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This Lata fan has her entire music collection

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He, like millions across the globe, is a fan of melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, but Gaurav Sharma’s devotion is unique.

He possesses every book written on Lata Mangeshkar, even by the Pakistani and Australian writers, and his collection includes all the songs she ever sang.

He has even set up six ‘Lata vatikas’ in schools where he has planted thousands of trees in honour of the legendary singer.

Sharma, 39 says he has devoted his entire life towards “worshipping her art and craft,” not even getting married lest it interfere with his sadhana (worship).

Sharma’s house is a “shrine” to Lata that he now wishes to convert into a museum. A large framed horoscope of the singer hangs on the wall of the drawing room, while her photos — in all the stages of her life — are put up throughout the room.

Sharma’s cupboards are full of news clippings about lata Mangeshkar.

For years, Sharma’s neighbours have been waking up to bhajans, sung by the Lata Mangeshkar, wafting out from his house.

“I appeal to the Prime Minister, who is also a great fan of Lata Mangeshkar, to take over all my collections for a museum in her honour,” Sharma told reporters.

He further said, “For me, she is immortal. She is a star and will always keep twinkling in the night sky. Her voice will continue to act as catharsis, and uplift the mood of souls. I am neither sad nor happy. Her life was full of struggles. Now, she has crossed that realm.”

Sharma said that he was just six years old in 1988 when he first listened to a song sung by the singer.

The song was ‘Radha Na Bole’ from the 1955 movie ‘Azaad’.

“My grandmother would often hum that tune. She told me about Lataji’s struggles and gave me a picture of her. She said ‘khoj karni hai to inki khoj karo (if you have to find something, find her) and there was no turning back for me,” said Sharma, who works in the state education department.

Maharashtra

The streets echoed with the slogans of Takbir Allahu Akbar and Rasool, the Muslim youth arrested in the ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy should be released, demand the scholars.

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Mumbai: The historic 71-year-old Ghausia procession was taken out from Madanpura Hari Masjid in Mumbai with great respect and dignity. The Ghausia procession was led by scholars, while the devotees of Ghaus Azam participated in the procession carrying the flag of the Prophet. The streets of Mumbai echoed with slogans like Takbir Allah Akbar, we will not leave the fold of Ghaus. The police had made strict security arrangements after the violence in Bareilly. After the controversy over I Love Muhammad, there was a high alert in Mumbai as well.

The scholars were seen in old and antique cars in the Ghausia procession, while all the scholars and devotees of Ghaus Azam, including students of madrasas, were part of the procession. The procession passed through traditional highways from Madanpura to Ghausia and ended with prayers at Mastan Talab. Success lies in following the teachings of Ghaus-e-Azam Dastgir (may Allah be pleased with him), therefore, it is essential for Muslims to observe prayers and follow Sharia. This advice was given by Maulana Maqsood Ali Khan while narrating the biography of Ghaus-e-Pak before the Ghausiya procession today.

He said that the Ghausiya procession has completed 70 years. It is the need of the hour for Muslims to maintain unity and agreement among themselves. The message of humanity has been spread by Ghaus-e-Azam Dastgir (may Allah be pleased with him). On the controversy over Come Muhammad, Maulana Maqsood Ali Khan said that Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him) has spread the message of love. He came as a mercy for humanity, but today in this fascinating era, the market of hatred is hot. Politics is also going on in the name of Come Muhammad and attempts are being made to spoil the situation, which is completely wrong. Maulana Maqsood Ali Khan said that Ghaus-e-Azam Dastgir has countless discoveries and miracles and he has advised to acquire knowledge.

He has also traveled from Jilani to Baghdad to acquire knowledge, so education is of great importance in Islam. He said that the first letter of the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is M, that is why everyone loves Muhammad (peace be upon him). On the Bareilly violence, Maulana Maqsood Ali Khan said that the Muslim youth arrested on charges of violence should be conditionally released. Muslims had protested peacefully in love with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Along with this, Maulana Tauqeer Raza should also be released.

In all the monasteries, including Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (may Allah be pleased with him), there are more non-Muslim attendees than Muslims, and this is a manifestation of brotherhood and national unity. He said that opposing the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is absolutely not right. He (peace be upon him) loved even his enemies. A person who is devoted to him (peace be upon him) only spreads the message of love. Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman said that the secret of success lies in following the teachings of Ghaus-e-Pak (may Allah have mercy on him).

Therefore, Muslims should hold firmly to the rope of Islam and follow the Holy Sharia. He said that in today’s fascinating era, sectarian forces are hatching conspiracies against Islam, along with which attempts are being made to commit atrocities on Muslims, but the grace of Ghaus-e-Pak will always remain with us Muslims. The government should immediately release the Muslim youth arrested in Bareilly and other cities of Uttar Pradesh and impose a ban on unnecessary arrests. Maulana Manan Raza Khan Manani Mian, Maulana Syed Kausar Rabbani, Alhaj Saeed Noori Raza Academy, Maulana Abdul Qadir Alvi, Maulana Farid-ul-Zaman, Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman Noori, Maulana Ijaz Kashmiri, Maulana Amanullah Raza, Mufti Zubair Barkati, Hafiz Abdul Qadir, Qari Niaz Ahmed, Qari Nazim Ali Barkati, Qari Abdul Rehman Ziaei, Maulana Ibrahim Asi, Hafiz Shadab, Haji Barakat Ahmed Ashrafi and other scholars and intellectuals participated.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: ‘Strengthening Anganwadis And Schemes Essential For Malnutrition Eradication,’ Says Minister Aditi Tatkare

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Mumbai, October 3: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has emphasized that the holistic development of women and children is essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). She assured that the central government will extend full cooperation to all states for the effective implementation of welfare schemes in this direction.

Speaking during a virtual meeting chaired by her and attended by Women and Child Development Ministers from various states, Annapurna Devi highlighted the need for coordination between the Centre and states to ensure the success of flagship schemes like Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti.

Maharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare stressed that increasing the number of Anganwadi centres is crucial for achieving a malnutrition-free state. She also demanded that the Centre provide adequate support for the strengthening of Anganwadi services and related schemes.

During the discussion, issues such as human resource planning, infrastructure development, financial balance, fair wages, reliable NGO participation, and timely grants were taken up to make scheme implementation more effective.

Tatkare informed that Maharashtra is actively working to prevent child marriages, dowry practices, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. Under the New Education Policy, the state is implementing the “Padhaai Bhi, Poshan Bhi” initiative to integrate education with nutrition.

She added that for women’s safety and empowerment, the state is running One Stop Centres, Women Helpline 181, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Nari Adalats under Mission Shakti. To enhance their effectiveness, she called for independent vehicles for district protection units, proper rental facilities, and better resources for helplines.

Highlighting initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, and Adishakti Abhiyan, Tatkare said Maharashtra has already taken concrete steps for women’s welfare. For the protection and rehabilitation of children under Mission Vatsalya, she stressed the need for vehicles for district protection units, consistency in wages, sufficient funds, and NGO participation.

“Maharashtra has strong policies and schemes in place for the protection of women and children. With adequate support and funding from the Centre, the state can set a model example for the rest of the country in effective implementation,” Tatkare affirmed.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Receives ₹6,418 Crore As Additional Tax Devolution From Centre

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Mumbai: The Central Government has released an additional instalment of tax devolution totaling Rs 1,01,603 crore to state governments across India, of which Maharashtra received Rs 6,418 crore. The funds have been transferred as an advance installment to help states accelerate capital expenditure and meet welfare-related commitments.

This release comes over and above the regular monthly devolution of Rs 81,735 crore, scheduled for October 10, 2025, according to the Finance Ministry. The advance is expected to provide states with the fiscal space to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects, enhance liquidity, and ensure timely rollout of welfare programmes.

For Maharashtra, which has lined up multiple developmental and social sector initiatives, the additional funds are seen as a timely boost to strengthen welfare delivery and developmental activities.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the Finance and Planning portfolio, confirmed the receipt of the funds. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for extending financial support.

“With the upcoming festival season, and to enable the state to ramp up capital expenditure and provide adequate funding for our welfare and development schemes, this amount will undoubtedly prove beneficial for Maharashtra,” Pawar said.

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