President Droupadi Murmu, who undertook a half-an-hour sortie in a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday from Ambala, posed with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, just before she took to the skies.
Squadron Leader Singh, the country’s first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot, was claimed to have been captured during ‘Operation Sindoor’ by a pro-Pakistan social media handle.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check had on May 10 called out this claim as fake.
The Rafale jets were used in Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 to destroy several terror infrastructures in territories controlled by Pakistan, in response to the April 22 dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a picture of the President posing with Squadron Leader Singh, atop a ladder used in boarding or deboarding an aircraft.
The President took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station, Ambala (Haryana) on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by her office.
Murmu is the first President of India to have taken sortie in two fighter aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023.
At 67, President Droupadi Murmu creates history yet again, becoming the first Indian President to take a sortie in a Rafale, India’s cutting-edge fighter jet.
Taking off from Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana with Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, she witnessed the Rafale’s precision and agility that define India’s aerial strength.
As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, this flight wasn’t just ceremonial. It was a message — that leadership isn’t about watching from the ground, but rising above the clouds.
From flying a Sukhoi-30 MKI over the Brahmaputra last year to now soaring in a Rafale, President Murmu continues to embody quiet courage, calm strength, and unshakable resolve.
Her journey from a small tribal village in Odisha to the cockpit of India’s most advanced jet captures the story of modern India itself: bold, resilient, and unstoppable.
[Droupadi Murmu, President Of India, Rafale Jet India, Women Leaders India, Indian Air Force News,Ambala Air Force Station]
In the vibrant landscape of Indian regional cinema, where diverse languages and dialects weave tales of culture, identity, and human experience, a new milestone is on the horizon. Kundaalu, an upcoming Gujarati feature film set to release in cinemas on November 14, 2025, marks a historic first: it’s the inaugural full-length movie produced entirely in the Mehsani dialect of Gujarati. This earthy, rhythmic accent, native to the rural heartlands of Mehsana in northern Gujarat, has long been a staple of local folklore and everyday conversations but has rarely echoed through the silver screen. Directed by Rohit Prajapati and produced by 3 Peepul Productions in association with Geet Theatre, Kundaalu promises to immerse audiences in the authentic rhythms of village life, blending poetry, philosophy, and poignant drama.
The Essence of Kundaalu: Circles of Life and Reflection
At its core, Kundaalu—which translates to “circles” or “loops” in Gujarati—explores profound themes of existence, mortality, and the cyclical nature of human endeavors. The film’s teaser, released recently, opens with evocative Gujarati verses: “રમતા રમતા રેતીમાં લખોટી કે ગોટી, દોર્યા લાખ કુંડાળા. પણ મૂઓ કપાળે ચોંટ્યો ચાંદલો, મોઢે બોબડો, બોલે તો બોલે શું, ને ગોઝારી રેતીમાં દોરે તો દોરે શું?” Roughly translated, it speaks of playing in the sand, drawing countless circles with lines or stones, only to confront death’s mark on the forehead—a stuck vermilion dot, a distorted face. What does it say? What does it draw in the terrifying sands? This poetic introspection sets the tone for a narrative rooted in rural simplicity, where childhood games metaphorically unravel into deeper questions about fate, legacy, and the human condition.
Set against the picturesque villages of Mehsana, the film captures the unfiltered essence of Gujarati rural life—dusty paths, communal gatherings, and the subtle interplay of tradition and change. The Mehsani accent adds a layer of authenticity, making dialogues feel like overheard conversations from a bustling chai stall or a family courtyard. It’s not just a linguistic choice; it’s a cultural homage, amplifying voices from a region often overshadowed by standard Gujarati in mainstream media. The cast includes standout performances, such as Vaibhav Biniwale as the evocative character Jaga Kaka (or Jagaji), whose portrayal brings depth to the film’s emotional core. With its motion poster emphasizing “The Circle of Life,” Kundaalu appears poised to blend visual storytelling with philosophical undertones, much like a folk tale come alive.
The production journey itself mirrors the film’s themes of unexpected turns. What began as a modest short film concept during the COVID-19 lockdown evolved into this ambitious feature, showcasing resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Spotlight on the Visionaries: Neena, Priya, and Suchitra of 3 Peepul Productions
Behind Kundaalu’s innovative spirit stands 3 Peepul Productions, an impact-driven film house founded by three remarkable women: Neena Arora, Priya Krishnaswamy, and Suchitra Parikh. Spread across Vadodara in India and Austin in the USA, these “accidental producers” never envisioned a career in filmmaking. Yet, their passion for powerful stories has built a company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and narratives rooted in the Indian ethos.
Neena Arora, based in Vadodara, is an entrepreneur with a flair for the arts. A graduate in Home Science from Lady Irwin College, she owns Splatter Studio, a creative hub for exhibitions, workshops, and curated crafts. Her love for theatre led her to co-found Page to Stage in 2013 with Suchitra. Neena’s interests span films, travel, painting, music, and cooking, infusing her work with a vibrant, hands-on energy.
Priya Krishnaswamy, residing in Austin, brings a global perspective as a painter, poet, and writer. Holding degrees in English Literature from Women’s Christian College and Madras University, plus a business degree from the University of Texas-Austin, she has experience in garment sourcing and e-commerce across India, the USA, and France. Priya’s passions include literature, history, textiles, and arts, making her a bridge between cultures in the trio’s collaborative efforts.
Suchitra Parikh, also in Vadodara, is a HR consultant with a background in Sociology, Psychology, and Human Resource Development from Maharaja Sayajirao University and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. As co-founder of Page to Stage, she’s deeply involved in causes like education, health, and rural development. Suchitra’s enthusiasm for storytelling, wildlife, sports, and poetry drives the company’s focus on impactful content.
Their journey began in August 2020, amid the pandemic’s uncertainties. Neena and Suchitra were approached by aspiring filmmaker Rohit Prajapati with a four-line pitch for a short film. Enchanted by the idea, they offered to finance it, unwittingly stepping into production roles. The first shooting schedule unfolded in October 2020 as lockdowns eased briefly. By December, as preparations for the second schedule ramped up, the story had blossomed from a short into something grander—ultimately becoming the feature Kundaalu. Priya joined the fold, and together they formalized 3 Peepul Productions, drawing inspiration from the resilient Peepul tree to symbolize their adaptive, enduring vision.
As women leading in a male-dominated industry, Neena, Priya, and Suchitra embody empowerment. Their company, a member of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, has also produced shorts like Vishwamitri Villas and projects for Sakshi, all emphasizing meaningful tales. Kundaalu stands as their flagship achievement, not just for its linguistic innovation but for proving that passion-fueled detours can create cinematic legacies.
As audiences await its release, Kundaalu invites us to reflect on our own circles—drawn in sand, etched in memory, and forever evolving. Through the lens of Mehsani Gujarati and the determination of three extraordinary women, this film is set to redefine regional storytelling.
Participants are losing up to 45 kg by eating Aloo Paratha, Rice-Daal, Rajma, Chhole, Pasta, Pizza, Noodles, Egg, Fish, Chicken, Mango, Banana, Lichee and more.
New Delhi (India), April 3: UnLOAD, the Women’s Weight Loss Competition, is a phenomenon with a human touch. The Challenge runs live, with constant monitoring and mentoring, utilising an appropriate blend of everyday technologies, like WhatsApp and Zoom. Guru Asha Ashta has introduced the 17th edition of her Super Premium Weight Loss Challenge, e17UnLOAD, with a complete focus on normal regular meals. 14 of these Challenges have already been accomplished, and the 15th and 16th are now in process.
“The calorie concept of food and weight loss is merely a hypothetical idea that has been accountable for numerous diseases of women,” stated Guru Asha Ashta, the UnLOAD Innovator, while making the announcement. “The Major Pillars of Excellent Health are Just Regular Normal Meals That Follow Nature’s Laws.” Weight Loss is just a wonderful consequence of this disciplined regimen. The secret to losing weight is to eat until your stomach is full. Every form of starvation causes the weight to rise. UnLOAD is largely concerned with three main issues: when to eat, what to eat, and how to eat. Weight Loss occurs when you take a proper meal at the Correct Time and in Correct Combination. UnLOAD has established and confirmed over time that just the Meal contributes 100% to Weight Loss. Every type of exercise, in whatever form, has no bearing on weight loss. Exercise does, however, play its part in toning and sculpting the body, but it has no role in Weight Loss,” Asha said.
This Gamified Challenge, which is a Cash Prize Challenge, will begin on May 1, 2023. Enrollment is now available through April 20th, 2023. The Challenge includes Meal Plans for each day that are discussed in a series of live Zoom Webinars. There is a Workout Program that includes 3 live exercise sessions 5 days a week and includes Bikini Body Training, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, Tabata, Zumba, Aerobics, Bollywood Dance, Masala Bhangra, and many other interesting physical activities.
Every day, each participant is observed, monitored, supervised, and counselled as required.
UnLOAD was founded in 2011 in Mumbai by Asha Astha Yoga, and it has now grown to include participants from more than 50 nations. UnLOAD is now a registered trademark and ISO 9001:0215 certified by IAS in the United States.
“There are no herbals, chemicals, pills, capsules, injections, powders, smoothies, or anything else in UnLOAD,” Asha stated. I don’t believe in calorie counting or portion management. I never use the term “carbohydrate.” My “Eat More, Not Less” Meal Plans include Aloo Paratha, Rice-Daal, Pasta, Pizza, Hakka-Noodles, Aloo Tikki, Paav-Bhaji, Idli-Dosa, Momo, and many more delicious dishes. These are now established superfoods for weight loss after 14 editions of very successful 90-Day Weight Loss Challenges. With these regular typical meals, the individuals have lost up to 20.5 kg and lost up to 12″ off their waistline.”
“Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from bad health, mostly owing to a lack of basic meal-related knowledge,” Asha Ashta stated. “The UnLOAD routine teaches women to love food and, as a result, to recover from lifestyle diseases such as thyroid, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, migraine, insomnia, and so on, as well as depression. Some people were entirely healed of these so-called “incurable” disorders. This program has profoundly changed not just their individual lives but also the lives of all their family members.”
“I’m giving the participants a never-before-seen practical experience to help them lose weight in an enjoyable way.” Apart from their overall change, there are many monetary rewards of up to ₹150,000.00. The winner of e17UnLoad will get ₹60,000.00. The first and second runners-up will get ₹ 30,000/ and ₹ 20,000/, respectively.” Asha mentioned. Each participant is evaluated based on a set of quantifiable objective metrics and a set of unambiguous eligibility and evaluation parameters, which are outlined on her website, https://www.ashaashta.com/.
Guru Asha Ashta is a Women’s Weight Loss Expert. Her mission is to Inspire, Influence, Impact, and Empower 10,000,000 Women to Achieve Freedom From Excess Weight and Live a Pain-Free, Blissful Life Through Mindful, Holistic Meals. During each year, she hosts 12 Prize Winning Weight Loss Challenges. She has written the #1 bestseller book “Freedom from Excess Weight.”
Asha Astha regularly posts tips related to Meals, Health and Fitness on her Facebook page ‘Weight Loss with Asha Ashta’.
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