A devastating fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa claimed 25 lives, with eyewitnesses suggesting fireworks ignited the blaze, contradicting the police’s initial theory of a cylinder blast. The congested venue and limited exits hampered escape, leading to a tragic loss of life and raising concerns about safety violations and illegal operations. . NEW DELHI: The fire at a nightclub in Goa, which killed 25 people, started after fireworks were set off inside, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday.Police had earlier suggested that a cylinder blast caused the blaze, but Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said the preliminary inquiry showed the fire was triggered by electrical firecrackers set off inside the Arpora club.”According to the preliminary inquiry, the fire broke out due to the bursting of some electrical firecrackers inside the club. Some people could come out, but others could not, due to which they lost their lives. A complete inquiry is being done, and a report will be recieved within a week. Suspensions will be issued to some people today itself. The concerned officers will be punished as well,” Sawant told reporters.Riya, a tourist from Delhi who managed to escape, also told news agency PTI that firecrackers were going off near the stage while dancers were performing. “I think the fire started because of that. People began pushing, and it felt like a stampede,” she said.‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, turned into a death trap shortly after midnight as a massive fire tore through it, killing 25 people and injuring six.The nightclub is located along the Arpora river backwaters and has a narrow entry and exit. Fire brigade vehicles could not reach the spot due to the narrow lanes, and tankers had to be parked nearly 400 metres away.According to police, the dead include four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of seven others are still being confirmed. The incident has raised serious questions about alleged illegal operations and safety violations. Police have registered an FIR against the owners, and a local village official has claimed that the structure itself was illegal.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“We’ll Strike Again If Needed”: Navy Chief Issues Stern Warning To Pakistan”Congress Destroyed Patel, Bose Legacies” BJP Lambasts Sonia Gandhi Over ‘Defaming Nehru’ Remark”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues123PhotostoriesBigg Boss 19: From opening up about his strained relationship with uncle Anu Malik, his aggressive fights to nepotism debate: A look at finalist Amaal Mallik’s journeyRaw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier‘Bigg Boss’: Top wild card contestants over the yearsPalash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom: Celebrity couples who got engaged, but never married7 eerie abandoned places around the world you can actually exploreSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliJoe BurrowBengaluru News

A devastating fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa claimed 25 lives, with eyewitnesses suggesting fireworks ignited the blaze, contradicting the police’s initial theory of a cylinder blast. The congested venue and limited exits hampered escape, leading to a tragic loss of life and raising concerns about safety violations and illegal operations. . NEW DELHI: The fire at a nightclub in Goa, which killed 25 people, started after fireworks were set off inside, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday.Police had earlier suggested that a cylinder blast caused the blaze, but Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said the preliminary inquiry showed the fire was triggered by electrical firecrackers set off inside the Arpora club.”According to the preliminary inquiry, the fire broke out due to the bursting of some electrical firecrackers inside the club. Some people could come out, but others could not, due to which they lost their lives. A complete inquiry is being done, and a report will be recieved within a week. Suspensions will be issued to some people today itself. The concerned officers will be punished as well,” Sawant told reporters.Riya, a tourist from Delhi who managed to escape, also told news agency PTI that firecrackers were going off near the stage while dancers were performing. “I think the fire started because of that. People began pushing, and it felt like a stampede,” she said.‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, turned into a death trap shortly after midnight as a massive fire tore through it, killing 25 people and injuring six.The nightclub is located along the Arpora river backwaters and has a narrow entry and exit. Fire brigade vehicles could not reach the spot due to the narrow lanes, and tankers had to be parked nearly 400 metres away.According to police, the dead include four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of seven others are still being confirmed. The incident has raised serious questions about alleged illegal operations and safety violations. Police have registered an FIR against the owners, and a local village official has claimed that the structure itself was illegal.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“We’ll Strike Again If Needed”: Navy Chief Issues Stern Warning To Pakistan”Congress Destroyed Patel, Bose Legacies” BJP Lambasts Sonia Gandhi Over ‘Defaming Nehru’ Remark”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues123PhotostoriesBigg Boss 19: From opening up about his strained relationship with uncle Anu Malik, his aggressive fights to nepotism debate: A look at finalist Amaal Mallik’s journeyRaw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier‘Bigg Boss’: Top wild card contestants over the yearsPalash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom: Celebrity couples who got engaged, but never married7 eerie abandoned places around the world you can actually exploreSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliJoe BurrowBengaluru News

NEW DELHI: The fire at a nightclub in Goa, which killed 25 people, started after fireworks were set off inside, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday.Police had earlier suggested that a cylinder blast caused the blaze, but Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said the preliminary inquiry showed the fire was triggered by electrical firecrackers…

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Dec 07, 2025, 19:15 IST

Dec 07, 2025, 19:15 IST

Sanskar Saraswat (Screengrab) Sanskar Saraswat of India secured his first Super 100 title by defeating fellow countryman Mithun Manjunath in the men’s singles final at the Guwahati Masters on Sunday.The 19-year-old from Jodhpur demonstrated exceptional skill and power, winning the all-Indian final 21-11, 17-21, 21-13 in a 50-minute match.In the women’s singles category, Tanvi Sharma,…

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Aadhaar checks: UIDAI plans rule to mandate registration for verifiers; push paperless verification

Aadhaar checks: UIDAI plans rule to mandate registration for verifiers; push paperless verification

Aadhaar-based verification is set to move further away from paper trails, with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) preparing to notify a new rule mandating registration of entities that seek offline Aadhaar verification, reported PTIThe proposed rule aims to discourage practices such as hotels, event organisers and similar entities collecting photocopies of Aadhaar cards…

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Pisces Weekly Shani Horoscope, December 8-14, 2025: Saturn strips down fake stability, these zodiac signs must create real foundations

Pisces Weekly Shani Horoscope, December 8-14, 2025: Saturn strips down fake stability, these zodiac signs must create real foundations

This week, Saturn shows you that emotional clarity may come through a little discomfort. You might face feelings you usually avoid, but they hold important guidance. The karmic lesson now is to sit with your emotions instead of escaping. Something inside you is trying to shift, and this discomfort is the doorway to a deeper…

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Bahraini rapper Flipperachi makes waves in bollywood with FA9LA track in Dhurandhar | World News

Bahraini rapper Flipperachi makes waves in bollywood with FA9LA track in Dhurandhar | World News

Bahraini rapper Flipperachi’s track FA9LA featured in Bollywood’s Dhurandhar, boosting his international recognition/Image: Instagram Flipperachi, Bahrain’s rising Khaleeji hip-hop star, is capturing Indian audiences’ attention after his track FA9LA found its way into the recently released Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar. The collaboration marks a significant crossover moment for the artist, whose music has been steadily…

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a three-day visit to Gujarat today, where he is scheduled to participate in multiple programs across the state. Arvind Kejriwal to embark on three-day visit to Gujarat today Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a three-day visit to Gujarat today, where he is scheduled to participate in multiple programs across the state.In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “I am going to Gujarat today for a three-day tour. I will participate in several programs there.”Earlier today, in a post on X, Kejriwal expressed grief over the tragic fire at a club in Arpora, Goa, which claimed 25 lives. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, hoping all those affected find strength during this devastating time.Kejriwal wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident at Arpora, Goa, that has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. May all those affected find strength and solace during this devastating time.” End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin’Sab Jagah Pohchenge’: Yogi Adityanath On What’s Next After Ram Temple, ‘Kashi-Mathura’ Slogan123Photostories7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately10 good morning wishes kids should be encouraged to use in familyBengaluru’s Namma Metro Push: Karnataka Forms High-Level Monitoring Group to Keep Blue Line on 2026 TrackMadurai Set to Unclog Gridlock as Velunachiyar Flyover Opens, Promising Major Speed Boost for Commuters10 lessons of Swami Vivekananda for successHina Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tahira Kashyap: Celebrities who turned their cancer battles into inspiring journeysNew NH-66 Stretch in Kerala Caves In, Triggering Major Safety Concerns in Kollam (In Photos)’Bigg Boss’ winners list from season 1 to 18: Rahul Roy to Karan Veer Mehra123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliNarela Girl Sexually AssaultedBengaluru News

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a three-day visit to Gujarat today, where he is scheduled to participate in multiple programs across the state. Arvind Kejriwal to embark on three-day visit to Gujarat today Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a three-day visit to Gujarat today, where he is scheduled to participate in multiple programs across the state.In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “I am going to Gujarat today for a three-day tour. I will participate in several programs there.”Earlier today, in a post on X, Kejriwal expressed grief over the tragic fire at a club in Arpora, Goa, which claimed 25 lives. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, hoping all those affected find strength during this devastating time.Kejriwal wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident at Arpora, Goa, that has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. May all those affected find strength and solace during this devastating time.” End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin’Sab Jagah Pohchenge’: Yogi Adityanath On What’s Next After Ram Temple, ‘Kashi-Mathura’ Slogan123Photostories7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately10 good morning wishes kids should be encouraged to use in familyBengaluru’s Namma Metro Push: Karnataka Forms High-Level Monitoring Group to Keep Blue Line on 2026 TrackMadurai Set to Unclog Gridlock as Velunachiyar Flyover Opens, Promising Major Speed Boost for Commuters10 lessons of Swami Vivekananda for successHina Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tahira Kashyap: Celebrities who turned their cancer battles into inspiring journeysNew NH-66 Stretch in Kerala Caves In, Triggering Major Safety Concerns in Kollam (In Photos)’Bigg Boss’ winners list from season 1 to 18: Rahul Roy to Karan Veer Mehra123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliNarela Girl Sexually AssaultedBengaluru News

Arvind Kejriwal to embark on three-day visit to Gujarat today Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a three-day visit to Gujarat today, where he is scheduled to participate in multiple programs across the state.In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “I am going to Gujarat today for a three-day tour….

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‘Will have a beer tonight’: England coach blames ‘too much training’ for Ashes defeat

‘Will have a beer tonight’: England coach blames ‘too much training’ for Ashes defeat

England coach Brendon McCullum during an England nets session at Perth Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images) England head coach Brendon McCullum said his team “trained too much” in the build-up to their heavy defeat in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Sunday. England’s preparation for the series has been…

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Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish”: Here’s why it is the most useful advice for students

Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish”: Here’s why it is the most useful advice for students

In June 2005, Steve Jobs addressed graduating students at Stanford University and closed his speech with a line that has stayed with many who heard it. The words came from the final issue of the Whole Earth Catalog, a countercultural publication he admired as a young man. Its farewell message read: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”…

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Vikram Bhatt arrested in Rs 30 crore IVF fraud case; earlier a lookout notice was issued against him and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt

Vikram Bhatt arrested in Rs 30 crore IVF fraud case; earlier a lookout notice was issued against him and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has reportedly been arrested in a ₹30 crore fraud case. The arrest took place during a joint operation by the Rajasthan Police and Mumbai Police at the home of Bhatt’s sister-in-law. Rajasthan Police will now seek transit remand from the Bandra Court so they can take him to Udaipur for further questioning.This…

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Challenging dates for each zodiac sign for the week of December 07 to December 13, 2025

Challenging dates for each zodiac sign for the week of December 07 to December 13, 2025

Aries Your challenging day is December 9. You may feel mentally scattered or pulled in multiple directions. Avoid rushing decisions or reacting quickly to minor issues. Taurus Your challenging day is December 8. Emotional sensitivity may increase, making it harder to remain patient with others. Slow down and avoid unnecessary overthinking. Acharya Vikram Aditya Reveals…

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NEW DELHI: Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, triggered a controversy after claiming that someone who wishes to become Congress’ chief ministerial face in Punjab has to offer a suitcase of Rs 500 crore in the party.While talking to reporters on Saturday, Navjot said that she and her husband do not have such a large sum of money which they can give to sit in the chief minister’s chair.”We always speak for Punjab and Punjabiyat… but do not have Rs 500 crore which we can give to sit in the chief minister’s chair,” she said.When asked if anybody demanded money from them, she said nobody has demanded but “the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore, he becomes the CM.”She also hinted that the ex-cricketer may change party in future, saying, “If any party gives him that power so that he can improve Punjab. We do not have money to give it to any party but we will give results and we will turn Punjab into a golden state.”She further pointed towards “infighting” within Congress and claimed that there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister’s position.”But with so much infighting, I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted as there are already five CM faces and they are hell bent on defeating the Congress. If they (high command) understand this then it is a different matter,” she said.Former Punjab Congress chief Sidhu has not been participating in the party’s events and activities for the past many months. He did not campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also.Sidhu had made a comeback to cricket commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.In April, Sidhu launched his new YouTube channel ‘Navjot Sidhu Official’ for sharing his life experiences, talking about cricket, commentary, motivational talks, and lifestyle.At that time, when Sidhu was asked about returning to active politics, he had said time will tell, stating that he did politics for people’s welfare and it was never a business for him.Assembly polls are due in Punjab in 2027.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Congress Destroyed Patel, Bose Legacies” BJP Lambasts Sonia Gandhi Over ‘Defaming Nehru’ Remark”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin123PhotostoriesRaw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier‘Bigg Boss’: Top wild card contestants over the yearsPalash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom: Celebrity couples who got engaged, but never married7 eerie abandoned places around the world you can actually exploreSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliJoe BurrowBengaluru News

NEW DELHI: Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, triggered a controversy after claiming that someone who wishes to become Congress’ chief ministerial face in Punjab has to offer a suitcase of Rs 500 crore in the party.While talking to reporters on Saturday, Navjot said that she and her husband do not have such a large sum of money which they can give to sit in the chief minister’s chair.”We always speak for Punjab and Punjabiyat… but do not have Rs 500 crore which we can give to sit in the chief minister’s chair,” she said.When asked if anybody demanded money from them, she said nobody has demanded but “the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore, he becomes the CM.”She also hinted that the ex-cricketer may change party in future, saying, “If any party gives him that power so that he can improve Punjab. We do not have money to give it to any party but we will give results and we will turn Punjab into a golden state.”She further pointed towards “infighting” within Congress and claimed that there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister’s position.”But with so much infighting, I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted as there are already five CM faces and they are hell bent on defeating the Congress. If they (high command) understand this then it is a different matter,” she said.Former Punjab Congress chief Sidhu has not been participating in the party’s events and activities for the past many months. He did not campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also.Sidhu had made a comeback to cricket commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.In April, Sidhu launched his new YouTube channel ‘Navjot Sidhu Official’ for sharing his life experiences, talking about cricket, commentary, motivational talks, and lifestyle.At that time, when Sidhu was asked about returning to active politics, he had said time will tell, stating that he did politics for people’s welfare and it was never a business for him.Assembly polls are due in Punjab in 2027.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Congress Destroyed Patel, Bose Legacies” BJP Lambasts Sonia Gandhi Over ‘Defaming Nehru’ Remark”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin123PhotostoriesRaw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier‘Bigg Boss’: Top wild card contestants over the yearsPalash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom: Celebrity couples who got engaged, but never married7 eerie abandoned places around the world you can actually exploreSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliJoe BurrowBengaluru News

NEW DELHI: Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, triggered a controversy after claiming that someone who wishes to become Congress’ chief ministerial face in Punjab has to offer a suitcase of Rs 500 crore in the party.While talking to reporters on Saturday, Navjot said that she and her husband do not have such a…

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WTC 2025-27: Australia top World Test Championship standings after 2-0 Ashes lead; where are India?

WTC 2025-27: Australia top World Test Championship standings after 2-0 Ashes lead; where are India?

Team India coach Gautam Gambhir and Australia and England skippers Australia have secured a 2-0 lead in the 2025/26 Ashes series by defeating England with an eight-wicket victory in the Brisbane day-night Test on Sunday.Joe Root achieved his first Test century in Australia, helping England reach 334 in their first innings. Zak Crawley contributed 76…

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Raw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier

Raw amla vs amla juice: Which is healthier

Both raw amla and amla juice deliver valuable health benefits, but raw amla emerges as the healthier choice for regular, long-term consumption. Eating amla in its whole form preserves its full nutrient profile, including dietary fibre, which supports digestion, gut health, and better metabolic control. The fibre-rich structure of raw amla allows for the gradual…

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Aquarius Weekly Shani Horoscope, December 8-14, 2025: A karmic storm gathers under Saturn, these zodiac signs are standing in it

Aquarius Weekly Shani Horoscope, December 8-14, 2025: A karmic storm gathers under Saturn, these zodiac signs are standing in it

This week, Saturn brings clarity about something or someone that no longer grows with you. A quiet inner voice may tell you it’s time to step away. The karmic lesson is learning to release without guilt. You are allowed to protect your spirit by choosing environments and relationships that support your evolution. Trust the subtle…

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Tariffs to put ‘America first’: Is Donald Trump spelling doom for US? Economics explained

Tariffs to put ‘America first’: Is Donald Trump spelling doom for US? Economics explained

US President Donald Trump has framed his sweeping tariff policy as essential for protecting American workers and manufacturing, promoting it as a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda.Since returning to office this year, the Trump administration has overseen a historic surge in tariff collections. According to Fox Business, total duty revenue reached $215.2 billion in…

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Dubai police arrest Marko Dordevic, leader of notorious Vracarci gang, in international operation | World News

Dubai police arrest Marko Dordevic, leader of notorious Vracarci gang, in international operation | World News

Marko Dordevic, Vracarci gang leader, was arrested in Dubai during international Operation Haris coordinated with Europol/Image: X Dubai Police have dealt a major blow to one of Europe’s most dangerous criminal networks by arresting Marko Dordevic, the elusive leader of the Vracarci gang, also known as the Witchcrafters. Captured in Dubai through a meticulously coordinated…

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India is actively pursuing a decolonisation agenda, moving beyond English’s historical dominance. This initiative, championed by PM Modi, aims to revive indigenous knowledge systems and promote regional languages in education and governance. While fostering national pride, concerns remain about potential Hindi imposition over linguistic diversity, sparking a crucial national dialogue. From Macaulay to multilingual Bharat: India’s renaissance moment In ancient India, knowledge often travelled into the subcontinent, not out of it. Scholars journeyed from China, Korea, Tibet, Central Asia and Persia to study in centres like Takshashila and Nalanda, where mathematics, astronomy, grammar, statecraft and medicine flourished. These were not mere stone structures but the heart of an intellectual civilisation whose instruction was rooted in local languages and knowledge systems. However, over centuries, invasions and later colonial rule thinned this tradition, and by the 20th century, India was no longer exporting knowledge as confidently as it once did. An artistic depiction of Nalanda, once a global centre of knowledge, attracting scholars from Asia.In modern India, polished English often opened doors. It helped in landing jobs, signalled education, enabled migration and allowed an engineer from Chennai and a banker from Delhi to collaborate without needing a common mother tongue.At the same time, English has long carried a social undertone. A fluent speaker is often assumed to be intelligent, cosmopolitan, and somehow “smarter.” A hesitant speaker may be judged as less capable. Photo: Generative AIIt is this perception, not the language itself, that lies at the heart of India’s growing conversation on decolonisation, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a “Macaulay Mindset” during a Ram Mandir’s Dhwajarohan event in Ayodhya on November 25.How English took root in IndiaEnglish entered India through trade, diplomacy and eventually conquest. The British East India Company and later the Crown used the language for administration and governance. But English did not spread organically. It was strategically introduced to build an intermediary class that would think like the colonial rulers. A visual recreation of early East India Company trade, foreshadowing the colonial shift to come.In 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay, a British historian and politician, famously argued in “Minute on Indian Education” that English would create a class of Indians who were Indian by birth but English in intellect and sensibilities. Macaulay wanted Indians who were, in his words, “Indian in blood and colour but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect.”Macaulay and other early British administrators were ignorant of India’s ancient glories — great literature and philosophy (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads), sophisticated maths and astronomy (Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara), and fabulous architecture (from Mohenjo-daro to Sanchi and Nalanda). This ignorance and racism led Macaulay to say, “A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia.” Photo: Thomas Babington Macaulay (Wikicommans)The plan worked. Knowledge systems rooted in Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian and other languages were slowly sidelined. English became the language of courts, universities and bureaucracy. Access to power became tied to access to English.By the early twentieth century, a new elite had emerged. English-educated and urban, and influential. They authored newspapers, argued in courtrooms, entered civil services and steered nationalist politics. Ironically, the language of colonial control also became the language of resistance, enabling leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar to articulate modern political thought for the world.Decolonisation in actionUnder Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sangh’s decolonisation project has widened from language to symbols and institutions. Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path, the Indian Navy adopted a new ensign inspired by Shivaji Maharaj, and spaces like the National War Memorial, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and Yuge Yugeen Bharat gallery were created to showcase civilisational continuity.The address of the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7, Race Course Road (7 RCR) was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016 by the New Delhi Municipal Council, replacing a colonial-era name with one that emphasises welfare and public good. PM Modi has also renamed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Sewa Tirth. PM Modi on Macaulay imprintEducation reforms through the National Education Policy 2020 encourage mother-tongue learning and allow engineering, medical and law courses in regional languages. Technical textbooks are being translated into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and more, with the UGC expanding regional-language undergraduate programmes. The three-language policy promotes Indian languages alongside English.In January 2022, the government installed a 28-foot hologram of Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate on his 125th birth anniversary, under the canopy where King George V once stood. It served as a temporary tribute before a granite statue replaced it later that year, symbolically shifting the space from colonial memory to the legacy of the freedom struggle.In September 2023, ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, official dinner invitations sent by Rashtrapati Bhavan referred to Droupadi Murmu as the “President of Bharat” instead of the customary “President of India”, marking what was widely reported as the first such instance in an English-language state invite. G20 invite Government vocabulary now includes terms like Seva Saptah, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharat in diplomatic use. Museum projects and tributes to figures like Birsa Munda and Alluri Raju widen the historical lens.Decolonisation a route to Hindi imposition?However, the conversation around decolonisation is not without anxieties. In several non-Hindi speaking states, particularly in the South and the Northeast, language is tied closely to identity, history and political autonomy. Many regional leaders and scholars worry that the push to move away from English might gradually translate into privileging Hindi at the national level. To them, decolonisation could risk becoming centralisation if it does not explicitly protect linguistic diversity. The concern is less about opposing Indian languages and more about ensuring that Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and others enjoy equal visibility and policy support. Calling PM Modi’s decolonisation pitch an effort to recognise India’s historical strength and move away from the mindset of a “white man’s burden”, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “It has nothing to do with what language you speak. The idea here is to focus on and promote indigenous education and inherent strength”. “If you see the New Education Policy, it focuses on recognising inherent talent in the individual irrespective of the language and the region you come from. If one recalls historically, India was an education capital. Our Vedic rituals, our guru–shishya parampara, were something which the world wanted to emulate. In fact, Nalanda was considered to be a centre of excellence globally, where scholars from across the world used to come, learn, and then try to emulate it in their own countries,” he said. NEP and DecolonisationThe BJP leader also countered the notion that the decolonisation push is a route to Hindi imposition, calling it “unfair and political” criticism. Referring to the New Education Policy (NEP), he said it focuses on promoting education in one’s own language. “Whether one speaks Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or any other language… the idea is to focus and promote education and excellence in any language of choice.”On the question of language hierarchy and how Hindi-speaking states would connect with non-Hindi-speaking ones if English is deprioritised, he added that in the age of technology, linguistic barriers are dissolving.  It depends on every individual what they want to consider as a link language. Many people want Hindi as a link language, and some may prefer another. The objective is not to impose one language over another. It is like an orchestra where everything will go in tandem with each other.Pradeep Bhandari saidINDIA bloc on NEP and Hindi ‘imposition’Chief ministers from the INDIA bloc have repeatedly expressed concerns that the NEP may lead to language centralisation. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has been the most vocal, saying, “The Centre knows it cannot directly impose Hindi without facing fierce opposition, so it uses education as a backdoor.” Kerala initially opposed NEP, calling it overly centralised and saffronised, although it later agreed to implement PM-SHRI schools while insisting that state autonomy in education must be respected.PM-SHRI, or Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India, is a scheme launched in 2022 to upgrade around 14,500 existing government schools into modern model schools that reflect the vision of the National Education Policy.CM Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has chosen not to fully adopt NEP, saying the state will follow its own education model instead. The broader concern among these states is that decolonisation should not turn into Hindi dominance and that regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali must be given equal space.In Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have both opposed what they called attempts at “Hindi imposition,” particularly in schools. Uddhav described the move to make Hindi compulsory under the three-language policy as a threat to Marathi identity, saying, “We will not allow the imposition of Hindi.”The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS even announced a joint protest in Mumbai, after which the state rolled back the order that proposed to make Hindi compulsory as a third language in Maharashtra schools, for Classes 1 to 5.Undoing Macaulay or reimagining India?Two centuries after Macaulay, India is not trying to erase English. It is trying to recalibrate identity. English no longer needs to sit at the top of an invisible ladder. Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Manipuri and dozens of other languages do not need to stand below it.If decolonisation means confidence in one’s own language and culture while engaging the world without self-doubt, India might emerge more multilingual, more inclusive and more global than before. The challenge is to ensure that promoting indigenous languages does not turn into replacing one hierarchy with another.Undoing Macaulay will not be about removing English. It will be about removing the idea that language decides intellect. When English becomes one language among many rather than the measure of modernity, India will have truly decolonised.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin’Sab Jagah Pohchenge’: Yogi Adityanath On What’s Next After Ram Temple, ‘Kashi-Mathura’ Slogan123PhotostoriesSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately10 good morning wishes kids should be encouraged to use in familyBengaluru’s Namma Metro Push: Karnataka Forms High-Level Monitoring Group to Keep Blue Line on 2026 TrackMadurai Set to Unclog Gridlock as Velunachiyar Flyover Opens, Promising Major Speed Boost for Commuters10 lessons of Swami Vivekananda for success123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliNarela Girl Sexually AssaultedBengaluru News

India is actively pursuing a decolonisation agenda, moving beyond English’s historical dominance. This initiative, championed by PM Modi, aims to revive indigenous knowledge systems and promote regional languages in education and governance. While fostering national pride, concerns remain about potential Hindi imposition over linguistic diversity, sparking a crucial national dialogue. From Macaulay to multilingual Bharat: India’s renaissance moment In ancient India, knowledge often travelled into the subcontinent, not out of it. Scholars journeyed from China, Korea, Tibet, Central Asia and Persia to study in centres like Takshashila and Nalanda, where mathematics, astronomy, grammar, statecraft and medicine flourished. These were not mere stone structures but the heart of an intellectual civilisation whose instruction was rooted in local languages and knowledge systems. However, over centuries, invasions and later colonial rule thinned this tradition, and by the 20th century, India was no longer exporting knowledge as confidently as it once did. An artistic depiction of Nalanda, once a global centre of knowledge, attracting scholars from Asia.In modern India, polished English often opened doors. It helped in landing jobs, signalled education, enabled migration and allowed an engineer from Chennai and a banker from Delhi to collaborate without needing a common mother tongue.At the same time, English has long carried a social undertone. A fluent speaker is often assumed to be intelligent, cosmopolitan, and somehow “smarter.” A hesitant speaker may be judged as less capable. Photo: Generative AIIt is this perception, not the language itself, that lies at the heart of India’s growing conversation on decolonisation, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a “Macaulay Mindset” during a Ram Mandir’s Dhwajarohan event in Ayodhya on November 25.How English took root in IndiaEnglish entered India through trade, diplomacy and eventually conquest. The British East India Company and later the Crown used the language for administration and governance. But English did not spread organically. It was strategically introduced to build an intermediary class that would think like the colonial rulers. A visual recreation of early East India Company trade, foreshadowing the colonial shift to come.In 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay, a British historian and politician, famously argued in “Minute on Indian Education” that English would create a class of Indians who were Indian by birth but English in intellect and sensibilities. Macaulay wanted Indians who were, in his words, “Indian in blood and colour but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect.”Macaulay and other early British administrators were ignorant of India’s ancient glories — great literature and philosophy (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads), sophisticated maths and astronomy (Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara), and fabulous architecture (from Mohenjo-daro to Sanchi and Nalanda). This ignorance and racism led Macaulay to say, “A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia.” Photo: Thomas Babington Macaulay (Wikicommans)The plan worked. Knowledge systems rooted in Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian and other languages were slowly sidelined. English became the language of courts, universities and bureaucracy. Access to power became tied to access to English.By the early twentieth century, a new elite had emerged. English-educated and urban, and influential. They authored newspapers, argued in courtrooms, entered civil services and steered nationalist politics. Ironically, the language of colonial control also became the language of resistance, enabling leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar to articulate modern political thought for the world.Decolonisation in actionUnder Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sangh’s decolonisation project has widened from language to symbols and institutions. Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path, the Indian Navy adopted a new ensign inspired by Shivaji Maharaj, and spaces like the National War Memorial, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and Yuge Yugeen Bharat gallery were created to showcase civilisational continuity.The address of the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7, Race Course Road (7 RCR) was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016 by the New Delhi Municipal Council, replacing a colonial-era name with one that emphasises welfare and public good. PM Modi has also renamed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Sewa Tirth. PM Modi on Macaulay imprintEducation reforms through the National Education Policy 2020 encourage mother-tongue learning and allow engineering, medical and law courses in regional languages. Technical textbooks are being translated into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and more, with the UGC expanding regional-language undergraduate programmes. The three-language policy promotes Indian languages alongside English.In January 2022, the government installed a 28-foot hologram of Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate on his 125th birth anniversary, under the canopy where King George V once stood. It served as a temporary tribute before a granite statue replaced it later that year, symbolically shifting the space from colonial memory to the legacy of the freedom struggle.In September 2023, ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, official dinner invitations sent by Rashtrapati Bhavan referred to Droupadi Murmu as the “President of Bharat” instead of the customary “President of India”, marking what was widely reported as the first such instance in an English-language state invite. G20 invite Government vocabulary now includes terms like Seva Saptah, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharat in diplomatic use. Museum projects and tributes to figures like Birsa Munda and Alluri Raju widen the historical lens.Decolonisation a route to Hindi imposition?However, the conversation around decolonisation is not without anxieties. In several non-Hindi speaking states, particularly in the South and the Northeast, language is tied closely to identity, history and political autonomy. Many regional leaders and scholars worry that the push to move away from English might gradually translate into privileging Hindi at the national level. To them, decolonisation could risk becoming centralisation if it does not explicitly protect linguistic diversity. The concern is less about opposing Indian languages and more about ensuring that Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and others enjoy equal visibility and policy support. Calling PM Modi’s decolonisation pitch an effort to recognise India’s historical strength and move away from the mindset of a “white man’s burden”, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “It has nothing to do with what language you speak. The idea here is to focus on and promote indigenous education and inherent strength”. “If you see the New Education Policy, it focuses on recognising inherent talent in the individual irrespective of the language and the region you come from. If one recalls historically, India was an education capital. Our Vedic rituals, our guru–shishya parampara, were something which the world wanted to emulate. In fact, Nalanda was considered to be a centre of excellence globally, where scholars from across the world used to come, learn, and then try to emulate it in their own countries,” he said. NEP and DecolonisationThe BJP leader also countered the notion that the decolonisation push is a route to Hindi imposition, calling it “unfair and political” criticism. Referring to the New Education Policy (NEP), he said it focuses on promoting education in one’s own language. “Whether one speaks Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or any other language… the idea is to focus and promote education and excellence in any language of choice.”On the question of language hierarchy and how Hindi-speaking states would connect with non-Hindi-speaking ones if English is deprioritised, he added that in the age of technology, linguistic barriers are dissolving. It depends on every individual what they want to consider as a link language. Many people want Hindi as a link language, and some may prefer another. The objective is not to impose one language over another. It is like an orchestra where everything will go in tandem with each other.Pradeep Bhandari saidINDIA bloc on NEP and Hindi ‘imposition’Chief ministers from the INDIA bloc have repeatedly expressed concerns that the NEP may lead to language centralisation. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has been the most vocal, saying, “The Centre knows it cannot directly impose Hindi without facing fierce opposition, so it uses education as a backdoor.” Kerala initially opposed NEP, calling it overly centralised and saffronised, although it later agreed to implement PM-SHRI schools while insisting that state autonomy in education must be respected.PM-SHRI, or Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India, is a scheme launched in 2022 to upgrade around 14,500 existing government schools into modern model schools that reflect the vision of the National Education Policy.CM Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has chosen not to fully adopt NEP, saying the state will follow its own education model instead. The broader concern among these states is that decolonisation should not turn into Hindi dominance and that regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali must be given equal space.In Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have both opposed what they called attempts at “Hindi imposition,” particularly in schools. Uddhav described the move to make Hindi compulsory under the three-language policy as a threat to Marathi identity, saying, “We will not allow the imposition of Hindi.”The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS even announced a joint protest in Mumbai, after which the state rolled back the order that proposed to make Hindi compulsory as a third language in Maharashtra schools, for Classes 1 to 5.Undoing Macaulay or reimagining India?Two centuries after Macaulay, India is not trying to erase English. It is trying to recalibrate identity. English no longer needs to sit at the top of an invisible ladder. Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Manipuri and dozens of other languages do not need to stand below it.If decolonisation means confidence in one’s own language and culture while engaging the world without self-doubt, India might emerge more multilingual, more inclusive and more global than before. The challenge is to ensure that promoting indigenous languages does not turn into replacing one hierarchy with another.Undoing Macaulay will not be about removing English. It will be about removing the idea that language decides intellect. When English becomes one language among many rather than the measure of modernity, India will have truly decolonised.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”World Saw What Happened To Terrorists…” Rajnath says Strong Borders Powered Op Sindoor successIndiGo Fiasco: Civil Aviation Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Monopoly Model’ RemarkWATCH: Newly Built NH 66 Stretch Collapses In Kerala’s Kollam; School Bus, Other Vehicles Trapped‘Nothing Wrong In It’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On PM Modi Gifting Bhagavad Gita To Putin’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin’Sab Jagah Pohchenge’: Yogi Adityanath On What’s Next After Ram Temple, ‘Kashi-Mathura’ Slogan123PhotostoriesSHE travels: 9 timeless cities that are a joy to explore alone as a womanBeetroot powder vs beetroot juice: Key differences and benefits explainedTHIS 1932 Indian film holds the world record with 72 songs, more than all modern musicals combined7 winter plants that can survive snow and extreme cold (Gardeners swear by them!)6 mistakes people commit while consuming chia seeds and the best way to consume them7 ‘innocent’ words kids say, that parents should correct immediately10 good morning wishes kids should be encouraged to use in familyBengaluru’s Namma Metro Push: Karnataka Forms High-Level Monitoring Group to Keep Blue Line on 2026 TrackMadurai Set to Unclog Gridlock as Velunachiyar Flyover Opens, Promising Major Speed Boost for Commuters10 lessons of Swami Vivekananda for success123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliNarela Girl Sexually AssaultedBengaluru News

From Macaulay to multilingual Bharat: India’s renaissance moment In ancient India, knowledge often travelled into the subcontinent, not out of it. Scholars journeyed from China, Korea, Tibet, Central Asia and Persia to study in centres like Takshashila and Nalanda, where mathematics, astronomy, grammar, statecraft and medicine flourished. These were not mere stone structures but the…

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How delicious foods can lower blood pressure |

How delicious foods can lower blood pressure |

Nearly half of Americans have hypertension, with many unaware of their condition. How about eating good foods to lower high blood pressure. A University of Surrey study found that flavan-3-ols, present in tea, cocoa, apples, and grapes, can significantly lower blood pressure. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet may improve blood vessel function and…

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