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Don't fan the flames, If my house is gutted, who'll look after yours: Pavan Varma

Kolkata, Jan 12 (UNI) Former diplomat and author Pavan K. Varma has issued a stark warning with regard to the state of tolerance in India, stressing that while the nation's foundations have long celebrated diversity, they remain delicate.
In a compelling lecture monikered 'Are we a Tolerant Society? Heritage, History Reconciliation' at the 17th APeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, Varma reminded audiences that the country's centuries-old ethos of acceptance is easily threatened.
Drawing on texts like the Rigveda and the Upanishad and citing the Bhakti movement, Varma illustrated how Indian civilisation has historically embraced questioning, dialogue and respect for different views.
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War of words over 'Babri' Mosque construction in Murshidabad; Humayun Kabir hits back at Arjun Singh

15 Feb 2026 | 10:38 PM

Kolkata, Feb 15 (UNI) A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad districts after Janata Unnayan Party chairman and suspended Trinamul Congress MLA Humayun Kabir on Sunday issued a strong warning to BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh over remarks on the construction of a mosque named 'Babri'.

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Mahashivratri celebrated with traditional fervour & gaiety in Bihar

15 Feb 2026 | 9:55 PM

Patna, Feb 15 (UNI) Mahashivratri was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in all parts of Bihar and millions of devotees worshipped in Lord Shiva temples across the state.

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Two more owners of the illegal rat-hole coal mine arrested in Meghalaya

15 Feb 2026 | 9:43 PM

Shillong, Feb 15 (UNI) Meghalaya police arrested two more owners of the illegal rat-hole coal mine where a dynamite blast killed 31 mine workers in Mynsngat-Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district, police said on Sunday.
Earnest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh alias Mithun were arrested on Saturday after evading police arrest in connection with the deadly coal mine blast on February 5, police said.

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Mahashivratri observed with religious fervour in Bengal

15 Feb 2026 | 9:36 PM

Kolkata, Feb 15 (UNI) With lakhs of people, particularly women, queing up before Shiva temples to offer puja, Mahashivratri was observed in West Bengal with usual enthusiasm and religious fervour on Sunday.

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Mad rush among Bengal's unemployed youths to fill out Yuva Sathi forms

15 Feb 2026 | 8:50 PM

Kolkata, Feb 15 (UNI) Thousands of unemployed youths aged between 21 and 40 years stood in long queues across West Bengal to fill out the forms for getting themselves enrolled for the Yuba Sathi scheme, under which they are entitled to receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1500.

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