We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's effusive praise of US President George W Bush during their 2008 meeting in the White House is revisited as a testament to their close relationship and the impact of the landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal. Singh's statement, while drawing criticism from the Left and BJP, highlighted the transformative nature of the relationship between the two democracies. The article explores the context of their meeting and the broader significance of their relationship in the context of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
'Some icons are living textbooks, teaching us about leadership, success, and legacy. Extraordinary yet human and approachable, they inspire and guide us.' 'India has lost a true son and champion.'
Lillian Carter, a trained nurse and a Peace Corps worker, spent two years of her life, when she was in her late 60s, serving the poor in India, in the 1960s. She was posted as a volunteer to Vikhroli, then a village 30 km outside of Mumbai and a Godrej township, and was there from 1966 to 1968.
'Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed.'
Occasional lovers' tiffs have marked the history of RSS-BJP relations. To think that Nagpur will bring about any change in leadership is a misreading of both its intent and its power, points out Shekhar Gupta.
Ratan was extremely ethical in his dealings, which he brought to bear on the business house which he helmed, remembers Sailesh Kottary.
As Archana navigates her new path, her time as a top athlete continues to shape her perspective and inspire others.
The coaching-tuition-profiteering model built on the back of a broken education system is a scandal and an abomination, and must go, asserts Shekhar Gupta.
The Australian actress took home her first-ever Emmy trophy, winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Princess Diana in The Crown.
Anil Kapoor goes back in time and remembers his journey into the movies.
'Suddenly the audience pool feels bigger, like everyone is watching everything now.' 'It's no longer limited in terms of boundaries, like a state or a language.' 'Whether it's a series, a movie or even a Korean film, the audience has access to all of it.' 'Slowly, the boundaries are blurring, so that's great for actors.'
'Hindutva will not win any elections. Hindutva as a political plank never works.'
In Dubai, A Ganesh Nadar encountered high speeds on smooth-as-silk-roads, no bureaucracy, gold, Mr Toad's. And snow!
The life-size statue of Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled on the eve of the India's World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Will a caste census make tens of millions desert Mr Modi?, asks Shekhar Gupta.
'It feels surreal that I was posing at the same time as Mr Ford was on the carpet!'
For trust in democracy to be retained, elections need to be not just free of intervention -- ruling out Pakistan and Russia -- but also demonstrate the capability to both deliver ruling mandates and hold the potential for large swings in favour of the opposition, points out Mihir S Sharma.And, after an election is done, they need to see a mandate in order to go back to their lives and let their representatives get on with the business of government, points out Mihir S Sharma.
Traffic snarls, angry audiences who were denied access despite coughing up huge sums, crying children and jostling people -- these were the scenes at an A R Rahman concert in Chennai on Sunday.
Asked about his relationship with the founders, Sikka said: "My relationship with the founders? It is wonderful. I meet Mr Murthy quite frequently...I have always had a heartfelt warm relationship with Mr Murthy, probably meet him 4-5-6 times a year."
104-year-old bodybuilder Manohar Aich, who was once a household name in Bengal after becoming India's first Mr Universe in 1952, died at his Baguiati residence this afternoon, according to family sources. "Aich was on a liquid died for last 10-15 days and had stopped talking. He breathed his last at 3.50pm," his son Khokan Aich told PTI. Aich is survived by two daughters and two sons, one of whom manages a gym and fitness centre to fulfill his father's dream of making the youth "healthy and strong". "Never quit exercise, he would always say. His mantra to stay healthy was simple - healthy eating and exercise," Khokan added. Former Bengal cricket captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who is Minister of State for Sports, visited Aich's residence to offer his condolence. Aich, who turned 104 on March 17, had become India's first Mr Universe when he won the 1952 National Amateur Body-Builders' Association Universe Championships. Born in the district of Comilla (now in Bangladesh), Aich, at just four feet and 11 inches, was not the tallest of men. But encouraged by English officer Reub Martin, Aich took up bodybuilding and made this his passion during his stint at the Royal Air Force under British colonial rulers. He also went on to serve jail term when some years later he protested against colonial oppression, something which Aich considered as "turning point" in his life.
There is only one perpetrator, Hamas. It is a terrorist organisation. It is obscene to argue that until the Palestinian question is solved, anybody has the right to use terrorism as an instrument of policy, argues Shekhar Gupta.
Want to buy the Millionaire Speedy? Well, you probably can't, because it's MTO -- meaning 'made-to-order' and is specifically for extraordinarily special VIP LV clients, says Sandeep Goyal.
Has Thanos killed all the superheroes? *This* man has the answer!
rediffGURU Anu Krishna offers advice on how to take control of your life and relationships.
'The moment the Army approved the script, they told us that they will give their full support and asked us for our full dedication.'
'In him resides a fierce lion of an actor who would have made Stanislavsky proud.' 'With Rocky he started with his body, his hair, his clothes; then his walk, his language, the constant listening to Punjabi hip hop and before long we couldn't differentiate between Ranveer and Rocky.'
Rahul Dravid needs time to reflect on his future with the national team even as his his two-year contract ended on Sunday.
The core of the team remains the same with HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in good form and the Indian team would hope the rub of the green also goes their way when it begins campaign on Thursday.
Marjine's allegations prompted the men's and women's teams to issue a joint statement, stating that the former India coach levelled the allegation against Manpreet to publicise his book.
Producer Guneet Monga got married to Sunny Kapoor on December 12.
The cricket career of Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has come a full circle. Misbah is no longer 'Mr Tuck Tuck'.
I don't know how the other Friends will react to Matthew Perry's death, but I am sure a part of them will be buried with Chandler, believes passionate Friends fan A Ganesh Nadar.
It would be unfair to accommodate Gauri's incredible journey in six episodes, but the makers have done justice by casting Sushmita Sen. She adds a touch of elegance and reform in some of the most challenging scenes, applauds Divya Nair.
Saluting Tom Alter, who passed into the ages on September 29.
The 67-year-old former Goldman Sachs banker, who has been the chairman of the UK taxpayer-funded licence fee-backed British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said the investigation found he had breached the governance code for public appointments.
Amid constant talk of his ABD-like playing style, Surya recently said there can only be one 'Mr 360', but de Villiers himself begged to differ.
Vini Raman and Glenn Maxwell were engaged in February 2020.
With what joyous expectations I welcomed you! You have tumbled me into a cauldron of gloomy forebodings, says B S Raghavan.
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