RAJASTHAN

The Gyan Shakti Think Tank (GSTT) under Sapta Shakti Command, in collaboration with FICCI, hosted its inaugural seminar in Jaipur, focusing on “Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan.” The event, held at the Jaipur Military Station, brought together key figures from the defence industry, government, and academia. Industry and Commerce Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and FICCI Co-chair Ankit Mehta participated, while Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, delivered the keynote address. The seminar highlighted Rajasthan’s potential as a hub for defence manufacturing, emphasizing its role in achieving self-reliance in the sector. GSTT, established to foster collaboration between veterans, scholars, and industry leaders, aims to contribute to defence and regional security through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.

The Rajasthan government, in line with its commitment to women’s empowerment through sports, has signed a collaboration with Borussia Dortmund, a leading German football club. This partnership, born from the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Germany, aims to train young female footballers in Rajasthan, building upon the state’s junior girls’ team’s recent victory in the National Football Championship. Borussia Dortmund will conduct training programs, select a talented player for a week-long training stint in Germany, and provide specialized workshops for aspiring female athletes. The collaboration also includes support from the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s national football association, and Dwarka Gems Ltd., which has launched a football-inspired jewelry line with a portion of proceeds dedicated to supporting women’s football in Rajasthan. This initiative signifies a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and rural development in the state through the power of sports.

Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari presided over a district-level investors’ summit in Ajmer, where 301 MoUs worth Rs 14,026 crore were signed across various sectors, including marble and granite, textiles, healthcare, education, and solar energy. The summit, a precursor to the state-level Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur, aims to attract investment and create employment opportunities. Kumari emphasized the government’s commitment to providing facilities and streamlining processes for entrepreneurs, highlighting the Rajasthan Enterprise Promotion Scheme 2024. The event showcased Ajmer’s potential for business growth, with officials emphasizing the district’s strategic location and the government’s efforts to translate potential into reality.

The Rajasthan government signed 143 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with companies worth Rs 10,340 crore during the Rising Rajasthan summit in Bhilwara. These investments are projected to create 23,000 jobs in the district, with the textile sector leading the way with 62 MoUs and proposed investments of Rs 4,621 crore. Other key sectors attracting investment include iron and steel, agro and food, medical, mining, tourism, furniture, plastic, petroleum, and various other industries. To facilitate these investments, RIICO has developed 11 industrial areas in Bhilwara, including Biliya, Hamirgarh, Begod, and Kanyakhedi, among others. The event was attended by district in-charge minister Dr Manju Baghmar, Bhilwara collector Namit Mehta, and prominent industrialists, administrative officials, and public representatives.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has directed the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to investigate the disappearance of 25 tigers from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR). This decision follows a report indicating that no concrete evidence was found for 11 tigers for over a year and 14 tigers for less than a year. The NTCA aims to determine the cause of the disappearances, considering possibilities like poaching, retaliatory killing, or natural causes. While the forest department claims to have found evidence for 10 of the missing tigers, 15 remain unaccounted for. The investigation is crucial due to concerns about overcrowding and potential threats to tigers from villagers as they venture into unsafe zones. The extended monsoon season has also hindered efforts to locate the missing animals.

The Rajasthan government has announced a series of welfare schemes and initiatives to be launched on its first anniversary next month. These include the transfer of Rs 150 crore to 1.5 lakh construction workers, Rs 150 crore for 5 lakh children under the Palanhar scheme, scooters for 2,000 differently abled individuals, tablets for 9,000 patwaris, and the creation of 1 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” through economic empowerment programs. The government will also provide assistive materials to 10,000 disabled persons, launch the Agristack portal for farmers, and establish the Rajsakhi portal to support 45 lakh self-help group members. These initiatives aim to promote economic growth, women’s empowerment, and digitalization in the state. The government also highlighted its achievements in development and infrastructure projects, contrasting its agenda with the Congress’s focus on caste politics.

The “Jaipur: The Rising Rajasthan Agriculture and Allied Sectors pre-summit” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, united by a common goal: to empower Rajasthan’s farmers and propel the state’s agricultural sector towards a brighter future. Here are the key takeaways from this impactful event:

1. A Collaborative Vision: The pre-summit fostered a spirit of collaboration between farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts, creating a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing.

2. Innovation at the Forefront: The event highlighted the crucial role of technological advancements in modernizing agriculture. Discussions focused on leveraging digital tools, precision farming techniques, and innovative solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency.

3. Empowering the Allied Sectors: Recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture and allied sectors, the pre-summit emphasized the importance of strengthening food processing, livestock management, and other related industries.

4. Doubling Farmers’ Income: A Collective Effort: The event underscored the shared commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of doubling farmers’ income. Strategies for achieving this target were discussed, including market access, value chain development, and improved infrastructure.

5. A Wave of Investment: The pre-summit attracted significant investment, with MOUs worth over Rs 19,497 crore signed by 862 investors. This influx of capital will be instrumental in driving growth and development within the agricultural sector.

6. A Catalyst for Change: The pre-summit served as a catalyst for positive change, igniting a collective drive to transform Rajasthan’s agricultural landscape. The event’s success lays the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the state’s farmers.

This article explores the unique and heartwarming story of how a Muslim professor’s Urdu translation of the Ramayan has become an integral part of Diwali celebrations in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Here are the key points:

1. A Legacy of Scholarship: Maulvi Badshah Shah Hussain Rana Lakhnavi, a professor of Urdu in Bikaner, won a gold medal from Banaras Hindu University for his Urdu translation of the Ramayan in 1935. This translation, born out of a nationwide competition, has become a cherished part of Bikaner’s cultural heritage.

2. A Bridge Between Faiths: The Urdu Ramayan, a testament to the enduring power of Ram’s story, transcends religious boundaries. It is seen as a symbol of unity and understanding between communities.

3. A Celebration of Diwali: For over a decade, the recitation of Rana Lakhnavi’s Urdu Ramayan has become an essential part of Bikaner’s Diwali celebrations. The event, organized by the Bikaner Paryatan Lekhak Sangh, draws large crowds who are captivated by the beauty and eloquence of the translation.

4. Preserving a Literary Treasure: Dr Zia-Ul-Hasan Qadri, an Urdu teacher and organizer of the event, highlights the significance of Rana Lakhnavi’s translation as the only complete version of the Ramayan in Urdu. His work is a valuable contribution to Urdu literature and a testament to his dedication to scholarship.

5. A Call for Amity: The “Mehfil-e-Adab” event, where the Urdu Ramayan is recited, is not just a celebration of literature but also a powerful message of harmony and unity. It serves as a reminder of the shared values and traditions that bind communities together.

6. A Global Reach: Mukul Chaturvedi, a professor at Delhi’s Zakir Hussain College, has translated Rana Lakhnavi’s work into English, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience. The publication of the English translation in Sahitya Akademi’s journal in 2022 further underscores the importance and enduring relevance of this literary masterpiece.

The story of the Urdu Ramayan in Bikaner is a powerful reminder of the unifying power of art and literature. It demonstrates how cultural exchange and shared narratives can bridge divides and foster understanding between communities.

Here are the key points of the article:

• Empowering the Disabled: The Barmer district administration in Jaisalmer launched the “Navo Barmer” campaign, focusing on providing support and opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Connecting with Government Schemes: The campaign included a special camp where eligible individuals were connected with government schemes designed to aid them.
• Accessibility for All: All government offices in Barmer were audited to ensure they were accessible and friendly for people with disabilities.
• Statewide Replication: The success of the “Navo Barmer” campaign has caught the attention of the Rajasthan government, leading to plans to replicate the initiative across the state.
• Reaching Out to the Community: The campaign involved organizing camps at the sub-division level, with medical boards dispatched to assist individuals with disabilities.
• Tangible Support: The government allocated a special budget of Rs 2.5 million to provide tricycles, wheelchairs, and other essential equipment to individuals with disabilities in Barmer.
• A Positive Impact: The “Navo Barmer” campaign has positively impacted the lives of approximately 7,000 individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the power of inclusive initiatives.

This initiative highlights the importance of creating a society that embraces and supports individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and resources. The “Navo Barmer” campaign serves as a model for other districts and states to follow, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

1. Reviving the Dream: After a two-month pause, Rajasthan’s Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department is reigniting the process of crafting a new township policy. This policy aims to address the evolving needs of the state’s urban landscape.

2. A Collaborative Effort: The government, recognizing the importance of public input, formed a committee to draft the policy and actively sought feedback from all segments of society. This inclusive approach ensures that the policy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Rajasthan’s people.

3. Listening to the People: The government extended the deadline for receiving suggestions and objections twice, demonstrating its commitment to incorporating public voices into the policy-making process. This commitment to transparency and inclusivity fosters a sense of ownership and trust among the people.

4. Learning from the Past: The new policy is designed to address the challenges and opportunities that have emerged since the last township policy was implemented in 2010. This forward-looking approach ensures that the policy remains relevant and effective in the years to come.

5. A Vision for the Future: The policy aims to create sustainable and thriving townships that meet the needs of the present while safeguarding the well-being of future generations. This vision prioritizes the human element, ensuring that development is not just about infrastructure but also about creating a sense of community and belonging.

6. A Collaborative Journey: The government’s commitment to involving all stakeholders in the policy-making process is a testament to its belief in the power of collective action. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ensures that the policy truly reflects the aspirations of the people of Rajasthan.