RSS Mourns Passing Of Ratan Tata, Hails His Contribution To India’s Growth Story

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned industrialist Ratan Tata, describing his death as a great loss to the nation.

New Delhi, Oct 10: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned industrialist Ratan Tata, describing his death as a great loss to the nation.

In a statement, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale paid tributes, calling Tata "a priceless gem" and praising his invaluable contributions to India's progress.

"The death of Ratan Tata is deeply saddening for all Indians. With his passing, India has lost an irreplaceable jewel. His contribution to India's development will be remembered forever. Through his pioneering initiatives in key industries, he set remarkable standards," the statement said.

The RSS further highlighted Tata's dedication to societal welfare. "Whether it was national unity, security, development, or employee welfare, Ratan ji's innovative thinking and efforts were truly inspirational. Despite his immense success, his humility and simplicity stood out as exemplary traits," they added.

Paying an emotional tribute, the RSS leaders said, "We offer our heartfelt respects to his sacred memory and pray for the salvation of his soul."

Ratan Tata passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday following age-related health conditions. He was 86.

His cremation will be performed with full state honours, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Ratan Tata's funeral on behalf of the Government of India.

At the crematorium, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, will be given a police gun salute and then will be consigned to the flames, his family has said.

His mortal remains will be kept for people to pay their last respects at the NCPA Lawns at Nariman Point, before being taken for the state funeral in Worli, government and Tata Group officials said on Thursday.

The state of Maharashtra has also declared a day-long mourning in memory of the business titan.

The Tricolour would be flown at half-mast at all government buildings in Ratan Tata's honour, and there will be no official entertainment programmes for the day.

--IANS

Aakash Sangwan: The Boy From A Boxing Village Who Made It In Indian Football

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Nam Dinh (Vietnam), Oct 10: It has been quite a last few months for Aakash Sangwan. After impressive performances at left-back for Chennaiyin FC in the last two seasons, the 28-year-old signed for FC Goa and has now earned his first-ever India call-up.

Sangwan has three sessions in the blue training jersey so far, the first one in Kolkata followed by two more in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, where India have come to face the hosts in a friendly October 12. Every new day feels like a dream for the Bhiwani boy.

"The first call-up to the national team is always special as everyone desires to play for India at least once in their lives. So, it means a lot," said Sangwan, who shares his room with former Chennaiyin FC teammate Farukh Choudhary as quoted by the AIFF official website.

"The experience so far has been great. I can see why most of these players have been a part of the national team for so long, everyone here is confident and sure about their abilities. I want to contribute to the team as much as I can in whatever way possible so that we can move forward in the right direction," Sangwan added.

It was just over a week ago when Sangwan discovered he would be on the plane to Vietnam, thanks to a text that left him confused at first, and then pleasantly surprised.

"Well, someone sent me a congratulatory text and I couldn't make out what the wish was for. Then when I went online I saw the list of probables and realised why I got the text. It was a surprising as well as a joyous moment," he shared.

What's not surprising for Indian football fans is Sangwan's inclusion in the national squad. Dishing out consistent performances in the ISL in a highly-competitive position like left-back and making to the national team where several names like Subhasish Bose, Akash Mishra, Jay Gupta, and Naorem Roshan Singh have played at the position in the last year, just goes to show the level he has acquired.

It's a unique situation, but Sangwan has the same head coach and the majority of the coaching staff at his club FC Goa, and the national team, which in some way, has made adjusting to the India camp easier for him.

"One thing I can say about the coaching staff is that they are honest and direct people. Good or bad, they will tell you directly to your face. Coach Manolo's relationship with me is just as good as he has with every other player in the national team and FC Goa," he said.

Just over two years ago, Sangwan was an I-League player for RoundGlass Punjab FC, hoping to make a big move. Chennaiyin FC came calling and after 10 assists in two seasons for the Marina Machans, the doors to the Indian national team have opened up.

"I believe it's the constant learning and growing day by day that helped me gain these recent step-ups in my career. I will keep trying to do what I have always done - and that is giving my best and learning from every situation, whether good or bad," he said.

Sangwan's footballing journey began in Bhiwani, a town in Haryana renowned for producing world-class boxers. But Sangwan's sporting journey began with his feet - at the age of 10 when he joined a local coaching academy at the Bhim Stadium with his two elder brothers.

"Until 16 years of age, I played in every open tournament possible in Haryana. Then my family shifted to Panchkula and I started training at the Sector 17 Ground in Chandigarh. For the next few years, I played inter-university tournaments and the Santosh Trophy," he said.

Then, Minerva Punjab FC happened, which opened Sangwan's doors to professional football. He was part of the club's senior team from their very first season in the I-League and made his debut in April 2017. In the 2017-18, Minerva won a historic I-League title, bringing Sangwan his first major trophy.

"I spent multiple years at Minerva. From coming on as a substitute to eventually becoming a regular in the first eleven. I later played for Churchill Brothers and RoundGlass Punjab FC before making it to the ISL," he concluded.

(ANI)

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Maharashtra Cabinet Seeks Bharat Ratna For Ratan Tata

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Mumbai, Oct 10: The Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday on behalf of all citizens of Maharashtra paid tributes to veteran industrialist, Tata Sons’ Emeritus Chairman Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata and passed a resolution condoling his death.

The Cabinet unanimously passed a resolution to appeal to the Centre to honour Ratan Tata with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.

“Entrepreneurship is also an effective way of building society. The country can be taken forward only by the establishment of new industries, but for that, one needs true patriotism in the heart and equally sincere concern for our society.

“We have lost a social worker, visionary and patriotic leader in Ratan Tata. His contribution was phenomenal. He was the son of Maharashtra. India was proud of him. He made his and India’s mark internationally, passing rigorous tests by observing self-discipline, clean administration and high moral values in running large enterprises,” says the resolution.

“Ratan Tata was the great grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He oversaw the affairs of the Tata Group for several years as Chairman and later as Emeritus Chairman. As the head of the Tata Group's Charitable Trust, the oldest in the country, he served with a very philanthropic attitude,” reads the resolution.

“Upholding of ethical values by Ratan Tata will serve as a beacon for other entrepreneurs and future generations in the industry. He was a principled worker. The Tata Group played a major role in the reconstruction of the country after Independence. Through this group, Ratan Tata kept India's flag flying at the global level. From cars to salt and from computers to coffee-tea, the name Tata is proudly associated with numerous products,” it reads.

“Ratan Tata also made his unique contribution in the field of education, health and social service. He will be remembered for his firmness after the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai.

“Ratan Tata immediately gave Rs 1,500 crore to the PM Relief Fund during Covid and also made most of their hotels available for patients during Covid. His greatness will be remembered forever,” reads the resolution.

“He had a unique combination of innovation and philanthropy. He never compromised his 'Tata values'. He was always at the forefront in encouraging achievement and experimentation among the youth. He started an innovation centre to provide scope and employment opportunities to the youth in remote areas like Gadchiroli,” it states.

“We were fortunate to present him with the first 'Udyog Ratna' award of the Government of Maharashtra.

“Maharashtra has always benefited from his guidance. With the death of Ratan Tata, our country and Maharashtra have suffered an irreparable loss,” reads the resolution.

(IANS)

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PM Modi Arrives In Laos For ASEAN-India, East Asia Summits

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Vientiane, Oct 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday arrived in Vientiane, where he was warmly welcomed by Laos' Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham.

Upon his arrival in the Southeast Asian nation, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

"Landed in Lao PDR. Looking forward to the deliberations with various world leaders," he said in a post on X.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, following an invitation from his Laotian counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who currently chairs ASEAN.

Ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister issued a statement emphasising the significance of the East Asia Summit as a platform for discussing regional challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

His statement read, "Today, I am embarking on a two-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR, at the invitation of Prime Minister Mr. Sonexay Siphandone to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia Summit. This year marks a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join the ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation."

PM Modi highlighted India's strong cultural and civilisational ties with the region, particularly Laos, noting the shared heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana.

He expressed optimism about his meetings with the Laotian leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations, stating, "I look forward to my meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen our bilateral ties. I am confident that this visit will further deepen our engagement with ASEAN countries."

The Prime Minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summits in Vientiane.

His visit to Laos underscores the significance of ASEAN nations as a core pillar of India's Act East policy, as well as key partners in New Delhi's Indo-Pacific Vision, which is reinforced by PM Modi's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "The ASEAN-India Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of cooperation. The East Asia Summit, a premier leaders-led forum that contributes to building an environment of strategic trust in the region, provides an opportunity for leaders of EAS Participating Countries, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional importance."

PM Modi's support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific region has strengthened India's ties with the association over the last decade.