Support girls, encourage them to pursue dreams: Chess player Vaishali writes on PM's X account
New Delhi (PTI): Chess player R Vaishali Saturday took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media accounts on International Women's Day, delivering a powerful message of supporting and encouraging women to pursue their dreams.
Vaishali, who has been playing chess since the age of six and is the sibling of chess prodigy and grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, shared her journey and encouraged young girls to follow their dreams.
"Vanakkam! I am @chessvaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @narendramodi Ji's social media properties and that too on Women's Day. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments," she posted.
"Playing chess has been a learning, thrilling and rewarding journey for me, reflecting in many of my tournament and Olympiad successes. But there is more... I want to give a message to all the women out there, especially the young girls -- follow your dreams, no matter the hurdles. Your passion will power your success," she wrote from PM Modi's account on X.
Vaishali also emphasised the importance of family support in achieving one's dreams.
"I've also got a message for parents and siblings -- support girls. Trust their abilities and they'll do wonders. In my life, I have been blessed with supportive parents, Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi.
"My brother, Praggnanandhaa, and I also share a close bond. I have also been fortunate to have excellent coaches and teammates and of course, I am very inspired by Vishwanathan Anand sir," she added.
Vaishali highlighted the growing support for women athletes in India, stating the country is making significant progress in providing training, exposure, and opportunities to female sportspersons.
She also expressed her aspirations to further improve her FIDE ranking and contribute more to the sport she loves.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier marked the day by reaffirming his government's commitment to women's empowerment through various schemes and programs.
Keeping with his earlier promise, he announced that his social media accounts would be taken over by women who have made remarkable contributions in diverse fields.
"We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked to empower women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes. Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields!" PM Modi said in a post on X.
This is not the first time the Prime Minister has taken such an initiative.
In 2020, on Women's Day, he handed over his social media accounts to seven women achievers, giving them a global platform to inspire others.
Vanakkam!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
I am @chessvaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @narendramodi Ji’s social media properties and that too on #WomensDay. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments. pic.twitter.com/LlYTmqE2MQ
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Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from remains of pre-existing temples, claims ASI
Indore (PTI): The ASI has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Paramara kings' rule existed at the disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made the claim on Tuesday based on its 98-day scientific survey and over 2,000-page report.
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side claims the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by the ASI.
During the hearing before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi of the HC's Indore bench, Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain, representing the ASI, presented a detailed account of the scientific survey conducted two years ago at the complex.
Referring to the ASI's survey report, he said, "Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars, etc, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site. Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period."
It can be said that the existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples, based on scientific investigations, survey and archaeological excavations conducted, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, sculptures, and inscriptions, art and sculptures, Jain said quoting the report.
Summarising the report, he also drew the court's attention to the fact that the archaeological study identifies that many architectural components, such as pillars and beams, were originally part of temple structures before being repurposed for a mosque.
"The evidence of this transition includes Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions that were damaged or hidden, alongside sculptures of deities and animals that were often mutilated or defaced," Jain contended.
The report also states that "all Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users or engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier".
In light of the Muslim side's earlier objections, the bench wanted to know why there were some discrepancies in the ASI's responses regarding the status of the disputed complex in the cases filed over the years.
The Additional Solicitor General argued that earlier studies of the complex involved only officials, while the current survey involved scientists and the use of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
The hearing in the Bhojshala case will continue on Wednesday.
The high court has been regularly hearing four petitions and one writ appeal regarding the religious nature of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex since April 6.
