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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Modi gifts Odisha's artefacts to world leaders during recent tours
1 2 Bhubaneswar: During his recent international tours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a curated selection of Odisha's finest traditional art and artefacts, including Pattachitra painting, silver filigree works and miniature replicas of the iconic Konark wheel, to his counterparts and global leaders. People of Odisha, including politicians and artisans, said such recognition can boost global demand, tourism, and economic opportunities for Odisha's artists. During his meeting with Croatian president Zoran Milanović, the Prime Minister presented a traditional Pattachitra painting, known for its intricate depictions of mythological tales, particularly stories from the Jagannath tradition. Chief minister Mohan Majhi expressed his gratitude to the PM for selecting the timeless creations from Odisha as a gift and wrote in an X post: "Time and again, Prime Minister Modi ji has brought global recognition to Odisha's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This gesture further reaffirms our pride in Odia Asmita and brings the timeless legacy of the Jagannath tradition to the forefront on the world stage. Such international appreciation serves as a profound source of inspiration for our artisan communities and strengthens Odisha's cultural identity globally. " Puri MP Sambit Patra described it as 'a proud moment for Odisha and Puri!' "Pattachitra is a centuries-old cloth-based art from Odisha, known for its detailed mythological stories, especially the divine pastimes of Lord Sri Jagannath. These are carefully painted using only natural mineral and vegetable colours. These scrolls have long been carried by pilgrims returning from darshan in Puri, as a symbol of blessings from the Jagannath temple," Patra wrote in an X post. He further added that Raghurajpur, a heritage village in Puri Lok Sabha, is the heart of this age-old tradition, where skilled 'chitrakars' preserved and passed down Pattachitra for over a thousand years. Under Modiji's leadership, India's cultural strength continues to shine across the world, he wrote. In addition to the Pattachitra painting, PM Narendra Modi gifted chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz a sandstone replica of the Konark wheel and a silver clutch purse to governor general of Canada Mary Simon during the G7 summit. The labour-intensive crafts are known for their precision and elegance and are a symbol of Odisha's unmatched metallurgical tradition. Odia netizens appreciated PM Modi's gesture of gifting Odisha's timeless crafts. "What a thoughtful way to share India's living tradition with the world," read an X post. Another person wrote, "A tribute to India's storytelling heritage." These diplomatic gifts are more than symbolic gestures as they carry the legacy of generations of artisans, many of whom live in rural and coastal Odisha. "Prime Minister Modiji's gesture of gifting Pattachitra paintings, the stone wheel of Konark, and silver artwork to world leaders not only showcased Odisha's rich cultural heritage but also highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisans. This gesture will boost international recognition and appreciation for Odisha's art, potentially leading to increased demand and opportunities for local artisans," said Khitish Das, an artist.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indians in Canada laud PM Narendra Modi's visit for G7 Summit
Indian-origin Canadians gathered in Calgary on Monday in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada to attend the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis on Tuesday. Professor Anil Mehrotra was among those who had come to Calgary. He couldn't contain his excitement saying that he was looking forward to PM Modi's visit. 'Oh, we are really excited, very happy and looking forward to it,' he said. Mehrotra, professor of chemical engineering at the University of Calgary, also praised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for invited Modi. 'It would have been a mistake if he hadn't invited him, despite all the pressure that you get from one section of the South Asian community. But I'm very happy that he took this bold step', he said. Also Read: G7 summit: Modi arrives in Calgary to participate in outreach session Vaishali Kumar, a recent graduate who resides in neighbouring Chestermere, was also looking forward to seeing PM Modi. 'As a youth leader based in Calgary, I am very happy to see the eagerness and excitement in the student and Indian populations here to welcome Prime Minister Modiji', she said. 'As for students, we have a lot of expectations with our leaders, and we hope our issues come to light as well. We are excited to see someone represent us on such a grand scale, and we are honoured to welcome Modiji to Canada!' she added. Hardik Pandya, a Calgary-based entrepreneur, echoed similar sentiments. 'This is pretty good news for us. Not only for me, but every Indian and Canadian with a perspective about the economy. They are all excited.' He also lauded Carney for his decision describing that as 'wise' and 'mature.' Calgarians of Indian origin were joined by members of the community who flew in from across the country to mark Modi's return to Canada after ten years, following the bilateral visit in April 2015. Among them were Kushagr Sharma, president of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, who flew in from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 'This visit marks a pivotal moment to unlock new trade and economic opportunities between Canada and India, especially in technology, energy, and innovation', he said. Naresh Chavda, director of the People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Canada, also came from the GTA. 'Prime Minister Modi's presence at the G7 signals a renewed commitment to deepening Indo-Canadian economic ties. With shared democratic values and complementary strengths, Canada and India are natural trade partners for the future,' he said.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Give Modi a chance,' Shah urges Bengal voters from rally
Kolkata: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday took off from where PM Narendra Modi had ended his first Bengal poll campaign speech on Thursday, signalling BJP's twin strategy for the 2026 assembly election in Bengal: Focus on and retain its core Hindu-nationalist votes while trying to chip away at TMC's female support base. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shah addressed BJP's 'Vijay Sankalpa Karyakarta Sammelan' at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Sunday, three days after PM Modi addressed a public rally in north Bengal's Alipurduar. While reaching out to the the women voters in Bengal, Shah said, "Bengal's women will not tolerate any insult to sindoor," and urged them with "folded hands" to give Modi a chance and form a govt of true "deshbhakts". Shah then took aim at Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she had been pained when Operation Sindoor was on and "hundreds of terrorists were being killed". "It would have been better if she felt the pain when Bengalis were killed. She didn't utter a word then," he said. Shah alleged that Banerjee had tried to oppose "Operation Sindoor" and "play with the emotions of crores of women in India". "She wanted to appease her Muslim vote bank. Mamata can support Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, but we haven't finished Operation Sindoor," the home minister added. He then urged the women voters to "make her (CM Banerjee) understand the value of sindoor in the next election." "Bengal has guided the entire nation — be it in knowledge, science, spirituality, or the freedom struggle. For years, Bengal led India in every field. But then came the rule of the Communists, and after that, Mamatadidi took charge with the slogan of 'Ma, Mati, Manush'. She has now turned this great land of Bengal into a hub of infiltration, corruption, atrocities on women, crimes, bomb blasts and injustices against Hindus," Shah added and said the Banerjee-led govt's time was up. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "During elections and even after Didi's victory, hundreds of BJP workers have been brutally killed. Didi, how long will you hide them? Mark my words — your time is over. In 2026, BJP govt is coming to office in Bengal," he went on to say. The home minister asked the CM as to what she had done for Bengal. "Under UPA, Bengal received Rs 2.09 lakh crore. Under Modiji, Bengal received Rs 8.27 lakh crore in 10 years. We have a list of every single development work. BJP will release this list. But this money didn't reach the villages—it was looted by the TMC syndicate. Even if Modiji sends Rs 50 lakh crore, it won't reach the people unless BJP is in power here. To get Modiji's benefits and homes, you must bring a BJP govt in Bengal," Shah said. Calling the violence at Murshidabad "state-sponsored riot", Shah said, "state govt did not seek help from BSF despite repeated alerts from us. Finally, BSF intervened only after the court's order. Meanwhile, Trinamool netas have been accusing BSF and encouraging the rioters. The way a minister was involved, it was nothing but a state-sponsored riot." he said. Attacking the CM again, Shah said: "She opposed the waqf amendments. Who was she trying to protect?" Shah underlined the "increase" in BJP's support base in Bengal from 77 assembly seats in 2021 to a lead in 97 assembly segments in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "In 143 seats, we secured more than 40% votes. We are not behind by much. We will have to increase our vote shares only by 4-5%. Didi's deposit will be forfeited in her own seat if she dares to conduct elections free of violence and rigging. We will not say zindabad till a BJP CM takes oath after the 2026 polls," Shah told the workers. In his 33-minute speech, Shah listed out alleged scams and corruption cases in Bengal and said that jobs of the state's youths were being sold. He claimed that in Sandeshkhali and RG Kar incidents, the CM stayed silent to appease her vote bank. Tribal and backward communities had been left out and Gorkhas were being harassed for not voting for TMC, he said, claiming no one was happy in Bengal. He promised that if voted to power, no Gorkhas will face "political vendetta". Mentioning Centre's efforts to give classical language status to Bengali, Shah assured that Hindu refugees, whose names were being deleted from voters' list, need not worry and should apply for citizenship under CAA.
AFP
28-05-2025
- Politics
- AFP
Marvel actor video edited to spread India-Pakistan misinformation
"Goose Bumps Hats off to this gentleman, now Pakistani must know how ruthless Modiji is," reads an X post published May 13, 2025. The in the post, which accumulated more than 2.4 million views, shows a person approaching a bus stop and replacing a poster that reads "Tell Modi" with another that says "I Told Modi." Indian media reported that, during the April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, a survivor said the gunman told her after killing her husband: "I won't kill you. Go and tell Modi" (archived link). Image Screenshot of the false post taken May 21, 2025 The posts surfaced online after India said it had carried out strikes against "terrorist camps" in Pakistan, which led to four days of fighting before a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals was announced by US President Donald Trump on May 10 (archived links here and here). India claimed Pakistan backed the militants behind the Pahalgam attack that killed 26, mainly Hindu -- a charge Islamabad denies. The same video circulated with similar claims on Facebook and X, but the clip has been digitally altered from Marvel Studios promotional . A reverse image search using the video's keyframes found an unedited version published May 7 on Instagram (archived link). The caption reads: "#TheNewAvengers, but still #FilmedForIMAX experience #Thunderbolts* in #IMAX now!" Further keyword searches found original video published May 5 on X by Marvel Studios #TheNewAvengers (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the Marvel X post AFP has fact-checked other misinformation about the India-Pakistan conflict here.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
PM Modi begins 2-day Gujarat visit, greeted by Col Sofiya Qureshi's family
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day Gujarat visit in Vadodara and greeted people at a roadshow, some among his greeters on Monday were Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's father Taj Mohammad, mother Halima, sister Shyna and brother Sanjay. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped by a podium where Col Qureshi's family were present to welcome him and shower him with rose petals. While the family greeted the Prime Minister, he also returned the gesture, standing on the footboard of his vehicle. Col Qureshi's sister, Shyna Sunsara, said, 'Modiji greeted our family when we greeted him. It was a great feeling to see him in person. Operation Sindoor was the most apt reply to terror. The decision taken to launch Operation Sindoor was the best one and also successful because of the meticulous planning. It is so heartening to see the number of women here to welcome Modiji. It shows how the PM has taken women empowerment to a level which has never happened before. I feel proud that women have been able to take the centre stage for the smallest to the biggest of tasks because of the confidence that PM Modi has in them. It is a proud moment that we were able to interact with a Prime Minister like Modiji, even if from a distance.' VIDEO | Vadodara: Here is what Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's twin sister Shyana Sunesara has to say at PM Modi's roadshow: 'Today we are here at PM Modi's roadshow held to celebrate Operation Sindoor… The operation was led by two females, one of them was my sister and they completed… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2025 Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend a number of public events while inaugurating or laying foundation stones for various developmental projects worth thousands of crores. This is his first visit to his home state after the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on terrorist bases in Pakistan in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was among the two women armed forces officers who held the briefing on Operation Sindoor.
