Home Blog Page 759

‘Inception’ Star Joseph Gordon-Levitt Reveals What He Loves The Most About Working With Christopher Nolan

‘Inception’ Star Joseph Gordon-Levitt Reveals What He Loves The Most About Working With Christopher Nolan.

Golden Globe-nominated actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt took to the stage at the 14th season of the IFP, formerly the India Film Project, and spoke about what he loves about working with celebrated director Christopher Nolan.

Gordon-Levitt has worked with Nolan in films like ‘Inception’, and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. The actor was joined on stage by Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao.

They spoke on the subject of ‘Mastering the Art of Embodying a Character & Building Hit Record’.

During their conversation, Gordon-Levitt said, “One of the things I’ve always appreciated about working with Christopher Nolan, especially on a massive scale film like Inception or The Dark Knight Rises, is how he treats these giant productions like art films. Even amidst the logistical complexities of car chases and big action sequences, he prioritises the actors and ensures we have the space to focus on our characters, be true to our characters, and the drama”.

He further mentioned, “That’s rare, because often on these big-budget sets, directors can get consumed by the technical aspects. Nolan’s films are huge in scale, but he brings that same focus on the human element, which I think is part of why his movies resonate so deeply with audiences. With ‘500 Days of Summer’, it was a smaller, more intimate project, but what made it work was the trust Zooey and I had built over the years, especially from working together before on Manic. That comfort and connection translated into a very natural dynamic on screen”.

This marks his first visit to India as he graced the event being held in Mumbai. Other artistes in the IFP 14 lineup include Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Kabir Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Saurabh Shukla, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Ram Madhvani, Kunal Kemmu and Sharvari.

–IANS

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Enrolment For PM Internship Scheme Kicks-Off On Dussehra

Over 1.55 Lakh Candidates Sign Up For PM Internship Scheme In Just 24 Hours

Enrollment for the Modi government’s PM Internship Scheme began on Saturday, the day of Dussehra. The scheme aims to benefit around 10 million young people over the next five years.

Under the scheme, each intern will receive a monthly allowance of ₹5,000, and after one year, a lumpsum of ₹6,000 as an additional benefit from the government.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the scheme during the Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25. The portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in has been started for companies.

The portal was opened for candidates on Saturday on which they can upload their qualifications and other information till October 25.

Out of ₹5,000 stipend, ₹500 will come from companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and the government will provide the remaining ₹4,500.

Reservation policies will be followed for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Class candidates in this scheme.

Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) will shortlist candidates between October 27 and November 7. The shortlisted candidates can decide on the internship offer between November 8 and November 15.

The estimated cost of this pilot project is around ₹800 crore. Advertisements for the internship scheme have already been released in multiple regional languages.

The government aims to provide as many internships as possible in the districts where candidates reside. People aged 21 and 24, who passed their 10th-grade exams and hold a valid certificate and mark sheet, can apply for the scheme.

According to reports, 111 companies out of the top 500 have already enrolled in this programme. Hailing the endeavour, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said unemployment benefits were not a real solution, and developing skills was a better option. BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh Pant said that the scheme will be a game-changer.

–IANS

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

RSS Chief Warns Against Divisive Forces In Vijayadasami Speech

RSS Chief Warns Against Divisive Forces In Vijayadasami Speech

On 12 October 2024, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) marked its 100th Foundation Day during the Vijayadasami Utsav. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarsanghchalak, delivered a keynote address to Swayamsewaks at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur, with Padma Bhushan awardee and former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan serving as the chief guest.

In his Vijayadasami address, the RSS Sarsanghchalak highlighted that certain global powers, whose interests may be threatened by India’s growth, seek to limit the country’s progress. He pointed out that nations claiming to be liberal and democratic often prioritize their own security and self-interest, disregarding their commitments to peace regarding their own agendas. “The deliberate attempts to tarnish India’s image through lies and half-truths are increasingly evident,” he stated.

Dr Bhagwat expressed particular concern over recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that while local factors contributed to the situation, the broader context involves ongoing brutalities against the Hindu community. He emphasized the need for solidarity and support from the global Hindu community. He warned of the implications of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which poses threats to national security and societal harmony.

He urged the Hindu minority in Bangladesh to seek assistance from those advocating for compassion and harmony, stressing that disorganization and weakness can invite further atrocities. Dr Bhagwat also mentioned troubling discussions in Bangladesh about aligning with Pakistan as a counter to India, highlighting external influences attempting to manipulate narratives against India.

Addressing contemporary challenges, he described terms like “Deep State,” “Wokeism,” and “Cultural Marxism” as threats to cultural traditions. He warned that these ideologies aim to undermine societal values and create divisions by fostering victimhood and distrust, ultimately leading to societal chaos. He said, “Words like ‘Deep State’, ‘Wokeism’, ‘Cultural Marxist’ are in discussion these days. In fact, they are the declared enemies of all cultural traditions. Complete destruction of values, traditions and whatever is considered virtuous and auspicious is a part of the modus operandi of this group. The first step of this modus operandi is to bring the mind-shaping systems and institutions of the society under one’s influence – for example, the education system and educational institutions, media, intellectual discourse, etc., and to destroy the thoughts, values and belief of the society through them. In a society living together, an identity-based group is motivated to separate on the basis of its actual or artificially created specialty, demand, need or a problem. A feeling of victimhood is created in them. By fanning discontent, that element is pulled apart from the rest of the society, and made aggressive against the system. Direct conflicts are created by finding fault lines in the society. An atmosphere of anarchy and fear is created by intensifying distrust and hatred towards the system, laws, governance, administration etc. This makes it easy to establish one’s dominance over that country.”

Dr. Bhagwat cautioned against political competition driven by self-interest rather than national unity, asserting that such dynamics could facilitate destructive agendas. He noted the potential dangers of prioritizing petty interests over the collective harmony and integrity of the nation, drawing parallels with destabilizing events in other countries.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of cultural unity and the need for a proactive, awakened society to counteract these threats. A strong discourse rooted in India’s cultural heritage and constitutional principles is essential to safeguard against the rising tide of intellectual and cultural pollution.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Vikatan Report Says Internal Strife Back In ADMK Again As Senior Leaders Push For ‘United’ AIADMK; EPS Stubbornly Declares “Not While I’m General Secretary”

Internal Strife Back In ADMK

Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is embroiled with situations as the ruling DMK faces significant discontent from its allies, including the VCK, Communists, and Congress, who are openly warning the party. Meanwhile, the opposition AIADMK is grappling with internal strife, as a rift deepens within its ranks.

According to a Vikatan report, senior leaders are advocating for a ‘unified approach’ to taking on DMK in 2026, which means reconciling with prominent figures like former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, V. K. Sasikala, and T. T. V. Dhinakaran.

What’s Happening Within The AIADMK?

As the AIADMK approaches its 53rd anniversary, having ruled Tamil Nadu for nearly 31 years and introduced numerous social welfare initiatives, party volunteers and leaders are gearing up for celebrations. However, behind the scenes, secret meetings among senior members have sparked significant tensions within the party, reveals a report by Vikatan. These discussions, aimed at exploring a potential merger, have often devolved into heated arguments, reflecting deep-seated resentment. District secretaries and junior leaders at AIADMK have noted that some factions appear to exacerbate these tensions to create further internal strife.

Following the party’s disappointing performance in the parliamentary elections, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami convened meetings across constituencies, where many officials expressed concerns about issues at the grassroots level. They highlighted a perception of division both among party workers and the general public, emphasizing the need for reform.

In this regard, on 7 July 2024, six senior leaders including K. A. Sengottaiyan, Natham R. Viswanathan, K. P. Anbalagan, C. V. Shanmugam, SP Velumani, P. Thangamani reportedly met with Palaniswami in Salem to discuss strategies for uniting dissenting factions and strengthening the party. Their statement about this meeting marked a significant development, but Palaniswami firmly rejected the notion of a merger, suggesting that any attempts at reconciliation had been met with ongoing struggles within the party.

And now recently, the AIADMK’s IT wing held a meeting in the first week of October to bolster its efforts in exposing the DMK’s misgovernance and to prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections. However, the day before this meeting, a secret gathering took place at Edappadi Palaniswami’s residence, where senior leaders discussed the party’s future direction, touching on internal matters as well. SP Velumani reportedly brought up the possibility of reconciling the party’s factions and sought EPS’s input once again.

Despite Velumani’s persuasion, which emphasized the challenges of the 2026 elections, EPS firmly rejected the idea. According to reports, he became visibly upset, exclaiming, “Are you trying to finish me and the party? As long as I am the general secretary, there is no way for a reunion.” Even when senior leaders tried to clarify his misunderstanding, EPS left the discussion in anger. Reports indicate that there are ten senior former MLAs supporting the idea of a reunion, while only four MLAs are opposed to it. As a result, the rift within the party continues to grow deeper day by day.

Accusations Against EPS

Cadres and leaders have been criticizing EPS for his lenient stance regarding the nepotistic politics of the DMK, particularly following the appointment of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister. This move is seen as contrary to the principles upheld by J. Jayalalitha, who strongly opposed such favoritism. Rumors are rapidly spreading that EPS may be considering fielding his son in future elections.

Critics argue that EPS is acting out of self-interest; when his family faced difficulties, he traveled to Delhi for assistance, yet he remains inactive when it comes to addressing the party’s broader challenges. The AIADMK has been struggling with continuous losses, and grassroots cadres lack motivation, further exacerbating the divisions within the party.

(With Inputs From Vikatan)

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Abduction Of Sita Led To Ramayana: Mohan Bhagwat Says RG Kar Rape Case Shameful

RSS Chief Warns Against Divisive Forces In Vijayadasami Speech

Addressing the Vijayadashami Utsav 2024 in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday remarked that when someone touched Draupadi’s garments, the Mahabharata was triggered, the abduction of Sita led to the Ramayana, and what happened in Kolkata at the RG Kar Hospital was a shameful incident that brought disgrace to us all.

“I am here to discuss the incidents that are happening now, like what occurred in Kolkata at the RG Kar Hospital —shameful incidents that bring disgrace to all of us. This is not an isolated event; such incidents happen frequently, and they need to be controlled,” said the RSS chief.

He urged the entire society, along with the doctors, to be vigilant to prevent such occurrences. “What is the tradition of our country? What is our country like? The moment someone touched Draupadi’s garments, the Mahabharata was triggered. The abduction of Sita led to the Ramayana,” the Sarsanghchalak added.

There is a need to provide security, but even after these incidents, attempts were made to shield the criminals, which is alarming.

“The culture of protection for wrongdoers, along with the alliance between crime and politics, has led to these consequences,” he added.

The RSS chief stressed that India’s cultural perspective emphasises the important role of motherhood and respect for women.

“The values we inherit from our families, knowingly or unknowingly, are also absorbed by society through various means. If we fail to uphold these values, the consequences could be severe. Therefore, we must recognise this and ensure the promotion of these fundamental values in our community,” he added.

Commenting on the recent Bangladesh crisis Mohan Bhagwat said, “There are some immediate causes and aspects, which is true, but such a large-scale operation does not happen for those reasons alone.”

“The atrocities faced by the Hindu community there have been repeated, and the tradition of their persecution has been revived. For the first time, the Hindu community in Bangladesh organised itself to defend against these attacks, resulting in some protection,” he added.

He further mentioned that whenever there is unrest, the weak tend to bear the brunt. “The radical tendencies that exist will continue to pose a threat to the Hindus and all minorities in that region. They need support from Hindus worldwide and the Indian government,” he said. The RSS chief stressed that the Hindu community must realise that being weak is a crime. “If we are weak and disorganised, we invite oppression,” he said.

He urged that “wherever we are, we must remain organised and strong, without fostering animosity or becoming a burden.” He added, “We should strive to contribute positively, but it does not mean that we should remain weak or inactive.”

He also mentioned that there is a desire for similar narratives to emerge in our country.

“It is expected that when India grows, all these self-serving interests will be curtailed. Therefore, there are industries at work that aim to prevent India’s rise. Terms like ‘Deep State,’ ‘vocation,’ and ‘cultural Marxism’ have become prevalent in discussions,” he said.

He added that some claimed, it doesn’t exist in our country, but that is not true, “It has existed here for a long time.” The RSS chief mentioned that this ideology goes against not just India but all cultural traditions. Its objective is to dismantle societies that hold values and beliefs that promote harmony and well-being.

–IANS

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

India’s 52-Satellite Initiative: Enhancing Surveillance On Adversaries Including China And Pakistan

India's 52-satellite initiative: Enhancing surveillance on adversaries including China and Pak

In what augurs well for India’s security capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reportedly approved Phase III of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. This decision will pave the way for the launch of 52 surveillance satellites in low earth and geostationary orbits.

The Modi government’s move will likely give adversaries such as China and Pakistan sleepless nights, as the two neighbours, among others, will be continuously monitored once the surveillance capabilities are fully operational.

Sources familiar with the development said that with this ramped-up capability, India can detect enemy submarines operating in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, India will improve and upgrade its ability to monitor and closely watch any illegal infrastructure development by China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The government’s decision to majorly boost India’s space-based surveillance capabilities comes at a very significant time. This has come amid growing tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to be overassertive in expanding its footprints and presence in the area, the decision to bolster India’s security measures, such as deploying surveillance satellites to monitor and respond to Beijing’s actions effectively, is a timely action.

In response to China’s aggressiveness in the region, the Modi government is implementing effective measures to safeguard the country’s maritime and other security regional interests. It will also ensure that potential threats from hostile submarines are quickly detected and dealt with. Beyond maritime security, experts indicate that these satellites will also monitor infrastructure development by adversaries along India’s land borders.

The move includes monitoring along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where the construction of new roads, airstrips, and military outposts has raised major concerns over the past several years. In addition, increased surveillance along the Pakistan border will enable India to monitor new defence-related infrastructure projects that could pose risks to national security.

Sources say that India will be able to share the information and key inputs gathered from these satellites about illegal Chinese expansionist activities with other countries as well.

The surveillance satellite project, which aims to improve land and maritime domain awareness for both civilian and military purposes, is being managed by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with the Defence Space Agency under the Defence Ministry’s integrated headquarters. The project, with a budget of Rs 26,968 crore, entails constructing and launching 21 satellites by ISRO, while private companies will develop the remaining 31.

-IANS

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

BJP, Congress Oppose Withdrawal Of Spot Booking For Sabarimala Pilgrims This Season

BJP, Congress oppose withdrawal of spot booking for Sabarimala pilgrims this season

Kerala’s opposition Congress and the BJP on Friday strongly opposed the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) and the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s decision to make spot booking for darshan unavailable for pilgrims when the two-month-long festival season at the Sabarimala temple begins next month.

State BJP President K.Surendran termed the decision not to allow spot booking “a calculated move to put the pilgrims into difficulties and a ploy to destroy the famed temple”.

“This is not acceptable at all and the party will be strongly with the devotees and the organisations that have opposed this move. To bank on just a virtual queue system is not practical as pilgrims come from far and wide and for such people… it’s not practical for a virtual queue booking system alone,” he said.

Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said the decision that there will be no spot booking for pilgrims has to be withdrawn as it is not a practical decision.

“Last time, 90,000 people used the virtual queue system and 15,000 availed the spot booking and in the bargain, numerous pilgrims who came for darshan had to go back without getting a darshan. This time, things will be out of control, and especially, the many who come from other states will be the biggest victims and things can go out of hand. This decision to withdraw spot booking by the committee chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is meant to play spoilsport,” the Congress leader said.

Meanwhile, TDB President P.S. Prasanth said things will be worked out in such a manner that not a single pilgrim who arrives will have to go back disappointed.

“We will discuss with the state government and come out with a foolproof programme which will not put a single pilgrim to any sort of difficulty. One thing that should not be forgotten is that if that spot booking is available, will anyone go for virtual booking? We will ensure things are taken care of for a smooth pilgrimage for all,” he said.

The temple, located in Pathanamthitta district, is located on the top of a hill and is accessible only by foot from Pamba. Even though the temple is now open throughout the year, the peak pilgrimage season begins on the first day of the Malayalam month in November and closes on the first day of the Malayalam month in January.

The more serious pilgrims, before setting off to the holy shrine, undertake an intense 41-day penance where they do not wear sandals, don a black dhoti and are strict vegetarians. When they set off for the pilgrimage, they carry a cloth bag with ghee-filled coconuts which are broken and the golden ghee ceremoniously poured upon the icon of Ayappa. The ghee-filled coconut symbolises man’s ego shrouding his soul essence. When the ghee is released from the coconut and anoints the icon of Lord Ayappa, the essence of the soul of the devotee is said to unite with the essence of God, thus bringing the pilgrimage to its zenith.

-IANS

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

RG Kar Protests: Bengal Chief Secy Sends Email To WBJDF Listing Measures Taken By State Govt

RG Kar Tragedy: Junior Doctors Stage Protest In Front Of Kolkata Police Station

West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant sent an email to the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) late on Friday, with a status update on the initiatives undertaken by the state Health Department at different medical colleges & hospitals in the state in wake of the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August.

In the email, he also requested the six junior doctors to withdraw their ongoing fast-unto-death agitation which has entered the seventh day on Friday.

As per the status report, extensive infrastructural developments are underway across various medical colleges to enhance the safety and security of medical professionals. The state government is installing 7,051 CCTVs, 893 new duty rooms, and 778 washrooms at different medical colleges and hospitals in the state.

“The state government has allocated over Rs 113 crore for these projects in medical colleges alone. All tasks have been prioritised, and over 90 per cent of the sanctioned projects are nearing completion, except at RG Kar, where the necessary NOC from the investigating authorities was received just two days ago. It is expected all ongoing projects will be completed by October 15, 2024,” read the status report, a copy of which is available with IANS.

The state government claimed that to ensure comprehensive stakeholder involvement, a Stakeholders Committee has been established in every medical college and hospital, comprising Heads of Departments, senior and junior doctors, and nursing staff. At the same time, it added, the state government has constituted a state-level Grievance Redressal Committee. Any grievances, complaints or issues of concern from healthcare stakeholders can be reported to the State Grievance Redressal Committee via email.

Other initiatives taken by the state government in this regard, as claimed in the status report, include a committee for security audit of all medical colleges and the assigning of 1,113 dedicated woman constables for medical colleges and hospitals, among others.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Telangana Issues Orders To Conduct Caste Survey

Telangana's Judicial Commission On SC Sub-Categorisation To Submit Report In 60 Days

It was announced on Friday that the Telangana government will undertake a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (socio, educational, economic, employment, political, and caste survey) of the entire state.

A Government Order (GO) issued on Friday says the survey shall be completed within 60 days.

According to the GO issued by Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, the Planning Department has been designated as the nodal department to conduct the survey.

The GO mentioned the resolution passed by the state Assembly to conduct the survey according to the decision taken by the Council of Ministers.

“Government after careful consideration, hereby orders to take up a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (socio, educational, economic, employment, political and caste survey) of entire Telangana so as to plan and implement various socio, economic, educational, employment and political opportunities for the amelioration of Backwards Classes, SC and ST citizens of the state and other weaker sections of the state,” the GO read.

Meanwhile, the state Government has also constituted a one-man Commission of Inquiry to conduct a study on sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories and to examine various aspects associated with the issue.

The Government has appointed Dr Justice Shameem Akhter, former judge of the Telangana High Court, as a one-man commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. The Scheduled Castes Development Department on Friday issued a Government Order in this regard.

The Commission has been asked to submit its report within 60 days.

The government constituted the commission on the recommendation of a committee constituted to study the judgement of the seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on the sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories. Headed by Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the six-member committee on October 9 recommended the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry for sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories based on the Supreme Court judgment of August 1.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

Fugitive Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik Publicly Apologises For PIA Comment, Faces More Backlash In Pakistan

Zakir Naik, the fugitive Islamic preacher, on Friday apologised for his recent remarks on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) even as his controversial statements during the ongoing tour of Pakistan continue to draw severe criticism from people all over the country. Earlier this week, a video of Naik went viral on social media, in which he was seen ridiculing PIA for levying excess baggage charges while travelling to Pakistan last month.

“I was coming to Pakistan. Our luggage was 1000kg. I spoke to the PIA CEO. The station manager told me that he would do anything for me. I replied, ‘I have 500 kg to 600 kg extra luggage.’ He offered me a 50 per cent discount. I made it clear to him to give it for free or leave it,” Naik said during one of his lectures in Karachi. “I am let off for free in India as they waive 1000-2000 kg on seeing me. And here, in Pakistan, where I am a guest of the government and ‘state guest’ is stamped on my visa, the CEO is offering me a 50 per cent discount. I felt so disappointed. I told them I do not want your discount… I feel bad but this is the truth, this is the state of affairs in Pakistan,” he had added. Naik’s comments did not go down well with Pakistanis, including his radical followers. “Whoever invited Zakir Naik, please don’t invite him again! PIA should’ve asked for FULL price though. No real Islamic preacher would ever ask for special treatment—or at the very least, they wouldn’t complain about it in public when they don’t get it!” a Pakistani content creator posted on X.

“This man Zakir Naik thinks 13-14 years old orphan girls are ‘khawateen’ (grown- ups) and he can’t share the stage with them. He publicly criticizes national airlines for denying luggage fee waiver, also says that women who choose to remain unmarried instead of becoming a second wife to someone are public property (bazaari). He also snubs a Pukhtun girl for asking a legit question about pedophilia. Despite all this, gained some more followers, and some brain dead people are defending him, clearly we as a nation are MAGNET for arrogant people & women haters. State should invite reasonable people, we already have plenty of these roaming on the streets. Yeh Wrong Number Hai!” wrote Absa Komal, a journalist and a fighter for gender equality in Pakistan.

Realising that his comments have sparked a major backlash, Naik issued a public apology while insisting he had almost forgotten about it as his ultimate goal is to attain a “passport to paradise” instead of focusing on such worldly matters. “If my words have caused discomfort to my Pakistani brothers, I sincerely apologise,” he told the audience during an event. However, Naik – wanted by India on charges for spreading religious hate and extremism along with alleged involvement in money laundering cases – continues to face flak in Pakistan for promoting his jihadist mentality. He has been courting controversy ever since his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport on September 30 along with his son Sheikh Fariq Zakir on a comprehensive tour of Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“We truly don’t deserve someone like Zakir Naik, an ignorant, outdated, and extremist person who wouldn’t even fit in the Stone Age. If he’s your ideal, lock yourself up, or even a glance at a na-mahram will send you to hell,” a Pakistani social media influencer wrote on X Friday. “I want to apologise that 15-20 years ago, due to my lack of knowledge and immaturity, I was very impressed by him. However, today I feel deeply ashamed, and I declare that Zakir Naik is just as vile and corrupt as other religious clerics,” he added.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.