Prez Murmu to visit Siddaganga Math on April 1; Pontiff calls it ‘moment of pride’ for Tumakuru
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu will visit the renowned Siddaganga Math on April 1, in what is being described as "a moment of pride" for Tumakuru, its pontiff Siddalinga Swamiji said on Sunday.
Murmu will visit the math to take part in the 119th birth anniversary celebrations of Shivakumara Swamiji, who passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
Addressing a press conference, the pontiff outlined the schedule and preparations for the visit, which will see the participation of several dignitaries, including Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V Somanna, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and other senior leaders.
“The president’s visit on April 1 is a matter of pride for Tumakuru. It will be the first time a president is visiting the district and the second time a woman president is visiting the math,” Siddalinga Swamiji said.
He said Murmu would first visit the gadduge (memorial) at the math, where she would perform rituals before proceeding to the main stage for the formal programme.
"Upon arrival in Tumakuru, she will first visit the memorial, perform 'aarti' and 'puja', and then proceed directly to the stage. No further events are planned after the stage programme," he further said.
The programme is expected to last about an hour to an hour-and-a-half between 11 am and noon, with arrangements being made in coordination with the district administration.
Cultural events, including a veena recital and vachana (devotional poetry) singing by 119 women, will follow the main function, while dasoha (free community meal) will continue as in previous years, he said.
Swamiji also urged the media not to raise the issue of conferring the Bharat Ratna on Shivakumara Swamiji during the visit.
“Please do not bring it up. We should not seek such honours… This matter should not come to the notice of the president in any way,” he said.
He added that security protocols would be strictly enforced, with restrictions on carrying items such as umbrellas and water bottles into the venue, and appealed to the public to arrive early and cooperate for the smooth conduct of the event.
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Gujarat builds 870 MW battery power backup network to stabilise renewable energy grid
Gandhinagar (PTI): Gujarat has initiated battery storage systems at five locations in the state, with a total capacity of 870 MW, to maintain the stability of the renewable power grid, officials said on Saturday.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing electricity generated from solar and other renewable sources. They help manage additional load and maintain grid stability.
“Gujarat has initiated battery storage systems at five locations with a total capacity of 870 MW,” an official release stated.
The state has also registered 13 projects across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch districts to set up additional battery storage systems, it said.
Modhera in Gujarat, India’s first solar village, has launched the country’s first BESS integrated with a solar power plant, it said.
"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has continued to advance in this direction and has strengthened its position among the leading states driving battery storage systems in India,” the release said.
Recently, a battery storage system was commissioned at Charal in the Sanand taluka of Ahmedabad, it said.
Four systems are operational at Modhera in Mehsana and Lakhpat in Kutch. The state government has also included advanced energy storage systems as a key component in the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy, 2025, the release said.
Accordingly, standalone battery storage projects, works linked with new renewable energy installations, and those integrated with existing renewable energy systems are being approved, it said.
Once the Standard Operating Procedure is approved, registrations for battery storage will open for commercial and industrial users, it said, adding that the move will allow them to set up battery storage alongside their solar or wind projects.
The state government is developing battery storage systems across Gujarat, with companies being invited in through a competitive bidding process.
GETCO (Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation) and power distribution companies strategically identify locations for battery storage systems based on grid capacity and operational requirements, the release said.
Power generation from solar and other renewable sources fluctuates throughout the day. Excess energy generated during peak hours can be stored and supplied later during periods of high demand, especially in the evening when solar output declines. Battery storage systems help reduce stress on the grid and improve grid stability, it added.
