Uttar Pradesh: BJP, VHP seek removal of Padma Bhushan awardee Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan Thirakwa statue
Moradabad: A protest led by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) took place in Moradabad on Tuesday, demanding the removal of a statue of Padma Bhushan awardee Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan Thirakwa, a renowned tabla player.
The statue, which was recently installed at a prominent crossing in the city, was covered with black polythene by the protesters who also blocked the Moradabad-Haridwar highway for an hour.
The statue is located at Subhash crossing on Kanth Road, near the Akbar Fortress. The road leading to the statue was also recently renamed in Thirakwa's honor. The protesters, joined by several local residents, raised slogans against the Moradabad Municipal Corporation and warned of further agitation unless the statue is removed and replaced with one of Subhash Chandra Bose, as reported by The Indian Express.
Jaidev Yadav, a local VHP leader, emphasised the seriousness of the issue, vowing that the agitation would continue till the statue is replaced with that of Subash Chandra Bose. Protesters also voiced slogans against the Moradabad Mayor Vinod Agarwal, calling for a change in the name of the Moradabad Municipal Corporation.
Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan Thirakwa, who passed away in 1976 at the age of 84, was a skilled percussionist known for his mastery over multiple instruments.
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Mangalore fighters shine at World Kickboxing Championships
Mangalore: Four athletes from Groundborn Fight Club and Fitness Gym, Mangalore, have made the city proud by winning gold medals at the World Kickboxing Organization Championships held in Goa.
The winners—Karan B.V., Roshan D’Cunha, Sarthak, and Lenin Mendonça—excelled in their respective categories, showcasing their skill and determination.
They were trained by Shishir, the gym's head coach, whose guidance played a key role in their success.
