Dry spell, rise in temperatures likely in Madhya Pradesh from March 4

Jammu, Jan 31 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government has accorded sanction for renaming of Kathua Railway Station in honour of Kirti Chakra awardee and martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary, recognising his supreme sacrifice for the nation. This move has evoked both pride and deep emotion in his family, particularly his father, retired Colonel P.L. Choudhary, who said the loss of a young son leaves a lifelong void even as his bravery fills the family with pride.

An official order has accorded formal sanction for renaming the railway station located in Kathua district to commemorate Captain Choudhary’s supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

The decision is being seen as a tribute to the fallen officer and a reaffirmation of the Union Territory’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of armed forces personnel.

Reacting to the decision, Captain Choudhary’s father, Col. P.L. Choudhary told IANS that the government’s initiative to name public institutions after martyrs was commendable.

“The government has issued a notification to rename the Kathua railway station after my son to honour his sacrifice. Naming railway stations, schools and playgrounds after martyrs motivates children from a young age and inspires them to serve the nation,” he told IANS.

Recalling his own service background, Col. Choudhary said children from military families often grow up inspired by the uniform.

“Since I was in the Army, our thinking naturally leaned towards the Army, Navy or Air Force. Children grow up watching the uniform and the work we do, which becomes a source of motivation, and when they join the armed forces, they tend to excel,” he said.

Captain Choudhary was posted in Tinsukia on the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border, where within three to four months of his deployment he led a successful operation, neutralising two terrorists of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).

For his gallantry, he was awarded the Sena Medal on January 26, 2008, and had earned a reputation as a major threat to the outfit.

The very next day, January 27, 2008, he was scheduled to attend a celebratory lunch hosted by his Commanding Officer, Col Pramit Saxena, at Dinjan, to mark his Sena Medal, along with Lt Varun Rathore of 19 Punjab. However, before he could reach the venue, fresh Intelligence was received regarding the presence of seven to nine ULFA terrorists hiding in Rangagarh village. Without hesitation, Captain Choudhary immediately placed duty above personal celebration.

During this operation, Captain Choudhary shot dead two terrorists but during the ensuing firefight, he sustained a grievous bullet injury to the left side of his chest. He later succumbed to his injuries. Before laying down his life, he ensured the terrorist was neutralised and that no civilian or troop casualties occurred. For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.

“There is immense pride, but there is also deep sorrow,” Col. Choudhary said. “When parents lose their young son, the grief stays for a lifetime. Yet, when we hear about his deeds from the battalion, our chest swells with pride.”

Satya Choudhary, mother of Captain Choudhary, told IANS, “Today, when I heard the news, I felt very happy that the Kathua Railway Station has been named after my son, Captain Sunil Choudhary. I want to thank the government, both the central and the state government, and also those who raised their voices to ensure that the station is named after him. Today, I feel very proud that such a thing has happened for us. Though my son may not be with us, his name will remain immortal for generations to come.”

As per Government Order No.129-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department, the Kathua Railway Station will now be officially known as ‘Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station.’

–IANS

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Patna, Jan 15 (IANS) National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents on Wednesday claimed that there were no divisions among them and they stand united.

At the NDA joint workers conference in the Bagaha subdivision of West Champaran district, BJP Bihar President Dilip Jaiswal emphasised the unity among NDA allies.

Jaiswal stated, “Those who are dreaming of creating division will fail, as all alliance partners of the NDA stand united.”

He further mentioned that representatives and workers from all NDA constituents, including the BJP, JD(U), HAM(S), LJP(RV), and HLM, were participating in the conference.

This marks a significant step in gearing up for the Assembly elections in 2025, with the alliance showcasing its solidarity and readiness to contest jointly.

In the first phase of the joint workers’ conference, Jaiswal announced that the event, which began from Bagaha would proceed through Bettiah, Motihari, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, and other locations. A total of 10 districts are set to be covered from January 15 to January 22.

Highlighting the NDA’s ambition, Jaiswal said, “When NDA goes to election, we target all 243 seats in Bihar to secure a comprehensive victory. This is a significant initiative by the NDA.”

Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) MLC, strongly criticised opposition leaders for speculating divisions within the alliance.

“Some people in the opposition camp predicted they could create a rift in the NDA. I want to say they made a wrong prediction. There is no JD(U), BJP, HAMS, LJPRV, or RLM here – we are the NDA, not individual parties,” Kumar said.

The NDA has also outlined the schedule for the second phase of its joint workers’ conference in the state, which will begin on January 27 in Bhojpur and conclude on February 1 in Gaya.

During this phase, the conference will cover key districts such as Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, and Aurangabad. As part of the initiative, the NDA has invited district presidents, block presidents, Panchayat presidents, and local MLAs and MLCs to actively participate in the events.

This outreach aims to strengthen coordination and preparation at all levels of the alliance’s leadership as it builds momentum for the 2025 Assembly elections.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, hailing the institution as a modern centre rooted in India’s ancient health wisdom and spiritual legacy and termed India’s centuries-old Ayurveda “a scientific system of meaningful and long-lasting health.”

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said, “This university, associated with the revered Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, is not only a symbol of India’s spiritual strength but also a milestone in the advancement of traditional healthcare systems.”

Emphasising the importance of holistic health approaches like Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Naturopathy, the President called them “scientific systems of meaningful and long-lasting health.”

“In our ancient lifestyle based on Ayurveda, a lot of attention was given to the daily routine, night and seasonal routine. Balanced diet, behaviour and thoughts were given importance. Here, health is considered to be the best foundation of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha”, the President said.

Highlighting the importance of medicinal plants and herbs, the President emphasised, “Ayurveda is connected to our earth. In our fields, in our forests, there is still a treasure of medicinal plants and herbs. The medicines based on these do not have any expiry date. This proves the amazing scientific nature of the Ayurveda medicine system.”

She noted that the university, Uttar Pradesh’s first dedicated AYUSH university, will strengthen medical education across more than 100 affiliated colleges, offering training from undergraduate to doctoral levels. She also appreciated the government’s focus on research and global standardisation of Indian traditional medicine.

The President lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his vision and efforts in establishing the university.

She also acknowledged the guidance of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who serves as Chancellor of all state universities.

“India’s AYUSH systems represent a holistic and sustainable model of healthcare,” President Murmu said, urging greater adoption and international recognition of these practices under the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family.

The inauguration marks a significant step in reviving India’s ancient health systems and integrating them with modern research and education.

–IANS

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