National

India Connection: Mauritians Flood Streets to See PM Modi en Route to Ganga Talao

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2025

While vibrant crowds have frequently gathered to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India, his recent two-day visit to Mauritius showcased the profound bonds shared between the two nations. Thousands lined the streets as PM Modi made his way to Ganga Talao, the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in the Indian Ocean archipelago, eager for a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

Individuals gathered on both sides of the road, proudly waving the Mauritian flag alongside the Indian Tricolour, excitedly anticipating the Prime Minister’s arrival. Many held their phones aloft to capture this historic moment as he approached the revered site.

Upon reaching Ganga Talao, PM Modi offered prayers and the holy water he had brought from Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The energy of the crowd surged as they sought to witness the occasion, prompting PM Modi to acknowledge their presence with a wave, further igniting the enthusiasm of the gathering.

Reflecting on his visit, PM Modi shared on X, “I was deeply moved to visit the sacred Ganga Talao in Mauritius. The spiritual bond between our two countries is palpable along its sacred waters, transcending borders and connecting generations to their roots.”

Ganga Talao, or Grand Basin, is a crater lake situated approximately 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous southwest district of Savanne. The site features a temple and several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities. According to local legend, a Hindu priest discovered this site in 1897. Later, in the 1970s, another priest from India brought sacred water from the Ganga River to pour into the lake, thus naming it ‘Ganga Talao.’

In Mauritius, where the majority of citizens trace their ancestry back to India, particularly Bihar, PM Modi addressed a community event in Port Louis, emphasizing these deep-rooted connections. He stated, “Our forefathers were brought here from various regions of India. The diversity in language, dialects, and culinary traditions makes this place a true representation of mini-Hindustan, a miniature India!”

His arrival in Port Louis was celebrated with an exciting performance of ‘Geet Gawai,’ a traditional Bhojpuri musical ensemble that holds significant cultural relevance for the Indian-origin community in Mauritius. Traditionally performed by women, this musical art form remains a vital component of the nation’s heritage.

As PM Modi set foot on Mauritian soil, the excitement among the Indian diaspora was tangible. Many viewed this occasion as a moment of pride, reinforcing the enduring historical, cultural, and emotional connections between India and Mauritius.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.