Celebrating the Hispanic language, literature and culture, the Association of Teachers of Spanish in India (APEI) hosted a cultural evening at the India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi on Thursday.

APEI serves as a beacon for Spanish educators, interpreters, and researchers across India, uniting a network of dedicated Hispanists

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who attended the event, underscored the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering global harmony and highlighted India’s historical openness to embracing diverse traditions, including Hispanic culture.

The centrepiece of the evening was the theatrical showcase, Journey of Life, an enthralling series of adaptations from iconic Hispanic plays.

Students from premier Indian institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, Delhi Public School, and Springdales School brought to life the compelling narratives of Macario (Mexico), La Voragine (Colombia), Pic-nic (Spain), Una espiga sembrada en Carabobo (Venezuela), and La Pergola de las Flores (Chile).  

These performances, rich with themes of love, resilience, absurdity, and sacrifice, offered an immersive experience of Hispanic literary genius, honoring playwrights like Bruno Traven, Jose Eustasio Rivera, Fernando Arrabal, Cesar Rengifo, and Isidora Aguirre, said APEI in a statement.

The welcome addresses by Vice President Dr. Noorin Khan from Jamia Millia Islamia and President Dr. Gaurav Kumar from Jawaharlal Nehru University highlighted APEI’s mission to foster Hispanism in India and the pivotal role of cultural exchange in strengthening international bonds. 

Jaipur:

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s ex-OSD Lokesh Sharma on Thursday said he has handed over evidence to Delhi Police’s crime branch in support of his claim that Gehlot provided him call recordings of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to circulate to media during the political crisis of 2020.

Mr Sharma reached the crime branch office in New Delhi on Thursday and handed over a pen drive, laptop and phone for investigation.

Delhi Police questioned Mr Sharma on Wednesday last week in connection with a phone-tapping case lodged on a complaint by Mr Shekhawat.

Sharma had submitted a seven-page written statement, describing the sequence of events on July 16, 2020 when he got the pen drive allegedly containing call recordings from the then CM for circulating them to the media.

“I have provided all evidence in support of my statement. Now Ashok Gehlot should be summoned for interrogation,” he said.

Sharma, in April this year, had publicly alleged that an audio clip of a purported telephonic conversation between Mr Shekhawat and some Congress leaders on “toppling” the then Congress government in Rajasthan was given to him by the former chief minister.

He claimed Ashok Gehlot had given the pen drive, containing three call recordings, “including two purported recordings of Mr Shekhawat with Congress leaders.

“I transferred the recordings to a laptop and from laptop I transferred to my phone and then circulated to media through social media,” he told PTI.

Mr Sharma said that he was not involved in the call interceptions. “It was done on the directions of the then chief minister,” he said.

The political crisis was the result of rebellion by the then deputy CM Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress leaders against Mr Gehlot’s leadership.

During the crisis, clips of alleged telephonic conversations between Mr Shekhawat and Congress leaders surfaced following which Mr Gehlot had claimed that Mr Shekhawat was behind the attempt of toppling his government.

Mr Sharma had circulated the clips purportedly containing conversations about “toppling” the Congress government.

In March 2021, Delhi Police registered an FIR against Sharma on charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and unlawfully intercepting telephonic conversations on a complaint from Shekhawat.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

An e-auction featuring an exquisite array of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi began on Tuesday and will continue till October 2. More than 600 gifts and mementos are being auctioned online by the Union Ministry of Culture. ”This extraordinary collection mirrors India’s rich tapestry of culture, spirituality, history, and politics,” Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Monday while briefing the media about the auction.

Individuals keen to partake in the e-auction can register and participate via the official website — https://pmmementos.gov.in/.

According to the ministry, a poignant section of the auction pays tribute to India’s valiant warriors and freedom fighters, celebrating the glorious chapters of the nation’s history. A key feature of the auction is the sports memorabilia from Paralympic Games, 2024.

This is the sixth edition in a series of successful auctions of Prime Minister mementos, initially launched in January 2019. These auctions have garnered more than Rs 50 crore in five editions.

Minister Shekhawat said that like in the previous editions, the proceeds from this edition of the auction will also be contributing to the NamamiGange Project, a flagship initiative of the Union government dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Ganga river, and the protection of its fragile ecosystem.

The funds generated through this auction will provide support to this worthy cause, strengthening our commitment to preserving our environment, he added.

The items on offer encompass an array of traditional art forms, showcasing vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, indigenous handicrafts, and captivating folk and tribal artefacts. Among these treasures are items traditionally bestowed as symbols of honour and respect, including traditional angavastras, shawls, headgear and ceremonial swords.

Of special note is the collection of religious artefacts, featuring meticulously crafted temple models, such as the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Shree Dwarkadhish at Dwarka. Additionally, the auction includes stunning statues of Hindu deities, adding a spiritual dimension to this splendid exhibition.

Distinguished works of art such as Pichwai paintings and many others grace the collection.

Notable items such as Khaadi shawls, Silver Filigree, Mata Ni Pachedi Art, Gond Art and Madhubani Art add further depth to the offerings, representing the diverse cultural heritage of India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

A “meticulously restored” railway coach from the bygone era, symbolising Mahatma Gandhi’s famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation during the freedom struggle, was unveiled by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday.

The coach, painted in a shade of brown, bears a ‘III’ marker depicting the third-class railway compartments he used to travel in, has been installed at Gandhi Darshan at the Rajghat.

A life-size sculpture of the Mahatma showing him stepping down from the coach has been placed on its footsteps.

“Even after more than 75 years after his death, the philosophy and principles espoused by Gandhi are still relevant not only for India but the wider world,” Shekhawat told reporters after inaugurating the special coach.

The Culture Ministry said this unique exhibit, donated by the Ministry of Railways, features “a meticulously restored railway coach from the era of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolising his famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation and advocate for justice and equality”.

Gandhi’s early travels across the Indian subcontinent in third-class railway compartments were pivotal in shaping his understanding of India and his vision of a united nation.

“These journeys played a crucial role in Gandhi’s life, allowing him to connect with people from all walks of life, understand their struggles and evolve his philosophy of truth, non-violence and social justice, realising the power of collective strength and the need to unite the nation in its fight against oppression,” the ministry said.

The railways thus became a vital tool in his mission to weave the fabric of a united, inclusive India, it said.

“The railway coach at Gandhi Darshan is enriched with sculptures depicting Gandhi’s travels and interactions with fellow travellers, providing visitors with an immersive experience that brings alive Mahatma Gandhi’s rail journeys,” the ministry said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Jodhpur:

Hitting out at those who are “anticipating” a Bangladesh-like situation in India, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this is not Bangladesh, this is Narendra Modi’s India.

Speaking to reporters at Jodhpur airport on Saturday, Union Minister Shekhawat said it is unfortunate that some people have made comments that a Bangladesh-like situation will arise in India.

“They have talked about replicating this template in India. They probably don’t know that this is not Bangladesh, this is India, and Modi ji’s India. Those who would do this should understand what would happen to them,” he added.

Though Mr Shekhawat did not name anyone, he was apparently referring to the recent remarks by senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

On Tuesday, Mr Khurshid, at a book release function, said that though “everything may look normal on the surface”, what is happening in Bangladesh could happen in India.

Mr Aiyar had also compared the situation in Bangladesh with that of India.

About the situation in Bangladesh, Mr Shekhawat said whatever happened in Bangladesh was “unexpected and unacceptable… the Indian government is constantly keeping an eye on it. The situation should improve there once the law and order properly gets back on track…”

On a query regarding four circuits being given to Rajasthan under Swadesh Darshan Yojana, he said that it is just the beginning, “but one thing everyone has to understand is that tourism is a subject of the state government as per the provisions of the Constitution. These circuits were given during the second term of Prime Minister Modi. In the coming time, work will be done in collaboration with the state government to increase tourism in the entire region”.

“If we get proposals regarding tourism from the state government, we will consider them seriously and also take them forward,” he added.

The Union Minister also said that by the end of the year, a new terminal building will be inaugurated at the Jodhpur airport. More than 45 per cent of its work has been completed, he said.

Jodhpur:

The BJP on Sunday attacked former chief minister Ashok Gehlot after an audio clip of a conversation purportedly between him and his ex-OSD surfaced online, with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat accusing Mr Gehlot of resorting to illegal phone tapping to save his government.

Mr Gehlot’s then officer on special duty (OSD) Lokesh Sharma had played the call recording between him and Mr Gehlot at a presser in April, claiming that the clips of alleged telephone conversation between Mr Shekhawat and some Congress leaders on “toppling” the state’s Congress government in 2020 was given to him in a pen drive by the former CM.

Sharma is an accused in a case related to the illegal phone tapping registered by Mr Shekhawat in Delhi.

The call recording purportedly between Mr Gehlot and Sharma recently surfaced on social media.

Reacting to this, Mr Shekhawat said, “The former chief minister had resorted to phone tapping in order to save his government. He recorded the phone conversation and saved it in a pen drive to make it public.” He said that this entire conversation is now in public domain and people know everything.

State Education Minister Madan Dilawar also launched a scathing attack on Mr Gehlot over the issue.

“Now it has become clear to everyone how Ashok Gehlot used to conspire. The revelations about phone tapping are gradually coming to light. As a result, Gehlot is scared of the ruling party. This is why he is not attending the assembly,” said Mr Dilawar.

Mr Dilawar was on a day’s visit to Jodhpur as the minister in-charge of the district and held a meeting with the officials with regard to implementation of budget announcements.

He said that phone tapping is a crime. But when Ashok Gehlot was the chief minister, he tapped the phone of former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, the state minister added.

“Now his (Gehlot’s) own people are exposing it. The people of Rajasthan now understand to what extent Gehlot has betrayed them,” he said.

After the Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan were over in two phases in April this year, Lokesh Sharma had held a press conference in Jaipur to claim that Gehlot had given him some call recordings in a pen drive to circulate to the media.

The audio clips were allegedly related to the political crisis that erupted after Mr Pilot along with 18 other MLAs had revolted against Mr Gehlot’s leadership.

In 2020, three call recordings were circulated by Sharma to the media. It was alleged that clips contained telephonic conversations between Shekhawat and Congress leaders to topple the Gehlot government. Sharma at that time had claimed that he got the clips through social media.

Mr Shekhawat had registered a case in Delhi against Sharma in March 2021 on charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and unlawfully intercepting telephonic conversations.

Sharma approached the Delhi High Court to quash the FIR. In June 2021, the high court granted an interim stay on coercive action against Sharma. Sharma said in April that he would give the evidence (to prove that call recordings were given to him by Gehlot) to the investigating agency.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jodhpur:

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said here Sunday that India will develop the North and South Blocks of Delhi’s Raisina Hill complex into the world’s largest museum in 2025 which will be almost double the size of France’s Louvre museum.

An agreement has been signed between France and India for this purpose, the tourism and culture minister said, adding that he was fortunate and proud to be part of the opportunity to execute the world’s largest museum project.

Gajendra Shekhawat was speaking to the media in his Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituency after arriving here for the first time since taking the oath as a Union cabinet minister.

“Once the Central Vista redevelopment project is complete and offices are shifted in 2025, the North and the South Blocks will be converted into a museum and it will be the world’s largest museum,” he said, adding that it will be almost double the size of the Louvre in Paris.

Gajendra Shekhawat said the proposed museum will tell the story of India spanning over 5,000 years.

The Union minister also said the meeting of the World Heritage Committee, of which India is a signatory, will be held in the country for the first time next month.

“I am sure that India, which occupies the third place in the world in the number of world heritage sites, will get one more heritage site this time,” he added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s former aide Lokesh Sharma has once again hit out at him over allegations of phone tapping in the previous government and the REET exam paper leak issue.

Timed just a day ahead of the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, Loksh Sharma claimed Mr Gehlot had handed him a pen drive with some audio clips that were then leaked to the media. He claimed he was told that these were interceptions of phone conversations but was not sure if they were legal.

In July 2020, when the Ashok Gehlot government was being rocked by the rebellion of Sachin Pilot and 19 MLAs, certain audio conversations of rebel MLAs like Vishwendra Singh and Bhanwar Lal Sharma were leaked to the media and had gone viral.

One of these conversations was allegedly between Bhanwar Lal, a rebel MLA and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The purported conversation indicated that the BJP was involved in the attempt to topple the Ashok Gehlot government.

Mr Shekhawat had filed a police case accusing Lokesh Sharma of leaking the alleged conversation. He also filed a defamation case against Mr Gehlot in connection with the issue.

The phone tapping case is being investigated by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police who had summoned Lokesh Sharma earlier for questioning. He is currently on bail from the Delhi High Court, which has ordered non-coercive action against him

Lokesh Sharma has also alleged that Ashok Gehlot’s close aides were protected by him in the REET paper leak issue of 2022. The leaking of the teachers’ training exam paper or REET was also a political issue raised by the state’s Opposition BJP in last year’s assembly elections.

Mr Sharma has recently been tweeting against his former boss, but this is the first time he has openly spoken out about allegations of phone tapping —  his disclosures timed just a day ahead of voting in Rajasthan and especially voting in Mr Gehlot’s constituency Jodhpur.

Mr Gehlot, who is in Jodhpur after campaigning, has so far not commented on these allegations.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot meets supporters during his election campaign for Assembly polls in Jodhpur on October 23, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Calling Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat a “coward”, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday (October 23) said if he claims to be innocent in the alleged Sanjivani scam, why has he moved court against his arrest, and asked that the police be barred from filing a chargesheet in the case.

Speaking to the media in Jodhpur ahead of launching a campaign in the Minister’s Lok Sabha constituency, Mr. Gehlot also slammed Mr. Shekhawat, who is the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, for failing to declare the East Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as a national project.

“If he is not an accused, why is he going to court for bail? Now you are praying for stopping the SOG (Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group) from filing the chargesheet. You believe you are not accused, you have not made any mistake. Why is the Union Minister being a coward?,” Mr. Gehlot said.

Mr. Shekhawat has filed a defamation case against Mr. Gehlot for accusing him and his family of being involved in the alleged Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society “scam”. The Rajasthan High Court has also granted a stay on his arrest.

Thousands of investors have been allegedly duped of crores in the alleged Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam.

The Chief Minister accused Mr. Shekhawat of not doing enough for the State even though he holds such an important portfolio.

“He could not even get the ERCP declared as a national project,” Mr. Gehlot said, terming it to be an important project for eastern Rajasthan.

He appealed to the people of western Rajasthan to also make it an issue since being part of the desert region, they understand the value of water.

Mr. Gehlot alleged that instead of executing the ERCP, the Centre was now forcing the Congress government in the State to suspend the project.

The Chief Minister also trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the violence in Manipur.

“Manipur is an integral part of our country. But it is burning due to a civil war there. Over 100 rapes have taken place there and 200 FIRs have been registered. But Modi has no time to pay a single visit there,” Mr. Gehlot said.

Taking a dig at Mr. Modi’s frequent visits to Rajasthan, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister could visit Rajasthan “10 times” but not Manipur even once.

“We raised the issue in Parliament but in spite of that, he did not utter a single word and did not give any reply to our questions. Giving answers is important in a democracy,” Mr. Gehlot said.

Referring to Mr. Modi’s remark on his absence at an inauguration and foundation stone ceremony of some projects in Jodhpur last month, Mr. Gehlot accused the PM of harassing the State governments, terming it to be unfair.

“He is harassing states. It’s not fair. He is spreading confusion,” the Chief Minister said.

“He goes on various inaugural functions of trains etc. Even if there is the railway minister, highway minister or whosoever present there, they are all behind him, and he keeps himself at the front. He always wants his face to be at the front,” Mr. Gehlot added.

Asserting that the Congress would be back in power in the State, Mr. Gehlot said that there was a favourable atmosphere for the party in villages. However, he said the atmosphere was a little communal in cities, accusing the BJP for it.

Atmosphere in cities has been vitiated due to their Hindu-Muslim division, but the people of cities will now teach them a lesson. People in cities are also convinced that a lot of work has been done this time (by his government),” he asserted.

New Delhi:

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday told a Delhi court that his allegations against Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in relation to the alleged Sanjivani scam were the “truth” and “cannot be termed defamation”.

The counsel appearing for Mr Gehlot told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal that the BJP leader was served a notice by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police, probing the alleged Rs 900 crore Sanjivani Multistate Credit Cooperative Society scam, and he filed a reply to it.

He claimed that Mr Shekhawat suppressed the fact related to the notice.

“An FIR was lodged by the SOG Rajasthan in 2020. The complainant filed a reply to SOG’s notice…. He suppressed this fact from the court…. My client never said that the complainant has been convicted in the case. He said that the complainant is also an accused in the case,” the counsel told the court.

The counsel further said that a case of defamation was not made out against Gehlot.

“Prima facie there appears to be involvement….If I am telling the truth, it is not defamation,” the counsel said.

The court will further hear the matter on October 20.

The court had on August 7 summoned Mr Gehlot following Mr Shekhawat’s complaint over the Congress leader’s remarks linking him to the alleged Sanjivani scam.

The “scam” is related to thousands of investors allegedly getting duped of about Rs 900 crore by the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society on the promise of highly lucrative returns. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)