Latest news with #Goswami
Deccan Herald
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Goswami community women write letters with blood to UP CM, PM against trust to run Banke Bihari temple
Hundreds of Goswami community members on Friday protested against the construction of the proposed corridor and the formation of the trust by locking their shops and houses.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
More than instructors: How Times Health+ built a yoga legacy with real mentors
Incepted in a digital world that waters down wellness to a mere Instagram hashtag and impersonal snippets, Times Health+ is a platform that garners depth and structure to yoga by curating its platforms around the expertise of real and certified yoga practitioners. The skeleton of the platform isn't an FYP magnet but a thoughtfully created group of professionals who have come together, bringing a distinctive teaching approach, philosophy, and sense of presence. These are dedicated mentors who reshape yoga into a personal experience for them is Shynee Narang , a certified yoga teacher, NLP coach, and sound healer with 15+ years in wellness, trained under the traditional Guru-shishya Parampara since 2008. She is known to combine ancient yogic practices with modern science to help people reconnect with their inner calm and energy. She has orchestrated sessions for top and renowned industry names like Airtel , TEDx, Cisco, and Delhi Police and has taught hundreds through her blends of kriyas, asana, pranayam, and sound therapy. She leaps into the yoga industry, changing lives with a wholesome motto, which is to bring yoga and well-being to 1 billion to Shynee on the golden pedestal stands Apurva Tilwani , a certified Hatha yoga instructor from Rishikesh, having assimilated years of experience and having built a community of 500K followers. She stepped onto the pedestal while struggling from ailments that resulted in her being unfit and underweight; now she sits on the throne, strong and graceful. Apurva, with her expertise in dancing and calisthenics, aims to blend movement and mindfulness to help users build both physical and inner the diamond-encrusted crown, reflecting the position of the platform's Chief Spiritual Mentor, stands Yogacharya Surakshit Goswami , a renowned figure in yoga and spirituality known for his deep commitment to the practice since 1979. He is a gold medalist and an author of six insightful pieces of literature on yoga. He has devoted his life to spreading yogic wisdom and healing. Hailing from the sacred ghats of Haridwar, Dr. Goswami's journey began as young and innocent as 12 years old, earning him the title of 'Yoga Kumar.' Today he has an institution of his own, widely respected for his dedication to Yog Sadhna. He is known to be the first in India to have earned both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Yoga from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Goswami has conducted over 6,200 workshops globally, covering yogic philosophy and sacred texts. He has published over 3,200 articles and translated the Bhagavad Gita into simplified Hindi for younger generations. Apart from that, he has also made appearances on numerous TV shows and radio programs since 1993, imparting his wisdom to is a mentor who has carved a pathway to harmonize the mind, the body, and the soul in today's rest-omitting investing in expert-led content over automated or generic solutions, Times Health+ curates an environment where users can move forward at their pace and deepen their understanding. Times Health+ is creating a space that nurtures a relationship with one's body, breath, and overall well-being through the wisdom of teachers who lead with care and these actions, the platform has redefined the digital yoga experience, transforming online sessions into meaningful journeys filled with learning, reflection, and transformation, making luxury guidance accessible beyond borders or boundaries.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Banke Bihari temple corridor protest temporarily suspended after MP Hema Malini's assurance
Mathura , Women from the Banke Bihari temple's sevayat Goswami community, who have been staging protests for the past three weeks against a proposed temple corridor and the government's plan to form a trust for the temple's management, on Tuesday, decided to temporarily suspend their agitation. The decision came after Mathura MP Hema Malini assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the chief minister. The women, belonging to the families of temple sevayats and local traders, met Hema Malini at her residence in Vrindavan and in the meeting elaborated on the reasons behind their protest and sought redressal of their apprehensions regarding the project. They expressed fears that if displaced from their current location, they would not be able to perform the seva-puja of Thakurji as smoothly as before. They also voiced concern that the traditions of the temple and the heritage of the narrow lanes would be adversely affected. Submitting a memorandum to the MP, the women requested that their plea be placed before the chief minister. "We are confident that if our views are presented to the chief minister with empathy, he will understand our sentiments and find a middle path between the government's plan and our demands," one of the protesters said. Talking to reporters, Hema Malini acknowledged that there might have been some gaps in communication with the protesting families regarding the project. "But the government is working for the public's convenience. I will certainly raise this issue before the chief minister," she assured. She added that the families feared that the corridor would push them farther from the temple, causing practical difficulties in performing rituals. "They have been assured that no one will be forced to move outside Vrindavan. The administration is making arrangements for them within Vrindavan's limits," she said. Hema Malini also emphasised the necessity of the corridor and said, "Some among them do not want the corridor at all, but with the increasing number of pilgrims, it is our duty to provide the necessary facilities. If the corridor is not built now, it will become even more difficult later," she noted. She further stated that while the corridor is essential, she would ensure that all stakeholders' sentiments are respected and conveyed to the government. The women also demanded that the ordinance for forming a trust to manage the temple be withdrawn entirely. Among those who submitted the memorandum included Neelam Goswami, Sunita Goswami, Suman Goswami and others.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
More than skin deep: understanding albinism in the Indian context
In India's image-conscious society, individuals with albinism often find themselves both hyper-visible and marginalised. With their pale skin, light or colorless hair, and light-sensitive eyes, they attract attention simply for what they look like. Yet albinism is not just a cosmetic variation—it is a genetic condition with significant health, psychological, and social dimensions. With International Albinism Awareness Day observed on June 13, it is vital to move beyond superfluous sympathy and engage with the deeper realities that people with albinism face in India. What is albinism? Albinism is a non-contagious, rare inherited genetic condition characterised by the partial or complete absence of melanin—the pigment that determines the colour of the skin, hair, and eyes. The most common types include: Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA): This affects the skin, hair, and eyes, with seven known subtypes (OCA1 to OCA7). Ocular Albinism (OA): This primarily affects the eyes, with minimal or no changes in skin or hair colour. It is usually X-linked (carried on the X-chromosome) and occurs more commonly in males as they have one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome. This allows the trait to be freely expressed in the affected individual, in the absence of a second X-chromosome. Globally, the prevalence of albinism ranges from one in 20,000 to one in 40,000 people. In Africa, certain populations exhibit much higher rates of prevalence —up to one in 1,000. India lacks comprehensive epidemiological data, but experts estimate that there may be around 1,00,000 people with albinism in the country— however, much of their information remains undocumented. The biology behind albinism Melanin plays a crucial role not only in pigmentation but also in eye development and function. A lack of adequate melanin can manifest as: nystagmus (involuntary eye movements); strabismus (misaligned eyes); photophobia (extreme light sensitivity) and reduced visual acuity, often falling under legal blindness. These visual impairments can severely limit educational and employment opportunities, particularly in environments that lack accommodation or awareness. Moreover, melanin acts as a natural barrier against UV radiation. In its absence, individuals with albinism are highly prone to sunburn, freckles, and skin cancers—particularly squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. In India's tropical climate, with its proximity to the Equator, this risk is exacerbated. Stories from the ground: realities in India Albinism affects a considerable portion of the Indian population, and is a part of the social landscape. The lived experiences of individuals with albinism highlight the urgent need for both systemic and social change. The Goswami sisters of Kolkata, Gayatri and Swati, have spent much of their lives in seclusion. Their story, captured by photographer Debsuddha Banerjee, reveals a childhood marked by school bullying and adult lives dominated by isolation during festivals and public events. In Assam, Bulbul Ali, a cloth merchant, was barred from entering his village during the COVID-19 pandemic because neighbours believed his light skin indicated that he was a foreigner—and potentially a virus carrier. Tanush Soni, a young debater and MUN delegate from Maharashtra, was called a 'ghost' as a child. Today, he is a national-level speaker preparing to study international law, using his story to advocate for children with albinism. The Jeevan Trust, founded in Delhi by Sameer Garg and Anubhav Gupta, supports families with multiple members living with albinism. Sameer, who is himself visually impaired due to albinism, recounts being unfairly accused of cheating in school because he couldn't read the blackboard. These narratives reflect not only resilience, but the deep structural barriers that people with albinism continue to face in everyday lives and in the basic functioning of their daily activities—from educational neglect to social prejudice. Also Read:'People know nothing about Albinism' The weight of myths and misconceptions Albinism is surrounded by deeply ingrained myths across cultures. In parts of East Africa, it has tragically led to violent persecution, with beliefs that body parts of individuals with albinism possess magical powers. While India does not report such extreme violence, the social stigma is quietly pervasive: many wrongly believe albinism is contagious; children are subjected to bullying and labelled as 'foreigners'; adults struggle to find suitable employment due to visual impairment and prejudice; families may feel shame or confusion when a child with albinism is born, especially in communities where darker skin tones predominate. Policy gaps and the need for action Despite these challenges, India lacks a targeted national programme for albinism. There is no unified framework that guarantees: medical support including access to sunscreen, sunglasses, and regular skin and eye check-ups; educational adjustments such as large-print books, adaptive seating, and visual aids; legal clarity under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which does not explicitly list albinism, despite its visual implications; public health campaigns to counter myths and encourage sun safety. Organisations like the Indian Albinism Foundation and Jeevan Trust are filling some of these gaps, but the scale of implementation of any initiative remains a challenge without policy-level intervention. Beyond awareness to action Albinism is not a cosmetic aberration—it is a genetic condition with real medical and social consequences. This International Albinism Awareness Day, India must go beyond fleeting awareness and commit to systemic change. This includes f:ormal recognition of albinism under disability law; training teachers to support visually impaired students; making sunscreen and UV-protective gear affordable and accessible; promoting media representation that normalises, rather than sensationalises albinism as well as supporting employment inclusion and workplace accommodations. The lived realities of the Goswami sisters, Tanush Soni, Bulbul Ali and many others are proof that social barriers are all too common. And in a society that prides itself on diversity, inclusion must begin with visibility—and lead to dignity. (Dr. Arunima Ray is a consultant in dermatology & dermasurgeon, Narayana Hospital RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Banke Bihari corridor gets support from farmer unions
Agra: Several farm unions and organisations on Friday extended their support to the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor in Mathura's Vrindavan, amid ongoing protests against it. They believe the project would benefit lakhs of pilgrims who visit the temple regularly. Buddha Singh Pradhan, senior state vice president of BKU (Tikait), said, "All social organisations and unions have come together as a united front before the district magistrate to deliver a message regarding the corridor issue related to the temple of Bihari Maharaj in Vrindavan. Our purpose is to convey that the construction of this corridor will bring immense benefits and development to Mathura-Vrindavan. It will be advantageous not only for Mathura district, but also for the entire Braj region and the devotees and servants of Lord Banke Bihari. " He added, "This initiative will open many avenues for progress. Some people, driven by personal interests, are opposing this project. We want to send a message to them: consider the greater good and recognise that Lord Banke Bihari belongs to all of us. Where there is collective benefit, it should be embraced by all. This corridor aligns with cultural heritage, the sanctity of traditions, and the preservation of Indian culture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Therefore, on behalf of the United Front and all farmer organisations, I affirm our support for the construction of the corridor." Besides BKU (Tikait), several other farm union leaders, including Praveen Bhaskar, national vice president of BKU (Sunil), and Vipin Kumar, president of Shaheed Bhagat Singh oganisation, and representatives of other unions, met the Mathura DM CP Singh at the Collectorate and submitted a letter of support for the Banke Bihari Corridor. Meanwhile, residents and members of the Goswami community, whose members are considered the temple's 'sevayats' -- hereditary priests who manage daily rituals and other temple affairs, continued their protest on Friday. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
