An Inspiration to Athletes From Rural India

My Achievement Will Inspire Athletes From Rural India

Vikas Rana, a gold medalist in cross-country Skiing, narrates her journey from a sleepy village in Haryana to the world podium. In her own words:

In the serene corners of Sukhain Khurd village in the Uchana area of Jind, Haryana, where the daily rhythm was set by the cadence of agrarian life, I, Vikas Rana, dared to dream differently. At 31, the daughter of a tireless farmer, I recently etched my name in history by clinching India’s first gold medal in the cross-country skiing championship held in Germany on December 31.

The path from the lush fields of my village to the snow-draped slopes of international skiing was no cakewalk. My days were punctuated by grueling training sessions in Gulmarg, Kashmir, where the glistening snow and challenging terrains became the canvas of my journey. Each stride on those slopes was not just a step closer to victory but a testament to resilience, pushing boundaries on unfamiliar grounds. 

As I bask in the applause and recognition cascading from my homeland, I can’t help but credit my success to a force beyond mere physical prowess – my unwavering faith in Lord Shiva. A devout believer, I proudly adorned a ski band on my head inscribed with ‘Mahakaal.’ It wasn’t just fabric; it was a conduit to a divine energy that guided me through challenges, propelling me toward that coveted podium. 

ALSO READ: ‘From A Wheelchair To The World Podium

I clinched the gold in the five-kilometer cross-country skiing event in Germany on December 31. It marked the first-ever medal in such a prestigious tournament. The journey demanded relentless effort and training in the frosty expanses of Gulmarg, Kashmir. The joy and gratitude I feel for the applause from my country are beyond words.

My journey speaks to the resilience of dreams amid financial constraints and modest beginnings. Born into a family where my father toiled the land and my mother dedicated herself to homemaking, I navigated challenges with unwavering support from my family, friends, coaches, and the facilities provided by the sports ministry.

Every ounce of my time was dedicated to practice. Winning a medal is the culmination of extensive preparation and years of planning. I am profoundly grateful to my country for providing me the platform to prove myself.

My story transcends personal triumph; it’s a chronicle of tenacity, determination, and the pursuit of passion against all odds. As I continue to move on the global stage, I hope my journey becomes a beacon for aspiring athletes from rural India, illustrating that with dedication and belief, one can conquer any obstacle and imprint an enduring legacy on the world stage. The odyssey from Sukhain Khurd to international skiing glory isn’t just mine; it’s a narrative of dismantling barriers and embracing the extraordinary.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Sabka-Saath-Sabka-Vikas Model

A Legalised MSP Will Bring Farmers Into Sabka-Saath-Sabka-Vikas Model

Devinder Sharma, an eminent agricultural expert and a food & trade policy analyst, says wellbeing of the country’s farmers will ensure all-inclusive economic progress. His views:

This is one of the most crucial questions I have been asking. If the government can write off nearly ₹15 lakh crore corporate bad loans in the past 10 years, and also ask banks to enter into a compromise with willful defaulters, which means another write-off of ₹3.45-lakh crore, for people who have the money but don’t want to pay back the outstanding loans — why is it then dithering on legalising the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers? In any case, the ₹10 lakh crore of economic burden every year that the mainline economists are trying to project is nothing but the creation of a fear psychosis. 

In reality, since only 14 per cent farmers get MSP in India and the remaining 86 per cent farmers are dependent on markets, the fact remains that markets have been short-changing farmers all these years. On an average, farmers are able to sell at prices that are on an average 25 to 30 per cent less, compared to the MSP announced for 23 crops, which, largely, remain on paper. When these 86 per cent farmers will have more money in their hands once the MSP becomes a legal instrument, their purchasing power will go up. They will be spending it in the markets, thereby raising a huge rural demand. The economy will then gallop.

Instead of being browbeaten by mainline economists, policy-makers must realise that a legalised MSP is a sure pathway for achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.

Unlike the iconic and protracted farmers’ protest earlier that lasted for over a year in 2020-21, forcing the government to withdraw the three contentious farm laws, the farmers’ struggle that is currently underway lacks unity. With two farmer unions spearheading the struggle, a large chunk of the collective that led the protests two years back have shied up. However, with the average farmers getting restive, the leadership that has still not openly joined the protest, is finding ways to lend support. Besides, the events on March 8, the International Women’s Day, when a huge contingent of farm women protested at various places in Punjab, is an indication that as and how the protests linger on, there will be more support coming in. 

ALSO READ: ‘Punjab Farmers Are Fighting for Millions of Others’

The protests this year have been stopped at the border areas in Haryana from moving towards New Delhi. The fortification of the national highway, and the courts now directing farmers not to use tractors in the protest, is at variance with what is happening in Europe where farmers in at least 14 countries have protested in the last few weeks in January/February, 2024. Even now, farmers are protesting in at least 12 countries, using tractors; they have also been blocking roads and throwing manure and mud on the highways, and in front of office buildings.

Farmers have laid a siege of Berlin and Paris, and demonstrated outside the European Commission in Brussels. European governments are allowing farmers the right to protest and have openly expressed the willingness to meet them and listen to their grievances.

Indeed, it is too early to say whether the farmers protest this year will impact the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. There is a fear that in the absence of any amicable solution being arrived at soon, more and more farmers’ groups will join the protests. Also, with farm unions making it clear, that even if the code of conduct becomes applicable in the next couple of weeks, they are likely to stay put; this only shows that farmers are there at the Haryana borders for a long haul.

The narrator is an award-winning writer and researcher, whose opinions on the farmers’ struggle and issues of Indian agriculture have been widely shared in print, audio-visual and social media for over three decades

As told to Amit Sengupta

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SP-Cong Alliance Will Cost BJP Dear

SP-Cong Alliance Will Cost BJP Over 30 Lok Sabha Seats In UP

Rajeev Rai, national secretary and spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party, says their party’s alliance with the Congress will shake BJP to its roots in Uttar Pradesh. His views:

The recent and recurring failure of the Yogi Adityanath government to even conduct fair examinations for police recruitments in Uttar Pradesh has exposed the hollowness of their claims of good governance. If we go with the statistics, over three crore families have been affected with this paper leak forcing them to rethink about the competence of the BJP government. The ongoing wide-scale protests are an indication that Yogi government has lost its appeal among the state electorate. This will ultimately reflect in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections undoubtedly.

And then comes a final nail in their taboot (coffin) as the sealing of seat-sharing agreement between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. The coming together of SP and Congress has consolidated the minority community that will vote for us strengthening our prospects and increasing our numbers substantially.

In addition, the inconsistent switch of loyalties by leaders like Om Prakash Rajbhar (SBSP) has angered the OBC community and they, along with a majority of voters of other communities, will be opting for candidates with higher moralities, self-respect and dignity. In my opinion, the BJP tally will be reduced by a minimum of 30 seats in the ensuing electoral battle in the state

The biggest election issue today is unemployment among the state youth. And the Uttar Pradesh janata is asking the BJP leaders that if they cannot properly conduct the competitive exams for police recruitment how are they going to solve the larger issue of creating jobs?

ALSO READ: Narendra Modi’s Southern Discomfort

This was not the first exam (ever since the BJP formed the government in UP in 2017) in which question papers were leaked. About nine competitive exams conducted in the past six years have been cancelled or suspended due to paper leak or corruption charges, forcing the youths to wait endlessly for gainful employment. They constantly live in the fear of getting over-age by the time the examinations are rescheduled/held cleanly.

Not only in UP, the BJP should wait for a shocker in neighboring states like Bihar too where the untiring efforts and the commitment of Tejashwi Yadav (RLD) will demolish the tally of the BJP. In addition, the constant inflation, pan-India unemployment are constantly adding to the discomfort of the people and the saffron party is heading to a substantial loss of over 20 seats in MP and over 70 seats in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Karnataka.

In addition, the results of the stronghold states of BJP that include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh will also be a shocker and shattering the tall claims of 370 seats for the party and 400-plus seats for the NDA. You cannot win elections by simply painting rosy pictures and selling fake dreams continuously – the voter is now aware and is now fed up with the false promises and claims being made and sold continuously for the past ten years and the country stands united for a positive change.

As told to Rajat Rai 

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Punjab Farmers Fighting For Others Rights As Well

Punjab Farmers Are Fighting for the Rights of Millions of Others

Joe John, a farmer from Kottayam, Kerala, who practices sustainable agricultural methods, finds it distressing when the state treats protesting farmers as enemy of the state. His views:

About the current farmers protest in Punjab, there’s a mixed feeling of both sadness and joy. The sad part is that the farmers have to be return to the streets after an year-long protest couple of years back which led to the proposed farm laws being repealed. The good part is that it serves as an inspiration for all others to struggle and get what is their due, their fundamental right, from the government. They would not allow themselves to be trampled by the raw power which the State is putting out against the struggle, as if they are enemies of the nation!

Thus I totally empathise with all my brothers and sisters from Punjab who are out on the streets fighting for the rights of millions of farmers across the country.

The fact is food prices have been kept low for decades and farmers have cross-subsidised other sections. One should look at the prices of agricultural produce historically and the salaries of government employees, to name just one section, to get an idea of the kind of disparity which exists. It’s not a correct picture when governments keep on harping about the amount of subsidies which is being given to the farmers and forget about the rise in input costs, be it wages, manure or other aspects of agriculture.

Not just industrialists, even people employed in the organised sector are able to get their demands fulfilled by the government because they are more organised and have more resources to ensure that these are fulfilled.

John says income of farmers has not risen in proportion to other stratas of society

One of the reasons for the neglect of the agricultural sector could be that there is a lack of a formal body which represents not only the interests of the farmers, but also of all others who have a direct stake in the well-being of this sector which provides employment to such a large section of the working population. Hopefully, these struggles, in the last couple of years, will be a turning point.

ALSO READ: Understanding the MSP Issue, India and WTO

By not giving legal guarantees for MSP, which is one of the key demands of the current struggle, the BJP-led government in Delhi is trying to wash away its responsibility. One can agree that the current MSP mechanism is only benefitting a very small section of our farmers, as it covers a very low proportion of our agricultural produce, both in terms of quantity as well as the variety of crops. In most states the farmers are totally dependent on private traders for selling their produce and it’s mostly distress-selling which happens. This is because not only farmers do not have space for storing their produce, but, also, they do not have clarity about the movement of prices. Indeed, APMCs need to be set up all over the country with proper infrastructure which are closer to the location of farmers.

Climate change is going to be the biggest threat in the coming years and there is a need for widespread adoption of agro-ecological practices. However, one cannot expect the farmers to do this on their own without any support from the government. A country like India which has such a large proportion of population dependant on agricultural and allied sectors, cannot afford to be complacent on this issue. This is because it is going to affect the livelihoods of millions of people on the ground across the country, and threaten our short-term and long-term food security.

(The narrator passed out from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai and has worked in various peaceful social movements across the country, including the Narmada Bachao Andolan)

As told to Amit Sengupta

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Bharat Ratna for Ch Charan Singh Will Help BJP

‘Bharat Ratna for Ch Charan Singh Will Help BJP Electorally’

Vishwas Chaudhary, an affluent farmer of the Jat Community in Western UP, says the move was long overdue and it will help BJP consolidate its position in the sugar belt. His views:

The Bharat Ratna award was a much awaited and genuine honour to the most popular farmers’ leader of the Jatland and a long pending demand of the people, particularly the agrarian community, in Uttar Pradesh. Though it should not be linked to any kind of vote bank politics, the decision is definitely going to further enhance the prospects of the ruling BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in this sugarcane belt.

However, in any case, if a voter changes his/her preference of voting in lieu of any kind of freebies or a demand (that is just), it is wrong. There is a wrong perception among political parties that by declaring or offering just ahead of elections, they could win over the hearts of the people and the voters to get the desired result.

If you recall, the previous UPA government, under Manmohan Singh, towards its last days, declared reservations for the Jat community in 2014 under Ch Ajit Singh’s pressure. However, it hardly made any impact on the results (of the 2014 elections) and the BJP overthrew it with a thumping and record breaking majority.

ALSO READ: Ch Mahavir Singh on Bharat Ratna to His Grandfather

As far as the Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary’s swing of loyalty from Samajwadi Party to the BJP is concerned, it is a welcome move as it will benefit both the saffron group and the RLD. As a matter of fact, the golden days of the RLD were in 2009 when it contested the Lok Sabha election in alliance with the BJP and won five seats which is still a record for its electoral history.

Despite the fact that the SP had offered seven Lok Sabha seats to the RLD in these elections, it had started playing mischief since the last (2022) Vidhan Sabha elections. This new collaboration is definitely going to be a booster for the RLD as its alliance with the SP was in turmoil after the 2022 elections where the party did win nine seats but three of these were on the symbol of the Samajwadi and the RLD had little say in the process of selection and choice (of seats) for 2024.

In my opinion, The BJP-RLD combine will win with a landslide in two seats (Baghpat and Bijnore) plus a Rajya Sabha seat. The decision is definitely going to have a deep socio-political impact in the western UP as Jat voters dominated about 30 out of the 130-140 Assembly segments of the western UP and the combination will boost the political prospects of both parties in the region.

This new alliance could also be termed as more respectable and reliable (for the RLD and its voters) as there is no doubt that the NDA, led by the BJP, is going to form the third consecutive government at the Centre and the voter also tends to give the power in the hand of those who have the authority.

As told to Rajat Rai

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Babri Demolition Will Remain A Dark Spot

‘Babri Demolition Will Remain A Dark Spot in India’s History’

Shakeel Qureshi, a seasoned theatre personality based in Delhi, says if we turn all historical events into a vicious negative with violence, our future will be grotesque. His views:

Unity in Diversity: it’s intrinsic beauty and bonding, the manner in which the entire country of India – Hindustan – wears it like an ornament, is not only a precious childhood inheritance. It is a stream which is eternally flowing in our veins. I agree that some of us, that people who are like us – they have tried to rip apart the painstakingly stitched social fabric of India. They are still at it, and Haldwani is the latest example of the communal hatred which is affecting our social collective. There is a fear simmering in the air, and there is certainly a tangible sense of hatred stalking the land.

These people who are spreading fear and hate, they are not aware that once you start assaulting a helpless citizen in a closed room, he is forced to withdraw. But how long can he withdraw in a closed space? He is pushed to the wall, and when he has no recourse left, and when he just can’t manage with non-violence or a rational argument to save his body and soul, he has to retaliate. He has no option left.

Are we, indeed, trying to create such a pessimistic scenario, especially in the Hindi heartland?

Those who are relentlessly spreading hate and divisions in our secular society, they will not only bear the consequences in their own lifetime, but they will also bestow it on their future generations. This is a food which would always be unpalatable, but people will be forced to swallow it.

ALSO READ: ‘BJP Has Raised And Dumped Ayodhya Issue Cyclically’

I would reiterate, that humanity seems to be dying in contemporary India, but it can never be murdered. It will always remain alive, pulsating. I am certain, where ever they are spreading this poison, the collective chorus against this polarization, for a secular democracy, will emerge from there itself.

We are all dependent on each other as social creatures. We cannot do without each other, whatever be our identities, caste, religion, class. A person who dyes clothes, he does not look at clothes in black and white. In his tin of miracles there are many colours. He makes a kaleidoscope of colours which makes the world look beautiful, and we too feel beautiful wearing those vibrant colours!

As far as aesthetic beauty is concerned, we were once upon a time trained in the idea and praxis of beauty in our social life, in our arts and culture, in our dance, theatre, cinema and music. Now, a stagnant stasis seems to have arrived. We seemed to have hit a tragic crossroad whereby all that was pristine seems to have become dead and sterile.

People seem to have lost the capability to mingle with each other; find a shared synthesis in love and compassion. There seems to be a collective loss of belonging to each other. Everyone seem to be looking at each other with doubt and disbelief.  

This contemporary era of India needs brotherhood and sharing, and we have to work hard for it – with honesty and commitment.

The demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, is a black spot on India’s conscience. Even then, almost the entire media and nation called it a black day. As a young person, we saw the violence. In campuses and colleges, debates, cultural programmes, theatre and film-screenings were disrupted routinely by the rowdy followers of polarization who were brazenly undemocratic. This pattern has been going on since then.

Coincidentally, I had passed the entrance exam of FTII, Pune. When I went for the interview, I was asked: “As a Muslim citizen of India, how do you look at the demolition of Babri Masjid?”

I had responded by saying that in FTII there is a studio of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, which is a ‘monument’ and it must be eternally preserved. However, if some people want to damage it, will you allow that?

That is, if you don’t like such an act, then how can any Muslim or Indian citizen appreciate the demolition of a mosque which has been there since so long? History gives birth to the present, and without our history, we have no present. If we choose to turn all historical events into a vicious negative with violence, then our future too would turn grotesque

In this context, please allow me to share a poem which I have written recently.

Distance and Relationships

From my house, my ‘babu’s’ shop was not distant, at the corner of the Harphool Singh Basti… the ‘jungle-waali masjid’ would smile, once we zigzagged from one lane to another, we would say hi, hello!
The bells of the Arya mandir would create ripples in the body, and the sublime shabad in the Gurudwara would create sweet sensations, healing our soul…
If you cross the Sadar Thana Road, you would discover a stone coloured with saffron under a tree, which would protect the Bajrangbali, Hanuman…
They were all so dear to me…Like a beloved….

(The narrator has worked with the doyen of Indian theatre, Ebrahim Alkazi, film producer Anand Mahendroo and filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia. He also dabbles in wood carving and photography)

As told to Amit Sengupta

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Chaudhary Charan Singh

Though Late, Chaudhary Saab’s Contribution Has Been Recognised

Ch Mahavir Singh, the grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh, speaks about the legacy of the tallest Jat leader of our times and the challenges ahead. His views:

When the news of awarding Chaudhary Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna title first reached our village, I was sitting on this worn charpoy in our courtyard. My chest swelled with pride. Soon this information spread like wildfire through Noorpur village and the entire western Uttar Pradesh. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joyous slogans. The villagers could be seen streaming towards the statue of our beloved leader, with garlands in hand, raising slogan in celebration.

Chaudhary Charan Singh wasn’t just a political figure to us; he was the very essence of farmers pride, hope, resilience and determination. Born to a small farmer’s family in Noorpur, he went on become the head the government, a towering figure in Indian politics. His journey has been a testament to the strength of character and unwavering commitment to the cause of the farmers.

As I reminisce about my grandfather’s struggles and triumphs, I cannot help but marvel at the depth of the impact that he made on the lives of farmers in the region. He wasn’t just fighting for himself; he was fighting for every farmer, every peasant, and every underprivileged soul toiling under the scorching sun to make a living from the unforgiving earth.

ALSO READ: ‘Floods Or Fury, A Farmer Never Gives Up’

‘His struggles were our struggles,’ I often tell this to my children. And today all the memories are flooding back. He served the people well; though late but now he has been recognized by this government. He stood tall against adversity, his voice was a rallying cry for the marginalized and the downtrodden.

As the celebrations continued well into the night, there lingered a palpable sense of uncertainty about the future of my grandfather’s legacy. With Jayant Chaudhary’s decision to join the NDA, there are whispers of doubt among the farming community here. But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains steadfast: our faith in Jayant.

We have faith in Jayant. He may have chosen a different path, but the farmer spirit runs deep within him. I am confident that he will carry forward the torch of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy, guiding us towards a brighter future.

I find solace in the quiet reflection of our shared history. For in the end, amidst the turns and twists of politics and the passage of time, one truth has remained unshakable: the spirit of Chaudhary Charan Singh lives on, etched forever in the hearts of his people, a beacon of hope for generations to come.

The morning after the night of celebration in our village, I felt a renewed sense of purpose stirring within me. The legacy of my grandfather was not just a memory to be cherished; it was a call to act, a reminder of the responsibility we carry to uphold the values he held dear.

With determination in my heart and the spirit of Chaudhary Charan Singh as my guide, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we will face them together, united in our commitment to build a better tomorrow for all.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Ayodhya is Awake and Abuzz 24x7

‘Now Ayodhya is Awake and Abuzz 24×7 Like Big Cities’

Sumit and Amit Gupta, the fourth generation owner of Chandra Sweets in Hanumangarhi, say the economic activity in the city is growing by each passing day. Their views:

Ever since the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony was held in Ram Mandir, Ayodhya has become the city that never sleeps. Earlier, sweet shops on the Ram Path, the road leading to the temple in Hanumangarhi, used to see two-fold business on Ramnavmi and Diwali. However, since January 22 (when the consecration ritual was held), the sweets (used as prasad) are selling four to five times the regular sales every day. Ab toh har din Diwali hai (Every day is Diwali now).

We have been doing business for four generations, but we have never witnessed such a monumental surge of the devotees in Ayodhya. There are two famous sweet items in our shop, khurchan and lal peda. Now, these vanish within hours of being brought to the shop. We have to outsource the ingredients from faraway vendors as our regular suppliers are unable to meet the demand. And the surge is growing by each passing day. We are not talking only about sweet shops or Pooja-related wares; you name any business in Ayodhya and you will find it flourishing in leaps and bounds.

But we have not raised the prices of any item. Nor have the new suppliers tried to make profits by increasing the price. Everybody is happy with the current windfall and feels blessed by Ramlala. The common man in Ayodhya feels content and happy that Lord Ram has found a permanent gaddi (seat) and roof after a struggle and patient wait of over 500 years.

ALSO READ: Ram Temple is a Symbol of Unity in Counrty

The entire geography and appearance of the city has changed in the past few years, since the construction of Ram Mandir began. The markets and shops have got a facelift, and there is not a single road or bylane which has not been provided with lighting. Potholes, broken roads, poor sewage systems and garbage management that used to be a trademark of the city are now a thing of the past.

There is oly one grudge though. There has been too much barricading to regulate the flow of pilgrims. This is causing a lot of movement hassles to the visitors. However, the vendors are confident that once the dust settles, these hindrances will be removed pushing the economy of the religious city to newer heights.

As told to Rajat Rai

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The Story of My Pets

Where There is Love, There is hope: The Story of My Two Pets

Dr Navneet Kaur recounts the journey of her two loving pets, Bella and Mickey, from the streets in Punjab to her home in Canada. In her own words:

As I sit here in the comfort of my Canadian home, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey of two resilient souls, Mickey and Bella, who have traveled across continents from the bustling streets of Amritsar in Punjab to Canada. Their story is a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who care for the voiceless, and the global community that rallies for the welfare of animals.

It all began on the streets of Amritsar, where the Animal Welfare and Care Services Foundation (AWCS), the NGO I founded, took upon the responsibility of rescuing and rehabilitating the countless stray animals that roamed the city. Last year, the call came for two special beings – Mickey and Bella. These Indian breed pariah dogs were destined for a life of struggle, but fate had a different plan for them.

Bella, a tiny soul, was discovered alone, whimpering in the cold by our shelter manager, Deepak Kumar. She wasn’t just battling the harsh weather; she was also fighting the deadly parvovirus, a cruel adversary for any creature. When she arrived at our shelter, Bella’s condition was dire, her spirit hanging by a thread. But where there is love and compassion, there is hope.

Deepak took Bella under his wing, nurturing her back to health with unwavering dedication. Bella’s journey was marked by resilience, from overcoming parvo to battling anemia. As Bella’s strength returned, it became clear that her place was not within the shelter walls but in the warmth of a forever home.

AWCS shelter manager Deepak Kumar (left) with Bella

Mickey’s tale was no less poignant. Born to a dying mother who found solace in our shelter after being tragically run over by a car, Mickey was a survivor from the start. Despite losing her siblings, Mickey clung to life with tenacity. Weak and afflicted with distemper, her early days were spent in the protective embrace of our shelter. She grew up experiencing the routine of shelter life, and though distemper threatened to dim her spirit, Mickey fought back. Diagnosed in the early stages, she emerged victorious, a testament to her strength and the care she received.

ALSO READ: ‘A Progressive Society Enjoys Life With Pets’

In the face of these challenges, the idea of finding permanent homes for Bella and Mickey took root. They had conquered adversity, and now it was time for them to embark on a new chapter. As the founder of AWCS and someone with a deep-rooted love for animals, I reached out to my network, including Karen, who played a crucial role in picking up the dogs.

Living in Canada, I reached out to my network, seeking kindred spirits who shared the same passion for animal welfare. Belinda Morrison, the compassionate force behind CB Rescue Foundation in Calgary, Canada, answered the call. CB Rescue, a non-profit and entirely volunteer-run dog rescue unit, opened its arms to Mickey and Bella, offering them the promise of a forever home.

Belinda Morrisson of CB Rescue in Canada

On January 11, their journey across oceans and continents began. Flown to Canada, these two brave souls stepped onto a new terrain, embracing the crisp Canadian air and the snow-covered landscapes. Under the care of Belinda Morrison and her team, Mickey and Bella started their training with Christina, their dedicated trainer, adapting to their new surroundings with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Trainer of Mickey and Bella Christina

“We are super excited to have Mickey and Bella here with us. Currently, they are undergoing training with our dog trainer, Christina. They are really enjoying the snow in Canada,” Belinda Morrison shared, capturing the essence of their newfound joy and freedom.

As I receive updates from afar, I am filled with gratitude for the collaboration that transcended borders and the hearts that opened to these resilient beings. Mickey and Bella’s odyssey from the streets of Amritsar to the warmth of Canadian homes epitomizes the collective effort to create a world where every animal, regardless of origin, finds love, care, and a place to call home.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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‘Business In Ayodhya Has Risen Manifold Since Pran Pratishtha Event’

‘Business In Ayodhya Has Risen Manifold Since Pran Pratishtha Event’

Anup Gupta, owner of Ram & Shyam Hotel at Hanumangarhi, says even neighbouring districts are benefitting from devotees thronging the newly-built Ram Temple

With the grand ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Temple, our city has suddenly found its place in the sun. On the day of Pran Prathishtha (consecration), the Ram Temple recorded over 3 to 4 lakh people who lined up for a drashan and the next day, this figure swelled to over 7 lakh. The role of the police and administration deserves a salute as they managed the crowd very well. Ever since the stream of visitors to Ayodhya has not stopped. It seems, every Hindu wants to have a glimpse of Ram Lalla.

Naturally, this has meant good business for the Ayodhya residents. Be it the sale of flowers or other puja ware (like ladoos etc to be offered as Prasad) or food and other daily-use items, the demand has increased manifold. Souvenir items such as precious stones, posters, statues, etc have also shot up drastically, benefitting one and all – the suppliers to small sellers, everyone.

According to rough estimates, as reported in the local media, the sales of flowers and ladoos touched a whooping ₹4 crore a day since January 22. And since Ayodhya cannot meet this surge in demand, most items are being sourced from neighboring districts. So, even surrounding districts are also benefitting from the rush of devotees.

ALSO READ: ‘Ram Mandir is Symbol of Unity for the Country’

The demand for hotel rooms has also increased to a record high. Hotel occupancy is 100 per cent and booked for months in advance. There are visitors who flocked into Ayodhya well in advance (before January 22). Such was the rush that all roads leading to Ayodhya had to be closed and no fresh batch of devotees was allowed inside for the next few days after January 22.

Once the rail, road and air connectivity to Ayodhya comes into service, the rush of visitors is only going to scale new heights. Already, many big hotels groups have bought land to set up five-star facilities here and there are more queuing up to set up all kind of stay options, from budget to luxury, to serve tourists.

Ayodhya citizens will also benefit from this never-ending influx of devotees. They will start services of paying guests, rented accommodation in their dwellings or start up tourist-friendly business like eateries or souvenir shops. You name a business, and you will find it expanding and leaping forward from January onwards. This year 2024 has been a landmark in the history of Ayodhya denizens.

Once the temple is complete (which is expected to happen in the next two years or so), you will not find a place to stay in and around 30 km of the city. Real estate prices are already skyrocketing. Ayodhya, as it is truly said, is set to surpass Mecca and the Vatican in the near future.

As told to Rajat Rai

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