Mumbai, Nov 2: Right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide on Wednesday courted controversy after he refused to speak to a female television news reporter as she had not put a 'bindi' on her forehead.
The incident, caught on camera, took place after he met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Mantralaya (state secretariat) in south Mumbai, and promoted the state women's commission to issue him a notice.
In a video, Bhide was heard telling the female reporter, who sought sound byte from him about his meeting with Shinde, that she should apply a 'bindi' (a decorative dot worn in the middle of the forehead by women) before coming to take his byte, and declined to speak to her.
He also told the journalist that a woman is akin to Bharat Mata and that she should not appear like a "widow" by not sporting a 'bindi.
Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar issued a notice to the right-wing leader seeking an explanation for his remarks.
In 2018, Bhide had come under fire for his comments that couples were blessed with sons after eating mangoes from his orchard.
#NoBindiNoBusiness movement started by @ShefVaidya is getting bigger. Popular activist from Maharashtra, Sambhaji Bhide asks woman journalist to wear a Bindi before she asks her question... pic.twitter.com/wtJwCged5M
— Priti Gandhi - प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) November 2, 2022
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The much-awaited Bearys Turning Point mall was inaugurated today, Saturday, April 26, in a grand ceremony marked by the presence of several distinguished guests.
The event witnessed a series of inaugurations, with each key attraction of the mall launched by notable personalities from different sectors.
Fr. Faustine Lobo, Designated Director and Administrator of Fr. Muller Homeopathy, inaugurated the Bowling Alley, while Anand Pai, Managing Director of Bharat Beedis, inaugurated the Multiplex Theatre.
The Food Court was inaugurated by Yenepoya Javed, Director of Yenepoya Group of Institutions. Rohit Bhat, former Managing Director of Robosoft, launched the Video Gaming Alley, and the Soft Play area was inaugurated by Syed Mohammed Beary, Chairman and Managing Director of Bearys Group.
Ashwin Sanil, firefighter, athlete, and sportsperson, inaugurated both the Cricket Bay and Dashing Cars Alley. Siddique Beary, Trustee of Bearys Group, inaugurated the Toy Train, and Dubai-based businessman Mohammed Kunhi inaugurated the Climbing Wall.
Speaking at the event, Syed Mohammed Beary, Chairman and Managing Director of Bearys Group, reflected on the journey behind the Bearys Turning Point project. He said that everything in life is predestined and that nothing happens without the command of God. Sharing insights into the project’s long history, he mentioned that it had started 12 years ago and was the longest-running project undertaken by the group. He expressed gratitude for being able to complete the project without taking any loans or paying any interest, crediting divine grace for this achievement.
Syed Beary also spoke about the many miracles witnessed over the 40-year history of Bearys Group, recalling how, even when situations seemed challenging, unexpected blessings helped them overcome hurdles. He added that efforts are being made to bring Spar of Lulu Hypermarket to open their hypermarket at the mall. He thanked the construction, interiors, architecture, and marketing teams for their contributions towards the project’s success and also extended his gratitude to all the guests and the audience for attending the inauguration ceremony.
Several dignitaries who attended the inauguration shared their thoughts and congratulated the Bearys Group for the successful completion of the project.
Yenepoya Javed, Director of Yenepoya Group of Institutions, recalled his first meeting with Syed Beary in 1992 and said he had seen him grow over the years and learned much from his journey.
Fr. Faustine Lobo, Designated Director and Administrator of Father Muller Homeopathy Medical College, appreciated the mall's ambience, adding that the youth would particularly enjoy the space. He said the various attractions would also be a blessing for parents, as the mall offers engaging activities for children.
Rohit Bhat, former MD of Robosoft, congratulated the Bearys Group and said it was heartening to see such a project come up in an area that has become a hub for students.
Anand Pai, Managing Director of Bharat Beedis, spoke about the city's growth and the increasing vehicular traffic. In such a situation, he said, this project would be a big convenience for residents of the region who earlier had to travel to Mangaluru City for malls and theatres.
Ashwin Sanil, firefighter, athlete, and sportsperson, also addressed the event and congratulated the Bearys Group on the accomplishment.
Dubai-based businessman Mohammed Kunhi praised the project, saying it stands tall like a crown in the region, which is home to several educational institutions. He added that he had seen similar projects in Dubai and that witnessing such a development here was thrilling.
The event was compered by Joyson Miranda, Assistant Professor at Bearys Institute of Technology. The programme began with a prayer session performed by students of the Bearys Group of Institutions.
Introducing the mall, Joyson Miranda highlighted that it aims to cater to the needs of over 40,000 people living in the outskirts of Mangaluru city. He pointed out the serene location of the mall, offering beautiful views of the Western Ghats and an environment free from the noise and congestion of the city. He noted that earlier, the nearest mall was nearly 23 kilometres away, and said that Bearys Turning Point would set a new benchmark for the locality by bringing modern facilities closer to the community.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Nandh Kumar, Head of Retail at Bearys Group.
About Bearys Turning Point:
Spread over an area of 1.5 lakh square feet, Bearys Turning Point features a wide range of facilities including a multiplex theatre, bowling alley, video gaming alley, soft play zone, cricket bay, dashing cars alley, a food court, climbing wall, and a toy train for children. With ample parking space and modern amenities, the mall is designed to serve not just the local population but also the large student community in the Deralakatte region. Its location, ambience, and thoughtfully curated attractions are expected to make it a preferred destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure.