After Ghaziabad weapons distribution, Lucknow youngsters respond with roses, pens, call for peace
Lucknow: Amid growing concerns over incidents of communal polarisation in parts of Uttar Pradesh, a group of Muslim youngsters in Lucknow organised a peaceful outreach by distributing roses and pens to passersby on Friday.
The initiative gained attention as it came days after reports from Ghaziabad, where members of Right wing extremist groups were seen distributing weapons during a public event. In contrast, the Lucknow outreach chose symbols of peace and knowledge, with participants saying their aim was to promote unity, education and non-violence.
During the interaction, an elderly man who received a rose and a pen responded with visible emotion, telling the youngsters, “You are doing a very good thing. The day ignorance is removed from us, no one except Allah will be able to harm us.” The exchange was captured on video and later shared widely on social media.
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The organisers said the gesture was meant to underline the importance of education and compassion at a time when divisive acts were drawing public concern. They invoked the ideals of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, often cited as a symbol of scientific temper, inclusivity and national unity, to stress that India’s future depends on knowledge and humanity rather than violence and hatred.
The video of the event was posted on the X handle of Team Rising Falcon and has since been circulated widely. Many users described it as a timely and powerful response to rising intolerance.
In Lucknow, Muslim youth spread a message of peace by distributing roses and pens.
— Team Rising Falcon (@TheRFTeam) January 2, 2026
This initiative was a clear response to the recent incident in Ghaziabad, where Hindu extremists distributed weapons choosing knowledge and love over hate and violence.
During the event, when a… https://t.co/xgbJ7Ni6Zi pic.twitter.com/rpFOy4o5Ac
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
