Latest news with #SatenderSingh
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newly-opened top Indian restaurant eyes further expansion in York
A newly-launched top Indian restaurant says it is looking at opening another new venue in York. Jodhpur opened in Station Parade, Harrogate, on Sunday, and is already earning five-star reviews online for its authentic food. This follows from a similarly highly-rated Jodhpur, which opened in Kirkstall Road, Leeds in December 2023. As the Press reported, the restaurants are the brainchild of chefs and friends Jatinder Singh, 35, and Satender Singh, 40, who for 12 years had worked together in venues in Leeds and London. RECOMMENDED READING: Harrogate wowed by new Jodhpur restaurant in Station Parade Cold Bath Bakehouse and North Slice boost Harrogate street Innvest Group confirms Katie O'Brien's to open pub in York A staff member told the Press the pair were driven by a passion to share authentic Indian cuisine with traditional recipes from across the Indian subcontinent. The Leeds location was 'well received', with its success encouraging them to bring the same culinary experience to Harrogate. Jodhpur enjoyed a busy opening night (Image: Supplied) The staff member said: 'We were drawn to Harrogate for its charm, community spirit, and vibrant food scene. After spending time here, we felt it was the perfect location to share our love of genuine Indian food. We've secured a wonderful spot in the town centre, making it easy for both locals and visitors to discover us.' He continued: 'We're not a typical "curry house"—a term that often implies anglicised dishes made to order. Our kitchen follows time-honoured Indian recipes that have been passed down through generations. We aim to offer a full cultural experience, not just a meal. 'Each dish is prepared with care, using traditional methods that reflect the diversity of Indian cuisine—from the rich flavours of the North to the spices of the South. Highlights on our menu include our slow-cooked lamb rogan josh, street-style chaats, and regional thalis that offer a true taste of India.' And more restaurants look to be on the menu, including in York. Top quality, authentic cuisine is promised at Jodhpur (Image: Supplied) The staff member continued: 'We're already exploring opportunities to expand further—and York is certainly on our radar. We've had such warm feedback from the community and would love to bring our concept there in the near future.' He added: 'Our mission is to bring people together over real Indian food, served with heart. We're not just opening restaurants—we're building a family of customers who appreciate authenticity and hospitality. We invite the people of Harrogate and beyond to come and experience something truly special.' Jodhpur, which also offers take-outs, is open on weekdays from 5pm, except Tuesdays, and on weekends from 1pm. For details and to book/ order, go to:
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Being a civil servant doesn't guarantee freedom from prejudices associated with visual impairment': Commissioner (Municipality), Mahe
When India celebrates and idealises civil servants who become social media sensations the moment they clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination, there are a few for whom success doesn't end the struggle. Satender Singh, who lost his eyesight when he was just a little over one, is one of them. Having cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam four times, most recently in 2024, Singh currently serves as the Commissioner of Mahe Municipality in Puducherry. But behind this success and title lies a deeper story of daily biases and prejudices that have not disappeared, even with a government ID. Born in a farmer's family in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Singh was the first in his family to go to school. After attending school for blind boys in Delhi 's Kingsway Camp, Singh went to Delhi University's St Stephen's College, and then to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Later, Singh's interest in teaching also led him to teach political science at Sri Aurobindo College (Evening) of the University of Delhi, before qualifying for the civil services. We need a more inclusive bureaucracy. In this exclusive interview for Expert Talk of The Indian Express UPSC Essentials, Satender Singh talks about the hardships he faced growing up visually impaired in a marginalised community, and the systemic prejudices he continues to confront even as a serving civil servant. Satender Singh: During childhood, I was given the wrong injection that left me visually impaired. The struggles began soon after. The first challenge I remember was that of invisibilisation. I recall being kept behind closed doors during joyful occasions and social gatherings like marriage ceremonies. In our society, disability is often linked to past-life karma, and such prejudices result in insults, humiliation, and disgrace. From an early age, I became an object of taunts and ridicule — something that continued even into adulthood. Access to schooling wasn't easy. Local teachers treated me like a bad omen. They outright denied me the right to study. In one painful memory, the headmaster refused entry, and sent me away from the school gates. I felt as if I were not a human. It was a harsh beginning, but also the start of a journey defined by resilience. There were also specific struggles against what I call the prejudices of ableism. In the rural area of Amroha, where I grew up, the loss of vision led people to believe I had magical powers. Some thought I was destined to become a katha vachak (religious storyteller). Manas: When you moved from a rural area to an urban setting, how did the nature of the prejudices and challenges you faced change? Satender Singh: In urban elite circles, different kinds of prejudices and humiliation still exist. To give an example, I recall the controversy last year involving an IAS officer who allegedly submitted a fake Persons with Disability certificate. What shocked me was how some very senior bureaucrats and people in high positions in this country began questioning the reservation policy for disabled candidates, even doubting their competence for administrative roles. I found this deeply disturbing. Clearing the examination again has become one of my motivations — to prove myself. They call it the toughest exam, and I have cleared it four times. There have been disabled civil servants who have performed better than their non-disabled counterparts. Yet, if such prejudices and stereotypes continue to persist in society — especially within elite circles — it reveals how the everyday struggle doesn't end, even for those who have cleared the civil services and served in high positions. One important point I want to highlight is the absence of vacancies for visually impaired candidates in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) under the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Do they want to tell us that visually impaired individuals are unfit to serve as diplomats? If it is so, that is yet another example of bias. If visually impaired officers can serve effectively as district collectors, why not as diplomats? The last visually impaired candidate to join the IFS was in 2015, and none have been selected since. If someone has a strong grasp of foreign policy and international relations, why should disability be a disqualifier? I strongly urge that the IFS be made accessible to visually impaired candidates. I think it should be a matter of pride for the country to show inclusivity and sensitivity at the highest level in services like the Indian Foreign Service. We need more inclusive bureaucracy. Manas: Do these prejudices still exist for you, even after becoming a civil servant? Satender Singh: At present, I have greater access to resources, influence, and awareness to help improve conditions. But these are not battles that can be won once and for all. Being a civil servant does not guarantee freedom from the prejudices and struggles associated with visual impairment. It's not like poverty — once you climb the ladder, you might escape it. My struggle is constant — every day, every hour, every minute. I must continually prove myself and my credentials. So no, the struggles haven't gone away. But I see equalisation of capabilities as a long-term solution that can bring a change. Satender Singh: To be honest, the civil services were not my first choice. I was more inclined toward academics. However, due to issues like increasing ad hocism in academia these days, I was drawn toward the more secure career path offered by UPSC. One of the major reasons for choosing civil services, though, was that this field allows marginalised candidates to rise to the top and claim the equality, justice, and respect that are often lacking in academic spaces. Manas: But now, when you go back to your village, where all these discriminations started, are you seen as a role model? Satender Singh: One doesn't become a role model overnight. First, they dislike you, then you succeed, and they don't want to believe you; they are in denial. With time, they gradually accept. But the process is really slow. It is like when the steam engine was first invented, the onlookers first said it wouldn't start. Once it started, they said it wouldn't stop. Prejudices continue to exist, they are long-lived, and do not die. Manas: What message do you have for visually impaired candidates and all those who face struggles in the civil services? Satender Singh: Visual impairment, or any kind of disability, should not be seen as a marker of incompetence for any service. Visually impaired individuals can be just as efficient and capable as diplomats. One message I definitely want to share with all those who aspire to or clear the civil services is this: remember that a career, including civil services, is just a small part of life. Enjoy life as it comes. When I think about struggles, I'm reminded of a poem by Jagdish Gupt. Apne hriday ka satya apne aap humko khojna Apne nayan ka neer apne aap humko ponchhna Aakaash sukh dega nahin Dharti paseeji hai kahin Har ek raahi ko bhatak kar hi disha milti rahi Sach hum nahin, sach tum nahin. 'Remember that a career, including civil services, is just a small part of life. Enjoy life as it comes,' says Singh. (We must search for the truth of our own hearts ourselves We must wipe the tears from our own eyes ourselves The sky does not offer joy, Nor has the earth ever truly softened It is only after losing the way That a traveller finds direction. Truth is neither you nor I alone.) For your queries and suggestions write at @
