following route will be affected, with traffic not allowed:
Engine Bowli
Shamsheergunj
Aliabad
Syed Ali Chabutra
Shahalibanda
Charminar
Gulzar Houz
Pathergatti- Madina Building
Nayapur- Salarjung Museum – Darulshifa
Mandi Mir Alam
Alijah Kotla
Bibi Bazaar junction – Moghalpura
Shahalibanda Volga Hotel junction
Fateh Darwaza when the procession is in progress along this route.
The police have made an earnest appeal to the public to consider taking alternate routes and extend their cooperation to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the successful conduct of the Milad-un-Nabi juloos.
