THE RAIGAD EXPRESS

  In an era when women's participation in athletics was strongly discouraged, Hamida Banu emerged as a beacon of hope and defiance. Born in the early 1900s near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, she rose to stardom in the 1940s and 50s as India's first professional woman wrestler. Her spectacular feats and larger-than-life persona brought her global fame, making her a trailblazer of her time. Yesterday, Google Doodle paid homage to the remarkable life of Ms. Banu, whose legacy embodies resilience, determination, and the breaking of barriers. Early Life and Career Hamida Banu was born into a family of wrestlers, a lineage that instilled in her a deep passion for the sport. Despite the prevailing social norms that discouraged women from participating in athletics, Ms. Banu pursued her passion relentlessly. She challenged male wrestlers, wagering her hand in marriage to the first to defeat her. This bold move garnered widespread attention and sparked a wave of admiration and controversy. In

The ongoing Lok Sabha election in Raigad has taken an exciting turn with the entry of a new contender, Kumudini Chauhan from the Vanchit Bhaujan Political Party. However, the real battle is expected to be between Sunil Tatkare of the NCP and Anant Geete of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Tatkare, a former state water resources minister, represents the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. Geete, a former Union minister, represents the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. Both candidates have strong support bases in Raigad. The late Manik Jagtap, a former MLA from the Congress and now UBT, had a significant support base in Raigad. His daughter, Snehal Jagtap , has joined the UBT faction, which is expected to boost Geete's chances. Tatkare is believed to have had an agenda against Jagtap in the past, which may affect his support among Jagtap's followers. The political polarization and division in Raigad could make the election outcome unpredictable. The support of Sharad Pawar and Jaya

 In a heart-stopping turn of events, a private helicopter destined to pick up Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare crashed during its landing attempt in Mahad, Raigad. The incident unfolded as Andhare, located in Mahad at the time, on a scheduled trip to Baramati, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare was preparing to board a private helicopter from Mahad. As the helicopter approached the landing site, it suddenly lost altitude and crashed, causing significant damage to the aircraft. Fortunately, both Andhare and the pilot emerged unscathed from the ordeal, having managed to exit the ill-fated chopper just in time. The pilot's quick actions averted a potential tragedy, although the white-and-blue chartered rotary winger suffered significant damage in the crash. The precise cause of the helicopter's sudden descent remains shrouded in mystery, prompting ongoing investigations to unravel the circumstances leading to the alarming mishap. As authorities delve into the incident, t

  Photo Credit:Krushival Panvel: As the old adage suggests, as the house moves, so do the beams of the house. In Shetkari Kamgar Party, Jayant Patil single handedly decides who would be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra In a recent turn of events, the Shetkari Kamgar party (SKP) in Maharashtra finds itself embroiled in controversy as allegations of dictatorship and internal conflict surface. Noted party figure Prof. N.D. Chandrasekhar Patil has come forward to criticize Jayant Patil's leadership, stating that SKP should not be treated as a private domain subject to one individual's whims. The roots of this discord can be traced back to SKP's historical influence across Maharashtra, particularly among the working class. However, Chandrasekhar Patil and other long-standing party members claim that Jayant Patil's narrow-minded approach has led to a deterioration in the party's standing. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, SKP loyalists in Raigad's Alibag re

  Photo credity: India TV news In a nation where women are revered as embodiments of strength and wisdom, the stark reality of their daily struggles paints a grim picture. Despite being worshipped as goddesses like Durga, Sarasvati, and Parvati, women continue to face the heinous crimes of rape, abuse, and exploitation. This dichotomy between adoration and mistreatment highlights a deep-rooted societal issue that cannot be ignored. The most important members of our society, is women, find themselves without the respect and protection they deserve. Their constitutional rights are trampled upon, casting a shadow over every aspect of their lives. Women, being the architects of families and, ultimately, of societies and nations, play a pivotal role in shaping the fabric of our communities. Therefore, any dishonor inflicted upon them reverberates throughout the entire social structure, tarnishing the very essence of our collective identity. Last year, a heinous crime shook the state of Mani

     Photo Credit: News18.com The recent allegations of sexual abuse by Prajwal Revanna, MP of Hassan constituency in Karnataka, have sparked outrage and concern across the nation. While it is imperative to condemn such heinous acts, it is equally important to ensure that all perpetrators of sexual violence face severe consequences, irrespective of their political affiliations or social status. The Case of Prajwal Revanna Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister Devegowda, has been accused of sexually abusing thousands of women. A pen drive containing 2976 sex clips allegedly belonging to Revanna has been in the hands of investigators, and hundreds of these videos have gone viral on social media. Despite these disturbing allegations, Revanna has not been arrested or charged with any crime. It is alarming to note that the response to the allegations against Revanna has been muted compared to other cases of sexual abuse that have received widespread attention. This selective ou

  In 1923, the Labour Kisan Party of India set the stage for Labour Day celebrations in India, marking a milestone in the country's labor history. This significant event took place in Chennai, laying the foundation for the recognition and appreciation of the labor force across the nation. On the same day, Maharashtra Day, also known as Maharashtra Foundation Day, is commemorated annually on May 1st. This day holds special significance as it marks the formation of the state of Maharashtra following the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act in 1956. Internationally, May 1st is observed as International Workers' Day or Labour Day, commonly known as May Day. This global tribute to workers and the labor movement traces its origins to historical events, including the Haymarket affair in Chicago. During the Haymarket Square protest, radical unionists gathered to voice their grievances against police brutality amid a strike. Tragically, a bomb explosion resulted in the deaths of s

  Rev. Narayan Seshadri  Bethel village in Jalna district of Maharashtra Founded by the visionary Narayan Seshadri, Bethel is a unique Christian village that has preserved its distinct identity for over a century.  Narayan Seshadri, a Brahmin from Gangakhed, embarked on a journey of education in Pune in 1833. There, he encountered Christianity and was baptized in 1843. In 1866, he was appointed as a Free Church Missionary to Jalna. The Birth of Bethel Inspired by his Christian beliefs, Seshadri envisioned a community where Christians could live and worship freely. In 1870, he established Bethel, a colony of Christian communities, six kilometers from Jalna. The village was built around the Zion Church, with houses arranged in a circular pattern. Support and Recognition Seshadri's achievements caught the attention of Sir Salarjung Jung Bahadur, the chief minister of the Nizam government. Impressed by his work, Bahadur invited Seshadri to the court and bestowed upon him 1,000 bighas o

In ancient India, the institution of Ganika, or courtesans, played a significant role in society. These women were not merely prostitutes but held a respected position, receiving social status and support from kings and the upper classes. This blog delves into the cultural significance of Ganikas and their contributions to the preservation of Indian heritage. Ganikas were trained in various arts like dance and music to entertain kings, princes, and affluent patrons during religious and social gatherings. They were seen as auspicious figures, participating in religious and social rituals due to their charm, knowledge, and captivating performances. Regarded as custodians of art, Ganikas held a prestigious role in preserving India's cultural heritage, particularly in the performing arts domain. The term "Ganika" is thought to have originated from "Gana," signifying that all members of the group had a claim over her. Ganikas served the king in the outer court, atten