August 30, 2026

Kolkata police served a notice on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee regarding a recent scuffle. He has been asked to appear at the police station on Tuesday noon. NEW DELHI: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has been served a police notice over a scuffle involving private security guards at his office and a team of police personnel and civic body officials, a police officer said on Sunday.”A notice has been served on Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the investigation. He has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on Monday. The investigation is underway, and all aspects of the incident are being examined,” the Kolkata Police officer told PTI.The notice was delivered to Abhishek Banerjee at his residence on Saturday evening. The TMC national general secretary has been asked to appear before the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on September 1 for questioning.Three FIRs have been registered in connection with the August 27 incident. Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of TMC supremo and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has been named as an accused in two cases. Other TMC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and former MLA Humayun Kabir, have also been named in the FIRs.O’Brien was served a notice on Sunday.The incident occurred at Banerjee’s Camac Street office, where private security guards, supporters and some TMC leaders allegedly clashed with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials who had arrived to dismantle an “unauthorised” billboard.O’Brien, who was present at the spot during the raid, dismissed reports of resistance by the private guards as “fake news”, claiming they were merely deployed on duty at the building’s entrance.The billboard, which carried TMC signage and was mounted on an iron structure facing the road on the building’s top floor, was dismantled by KMC personnel after police forced their way inside. It was later reinstalled by Abhishek Banerjee and other TMC leaders.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFourteen people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.Meanwhile, police on Saturday registered a suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee for allegedly violating conditions laid down by the Calcutta high court for a foundation day event of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the party’s student wing.The FIR was registered at Hastings Police Station against Banerjee and the organisers of the TMCP meeting. The development is likely to further intensify tensions between the BJP and TMC, which was voted out of power in April after 15 years in government.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Kolkata police served a notice on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee regarding a recent scuffle. He has been asked to appear at the police station on Tuesday noon. NEW DELHI: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has been served a police notice over a scuffle involving private security guards at his office and a team of police personnel and civic body officials, a police officer said on Sunday.”A notice has been served on Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the investigation. He has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on Monday. The investigation is underway, and all aspects of the incident are being examined,” the Kolkata Police officer told PTI.The notice was delivered to Abhishek Banerjee at his residence on Saturday evening. The TMC national general secretary has been asked to appear before the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on September 1 for questioning.Three FIRs have been registered in connection with the August 27 incident. Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of TMC supremo and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has been named as an accused in two cases. Other TMC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and former MLA Humayun Kabir, have also been named in the FIRs.O’Brien was served a notice on Sunday.The incident occurred at Banerjee’s Camac Street office, where private security guards, supporters and some TMC leaders allegedly clashed with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials who had arrived to dismantle an “unauthorised” billboard.O’Brien, who was present at the spot during the raid, dismissed reports of resistance by the private guards as “fake news”, claiming they were merely deployed on duty at the building’s entrance.The billboard, which carried TMC signage and was mounted on an iron structure facing the road on the building’s top floor, was dismantled by KMC personnel after police forced their way inside. It was later reinstalled by Abhishek Banerjee and other TMC leaders.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFourteen people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.Meanwhile, police on Saturday registered a suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee for allegedly violating conditions laid down by the Calcutta high court for a foundation day event of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the party’s student wing.The FIR was registered at Hastings Police Station against Banerjee and the organisers of the TMCP meeting. The development is likely to further intensify tensions between the BJP and TMC, which was voted out of power in April after 15 years in government.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James


Billboard removal row: Abhishek Banerjee receives police notice over office scuffle
Kolkata police served a notice on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee regarding a recent scuffle. He has been asked to appear at the police station on Tuesday noon.

NEW DELHI: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has been served a police notice over a scuffle involving private security guards at his office and a team of police personnel and civic body officials, a police officer said on Sunday.“A notice has been served on Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the investigation. He has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on Monday. The investigation is underway, and all aspects of the incident are being examined,” the Kolkata Police officer told PTI.The notice was delivered to Abhishek Banerjee at his residence on Saturday evening. The TMC national general secretary has been asked to appear before the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on September 1 for questioning.Three FIRs have been registered in connection with the August 27 incident. Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of TMC supremo and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has been named as an accused in two cases. Other TMC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and former MLA Humayun Kabir, have also been named in the FIRs.O’Brien was served a notice on Sunday.The incident occurred at Banerjee’s Camac Street office, where private security guards, supporters and some TMC leaders allegedly clashed with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials who had arrived to dismantle an “unauthorised” billboard.O’Brien, who was present at the spot during the raid, dismissed reports of resistance by the private guards as “fake news”, claiming they were merely deployed on duty at the building’s entrance.The billboard, which carried TMC signage and was mounted on an iron structure facing the road on the building’s top floor, was dismantled by KMC personnel after police forced their way inside. It was later reinstalled by Abhishek Banerjee and other TMC leaders.

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PM Modi highlights ‘BharatRajya’ website in 137th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat ‘, calls for collective push towards ‘Drug-Free India’ NEW DELHI: In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted grassroots initiatives and individuals creating change through technology, social action, entrepreneurship and community participation. He began by discussing a digital initiative by Mumbai-based Krishna Sheshadri that uses technology to make Indian history more engaging.PM Modi then called for greater public participation in the campaign for a drug-free India, particularly among young people.He also spoke about the patriotic spirit surrounding August, including Har Ghar Tiranga, National Handloom Day, the Quit India Movement anniversary, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Independence Day and National Space Day.He highlighted women street vendors benefiting from PM SVANidhi, citing examples from Ghaziabad and Bengaluru.Cleanliness was another major theme, with PM Modi highlighting young volunteers in Uttar Pradesh and sanitation efforts during the Amarnath Yatra. He then showcased individuals turning personal interests and environmental conservation into livelihoods, including a flower farmer in Nagaland and women involved in ecotourism and forest conservation in Odisha.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Prime Minister also highlighted Mission ShaktiSAT, which is bringing thousands of girls from across the world into satellite technology and innovation. He discussed the growing cultivation of avocado by Indian farmers, paid tribute to Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar ahead of his birth centenary, and ended by speaking about Janmashtami, Vishwakarma Puja, Diwali and the importance of buying Indian-made products under the Vocal for Local campaign.Top quotes from the episodeThe campaign ‘Drug-Free Youth for Developed India’ is rapidly gaining momentum across the country. Its objective is absolutely clear: a drug-free youth, a drug-free India. Drug addiction does not engulf only one person. Its consequences are also suffered by the entire family and society. I would appreciate those who raise awareness among others against drugs and come forward to help people struggling with addiction.In the month of August, we see many colours of patriotism everywhere. From National Handloom Day and the anniversary of the Quit India Movement to Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, these occasions make the month special. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign strengthens this feeling further. This year has become even more special because 150 years of Vande Mataram are being completed.”PM SVANidhi scheme is giving new strength to millions of such mothers and sisters. This aspect of women’s empowerment does not receive as much discussion as it should. Around 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi are women. That means nearly 35 lakh women across the country are connected with this scheme and are taking their businesses forward.This year, we saw a similarly inspiring picture of cleanliness and public participation during the Shri Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of sanitation workers remained engaged in service day and night on difficult routes. More than 400 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed during the pilgrimage this year. One aspect of this effort particularly pleased me.Vaishalu Puroji from Phek district of Nagaland began growing flowers on a small scale. Gradually, she began to see an opportunity in it. During this journey, she received training in scientific flower cultivation from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra. She then planted thousands of gladiolus plants on just one-quarter of an acre of land. More than 5,000 flowers bloomed in her very first attempt.Today, the dreams of our daughters are travelling from the Earth all the way into space. 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PM Modi highlights ‘BharatRajya’ website in 137th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat ‘, calls for collective push towards ‘Drug-Free India’ NEW DELHI: In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted grassroots initiatives and individuals creating change through technology, social action, entrepreneurship and community participation. He began by discussing a digital initiative by Mumbai-based Krishna Sheshadri that uses technology to make Indian history more engaging.PM Modi then called for greater public participation in the campaign for a drug-free India, particularly among young people.He also spoke about the patriotic spirit surrounding August, including Har Ghar Tiranga, National Handloom Day, the Quit India Movement anniversary, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Independence Day and National Space Day.He highlighted women street vendors benefiting from PM SVANidhi, citing examples from Ghaziabad and Bengaluru.Cleanliness was another major theme, with PM Modi highlighting young volunteers in Uttar Pradesh and sanitation efforts during the Amarnath Yatra. He then showcased individuals turning personal interests and environmental conservation into livelihoods, including a flower farmer in Nagaland and women involved in ecotourism and forest conservation in Odisha.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Prime Minister also highlighted Mission ShaktiSAT, which is bringing thousands of girls from across the world into satellite technology and innovation. He discussed the growing cultivation of avocado by Indian farmers, paid tribute to Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar ahead of his birth centenary, and ended by speaking about Janmashtami, Vishwakarma Puja, Diwali and the importance of buying Indian-made products under the Vocal for Local campaign.Top quotes from the episodeThe campaign ‘Drug-Free Youth for Developed India’ is rapidly gaining momentum across the country. Its objective is absolutely clear: a drug-free youth, a drug-free India. Drug addiction does not engulf only one person. Its consequences are also suffered by the entire family and society. I would appreciate those who raise awareness among others against drugs and come forward to help people struggling with addiction.In the month of August, we see many colours of patriotism everywhere. From National Handloom Day and the anniversary of the Quit India Movement to Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, these occasions make the month special. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign strengthens this feeling further. This year has become even more special because 150 years of Vande Mataram are being completed.”PM SVANidhi scheme is giving new strength to millions of such mothers and sisters. This aspect of women’s empowerment does not receive as much discussion as it should. Around 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi are women. That means nearly 35 lakh women across the country are connected with this scheme and are taking their businesses forward.This year, we saw a similarly inspiring picture of cleanliness and public participation during the Shri Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of sanitation workers remained engaged in service day and night on difficult routes. More than 400 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed during the pilgrimage this year. One aspect of this effort particularly pleased me.Vaishalu Puroji from Phek district of Nagaland began growing flowers on a small scale. Gradually, she began to see an opportunity in it. During this journey, she received training in scientific flower cultivation from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra. She then planted thousands of gladiolus plants on just one-quarter of an acre of land. More than 5,000 flowers bloomed in her very first attempt.Today, the dreams of our daughters are travelling from the Earth all the way into space. 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Vamsikrishna 0
High-level review meet held over proposed ‘ARISE’ project for coastal projection and climate resilience in Odisha A high-level meeting on the proposed Adaptive Resilience Investment in Coastal Systems on Economics (ARISE) Project was held on Saturday at Lok Seva Bhawan to deliberate on a comprehensive and long-term strategy for protecting Odisha’s coastline, enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable economic development in coastal areas.Odisha Minister of Revenue & Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to coastal management that combines coastal protection, environmental conservation, livelihood security, biodiversity protection and economic sustainability. He stressed that the ARISE Project should contribute towards strengthening the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems against the growing impacts of climate change.A preliminary assessment of Odisha’s 573-km coastline has been undertaken jointly by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). Consultations have also been held with ADB and the Departments of Water Resources, Forest, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development & Revenue & Disaster Management on key issues relating to coastal erosion, sediment management, protection of coastal villages and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. Based on these consultations, ADB and OSDMA have prepared a preliminary report, which was discussed in detail during the meeting.It was informed that ADB (Asian Development Bank) has also been working with the State Governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on coastal protection initiatives. The first phase of the coastal protection project in Karnataka has already been completed. The Minister informed that after completion of the final assessment and report for Odisha, the ARISE Project would be taken up in a phased manner, with appropriate interventions to strengthen coastal protection across the State.The meeting discussed integrated measures to address coastal erosion along Odisha’s coastline. Emphasis was placed on scientific & technology-driven interventions to reduce erosion, protect vulnerable coastal stretches and strengthen long-term coastal resilience.The development of Odisha’s Blue Economy was also deliberated upon, with emphasis on harnessing the State’s vast marine resources and economic potential in a sustainable and responsible manner. The approach would seek to generate greater livelihood and economic opportunities for coastal communities while contributing to the State’s overall economic growth, a release said.The meeting also focused on promoting Climate-Resilient Coastal Tourism in view of the increasing impacts of climate change and natural hazards. Discussions centred on developing sustainable tourism models that balance economic opportunities with environmental conservation and strengthen the resilience of coastal tourism infrastructure and communities.Coastal Protection and Sediment Management were identified as key components of the proposed interventions. The meeting emphasised the need to understand the natural dynamics of Odisha’s coastline and adopt scientifically informed approaches for managing sediment movement and deposition. Strengthening natural coastal defence systems and undertaking suitable protective measures at vulnerable locations were also discussed.For effective implementation of the ARISE Project, special emphasis was laid on Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Advanced Technological Systems. The meeting discussed strengthening the institutional capacity of departments and agencies involved in coastal management, enhancing the technical skills of officials and personnel, and promoting knowledge and experience sharing among stakeholders.The use of modern technology, real-time data and digital platforms for effective coastal management was also emphasised. An integrated technological monitoring system for tracking coastal erosion, improving hazard forecasting, supporting data-driven decision-making and strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms was identified as an important component of the long-term strategy, a release further said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe meeting emphasised that the ARISE Project should adopt a long-term, scientific, integrated and sustainable approach to enhance climate resilience along Odisha’s extensive coastline while simultaneously strengthening environmental protection, disaster resilience, coastal livelihoods and economic development.Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, OSDMA, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior officials of OSDMA and senior officials of the Asian Development Bank attended the meeting, a release added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? 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High-level review meet held over proposed ‘ARISE’ project for coastal projection and climate resilience in Odisha A high-level meeting on the proposed Adaptive Resilience Investment in Coastal Systems on Economics (ARISE) Project was held on Saturday at Lok Seva Bhawan to deliberate on a comprehensive and long-term strategy for protecting Odisha’s coastline, enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable economic development in coastal areas.Odisha Minister of Revenue & Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to coastal management that combines coastal protection, environmental conservation, livelihood security, biodiversity protection and economic sustainability. He stressed that the ARISE Project should contribute towards strengthening the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems against the growing impacts of climate change.A preliminary assessment of Odisha’s 573-km coastline has been undertaken jointly by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). Consultations have also been held with ADB and the Departments of Water Resources, Forest, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development & Revenue & Disaster Management on key issues relating to coastal erosion, sediment management, protection of coastal villages and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. Based on these consultations, ADB and OSDMA have prepared a preliminary report, which was discussed in detail during the meeting.It was informed that ADB (Asian Development Bank) has also been working with the State Governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on coastal protection initiatives. The first phase of the coastal protection project in Karnataka has already been completed. The Minister informed that after completion of the final assessment and report for Odisha, the ARISE Project would be taken up in a phased manner, with appropriate interventions to strengthen coastal protection across the State.The meeting discussed integrated measures to address coastal erosion along Odisha’s coastline. Emphasis was placed on scientific & technology-driven interventions to reduce erosion, protect vulnerable coastal stretches and strengthen long-term coastal resilience.The development of Odisha’s Blue Economy was also deliberated upon, with emphasis on harnessing the State’s vast marine resources and economic potential in a sustainable and responsible manner. The approach would seek to generate greater livelihood and economic opportunities for coastal communities while contributing to the State’s overall economic growth, a release said.The meeting also focused on promoting Climate-Resilient Coastal Tourism in view of the increasing impacts of climate change and natural hazards. Discussions centred on developing sustainable tourism models that balance economic opportunities with environmental conservation and strengthen the resilience of coastal tourism infrastructure and communities.Coastal Protection and Sediment Management were identified as key components of the proposed interventions. The meeting emphasised the need to understand the natural dynamics of Odisha’s coastline and adopt scientifically informed approaches for managing sediment movement and deposition. Strengthening natural coastal defence systems and undertaking suitable protective measures at vulnerable locations were also discussed.For effective implementation of the ARISE Project, special emphasis was laid on Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Advanced Technological Systems. The meeting discussed strengthening the institutional capacity of departments and agencies involved in coastal management, enhancing the technical skills of officials and personnel, and promoting knowledge and experience sharing among stakeholders.The use of modern technology, real-time data and digital platforms for effective coastal management was also emphasised. An integrated technological monitoring system for tracking coastal erosion, improving hazard forecasting, supporting data-driven decision-making and strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms was identified as an important component of the long-term strategy, a release further said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe meeting emphasised that the ARISE Project should adopt a long-term, scientific, integrated and sustainable approach to enhance climate resilience along Odisha’s extensive coastline while simultaneously strengthening environmental protection, disaster resilience, coastal livelihoods and economic development.Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, OSDMA, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior officials of OSDMA and senior officials of the Asian Development Bank attended the meeting, a release added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in India123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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PM Narendra Modi with Uzbekistan Shavkat President Mirziyoyev Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and personal welcome from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after arriving in capital Tashkent on Saturday for a two-day state visit.From the airport, the two leaders travelled together by car to the presidential palace, marking the latest instance of PM Modi sharing a car ride with a world leader. They held a dinner meeting at the presidential palace.During the visit, the first leg of the prime minister’s two-nation tour, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the Uzbek president to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.The discussions will cover cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties, while also setting the agenda for future bilateral engagement.In his departure statement, PM Modi noted that the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership had witnessed “significant advancement” in recent years.“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” he wrote on X.The visit marks his fourth trip to Uzbekistan since taking office. He previously visited the country in 2015, 2016 and 2022.From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will mark 25 years of the organisation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesPM Modi’s ‘car’ diplomacyPM Modi first “carpooled” with a world leader during his 2014 visit to the United States, when he shared a car ride with then-US President Barack Obama.However, since last year, car rides with world leaders have become a recurring feature of what has been described as the prime minister’s “informal diplomacy.”In September last year, during his visit to China for the SCO Summit, PM Modi travelled in the same car as Vladimir Putin, reciprocating the gesture months later when the Russian president visited New Delhi in December.Since then, he has shared car rides with world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in India123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

PM Narendra Modi with Uzbekistan Shavkat President Mirziyoyev Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and personal welcome from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after arriving in capital Tashkent on Saturday for a two-day state visit.From the airport, the two leaders travelled together by car to the presidential palace, marking the latest instance of PM Modi sharing a car ride with a world leader. They held a dinner meeting at the presidential palace.During the visit, the first leg of the prime minister’s two-nation tour, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the Uzbek president to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.The discussions will cover cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties, while also setting the agenda for future bilateral engagement.In his departure statement, PM Modi noted that the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership had witnessed “significant advancement” in recent years.“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” he wrote on X.The visit marks his fourth trip to Uzbekistan since taking office. He previously visited the country in 2015, 2016 and 2022.From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will mark 25 years of the organisation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesPM Modi’s ‘car’ diplomacyPM Modi first “carpooled” with a world leader during his 2014 visit to the United States, when he shared a car ride with then-US President Barack Obama.However, since last year, car rides with world leaders have become a recurring feature of what has been described as the prime minister’s “informal diplomacy.”In September last year, during his visit to China for the SCO Summit, PM Modi travelled in the same car as Vladimir Putin, reciprocating the gesture months later when the Russian president visited New Delhi in December.Since then, he has shared car rides with world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in India123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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New York: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat speaks at ‘One World, One Humanity’ faith leaders’ conference, in New York, USA. (PTI image) NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that a person cannot claim to be a Hindu while believing that there should be no Muslims in Bharat.Speaking at the ‘One World One Humanity’ event in New York on Saturday, Bhagwat said Hinduism requires belief in the dignity of every human being and acceptance of different paths to the same goal.”If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu. If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same goal and that every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings,” he said.Bhagwat made the remarks while recalling a conversation with a group of Muslims who had asked him about Hindutva. He also emphasised the need for societal education and said India’s traditional thought was centred on the “unity of humanity”.The RSS chief said positive change had to begin within society rather than through politics, which he described as increasingly driven by self-interest.”This is the traditional thought of Bharat- unity of humanity. All our leaders, at any point in time, have emphasized that too. After independence, we got the constitution, which emphasizes this, but that is not happening. Because these things do not happen through politics. I’m sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest. And you have rightly said, where there is me and I, there is no solution. We and ours are the solution. So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with the society,” he said.Bhagwat called for sustained efforts to educate society and build an atmosphere of unity and selfless service.”If we do not keep educating the society, then the deflections creep in, and somehow it happened in the course of history. I cannot point the moment. After that, our society, our country, was a target of foreign invasions, and so many things were lost,” he added.Bhagwat also cited the RSS response to the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in Haryana, in which two aircraft collided, killing passengers, most of whom were Muslims.”Two planes collided over Haryana, which is part of Bharat, over the place named Dadri. Both were from Arab countries. Most of the passengers were Muslims. After that collision, our Swayamsevaks reached there first, and they served. Served in treating the injured. All others were dead. Recovering their bodies, arrange for the funeral rites when their relatives come, helping them in identifying. We never thought at that time that these are Muslims,” he said.He said the RSS was able to undertake such work because it was not involved in electoral politics and did not seek publicity or anything in return.”The prominent working organisation was RSS. We could do this because we are not in politics. And we don’t go on making these things famous because we don’t want anything from this. No return. I do not only tell others not to come to gain something. We do it in Sangha. We only give. We don’t want anything… There are many perceptions created by wrong narratives. But when you come and see us from inside, all those will be disbelieving in the day,” he added.Bhagwat also argued that public opinion could influence political leaders in a democracy and called for local initiatives to promote unity.”I do not only tell others not to come to gain something. In Sangha, we only give. We don’t want anything. That is why in publicity matters, we are way behind… Politics today, especially in a democracy, depends on the public view. If there is public opinion, then no politician will dare to go against it. Therefore, I think after taking a common resolve today, we have to act in these societies, and we have to act first locally,” he said.”Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such an atmosphere of unity, and then this dialogue should continue. Through this dialogue, we should connect them, and then we should grow,” he added.Making a veiled reference to India’s age-old ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy, Bhagwat said religions may differ in their practices, but humanity remains one.”I am not a religious scholar, nor a religious authority like you, but I am working in a society which traditionally says that religions might be different, but humanity is one. Truth is one, and humanity is a product of that truth. So humanity is one. That truth is one truth, but it is described in many ways according to the describer. Because as human beings, we are prisoners of the software that has been created in our heads,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”There are many religions, and in today’s world, religions are largely defined by rituals. And to fit in a religious discipline, and to treat that path to divinity, this discipline of rituals is also necessary,” he added.Bhagwat arrived in New York earlier this week as part of a three-nation global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The tour has been organised at the invitation of overseas local organisations as part of the RSS’ centenary year celebrations.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in India123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

New York: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat speaks at ‘One World, One Humanity’ faith leaders’ conference, in New York, USA. (PTI image) NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that a person cannot claim to be a Hindu while believing that there should be no Muslims in Bharat.Speaking at the ‘One World One Humanity’ event in New York on Saturday, Bhagwat said Hinduism requires belief in the dignity of every human being and acceptance of different paths to the same goal.”If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu. If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same goal and that every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings,” he said.Bhagwat made the remarks while recalling a conversation with a group of Muslims who had asked him about Hindutva. He also emphasised the need for societal education and said India’s traditional thought was centred on the “unity of humanity”.The RSS chief said positive change had to begin within society rather than through politics, which he described as increasingly driven by self-interest.”This is the traditional thought of Bharat- unity of humanity. All our leaders, at any point in time, have emphasized that too. After independence, we got the constitution, which emphasizes this, but that is not happening. Because these things do not happen through politics. I’m sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest. And you have rightly said, where there is me and I, there is no solution. We and ours are the solution. So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with the society,” he said.Bhagwat called for sustained efforts to educate society and build an atmosphere of unity and selfless service.”If we do not keep educating the society, then the deflections creep in, and somehow it happened in the course of history. I cannot point the moment. After that, our society, our country, was a target of foreign invasions, and so many things were lost,” he added.Bhagwat also cited the RSS response to the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in Haryana, in which two aircraft collided, killing passengers, most of whom were Muslims.”Two planes collided over Haryana, which is part of Bharat, over the place named Dadri. Both were from Arab countries. Most of the passengers were Muslims. After that collision, our Swayamsevaks reached there first, and they served. Served in treating the injured. All others were dead. Recovering their bodies, arrange for the funeral rites when their relatives come, helping them in identifying. We never thought at that time that these are Muslims,” he said.He said the RSS was able to undertake such work because it was not involved in electoral politics and did not seek publicity or anything in return.”The prominent working organisation was RSS. We could do this because we are not in politics. And we don’t go on making these things famous because we don’t want anything from this. No return. I do not only tell others not to come to gain something. We do it in Sangha. We only give. We don’t want anything… There are many perceptions created by wrong narratives. But when you come and see us from inside, all those will be disbelieving in the day,” he added.Bhagwat also argued that public opinion could influence political leaders in a democracy and called for local initiatives to promote unity.”I do not only tell others not to come to gain something. In Sangha, we only give. We don’t want anything. That is why in publicity matters, we are way behind… Politics today, especially in a democracy, depends on the public view. If there is public opinion, then no politician will dare to go against it. Therefore, I think after taking a common resolve today, we have to act in these societies, and we have to act first locally,” he said.”Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such an atmosphere of unity, and then this dialogue should continue. Through this dialogue, we should connect them, and then we should grow,” he added.Making a veiled reference to India’s age-old ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy, Bhagwat said religions may differ in their practices, but humanity remains one.”I am not a religious scholar, nor a religious authority like you, but I am working in a society which traditionally says that religions might be different, but humanity is one. Truth is one, and humanity is a product of that truth. So humanity is one. That truth is one truth, but it is described in many ways according to the describer. Because as human beings, we are prisoners of the software that has been created in our heads,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”There are many religions, and in today’s world, religions are largely defined by rituals. And to fit in a religious discipline, and to treat that path to divinity, this discipline of rituals is also necessary,” he added.Bhagwat arrived in New York earlier this week as part of a three-nation global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The tour has been organised at the invitation of overseas local organisations as part of the RSS’ centenary year celebrations.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in India123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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