The Indian Panorama

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  • Indian-origin author and playwright Ronnie Govender dies at 87 in South Africa

    Indian-origin author and playwright Ronnie Govender dies at 87 in South Africa

    JOHANNESBURG (TIP): Ronnie Govender, an internationally acclaimed Indian-origin author and playwright known for his books and theatre efforts reflecting the difficulties of the Indian and African communities under apartheid, has died of age-related illness. He was 87.

    Govender, who died in South Africa’s city of Cape Town on Thursday, April 29, was the recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga, among the country’s highest national orders, in 2008 for his contributions to democracy, peace and justice in the country through theatre.

    In the same year, the media did not miss the irony of his new book ‘In the Manure’ being launched in the beautiful sprawling gardens of the residence of Indian Consul General Navdeep Suri in Johannesburg.

    Govender’s debut book, ‘Cato Manor Stories’, won the 1997 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for best first book in the Africa section.

    The book told tales of the Indian and African communities that lived side-by-side in the township in Durban before the minority white apartheid government uprooted them for forced resettlement in other separate ethnic townships.

    Govender’s grandparents, who had arrived in South Africa as indentured laborer’s, had settled in Cato Manor, where they farmed on a small piece of land.

    Govender was also born there.

    Govender founded his own theatre company, the Shah Theatre Academy, because of the restrictions of the time not allowing participating in ‘white’ theatres.

    One of his plays, ‘The Lahnee’s Pleasure’, had the longest run across the country and received a lot of attention abroad.

    But in line with his firm resolve to support the anti-apartheid cultural boycott of South Africa, Govender steadfastly declined highly lucrative offers to tour abroad with the play.

    In 2014, Govender was honored with a doctorate from the Durban University of Technology.

    His demise on Thursday, April 29, was following a month-long age-related ailment, his family said.

     

     

  • Indian American chemist Sumita Mitra named European Inventor Award 2021 finalist by the European Patent Office

    Indian American chemist Sumita Mitra named European Inventor Award 2021 finalist by the European Patent Office

    NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American chemist Sumita Mitra has been named a finalist by the European Patent Office (EPO) in the “Non-EPO countries” category of the European Inventor Award 2021.

    Mitra was the first to apply nanotechnology to the production of dental materials, leading to the creation of a new composite to repair teeth which has many advantages over conventional materials, according to a press release.

    Mitra’s material overcomes many of the limitations of previous dental composites, which were either too weak to be used on biting surfaces, or quickly lost their polish and became physically unattractive.

    In addition, her invention is more versatile than other composites, meaning it can be used in any area of the mouth, and simplifies the filling procedure for dentists.

    Commercialized as Filtek™ Supreme Universal Restorative since 2002 by 3M, the US  for whom Mitra worked for more than 30 years, the technology and the products developed from it are today used by dentists around the globe, the release said.

    “Mitra’s invention takes what was an emerging technology at the time – nanotechnology – and applies it to a new sector to provide a solution for dentists and relief for patients,” says EPO president António Campinos, announcing the European Inventor Award 2021 finalists.

    “Patents have protected Mitra’s material and helped ensure that her invention remains commercially successful nearly 20 years after its launch.”

    The winners of the 2021 edition of the EPO’s annual innovation prize will be announced at a ceremony on 17 June which has this year been reimagined as a digital event for a global audience.

    It was while working in the oral care division of US multinational 3M that Sumita Mitra became aware of the limitations of existing composite materials.

    Mitra’s idea was to replace composite fillers with nanoparticles. “The use of nanotechnology gave me the opportunity of making a new material,” she says. “It restores peoples smiles and improves the quality of their lives”.

    The material’s strength is its versatility according to her: “You have all the desired properties of a tooth filling in one material. That is why this technology has been used to make so many different types of tooth restorations around the world.”

    Mitra is a partner at Mitra Chemical Consulting, LLC, a company she set up with her husband after leaving 3M in 2010, and which advises companies on new technology development, product design, commercialization, mergers and acquisitions.

    She was named an American Chemical Society Hero of Chemistry in 2009, inducted into the US National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2018 and elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2021 for her work related to inventions in nanotechnology for use in dental materials.

    Other awards include a Hollenback Memorial Prize from the Academy of Operative Dentistry (2020); a Peyton-Skinner Award for Innovation in Dental Materials from the International Association of Dental Research (2012); and a Top 25 Women in Dentistry Award (2010).

    Mitra was elected to the 3M Carlton Society 1998 – the highest 3M award given for lifelong contribution to R&D.

    Mitra is named on 58 European patents, four of which are related to her nomination for the European Inventor Award 2021.

     

  • Eid ul Fitr is the prime festival of 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. We wish our readers a happy and festive Eid.

    By Mike Ghouse

    Eid Mubarak

    Eid means festivity and celebration. It is a joyful moment for Muslims to observe 30 days of fasting of every aspect of human life. They abstain from thinking, saying, doing bad things that hurt fellow humans, and abstaining from any intake of food or liquids from sun-up to sun-down. It is time to celebrate a successful month of training in becoming an excellent disciplined human being.

    It is purifying oneself bodily by getting rid of the toxins and spiritually by shedding the arrogance and feeling as equals with fellow humans. Spirituality is not wearing certain clothes but feeling that we are merely a speck in the universe; we simply one in 8 billion people. It is a great feeling to have. Humility builds bridges among fellow humans, and arrogance destroys.

    Festivals are expressions of joy. Religious societies have designed the festivities to bring people together. Holi, Diwali, Ramadan, Bakrid, Christmas, Easter, Paryushana, Rosh Hashana, and Jayanthies. Then we have the civil society festivities, designed for the same purpose as the New Year, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and so many other days. In India, we celebrated all festivals together, and I hope that tradition begins here in the diaspora communities.

     

    When we live as neighbors or live in the same town, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build secure, cohesive societies is for its members to understand each other’s sorrows and joys, and festivities and commemorations. It is this good feeling that Muslims celebrate or reward themselves on Eid.

     

    This year, the Indian Muslims have much more to feel good about being a good caring human being. My Hindu friend today pointed out that the Sikhs and Muslims trained to serve fellow humans. He said it is in-built in them; they don’t need the Gurdwara or the Mosque to organize things for them.

    A few of them gather on their own and serve fellow humans. Since covid started taking tolls on human life, Muslims in India have taken the responsibility to perform the last rites of dead bodies of Hindus and others, as the families of the deceased persons did not want to touch or be near them. There are thousands of such cases, including a few BJP leaders who died; a few examples are here in this link. https://gooddeeds.info/category/funerals/ and https://Youtube.com/GoodDeedsbyMuslims.

     Eid Begins with Chand Raat.

    The moon cycle is 28, 29, or 30 days. After observing 28 days of fasting, Muslims will start looking for the appearance of the moon. Once it is spotted – Chand Raat and festivities begin, shops open up, and people go on a buying frenzy. It is like shopping for Diwali or Christmas at the last minute. It is a joyous moment.

    Also, most of the perishable items for cooking had to be purchased a day earlier, determined by moon sighting. It is a tradition as refrigeration was not available in South Asia until 50 years ago. Nasa predicts the moon sighting accurately, but tradition is tradition (the song in the movie Fiddler on the roof).

    I am sharing the practice in South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka with some variations.

     Mehendi

     Women and girls gather up from the neighborhood and do the Mehendi/Henna on their hands and feet. The men and boys will have few spots on their hands. It is not a religious thing but a part of the culture.

    Eid Day 

     One of the first things Muslims do is meet their obligation towards needy fellow humans and pay their dues.

    New Clothes

    Wearing new clothes is always a celebration, particularly for children. It is one reason people donate to families in advance so the have-nots can also feel the festival. Eid multiplies when everyone around you is happy, and it behooves us to ensure that it happens.


    Fitra 

    Before the Eid gathering (usually) around 9 AM, every Muslim who possesses food and funds over their needs donates to charity to help the needy. It is called Fitra or Fitrana. It is about $5 in the United States, and you can multiply that by 3 million going into the pot for the deserving. There is no ceiling to give, but one must give. That is how we help the needy. But most people pay it out much earlier.

    Zakat 

    It is an obligation one has towards fellow humans to donate a specific portion of his/her wealth to the needy. The customary practice is 2.5% on capital assets and a higher amount on precious metals and livestock. The funds usually go to Bait-ul Maal, an organization set up to receive such funds, and you can give directly to any family or charity. Baitul Maal distributes the funds to life-sustaining, educational and humanitarian aid to the underserved populations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Let the left hand not know what the right hand gives.” Its profound wisdom is that don’t boast or brag about your giving, and let the receiver of the charity not be humiliated or lose his freedom in your presence to speak up if he/she differs from you. Such is the emphasis placed on giving and liberty.

    Breakfast

    Each family has a different practice. Rotis and Kuftas were a tradition in my home; it was usually a lighter breakfast compared to the lunch.


    Eid gathering

    Practices vary, first in my town and Bangalore and then the patterns in the United States.

    Around 9 AM, Muslims of the town gather at the Mosque and then March to the Eid-Gah, which is about a mile reciting “God is great and thank him.” Eid-Gah is a place built to pray in large numbers, and it is usually at the edge of a Khabrastan (cemetery). In Dallas, Louisville, and other Cities, they rent the convention center to accommodate the large gathering.

    Eid Prayers

    Time to gather up for the prayers. The Imam or the guest speaker gives a short sermon reminding Muslims of their duties to fellow humans and congratulating them for being good Muslims – aka Good citizens. Namaz follows the speech ending with the words Eid Mubarak.


    Hugging 

    It is time to put our difference and hug each other. It is three hugs, and my interpretation for each hug is the non-verbal “forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Let’s start with a clean slate.” After the hugs, you feel purged from ill-will towards the other, and it is also a time to make up with the people you carried the burden of ill-will. By now, you have purified yourselves from ill-will, malice, jealousy, and other things that are negative thoughts about fellow humans. Eid is celebration and happiness.

    Khabrastan/Cemetery

    One of Muslims’ most beautiful inclusive prayers is to ask the creator to forgive all the dead and the alive humans and shower them with His peace and blessings. The Eid-Gah in my home town is attached to the Khabrastan. We visited each grave of the family and friends and collectively prayed for all people. In the US, we can recite the same prayer from wherever we are. It is also time to seek forgiveness from those you were rude to and said the wrong thing.

    Real happiness comes from repentance and forgiveness. It releases one from the built-in known and unknown tensions.

    Edi 

    When you reach home, the family earner gifts the other members with cash. When I was a kid, my father gave me 4 Annas (like 1/4th of a Rupee), my cousin Munawar and I dashed to the store behind our home and bought an Orange Soda each, and that was our joy!

    Eid Lunch 

    You visit families and friends and, in each place, taste a little bit of food. Every home is an open house for much of the afternoon. You can taste such a wide variety of foods! Eid Mubarak! Ramadan Mubarak, Happy Eid, Eid Blessings are the different phrases to wish your friends.

    Time to thank the men and women in the uniform.

    When you see a policeman, fireman, and those who serve in the army, navy, air force, marines, and others, please express your gratitude to them to ensure our safety and protect our freedoms. They put their life at risk for us. I had a beautiful experience in Louisville. I thanked the police officer at the convention center as I entered the facility and showed him my thank you note. He was excited and asked me to forward the email, and after the Eid prayer, he told me that he had shared it with the entire police department in Louisville with an appreciation for Muslims.

    (The author is a public speaker, author, commentator and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is the founder and president of the Center for Pluralism and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the policymakers. More about him at www.TheGhouseDiary.com)

  • Happy Mother’s Day to all around the world

    Radhu Bathija &Sippy Bathija

    Mom – to the world you are a mother, to our family you are our world. Mothers hold a special place in our hearts. They love us unconditionally, protect and give us strength to become who we are. Mothers are kind, selfless, and our number one supporters. They are our best friends and always offer comfort. A mother is someone who can take the place of all others, but no one else can take her place.

    Happy Mother’s Day to all around the world

  • We love her so much and cherish all the time we have been granted to spend with her

    We love her so much and cherish all the time we have been granted to spend with her

    Sadhana Bajaj, Sandhya Budhraja, Sujata Seth

     Our mother Kanta Malik is almost 90 years old. She married our father Satish Malik and raised three beautiful daughters, Sadhana, Sandhya and Sujata of whom I am the youngest.

    It’s hard to concisely describe a soul such as hers in just a few short words. Several come to mind. I can start with captivating. She adores singing and her voice is otherworldly. She has a powerful range and keen memory with an encyclopedia of music brewing in her brain.

    Humility and Peace Loving is another one of her finer traits. Never one to boast and never one to stir up a peaceful scenario and/or a relationship, she goes with the flow always smilingly.

    When she’s in between her daily routines, you can often catch her humming or singing a classic old Indian song or hymn or mantra. God bless her

    We love her so much and cherish all the time we have been granted to spend with her.

     Posting this article with her picture in The Indian Panorama is such a cute way to wish our blessed mom a very very Happy Mother’s Day!

    NANIMA as we all lovingly call her;May you live long and enjoy seeing your grandkids settle down in their lives and be there to bless them. LOVE YOU!!

  • To me, mother comes before God

    To me, mother comes before God

    Tirlok Malik

    If you are truly able to say to yourself:

    “I was / am a good son or daughter to my parents,that’s the greatest reward or award you got in life for yourself.

    “MERE PASS MAA HAI” (I have my mother with me).

    These words spoken by Shashi Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan in Yash Chopra’s movie “DEEWAAR “provokes an emotion in most human beings that the woman who gives youbirth and unconditional love throughout your life, and if you have her with you today, it is the greatest real priceless wealth

    If she is not alive today and you feel her everlasting love and memories and If you are truly able to say to yourself “I was /am a good son or daughter to my parents,that is the greatest reward or award you got in life for yourself.

    Humbly and happily, I can say that for myself that I was there for my parents when they needed me.

    I like to suggest to all readersbe there for your parents when they need you.Tell them you love them as often as possible. we all have wonderful loving memories and fights with our mothers, it’s good to revisit them quietly in our heart and smile.

    I personally put my mother before God.

    I recall my childhood memories of her loving care, her teaching me discipline, cookinghealthy Indian food,respecting elders and women, about spirituality,about being grateful to the universe for what I was given, and a lot more I learnt from her.

    I always felt loved and cared for by my mother, even though many times I was scolded by her even in my adult life for good reasons when my behavior was not to her standard.

    When I look back at those scolded moments today, I smile.

     

    She was married to a great man. Amrit Malik, my loving caring father, my friend, myguide. I also have three good,loving siblings Chander, Raaj and Niru.

     

    My mother Tara Malik left for her spiritual home in heaven in 2004, but here I say to her:Every day is a Mother’s Day for me.

    I love you very much and I always feel your presence with me. Thank you for all you did for me.

     

     

  • Remembering Mom on Mother’s Day

    Sangeet Sharma

    I vividly remember standing at the JFK Airport with flowers in hand and my entire family in tow eagerly anticipating the arrival of my mother from New Delhi. During the 45 minutes, it took her to clear the immigration and to come out, I experienced a bundle of emotions – excitement, joy, euphoria and anxiety- all at the same time. This was the longest time since I had seen my mom and realized how much I had missed her since moving to New York.

    All along, my eyes were glued to the swinging doors and when I saw her emerge from behind a group of tourists, I could hardly contain myself and started crying uncontrollably with tears of joy. I ran and hugged her, just holding her tightly, long enough to erase any distance or passage of time between us.

    Despite her long and tiring journey, her face lit up when she first saw me.The familiar pet name she had given me sweetly echoed in my ears. She included my brother in that long protective embrace like a typical loving mother, blessing both familiar and new members of our respective families with a moist smile.

    Now that she has passed on, I can still feel that embrace and see that beautiful smile every night I go to bed!

    Memories bring on nostalgia and cherished pleasures.  Mom’s family famous tasty food, great cup of tea any time of the day/ evening, her friendship, company, thoughtfulness, abundant love and so many other memories pop up every now and then. Her love for music, mountains,has genetically surfaced in me    with time.

    Miss you Mom and hope you are spreading Smiles and are happy, loved and blessed wherever you are in the Universe now.

    Mom, Kamal Bhatia, we are remembering and thanking you today with fondness, love and eternal gratitude.

    Sangeet Sharma – Daughter

    Rajeev Bhatia – Brother

  • Grieving for my Mother

    Sardarni Pritam Kaur

    My mother bade adieu to the mortal world,

    Leaving behind a devastating void.

    I cherish her fond memories all the time.

    As her soul took flight, yet I search for her, all around.

    Nobody returns from that realm.

    Many dreams remained unfulfilled,

    As I failed to perform several duties.

    Although there was nothing lacking in my mother’s love for me.

    Wherever I go I visualize my Mother.

    Although it’s all an illusion.

    Then, reality dawns upon me.

    And I scream in utter grief and pain.

    Whenever I think of my Mother,

    I feel her nurturing care and love.

    And I can say, with utmost certainty,

    Only a Mother can bestow love, unconditionally.

    It’s difficult for children to endure.

    Yet, the unbearable we shall have to bear.

    Despite realizing that death is a stark reality,

    A mother’s love remains undeniably unforgettable.

    I moved towards the cremation site.

    While setting the funeral-pyre afire,

    I wept and wailed in sheer despair,

    But traditions and ceremonies are a must.

    My Mother sacrificed herself upon all of her children,

    Whom she loved more than her life.

    Nobody would tell this son now,

    To return home soon, safe and sound.

    Love your parents wholeheartedly,

    As they would never be found again.

    Says Subhaanpuri “don’t ever forget:

    First revere your parents and then venerate your Guru”.

    Raghbir Singh Subhanpur

     (Originally written in Punjabi.

    Translated into English by Amarjeet Singh Anand)

  • Dr. Renee Mehrra Pays Tribute to her mother Kunti Mehra who passed awayon Jan 25, 2021 at 80 

    Dr. Renee Mehrra Pays Tribute to her mother Kunti Mehra who passed awayon Jan 25, 2021 at 80 

    Losing Half Your Soul: Ode to. Mom

     Losing Half your Soul

    Your lifeline, every breath you have taken

    A new crippling realization

    As your soul weeps, your heart lacerated.

    Your oxygen is not beside you;

    Moved to a new residence of eternal bliss

    So happy for you my dearest mom

    While I unsuccessfully try to pick up my shattered pieces

    Of our once small, blessed  universe;

    Sharing life to the last crumb,

    Day and night belonging only to us;

    Divine and fulfilling,

    One soul, one heart, two bodies

    Only we understood this unique,  privileged bond

    How blessed was I

    Thinking this happiness will last forever.

    But your breaths ran out,

    And mine still to go;

    Drowned in my own salty tears,

    Grace and Grief side by side

    Remembering your 4 Cs:

    Be content with what you have,

    Never compare, complain and criticize

    Love yourself, Love All,

    And above all. keep that luring smile.

    You are now my guardian angel,

    My dearest Mom There and Here

    ————

    My Mom, My Hero

    Simplicity personified,

    Humility exemplary.

    Innocent like a flowering tiny bud,

    You were and always will be my hero.

    The cool wind beneath my rusty wings,

    Gentle aura of a divine soul,

    How much I miss your sweet fragrance,

    Holding tightly to our hidden dreams,

    As they carve new horizons,

    With your quiet divine touch,

    While you lovingly watch over me

    From heavens above.

    Dr. Renee Mehrra

  • My motheris my God

    Yoshita Singh

    My mother, Mrs Bimla Singh, is my superwoman. There is nothing she cannot do. No matter how tough the circumstances are, how insurmountable the problems are, she always achieves what seems impossible. And I always marvel at her composure, the calmness with which she accomplishes everything.

    My mother, Mrs Bimla Singh, is my role model. A working woman for over three decades, she carried out her duties with thorough professionalism and extraordinary dedication. And every day after returning from long hours of work, she would sit with my twin sister Yosha and I to prepare us for school tests and ensure we finish our homework. She would not tolerate any laxity on our part when it came to studies and I am grateful she brought us up that way. She made it seem so easy – working a 9-5 job, then coming home and taking care of us. It was only when I too became a working mom that I realized it is not easy to balance personal and professional life and the amount of sacrifices, commitment and hard work it takes to achieve and maintain that balance. Yet, my mother made it seem so effortless. I realize that there must have been times when circumstances would have overwhelmed Mummy, when she would have been tired and stressed, but she never lost her composure. Mummy has confronted life’s challenges head on – with courage in her heart, smile on her face and her head held high.

    My mother, Mrs Bimla Singh, is a selfless woman whose unconditional love and support has been the bedrock of our family. Over the years, I have seen her standing shoulder to shoulder with my father Mr Ravindra Singh, providing unflinching and unwavering support to him, through good times and tough times, in sickness and in health. All the way, showing me that true wealth is not the balance in a bank account but a heart full of love and compassion – not just for one’s family but for strangers in need.

    My mother, Mrs Bimla Singh, epitomizes the perfect daughter, sister, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, aunt, grandmother, friend. It’s my greatest blessing to be born as her daughter. I want to be like her, I’m trying to be her like. She and my father have instilled in Yosha and I strong values and morals that have provided a sturdy foundation to us for a life of integrity and empathy – values that we are now endeavoring to pass on to our children. It is through their life that we learnt the irrefutable value of hard work and perseverance, the importance of treating everyone with respect, compassion towards all, to live our life with honesty, free from fear and our heads held high – no matter what the circumstances, that we must learn from both our successes and failures and to always be grateful. My parents are the wind beneath the wings of my sister and I. For the roots they gave me and for my wings, I am eternally grateful.

    My mother, Mrs Bimla Singh, is my God. Mummy, I find my strength in you, in your smile, your effervescent eyes, in your gentle heart and beautiful soul. You mean the world to me. I am blessed because I grew from you. I am rich because I have your values. I am me because of you.

    Here’s to you Mummy. Happy Mother’s Day Mummy. Thank you for everything. I love you more than I can say.

  • There is nothing like mother’s love

    There is nothing like mother’s love

    Indu Jaiswal

    God could not be everywhere, so he created mother, especiallyan angel like you. you were the best teacher in the world. Over the years we have realized how true that is. Thanks for. Being the BEST MOM and the BEST TEACHER in the world.  Words are not enough to express GRATITUDE that you deserve for all that you have done for us all these years. We take this opportunity to thank you for all your unmeasurable contributions to our lives. There is nothing like mother’s love that gives us all the strength we need to succeed.Thanks forgiving me the best things in life, your love, your care and your cooking. Happy Mother’s Day to a wonderful woman who is such an inspiration to all of us. The sacrifices that you have made for us are the most precious gifts that will last with us for the rest of our lives.

    Happy Mother’s Day!

     

  • For us, every dayis Mother’s Day

    For us, every dayis Mother’s Day

    Indu Gajwani with her sisters

    Whenever anyone gets hurt or is in pain the first words that come to the person’s lips is ‘Oh Maa’. When any child returns home from anywhere the first thing that he asks is ‘where is Maa’. Maa is our first teacher as she teaches us sitting, walking, talking and inculcates values in our life. In absence of father, brother or sister Maa can take their place and we won’t feel their absence, but nobody can replace Maa.Such is the importance of Maa in our life.

    All children feel that their mother is Best Mother of the world.

    Our mother, Kanta L Makhija, who we called “Maa” was really The Best. She was beautiful inside as well as outside with a face of innocent angel. She glowed without any makeup. Her inner beauty gave her glow. She was great grandmother too. All her children and grandchildren miss her dearly till this day.

    Our mother couldn’t complete her school education due to various reasons, but she was super street smart. She saw to it that we all get proper education, and we should all be financially independent. All her life not only she managed her children and home very well but also helped my father financially by running some or the other small business from home to make extra money so that children can get best education and comfortable life. She made so many sacrifices but never ever made us feel that she is sacrificing.

    She was loving, caring, helpful and kind and a role model for us. She will feed everyone whoever came to our house. She was so loving and caring that even other small children used to call her Nani that means maternal grandmother.  She taught us to respect elders, love everyone. Respect the food that we are eating and not to waste as there are many who are not so lucky to get proper food to eat. She taught us to be grateful for whatever we have and to always say that we are having everything in abundance and by saying so you would have abundance. She was very helpful and will help people in their difficult times even when she had less resources. She taught us the value of hard work. She used to tell us that even when you can’t help people with money in their difficult days you can always help them in other ways. She would always say that never retire from work. So long you are working your body machine will be in proper shape and if you stop working your body machine will get rusted and you will fall ill. So, keep on working till your last breath. She earned blessings of many people young as well as old and with their blessings she was in good health till her end.

    We remember her every day and miss her every moment of our life. For us, every day is Mother’s Day.

     

  • The Promise I could not Keep

    The Promise I could not Keep

    Indrajit S Saluja

    My mother, Mohinder Kaur, kept telling me over the phone from India” You will not come to see me. You are too busy”. And each time, I tried to convince her that I would. And she would take a deep sigh and say “Yes, after I am gone”. We were separated for over 7 years during which I did not visit her. I came to the US in 2003, and a quirk of events did not allow me to visit India for the next more than 7years.   It was only in November 2010 that I got my Green Card and was comfortable visiting India.

    Somewhere in the beginning of 2010 my mother fell sick which compelled her to curtail her physical activity. Given to an active life which saw her keeping herself busy in domestic chores, she was suddenly pushed into inactivity which made her over the months sicker despite the fact that she was being well looked after by my son Ashish and his wife Madhu. My daughter Jaskiran was very fond of her grandmother, and the grandmother and granddaughter immensely enjoyed each other’s company. My youngest son Chitagam, a very naughty child, of whom my mother was very fond, missed her after joining me in the US. He would often tell me that he would go to see Mataji (my mother was called Mata ji by all children) as soon as he got his Green Card. And that’s what he did. As soon as he got his Green Card in November 2010, he flew to India in early 2011 to be by the side of his ailing grandmother. It did make Mata ji happy. But she was not satisfied with his presence alone. She wanted her most loved son (I am the eldest child in her family) to be with her.

    By January 2011, Mata ji got sicker. Lack of physical movements took a toll on her health. She grew week, and ultimately was confined to bed. Agam took good care of his grandmother as did my eldest son Ashish and his wife Madhu. But the old woman, now 93, longed to see her son she loved the most among her 7 children.

    And, here I was, stuck in work. The Indian Panorama was in competition with many other desi newspapers, some with enormous resources, and it required truly hard and dedicated work to survive. With my eyes fixed on the New Year edition, which for all desi newspapers is an occasion to rake in a few extra dollars and draw the attention of the community, I said to myself: “Well, Agam is there looking after Mata Ji. Let me finish with the New year edition, and then the Republic Day edition towards the end of January, I will then have enough time to spend with her.”

    I told Mata ji about my travel plans. She listened calmly, and then commented: “You will have something important coming up again after the Republic Day”. I assured her that nothing would stop me from visiting her after I was done with the Republic Day.

    Now, the month of April is significant for the Sikhs. Around the middle of April falls the Vaisakhi, which is the day of creation of Khalsa (birthday of the Sikhs) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is a great occasion, celebrated with enthusiasm in the great City of New York when the Sikh community from adjoining States throngs in thousands to participate in an iconic Sikh Day Parade. As any other newspaper publication having readership among the Sikh community, views the historic event as an opportunity to promote itself, The Indian Panorama also saw and wished to exploit the opportunity. So, I decided that I will visit India in May. Why in May? One, I will be comparatively free until June end, and will be able to spend more time with Mata ji. Two, May 8 happens to be my wedding day, and I will be with the family to recall the wonderful day the family spent together when my wife was alive. By the way, my wife, Gurdarshan Kaur, who married me for love in 1977, died fighting multiple ailments in 2007, while I was away in the US.

    So, to Mataji’s question somewhere in January 2011 when I was planning a visit home, I said that my visit was delayed and that I would see her in May. I vividly remember her disappointment. She was silent for a while, and then said, “As you like it. Stay blessed”.  I could understand her pain. I tried all verbal jugglery and sophistry to convince her that it was a genuine compulsion for me to delay my trip to India, and that I would certainly see her in May. She listened calmly. She did not interrupt me in my long explanation, and assurances that I would soon be seeing her in May. And then, she said, it is January, and you want to visit me in May. How many months? Do you call it soon? I may not be here when you come. I know you will come but only after I am gone”.

    Till today, I haven’t forgotten her words. She must have felt cheated when I did not join her in early May. My hollow promises to visit her could not provide her any more oxygen. She lost hope and the desire to breathe. She decided it was an endless wait. So, on May 2, 2011, she bade goodbye to the world.

    Mata ji, I haven’t forgiven myself for causing you disappointment and pain. Sometimes, I feel, I am responsible for forcing you into yourend. Please forgive me. You loved me so much. You have been my mother and my God. I miss you, and that’s why I often turn to your portrait hung above the headboard of my bed, and speak with you, and I believe, you hear me as patiently as you did when I told you I would come soon, but now you don’t answer. You don’t say any more “I know you will come after I am gone” You were so prophetic. But let me tell you, and very honestly this time, that though I am not sure when, I will certainly come and see you.

     Love you Mata ji.

  • I love you and I miss you, Mom ; Harpreet Singh Toor

    Mother’s Day always brings a mix of emotions for me, just as it does for many others.  But mostly it offers a time to reflect on the deep love and gratitude I experience when thinking of her.  And to remember the wonderful ways in which she taught me to understand, and to follow, the deepest and highest values of our culture. Values that not only guide me in my interactions with friends and with enemies, with family, and strangers, but also with myself as I deal with the world around me each and every day. Thank you, mom. I love you and I miss you.

  • Down Memory Lane

    Down Memory Lane

    (EXTRACTS FROM THE CHRONICLES OF “A Tribute to my Mother” by

    Devraj N Aiyar “, a book in honor of his mother C GOMATHY NARAYAN)

     February 7th, 1983

     For the first time in her life, she got dressed to attend a job interview. Earlier her friend Maria had informed, that the only teacher for the kindergarten at the ‘Wees English High School’ at Thane had left on a family emergency without prior notice. The school authorities were fervently seeking someone to fill that slot. She wore an old saree, ironed well, matching blouse, faded slippers and handbag. That was the best she could manage. Her hopes of being hired was next to none but she was determined to try. She took the bus from home feeling a little let down. No one at home imagined she stood a chance. With no suitable qualification or experience, barely able to communicate in English, the possibility of her securing the job was unthinkable. They loved her but were reluctant, to accompany her to the school.Her husband Narayanand her two sons Dev and Ganpat, even joked about it. The bus ride took 30 minutes. Her world was full of insecurities. Financial conditions at home seemed to deteriorate each passing day. Her husband, Narayan, was jobless for the last 3 years, all her jewelry either sold or pawned. Paying rent, their children’s school fees and providing food was a daily challenge. They were drowned in debt.

    As she alighted from the bus and climbed the stony path, towards the school, feeling extremely nervous,she did, what she always did, in the face of challenging circumstances. She prayed to Lord Ganesha.

    HE had never let her down. But today…………

    ,The interview was brief, the school seemedvery desperate, yet they asked her to conduct a live class to evaluate. She walked into the classroom, her heart pounding. Earlier her friend had advised to read so loud that all the kids would pay attention. She did just that.She had a pleasing personality with aninfectious smile, the children took on immediately.

    The principal Mr Raghunath asked her to stay back and continue for the rest of the day. She was too nervous to let him know that she had come unprepared. Her family would be expecting her back. Nor had she carried any lunch.

    She held a few more classes, some drawing lessons, generally keeping the kids engaged. The final bell rang at 3.30pm and the kids started to leave with a “Thank you Teacher”. Her heart swelled with pride.

    Suddenly, the head mistress Ms Susamma appeared and congratulated her with the good news. The school had decided to hire her. Her eyes welled up with tears. Silently she thanked the Lord. It was His doing.

    She climbed down towards the bus stop and what she saw left her stunned and speechless. Her whole family were waiting to receive her.

    They had called up the school and found she was conducting a class.

    Lots of hugs and handshakes. She had done the unthinkable.

    With the minutest of details, she narrated all that had transpired. Her worries vanished as she basked in thisunfamiliar terrain of glory. This morning they were all too embarrassed to accompany her. Now they were proudly escorting her back home.

    April 16th, 1983

    It happened just over two months after she was hired at the school, around 11.00pm.

    Narayan had gotten a job a month back. It did not pay much but kept him from getting depressed. In the past, he had worked as the Manager at Ace Plastics, Thane a company owned by Mr Sawant, the son in law to Mr Naik, thenChief Minister of Maharashtra.

    Narayan had headed that unit for over a decade and enjoyed several perks at that job.The company shutdown on account of labor strike.

    Those days, at home, Narayan always kept ready stock of Haywards, a popular

    whisky in India. It was a strong brew and priced very reasonably. He used to gulp down more than a few pegs every night. Once Ace Plastics shut down, he developed the habit of drinking both at noon and evening every day, before lunch and dinner.The state of unemployment aggravated his addiction to alcohol.

    His health had also suffered immensely due to his drinking habits. In the end, he was forced to quit for both health and financial reasons.

    His new job did bring some income to the household but it was a major compromise to his ego.The scaling down in his career bothered him a lot. He never mentioned it to her, butshe could sense it every day he returned back from work, at his friend Abraham’s office. He had generally become quieter. It also bothered him that she had taken up a job on account of his long spell of joblessness. The family was going through severe financial stress and he silently blamed himself for it.

    That night he was lying down watching her as she finished washing the utensils and wrapping up all the chores of the day. She suddenly heard him gasping for breath and rushed to his side. He was struggling to breathe. She screamed, as he laid his head on her lap as if trying to rest. Her elder son Dev in the adjacent room rushed in. She asked him to fetch the doctor.

    The next 20 minutes transformed her life forever.

    The doctor confirmed, Narayan hadsuffered a massive heart attack, it was too late. He was gone. She couldn’t believe, it was happening to her. He was just 42. With their combined income, they were all geared up to come out of this financial mess and start afresh. It would take time but at least they were all together. Narayan had promised to take all of them to South India, their native place, during the next holidays. She was looking forward to that trip.

    One instant, the horizon appeared very colorful. It seemed like life was getting back on track. The next moment it was all over. Her hopes were shattered, dreams crushed.

    She was all alone with two sons. They were 17 and 10.

    She was only 38.

     2021 April 30th, New Jersey

    38 years had passed since Narayan passed away. It didn’t seem that long.

    These days, she stayed with her younger son Ganpat at his house at Parsippany.

    His elder daughter Aishwarya had turned 12 just a week back. His wife Ranjini had delivered a healthy and beautiful baby girl Annanya on September 15th, 2020 and the entire household revolved around her.

    Both Dev’s wife Usha and Ganpat were born on Sept 15th. That was a coincidence. Annanya’s was planned.Thus, three members of the family celebrated their birthday on Sept 15th.

    Dev lived at East Hanover just about 3 miles away. Today he picked herand drove her to the eye specialist at NYU Langone Eye Center at New York. She chatted jovially as they crossed the Holland tunnel into New York. Time and again their conversation would get interrupted with calls from his office. She would wait and then continue exactly from where she had paused. He would listen attentively and ask her questions. Yet she knew his mind was elsewhere, his office and business drew all his attention. He dropped her at the building entrance and returned 20 minutes later. He had circled several blocks and found no spot to park. Knowing, she was waiting, besides getting late for the Doctor’s appointment, he had risked parking at a ‘NO PARKING’ zone. She was a little alarmed. He casually told her a parking ticket could be the worst that could happen. She simply nodded and did not reveal the displeasure, she felt.For her, it was always black or white, right or wrong.

    At the hospital, they asked her to produce details of any medication, she was taking. She had anticipated this and carried a strip in her bag to show the doctor.

    To keep her BP under check, she had a tablet of Amlin 2.5mg, everyday.

    They conducted all the routine eye tests and Dr Leila Raju assured hershe was doing great. The next checkup was due only after a year. Back in India, they had indicated a possible cataract surgery. This came as a big relief.

    On the way back, they stopped at Ganesh Dosas at Newark Ave, Jersey City, to grab her favorite Dahi Vadas. Dev ordered for a masala dosa and medu wada.

    The food was very average. They were the only two customers at the restaurant.

    Although Dev kept insisting, she didn’t feel like having a coffee or tea.

    It was past 3.00. Both her sons and Usha worked at the same office. It was their own business and one of the vendors had gifted a “Panchmukhi” Ganesh idol, which was at the office. It had come on a Tuesday and considered very auspicious.She longed to see it. It was a ten minute drive from the restaurant to the office.

    The office was always super busy. Every year, she would accompany her sons to the Diwali Pooja and the party after that. She would meet all their colleagues.

    The large office and warehouse building never ceased to amaze her.

    It always reminded her of the distance they have travelled in life, together.

    Ganpat and Usha were busy when she walked in. They came to greet her and all of them chatted for a while as she narrated the events of the day.

    It was a big relief to know she did not need a cataract surgery.

    Usha made a fresh pot of coffee for her and Dev. Hers would always carry an extra spoon of sugar. She loved her coffee sweet.

    It was past 4.00pm. It was planned that Ganpat would leave early and take her home.Dev and Usha would stay back and wrap up pending work.

    Before leaving, she took a final look at the altar, the idol of Lord Ganesha.

    HE had never let her down.

    The authors note

    So, Mum It’s hard to thank those whom we love the most, the family closest to us.

    We believe they owe it to us. But before this moments pass, let me express my heartfelt appreciation, respect and love for the awesome mother and human being you are.

    Happy Mother’s Day!

  • My best friend ever

    My best friend ever

    Bidisha Roy

    My mother Tripti Roy was my best friend ever. I’ve never seen a simple, honest, affectionate person like her who dedicated her entire life for others. When I was a kid, it used to make me unhappy that she is giving equal care to everyone around her. Obviously, it used to make me angry as I was not ready to share my mom!! Then when I grew up, I realized how fortunate I am to be a child of a mother who is loved by so many people more than their own mothers!! She was a brilliant student who got letter marks in mathematics and Sanskrit in matriculation. My father Prof Dhiranando Roy was very proud of the ‘most intelligent student of his life’ who eventually became his life partner. She was a renowned teacher and taught poor students till her last. She used to help so many needy families without any publicity. A devotee of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, my mother was a true ‘religious’ person who firmly believed that ‘We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility’ and ‘Love is life, hatred is death.’

    For me, she is the epitome of humanity and will always remain. Miss you Maa!!!

     

  • Tough Love – My mother Dhinki

    Tough Love – My mother Dhinki

     Ashook Ramsaran

    My mother was a blessing with a special, loving and caring bond which we, her children, shared with her while we lived in Guyana and continued in USA when she migrated in 1977 with my father. My mother passed away in 2008 while my father a few years earlier. Although we were farming villagers, my mother taught us love with hard realities of discipline with tough love; she taught us to eat and dress well, and how to be clean and neat. And best, of all she taught us those things in her own way to make us remember. She knew each of us individually and cared for us lovingly. My mother faced adversity like a champion. She never complained except for medical problems which were gradually more intense as she advanced in age. After my father passed away, I knew that my mother would feel lonely even though she was living with my sister and her family. I made sure I called her each day no matter where in the world I would be.  She looked forward anxiously to receiving my telephone calls and would proudly tell others with happiness and smiles. Her experiences were sometimes harsh andhave become memorable for us. She showed us strength and resilience and we learned from her how to cope with difficult situations. No matter how harsh or tough, she persevered and survived, and we are all grateful for that. She taught us well in that respect and we will always have fond memories.

     

     

  • My Mother’s Gift – Devotion & Kindness

    My Mother’s Gift – Devotion & Kindness

    By Ashok Vyas on Mother’s Day for the readers of The Indian Panorama

    My mother Smt Shakuntala Devi Vyas and I share the habit of reading. I remember having heard stories from her about her childhood days, when she would hide a book in the bed and read with streetlight slipping from the window on her bed. She loved reading and that interest made her continue studies after many many years, when she was taking care of the family with three sons and all family members.

    We grew up in Jaipur, she did her bachelor’s and Master’s in Hindi. She lost her father at a very early age, probably, while she was six years old. He was a police officer and a loving, protective shield for her. She would read newspapers, magazines, novels and later on, her interest shifted towards religious books. A sincere devotee of Lord Krishna in the Pushtimargiya tradition, she has sustained that reading habit for over seven decades.

    I was very much attached to her as a child to the extent that I was teased for being ‘mother’s son’. I had a very nice friend in my mother as a child, probably after I turned 14 or so, things started changing a little bit, earlier, she was interested in learning about my friends, my activities and I was also eager to share my small success and failures.

    I think, as a teenager, I was developing my own ego and she was becoming more and more devotional with few morning hours exclusively devoted to serve the Lord. I was fascinated by her Keertan singing. I distinctly remember, having seen tears trickling down her cheeks as she would sing, ‘Mohe Apne Rang Mein Rang De, Swami He Giridhar Gopal,‘It means longing to get merged in the divine colors of Lord Krishna, also known as Gopal who plays flute.

    Those tears were beautiful, I used to wonder, what is this longing, how she gets into that zone, where something triggers her and melts her being with beauty and joy.

    I was perhaps drawn towards reading ‘Bhagwat Puran’ by her influence. Our family lived religious values as a part of regular flow.

    Let me recollect my school days. I used to go by bus and walk from SMS Hospital, Jaipur to Mahavir School. These were exam days, and it was summer. Once, while I was leaving for school, in addition to money for a bus ticket, she gave me some extra amount to drink sugarcane juice on her own. I was pleasantly surprised and felt how nice of her. Sometimes small gestures of consideration and kindness fills us with joy and gratefulness.

     

     

    I will skip the middle part of my life and come to the present scene, many events have taken place, many celebrations, moments of joy and success and losing important pillars of our lives.

     

    Now that I live in New York, my mother is in Jaipur with my brother Jitendra Vyas. We have become very good friends again through our telephonic satsang. She showed interest in listening to ‘Raas Panchadhyayi’, a book based on lectures by Swami Akhandananda Saraswatiji Maharaj.  We had regular Satsang sessions, where I would share this Hindi book in our language ‘Marwari’ with her and one of my aunties.

    Reading in Hindi, translating in Marwari and listening to their encouraging response to my humble sharing has been a fulfilling experience. The credit goes to my mother’s keen devotion and interest in Satsang. She sings well, remembers many Kathas as well as Bhajans. Thanks to technology, I could record her Bhajans online and shared with friends and family members. I am blessed to have a pure soul as my mother. We don’t celebrate Mother’s Day but this tradition here in USA has given me the opportunity to count my blessings and meditate on the glory of a Vaishnav, who also inspired all my Bhuas to find their structure for the flow of devotion in their heart.

    I am also happy that she listens to the series of ‘Everyday Gita with Ashok Vyas’ presented by me on Heramba Studio, YouTube channel in sequence. Her comments are encouraging.

    Here is a special pranaam to my mother, who shared her love with everyone and sustains herself with deep devotion. Jai Shri Krishna!

     

    (Ashok Vyas is a Poet, Program Director, ITVGold and founder of Heramba Studio)

     

     

  • Once a mother is well informed, well educated, the world will be a better place

    Arish K. Sahani

    We humans exist because we have Mothers in this world who carry us in their own bodies, feed us, nurture us and after birth feed us with their own milk for months and years so we can have a long and healthy life.

    This human race can never repay debt to mothers ever.

    This world exists due to Mothers.

    Many of us are good citizens or bad are due to mothers.

    Mothers in this era have to take a bigger role and responsibility.

    All evil and good, they are equally responsible.

    Once a mother is well informed,well-educated this world will be a better place.

    Evil males are destroying the world, but this can change if Mothers take responsibility to save this world and make sure these males are under their control as long as they are alive

     

     

  • Have no words to describe adequately my loving mother

    Have no words to describe adequately my loving mother

    Anu Jain

    I don’t even have words to describe my Maa and my love for her.  Her strong personality and loving nature have always made me feel protected and will continue to do so along with never letting one day pass without making me inspired.  I have made her upset, angry at me, and this lady still thinks about me and what’s good for me.  She has always been there for me in one way or the other to support me even when I didn’t deserve it.  A mother’s love is truly unconditional and my Maa is one perfect example of it.  She is my sister, my friend, my mom, my first love (even before I was born), my everything and anything.  I THANK GOD every day for giving me such a wonderful, sometimes understanding, fun, loving, and really loving angel in my life.  A role model is someone you see on a daily basis, and you learn from them. I could not have asked for a better role model than you Mom. These words are absolutely nothing in comparison to how I feel for my mom Love her like anything!!!!!

    HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.  LOVE YOU MAA.

  • There is no greater, more unselfish love, than that of a mother

    Amita Singh

    There is no greater, more unselfish love, than that of a mother. I truly in my heart believe that. My earliest memories of my mom are of her nurturing, protective instinct. One who always dressed me well and took pride in every accomplishment of mine. She wanted me to excel not just in academics, but in arts, crafts, drama, you name it. Not an easy feat in the early sixties. One stare from her was enough to make me realize my place. Every time she left me in boarding school, I remember her wearing dark glasses, so I wouldn’t see her tears. She stood beside me yet gave me wings to fly. We both knew our place in each other’s life and cherished it. She was old school, she was modern. She went from a gurukul school to living in Baghdad, London and India. Learning and respecting cultures and languages along the way. It takes giving birth to and nurturing your own child, to truly recognize the efforts and sacrifices of a mom.

    Laj Verma, my mom is always with me, guiding me in love.

    Love you MOM!!!

  • My thoughts on Mother’s Day 2021

    My thoughts on Mother’s Day 2021

    Dr. VK Raju

     My mother used to say” For doing a good thing, you don’t need a good time (auspicious). Just do it.

    Photo caption:   Seated Left to right: Syamala, Lacchi, Leela

                               Standing Left to Right: Dr. VK Raju, Rani, Dr. B R K Rao  

     

    Vedas (the oldest manuscripts of Hinduism) say “Matru Devo Bhava”. Revere your mother as God. In the Western literature it is said “God created mother because he (she) could not be everywhere”.

    Every year I plant 100 trees in US national forest/ park on her death anniversary and host a small religious get together of leaders of multiple religions (Hindu, Muslim, Buddhism, and others).

    My mother was very broad minded and very generous. In south India, people look for auspicious day to start a project etc.When they are caught up in waiting for this auspicious time and day, they may lose some opportunities and feel sorry later.

    My mother used to say” For doing a good thing, you don’t need a good time (auspicious). Just do it.

    She did not encourage us to go to temples and used to say that God is there in every one of us. She used to recite yoga vasista in the mornings, but she never insisted her children to do the same.

    She believed in “Children learn what they live rather than what they are preached”

    My dad died when I was five years old.

    Let us look at what the World religions say about women.

    Koran and women: When Koran speaks about the souls of human beings, it doesn’t differentiate between man and woman. Bible and woman: God is within her. She will not fail.

    Buddhism and woman: Buddhist savior goddess (Tara) with numerous forms, widely popular in Nepal, Tibet, and Mongolia. She is the feminine counterpart of Bodhisattva (Buddha to be).

    Jainism and woman: Jainism is a religion of religious equality, devoted to recognizing the rights of all living creatures, so not surprisingly it accepts that women are able to play their part on the road to liberation.

    Hinduism and woman: The Devi Sukta hymn of Rigveda, a scripture of Hinduism, declares the feminine energy as the essence of the universe, the one who creates all matter and consciousness the eternal and infinite, the metaphysical and empirical reality (Brahman), the soul (supreme self) of everything. The woman is celebrated as the most powerful and the empowering force in Hindu Upanishads. There are millions of Hindu deities. Most by far, are Goddesses.

    In spite of all wonderful views expressed in all these religions, there are also diverse and conflicting views on the position of women. Woman is the conserver of tradition, but she is also the absorber of the shocks of the future.

    Only mothers do not get sick leave, casual leave, public holiday, religious holiday, Bereavement leave, compensatory leave, sabbatical leave, and unpaid leave. (They never get any pay.)

    Call her today and express how grateful you are.

  • Harpreet shines as PBKS use surprise weapon to tame RCB

    Harpreet shines as PBKS use surprise weapon to tame RCB

    Ahmedabad (TIP): Punjab Kings registered their third win of the season, and the third in a row against Royal Challengers Bangalore, after managing to pull themselves out of a few tricky situations and eventually defend a target of 179 quite comfortably. All because of a magical spell from the 25-year old left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar who was brought in for this game. Harpreet accounted for the wickets of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers in a spell for the ages. After a rather sedate start, Kohli was itching to get after the spinner and was bowled after missing a slider while coming down the track. Maxwell was left dumbfounded by a classic left-arm spinner’s delivery that turned and beat him comprehensively before clipping the off stump. And while de Villiers averted the hat-trick, he was out in the next over caught at cover while trying to go inside out. And just like that RCB had slipped from 62/1 to 69/4 in the space of 12 balls.

    What else did Punjab do right?

    They did well to keep a check RCB’s top order in the chase. While Devdutt Padikkal fell early trying force the pace against Riley Meredith, RCB went into a period of lull after that. Both Kohli and Rajat Patidar struggled to up the ante, with the latter trudging along to a 30-ball 31 and robbing the innings of all momentum. Punjab’s spinners Ravi Bishnoi (2/17) and Harpreet ensured later that there was no opportunity for a comeback.

    Did Punjab have a similarly smooth sailing with the bat?

    Not at all. In fact, Punjab Kings had suffered an even bigger collapse in the middle overs. From 99/1, they slid down to 118/5 in the space of 24 balls with Gayle falling to a short one from Daniel Sams, Pooran (falling for a fourth duck in the season), Deepak Hooda (caught on the longer boundary) and Shahrukh Khan (bowled by a Chahal googly) departing in quick succession that threatened to undo all the good work done at the top.

    What good work?

    The partnership of 80 that came off just 44 balls between KL Rahul and a rampaging Chris Gayle (46 off 24). The left-hander targeted the shorter straight boundaries and pulled it off with aplomb regularly. Rahul, played a good second fiddle to him before managing to step on the pedal for a brief period as well during the stand. And together they threatened to hit RCB out of the contest before that collapse.

  • ‘Shooter Dadi’ Chandro Tomar dies due to Covid-19

    ‘Shooter Dadi’ Chandro Tomar dies due to Covid-19

    New Delhi (TIP): Chandro Tomar, better known as ‘Shooter Dadi’, who became one of the oldest woman shooters in the world after taking up the sport in her 60s, died on April 30 after battling Covid-19 over the last few days.

    The 89-year-old was being treated at a hospital in Meerut since April 26.

    “Mera saath chhoot gaya, Chandro kaha chali gayi? (She has left me, Chandro where have you gone?),” her sister-in-law Prakashi Tomar, who is also one of the oldest female shooters in the world, wrote on her Twitter page.

    Chandro was hospitalised after complaining of difficulty in breathing. Tests revealed she had contracted Covid-19. She battled for her life for four days in hospital before succumbing to the virus.

    Hailing from the Baghpat village in Uttar Pradesh, Tomar was in her 60s when she picked up the gun for the first time. She went on to win many national competitions for veterans, her feats inspiring the award-winning Hindi movie Saand ki Aankh, released in 2019.

    “Devastated by the news of Chandro Dadi’s demise. Feels like a part of me is gone. She made her own rules & paved the path for many girl to find their dream. Her legacy will live on in them. Condolences to the family. Am lucky I got to know and be her,” actor Bhumi Pednekar, who played Chandro in Saand ki Aankh, tweeted.

    “I’m deeply saddened by tragic demise of our most lovable Dadi Chandro Tomar ji. She was inspiration for millions and will continue to inspire forever. May her soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on Twitter.

  • Shikhar Dhawan takes back Orange Cap, Prithvi Shaw rises to third position

    Shikhar Dhawan takes back Orange Cap, Prithvi Shaw rises to third position

    Shikhar Dhawan returned to the top of the Orange Cap table after scoring 46 in Delhi Capitals’ (DC) seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan took 47 balls to score his 46 but played the perfect foil to his opening partner Prithvi Shaw, who scored 82 off 41 balls. The pair shared an opening partnership of 132 runs in 14 overs, putting DC in control in their chase of a target of  155. Dhawan’s tally for the season stands at 311 while second-placed Faf du Plessis of Chennai Super Kings is on 270. Shaw, meanwhile, entered the top three of the Orange Cap standings, with his total run tally of 270 putting him one run ahead of Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul.