Category: India

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महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय”

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The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has extended his greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

“Maha Shivratri greetings to everyone.  महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय”, the Prime Minister said.

 Maha Shivratri, the last bathing festival, celebrated at Prayagraj Kumbh today

Maha Shivratri, the last bathing festival of Prayagraj Kumbh, was celebrated today with religious fervour and enthusiasm. Large number of devotees thronged the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati braving cold and rains from mid night. Bathing was started very early morning.

Prayagraj Mela Authority had developed ghats at Sangam and other areas of the Mela for pilgrims. Mela Administration had estimated that about one crore devotees would take holy dip on the occasion. Special trains and buses were put into service to ferry the devotees. Elaborate security arrangements were in place in and around the Mela area. Entry of vehicles into Mela area was prohibited.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Mr Amit Khare visited the Prayagraj Kumbh. He went to the camps of All India Radio and Doordarshan and exhibition of BOC set up at the Mela. Continue reading “महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय””

Health, India, LifestyleLeave a comment

“Benchmarks for Training in Yoga”

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Ministry of AYUSH and WHO are jointly organizing a three days Working Group Meeting for reviewing the WHO document “Benchmarks for Training in Yoga” from 26-28 February, 2019 at New Delhi, India. WHO is developing Benchmarks Document for Training in Yoga as part of its global strategy to strengthen the quality, safety and effectiveness of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

Total 16 experts of yoga would be reviewing the draft document. Out of 16 experts, 11 International experts are from USA, UK, Canada, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Australia and Malaysia. There would be 4 session on all 3 days. All the technical sessions would be coordinated by the experts from WHO Secretariat.

The specific objectives of the meeting are to discuss the challenges in training of Yoga, to review & discuss the scope and structure of the working draft document, to review and discuss the contents of the working draft document, to identify the type, scope and criteria of information/data that are further required, and to discuss the working procedure and time frame for further development of the document. This benchmarks document will be used in evaluating Yoga therapy, identifying trends in utilization, developing payment structures for service models, establishing regulatory framework for Yoga practice.

World Health organization (WHO) has been launched Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 to help health care leaders to develop solution that contribute to a broader vision of improved health and patient autonomy. Continue reading ““Benchmarks for Training in Yoga””

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BAPS Organizes Prayer Services Globally for Pulwama Attack Victims

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As thousands of mourners attended funerals across India this week for the paramilitary personnel who lost their lives to terrorism in Pulwama (Kashmir, India), His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offered his deepest sympathy and prayers. As spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mahant Swami Maharaj, prayed for peace for departed and a full recovery of those who were injured. All BAPS mandirs globally as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America held special prayer services. Together they prayed for strength and solace for the families of all those effected by this tragedy.

The prayer service held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at 61 Claireville Drive in Toronto, on Sunday February 18, 2019, was attended by the Consul General of India, Toronto Dinesh Bhatia along with many community leaders, dignitaries and hundreds of community members.

Echoing the sentiments of other well-wishers at BAPS mandirs across North America, Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, said: “The 44 CRPF personnel who lost their lives each have families and communities who are feeling their absence.  I feel part of their community and am here to pray for calm in their hearts which we know are hurting.”

The attack on February 14, 2019 has sparked peaceful vigils across India and the world, and BAPS joins in prayer for the families of India’s servicemen and for unity and peace.  BAPS as an organization and its followers have also pledged financial support of 10 million rupees for the relief fund to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery. Continue reading “BAPS Organizes Prayer Services Globally for Pulwama Attack Victims”

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Kesari trailer out now. Megastar Akshay Kumar Starrer Showcases ‘The Story Of The Bravest Battle Ever Fought’

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The much awaited trailer for Kesari is out and has left audiences enthralled. After sharing glimpses of the battle of Saragarhi in three teasers that were released last week, the trailer, which is packed with action, drama and emotion gives audiences an insight into the bravest battle ever fought. 

The Kesari trailer begins with Akshay Kumar saying, “A Britisher, once told me, I am a slave and only cowards are born in India. Today is the day to give him a reply.” Just a few seconds later, the viewers can see thousands of Afghan soldiers running towards Akshay’s character Havildar Ishar Singh, the leader of the Sikh regiment. The trailer then takes the audience into the middle of the epic battle of Saragarhi. All who experience the trailer for ‘Kesari’ will be left with the urge to find out how these 21 brave Sikh soldiers fought against 10,000 Afghan soldiers to safeguard their land from invasion.

Akshay Kumar looks convincing as a leader of the Sikh soldiers, who can be seen roaring like lions in the midst of combat with weapons in their hands and rage in their eyes. The trailer captivates and fascinates with fearsome action scenes, spectacular sword fighting techniques, and intense dialogues. The trailer also introduces the female lead of the film Parineeti Chopra, who is filled with pride as Akshay Kumar heads for the battle.

The background score, action scenes and rugged avatar of megastar Akshay Kumar will surely leave movie lovers wanting more. Continue reading “Kesari trailer out now. Megastar Akshay Kumar Starrer Showcases ‘The Story Of The Bravest Battle Ever Fought’”

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Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day

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Panorama India celebrated the 70th India Republic Day on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Pearson Convention Center, Brampton. The event united the local Indian community through celebrating the diversity of Indo-Canadians in Canada.

Overwhelming support for the event was garnered by community leaders, political dignitaries and sponsors, all of whom came together to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day. Attendees included the Consul General of India in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia, Federal Minister of Science, Kristy Duncan, MP Ruby Sahota, MP Ramesh Sangha, MP Bob Soraya, MPP Nina Tangri, MPP Deepak Anand, MPP Amarjot Sidhu, Mayor of Mississauga Bonne Crombie and Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown.

The program consisted of 20 community organizations of which 200 local performers were given the Panorama India Platform. These groups showcased talent in all forms of artistic expression such as dancing, singing and drawing.

Opening ceremony commenced at 12pm with Republic Day greetings and poignant messages from dignitaries. Panorama India Chair, Anu Srivastava welcomed everyone and recognized the political dignitaries, community leaders, and guests. She said “Unity in Diversity and building Indo Canada bi-lateral relations through culture is the prime objective of this celebration.”

Consul General of India Mr. Dinesh Bhatia enthusiastically addressed the crowd and brought the Republic Day greetings on behalf of the President of India. Consul General emphasized his appreciation for the Indian Diaspora in Toronto and gave a recap of the past three years in Toronto. Continue reading “Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day”

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Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019

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International Festival Heads keen to attend the 50th Anniversary of IFFI

The team behind the upcoming movie‘Gully Boy’including Mr. Ranveer Singh, Ms. Alia Bhatt, Ms. Zoya Akhtar &Mr. RiteshSidhwani visited the India Pavilion at Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2019. They released the IFFI 2019 Brochure and were apprised by the Indian delegation about activities planned for the Golden Jubilee anniversary of IFFI to be held later this year.

The Indian Delegation members at Berlinale met with over half a dozen Film Festival Heads & Key Senior Executives of the film industry. Ms Nadia Dresti, Deputy Artistic Director and Head of Locarno Film Festival was apprised about several policy initiatives of the Government of India to promote ease of filming and curb piracy. Her help was sought by the delegation to reach out to Locarno Film Festival for IFFI 2019.Ms Dresti expressed that she had visited IFFI Goa last year and emphasized her proactive participation for the 2019 Edition as well.

Indian Delegation also interacted with Mr Stephan Ottenbruch, Head of Indo-German Films, wherein they discussed about a larger German presence at IFFI 2019 andexplored possibilities ofcollaboration. Continue reading “Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019”

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Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019

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Panorama India, with the support of the Consulate General of India, Toronto will be  celebrating  India’s 71st anniversary of Independence Day.

The programme includes flag hoisting ceremony, singing of the national anthem,  and cultural programmes.

Members of Indian community and friends of India are cordially invited to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony. There will be food stalls, vendors and fun activities for all age groups – children, teens, adults and seniors. The festivities will be on throughout the day.

The Panorama India Idol Grand Finale will also take place on February 11th at Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton at Panorama India Republic Day Cultural Festival.

This is a  free event for the community, so all are welcome to attend, participate and celebrate! See you all there! Continue reading “Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019”

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India is changing because Indians have decided to change : PM

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India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the young professionals in a town hall programme at the New India Youth Conclave in Surat. The PM received a rousing welcome at the New India Youth Conclave.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the nation is changing and it has been possible because people have decided to change for a better India. Addressing the National Youth Conclave in Surat today, PM said the earlier  attitude was that nothing will happen or nothing will change. However, the mindset has been changed and it is visible now. He said “at one point of time there was a mindset among people that nothing can change. We came and first of all changed that mindset–now everything can change. India is changing because Indians have decided to change”.

Talking about India’s strength, PM said ,“Terrorists attacked Mumbai, what happened after it? In our government, Uri happened, what happened after it? This is the change. The fire that was in the hearts of our jawans, it was in the heart of the PM too, Surgical Strike was the result. Uri terror attack didn’t let me sleep, and what happened after that everyone knows. This is the change”.

PM said his Government’s drive against black money was a bold and decisive step.

Three lakh companies were shut down after demonetisation and nobody thought black money could be curbed, said the PM.

He added, ” The public sentiment among the Indians has changed and this will change the country too, I have faith in it. Earlier, people felt that everything will be done by the people but we changed it. The country is bigger than any of us.”

On a lighter vein, PM said it is his fourth public engagement in a day, however He was not tired and rather asked people if they are tired to which he got a big no in reply. Continue reading “India is changing because Indians have decided to change : PM”

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Manikarnika: Biggest ever opening weekend for a woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema

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Zee Studios’ Manikarnika -The Queen of Jhansi roars at the box office

Becomes the biggest opening weekend of 2019 till now

Collects Rs 42.55 crores NBOC and Rs 1.55 MILLION USD in overseas on its opening weekend

Zee Studios announced today that their magnum opus, Manikarnika -The Queen of Jhansi, which released to thunderous response from audiences and raving reviews, collected Rs. 42.55 crores NBOC in India and crossed 1.55 million USD in overseas markets. Starring Kangana Ranaut as Rani Lakshmi Bai, the film released in over 3000 screens in India and over 700 screens worldwide in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Zee Studios mounted the film at an epic scale, not just in terms of production quality but also its high-impact marketing campaign. The studio also put all its might to give their magnum opus the biggest ever mainstream release seen by any woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema. The film took a good start on Friday and doubled its collections on Saturday and held strong Sunday.

Speaking on the response to the film, Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios says, “We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to the film, especially the younger generation. Rani Lakshmibai has always been in our collective psyche for the longest time. It’s the first time most Indians are visually seeing a manifestation of her valour and courage on the big screen, love has been pouring in from all quarters. Following extremely positive word of mouth, the film has shown an outstanding growth in collections through the weekend. We expect the film to continue to grow this week“. Continue reading “Manikarnika: Biggest ever opening weekend for a woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema”

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Consul General organizes a Welcome Ceremony for International Students from India

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Consulate General of India, Toronto in association with International Education Centre, Centennial College, today organised a Welcome Ceremony for the international students from India at the Progress Campus of the College. This is the fourth such event in the series of Welcome Ceremonies that the Consulate plans to organize. The Ceremony witnessed an attendance of about 1000 Indian students, 550 present & 450 on live-stream.

Virginia Macchiavello, AVP, International Education Centre and Business Development, Centennial College welcomed the students to Canada and briefed them about the various settlement services that the college has for them. Mr. Jagmohan Nanda, Founding Principal, Nanda & Associate Lawyers and Mr. Vasim Sheikh, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Nanda & Associate Lawyers took the students through the immigration laws in Canada and their journey through this entire process, right from student permit to permanent residence and eventually Canadian citizenship.

Consul General Mr. Dinesh Bhatia in his address while interacting with the students    emphasized on the most important fact of being an ‘Indian’, which will always remain with them. The students were informed about Canada, its legal system, presence of strong Indian community in Canada, culture and weather of the country, important do’s like registering on the MADAD portal of Government of India and don’ts like not being on the wrong side of the law, how to deal with stressful situations, what to do in emergency situations and introducing all the services of the Consulate General, which the students could make use of. Emphasizing the mantra given by External Affairs Minister of India, Smt. Shushma Swaraj, that Indian Mission is home away from home, he concluded by telling the students that the Consulate is just like their home away from home and they can feel free to contact the officials in any sort of emergency situation.  Continue reading “Consul General organizes a Welcome Ceremony for International Students from India”