Pune influencer deletes Ganeshotsav reel on Hindu-Muslim unity following social media backlash
Pune: A Pune-based content creator Atharva Sudame, who has 1.7 million Instagram followers, deleted a reel promoting social harmony ahead of Ganeshotsav after facing backlash online.
The Hindu reported that the video depicted Sudame as a devotee purchasing a Ganpati idol. A young boy wearing a skullcap delivers lunch to the idol maker, prompting an awkward silence. The idol maker subtly suggests Sudame could buy elsewhere, to which Sudame replies, “My father tells me, you should be the sugar that sweetens kheer and sheer kurma, you should be the brick that builds a temple or a mosque.” The idol maker responds that his own father always made idols with pure intent.
While many praised the reel for its message of unity, others criticised it, calling Sudame “overrated” and accusing him of misrepresenting Pune. “Atharva Sudame has created filth and will have to face consequences,” wrote a Facebook user, while supporters urged him not to remove the video.
On August 25, Sudame deleted the post and apologised, stating he had no intention of hurting religious sentiments. “We have reached a level where talk of Hindu-Muslim unity evokes violence. Yet, it is heartening that even in such an atmosphere we have people like Atharva Sudame who can and do talk about Hindu-Muslim unity,” wrote academician Apoorvanand on X.
Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar commented that such discrimination is against the Constitution.
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Delhi schools suspend outdoor activities, plan early steps to shield students from heat
New Delhi (PTI): To shield students from heat-related ailments amid soaring temperatures and harsh afternoon sun, schools across Delhi have begun taking precautionary measures by suspending outdoor activities, shifting assemblies indoors, with some even considering early closure for junior classes.
From indoor games and hydration breaks to ORS consumption and modified dispersal timings, schools are tightening measures as the city braces for prolonged heatwave conditions.
Sudha Acharya, principal at ITL Public School in Dwarka, said all outdoor activities, including morning assembly and games, have been shifted to the school's multipurpose hall.
“We have issued an advisory to all parents to take precautionary measures before sending their children to school. We are also planning to close the school from classes 1 to 8 from May 14 onward if the weather conditions worsen," she said.
Mallika Preman, principal at Tagore International School in East of Kailash, said students have been advised to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep themselves hydrated.
“We have suspended all outdoor activities, and students now play indoor games like carrom and chess. We have also modified the dispersal system so that students are not brought out until their parents arrive at their designated collection areas,” Preman said.
“This reduces their exposure to heat in the afternoon. Students have also been advised to wear caps or use umbrellas during dispersal,” she added.
Ritu Sharma, principal at Sovereign Public School in Rohini, said that teachers have been asked to closely monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion.
“Our priority is to ensure that children remain safe and comfortable during school hours. We are encouraging them to carry water bottles, avoid direct sun exposure and immediately report any discomfort. We have also arranged shaded rest areas and indoor engagement activities to reduce heat exposure,” she said.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has launched a ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative for government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools in Delhi in view of the heatwave conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The initiative follows the Heat Wave Action Plan issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and aims to protect students from heat-related illnesses while promoting hydration, environmental awareness and care for animals and birds.
Under the initiative, schools have been directed to ring a 'hydration bell' daily in the penultimate period, during which every student will consume oral rehydration solution (ORS). Teachers will also briefly explain the importance of staying hydrated.
Schools have also been encouraged to create 'cool corners' with earthen water pots, promote a ‘one child-one plant’ green mission and appoint student volunteers as 'Jal Mitras' to place and refill water bowls for birds and stray animals, the advisory said.
According to the DoE, the other measures include ensuring safe drinking water stations, spreading awareness on heat stroke prevention, training teachers to identify symptoms of heat stress, and prominently displaying emergency helpline numbers across campuses.
The heads of schools have been asked to submit an action taken report on the implementation of the measures to their respective district offices by April 28, it said.
