The political resolution in BJP’s National Executive, held on Sunday for the first time after January 2019, was moved by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, confirming the perception that the saffron clad leader is now among the top five-six leaders of the party in a hierarchy that starts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is pertinent to mention that the January 2019 resolution, held just four months before the 2019 general elections, was moved by Nitin Gadkari, who was considered among the most powerful party leaders of the time.

In 2017 and 2018, the resolution was moved by Rajnath Singh, who is still considered as the tallest among the equals in the party. The 2016 resolution in Allahabad was moved by present Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, with Rajnath Singh moving the same in Delhi in the April 2015 meeting.

Incidentally, Yogi Adityanath was supposed to take part in the National Executive virtually, but the party decided to have him in Delhi hours before the meet started. Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls early next year and if the party is unable to retain the state, then it would severely dent the party’s chance for the May 2024 general elections as UP, the largest state of India, is considered as the bellwether of voters’ perception about political parties.

In the last Assembly elections, held in February-March 2017, the party won 312 seats. PM’s own seat, Varanasi is in Uttar Pradesh.

Party leaders who attended the meet said that apart from the PM, it was the UP CM who got the maximum response from the members, physically and virtually.

“There is no doubt that he is very popular among the party workers as well as the common man. Hence the response that he got was natural and nothing else should be read in the response or why he was chosen to move the resolution,” a party functionary said.

While responding to the media during the national executive, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Adityanath was chosen because he was a senior leader, the CM of the largest state in the country and handled the Covid-19 pandemic efficiently.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the event virtually from Bhopal.

The BJP’s national executive, which was held after more than two years, ended with a 45-minute speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he focused on establishing an interpersonal relationship with party workers and asked party leaders to become a “bridge of faith for the common man”.

PM Modi’s speech, as per leaders who were a part of the meet, focused on creating an emotional and interpersonal connection with the people including workers who toil for the party.

PM Modi, during his speech, gave his own example of how he, during the Covid-19 lockdown, called up old friends and party leaders seeking their well-being. “They told me that on getting my call, they felt like they too were a part of the government”, the PM said. He also gave the example of how government employees did not avail Leave Travel Concession (LTC) despite the validity of the same being extended by the Ministry of Finance.

“His speech was truly the highest point of the otherwise ‘mechanical’ proceedings that is expected from any such events of a political party. He told us that now the party has reached a point where many things related to its functioning will happen automatically now, organizational structure will function on its own and that we need to focus on creating, maintaining and sustaining a feeling of ‘apnapan’ (belonging) among the party members and people”, a well known party functionary told The Daily Guardian,

During the five-hour-long congregation of party functionaries, the discussion revolved around the upcoming elections in the five states, the 100 crore—that is 1 billion—vaccination “achievement”, the government’s policy that swiftly “revived” the economy post the lockdown and the Covid management done by the BJP government at the Centre and the states. Four booklets highlighting these issues and one on “Kamal pushp”, which is a new feature in the NaMo app, were released.

The government, according to party leaders, is concerned about the negative perception it had generated during the second Covid wave. Accordingly, BJP leaders have been asked to reach out to the voters and tell them how the government “successfully” tackled the pandemic.

Apart from Covid-19, the party leaders deliberated on the steps that were to be taken to expand the party across India. In pursuance of this, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while briefing the media, said that the party would set up booth committees in all 1,040,000 polling booths, deploy panna pramukhs (voter list in-charges) in them and institutionalise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat in every booth within the next six months.

There was no deliberation on the topic related to border tension with China, inflation or terror, party sources told this newspaper. The three farm laws came up for discussion.

Party president, Jagat Prakash Nadaa, while inaugurating the meet, said that the party’s peak was yet to come and the party was yet to expand in states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana.

The political situation in West Bengal too came up for discussion, where the party is facing a sort of exodus to the TMC, with BJP leaders alleging “violence and atrocities” against their workers at the hands of the state’s ruling party and government. The party said that it said it would “stand like a rock” with the state unit and the people despite the “violence and atrocities” against party workers and that it “will fight back democratically.”

As per Pradhan, of the 346 members in the national executive, 342 attended the meeting, while 124 leaders were physically present in the meeting.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while addressing the media, shared the work done by the government to combat the challenges posed by the pandemic.

An 18-point political resolution, moved by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and seconded by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai too was adopted. Among the resolutions that were passed included ensuring victory in the Assembly elections slated early next year. As per Nirmala Sitharaman, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was asked to move the resolution as he is the CM of the biggest state in the country and for the way he tackled Covid-19 and generated jobs in his state.

The resolution also criticised opposition parties and condemned their “opportunist politics”. “They were not to be seen on the streets during Covid, but did everything to create confusion on Twitter. At the time when the Prime Minister was trying so hard to build trust within the country and image of the country, they were trying to weaken it,” Sitharaman said in an apparent dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The resolution welcomed India’s position on climate change in the ongoing COP26 at Glasgow, vaccination programme, and other achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including “corruption-free government” and “reduction in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir”.

Six leaders including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Ministers Anurag Singh Thakur, Ashwini Vaishnaw and G. Kishan Reddy spoke on the political resolution.

Diwali has just concluded, but the list of festivals is still not over. Major festivals like Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja are still left. If you are the one who has been a spendthrift during the Diwali season and now are worried about what to wear on Bhai Dooj, we have got you covered!

There are only two such festivals in a whole year that are dedicated to the pious brother and sister bond. The first is Raksha Bandhan and the second is Bhai Dooj, which will be celebrated on November 6, this year.

Bhai Dooj is special because it falls around Diwali. Due to this, the glory and festive enthusiasm remain intact on this occasion too. So looking good and dressing up to the nines is also a must on this day!

For all the ladies who are worried about what to wear on Bhai Dooj, here we have listed a few tips for you to sport a unique look on the special occasion.

1. Kiara Advani’s outfit proves how you can look absolutely gorgeous by putting your hands on DIY hacks. Just like her, you can choose to wear a bright lehenga from your wardrobe and team it up with a white shirt.

Accessorise your look with a choker set and choose a dewy makeup look. As the autumn season is here, the pro tip is to go for bold lip shade, as it will accentuate your look. If you are celebrating the festival at your home, then a loose hairstyle with soft curls will be perfect for this outfit, otherwise, a sleek bun will work best for you.

2. Printed pants are not new in the trend, but they can look ordinary and boring if you team them with the usual top or shirt. So to give your outfit a unique look with a touch of elegance, you can pair them with a matching crop top and a log printed pattern shrug.

Just like Sonakshi Sinha, you can wear a poppy colour beaded necklace and tie your hair in a sleek pony. You can leave your hair strands straight or can give them a finger-curled stray lock look. Choose a nude palette makeup with this outfit, and let the patterned ensemble speak volumes for you.

3. A vision to behold- is what Shilpa Shetty is in this picture. Her fashion game is on point just like always! So, if you are looking for DIY outfit inspiration, you cannot miss out on Shilpa’s stylish attire.

Shilpa is wearing a designer outfit, but you can also grab this alluring look by channelling your inner fashion designer. Delving deeper into her look, you will notice, she is wearing a crop top with sharara pants and a matching dupatta with a broad belt.

So to achieve this look, all you need to do is dig out a sequenced crop top or a bright blouse from your lehenga choli set and pair it with matching sharara or Ghaghra pants. A bright dupatta of any colour will do wonders if the attire you have sported beneath is light in colour.

Accessorise your look with light jewellery and a good amount of bangles. A shimmery dewy makeup with bold lips will go perfect with this outfit. For a hairstyle, choose a braided strand look with loose curls.

4. Want to wear a saree, but not want to wear a saree? Actor Urvashi Rautela is setting a perfect example for all the girls who often get confused while thinking of giving a unique look to their saree outfits.

Just like her, you can also choose a chiffon saree (or any saree) from your wardrobe and pair it up with a matching crop top, matching jeans or wide pants. This look is quick to achieve and looks elegant too.

If you want to add more creativity to this type of outfit, you can go for complementary colours between your saree, top and pants. A puffy ponytail or loose curl hairstyle with minimal makeup will prove to be a perfect combination of an ethnic and classy outfit for this Bhai Dooj. Skip neckpiece and go for statement danglers with this look. Don’t forget to carry your ‘go-to heels’.

5. Ooze oomph in a DIY multiple-hue dress, just like Aditi Rao Hydari. If you want to look equally stunning with a revamped outfit, then you can choose any simple poppy coloured top or T-shirt with ripped jeans and a bright coloured flare shrug.

Stilettos heels will give more weight to the look. Like Aditi, you can also opt for pink-nude toned makeup and a loose bun or ponytail with minimal jewellery.

These were the selected outfits to give you DIY inspiration for this year’s Bhai Dooj. Ditch the usual shimmery attires and get your hands on these ideas to stand out on this special occasion.

U. S. Congressman Danny K Davis of Chicago, Illinois hosted a Congressional reception to Celebrate India’s oldest and largest festival- Diwali on November 3 evening at the National Democratic Club, Washington D.C.

U. S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lit the traditional Indian lamp to signify Diwali and headlined the event. Several prominent elected officials including Congressman Richard Neal, (D- Massachusetts), Chair, U. S. House Ways & Means Committee among others joined the historic celebrations.

Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, Indian American Community Leader from Chicago said that this Diwali celebration with the participation of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the third-highest elected official of USA was significant because for the first time since 2009 Diwali was NOT being celebrated in the White House. President Obama was the first U. S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House in 2009, and thereafter all Presidents annually celebrated Diwali.

Dr Vijay G Prabhakar said that the White House not celebrating Diwali this year 2021 had triggered them to organize official celebrations for the first time with the U. S. House Speaker, the State of Illinois House Speaker, the City of Chicago Council and Cook County Treasurer’s office to showcase India’s heritage during this festival season.

Neil Khot, National Chairman, Indian American Business Coalition praised the inspiring leadership of Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, President, American Multi-Ethnic Coalition and President, Indian American Business Coalition, USA for facilitating this historic event at Washington D. C. and for also organizing Diwali celebrations in City of Chicago Council, Cook County Treasurer’s Office and The State of Illinois government for the first time in 184 years.

Kishor Mehta, Emeritus Chair, Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force thanked U. S. Congressman Danny Davis, who was the only Congressman from Midwest who welcomed India’s Prime Minister Modi to the United States in New York 2014 and in Houston in 2019, for hosting the Diwali Celebration. Mehta added that Congressman Davis has been an ardent supporter of strong US- India ties especially recalling his pioneering efforts during the Covid pandemic.

Anica Dubey, Global Outreach Chair, American Multi-Ethnic Coalition said that this year 2021, Washington D. C.’s Diwali celebrations is truly a triumph of good over evil.

Dr Sreenivas Reddy, Member, National Council on White House History said that Indian American leaders have participated in this celebration to usher in a spirit of prosperity and peace with the Biden Harris administration and strengthen U.S. -Indo ties.

Community Activist and Renowned Bharat Natyam Dance exponent Indrani Davaluri gave a traditional welcome to U. S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairman, U. S. House Ways and Means Committee Congressmen Richard Neal at the Diwali celebrations in Washington D. C.

Lion Hina Trivedi, Founder, Chicago Indo U. S. Lions Club thanked the over hundred guests who attended the celebrations and singled out Tumia Romero, Chief of Staff of Congressman Danny Davis for hosting this historic celebration at the National Democratic Club at Washington D. C.

Indian American Business Coalition, USA, American Multi-Ethnic Coalition, – AMEC, World Federation of Tamil Youth, Chicago Indo- U. S. Lions Club, and the Congressional Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force- MEATF are facilitating similar Diwali celebrations for the first time ever at Chicago City Council on November 4, Cook County Treasurer’s Office on November 5 and the State of Illinois House Speaker’s office the week of November 8, 2021.

The work from home culture which is still very prevalent has revolutionised our choice in clothing (medical fraternity notwithstanding, salute them). The Covid pandemic mandated everyone to stay safe by staying home. Zoom calls and microsoft team meetings got a sizeable amount of people to adopt new sartorial choices. Jammies, Kaftans and loungewear has been the order of the day. Upwards of torso, the laptop and mobile screens have been the world’s view of us and our view of them.

As a result clothing, while sitting in cosy cordoned off spaces at home, meant being comfortable and in some cases comfortable and cute. Comfy is cool. Comfy is attractive. Comfy is the order of the day! Unveil a yummy cupcake print PJ set and the icing on the cupcake being you can customise it to your size and have your name embroidered on it. Makes the ideal wear for a twinning pyjama party.

Applaud these jammies-makers doling out their comfort wear with their whimsical loungwear. Donuts, Unicorns, Nutella jars and Spaceships all make their way into our wardrobes.

One such desirable Indian name for pyjamas is Homesake.

In our conversation with the founder Richika Agarwal we inquired about what makes her brand unique. “We try and offer freshness in each collection by offering new fabrics that have a mix of contemporary and classic prints. We have also launched loungewear which is a great fun space at the moment in addition to being a new product category for us. Kaftans have worked really well for us and we have given them our unique touch by adding signature tassels and lace. The most recent launch has been our ‘RobeSuits’ and loungewear in flannel which have been extremely well received by our audience”

The Medium of Homesake sales is primarily social media with Instagram roping in a majority in sales. Head over to @homesake_love to make your purchase.

An established name in this space is Dandelion with Samyukta Nair as the genius behind the company.Nair admits that fashion and an inclination towards clothing has always been in her genes. Prior to her building her own brand Dandelion she gave her design expertise in building The Leela Palaces and Hotels pan-India . Dandelion came into being because she felt that there was dearth of quality nightwear in India. With her label, she hopes to fill that gap. Dandelion cater to something for everyone on the online store, whether you like handmade cotton PJs or playful Kaftans. Dandy(lion) definitely has some eye candy. Hit up www.dandeliondreams.co to avail all the beautiful items they offer.

Prints and textures make one spoilt for choice. A brand with an array of cheery, upbeat prints is Tumult. The Delhi-based millennial moms and co-founders Vandita Jain and Megha Gupta give comfort top priority.” Our style is unique and the fit comfortable, enough to make you sleep like a baby’’. The brand established in 2015 sells through its website and by direct messaging on Instagram. No-compromise on comfort is their motto. Head over to their elaborate product catalogue on www.tumult.in.

Cosy up to comfortwear. Whether it’s making an appearance in a flowy Kaftan on an impromptu call to a night of netflix and twinning, comfortwear has found and held its ground while we have been homebound.

Whatsapp and Facebook can be used to revive a scheduled language. The schedule language is Mathili and a man who took this initiative of reviving this 3rd B.C., old language is Shashi Bhushan Jha of Mohali. He is running an online institute called Mathilakshar Vigya Mohali, from Maithil Sangh Mohali. Jha is able to make people from PAN India, Nepal participate after every fifteen days to enroll in three months course for learning and writing Maithili.

Shashi Bhushan Jha, President of Mathil Sangh Mohali and Founder of Mithilakshar Vigya while speaking to The Daily Guardian said, “We have taught Mathili to more than 1000 students from pan India, Nepal, and even from Saudi Arabia. This is a three-month course and after fifteen days, we shout out on Social Media for students to enroll. This all is free of cost. After completing the course, the student gets the Maithilakshar vigya Certificate and also gets able to write, read the Mathili Language with ease. Right now, 100 students from India and Nepal are learning Maithili on WhatsApp”.

“It is generally believed that the Sidhhacharyas evolved Proto Maithili during the 8th -9th century when they composed Charyapada. Since then the language has progressed steadily. Vidyapati, a very productive writer has used Avahatta, a form of Proto Maithili in his dramas, the Kirtilata and Kirtipataka. He also composed melodious poems depicting the love of Radha-Krishna in his Padavali that is written in the Maithili of the medieval period. Vidyapati also influenced Nepali, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, and Manipuri literature during the medieval period,” Jha told The Daily Guardian.

Jha added that In Nepal, Maithili is the second state language and is used by 12% of the total population. Here, Maithili was used in the court of the Kings, during the Malla period. As of now, Mathili is a very well recognized scheduled language over the Indian Currency, Maithili is an Indo-Aryan language native to the Indian subcontinent, mainly spoken in India and Nepal. In India, it is spoken in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand and is one of the 22 recognized Indian languages. In Nepal, it is spoken in the eastern Terai and is the second most prevalent language of Nepal. Tirhuta was formerly the primary script for written Maithili. Less commonly, it was also written in the local variant of Kaithi. It is also matching to the language of Devnagiri.