Elderly woman earns praise for averting train mishap in Mangaluru
Mangaluru (PTI): A 70-year-old woman from Mandara in the city has won all praise for her great presence of mind that helped avert a train mishap near here recently.
Railway police sources said the incident occurred on March 21 at around 2.10 pm when the woman, Chandravathi, who was outside her house noticed a tree fall over the track between Padil and Jokatte.
Chandravathi, who knew that the Matsyagandha Express from Mangaluru to Mumbai would pass that way, rushed inside her house, brought out a red cloth and waved it to the loco pilot of the oncoming train.
The loco pilot, who noticed it, sensed danger and slowed down the train which stopped just near the place where the tree had fallen on the track.
Later, the Railway personnel and local people reached the place and ensured that the tree was cleared from the track.
The elderly woman was felicitated on Tuesday by Railway police at a function attended by senior officials.
Chandravathi, who recollected the incident, told reporters that as soon as she noticed the tree falling on the track, she rushed home with an intention of conveying the information to someone.
By that time, she heard the train's horn and realised that there was no time to waste and rushed out with a red cloth. She ran towards the track and waved the cloth.
Chandravathi said she did not have time to think about the heart surgery she had undergone recently while running towards the track.
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Eminent writer Vinod Kumar Shukla's last rites performed with full state honours in Raipur
Raipur (PTI): The last rites of renowned Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla were performed with full state honours in state capital Raipur on Wednesday.
The last rites of the 88-year-old writer were held at Marwadi Shamshan Ghat in Budha Talab area here this afternoon where senior officials, litterateur, journalists and people from other walks of life bid an emotional farewell to him. His son Shashwat Shukla lit the funeral pyre.
Prior to that, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of the late litterateur at Shailendra Nagar here and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Talking to reporters, Sai said the demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla has caused an irreparable loss to Hindi literature.
"Born in the soil of Chhattisgarh, Shukla's writings are a unique blend of sensitivity, human values and simple yet profound expression. His literary contribution took Hindi literature to new heights," the CM said.
"His works not only deeply touch readers but will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His contribution to the literary world will always be remembered," Sai added.
The CM offered a wreath on Shukla's mortal remains and prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also lent his shoulder to Shukla's mortal remains and joined the funeral procession, bidding an emotional farewell to the renowned writer.
Talking to reporters after visiting Shukla's residence, noted poet Dr Kumar Vishwas said his death marks the end of an era in Indian poetry.
Recalling his association with the writer, Vishwas said that for those born in the 1970s and whose literary consciousness developed in the 1980s, reading and listening to Vinod Kumar Shukla was an experience in itself.
Indian and Hindi poetry have suffered a major loss with his passing, he said.
He remained away from publicity and lived like a quiet seeker, and departed in the same serene manner. Indian poetry will always remember him for his immense contribution. I have come to pay my final respects, Dr Vishwas said.
Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur.
Born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon (now in Chhattisgarh), Vinod Kumar Shukla is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature. He authored acclaimed novels such as "Naukar Ki Kameez", "Khilega To Dekhenge", "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" and "Ek Chuppi Jagah".
His work captures the emotions of ordinary people, portraying everyday life, and exploring the intricate realities of society. He was widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature, known for his unique, simple, and deeply evocative writing style.
Shukla received both of India's most prestigious literary honours: The Sahitya Akademi Award for "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" in 1999, and the 59th Jnanpith Award in November this year, becoming only the 12th Hindi author to earn this distinguished recognition.
The Jnanpith award was presented to him on November 21 at a small ceremony held at his residence. He was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, spoke to the family members of the acclaimed writer and enquired about his health and well-being.
Shukla's novel "Naukar Ki Kameez" was adapted into a film of the same name by filmmaker Mani Kaul.
