Latest news with #SwaminarayanGurukul
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: London sisters, aged 8 and 4, orphaned as father dies returning from mother's last rites in Gujarat
Two little girls in London, aged just eight and four, have been orphaned in an unimaginable sequence of tragedies that unfolded over just 18 days. What began as a period of mourning for the loss of their mother has now deepened into a tragedy no child should face, the loss of both parents in less than a month. 7 days ago, Arjun Bhai's wife passed away 💔 — he fulfilled her last wish by immersing her ashes in their village river While returning, he died in the plane crash 💔 — now their two little daughters are orphaned forever 😢🥹Join | A family torn apart in less than three weeks Their father, 37-year-old Arjun Patoliya, died in the Ahmedabad-bound AI-171 plane crash while returning to London after carrying out his late wife's final rites. Bharti, his wife, succumbed to cancer on 26 May. Her last wish was for her ashes to be immersed in India, a wish Arjun honoured with great devotion. After performing the rituals at the sacred Narmada River in Poicha and their ancestral village in Amreli district, Arjun was on his way back to London when the tragic crash took his life. The girls, who had only just started processing their mother's death, are now left without both parents. Arjun Patolia came to Vadiad to perform his wife's final rites as per her dying wishes. A grieving husband boarded the ill fated Air India plane to go back to his 2 kids in London. Never to return back, joining his wife in death. Cruel fate! 🕉️Moksh to all🙏#AhmedabadPlaneCrash Childhood hardships returned in a cruel cycle Arjun's life was shaped by hardship from a young age. He lost his father in 1990 and was raised by his mother in Surat, who sold household items to sustain the family. Arjun pursued education up to Grade 12 at Swaminarayan Gurukul before moving to the UK at 20, where he built a life and family. In London, he ran a furniture business and met Bharti, an accountant. They created a home, filled with love and dreams, raising their two daughters together. A family's pain, and the fight to carry on Arjun's cousin Sanjay shared the heartbreak the family is facing, stating how no one imagined they would be preparing for Arjun's final rites just days after gathering for Bharti's. His mother, now residing in Surat, has provided a DNA sample to help authorities identify Arjun's remains and bring him home to Vadiya for cremation. Arjun's younger brother, Gopal, also living in London, has now taken responsibility for raising the two girls, who must now grow up with only memories of the parents who loved them dearly.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ahmedabad plane crash: Girls, 8 and 4, lose mom and dad within 18 days
An old photo of Arjun and Bharti, who died of cancer on May 26 SURAT: As stories of AI 171 crash victims unfold, among the most heartbreaking is that of 37-year-old Arjun Patoliya, whose death has left two little sisters in London, aged 8 and 4, orphaned within a span of just 18 days. Still mourning the loss of their mother Bharti, who died of cancer on May 26, the two girls have now lost their father in Thursday's tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Arjun had travelled to India to fulfil his wife's last wish - that her post-death rituals be performed in Gujarat. He immersed her ashes in the Narmada River at Nilkanthdham in Poicha, 60 km from Vadodara, and at their native Vadiya village in Amreli district. He was flying back to London when fate dealt another cruel blow to the family. 'Never imagined we'd perform Arjun's last rites just days later' Arjun's mother lives in Surat. His daughters are now in the care of his younger brother Gopal, who also lives in London. Only last Sunday, the Patoliya family had gathered to perform Bharti's final rites - an emotional and heavy moment. They had just about started to process their loss when tragedy struck again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "My sister-in-law wanted her last rites to be performed in India. We had never imagined that within days, we would be performing Arjun's rites too," said his cousin, Sanjay. Arjun's mother gave her DNA sample to help identify his body so it could be brought back to Vadiya for the last rites. Arjun had lost his father in 1990 at a very young age and was raised by his mother, who sold cutlery and household items to make ends meet. He studied up to grade 12 at Swaminarayan Gurukul in Surat before moving to the UK at the age of 20. He had been living in London for the past 17 years. There, he ran a furniture shop and met Bharti, who worked as an accountant. They married and built a life together, raising two daughters. Bharti hailed from Gujarat's Kutch district. Her family is now settled in Ahmedabad.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Two young sisters in London orphaned within 18 days
Surat: Two little sisters in London, just 8 and 4 years old, have been orphaned in the span of just 18 days. Still mourning the loss of their mother, Bharti, who died of cancer on May 26 in London, they have now lost their father, Arjun Patoliya, in the tragic AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Thirty-seven-year-old Arjun travelled to India to fulfil his wife's last wish — that her post-death rituals be performed in Gujarat. He immersed her ashes in the Narmada River at Nilkanthdham in Poicha, 60 km from Vadodara, and at their native Vadiya village in Amreli district. Arjun was returning to London when fate dealt another cruel blow. His mother lives in Surat. "My Bhabhi Bharti wanted her last rites done in India, so Arjun brought her ashes here. We could never have imagined that within days, we would be performing his rites too," said Arjun's cousin Sanjay. Arjun faced major hardships in life since childhood after losing his father in 1990. Raised by his mother, who sold cutlery and household items to make ends meet, he studied up to grade 12 at Swaminarayan Gurukul in Surat before moving to the UK at the age of 20. He lived in London for the past 17 years. There, he ran a furniture shop and met Bharti, who worked as an accountant. They married and built a life together, raising two daughters. Bharti hailed from Kutch district, and her family is now settled in Ahmedabad. The family only recently gathered at the Narmada River last Sunday to perform Bharti's final rites — an emotional and heavy moment. But just as they began to process their loss, tragedy struck again with Arjun's death in the plane crash. Arjun's younger brother Gopal, who also lives in London, is now caring for the two children. Their mother, who once sent Arjun to Surat for education, gave her DNA sample to help identify his body so it could be brought back to Vadiya for the last rites.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
27% increase in students opting for science stream: CM
Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said on Monday that state govt schemes like the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Sarswati schemes encouraged students to opt for the science stream. In one year, there was a 27% increase in students opting for the science stream, he added. While the Namo Lakshmi scheme provides financial assistance for girls studying at the secondary and higher secondary level (Class 9 to 12), the Namo Sarswati scheme offers financial support to girls who opt for the science stream in Class 11 and 12. Speaking at the inauguration of a Swaminarayan Gurukul at Dabhoi in Vadodara district, the CM said that the Mission School of Excellence programme and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra contributed towards upscaling the quality of education being provided in govt schools. Patel said that the new education policy will "shape the future citizens of India with modernity and values. In the Indian education system, values are indispensable along with knowledge. " He added that India's 'gurukul' culture is now being revived with modern methods. He added that institutions like the Swaminarayan Gurukul provide students not only with academic knowledge but also value-based training for life. Commenting on the steps being taken by the state govt to improve the quality of education, the CM said that through the Gunotsav campaign, learning outcomes of students are being monitored regularly. He added that special attention was given to girls' education through initiatives like Kanya Kelavani and the school enrolment drive (Shala Pravesh Utsav).
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, commences academic session in Dabhoi
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 9 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the newly constructed Swaminarayan Gurukul in Dabhoi, Vadodara district, and formally commenced the academic session. The event was graced by the presence of saints, spiritual leaders, and distinguished dignitaries, according to the release. He said that 'In the Indian education system along with knowledge, values are also essential.' He further explained that in the ancient Gurukul tradition, princes received education and initiation from revered sages. Lord Rama was educated by sages Vashishta and Vishwamitra, while Lord Shri Krishna acquired knowledge from Rishi Sandipani. This very Gurukul tradition is now being revitalised through modern methods, thereby honouring and preserving our ancient heritage. The Chief Minister stated that institutions like these are, in contemporary times, blending the Gurukul tradition with modern advancements to offer students not only academic knowledge but also value-based and culturally grounded training essential for holistic development. The establishment of a modern hostel alongside a technologically equipped school campus marks the beginning of a new era in education. He expressed firm belief that this Gurukul by the Swaminarayan institution will nurture a generation poised for a bright future founded on patriotism, values, and spirituality. He mentioned that under the New Education Policy, which advances the legacy of ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, the Prime Minister has established sector-specific universities. For the first time, an education system rooted in Indian tradition and based on the mother tongue has been implemented. Under the Prime Minister's guidance, the state government is bringing quality improvements in schools through the Gunotsav campaign. CM Patel emphasised that special attention has been given to the education of girls through initiatives such as Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav. Chief Minister stated that through the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati Yojana, students are being encouraged to opt for science streams. 'Within just one year, there has been a 27 percent increase in the number of students enrolling in the science stream. Through Mission School of Excellence and Vidya Samiksha Kendra, both standards and quality of education have progressed,' he said. The Prime Minister has resolved to establish India not just as a developing nation but as Viksit Bharat by 2047. Chief Minister urged that to realize this resolution, we must all contribute to shaping an 'Amrit Generation' that is educated, value-oriented, and determined. The CM mentioned that institutions like Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul play a vital role in supporting environmental initiatives led by the Prime Minister, including Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Catch the Rain, and No Usage of Single Use Plastic. Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who displayed exceptional valour in protecting Bharat Mata for the unforgettable success of Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister said that this operation has given a new direction to India's fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister has set such an example of national defence that it will inspire future generations to serve the nation. MLA Shailesh Mehta stated that, considering the cultural ethos of Darbhavati Nagari, the establishment of a Gurukul imparting value-based education had become a vital necessity. Under the leadership of the institution's directors--K P Swami, Nautam Swami, and Bapu Swami--this Gurukul has not merely been inaugurated today, but has marked the beginning of a new chapter in shaping the future of Darbhavati Nagari. 'The Chief Minister has shown special affection for Darbhavati by providing unique grants and developmental schemes, and therefore, I proudly say today that the Chief Minister's contribution to Darbhavati's development is invaluable. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him for that,' Mehta said. Jitubhai Vaghani, MLA Bhavnagar, stated that generally, when any educational institution is managed by commercial entities, it often operates with a profit-oriented approach. However, when such institutions are managed by saints, they are guided by a spirit of service and are enriched with cultural and moral values -- a truth that society has experienced firsthand. Swaminarayan Gurukul is not just an educational institution; it is an abode of values. Such institutions, equipped with modern technology and rooted in values, contribute not only to teaching but also to showing students how to live. The real success of a Gurukul is when students feel drawn to attend, to study, and are shaped with Indianness, ethics, and patriotism alongside their education, the release said. Nautam Swami presented an outline of Swaminarayan Gurukul's activities. (ANI)
