Tag: Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

  • Over zealousness, controversies did Smriti Iraniin?

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    There has been much speculation about the hows and whys of Smriti Zubin Iranibeing divested of her charge as Minister of Information and Broadcasting in a late evening announcement on Monday. Irani, who has held the portfolio of the human resources ministry in the past, made some controversial moves ever since she took charge of the ministry in July 2017. Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has been assigned independent charge as Minister of State in the MIB. According to sources, the Prime Minister has been happy with Rathore’s efficient and non-controversial handling of the sports ministry.

     

    While the real reasons haven’t emerged yet, but in an election year, it was clear that the Prime Minister needs the media on his side. Ever since she assumed charge, there have been a number of controversies:

    1. The IFFI films selection

    2. The Fake News Issue

    3. Proposed regulation of online news media

    4. The Prasar Bharati imbroglio

    5. The National Awards presentation

     

    What really did Irani in was the National Awards presentation where the office of the President was embarrassed in what was clearly an avoidable controversy. This coupled with much opposition from a cross-section of media – including some friendly media honchos – ensured that the Minister would lose her portfolio.

     

    Meanwhile, some loyalists of Irani scoff at suggestions of her being axed and tell us that the reason for her exiting I&B is that given that the general elections are a year away, there is need for attention in Amethi, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. Also, they believe that while Irani is being discredited for the controversial moves, she could well be implementing what her seniors may have asked her to do.

     

    Whatever be the reason (and the scenarios), industry players at the receiving end of the whims of the I&B ministry (note, not necessarily minister) will heave a sigh of relievf.

     

    Though, as this publication’s editor, told us, that many I&B Ministers in the past have come up with some bizarre decisions. Like the first I&B minister KV Keskar banned the play of Hindi film songs on radio leading to the emergence of Radio Ceylon.

     

    Phew!

     

    The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, directed the reallocation of portfolios amongst members of the Union Council of Ministers.

     

     

  • Khelo India School Games set to begin from January 31

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled the schedule of Khelo India School Games 2018 at an event in New Delhi. Commencing on January 31, the Khelo India School Games will be the first programme to mark the beginning of Khelo India, a category defining, holistic sports development programme. Star Sports has come in as broadcast partner. Star Sports has launched a new campaign titled ‘Khelogekudogetohbanogelajawab’ – a motto for India’s youth to follow.

     

    Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore unveiled the Khelo India Anthem, a spirited composition, which resonates with the vision of the programme, of nurturing a rich sporting culture in the country. The anthem is conceptualised by Ogilvy, composed by Louis Bank and the film has been produced by Nirvana Films. Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director, Star India graced the event.

     

    Khelo India School Games will be held at multiple venues across Delhi including, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Karni Singh Shooting Range and Dr. SPM Swimming Complex. The school games encompass 16 sports disciplines such as Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

     

    Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports said: “Khelo India is a unique programme which is focussed on building a strong sport ecosystem and is committed to long-term professional development of athletes. We aim to take this initiative to as many sportspersons and aspirants across the country as possible. The Khelo India School Games will play a pivotal role in this movement, by encouraging participation among youngsters. For the first time, the games will be broadcast, on Star Sports, which will inspire more youngsters to become a part of this sporting revolution in the years to come.”

     

    Added Sanjay Gupta, MD, Star India: “We are delighted to partner with Khelo India, an initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to enable the development of sporting culture amongst youth in India. It is the youth of India that will take sports to greater heights. Sadly children in India – on average- get to play for only 3 to 5 minutes per day which is grossly insufficient. It has to be understood that education without sports is incomplete. This is where Khelo India will play a pivotal role in building great sportspersons of the future. We share this vision with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and we are proud to be the broadcast partner for the games.”