Congress Prez Kharge, Rahul Gandhi laud 'Naatu Naatu', 'The Elephant Whisperer' for wins at Oscars
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hailed the teams behind the song "Naatu Naatu" and the Tamil documentary "The Elephant Whisperers" for their respective wins at the Oscars, saying the achievement have done India proud.
While "Naatu Naatu", the chartbuster from SS Rajamouli's Telugu period action film "RRR", became the first Indian track to win the Academy Award in the Best Original Song category, "The Elephant Whisperers" created history at awards by becoming the maiden Indian production to win in the Documentary Short Subject category.
"We join millions of Indians in rejoicing at the great news of Naatu Naatu from 'RRR' winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. Thank you for bringing so much joy and happiness to India," Kharge said in a tweet.
Many congratulations to the entire team of "RRR", he added.
Lauding the win of "The Elephant Whisperers", Gandhi said the heartwarming story of India's efforts in elephant conservation from the Madumalai Forest Reserve has brought accolades to the country and made every Indian proud.
"Congratulations @guneetm for winning the Oscars for the Best Documentary, short film. Truly, well deserved," he said.
Gandhi congratulated director Kartiki Gonsalves, producer Guneet Monga and the entire team of "The Elephant Whisperers" for winning the Oscar.
"These two women have made India proud with their heart-warming showcase of the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation," the former Congress chief said.
Hailing the Oscars win for 'Naatu Naatu, Gandhi said the song India danced to has truly gone global.
"Congratulations MM Keeravaani, Chandrabose and the entire RRR team for winning the Best Original Song at the Oscars for Naatu Naatu," he said.
In a tweet, Congress general secretary organisation K C Venugopal said, "Superb win for Naatu Naatu at the Oscars 95 Awards, congratulations to the entire RRR team for this global recognition and for bringing pride and happiness to billions of Indians all over the world! Jai Hind."
"Congratulations to Guneet Monga, Kartiki Gonsalves and the entire team of The Elephant Whisperers for bagging the Best Documentary (Short) award at the 2023 Oscar Awards! You have made the whole country proud!" Venugopal said.
The Congress, from its official Twitter handle, congratulated the entire team of "RRR" for winning the award.
The entire country congratulates the "RRR" team on their momentous victory, the party said.
In another tweet, the party said, "Congratulations to Director Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga on winning the first Oscar for India in the 'Best Documentary Short' category. A befitting honour!"
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
