National Unity Day on October 31 celebrates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and his remarkable role in uniting over 560 princely states. His vision of a strong, integrated India continues to inspire citizens to uphold unity, integrity, and harmony in today’s diverse nation.
Click to View MoreShaniwar Wada in Pune was the grand residence of the Peshwas, the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1730 by Baji Rao I, it served as a center of administration, military strategy, and cultural life. The fort is known for its impressive architecture, including court halls, mirror halls, and fountains. Mastani, Baji Rao’s consort, also resided here, reflecting the era’s cultural tolerance. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1827, its ruins and gates remain an important symbol of Maratha history and heritage.
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The Battle of Rezang La (18 November 1962) was a heroic last stand by 120 Indian soldiers, mostly from the Ahir community, of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, against a much larger Chinese force in Ladakh. Led by Major Shaitan Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the defenders fought “to the last man and the last bullet,” protecting the strategic Chushul airbase and preventing further Chinese advance. Out of 120 soldiers, 114 were martyred, while Chinese casualties were much higher. The battle is remembered for its bravery, sacrifice, and patriotic spirit, with memorials like Ahir Dhamhonoring the soldiers’ legacy.
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Dogri is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir and by the Dogra community. Recognized as one of the official languages of J&K in 2020, Dogri has a rich tradition of literature, folklore, and cultural expression. Despite its heritage, the language is declining, especially among youth, due to limited government support, urbanization, and preference for Hindi and English. Surveys show a rural-urban divide in usage, with rural populations maintaining better proficiency. Revival efforts include educational inclusion, media promotion, digital content, and cultural initiatives. Preserving Dogri not only safeguards cultural identity but also promotes inclusive development, social cohesion, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Sustained policy support, community participation, and modern engagement methods are key to ensuring Dogri remains a living and vibrant language.
Click to View MoreThe Harappan script, a writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization, is a mystery with over 400 pictographic symbols and is primarily found on steatite seals. Despite theories like the Dravidian hypothesis, its true linguistic nature remains unknown due to the brevity of inscriptions and lack of bilingual texts.
Click to View MoreVithalbhai Patel was the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly and championed legislative independence and procedural reforms. He co-founded the Swaraj Party and challenged the British from within councils. Patel's legacy, intertwined with the freedom movement and parliamentary democracy evolution, continues to inspire and promote social reforms like Dalit representation and education.
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