Tag: Narendra Modi

Human Interest

Italian Chef Valentino Rahim Celebrates PM Modi’s 75th Birthday with Tricolour Millet Pizza in Rome

Tanisha Cardozo

In an extraordinary culinary tribute, renowned Italian chef Valentino Rahim celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday by crafting a unique tricolour millet pizza in Rome. The event took place at Zoya, a well-known restaurant in the heart of the Italian capital, where the chef honoured PM Modi’s global leadership in promoting millets, also referred to as “Shree Anna”, as a sustainable superfood.

This colourful creation wasn’t just about flavour — it was a symbolic gesture. The pizza base was made using millet flour, a nod to the traditional Indian grain that Modi has championed as part of his vision for global food security and healthy diets. The toppings were carefully chosen to reflect the Indian national flag: saffron, white, and green. It was a powerful visual and culinary representation of respect for India’s leader and his campaign to bring millets to the global stage.

Chef Rahim shared his admiration for PM Modi’s foresight, saying, “Tanti Auguri Modi,” — meaning “many best wishes” in Italian — and praised his leadership in advancing sustainable agriculture and nutrition. He called Modi’s millet movement both creative and inspiring, noting that it addresses global concerns such as climate change, food scarcity, and poor dietary habits.

The chef also highlighted the environmental and economic potential of millets, stressing their role in supporting small farmers and promoting biodiversity. The fact that such a tribute came from Italy — the birthplace of pizza — underscores the expanding reach and respect for India’s millet revolution.

This unique moment comes as India begins a 15-day nationwide campaign, Seva Pakhwada, to commemorate PM Modi’s 75th birthday. The campaign will include blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, and exhibitions showcasing the central government’s achievements. It will run from September 17 to October 2, concluding on Gandhi Jayanti.

As part of the birthday celebrations, the award-winning film Chalo Jeete Hain, which reflects Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy that true success lies in serving others, will also be re-released across India beginning September 17.

From a tricolour millet pizza in Rome to nationwide acts of service and cinema, PM Modi’s 75th birthday is being marked with both flavour and purpose — a testament to his global influence and enduring commitment to India’s progress.

Human Interest

Sudarsan Pattnaik Pays Artistic Tribute to PM Modi on His 75th Birthday at Puri Beach

allycaralgoa

Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday with a magnificent sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha, complemented by an installation of 750 lotus flowers.

Titled “Bharat Ki Udaan, Modi Ke Saath”, the artwork symbolizes India’s aspirations for unity, growth, and global leadership under PM Modi’s guidance. The installation celebrates the country’s progress over the past decade, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, digital innovation, healthcare, renewable energy, defence, and space.

From landmark projects like Chandrayaan-3 and Digital India, to flagship welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, and Jan Dhan, along with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the sand sculpture reflects India’s rising confidence and determination.

Crafted using approximately 6 tons of sand, the 5-foot-high sculpture of PM Modi is accompanied by 750 intricately arranged lotus flowers, each representing a year of service, leadership, and dedication. Students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute participated in completing the installation, demonstrating teamwork, seva, and creativity.

Commenting on the tribute, Pattnaik said:

“I wish Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji a very happy 75th birthday and pray for his continued service to the nation.”

A globally acclaimed artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art championships and festivals, winning numerous awards and bringing global recognition to Indian sand art. Beyond celebratory installations, Pattnaik’s works have addressed important issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, COVID-19, plastic pollution, and peacebuilding, showcasing the power of art as a medium for awareness and change.

This installation at Puri Beach is not only a tribute to a leader but also a testament to India’s artistic excellence and the enduring impact of cultural expression in celebrating national achievements.

Politics

C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn In as 15th Vice-President of India

Tanisha Cardozo

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, September 12, 2025, in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and several former Vice-Presidents such as Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hamid Ansari, and M. Venkaiah Naidu.

This ceremony marked the first public appearance of Mr. Dhankhar since his resignation in July due to health reasons. Accompanied by his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, he was seated in the front row alongside other prominent leaders. Notably, some attendees expressed concerns over seating arrangements, as Mr. Kharge was placed in the second row while other Opposition floor leaders were placed as far back as the fifth row.

After the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to congratulate Mr. Radhakrishnan, describing him as a “dedicated public servant” and wishing him a successful tenure in service to the nation.

Later in the day, Mr. Radhakrishnan met with floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament. While key parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped the meeting due to short notice, Mr. Radhakrishnan expressed his intention to work inclusively with all parties. He highlighted his own experience as an Opposition leader in Tamil Nadu and underscored the importance of Opposition in a healthy parliamentary democracy. He also reflected on his political lineage, mentioning that his grandfather was aligned with the Left and his uncle with the Congress.

To mark the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, at Sadaiv Atal to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and at Kisan Ghat to former Prime Minister Charan Singh. He also visited Prerna Sthal at Parliament House, where relocated statues from the old Parliament building have been preserved.

At Parliament House, he was received warmly by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody. In a symbolic gesture, he planted a sapling in the Parliament complex, signaling growth, renewal, and commitment to the future.

Mr. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in marks a new chapter in the upper house of Parliament, and his inclusive tone in early interactions sets a hopeful tone for collaborative governance.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Historic FIDE World Cup 2025 with 206 Players and $2 Million Prize Pool

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Chess returns to the global spotlight as the FIDE World Cup 2025 heads to Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27. In a high-stakes, eight-round knockout format, 206 of the world’s strongest players will compete for a $2 million prize fund and three coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

India’s chess rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Last year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the world by becoming World Champion. More recently, Divya Deshmukh captured the Women’s World Cup title, marking a new era in Indian chess. With both the Open and Women’s teams winning gold at the Chess Olympiad, India has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse.

 Goa, known for its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, offers the perfect backdrop for this world-class tournament. For fans, it’s the ideal setting to witness elite chess alongside a rich cultural experience. For players, it’s a unique blend of focus and inspiration.

Tournament Format

  • Dates: October 30 – November 27, 2025
  • Players: 206
  • Format: Eight-round knockout
  • Top 50 seeds start in Round 2
  • Match Structure: Two classical games; if tied, rapid & blitz playoffs
  • Top 3 Finishers: Qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament

Leadership Statements

Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President:

“India has become one of the strongest chess nations. Hosting the World Cup in Goa is a celebration of this growth and the global appeal of chess.”

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India:

“India is delighted to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025. I am sure this tournament will showcase thrilling matches and the brilliance of top players from around the world.”

Nitin Narang, AICF President:

“This is a proud moment for Indian chess. The World Cup in Goa will inspire millions and reflect India’s stature as a global hub for the game.”

 With more than 90 countries expected to be represented, the FIDE World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most widely watched and celebrated chess events in history.

Chess fans around the world—mark your calendars. Goa is calling, and the board is set.

National

India Approves Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

Tanisha Cardozo

India has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the bid, describing Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class sporting infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and deep-rooted sporting culture.

The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s nod earlier this month, after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March. The bid will be formally submitted before the August 31 deadline, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November. With Canada exiting the race due to financial constraints, India’s prospects appear brighter.

Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world—which recently hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup Final. The under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is also set to play a crucial role, offering an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multi-sport indoor arenas. The Games are seen as a stepping stone toward India’s larger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad again seen as a frontrunner.

Beyond showcasing India’s sporting excellence, the bid has been positioned as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosting the CWG is expected to boost tourism, generate local jobs, and promote sports as a viable career path. The government also anticipates large-scale employment opportunities across event management, media, broadcasting, logistics, and more.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. If successful, the 2030 edition will not only include all major disciplines but also bring back medal-heavy sports like shooting and wrestling—disciplines removed from the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association also aims to promote traditional sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, making the event a culturally rich and competitive showcase.

As the nation awaits the final decision, the bid stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global sports and its readiness to deliver events on an international scale.