MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2024 www.thestatesman.com Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Twitter.com/thestatesman Facebook.com/thestatesman KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR SHARMILA HITS OUT AT BROTHER JAGAN CONG DESCRIBES PM’S GREETINGS TO MANIPUR PEOPLE AS ‘HYPOCRISY’ P5 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. DENSE TO VERY DENSE FOG IN THE MORNING. COLD DAY CONDITIONS AT ISOLATED PLACES. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 17 AND 05 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 100 % TEMPERATURE Max: 15.8 °C (-5) SUN RISES 7:14 hrs MOON RISES 14:40 hrs NETANYAHU REJECTS ANY PALESTINIAN SOVEREIGNTY IN POST-WAR GAZA P4 P9 P12 Ayodhya decked up for Pran Pratishtha ceremony A spiritual ambience fills Ayodhya, with chants of Jai Shri Ramresonating from everywhere Min. 62 % PM Modi offers prayers at TN’s Kothandaramaswamy Temple Min: 04.8 °C (-3) SUN SETS 17:52 hrs MOON SETS 05:26 hrs Everyone in India to witness starting of new cycle of revival of nation: Prez STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY THUMBNAILS A glimpse from the Ram Temple ahead of the Pran ANI Pratishtha ceremony on Sunday. MANOJ BHADRA AYODHYA, 21 JANUARY Devotees arrive to take a dip at Har Ki Pauri ghat on the eve of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Haridwar on Sunday. ANI India to send back 276 Myanmarese soldiers: India will send back 276 Myanmarese soldiers who fled to Mizoram last week following gunfights with an ethnic insurgent group, an official said on Sunday. With this repatriation, which will continue for two days -- Monday and Tuesday, more than 600 Myanmarese soldiers who fled to Mizoram will be sent back to their country, he said. A glimpse of the rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, in the Capital on Sunday.  SNS O n the eve of the Pran Pratistha ceremony of Ram Lalla, a spiritual ambience fills Ayodhya, with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” resonating from every place permeating the air of the temple city. Thousands of Rambhakts from across the country and the world have reached the city of Lord Ram to attend the occasion. Kirtan, bhajan, Ramayana, and Ramcharitmanas are recited continuously in the temples, bhandaras (public feasting) are going on and on the roads, and people are chanting Shri Ram. A harmonious blend of heritage and modernity characterises the new Ayodhya, which is evident from the ornate decora- tions, mural paintings and facade lights across the city. Over 7,000 guests, including eminent personalities of the country and abroad, will witness this grand ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla from 12.05 to 12.55 in the Ram temple along with select guests like RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, state chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and main Jajman Dr Anil Mishra. After the cloth tied to the statue of Ram Lalla is unfastened in front of the prime minister, he will apply kajal to the deity with a gold needle and show him in the mirror. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY Ahead of the consecration ( 'Pran Pratishtha') ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday performed 'darshan' and 'pooja' at Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi. This temple is dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Swamy. The name Kothandarama, means Rama with the bow. It is located in a place called Dhanushkodi. It is said that this is where Ravana's brother Vibhishana first met Lord Ram and asked him for refuge. Some legends also say that this is the place where Lord Ram conducted the coronation of Vibhishana. In a post on X, the prime minister said: "Prayed at the iconic Kothandaramaswamy Temple. Felt extremely blessed." The PM will arrive in Ayodhya at around 10:30 am on Monday. After attending the consecration ceremony and addressing a public meeting, he will return to Delhi at 3:30 pm. The ritual of consecration of Ram Lalla will start at 12:20 p.m. on Monday. The main puja of Pran Pratishtha will be done in Abhijeet Muhurta. The time of Ram Lalla's life consecration has been determined by Kashi scholar Ganeshwar Shastri. This programme will take place on the Dwadashi date of Paush month (22 January 2024) in Abhijeet Muhurta, Indra Yoga, Mrigashira Nakshatra, Aries Lagna, and Scorpio Navamsha. On the eve of the consecration or 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, President Droupadi Murmu in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that it is the good fortune of everyone in India to witness the starting of a new cycle of revival of the nation. The President said that in the atmosphere of nationwide celebrations associated with the inauguration of the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya Dham, the free expression of the eternal soul of India is visible. "It is the good fortune of all of us that we are witnessing the beginning of a new cycle of revival of our nation," she said. The President further said the universal values like courage, compassion and unwavering devotion to duty that were enshrined by Lord Ram can be spread to the people through this grand temple. Red Fort to unveil history & cultural spectacle on Parakram Diwas After Lakshadweep pitch,Modi bats for promotion of domestic tourism STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY On the occasion of Parakram Diwas to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a multifaceted celebration is set to unfold, seamlessly weaving together historical reflections and vibrant cultural expressions at Red Fort here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on the evening of 23 January and the celebration will be continued till 31 January. The comprehensive celebration is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with its allied institutions such as the Archaeological Survey of India, National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi, and the National Archives of India. As part of the programme, the event will host a rich array of activities that delve into the profound legacy of Netaji DAHIYA WINS BRONZE MEDAL AT GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE Subhash Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. The Red Fort played a crucial role in the saga of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. A museum within the Red Fort is dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of Bose and INA, which was also inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in 2019 on Netaji’s birthday. The names of Colonel Prem Sahgal, Col Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and Col Shahnawaz Khan, are etched in history as key figures in the Red Fort Trials. Their commit- ment to the cause of India's freedom led to the infamous Red Fort barracks case, a landmark trial that showcased the unwavering resolve of the Azad Hind Fauj. During the event, the iconic Red Fort will be transformed into a canvas through a projection mapping show at the backdrop with artists from the National School of Drama (NSD) performing on stage and will illuminate its walls with tales of bravery and sacrifice in a visually stunning fusion of history and art. Special recognition will be given to the veterans of the Indian National Army (INA). The visitors will engage with an immersive experience through exhibitions of archives, showcasing rare photographs and documents that chronicle the remarkable journey of Netaji and the Azad Hind Fauj at the Red Fort. NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY Days after he called for promotion Lakshadweep as a beach tourism destination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a fresh pitch for the promotion of domestic tourism. Addressing a foundationlaying ceremony of Shri Khodaldham Trust-Cancer Hospital in Gujarat via video message, Prime Minister Modi made the following ninepoint appeal: First, save every drop of water and create awareness about water conservation, Second, create awareness about digital transactions at the village level. Third, work to make your village, locality, and city number one in cleanliness, Fourth, promote local products and make use of Made-in-India products as much as possible, Fifth, travel within the coun- PM Narendra Modi at Arichal Munai point, which is the place from where Ram Setu starts, in Dhanushkodi on Sunday.  ANI try and promote domestic tourism, Sixth, create awareness among farmers about natural farming, Seventh, include Shri-Ann in the daily diet, Eighth, indulge in fitness, yoga, or sports and make it an integral part of life, and Ninth, stay away from any kind of drugs and addiction. The PM urged the well-to-do class to perform wedding ceremonies in the country and refrain from foreign destination weddings. "Just like Made in India, now Wed in India," he said. Highlighting his long-term association with the trust, the prime minister said about 30 new cancer hospitals have been developed in the country in the last nine years, and work is underway on 10 new cancer hospitals. Modi’s journey as PM captured in 75 soulful portraits STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY In a tribute to Narendra Modi, Dr. Avinash Kate, the Dean of Shantamani Kala Kendra at Jain University, has undertaken an extraordinary artistic endeavour. The initiative involves creating 75 emotionally charged portraits of the prime minister, showcasing his role as a progressive leader and representative of New India. Meticulously Crafted on a canvas using acrylic colours, the diverse portraits reflect multifaceted aspects of Modi's work, emotions, and devotion to 'Bharat Mata'. The exhibition also features a compilation of these portraits along with a brief overview of Modi's journey as the prime minister of India. This unprecedented artistic achievement marks a global first, as no other artist has embarked on such an extensive series of portraits capturing the essence of a single individual in various forms. Dr Avinash Kate said he achieved this feat after three months of tireless effort, which he described the process as meditative. The project was indirectly guided by Vedamurthy, Taponishtya Pandit Shriram Sharma, and Acharya, the founder of Gayatri Pariwar, adding a spiritual dimension to the creation of these soulful portraits. On the special exhibition, Dr. Avinash Kate said, “The inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment of our esteemed prime minister have been a constant source of motivation for me. This collection serves as a depiction of his emotional journey, portraying him as a true ambassador of hope.” Dr. Chenraj Roychand, chancellor of JAIN (Deemedto-be University), commented, “The collection provides a unique glimpse into Dr. Kate’s inner imagination, capturing the essence of Modi's emotions, whose leadership has not only shaped the present but is paving the way for a future where India stands tall on the global stage.” The collection stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts and artistic vision of Dr Avinash Kate, resonating with the spirit of unity, love for the nation, and a belief in India's promising future on the global stage. The team has approached the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to display the collection, which was showcased at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, drawing a significant number of art enthusiasts. In recognition of his commitment to society in the field of art, Kate has received numerous prestigious awards, honours, and records, including world records, international records, Asia records, Indian records, and the Limca Book of Records. UNGA president to begin Old-world charmers rule 53rd edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally visit to India from Monday STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 21 JANUARY The president of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis will begin a fiveday official visit to India from Monday. (Photo) He will hold bilateral discussions with the leadership and representatives of the Indian Government, engage with civil society, leading think tanks, embark on field visits and participate in events related to sustainability, multilateralism, accessibility, and digital public infrastructure, among other engagements, a press note said on Sunday. In New Delhi, Mr Francis will hold a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. ANWESHA SANTRA The discussions are expected to focus on the PGA’s priorities, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and India’s engagement and contribution to the United Nations, reiteration of invitation to participate in the inaugural Sustainability Week (15-19 April in New York) and reflections on the Summit of the Future, which will take place in September in New York. KOLKATA, 21 JANUARY Bringing a wave of nostalgia to its vibrant lanes, Kolkata witnessed the 53rd edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally on Sunday morning. Approximately 120 retro beauties, in myriad hues on the vibgyor scale, paraded through the city of joy, turning its streets into a delightful trip down memory lane once more. Flagged off from the Eastern Command Stadium at 11 in the morning by Lt Gen. Ram Chandra Tiwari, GOC-in-Chief, Eastern Command, the fourand two-wheelers covered a route of 14.6 kilometres, touching MG Road Crossing in the north and Ashutosh Mukherjee & Justice Chandra Madhab Street Crossing in the south. Onlookers and spectators cheered as the vehicles cruised by. On proud exhibit was a 1928 Ford Model T from The Statesman’s collection. Once part of The Statesman’s editors’ possessions in days of yore, this vintage gem underwent a meticulous restoration courtesy of Rajiv Ghosh. Leading the pack of head-turners was the scarlet 1906 Renault Freres, the rally’s elder statesman, meticulously restored by the trophy-laden Shrivardhan Kanoria. Ananda Chowdhury’s parakeet-green 1913 Gebrüder Stoewer, SK Lahiri’s sleek blue Plymouth, the cherry-red 1963 Triumph Spit Fire 4 once owned by Jackie Shroff, joined the ensemble. Adding to the spectacle, many drivers took the theme to heart, stepping out in period costumes that transported onlookers to the golden age of black and white films. It wasn’t just a rally; it was a living, breathing showcase of history on wheels, where each vehicle played its role with panache. Talking to The Statesman, Prof (Dr) Ananda Chanda, who has been in the Judges panel for 11 years at the rally, described the parameters of judgment. “There are two categories – Stationary and Mobile section. In the Stationary category, we check for authenticity, the mechanicals, and the coachwork and interiors. In the Mobile section, we assess performance by evaluating whether the vehicle covered all the designated points along the route within the specified time and entered through the designated gate,” he explained. In attendance were Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, state minister of agriculture, expressing gratitude to The Statesman for organising the rally. Maxwell Gaylard, a former Australian diplomat, savoured the rally as a first-time guest. The Statesman Trophy for ‘Best Overall Performance by a Car built between 1940 and 1975’ was bagged by the 1947 Wolseley 14 driven by Vikram Swarup. The Statesman Chairman Trophy for ‘Outstanding Classic Car of Europe Origin 1934-1975’ was won by the Rolls-Royce-driving Shrivardhan Kanoria. The Dainik Statesman Trophy for ‘The rarest Marque on Display/participating was received by the Opel-driving Rajiv Ghosh. Expressing gratitude, Mr Ravindra Kumar, Editor and Managing Director of The Statesman, extended his thanks to the Indian Army, Kolkata Police, sponsors, judges, participants and spectators for contributing to the success of the rally. (Photos by Moul Mondal & Biswajit Ghoshal)