Latest news with #Parishad
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Imposing Hindi threat to linguistic, cultural identity: Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad has objected to the state government's latest decision about Hindi as a third optional language from Class 1, calling it 'a threat to the linguistic and cultural identity of Maharashtra.' In a meeting held on Thursday, the Parishad demanded an immediate withdrawal of the government resolution (GR) dated June 17, giving the government a seven-day deadline to revoke the decision. Attendees at the meeting included Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, author and language advisor Laxmikant Deshmukh, and noted writer Achyut Godbole. Prof Joshi said, 'We have formally written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the government to immediately withdraw the GR. This policy is in direct contradiction to the NEP and even contradicts education minister Dadaji Bhuse's public statement in Pune on May 25, where he had said the plan to introduce a third language from Class 1 was on hold.' The members of the literary body argued that the state's new policy violates this framework and has been reintroduced without consulting education experts, literary bodies, or the state language advisory committee. Deshmukh, chairperson of the advisory committee, said, 'The imposition of Hindi, even indirectly, is viewed as a cultural and linguistic imposition. Marathi already faces growing pressure from Hindi in Maharashtra. This move will only deepen the crisis.' He also flagged the acute shortage of qualified language teachers, especially in rural and zilla parishad schools. 'Many primary schools have just one or two teachers. Without fresh recruitment, enforcing this policy using existing staff is both unrealistic and unjust,' he added. The parishad also questioned the rationale behind Maharashtra being the only state to mandate a third language from Class 1. 'Why should Maharashtra deviate from the national norm? No other state has implemented such a move,' said Prof Joshi. The group has warned that if their demands are ignored, they may launch a statewide peaceful protest in defence of the Marathi language and identity. Educationist and language expert and president of the 98th Marathi Literary Meet at New Delhi, Tara Bhawalkar said, 'A child must first gain mastery in their mother tongue. Only when their foundation is strong can they learn other languages effectively.' She cautioned that forcing three languages too early—especially for children with limited academic support at home—could cause confusion and learning setbacks. 'Till Class 4, all subjects should be taught in the mother tongue. Additional languages can be introduced from Class 5 onwards, with the third language starting in Class 7,' she said. Meanwhile, school education minister Dadaji Bhuse, responding to the growing debate, said the policy allows flexibility. 'In Marathi and English medium schools, Hindi will generally be the third language from Classes 1 to 5. However, students may opt for another Indian language instead of Hindi, provided at least 20 students in a class make the request. If not, the alternate language will be taught online,' he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh's landmark 1987 Act: Birth of structured yoga education in India; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend International Yoga Day event in Vizag on June 21
VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh will take centre stage on June 21, when Visakhapatnam hosts the International Yoga Day celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending as the chief guest. The event also highlights the state's historical role in the formalisation of yoga education, a legacy that dates back to 1987. Former chief minister NT Rama Rao's second term (1985-89) was marked by a conscious appeal to Telugu cultural pride, and the Andhra Pradesh Yogadhyayana Parishad Act, 1987 (Act 25 of 1987) fitted neatly into that narrative. By legislating an autonomous 'Parishad' dedicated to yoga and naturopathy, NTR moved these disciplines from the realm of private ashrams and short-term courses into the formal education structure. The Act's preamble explicitly positions yoga not merely as heritage but as a public health instrument, signalling a state-centric, welfare-oriented approach rather than a purely cultural one. Historically, the practices of yoga in India, while deeply ingrained in cultural and spiritual traditions, often lacked a formalised structure for education and professional accreditation. Teaching methodologies and standards varied widely, typically relying on lineage-based instruction or individual institutional discretion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This informal landscape presented challenges in ensuring consistent quality, professional recognition, and public trust. The 1987 Act emerged as a transformative measure to address this gap. While national bodies like the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (1995) would take a broader mandate later, Andhra Pradesh's 1987 experiment offered a template — legislative recognition, university linkage, and fiscal support. Interestingly, while the state health minister served as the chairman of the governing council of the Parishad, the vice-chancellor of the (Dr NTR) University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada was the vice-chairman. Before Andhra Pradesh enacted the Yogadhyayana Parishad Act in 1987, no other Indian state had introduced a yoga-specific statute for higher education. Earlier initiatives in states such as Gujarat, Bihar, Delhi, and Karnataka operated either as depts within existing universities or as private or centrally administered societies, rather than through state legislation. AP Yogadhyayana Parishad Act formalised yoga education in three key ways. First, it introduced a standardised curriculum and certification process, eliminating the inconsistencies of guru-issued diplomas. Second, by granting the Parishad oversight over funding and institutional inspections, it established a quality-control framework and ensured stable financial support for yoga schools. Third, its mandatory affiliation with the Health University integrated yoga pedagogy into mainstream education, fostering cross-disciplinary research, shared libraries, and clinical internships, an early example of state-level integrative medicine policy. Despite these advancements, the model had its limitations, particularly in centralised decision-making, which restricted its outreach beyond Hyderabad. Ultimately, the 1987 Act was repealed in 1990 following a change in regime. However, in a high-power committee meeting held in March 1990, it was resolved to maintain the institutions created under the Parishad. Even though the Act was short-lived, it successfully transformed yoga from a cultural practice into an examinable, research-driven academic discipline. The Act also laid the groundwork for India's contemporary Ayush framework nearly a decade before its formal inception. AP Yogadhyayana Parishad Act, 1987 Act was the first dedicated, yoga-specific legislative initiative in any Indian state It created Yogadhyayana Parishad as a statutory body with extensive authority over curriculum, examinations, research, and institutional oversight By formalising curriculum guidelines, the Act eliminated inconsistencies in yoga education previously shaped by individual institutions The Act positioned yoga not just as a cultural practice but as a tool for disease prevention and holistic well-being It encouraged evidence-based research in yoga and naturopathy, contributing to the modernisation of traditional health systems The framework was designed to be robust yet adaptable, serving as a potential model for other states or even countries The Act contributed both to improving public health outcomes and preserving India's cultural heritage Though repealed in 1990, the Act's foundational approach to structured yoga education continues to influence policy and professional standards in India
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Kanhan faces evere threat from pollution, warn experts
Nagpur: The Kanhan River, Nagpur's main drinking water source since 1951, is under serious threat due to unchecked pollution, warned ex-Neeri scientist Dr Pawan Labhasetwar at Vidarbha Pani Parishad. Industrial effluents and ash discharge from the Koradi plant, along with algal blooms, are worsening the river's condition. Experts including Dr Mukund Patrikar highlighted global and local water crises, stressing the need for innovation, traditional knowledge, and grassroots action. Chandrakant Bhoyar praised schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana and urged revival of age-old harvesting methods. Academicians Shriram Kavle and Ramesh Lakhmapure called for youth involvement and recognised water as cultural heritage with employment potential. The Parishad ended with a united call for urgent, multi-level interventions. *****
News18
17-05-2025
- General
- News18
How The UP Government Is Bringing Dwapar Yug To Life In Vrindavan's Forests
Last Updated: The Uttar Pradesh government is reviving 36 sacred forest sites in Vrindavan by planting trees from Lord Krishna's era, blending mythology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage 'Dwapar Yug' is all set to come alive for those visiting the ancient forests of Vrindavan, as the Uttar Pradesh government prepares to give a mythological makeover to these sacred groves—believed to be the very land where Lord Krishna once lived and played. With a major eco-restoration project underway, the initiative aims to revive Vrindavan's ancient forests by planting trees mentioned in Krishna's era, blending ecology with spirituality to recreate the timeless charm of Braj. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has undertaken this ambitious eco-restoration drive, targeting 36 ancient forest sites across a vast area of 487 hectares in Vrindavan. The Parishad's environmental advisor, Mukesh Sharma, revealed that plantation work has begun in the Sunrakh Reserve Forest area and will be executed in three phases, with an estimated budget of around Rs 90 crore. 'This project is not merely about planting trees; it is about restoring a cultural and spiritual heritage deeply linked to Krishna's divine pastimes," said Sharma. Removing Invasive Species, Reviving Native Flora One of the key objectives is to remove the invasive and harmful Prosopis juliflora, locally known as 'vilayati babool', which has overrun these forests—turning the soil barren and threatening local flora and fauna. Replacing it with native broad-leaved species like Krishna Kadamb (Mitragyna parviflora), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), and Tamal (Garcinia xanthochymus) will help restore ecological balance while reviving the mythological essence of the region. Since Vrindavan lies within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), a Supreme Court-designated eco-sensitive area, special permission was required to proceed with tree cutting and plantation. An interlocutory application was filed in Writ Petition No. 13381/1984, and after inspection by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court approved the project on December 12, 2023. This marks the first time an eco-restoration initiative has been permitted inside the TTZ. The detailed restoration plans were developed after extensive surveys and technical consultations with scientists from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Soil testing across all sites helped create a blueprint tailored to the unique ecological needs of each forest block. Sharma said, 'We are blending scientific precision with cultural respect to ensure that these forests not only survive but thrive as living testaments to Krishna's legacy." Trees With Deep Spiritual Significance The plantation will include species that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, such as Peeloo (Salvadora oleoides), Maulshree (Mimusops elengi), Aam (Mangifera indica), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Baheda (Terminalia bellirica), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), and Palaash (Butea monosperma). These trees are valued not only for their ecological benefits but also for their association with the traditions of ancient Braj and Krishna's life stories. Project Launch And Vision For A Green Braj A formal field workshop to mark the project's launch was recently held at the Sunrakh Forest Block, chaired by Shailja Kant Mishra, Vice-Chairman of the Parishad. He highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, 'Reviving these forests is an act of devotion as much as it is an ecological necessity. We want every visitor to feel the presence of Krishna's Vrindavan in every shade and scent." Promoting Biodiversity, Eco-Tourism, And Local Livelihoods Officials with the UP Government said the restoration effort is expected to boost biodiversity, improve air and soil quality, and promote eco-tourism, while also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities involved in plantation and forest management. 'Special measures are planned to prevent the regrowth of invasive species and to monitor the health of the saplings over the coming years," they added. First Published: May 17, 2025, 15:54 IST
