First India-Ahmedabad Edition-14 November 2020

HOLIDAY NOTICE Wishes

HAPPY AHMEDABAD l SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 l Pages 12 l 3.00 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208 l Vol 1 l Issue No. 350

The offices of First India will remain closed on November 14, 15 and 16 on the occasion of Diwali and Goverdhan Puja and Gujarati New Year. There will be no edition on November 15, 16 and 17.

5,51,000 DIYAS ILLUMINATE AYODHYA Devotees light diyas on the bank of Saryu River during Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya on Friday.

PM MODI INAUGURATES PREMIER INSTITUTIONS OF AYURVEDA IN RAJASTHAN AND GUJARAT

WHO to set up traditional medicine centre in India New Delhi: The World Health Organisation announced on Friday that it will set up a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing confidence that just like the country has emerged as the ‘pharmacy of the world’, the WHO institution will become the centre for global wellness.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement in a video message at an event in which Prime Minister Modi dedicated two future-ready Ayurveda institutions in Jaipur and Jamnagar to the nation via video conferencing on the occasion of the 5th Ayurveda Day. The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar (Gujarat)

I am pleased to announce that WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine will be opened in India to strengthen the research of traditional and complementary medicine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Gujarat and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Rajasthan during the fifth Ayurveda Day, via video conferencing, in New Delhi on Friday.

—PHOTO BY PTI

and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur (Rajasthan) are both premier institutions of Ayurveda in the country.

The Jamnagar institute has been conferred the status of an Institution of National Impor-

PM MODI LIKELY TO SPEND DIWALI WITH SOLDIERS AT JAISALMER BORDER TODAY Jaipur: Continuing the tradition of spending Diwali with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday may visit Jaisalmer to spend this Diwali with the soldiers of the Western border, reports said. From 2014, after he became the Prime Minister for the first time, he has been spending the day with soldiers. On Friday, a day before Diwali, the Prime Minister also

During coronavirus period the demand for Ayurvedic products increased rapidly all over the world, he said exports of Ayurvedic products increased by about 45 per cent in September

urged the countrymen to light a diya as a salute to soldiers who “fearlessly protect our nation”. “Words can’t do justice to the sense of gratitude we have for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We are also grateful to the families of those on the borders,” PM said. In 2019, Modi visited the “Hall of Fame” in Rajouri and also the Pathankot Airbase.

tance (INI) by an act of Parliament and the one at Jaipur has been designated an Institution Deemed to be University (De novo Category) by the University Grants Commission (UGC), according to the AYUSH ministry.

In his video message, Ghebreyesus said, “I am pleased to announce that we have agreed to open a WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in India to strengthen the evidence, research, training Turn to P6

NDA’s Sunday meet to decide

its Bihar ka neta

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar presents his resignation letter to Governor Fagu Chauhan as part of a formal procedure for the formation of the next government, in Patna.

Patna: Nitish Kumar Friday met Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan to hand over the resignation of his ministry and recommendation to dissolve the state assembly.

The Governor accepted the resignation and asked the JD(U) chief to continue as the caretaker chief minister till the new NDA government is formed.

Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the NDA partners in Bihar has been scheduled on Sunday to finalise details pertaining to the next government formation, including electing leader of legislature party.

Indian Army smashes terror launch pads across the LoC after eight die in Pak firing Srinagar: Eight people including three soldiers, a Border Security Force (BSF) officer and four civilians were killed when Pakistan violated ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) at Uri, Nowgam, Keran and Gurez sectors in north Kashmir.

Among the four dead civilians included a woman and a sevenyear-old boy. All civilians were killed in Uri. Two civilians were killed in Kamalkote village and one each in Balkote and Gokhan villages of Uri where shells and mortars landed in the villages close to the Line of Control.

The Army blamed Pakistan for the ceasefire violation and said three soldiers were killed in the unprovoked violation. “Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC, spread across multiple sectors to include Dawar, Keran, Uri and

Indian Army said in a statement that it had destroyed several ammunition and fuel dumps and terror launch pads across the LoC in retaliatory action.

Naugam. Pakistan used mortars and other weapons,” said Defense spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia. He said that Pakistan deliberately targeted the civilian areas.

“Our own troops retaliated strongly causing substantial damage to Pakistan Army’s infrastructure and casualties across the LoC. Several ammunition dumps, fuel dumps and multiple terrorists’ launch pads have been damaged.”

Reliance Industries to invest $50 million in Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures Mumbai: Reliance Industries to invest USD 50 million in Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate change company owned by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates.

In a filing to stock exchanges, Reliance said it will make the investment in tranches over the next 8 to 10 years.

“The capital contribution commitment of USD 50 million constitutes 5.75 per cent of the size of the fund contem-

plated at present,” the company said.

The transaction is subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The oil-telecom-to-retail conglomerate said it has “entered into a definitive agreement, for making a capital contribution, up to USD 50 million, in Breakthrough Energy Ventures II, L.P. (BEV), a limited partnership, newly incorporated under the Dela-

ware State Laws, United States of America.”

Breakthrough Energy Ventures is attempting to find solutions to the climate crisis

through breakthrough energy and agriculture technologies.

It will invest the funds raised, to support innovation in clean en-

ergy solutions.

“The said investment will be made in tranches over the next 8-10 years,” it said.

BEV, the filing said, seeks to find solutions to the climate crisis by flexibly investing to develop breakthrough energy and agriculture technologies.

“BEV will invest the funds raised from the investors to support innovation in clean energy solutions,” it said.

In Nowgam sector, a BSF officer posted at Atma complex was killed in the shelling. He was identified as sub inspector Rakesh Dobal.

SSP Baramulla Abdul Qayoom said that shelling is still going in some areas of Uri. “Four civilians were killed in Uri and another four were injured.”

The ceasefire violation was reported from all the important sectors starting from Uri to Gurez.

I’ve nothing to do with drugs: Arjun Mumbai: Actor Arjun Rampal was today questioned by NCB for over six hours in connection with the anti-drugs probe.

Rampal clarified that the substances found during a NCB raid on his residence this week were part of a prescription. “I am fully cooperating with the investigation. I have nothing to do with drugs. The medicine found at my residence was prescribed. The prescription has been found and handed over,” he said.

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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CM Vijay Rupani wishes you a Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday sent out formal greetings to the people of the state on the eve of Diwali and the Gujarati New Year. “May God bless you all and bring light in your lives, and may the

New Year bring happiness in your lives,” he said.

“I hope the New Year brings prosperity in all of your lives. May God give the people the spirit to fight against COVID-19 and all devils,” he added.

The chief minister appealed to the people to remember to

follow appropriate precautions and the Standard Operating Procedures prescribed for COVID-19, even during the festivities. Further, he asked the people to come together to make the slogan “Jitse Gujarat” a reality by defeating the novel coronavirus.

CR Patil, the Gujarat unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, also sent out his good wishes to the people of the state on Friday.

He said, “May God may bless the citizens of the state and bring them prosperity in the new Vikram Savant year,” adding, “On Diwali, Lord

Rama had returned to Ayodhya from his 14-year vanvas. This year, the aspirations of crores of Hindus have come true with the groundbreaking of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. May Lord Ram fulfil your wishes.

Let us all give up negativity.”

A DARKER DIWALI FOR TRADERS,

The pandemic has adversely affected market sales of festive goods, sweets, gold and garments

businesses this year

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: Rampant consumerism during festivals is what keeps traders and businesses going but, this year, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the purchase power of the public has been affected by numerous factors.

Economic slowdowns, unemployment, price escalation, online shopping are a few things that have adversely impacted the businesses of citybased traders. There has been decent consumption of festival commodities but the overall rise expected has not registered this year.

“Usually, the lanes of old city Ahmedabad especially near the Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza,

People buying gold and silver on the occasion of Dhanteras in Ahmedabad on Friday. —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

Manek Chowk and Relief Road do receive footfalls to the tune of lakhs but the sale of goods has not matched it this year,” said Abdul Faruqiwala, owner of an electrical lights business.

He added, “We receive

over 200 inquiries from customers about various types of light fittings but, hardly 10% actually end up making a purchase.”

According to Faruqiwala, there are two reasons for the lack ofsales—price inflation of

products and lower purchasing capacity of the public due to the pandemic. “Footfall increases our morale, but at the end of the day low on money cash counters eventually cool it down,” he remarked.

Despite the market

price of gold currently sitting at Rs50,700 for 10 gram, people belonging to the upper middle-class and rich strata of the society are buying it. “We have had people buy gold, silver jewellery with advance booking.

Upper middle-class and rich customers have made purchases of precious metals and stones,” said Dashrath Soni, a citybased jeweler. Taking quantity into consideration, the market has not made the

amount of sales usually seen during Diwali. But, due to price rise the overall turnover has been good for jewellers. On the other hand, sales of gold have dropped by 50% in Surat this year.

Not only goods shops

but the garment shops in the city have not made a healthy number of sales this year. Mit Joshi, owner of a garment shop, said that he had been expecting a rise in sales over the past few days thinking that people will spend the bonuses they receive. But surprisingly, there has not been enough demand for clothes. “I fear that even middle-class customers have either dropped plans to buy new clothes, since they will not be visiting friends or relatives this year or have switched over to e-commerce websites to make their purchases,” he said.

Sweet shop owners are also feeling the heat this Diwali, with the local civic body conducting food health drives and people opting for homemade sweets and snacks.

“Customers are buying sweets, but as compared to last year’s Diwali, the sweet consumption per family is down by almost 30 to 40%. We fear that most of our stock will remain unsold,” said Jayantibhai Nandi, a sweet shop owner.

FINDING LIGHT AMIDST DARKNESS OF A PANDEMIC

Amdavadis did not let the ongoing health crisis come in the way of their Diwali festivities. First India photojournalist Hanif Sindhi captured a few heartwarming moments as folks performed rituals, and decorated their homes with colourful lights, flowers, rangolis and diyas.

GUJARAT

Three-year jail sentence for DySP in custodial violence case JB Gadhvi has been convicted of illegal custody and atrocities on a minor when he was SI First India Bureau Dahod: The Devgadh Baria First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has found a police officer guilty in an offence of illegal custody and custodial atrocities against a juvenile and has sentenced him to three years of imprisonment as well as a fine. The police officer, in question, JB Gadhvi is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Junagadh district.

The case was registered in 2006, when Gadhvi was a sub-inspector (SI) at the Devgadh Baria police station. He had picked up Sarjan Kumar Pasaya on December 13, 2006, from Baina village, and thrashed him with a stick.

The First Class Judicial Magistrate in Devgadh Baria passed its judgement against the police officer on Friday.

However, when he learned that the boy he had picked up was under 16, Gadhvi released him without filing any case against him.

Deciding to fight against the atrocity, Pasaya he approached the court, where he complained about illegal detention and atrocity.

The court ordered an inquiry into the allegations. Based on the investigation report,

THE CASE

a criminal complaint was filed against the police officer under IPC section for punishment for causing hurt, and voluntari-

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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ly causing hurt by instrument.

During the trial, the court was convinced that the officer was guilty of detaining the

boy illegally. There were statements, medical reports and witnesses in support of the complainant that proved the case.

The court order has become the talk of town and in the police force, as this is the first time that a police officer has been convicted in such a case.

Gadhvi is likely to challenge the court’s order.

AMC seals 46 illegal units in the South Zone First India Bureau Ahmedabad: On Friday, the civic body sealed 46 units in the South Zone, mainly in three areas—Isanpur, Lambha, and Narol.

“What this means is that there are several such illegal factories and commercial units functioning and there is a need to identify and seal those units,” said a senior AMC officer.

A blast in a chemical godown located on Pirana-Piplaj Road in the city on November 4 took the lives of 12 people and injured several others. Following the incident, Vipul Mittra, additional chief secretary of the Labour and Employment Department has directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to conduct a

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

survey and seal unauthorized and illegal units across the city.

As a result, notices have been served to 18 units that were operating without a proper licence.

It is to be noted that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed an investigation committee. Under the leadership of a retired chief justice of Delhi High Court,

—FILE PHOTO

the six-member committee has been asked to submit its report within a month.

The NGT has further asked Mittra to ascertain how such units had been operating in the city without any legal clearance.

He has also been asked to take action against those responsible for the gaffe and submit a report to the tribunal.

Not so festive: State sees ‘Keep DA-IICT seats Man bludgeons brother to 1,152 new cases of nCoV for Gujarat students’ death over abusive language —PHOTO BY HANIF SINDHI

First India Bureau Gandhinagar: Gujarat witnessed as many as 1,152 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the number of infections to 1,86,138 since the first cases were reported in March, health officials said on Friday evening.

The death toll due to the novel coronavirus in the state has reached 3,791 with six more deaths occurring in the past 24 hours, they said, adding that 1,078 patients had recovered during this period.

Of the six fatalities, three occurred in Ahmedabad, while Gandhinagar, Surat and Patan accounted for one each.

Again, Ahmedabad had the highest number of new cases, with 219. In addition, 186 new cases were regis-

A medic checks a baby’s temperature in Ahmedabad’s old city area, which has seen hordes of shoppers over the past few days.

1,152 cases, six fatalities take state tally to 1,86,138 cases, toll to 3,791 tered in Surat, while Rajkot saw 133 and Vadodara had 131. Cases also emerged in Gandhinagar (51), Mehsana (47), and Banaskantha (46), among others.

With Friday’s additions, the state health department claims to have achieved a patient

discharge rate of 91.31%.

With more than 53,900 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the per million average was 830.26 tests, the health department bulletin said on Friday.

Till now, the state government has tests 67,34,467 samples for COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Yet, Gujarat continues to have as many as 12,387 active cases, with 73 patients on ventilator support.

First India Bureau Ahmedabad: After the Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC) published details of vacant seats, the Congress has demanded that 30 seats at the Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT) be reserved for Gujarat-based students.

These seats are currently reserved for national students under the admission process for degree courses in en-

gineering, which is conducted by ACPC. Admissions to institutions offering special status technical courses in the state are split 60-40 between the ACPC and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

“The details of all vacant seats are available on the DA-IICT website.

It is an injustice to meritorious students of Gujarat. The matter must be looked into by DA-IICT and the ACPC and resolved as soon as possible,” said Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi.

—FILE PHOTO

DA-IICT

First India Bureau Botad: A simple request to tone down unparliamentary language turned into a death sentence for a man in Gadhada town of Botad district on Thursday night. Even more horrific, the man was bludgeoned to death by his own brother in a fit of anger.

Brothers Manglubhai and Kishorbhai Khachar, who lived in the same house at the Sama Kantha in Gadhada, got in to an argument on Thursday evening. When Manglubhai started abusing Kishorbhai, the latter requested his brother to not use abusive language. When his request went unheeded, Kishorbhai repeated it. This angered Manglubhai even further. He then picked up a heavy piece of wood and started beating his brother with it.

When the neighbours

The case has been registered at Gadhada police station.

responded to Kishorbhai’s screams for help, they found him gravely injured. They immediately rushed him to Gadhada hospital where he was admitted in a critical condition. He was later referred to the Bhavnagar Civil hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries early on Friday morning.

Amrubhai Bhisariya, a cousin of the Khachar brothers, filed a criminal complaint against Man-

glubhai, in which he states that the deceased had sustained severe injuries to his left leg, his hands and his face.

The Gadhada police have registered the complaint under the IPC sections of murder and intentionally insulting and provocation. Gadhada Police Inspector Amitkumar Devdha is investigating the case.

Kishorbhai’s body has been sent for a postmortem.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

108 GVK EMRI shares tips for a safe Diwali amid pandemic —FILE PHOTO

While ambulances will be stationed across the city to help in case of any emergency, doctors have issued do’s and don’ts to follow this year First India Bureau Ahmedabad: With Diwali festivities, the importance of 108 ambulance responders reaches an all-time high. People celebrating the festival often end up in unfortunate situations and need medical assistance.

Therefore, the locations of the 108 ambulance service provided by the state government are dynamically deployed after thorough strategic planning to meet emergen-

cy calls. The planning is based on analytical work of seasonal trends, pattern of emergencies, and festival season cycle during the last 13 years of operations.

Due to dynamic location patterns, 108 ambulances equipped with life-saving drugs, equipment and trained paramedics are primed to reach people in need of assistance in the shortest span of time and provide pre-hospital care to victims.

All EMTs have been

asked to be extra cautious while driving the ambulances on roads.

Meanwhile, the doctors at 108 GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) have enlisted a few do’s and don’ts that citi-

zens must bear in mind while celebrating Diwali in order to prevent loss of eyesight, burns and other mishaps.

They also insisted that people follow the COVID-19 guideline issued by the state government.

Practicing social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing and washing hands frequently were encouraged by medicine practitioners. The institute issued a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while ringing in the festival of lights.

WHAT TO DO

WHAT NOT TO DO

Use firecrackers with low noise levels

Don’t burst crackers in restricted areas

Burst them outside in an open area

Do not introduce crackers in and around factory premises

Wear cotton clothes

Do not wear synthetic clothes

Eat homemade sweets and food

Avoid eating sweets made of mawa or khoya

In case of burn injury, wash it with cold water for 20 minutes

Do not leave kids unattended

Remove flammable items from rooftops

Keep away from trees and electrical wires while lighting crackers

In case of asthma, stay indoors

People with asthma or breathing problems must refrain from venturing outside

Keep a bucket of water or sandbags nearby when bursting fireworks

Usage of glass bottles/containers must be avoided to burst fireworks

Drive carefully during night hours and in traffic-heavy areas

Do not venture into cramped spaces, roads, alleys in big vehicles

PERSPECTIVE AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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DIWALI WITH DIFFERENCE

IN-DEPTH

OBAMA’S APT SKETCH OF RAHUL, RILES CONG

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ormer US President Barack Obama’s uncomplimentary remarks on the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have met with strong criticism from the party leaders. In his memoir “A Promised Land”, which has been published recently, Obama’s biographical sketch of Rahul said, “Rahul Gandhi has ‘a nervous, unformed quality about him as if he were a student who had done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject’.” Obama’s assessment of Rahul is apt as the Congress scion who turned 50 in June this year, is still learning the ropes in politics.

Congress watchers have also been repeatedly saying that Rahul Gandhi does not have the political sagacity or acumen to pull his party out of the depths it has sunk in. He has procrastinated on decisions concerning leaders like Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia and has led Congress to one political defeat after another. So much so, that the party is now being looked upon as untouchable.

Yet dynasts Rahul, his mother Sonia Gandhi, the party president and Priyanka Gandhi, party general secretary, are impervious to any suggestion on rejuvenating the party.

Maybe it is time for a rethink on the part of Sonia Gandhi, who is unable to shake off the old guard. It is time for Sonia to reconsider the demand of 100 Congress leaders who wrote to her seeking a change in leadership. Unless the party bosses are hell-bent on obliteration from the country’s political map, the reluctant politician should be allowed to go.

BJP USING RELIGION IN TN TO CONSOLIDATE VOTES

R

emember how the Bharatiya Janata Party appropriated Sardar Patel from the Congress and built its own narrative around the Sardar? By the time Congress realized, it had lost Sardar Patel’s legacy to the BJP. A similar narrative is unfolding in Tamil Nadu where the BJP has upset its ally the AIADMK by appropriating the legacy of its late leader and former chief minister MG Ramachandran. The controversy erupted as the BJP launched an over three-minute promotional video on YouTube which first shows MGR who changes into Narendra Modi whom it describes as ‘messenger’ of the legendary chief minister. The background score talks of unity among people. The promotional video was to be used in BJP’s controversial Vetrivel, also called Vel, yatra in the name of religion, which is another known stratagem used by the saffron party to win a state election.

A miffed AIADMK protested the use of MGR and pointed out that the two parties were ideologically different and the BJP should use pictures of its own leader. “No other party has the moral right to use his (MGR) image,” the AIADMK reacted.

The BJP is as desperate to bring Tamil Nadu under its rule as it is about winning West Bengal.

Like elsewhere in the country the BJP is using religion to pave its path before its top guns begin talking about development. Vel yatra, which began on November 6, is a step towards consolidating backward Hindu votes as it celebrates Lord Murugan. The party’s national president JP Nadda is also expected to join the month-long yatra.

A

RETD. COL ANUPAM JAITLY

Defence expert, Motivational speaker & Corporate Trainer

L Juxtaposed to this, a field posting to snowclad mountains, sizzling desserts or insurgency infested areas has its different hues and ethos of Diwali celebrations.

While in peacetime all would gather for Lakshmi pooja, in the field area, the religious head called Panditji/ Granthi/ Maulavi would visit each post to perform pooja and bless jawans.

Yes, it was really inspirational to witness a symbolic Unit Mandir visiting all the posts where troops were deployed in difficult terrains

et the festival of lights, light a light inside the hearts of every Indian to celebrate the valour, strength, and courage of every member of the Defense Forces - who give up their joys of today for our safe tomorrow!

As Indians, we have grown up with the mythological sagas of importance of celebrating Diwali as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya as a symbol of victory of good over evil, both contextually and symbolically. Surprisingly enough, as I grew up I realized that this great festival of Deepavali is not just important to India but also is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia (except Sarawak), Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, , Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The glamour and the glory of the Armed forces and their families have always been a fascinating and motivating influence in my life. As a child, I saw the society at large indulging in festivities of family get-togethers, bursting firecrackers, exchanging gifts, and immersing themselves in boisterous celebrations, I found my mother always considering a family next door for joining in every pooja and the rituals of Diwali.

While most people would take leave from work and office to be home on this day, very seldom I remember seeing our neighbor on this great festival. It was only after a few years that I fathomed that the nation enjoys the celebrations of festivals only because my friend’s father, like so many others of defense forces were guarding the frontiers of our nation at the cost of their personal pleasures and happiness.

Years went by and I found myself to be in the DMS boots of a soldier and my absence on Diwali at home became a regular feature.

Army became the alma mater, a home away from home, and my responsibilities had to be honored above desires.

As a soldier experiencing new vistas of secularism in military the environment gave a new dimension and perspective to my existence. On Diwali, a centralized Pooja would be held at SARVA DHARMA sthal which is nothing but a prayer place that houses pictures of all religions and is visited by all irrespective of their religious identity. Diwali Melas were the most enthralling experience to all families of all ranks with Diya making and Rangoli competitions amongst so many others. Nostalgically I remember a firecrackers show was always followed by either a station BARA KHANA (a grand meal laid out for all officers and Jawans) or a BARA KHANA at a Unit level to mark the bonhomie amongst all members of Olive Green. Breaking the bread together with all its revelries of singing regimental songs with sporadic chanting of war cries had an electrifying impact on one and all.

Juxtaposed to this, a field posting to snow-clad mountains, sizzling desserts or insurgency infested areas has its different hues and ethos of Diwali celebrations.

While in peacetime all would gather for Lakshmi pooja, in

NOW AS A VETERAN I FEEL CONCERNED THAT WHILE ON ONE HAND THERE IS A TREMENDOUS RESPECT TOWARDS A SOLDIER IN THE SOCIETY, ON THE OTHER HAND THERE IS A WANTING NEED FOR GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF THE POLICY MAKERS TOWARDS THE WELFARE AND WELLBEING OF THE KITH AND KIN OF OUR FORCES TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HIGH STANDARDS AND TRADITIONS OF OUR DEFENSE FORCES

the field area, the religious head called Panditji/ Granthi/Maulavi would visit each post to perform pooja and bless jawans. Yes, it was really inspirational to witness a symbolic Unit Mandir visiting all the posts where troops were deployed in difficult terrains. This was the flexibility of approach and sense of gaiety even in stringent conditions that mark the ESPRIT DE CORPS of this marvelous force so

NO, A HUG ISN’T COVID-SAFE I

n the time of COVID, greetings are no longer by handshakes, hugs or kisses on the cheek. An “elbow bump” is the preferred pandemic greeting.

Although COVID transmission in Australia is now minimal and restrictions are easing, keeping 1.5 metres apart from people outside your household is still strongly encouraged — meaning hugging is therefore discouraged.

Some people who live alone may by now have gone months without touching or hugging another person.

While avoiding close contact with others is one of the key measures to prevent virus spread, the irony is we probably need a hug more in 2020 than ever before. So how dangerous is a hug really in the time of COVID?

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HUMAN CONTACT IS IMPORTANT Our first contact in life is essentially the hug; newborn babies are constantly cradled, nursed and cuddled.

We are principally social creatures, and this need for human contact continues into childhood and adulthood.

Culturally, hugging plays an important role as an affectionate greeting in many countries.

Its value is clearly demonstrated in European countries such as Italy, France and Spain, where hugging is common. It’s little surprise many Europeans are finding the new way of living with COVID hard to accept.

Australians, too, tend to hug members of their families and close social circle.

While the act of hugging may give us a feeling of

happiness and security, there’s actually science behind the benefits of hugging for our mental health and well-being.

Research shows skin-

to-skin contact from birth enables babies’ early ability to develop feelings and social skills, and reduces stress for both mother and baby.

When we hug someone, a hormone called oxytocin is released. This “cuddle hormone” fosters bonding, reduces stress and can lower blood pressure.

Positive touch, such as hugging, also releases the “happy chemical” serotonin. Low levels of serotonin, and of a related happy hormone called dopamine, can be associated with depression, anxiety and poor mental health.

“Touch deprivation” has become a serious consequence from the pandemic and may have affected many people’s mental health, particularly those living alone or in unstable relationships.

Not only are we missing out on the positive emotions a hug can provide, but we’re not getting the biochemical and physiological benefits either.

CAN YOU HUG WISELY? SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets emitted when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, talks or even breathes.

We know we can contract COVID through close contact with an infected person, so the act itself is quite risky if you, or the person you’re hugging, is infectious. But we can’t always identify who has the virus, making the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via a hug difficult to assess.

Given people who are asymptomatic and presymptomatic have been shown to be able to spread the virus, a simple hug may have serious consequences.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

known for its discipline and decorum.

However, now as a Veteran I feel concerned that while on one hand there is a tremendous respect towards a soldier in the society, on the other hand there is a wanting need for greater involvement of the policy makers towards the welfare and wellbeing of the kith and kin of our forces to ensure the maintenance of the high standards and traditions of our defense forces.

Dear friends, my extensive tenure in the Olive Greens has made me doubly sure that all the childhood impressions of good and evil are not external as Rama or Ravana but essentially an internal process of evolution within our inner core where we are constantly at logger heads with our everyday choices and paths we take in our lives. If meaningful tribute is to be paid to the selfless exalted sacrifices and services of the armed forces then we would have to make a conscious effort to create a society of Ravindra Nath Tagore’s dream “Where mind is without fear and the head is held high” So that, there can be a symphony of synchronized efforts between the society and the soldier.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Top

TWEET Dharmendra Pradhan @ dpradhanbjp Additional `128.23 crore approved for Odisha yesterday will help in building resilience against natural disasters & dealing with post-cyclone crisis.

Grateful to PM @narendramodi ji’s govt. for standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Odisha, especially in tough times.

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank @DrRPNishank Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji to dedicate 2 future-ready #Ayurveda Institutions to India on the occasion of 5th #AyurvedaDay. Modern, state-of-the-art medical institutes, ITRA Jamnagar & NIA Jaipur will address the growing demand posed by pressing healthcare concerns.

Spiritual SPEAK

He has the most who is most content with the least.

—Buddha

Vol 1 Issue No. 350 RNI NO. GUJENG/2019/16208. Printed and published by Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of First Express Publishers. Printed at Bhaskar Printing Planet Survey No.148P, Changodar-Bavla Highway, Tal. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.

Published at D/302 3rd Floor Plot No. 35 Titanium Square, Scheme No. 2, Thaltej Taluka, Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad. Editor-In-Chief: Jagdeesh Chandra. Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act

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No official comment from Cong, but party leaders attack Obama Former US prez gets fire for his remarks on RaGa in his new book ‘A Promised Land’ New Delhi: After Rahul Gandhi was referred to as a ‘nervous’ leader by former US President Barack Obama in his book, Congress chose not to comment on officially, though party leaders criticized Obama.

Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “May I humbly remind certain overzealous friends of the media running a sponsored agenda that we don’t comment on the individual’s views in a book... In the past, a leader has been called “psychopath” and “master divider” by people and agencies. We didn’t acknowledge such comments!”

Though other party leaders objected to it.

“Mr Obama, no one

THE REMARK

Former US President Barack Obama with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

can know the personality of any person in 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes it takes years. You are wrong to judge the personality of Rahul Gandhi ji. You will bite the dust just wait for some

time,” said Udit Raj, a party spokesperson.

Congress leader Archana Dalmia tweet ed, “We don’t need a Barack Obama to pass a judgment on ‘Our Leader’ Rahul Gandhi.”

—FILE PHOTO

While Acharya Pramod Krishnan attacked Obama and said, “He has hurt the sentiments of crores of Congress workers who consider Rahul Gandhi as God... Those who speak

BJP will sit at home for 25 yrs in Maha: Raut refutes illegal land deal allegation Mumbai: Dismissing the allegations of illegal land deal between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray clan and late interior designer Anvay Naik’s family, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday said that his party will ensure that BJP sits at home for 25 years in Maharashtra.

Raut slammed BJP leader Kirit Somaiya for making illegal land dealing charges against the Thackeray clan and said: “All these allegations are made to protect an accused. They

Sanjay Raut

are calling the land deal illegal but that deal is completely legal, nothing will be proved.” “We will make them (BJP) sit at home not only for five years but for 25 years,” he added. The Sena’s chief spokesper-

son’s response comes a day after Somaiya raised questions in connection with purchase of the land jointly by Thackeray’s wife Rashmi and Sena leader Ravindra Waikar’s wife Manisha from interior

designer Anvay Naik.

In a tweet, Somaiya asked whether the political families had any business relations with Naik, who committed suicide with his mother in 2018.

Reacting to the allegation made over a land deal with Anvay Naik, Raut said, “BJP isn’t standing for a woman (wife of Anvay Naik) who lost her husband...

We are trying to give justice to that victim women but the BJP is trying to divert the investigation which is a serious matter.” —ANI

Twitter locks Amit Shah’s account due to inadvertent error, restored

India test fires QRSAM successfully

New Delhi: Twitter on Friday stated that they had temporarily locked Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s account “due to an inadvertent error” on November 12 and clarified that the decision was reversed immediately and the account restored.

“Due to an inadvertent error, we temporarily locked this account under our global copyright policies. This decision was reversed im-

mediately and the account is fully functional,” said a spokesperson of the microblogging site. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Twit-

ter display picture was on Thursday removed by the microblogging site, in response to a “report from the copyright holder”.

—ANI

Balasore: India on Friday successfully testfired the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system off the coast of Balasore in Odisha. The missile hit its target directly during the test. The missile launch took place from ITR Chandipur at 3.50 PM off the Odisha coast. The missile is canisterised for transportation, the defence ministry said in a release.

—ANI

health services and healthcare, but they have not received enough attention, the WHO DG said.

Ghebreyesus also lauded Prime Minister Modi for his commitment to the universal coverage under Ayushman Bharat and evidence-based promotion of traditional medicines to achieve health related objectives.

Modi said Ayurveda is India’s heritage whose expansion entails the welfare of humanity and all Indians will be happy to see that the country’s traditional knowledge is enriching

other countries.

“It is a matter of pride for all Indians that the WHO has chosen India for establishing its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. Now work will be done in this direction from India,” Modi said.

“I would like to thank the WHO and particularly its Director General Tedros for giving this responsibility to India. I am confident that just like India has emerged as the pharmacy of the world, in the same manner this centre for traditional medicine will become the centre for global wellness,” he said.

Stressing on bringing ayurveda knowledge out of books, scriptures and home remedies and developing this ancient knowledge as per modern needs, Modi said new research is being done in the country by combining information received from modern science of the 21st century with India’s ancient medical knowledge.

Noting that three years ago, the All India Ayurvedic Institute was established here, he said Ayurveda is not just an alternative today but one of the key basis of the country’s health policy. Modi informed

Amit Shah

truth are incompetent and those who speak lies are competent and how did Obama knew that he is a bad student, was he with him in the class.”

He termed Obama as an “andh bhakt”.

—ANI

IMD predicts thunderstorm in TN, Puducherry Chennai: Parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may receive moderate rain on Saturday, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

“Thunderstorm with light to moderate rain likely to occur at a few places on November 14 over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area. Thunderstorm with heavy rain likely to occur at isolated places over Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu,” IMD said. The weather agency said that sky conditions were likely to be generally cloudy for the next 48 hours in Chennai city and neighbouring areas. “Light to moderate rain likely in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be 31 degree Celsius and 25 degree Celsius respectively,” IMD added. —ANI

06

Didn’t say loss in Bihar due to party leadership: Anwar New Delhi: Clarifying his earlier statement, Congress leader and general secretary, Tariq Anwar on Friday said that he did not mean that the loss in Bihar assembly elections was due to the weak performance of the party’s leadership.

Tariq Anwar said, “I didn’t say the loss in Bihar was due to party leadership, I only said we will analyse why we lost. I also take responsibility as I am from Bihar and I am also a general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). We will sit and introspect. We can’t undo what happened but will take learning for future polls.”

A day earlier, Anwar said in a tweet, “We must accept the truth.

Due to the weak performance of Congress, Bi-

Tariq Anwar

har was left out of the Grand Alliance Government. MIM’s entry into Bihar is not an auspicious sign.”

In Bihar elections 2020, of the 243 seats, 125 have gone in favour of the ruling coalition of the National Democratic Alliance headed

by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the state and 110 to rival Grand Alliance. The Rashtriya Janata Dal emerged as the single-largest party in the House with 75 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party won only one seat.

—ANI

IN THE COURTYARD

ED’s petition on Kochhars’ assets dismissed

would not lead to frittering of proceeds of crime during the pendency of the further investigation, as the nature of assets concerned and absence of attempt, cannot

justify the invocation of emergency provisions of the second provison of PMLA... For the reasons flat of Churchgate, Mumbai, held in the name of Deepak Virendra Kochhar is not involved in money laundering. For reasons hereinbefore recorded provisionally attached assets of M/s NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. and its subsidiaries namely M/s NuPower Windfarms Ltd. and M/s Echanda Urja Pvt. Ltd. are also not involved in money laundering, order said. —ANI

Bail plea of ‘Computer Baba’ rejected, case filed for obstructing official work

Drug-case: Arjun Rampal’s friend arrested Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Paul Bartel, a friend of Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, in a drug-related case here in Mumbai.

Earlier on Thursday, the NCB had summoned Rampal to appear for questioning in connection with a drug-related case. Prior to this, NCB officials had on November 9 conducted a raid at the residence of Arjun Rampal and seized some electronic gadgets.

—ANI

testing vaccines, on the other, it is also increasing international cooperation on Ayurvedic research to fight COVID,” he said.

Modi pointed out that research is going on in more than a hundred places including at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi which has conducted research related to immunity on 80,000 Delhi Police personnel.

It may be the world’s largest group study and there are encouraging results, he said. A few more international trials are to be started, he added.

Mumbai: In an alleged misappropriation in the ICICI Bank-Videocon loan matter, the PMLA Adjudicating Authority has dismissed an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate seeking attachment of a residential flat belonging to the Kochhars and various wind power assets belonging to Nupower Renewables Pvt. Ltd. and its subsidiaries. ED had also attached cash of Rs 10.5 Lakhs.

Acting Chairperson of Adjudicating Authority Tushar V Shah stat-

Chanda Kochhar and Deepak Kochhar.

ed that “the possibility of a trial taking a long time cannot justify the apprehension that the assets are being concealed or transferred.

The revelation of modus

—FILE PHOTO

Indore: Bail plea of ‘Computer Baba’, a former minister of Madhya Pradesh, has been rejected and a case has been registered against him for obstructing official work in Indore on Thursday.

Additional SP, Prashant Choubey informed that a case has been registered against Computer Baba and he has been formally arrested on Thursday.

Computer Baba, whose real name is Namdev Tyagi, and some of his supporters were sent to

central jail by SDM on the charge of obstructing official work on November 8. They were detained for protesting against the Indore dis-

trict administration’s demolition drive.

The administration has demolished Namdev Tyagi’s alleged illegal property from Ambikapuri temple and encroachments in the Super Corridor area.

Officials are also looking into some bank accounts and documents of other assets of Computer Baba. On November 9, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh had condemned the action against Computer Baba and termed it as political vendetta.

—ANI

that work is on to develop the National Sowa-Rigpa Institute for research and other studies related to Sowa-Rigpa in Leh. The two institutions in Gujarat and Rajasthan which have been upgraded are also an extension of this development, he added.

Congratulating the two institutes for their upgradation, the prime minister pointed out that they have more responsibility now and hoped that they will prepare syllabus for Ayurveda which meets international standards.

He also called upon the Education Ministry

and UGC to find new avenues in disciplines like Ayurveda Physics and Ayurveda Chemistry.

Modi also urged startups and the private sector to study global trends and demands and ensure their participation in the sector.

Pointing out that during the coronavirus period the demand for Ayurvedic products increased rapidly all over the world, he said exports of Ayurvedic products increased by about 45 per cent in September this year compared to the previous year.

He said the significant increase in export of

spices like turmeric, ginger, considered as immunity boosters, shows the sudden boost in confidence in Ayurvedic solutions and Indian spices in the world.

In many countries, drinks related to turmeric are also increasing and the world’s prestigious medical journals are also seeing new hope in Ayurveda, he noted.

Modi said that during the coronavirus period, the focus was not only limited to the use of Ayurveda alone but also on research related to AYUSH in the country and the world.

“On one hand, India is

Namdev Tyagi

FROM PG 1 WHO to... and awareness of traditional and complementary medicine.”

“This new centre will support WHO’s efforts to implement the WHO traditional medicine strategy 2014-2023 which aims to support countries in developing policies and action plans to strengthen the role of traditional medicine as part of their journey to universal health coverage and a healthier, fairer and safer world,” he said.

Traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda can play an important role in integrated people-centric

Greetings on Deepawali. May Lord Rama bless us with peace, prosperity and happiness today and always.

2ND FRONT

—Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO & Editor, First India

AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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COVID-19 UPDATE

WORLD

INDIA

08

GUJARAT

13,04,480 5,34,30,713 1,29,100 87,61,510 3,791 1,86,116 DEATHS

MAHARASHTRA 45,809 DEATHS 17,40,461 CASES

CONFIRMED CASES

TAMIL NADU 11,454 DEATHS 7,54,460 CASES

DEATHS

CONFIRMED CASES

UTTAR PRADESH 7,327 DEATHS 5,07,602 CASES

DEATHS

DELHI 7,332 DEATHS 4,67,028 CASES

NOT JUST GUJARAT, CONG SLIDE CONTINUES IN OTHER STATES TOO

CONFIRMED CASES

RAJASTHAN 2,044 DEATHS 2,21,471 CASES

After A’bad, fire breaks out in Surat chemical godown

In recent bypolls, the Congress won only 11 of the 59 seats and couldn’t retain its own seats Shishir Awasthi Ahmedabad: While the BJP rose to dominance in Bihar in the Assembly elections, it has reasserted its supremacy in the other states where by-elections were held this month.

By-elections need not always be taken as political barometers but the number and nature of the seats and the diversity of the states where they were held make them somewhat representative and indicative of the political mood.

That mood is clear, with the BJP winning 41 of the 59 byelections, snatching most of the seats from Congress or other parties. It won 27 seats from Con-

CONGRESS FALL

gress in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The seats in MP were those vacated by MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, who defected to the BJP to

BJP to continue Bhupendra Yadav as Guj in-charge

bring down the Kamal Nath government. It also won all eight seats in Gujarat, six out of seven in UP, two in Karnataka and a seat in Telangana, giving a surprise blow to the

ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

In Karnataka, it won two seats which had been held by Congress and JD(S).

With the victories,

the BJP has further consolidated its position in states where it is in power and has shown the will and ability to move into new areas.

They show that the

economic downturn, the distress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and other issues highlighted by the Opposition have not made an impression on the people in any of the states.

The BJP’s performance contrasts with that of the Congress. The former gained what the latter has lost, and more. While Congress’ poor showing in the Bihar elections was the main reason for the failure of the Mahagathbandhan, which needed only a few more seats to reach the finish line, the by-elections were disastrous for the party. In most of the seats, it was in direct contest with the BJP, and most were seats which it had held.

A fire engulfed chemicals godown in Surat.

First India Bureau Surat: Days after the chemical godown explosion in Ahmedabad, 2 incidents of fire were reported from Surat and one of them was in a chemical factory godown. However, no injuries were reported in any of them.

A fire preceded by a loud blast was reported at the Gurukrupa Industries in the Bhestan area. Not only was the unit shut down, the panic created by the incident led several powerloom units to close down immediately.

The second incident was reported in a slum in Udhana area of the city. Here, a fire was reported from the slum where 3 shanties were reduced to ashes. The fire in the slums was caused by bursting of firecrackers in the locality.

Gurukrupa factory incident is the scond such incident in a chemical factory in a week. Earlier, a fire in a godown where chemical was stored led to a blast in a textile unit in PiranaPipdaj in Ahmedabad area, killing 12 people and injuring 10.

COURTESY VISIT

BJP Gujarat affairs in-charge Bhupendra Yadav.

Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra with Jagdeesh Chandra at Rajbhavan, Jaipur during a courtesy visit paid by the latter on the occasion of Deepavali on Friday afternoon.

First India Bureau New Delhi: The BJP on Friday announced its new team of state incharges, but has decided to continue Bhupender Yadav as the in-charge for Gujarat and Bihar.

Yadav will be assisted by party national secretaries Harish Dwivedi and Anupam Hazara, according to a statement.

Among the new incharges, party vicepresident Radha Mohan Singh has been appointed to the politically crucial Uttar Pradesh.

Kailash Vijayvargiya will continue to be the in-charge of West Bengal and he will be assisted by BJP national secretary

Arvind Menon and party national IT cell head Amit Malviya.

The appointments come more than a month after BJP president J P Nadda announced a new team of party national office bearers.

Similarly, party national secretary Satya Kumar, Sunil Ojha and Sanjeev Chaurasia will assist Singh in Uttar Pradesh. Singh will also look after the party’’s work in Rajasthan.

The BJP has appointed party vice president Baijayant Panda as in-charge of Delhi and Assam, while its general secretary C T Ravi will be in-charge of Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu, the statement said.

REHABILITATION OF SORTS

Migrant Care: Surat’s first affordable housing project The city has set up affordable rental housing scheme for migrant workers First India Bureau Surat: Surat became the first city to finalise a project under the affordable rental housing scheme for migrant workers announced by the Centre in May, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Durga Shanker Mishra said on Friday.

The Covid-19 crisis has finally shaken the

government towards the plight of the migrant workers, who were already worse off when the pandemic struck.

The Affordable Rental Housing Complex (ARHC) scheme under the Ministry’s Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaUrban (PMAY-U) was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 14 as a part of the government’s economic pack-

First housing colony getting ready in Surat.

age in the wake of the pandemic.

Under the scheme, private firms will be given unoccupied government housing projects to refurbish and

operate as rental housing.

Mishra said the Surat Municipal Corporation had become the first in the country to finalise an

ARHC for migrant labour with 393 onebedroom flats in the city’s Sachin area.

“These flats were completed in 2014 by SUDA & were lying va-

cant. Shripad Consultants, Surat, won the bid under Model-1 of ARHC. They retrofit, maintain & operate the complex to house migrant labour and pay 18 crore positive premium to SUDA over 25 years,” Mishra said in a tweet.

“This will provide dignified living to migrant workers, who are coming back to cities, close to their workplaces & will boost economic activities in multifarious ways,” he said in another tweet.

Mishra urged other States and cities to finalise bids for such schemes.

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09

AHMEDABAD, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Jagdeesh Chandra with Kriti Garg, models, celebrities, special guests and Syed Umar with the First India family on the Deepavali celebration. —PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

Jagdeesh Chandra with Akanksha and Kriti

Arpita sets the stage on fire with ‘Sauda Khara Khara’ number

DILWALON KI DIWALI First India family wishes you a very happy and prosperous Diwali. May all your wishes come true and you achieve everything you have ever wished for!

NEHAL NAYAR

nehal.nayar@firstindia.co.in

F

Jagdeesh Chandra with Akanksha and Gaurav

Yasheel and Meith Pandel

Clockwise: Ayushi Shekhawat, Kriti Garg, Mansi Bainada and Tarannum Khan

irst India family celebrated the Festival of Lights on the eve of Diwali with a feeling of togetherness and joy of festivities.

Jagdeesh Chandra, Tollywood actress Kriti Garg, Founder of Hashtag Blunt Yasheel Pandel, Gaurav Gaur, Akanksha Bhalla and the beautiful models of Elite Miss Rajasthan graced the occasion. Yogesh Mishra and his team of beautiful models of Miss Rajasthan graced the evening with their presence.

The evening was a celebration of Deepavali with team games, singing and dancing by all the guests present there. A special show of the celebration same was also recorded and will be telecast on First India News today at 7:55 pm.

The two teams ‘Pataka’ and ‘Dhamaka’ make rangolis during the festive games with Shweta anchoring the show

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NEWS FOR THE DISCERNING READER www.firstindia.co.in/newspaper

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10-11

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CITY BUZZ

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AHMEDABAD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

DIWALI PUJAN!

Govardhan CITY FIRST

G

overdhan Puja or Annakoot will be celebrated on 15 November, a day which commemorates the incident when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to provide shelter to the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains. As per the scriptures, the folks of Vrindavan used to offer lavish meals to the God of rain and storm, Lord Indra to ensure that he blesses them with proper rainfall and good harvest. But Child Krishna found the practice to be too harsh for the small-time farmers, and he convinced them to discontinue making these offerings to Lord Indra and instead feed their families. This enraged Lord Indra, who sent down rain and thunderstorm out of anger in Vrindawan. The rains continued for days.

The village folk were afraid and they approached Krishna for help who then asked every-

BAAL MELA

CITY FIRST

O

n the occasion of Diwali, a new campaign, ‘Digital Baal Mela’, will take place, especially for the children of Rajasthan. In order to improve the talent of the children at home, Rajasthan is going to host the first digital children’s fair in the country. The Digital Baal Mela by LIC will be hosting 10 types of activities for the children to participate in it. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

Jagdeesh Chandra with the First India family members at the channel and newspaper office during the Laxmi Pujan, organised on Friday at both places for prosperity and good health of one and all.

—PHOTOS

BY SANTOSH SHARMA

one to proceed to the Govardhan hill. When they arrived, Lord Krishna lifted the entire hill with his little finger, people trickled under the hill to take shelter from the storm. Krishna was there for seven days, held the mountain for 7 days on his little finger. Finally, Indra had to bow to the might of Krishna and stop the rains. After this episode, women of Vrindavan cooked 56 dishes for Krishna. It is believed that Krishna took 8 meals in a day. As he had stood there for seven days without any food, the women decided to make up for it with a lavish Chappan bhog.

Thus, it came out that God will protect all devotees who take full refuge in him. So, devotees offer a mountain of food, metaphorically representing the Govardhan Hill, to God as a ritual remembrance and to renew their faith in taking refuge in God. cityfirst@firstindia.co.in

FROM PG 11

—PHOTOS BY SANTOSH SHARMA

DILWALON KI DIWALI

Govardhan Pooja is celebrated immediately after Diwali in commemoration of Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra

HAPPY

DIGITAL

Shweta leads the bevy of beauties to the tune of the popular number ‘Lehenga’

SPOTTED!

Poonam grooves to the beats Bollywood actor Rajiv Khandelwal was spotted on Friday morning at Jhalana Leopard Reserve in Jaipur. Jaipur happens to be his hometown, and he is in the Pink City to celebrate the Diwali festival with his family members.

—PHOTO

BY MUKESH KIRADOO

12

Megha feeds a sweet to a blindfolded Vaishali during a game as Jyoti waits her turn with Shweta and Mansi egging on the participants

Shahnawaz clicks a selfie with Anita, Syed Umar, Nandini and Nehal

Kriti Garg shows the way with her thumkas as team ‘Dhamaka’ looks on

Mona Gautam aces the traditional look