Udupi, June 10: The proposed Iftar party of Vishvesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt scheduled to be held at Ajjarakadu Govinda Kalyana Mandir in the city on June 13 is cancelled.

During the Swamiji’s Paryaya period, the swamiji had conducted the Iftar party at Sri Krishna Mutt and allowed the Muslims to have their prayer last year. Later, the swamiji’s decision stirred a controversy and Sri Rama Sene had conducted a protest against this issue.

This time, the swamiji has decided to conduct the Iftar party at Govinda Kalyana Mandir and this has created a lot of debates. Now, it is said that the swamiji has cancelled the Iftar party following the outrage from the people.

Sources in the mutt said that as the swamiji has lot of engagements and on tour, he has cancelled the Iftar party. When Arief Doddanagudde and Ansar Ahmed of swamiji’s Blood Donating team met the swamiji in Bengaluru, the swamiji informed them that the proposed Iftar party was cancelled, it is said.

Ansar Ahmed told Varthabharati that “the swamiji himself has organized the Iftar party. We have made all preparations for the party. But as some organizations have opposed the swamiji’s decision and put pressure on the swamiji, the iftar party is cancelled”, he said.

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Poonch/Jammu (PTI): Over 26,000 young aspirants participated in a recruitment rally conducted by the army after a gap of five years in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch, officials said on Sunday.

The recruitment rally commenced at Advance Landing Ground in Surankote on November 8 to fill 307 vacancies for soldier general duty and 45 vacancies for clerks and tradesmen in the Territorial Army, they said.

The rally was open to the candidates from 31 Tehsils of Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu districts, for soldier general duty while the candidates from entire Jammu and Kashmir were eligible to apply for clerks and tradesmen positions.

“Over 26,000 enthusiastic candidates across the region took part in the selection process, showcasing their physical and mental readiness to serve the nation during the 10-day rally,” said an official of the army recruitment office, expressing satisfaction over the response of the youth.

He said the recruitment drive was organized with the objective of providing employment opportunities and encouraging the youth to join the armed forces.

The aspirants underwent various physical tests, including a 1.6 km run, chin-ups and other endurance exercises, followed by medical examinations and documentation checks, the official said.

"The response from the local youth has been tremendous. It is heartening to see such enthusiasm and passion to join the Indian Army. We are committed to providing a fair and transparent selection process," an officer of the Territorial Army said.

He said around 4000 candidates have cleared the ground test and will participate in the medical examination.

The locals lauded the army for organizing the recruitment drive in the border district.

“This is a significant step towards addressing unemployment in the border areas and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth,” said Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Surankote.

The officials said the event was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the large gathering was managed smoothly.

The recruitment process is expected to continue for the next three days, they said, adding this recruitment rally marks yet another milestone in the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen its bond with people, providing new opportunities for the youth in the region that has historically faced challenges related to employment and development.

Many young aspirants expressed their hopes of securing a place in the prestigious armed forces, with dreams of serving the nation and supporting their families.

Mohd Asad, a local resident of Poonch, said that he joined the rally for the first time. “I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army,” he added.

Another aspirant Mohd Iqbal from Haveli area of Poonch thanked the army for providing them an opportunity to serve the nation.