Tag: Amit Shah

Politics

MP Tanavade Joins India–Ukraine Friendship Group

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanavade has been appointed as a Member of the India–Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, marking a significant step in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between the two nations. The initiative is aimed at fostering closer engagement between lawmakers of India and Ukraine, encouraging dialogue and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

Parliamentary Friendship Groups serve as an important platform for legislators to directly interact with their international counterparts. Through these engagements, members exchange legislative experiences, discuss policy approaches, and build long-term relationships rooted in trust and cooperation. The India–Ukraine group is expected to play a vital role in enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, social policy, culture, and shared global challenges faced by democracies.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the appointment, Tanavade thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for placing their trust in him and entrusting him with this responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Tanavade said he was honoured to be part of the initiative and looked forward to contributing towards strengthening ties between the two countries. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in building meaningful international relationships.

His appointment reflects India’s continued commitment to engaging with global partners through parliamentary channels, complementing diplomatic efforts at the governmental level. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, such initiatives are expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting collaboration, stability, and shared progress between nations.

National

Kerala Officially Renamed Keralam: A Cultural Shift with Political Undercurrents

Tanisha Cardozo

Kerala has officially been renamed “Keralam,” marking a significant moment where constitutional identity finally aligns with linguistic and cultural reality. For decades, “Keralam” has been the name used in Malayalam—the language spoken by millions in the state—yet the official name recorded in the Constitution remained “Kerala.” That distinction has now been erased, bringing a sense of closure to a long-standing demand rooted in history and identity.

The journey to this moment began with a resolution passed by the state assembly in 2024 under the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government. The resolution highlighted how Indian states were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956, and how the formation of a unified region for Malayalam-speaking people was deeply tied to identity. November 1, celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day, marks that formation, yet the official naming had remained inconsistent with local usage. The push to adopt “Keralam” was therefore not about change, but about correction.

With the renaming now official, the spotlight has also turned to its political context. The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is working to strengthen its presence in a state traditionally dominated by the Left and the Congress. Leaders such as Rajeev Chandrasekhar have framed the move as part of a broader effort to reclaim cultural identity and address what they describe as unfinished work of previous decades.

At the same time, the renaming intersects with ongoing debates around language in India. Kerala has often been at the centre of discussions on linguistic autonomy, particularly in resisting the compulsory imposition of Hindi. While leaders like Amit Shah have emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages collectively, the state has consistently asserted the primacy of mother tongue and regional identity in education and governance. In that context, adopting “Keralam” strengthens the argument for linguistic recognition within the federal structure.

Beyond politics, however, the emotional resonance of the change is undeniable. For Malayalis, “Keralam” is not new—it is familiar, lived, and deeply personal. It reflects how people refer to their land in everyday life, in literature, in cinema, and in cultural expression. The official adoption of the name is therefore less about transformation and more about acknowledgement.

As “Keralam” enters formal use, it stands as a reminder of how names carry meaning far beyond words. They hold history, identity, and belonging—and in this case, they also carry the weight of timing, politics, and aspiration in a state that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its cultural core.

National

Nitin Nabin Becomes BJP’s Youngest National President at 45

allycaralgoa

New Delhi | : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday appointed Nitin Nabin, a 45-year-old five-time MLA from Bihar, as its new national president, making him the youngest leader to hold the post in the party’s history.

Nabin was unanimously elected during the BJP’s organisational conclave, ‘Sangan Parv’, held in New Delhi. His appointment received the backing of the party’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and outgoing president J.P. Nadda.

The ceremony marked a generational shift within the BJP, with senior leaders describing the move as a step towards energising the party ahead of upcoming state elections. In his address, Nitin Nabin reflected on his political journey, crediting his rise to grassroots work, discipline, and organisational commitment, rather than family lineage.

“I began as a youth worker and have grown through responsibility and merit. This role is a collective trust placed in me,” Nabin said, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the party across states.

He also pledged to work towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, focusing on organisational expansion, youth engagement, and effective governance messaging. Party leaders highlighted his experience in Bihar politics and his connect with younger cadres as key strengths.

Meanwhile, J.P. Nadda, who served as BJP national president since 2020, will now return full-time to his responsibilities as Union Health Minister.

Nitin Nabin’s elevation comes at a crucial time as the BJP prepares for major state and national political milestones, positioning the party for continuity with renewed leadership.

Finance

Bank of Baroda Wins First Prize in Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Excellence in Official Language Use

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Bank of Baroda, one of India’s foremost public sector banks, has been honoured with the First Prize under the Government of India’s prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar scheme for the year 2024–2025. This award recognises the bank’s exceptional contribution to the promotion and effective use of Hindi as the official language across its services and operations.

The award ceremony took place on 14 September 2025, during the Hindi Day celebration and the Fifth All India Official Language Conference held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The honour was conferred by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.

Accepting the award on behalf of the bank was Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda. He was accompanied by Executive Director Ms. Beena Vaheed and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Head of Official Language and Parliamentary Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chand expressed the bank’s commitment to inclusivity through language. “This award reflects the bank’s sensitivity towards its millions of customers who interact in Hindi and other Indian languages and feel more comfortable availing banking services in their native languages,” he said.

Bank of Baroda has significantly expanded its multilingual capabilities across its digital platforms, including its flagship mobile banking app BoB World and WhatsApp Banking services. The bank also ensures that transaction-related SMS, chatbot conversations, and customer support are accessible in Indian languages, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly banking environment.

The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is one of the highest honours awarded by the Government of India to institutions for outstanding performance in implementing the official language policy. This recognition positions Bank of Baroda not only as a leader in banking services but also as a pioneer in promoting linguistic inclusion in the financial sector.

With this award, Bank of Baroda reinforces its commitment to enhancing customer experience by speaking the language of its people – both literally and technologically.