New Delhi:

As India clinches victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday, leaders across India congratulated and applauded the Men in Blue for their speculator victory.

President Droupadi Murmu sent her heartiest congratulations to the Men in Blue and called the victory as “extraordinary.”

Taking it to social media post on X, the President wrote, “My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup. With the never-say-die spirit, the team sailed through difficult situations and demonstrated outstanding skills throughout the tournament. It was an extraordinary victory in the final match. Well done, Team India! We are proud of you!”

Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankar expressed heartiest congratulations to the team India for their victory and designated the it as “stupendous performance” of the team.

Writing on X, the Vice President expressed, “Bharat is elated by the spectacular victory of the Men in Blue in the #T20WorldCup2024! The stupendous performance by Team India throughout the tournament is a testament to their dedication and hard work. May they continue to bring glory to the nation. Heartiest congratulations!”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while congratulating team India wrote on X, “What an incredible victory and achievement by Indian cricket team! The Indian team has scripted history by defeating South Africa at #T20WolrdCupFinal! The entire nation is elated by India winning the T20 Cricket World Cup! Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for spectacular display of cricketing skills, grit and perseverance. This victory today will motivate so many upcoming cricketers and sportspersons. We are proud of the Indian team.”

Meanwhile, the leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also congratulated the team India for squashing victory in a thrilling final at Barbados on Saturday. He further praised captain Rohit Sharma for leading the team and player Suryakumar Yadav for his tremendous catch.

In a post to X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Congratulations to Team India on a spectacular World Cup Victory and a phenomenal performance throughout the tournament! Surya, what a brilliant catch! Rohit, this win is a testament to your leadership. Rahul, I know team India will miss your guidance. The spectacular Men in Blue have made our country proud.”

Speaking on the thrilling win of Indian team, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister extended his heartiest congratulations to the “World’s Champion” and wrote on X, “Invincible India! Hearty congratulations to the people of India! Congratulations to the ‘World Champion’ Indian Cricket Team!

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur said the match was truly a World Cup final match as it hooked people from the first ball to the last.

Taking it to on X, he wrote, “Whattttta match! Kept us on the edge of our seats! THIS is what you call a World Cup final! From the first ball to the last, the tension was palpable. Clinching victory in style, our champions showed incredible skill with the bat, dazzling deliveries with the ball, and catches which win matches! This wasn’t just a game; it was an unforgettable spectacle that will go down in history. The World Cup is home! Massive congratulations to the phenomenal team and the dedicated fans who supported them every step of the way. You did it CHAMPIONS.”

Industrialist Gautam Adani also wished the team blue for their thrilling win and called the match as “nail-biting.”

He wrote on X, “Nerves of Steel!!! What an incredible, nail-biting @ICC. Men’s T20 World Cup Final between two powerhouse teams! Congratulations to Team India on their superb win. Our pride in their unwavering spirit and determination shines brightly as India continues to rule the cricketing world! A fantastic tournament, with the USA emerging as a new cricket power. May our flag remain high! #T20WorldCup #SAvsIND.”

In a nail-biting and thrilling match, India squashed a major victory to secure their second ICC T20 World Cup title by beating South Africa by seven runs at Barbados on Saturday.

Proteas (South Africa) have once again left heartbroken as they are yet to win an ICC title. Meanwhile, India has ended its 11-year long ICC trophy drought, winning their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. India is the first team to have captured the title undefeated.

In the run chase of 177 runs, South Africa was off to a poor start as Bumrah cleaned up Reeza Hendricks while Arshdeep got skipper Aiden Markram caught. But Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock countered attacked India, in addition by Heinrich Klaasen.

With a huge six by Klaasen on a Kuldeep Yadav delivery over extra cover, Proteas reached the 100-run mark in 11.3 overs.

Miller eased the pressure but Pandya came and delivered for India the crucial wicket of Klaasen for 52 in 27 balls. Pandya’s over though, gave a brief breather to India with no boundary, leaving them with 22 runs to defend in the final three overs.

Jansen was cleaned up by Bumrah and Proteas needed 16 runs in the final six balls.

Hardik came to deliver the final over, getting the big wicket of Miler for which Suryakumar Yadav took a fine catch near the boundary. Finally, Rabada was also dismissed leaving South Africa at just 169/8 and India won this nail-biting match by 7 runs.

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

New Delhi:

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will boycott President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday to protest against the arrest of its convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

AAP general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak slammed the BJP over the arrest of Kejriwal and said they will boycott the address.

Mr Kejriwal was on Wednesday arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam being probed by it.

President Murmu will address the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, where she is expected to unveil the priorities of the newly-elected government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament will also be the first after the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha. 

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

New Delhi:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu against the Agnipath scheme, alleging there is “discrimination” in the nature and extent of benefits given to the families of the soldiers killed in action.

Mr Gandhi said though it is a policy matter that falls in the domain of an elected government, an “exception is warranted in this case” as she is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the issue affects national security.

In his two-page letter to the President of India, Mr Gandhi said he is writing to her with an appeal to provide ‘nyya’ (justice) to Agniveers, who lay down their lives in service to the nation.

ALSO READ | Poll Body Raps Congress Over Rahul Gandhi’s Agniveer, Constitution Pitches

“There can be no clearer illustration of the fundamental flaw in the Agnipath scheme – the creation of a ‘lesser’ cadre of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks with lower pay, benefits and prospects,” he said while sharing his letter to President Murmu on the scheme.

Mr Gandhi also referred to his recent meeting with the family of an Agniveer Ajay Kumar (23) in Ramgarh Sardaran village in Punjab, who gave the supreme sacrifice this January in a landmine blast near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.

There can be no clearer illustration of the fundamental flaw in the Agnipath scheme – the creation of a ‘lesser’ cadre of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks with lower pay, benefits and prospects.

My letter to Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on the… pic.twitter.com/GFXFGXkwOc

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 1, 2024

He said like every Indian, he was heartbroken by his martyrdom as Ajay’s promising life was tragically cut short at such a young age. He said he was also shocked to find his family living in abject poverty.

“Despite losing their son, they were proud of his sacrifice in service to the nation. However, they also described the shocking apathy and insensitivity displayed by the government in the aftermath of his death.

“Ajay’s family has received none of the lifetime benefits or social security that the families of regular soldiers receive. This means they will not get a pension, medical facilities, assistance for education, or preference in employment,” he said.

ALSO READ | Rajnath Singh’s ‘Back Off’ Reply To Opposition On Playing Politics Over Agnipath Scheme

Mr Gandhi also said that despite Ajay’s dream to serve his country, his hard work and the highest sacrifice, his family is denied the respect and recognition that other soldiers get, only because he is an Agniveer.

“The tragic situation faced by Ajay’s family is the same injustice that thousands of Agniveers face today, and lakhs more will face in the future,” he said.

Poor families like Ajay’s are left with little respite despite their children’s ultimate sacrifice, he said.

“The discrimination in the nature and extent of benefits accorded to the families of our slain Agniveers, compared to regular soldiers warrants your urgent attention,” Mr Gandhi said in his letter.

“This anyaay – injustice – is why the Congress Party and our INDIA allies have strongly opposed the Agnipath scheme, and have promised to repeal it if we form the government,” the former Congress chief said.

In the letter, Mr Gandhi said, “I request you to intervene. I recognise that a President does not generally interfere in matters of policy, which are the domain of the elected government.

“However, I believe an exception is warranted in this case, given both the seriousness of this issue, and your unique position.

“You are the Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces. You have taken an oath to devote yourself to the well-being of the people of India.” “Is this discrimination against our Agniveer martyrs not a risk to our national security? Is it not a grave injustice to our youth who bravely risk their lives to serve?” Mr Gandhi asked in his letter.

“Do we not owe a duty to ensure the well-being of Ajay’s parents, his sisters, and other families like theirs,” he also asked.

“These pressing questions can only be answered in the affirmative.

“Therefore, I appeal to you to use your distinguished office to do nyaay – justice to Agniveer soldiers who lay down their lives, by ensuring that they receive the same benefits as any soldier who makes the highest sacrifice for our motherland,” he said. 

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

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday conferred Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, on Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart and former deputy prime minister LK Advani at his residence here.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and the family members of Mr Advani, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.

President Murmu presented the Bharat Ratna to Mr Advani at his residence, it said.

President Droupadi Murmu presented Bharat Ratna to Shri L. K. Advani at his residence. The formal ceremony was attended by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and the family… pic.twitter.com/flAH4OqaP1

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 31, 2024

Mr Advani, a doyen of Indian politics, has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Born in Karachi in 1927, he migrated to India in 1947 against the backdrop of partition.

With his vision of cultural nationalism, he toiled hard for decades, across the length and breadth of the country, and brought about a transformation in the socio-political landscape, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

“When the Emergency put India’s democracy at risk, the indefatigable crusader in him helped guard it against authoritarian tendencies,” it said in the post on X and shared pictures of the ceremony.

Mr Advani (96) served as the deputy prime minister from June 2002 to May 2004 and as the Union Home Minister from October 1999 to May 2004. He had been BJP president multiple times — from 1986 to 1990, 1993 to 1998 and 2004 to 2005. 

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

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the contributions of those conferred the Bharat Ratna on Saturday by President Droupadi Murmu, paying rich tributes to former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh besides other luminaries.

“Every Indian cherishes what PV Narasimha Rao Garu has done for our nation and feels proud that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna. He worked extensively to further our country’s progress and modernization. He is also known as a respected scholar and thinker. His contributions will forever be cherished,” PM Modi said on X.

Every Indian cherishes what PV Narasimha Rao Garu has done for our nation and feels proud that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna. He worked extensively to further our country’s progress and modernization. He is also known as a respected scholar and thinker. His contributions… pic.twitter.com/gyZmXYTL0n

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2024

He said the Bharat Ratna for Mr Singh is a recognition of his contributions to India’s development, particularly in agriculture and rural development.

“I am sure this honour will inspire future generations to uphold the values of hard work, dedication and public service that he epitomized,” he said.

Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji’s Bharat Ratna is a recognition of his contributions to India’s development, particularly in agriculture and rural development. I am sure this honour will inspire future generations to uphold the values of hard work, dedication and public service that he… pic.twitter.com/ujx3naWMwX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2024

The country’s highest civilian award for Karpoori Thakur is a fitting tribute to a stalwart who dedicated his life to social justice and equality, the prime minister said.

Known as a champion of the downtrodden, Mr Thakur’s contributions to the uplift of the marginalized and his relentless fight for the rights of the backward classes have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Indian society, he said.

“The Bharat Ratna to him highlights the values of inclusivity and compassion that are essential to the nation’s ethos,” he said.

The Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur Ji is a fitting tribute to a stalwart who dedicated his life to social justice and equality. Known as a champion of the downtrodden, his contributions to the upliftment of the marginalized and his relentless fight for the rights of the… pic.twitter.com/DPcfloiOcH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2024

Referring to agronomist M S Swaminathan, PM Modi described him as a revered figure in the world of agriculture who is widely admired for his pioneering work and research in the field of genetics and agricultural science.

He said, “His efforts propelled India from struggle to self-sufficiency in food production. May the Bharat Ratna conferred on him inspire more people to take up research in agriculture and food security.”

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a revered figure in the world of agriculture, is widely admired for his pioneering work and research in the field of genetics and agricultural science. His efforts propelled India from struggle to self-sufficiency in food production. May the Bharat Ratna… pic.twitter.com/GpaaMtjXA8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2024

All the four stalwarts were bestowed the honour posthumously. Their family member received the honour for them.

Veteran BJP leader L K Advani is the only living person among the recipients of the honour this year. 

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

New Delhi:

Six women from West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali met President Droupadi Murmu here on Friday and demanded that central security force personnel be deployed in the area for the protection of women.

Addressing the media shortly after meeting the President, one of the women who has travelled with her toddler said she fears for her life when she returns home.

“I don’t know what will happen when I return, we have been threatened that if we speak there will be repercussions,” she said in an emotional tone.

She even collapsed after the press briefing.

Another woman said they have demanded deployment of central forces in Sandeshkhali to ensure their protection.

According to her, the President said that she is looking into the issue seriously.

The six women demanded justice in their memorandum to the President.

They came here with some RSS members and social activist Parth Biswas who called the situation in Sandeshkhali “very dire”.

“Sheikh Shahjahan’s modus operandi was to grab land of the poor people, then inundate it with salt water so that the land turns infertile and then use it for pisciculture,” Biswas, who also heads NGO Center for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Support and Research, said.

He said 11 women from Sandeshkhali reached out to his organisation and six out of them have travelled to Delhi.

These six women would be holding a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday and Biswas called on the Dalit leaders to join the protest.

Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district has been tense with a large number of women in the locality accusing TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grab and sexually assaulting” them under coercion.

Sheikh, who had been absconding since January 5 when a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid at his residence in connection with an alleged ration scam, was arrested in the last week of February.

 

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

Port Louis:

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday met her Mauritian counterpart Prithvirajsing Roopun and held comprehensive discussions on ways to advance the long-standing and multi-faceted bilateral ties between India and Mauritius.

President Murmu gifted a RuPay card, which was recently launched in Mauritius, to President Roopun.

Ms Murmu arrived earlier in the day on a three-day state visit during which she would be the chief guest at the country’s National Day celebrations on Tuesday.

In a post on X, the official handle of the President of India said that President Murmu had a warm and cordial meeting with President Roopun at the Presidential State House.

“The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the unique and multi-faceted bilateral relationship, including through capacity building, science & technology, and collaboration in various developmental projects,” it said, sharing a few photographs of the meeting.

President Droupadi Murmu had a warm and cordial meeting with President Prithvirajsing Roopun of Mauritius at the Presidential State House.

The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the unique and multi-faceted bilateral relationship, including through capacity… pic.twitter.com/5Q7SbKIKBl

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 11, 2024

President Murmu also appreciated the Ayurvedic Garden which was set up on the grounds of the State House last year, it said.

In a series of posts on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Ms Murmu was warmly received by Roopun at the State House ahead of their bilateral talks.

“The two leaders held discussions on avenues to advance the long-standing and close relations between India and Mauritius, built on the solid foundation of kinship, culture and strong people-to-people linkages,” it said sharing a few photographs of the meeting.

Roopun, 64, was born in an Arya Samaj family.

Murmu also visited the Ayurvedic Garden which was set up at the Presidential State House last year in collaboration with the AYUSH ministry.

“Traditional medicine is an important area of partnership between the two countries,” the MEA underlined, sharing some photographs of President Murmu visit to the Ayurvedic Garden.

The President also paid respects to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth at the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.

Sharing photographs on X, the MEA posted, “A solemn homage to the architects of India-Mauritius enduring ties!” “A moment of reverence & remembrance for the two towering figures in Mauritius’s history, who strived to deepen the long-standing India-Mauritius friendship,” it added.

President Murmu was received by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on her arrival here at the airport with full state honours “in a special gesture reflecting the exceptionally close ties” between India and Mauritius, the MEA earlier said.

During the National Day celebrations, a contingent of the Indian Navy will also participate in the event along with two ships — INS Tir and CGS Sarathi.

Apart from holding bilateral meetings with President Roopun and Prime Minister Jugnauth, Murmu will also meet the Speaker of the Mauritius National Assembly, the Chief Justice of the Mauritian Supreme Court and important Mauritian leaders during the three-day visit, the MEA said.

Murmu and Jugnauth will jointly inaugurate 14 India-assisted projects, showcasing the growing expanse and multi-faceted nature of New Delhi’s vibrant development partnership with Mauritius that constitutes a “key pillar” of the bilateral relationship, it said.

The MEA said the president will also witness the exchange of important bilateral agreements that seek to further strengthen the robust bilateral institutional collaboration and capacity-building cooperation between the two countries.

“As the sixth Indian president to grace the Mauritian National Day as the chief guest since 2000, President Murmu’s state visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Mauritius,” the MEA said.

“It reaffirms the continued commitment of both the countries to further strengthening the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepening our close people-to-people ties,” it said.

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

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 73 on Sunday, with President Droupadi Murmu and other dignitaries and politicians extending their best wishes to him.

The BJP will also launch “Sewa Pakhwara” from today till October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to reach out to different sections of society with a host of welfare initiatives to mark the birthday of its preeminent leader.

Extending best wishes, the President said she wished that PM Modi with his foresight and strong leadership pave the way for India’s development in every field during the ‘Amrit Kaal’.

भारत के प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं। मेरी शुभेच्छा है कि अपनी दूरगामी दृष्टि तथा सुदृढ़ नेतृत्व से आप ‘अमृत काल’ में भारत के समग्र विकास का मार्ग प्रशस्त करें। मेरी ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि आप सदा स्वस्थ और सानंद रहें तथा देशवासियों…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 17, 2023

Praising him as the architect of new India, Home Minister Amit Shah said he has laid a strong foundation of a grand and self-reliant India on the basis of the country’s ancient heritage.

“Be it the party organisation or the government, we always get inspiration of national interest being supreme from Modi ji,” he said, adding that he considered it his good fortune to serve the country under such a unique leader.

मोदी जी में नेतृत्व, संवेदनशीलता और परिश्रम का दुर्लभ संयोजन देखने को मिलता है।@narendramodi जी ने देश के सोचने के स्केल और साइज को बदला है, जिससे चाहे कोरोना की वैक्सीन बनाना हो या चंद्रयान-3 की सफलता, आज हमारा तिरंगा पूरे विश्व में शान से लहरा रहा है।#HappyBdayModiji

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 17, 2023

Wishing him, BJP president JP Nadda said the prime minister has given tangible shape to the Indian culture’s global prestige, people’s multi-dimensional development and the nation’s universal progress.

Our goal of “antyodaya” (uplift of the most downtrodden) has reached every village and every section of society and has become the mantra for the resolve of having a developed India, Mr Nadda said on X.

विश्व के सर्वाधिक लोकप्रिय जननेता आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी को जन्मदिवस की सादर शुभकामनाएं देता हूँ।

भारतीय संस्कृति की वैश्विक प्रतिष्ठा, जनता-जनार्दन के बहुआयामी विकास व राष्ट्र के सार्वभौमिक उत्कर्ष को आपने साकार स्वरूप प्रदान किए हैं। ‘अंत्योदय’ का हमारा… pic.twitter.com/23svOMJopN

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 17, 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Modi has not given merely a new identity to India but also enhanced its prestige in the world.

भारत के यशस्वी एवं कर्मयोगी प्रधानमंत्री, श्री @narendramodi जी को जन्मदिन की ढेरों शुभकामनाएँ। उन्होंने भारत को न केवल नई पहचान दी है बल्कि संपूर्ण विश्व में उसका मान भी बढ़ाया है।

लोक कल्याण और गरीब कल्याण के प्रति पूरी तरह प्रतिबद्ध मोदीजी ने भारत को विकास की नई बुलंदियों तक…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 17, 2023

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “architect of new India” and lauded his dedication and vision for building a “developed India.”

“Happy birthday to the great devotee of Maa Bharati, the architect of ‘New India’, the dreamer of ‘Developed India’, committed towards ‘One India – Best India’, the most popular politician of the world, the famous Prime Minister of the country Shri @narendramodi ji,” Yogi Adityanath said in a post on X in Hindi.

‘Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji: The Architect of New India’

If we look closely at Hon. Prime Minister Ji’s personality, we find a reflection of a beautiful coordination of the qualities of both practicality and idealism.

Read my full article in @timesofindia… pic.twitter.com/Y72Tyk5YVS

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 17, 2023

The prime minister has taken India’s development to new heights, he said, wishing him good health and long life.

The prime minister himself will be part of the launch of several development initiatives on his birthday. With ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’ falling on Sunday as well, PM Modi will launch his government’s ambitious scheme, “PM Vishwakarma”, which is aimed at helping artisans and craftsmen and others engaged in traditional skills on the occasion. 

As practitioners of these traditional occupations come largely from Other Backward Classes, the scheme with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore is also being seen as the ruling BJP’s outreach to the politically important segment.

He is scheduled to inaugurate the first phase of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), named Yashobhoomi, in Dwarka and also the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new metro station at Dwarka Sector 25 as well on Sunday.

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

New Delhi:

The special dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for G20 leaders on Saturday evening will witness a musical performance showcasing ancient classical instruments such ‘Ravanahatha’ and ‘Rudra Veena’ among others.

The ceremonial dinner to be held tonight at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the G20 Leaders Summit in the national capital will celebrate the country’s rich musical heritage – a mix of different styles of classical and contemporary music.

The performance ‘Bharat Vadya Darshanam’ – Musical Journey of India – by the ‘Gaandharva Aaradhyam’ group will be showcased during the dinner hosted by President Murmu.

The 18th G20 Leaders Summit has brought together leaders from the world’s 20 major economies.

“The three-hour-long performance at the G20 special dinner during the special dinner will see ancient musical instruments like “Ravanahatha” to “Rudra Veena,” as well as the tabla and piano being played,” Minister of State Meenakashi Lekhi told ANI.

“We have the legacy of Hindustani and Carnatic music Specially abled artists will also perform at the dinner hosted by President Murmu. This would be a very proud moment for all of us,” Lekhi said.

Earlier today Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed global leaders and heads of State at the venue with handshakes and hugs.

Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the gathering of world leaders will chart a new path in human-centric and inclusive development

The theme of this year’s G20 Summit, which is taking place under India’s presidency, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganism-and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is being hosted by India.

The countries taking part in the G20 Summit include Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, the AU (represented by Comoros), and South Africa. Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, and Japan Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, the United States, Canada, China, UAE, Brazil, Indonesia, and Turkey Spain, Germany, France, Mauritius, the European Union, and Singapore.

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

The buzz that started after the dinner invite to G20 leaders from President Droupadi Murmu used the term ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the traditional ‘President of India’ has now extended across the borders. A post on X (formerly Twitter) has quoted Pakistani local media reports to claim that the Islamic Republic might consider asserting lay claim to the name ‘India’.  

A post shared by the South Asia Index’s X handle stated: “Pakistan may lay claim to the name “India” if India derecongnises it officially at UN level. –local media. Nationalists in Pakistan have long argued that Pakistan has rights to the name as it refers to the Indus region in Pakistan.”

Just IN:— Pakistan may lay claim on name “India” if India derecongnises it officially at UN level. – local media

— Nationalists in Pakistan have long argued that Pakistan has rights on the name as it refers to Indus region in .

— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) September 5, 2023

However, there has been no official statement from the Indian government about any intention to change the country’s name.

The post got sharp reactions from social media users, with many of them calling it a joke. Others posted funny reactions.

“If Pakistan claims “India”, Afghanistan may claim Pakistan,” Russia may claim Afghanistan,” and so on. Pakistan should absolutely not start the chain reaction that will likely involve the entire world,” commented a user.

“Changing names won’t change the fortunes of Pakistan,” wrote another user.

“Does it mean Pakistanis want to change the name of Pakistan to India, Hindustan, Industan, or what?,” commented a third user.

Cricketer Virendra Sehwag, who yesterday gave his support to the name change idea, also quoted the post by the South Asia Index and wrote in Hindi, “Gaaon basa nahin aur… (the village is not even settled, and the robbers have already reached).

Gaaon basa nahin aur …. https://t.co/g5Zfe4GUHV

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023

The official invite sent by President Droupadi Murmu generated significant attention because, for the first time, it referred to the head of state as the “President of Bharat” in an official capacity.