Latest news with #Eklavya
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Bihar to establish residential sports school for para-athletes
Bihar is set to establish a dedicated Residential Sports School for Para-Athletes, the first of its kind in the region, the state government announced on Wednesday. The said initiative will be implemented under the 'Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Mahatvkanshi Yojana' as part of one of the Eklavya Schools. This school is being established following India's performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where Indian athletes brought home a record-breaking 29 medals - seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze - marking the country's best-ever performance at the multi-discipline event. According to a statement from the Bihar State Sports Authority, 'The Residential Para Sports School aims not only to identify and train talent across Bihar and beyond but also to set a national benchmark in inclusive athlete development. It aligns with the Government of India's broader vision under the Khelo India and National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) frameworks, reinforcing that para-sports are not peripheral but central to India's sporting ambitions.' ALSO READ | Duplantis headlines Oslo Diamond League, Warholm eyes 300m hurdles showdown 'This institution will serve as a launchpad for future Paralympians, equipped to groom medal prospects for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and beyond,' it added. Several athletes from Bihar have represented India at national and international platforms, winning medals at Khelo India Para Games, National Para Championships, Para Athletics Nationals, and in sports such as powerlifting, athletics, swimming and badminton. Pramod Bhagat of Vaishali clinched gold in men's singles SL3 badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Sharad Kumar, from Muzaffarpur, secured a silver medal in men's high jump T63 at the Paris 2024 Games, while Soman Rana, originally from Shillong, trained extensively in Bihar with Army support and finished 5th in shot put F57 and clinched national gold in 2025. 'Bihar has always been a land of potential. With the right investment in infrastructure, coaching and inclusion, we can turn our para-athletes into national heroes. This Residential Sports School is a milestone towards equity, excellence and empowerment,' Raveendran Sankaran, IPS – DG cum CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority, said.
India Today
11-06-2025
- General
- India Today
How Caste, a word of Spanish origin, redefined Indian social order during British rule
One word that still thrives in India and continues to challenge society is caste. The word originated in Spain and was later used by Portuguese, and it was the British who institutionalised it within the Indian derived from casta, is now deeply linked with India's ancient social structure, the varna system, in which esoteric individuals based on the work performed and, by extension, their place in per the Rig Veda, the varna system divided society into four main groups: Brahmins, the learned class; Kshatriyas, the rulers and warriors; Vaishyas, the merchants and landowners; and Shudras, those who did manual labour. Outside this structure were those considered 'untouchables.' The first official Indian census was conducted in 1871, well before independence. It recorded over 2,500 castes. These caste listings included all professions -- for example, Sonar, a term for goldsmiths, was listed as a backward the 1931 census, the number of recorded castes had risen to over 3,000. This was the last time a caste-based census was held -- pre- or though caste -- a word not native to Indian soil -- became the most defining social construct of the land, shaping society for over two centuries, how did this happen? What changed and divided Indian society so deeply that it is now difficult to separate from it?advertisementWas Indian society fragile from the beginning, or did it evolve over time, with the differentiation of work and social categories outlined in the varna system becoming more rigid? These are the questions scholars and academics have long sought to answer. Specimen of various described castes(Image: Wikimedia Commons) VARNA, JATI, AND CASTEThe varna system, as mentioned in the Rig Veda, is thousands of years old and outlines how society and work were structured. Though there were four main varnas, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana offer examples of how these identities could born a Kshatriya, was later revered as a Rishi due to his conduct. The story of Eklavya is often cited -- denied training by Dronacharya due to his varna, Eklavya's father, Hiranyadhanu, nonetheless served in King Jarasandha's army, showing that lower-caste individuals were not excluded from warfare or Indian texts, jati -- meaning birth -- is often mentioned less often than varna, but the concept is more complex. While varna divided society into four broad categories, jatis represented thousands of lineage- or occupation-based groups, though endogamous (a practice of marrying or mating within a specific group, such as a caste, ethnic group, religious group), varied across Dumont, a French anthropologist, linked jatis to religious purity and pollution, but others argue their origins are more secular, rooted in economics, politics, and jatis are often associated with jobs, they have not strictly limited occupational roles. Genetic studies suggest jatis practiced endogamy since the Gupta period, possibly are not exclusive to Hindus -- they are found among Muslims, Christians, and tribal populations, without one single hierarchical English word caste, now so commonly used in the Indian context, did not originate here. It came by way of Portugal. When the Portuguese first made landfall in India in the year 1498, they applied word 'casta' -- a term used for lineage or stock -- to describe the many birth-bound communities they English language took this word in by 1613, and it Sumit Guha, in his account Beyond Caste, writes of how Portuguese became a seafaring tongue, spoken in distant corners of Asia. Through this language, the West began to make sense of Indian life or tried time, the British would carry out that task further. Guha notes that 'casta' spoke first of blood -- of purity in animals, then people which derived from the concept of purity of blood, limpieza de imagined that a community's worth could be preserved by guarding the bloodline, especially through the modesty of its women. Dr Ambedkar with the leaders of 'Scheduled Caste Federation'. Scheduled Caste Federation Conference, Nagpur (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Anthropologist Morton Klass reminds us that there is no true match for the word caste in any Indian tongue. The Iberians, shaped by their own worldviews and prejudices, used casta to rank peoples they met -- first in Asia, then in the the Brisitsh engaged more with Indian society, they began to see it through their own them, India's jatis seemed like ordered groups, made to preserve ancestry. This view suited the world they came from -- a world where bloodlines and hierarchies mattered Portugal and Spain were deep in the trade of enslaved people only made such ideas more historian Charles Boxer once observed that the beliefs the Iberians carried -- whether by sea, cross, or sword -- did not fade quickly. For many years, race and rank walked hand in hand. The echoes, perhaps, still CASTE CENSUS AND ORIGIN OF NEW JATISWhen the British arrived in India, they stepped into a land full of rich traditions, local customs, and complex social networks. After centuries of invasions and changes in power, Indian society had become layered and diverse -- very different from what the ancient texts once community had its own way of life, and it was unlike anything the British had dealt with make sense of this diversity and to rule more efficiently, the British started recording details about the people. This led to the first complete census of India in 1871. It wasn't just about counting people -- it was about sorting them into groups based on caste, religion, occupation, and other like Sumit Guha believe that this was the first major step in giving caste a rigid and official place in Indian census didn't just reflect what society looked like; it shaped how people came to see themselves and each also recorded each individual's caste, religion, occupation, and age. These accounts went on until 1941 and had one major impact -- Britishers began defining how people came to be viewed in was fluid and dynamic began to become fixed on paper. Specimen of caste in India (Image: Wikimedia Commons) One sociologist, Michael Mann, has stated that these censuses were more of what the British required to govern rather than what the Indians British rarely knew how things actually operated here, so they relied on older religious writings and counsel from higher-caste leaders -- particularly Brahmins -- to determine how to document Indian British realised that if everyone could be put into tidy compartments, it would be possible to manage such a large nation. But not always.A Brahmin in Bengal, for instance, was more like other Bengal castes than like Brahmins elsewhere -- so the concept of one definite 'Brahmin' identity didn't quite Brahmin identity was there before the British, but it wasn't always rigid or were allowed to shift between roles, and there was openness for change. But once the British began inserting caste into official documents, it started to become more fixed and less accessible to why some authors think that the British didn't only document caste -- they assisted in forming what it was. Others think caste existed naturally but concur that the British made it more rigid in human let's pose the big question: did the British have a hand in establishing India's caste system, or did they reformulate it to suit their means of domination? That's something historians still debate Watch
Business Upturn
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Brahmaputra Infrastructure shares surge 13% after securing Rs 91.49 crore EPC contract in Arunachal Pradesh
By Aman Shukla Published on May 15, 2025, 11:13 IST Brahmaputra Infrastructure Ltd witnessed a sharp 13% surge in its stock price after the company announced a major contract win. As of 11:12 AM, the shares were trading 9.85% higher at Rs 56.10. The company, through its joint venture Brahmaputra–PKV JV , has signed an agreement with Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a Government of India enterprise. The contract, valued at ₹91,49,06,101 (₹91.49 crore), is for the construction of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in two locations in Arunachal Pradesh — Aalo Village in West Siang district and Ziro II Village in Lower Subansiri district. The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode and is expected to be completed within 24 months. This contract is seen as a significant milestone for Brahmaputra Infrastructure, marking its expanding footprint in northeastern India's infrastructure development sector. The project aligns with the Government of India's initiative to improve educational infrastructure for tribal communities through the EMRS scheme. Investors responded positively to the news, driving the stock price up by 13% in intraday trading. The development strengthens the company's order book and demonstrates its capability in handling government-backed infrastructure projects. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Brahmaputra Infrastructure Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Opinion In NCERT textbooks, a history full of holes
The NCERT has recently published the Social Science textbook for class VII. The book has once again raised concerns among educationists, social scientists and the media around the inclusion of certain specific themes and the exclusion of others. A few chapters under the themes titled 'Tapestry of the Past' and 'Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions' have evoked much controversy. The book appears to be visually appealing for young learners. This is evident from the inclusion of colourful and high-quality photographs of a variety of historical findings (archaeological artefacts like coins, terracotta toys, sculptures, inscriptions and manuscripts), and historical maps as well as illustrations based on historical events or well-known historical figures. These not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the textbooks but also have the potential to bring the past alive in the imagination of the child. The inclusion of two characters — a boy and a girl appearing at repeated intervals with interesting questions written in a box titled 'Let's Explore' breaks the monotony of the main textual narrative. The timelines mapping important events at the end of each chapter can enable students to develop chronological thinking. The value of any textbook, however, cannot be limited to the above. It must be vetted against its ability to develop in students certain domain-specific competencies so that they acquire the requisite 'disciplinary rigour in both the methods and concepts of Social Science' (National Curriculum Framework, 2023). The NCF 2023 provides a broad framework for these textbooks. It enlists several of them under the section 'Curricular Goals and Competencies' within Social Sciences. Students in the middle stages, for instance, are expected to 'comprehend and interpret sources related to different aspects of human life and make meaningful interpretations.' These curricular goals can be achieved only when the textbooks become less didactic and create space for the learner to actively engage in a process of inquiry. Some of the earlier textbooks published post-NCF 2005 and those developed by Eklavya (a non-profit, non-governmental organisation working in education since the 1980s) were conceptualised following a constructivist approach and critical pedagogy. The chapters in History in these textbooks are replete with a range of primary sources (inscriptions, excerpts from different kinds of literary sources like the Vedas, traveller's accounts), accompanied by thought-provoking questions. In the new books, barring a few chapters, very little emphasis is given to encourage the young learners to develop the skills of analysis and interpretation. There is also no focus on familiarising the students with the historian's craft — the process through which historians slowly and painstakingly sift through a range of traces or reliable evidence to develop an understanding of the past based on rational inquiry. The NCF 2023 also expects the learners to draw 'connections between the causes and effects of different social and historical events or episodes and connect them with the overall impact on human life.' However, understanding of the past, in the class VII textbooks, has been reduced to a factual discussion around political dynasties — wars won and lost, territories conquered, administrative measures, etc. For instance, the chapter 'New Beginnings: Cities and State' merely discusses the early human settlements developing into janapadas and mahajanapadas and then into empires, but offers no clear explanation of how such major transformations took place. That it was a result of several socio-economic and political factors, including the increasing concentration of power in a few hands, especially among the more dominant social groups (Kshatriyas and Brahmins) in an increasingly hierarchical social structure legitimised through ostentatious rituals like ashvamedha and rajasuya yajnas, is not mentioned. The NCF 2023 also highlights the significance of inculcating in students an appreciation for India's rich past and present, including its cultural unity in diversity, pluralism, heritage, traditions, literature, art, architecture, and philosophy. In keeping with this, the section on 'Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions' has a chapter titled 'How a Land Becomes Sacred', which includes detailed discussions around the 'sacred sites' (pilgrimages), practices, and festivals associated with a few of India's religious and cultural belief systems. The chapter poses certain ethical and pedagogical concerns. The focus is restricted to Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism while completely excluding some of the other major religious systems like Islam and Christianity. If the purpose here is to instil in students the value of pluralism, respect for cultures other than one's own, are we really adhering to the aims of the NCF 2023? One wonders what kind of dilemma and sense of discomfort a teacher would be confronted with in a classroom with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is also important to mention that the textbook does not have any chapter related to the history of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals. Perhaps these may appear in the second part of the textbook. One wonders what a history teacher in Delhi, out on a heritage walk with students, would do as they pass by some of the most exquisite and magnificent architectural splendours like Humayun's Tomb or the Red Fort? How can one teach children to understand the connection between the past and present if we cannot acknowledge the undeniable influence of these significant phases in medieval history on almost every aspect of our lives today — art and architecture, music, dance and other art forms, cuisine, language, clothing and fashion? Textbooks, worldwide, have always been the repository of 'official knowledge' — knowledge that is carefully selected and approved by dominant sections of society, that often leads to cultural silences by excluding or distorting the culture and voice of the marginalised. Social Sciences emerged as a school subject during the 19th century in the context of the rise of the modern nation state in the Western world. While Civics was introduced in schools to inculcate among young citizens obedience and patriotism, History was taught to instil a sense of pride and oneness through the construction of a shared past. With changing political regimes across the world, History becomes a contested site, where differing ideologies with opposing agendas clash. This explains why the History curriculum and textbooks are subject to controversies. These ideological contestations clarify why certain historical figures and communities, events, processes or cultures capture the limelight during a particular regime while others are pushed to the margin, vilified, or totally obliterated. Should Social Sciences continue to bear the burden of 'glorifying' the past and promoting the 'sacredness' of specific geographies? As curriculum designers, educators and teachers, can we offer a better alternative and reimagine the Social Science curriculum such that it encourages young learners to become empathetic, humane, deliberative and transformative individuals?
Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Eklavya Asset Managers SolisMarkets confirms good standing after regulatory review
Eklavya Asset Managers SolisMarkets confirms good standing after regulatory review Eklavya Asset Managers, a South African financial company with license FSP 45583, remains fully operational following a review by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in November 2024. The company faced no penalties or sanctions but continues to deal with reputation issues caused by public rumors and speculation. The FSCA Investigation Process The FSCA began looking into Eklavya Asset Managers and its SolisMarkets trading platform in November 2024. This investigation started after clients complained about problems withdrawing their investments. At that time, the FSCA mentioned that SolisMarkets might be offering financial services without proper permission and stressed that their investigation was still ongoing and had no conclusions. Eklavya worked with the FSCA throughout the review process, providing all requested information. The company received no enforcement actions, warnings, or fines, and its FSCA license remains active and valid today. This cooperation demonstrates Eklavya's commitment to following financial regulations in South Africa. The investigation created temporary uncertainty for clients and business partners. However, the absence of any penalties or license restrictions confirms that Eklavya continues to meet regulatory standards. The company maintained its normal operations during the review period, serving individual and institutional investors across South Africa. Dustan Cornelissen, Managing Director of Eklavya, emphasized their support for proper oversight: "We welcomed the review and answered every inquiry. We're now asking for the same transparency in return." Public Perception Challenges An early statement about the investigation appeared briefly on the FSCA's website before being removed. However, third-party articles, including one by compliance platform Moonstone titled "FSCA Investigating Solis Markets Following Complaints from Investors," remain online without updates or context. This situation has created ongoing confusion among clients and partners about Eklavya's current status. The lack of a public update confirming the end of the investigation has allowed unproven claims to continue circulating. This information gap has made it difficult for Eklavya to restore public trust despite their good standing with regulators fully. The company has formally asked the FSCA and relevant publishers to provide updated public statements that show the complete picture. Cornelissen noted the impact of this situation, stating: "This has been a reminder of how quickly incomplete information can take on a life of its own." The company believes that regulatory transparency should work both ways, companies must cooperate with investigations, but authorities should also clearly communicate when matters are resolved without findings of wrongdoing. Eklavya now encourages media outlets and the public to check the firm's current regulatory status through its FSCA registration (FSP 45583) when reading online content about the company. This verification step helps combat outdated or misleading information that may still appear in search results. Future Plans and Enhanced Practices Eklavya Asset Managers continues to comply with South African financial regulations fully. The company has been licensed since 2013 and offers investment advice, wealth management, and trading services. Their platform, SolisMarkets, remains fully functional and compliant with all requirements. The firm has strengthened its internal communication and compliance practices to reassure stakeholders. These improvements include broader disclosure protocols and better oversight mechanisms. These changes aim to prevent future misunderstandings and build stronger trust with clients and regulators alike. Eklavya plans to open a new regional office in Namibia by late 2025, showing confidence in its business model despite recent challenges. The company also expects to expand further into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by 2027, bringing its financial services to more markets across southern Africa. The company focuses on building long-term client relationships based on trust and transparency. With its regulatory status confirmed and compliance practices strengthened, Eklavya continues to serve South African investors while preparing for regional growth in the coming years.
