“Mahanayak Uttam Kumar cheerodin maanusher hridaye Raj Korben” ::: PM Modi pays tribute to Bengal's evergreen cine star

On his latest 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Narendra Modi perhaps surprised many.

He paid glowing tributes to the evergreen film star Uttam Kumar.

"In just a few days, on September 3rd, we will celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary Uttam Kumar. Friends, Uttam Kumar was a versatile actor who became deeply embedded in people's hearts through his acting. Film lovers believe that Satyajit Ray wrote the entire script for the film *Nayak* (The Hero) with Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in mind," he said.  

Uttam Kumar's screen performance,  charm, popularity, and youthful appeal truly remain fresh and relevant across many generations, never fading with time. 

Modi further said:

"Shriman Satyajit Ray had remarked that he (Uttam Kumar) possessed remarkable emotional depth alongside great dignity. He worked very hard to bring his characters to life. Uttam Kumar-ji was known not only for his natural ease but also for his philanthropy. 

"His life offers another great lesson: never give up," the Prime Minister said. 

"Although his early films did not fare well, he remained focused on his work. It was this dedication that enabled him to reach such great heights. Friends, I recall passing by Uttam Kumar-ji’s house while doing a roadshow in Kolkata. 

Someone there even gifted me a photograph of him. I once again pay tribute to the legendary Uttam Kumar-ji; he will forever reign in our hearts," Modi said.  

“Mahanayak Uttam Kumar cheerodin maanusher hridaye Raj Korben," he added. 

Film 'Haranu Sur' was made in 1957 and the storyline and the performance of Uttam Kumar and genius acrtess Suchitra Sen can still mesmerize the audience. As my friends and fellow admirers would often say -- Uttam Kumar's charm as a star as he "forgets" his wife following an illness is portrayed very powerfully.

The performances, chemistry and plot everything appear absolutely appropriate. Uttam Kumar's performance in several Bengali films with Suchitra Sen and others had strong points musical, hypnotic and a sort of mythic romance. 

The non-literal, non verbal imagery to convey the depth of the emotions was always magical and breathtaking. 

In 'Haranu Sur' - Uttam Kumar struggling to remember his days with wife and she (of course the beautiful Suchitra Sen) plays the piano during the birthday party --- is my all-time favourite.  

Born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay in 1926, Uttam Kumar is widely remembered as the Mahanayak of Bengali cinema. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he worked as an actor, director, producer, composer and screenwriter.  

In 1967, Uttam Kumar became the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, recognised for his performances in 'Antony Firingee' and Satyajit Ray’s 'Chiriyakhana'.

Uttam Kumar died of a heart attack on July 24, 1980, aged 53.  

We were in Mizoram (Lunglei) those days.  I still remember our Manipuri teacher Singh Sir (from Silchar) who spoke and understood Bangla very well told me and my brother - "Ki holo, Uttar Kumar is dead".  

This perhaps reflects Uttam Kumar's popularity and fan following. We - two siblings- might not have cared or knew how popular as a film star, he was. But later within few days - I found my mother indulging in debate and discussions about Uttam Kumar-Suchitra magical pair with dad and other colleagues of his.  

"Saptapadi" - also showing iconic screen partnership of Uttam and Suchitra was my father's favourite. 

Mom liked films such as 'Grihadaha', 'Mouchak' and 'Dhonyi Meye'. Jaya Bachchan too performed in 'Dhonyi Meye' playing as wife of Uttam Kumar's younger brother's wife. 

'Mouchak' had popular musical number - "Besh korechhi Prem Korecchi korboi toh (I have fallen in love, it's my wish and I will keep doing so)".

PM Modi making a reference to Uttam Kumar has a modest political overtone vis-a-vis BJP's cultural connect with Bengali icons.

The saffron party has for years been talking about Bengali icons to try and win over the state’s culture-proud voters.

This was more relevant when Mamata Banerjee, now ousted, usd to campaign to paint the Lotus party as a band of “outsiders”. 

The story is half-complete in politics always. 

The BJP has 'conquered' West Bengal but there are future electoral battles too. Come to think of it, in 2029 - when Modi (if at all he contests yet again) will go for his fourth Prime Ministership in a row; all those could be relevant.

Well many say, Uttam Kumar is an "easy" and yet very popular figure for the Sangh Parivar or the BJP to try and appropriate.

Nevertheless, some also say - Born an Chattopadhyay, he was an upper-class, upper-caste Hindu but always steered clear of active politics.

But his sort of universal appeal among countless Bengalis is something to cheer about.

Uttam Kumar acted in more than 200 films including successful Hindi film 'Amanush'. But in Bollywood, he faced immense hurdle and North Indian lobby's hurdles reportedly led by none other than Raj Kapoor.

'Sharey Chuattor' established Uttam and Suchitra Sen as Bengali cinema’s foremost romantic pair, and they went on to deliver hit after hit, from 'Agni Pariksha', 'Harano Sur' and 'Saptapadi' among numerous others.

Modi’s remarks in Mann Ki Baat drew immediate appreciation from Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.

“It is deeply heartening and a matter of immense pride for all of West Bengal to hear our Hon’ble Prime Minister pay a glowing tribute to the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali Cinema,” Suvendu posted on X. 

Uttam Kumar's box office successful project such as 'Ami Shey o Shakha' was made 'Bemisal' many years later starring Amitabh Bachchan (in Uttam Kumar's role) and also Vinod Mehra and Rakhee.  

ends  

Mamata's legacy of chaos and loot :::: Correction under BJP ::: Suvendu Adhikari says 33,000 fans from chaotic Messi event will get refunds

 Messi event ticket money will be refunded to 33,000 fans, assures CM Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said 33,000 fans from the chaotic Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium would get refunds. He said the process had begun internally and linked the move to a wider sports-sector overhaul.    

"In recent years, West Bengal's representation in the Olympics, the Asian Games, or national teams has been virtually non-existent, whereas states like Odisha and Jharkhand send representatives. Bengal possesses talent, intellect, dedication, and focus, but lacks the necessary systems, initiatives, and political will. 

Why must every sports sector or organisation be controlled by politics? The change this time will be a transformation of that very system. We will ensure that happens."

Bringing the Lionel Messi fiasco to the forefront, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on National Sports Day assured that the money of 33,000 fans who bought tickets for the chaotic Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium will be refunded from the state's sports budget.

Lionel Messi had visited the Yuva Bharati Stadium on December 13, 2025, but the event was marred by chaos. 

The excessive hobnobbing by Aroop Biswas, the Sports Minister under Mamata, was blamed for the disorder. 

Although spectators present at the stadium that day demanded a refund for tickets costing Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000, that demand has not yet been met.   

Referring to the incident at a special National Sports Day event held at Nabanna to mark the birth anniversary of 'Wizard of Hockey' Major Dhyan Chand, Suvendu said, 

"Messi has a huge fan base. They had purchased tickets costing Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000. It is my wish to ensure that the money paid by these 33,000 sports enthusiasts is refunded. I have already initiated the process internally. I hope to be able to accomplish this."

The event on Saturday was attended by former hockey player Gurbux Singh, Sports Minister Indranil Khan, All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey and others. Accomplished athletes were felicitated and handed appointment letters on the occasion.  

Lashing out at the previous government for neglecting the sports sector, the Chief Minister said :

"You would be surprised to know that the paperwork for many of the athletes who received appointment letters today had been gathering dust in the Chief Minister's office for 11 years.

Outlining his government's roadmap, the chief minister stated, 

"We have allocated a budget of four hundred crore rupees for the sports sector; although, this is not a full-year budget but one covering eight months. 

We will build mini indoor stadiums in all 294 assembly constituencies, featuring tennis courts, badminton courts, and gymnasiums. 

It is not possible to build 294 stadiums in a single year, so we will construct 100 stadiums this year. The existing stadiums are in a dilapidated state; the previous government neglected the sports sector."

ends 

"Human beings can think, if you think right way; you can go nearer to God" - says RSS chief in New York ::::::: "Those who say, if you obey us, we will protect you, they are Rakshashas (monsters)"

Was he trying to make a veiled attack on the US foreign policy ??? 

 "Human beings can think, if you think right way; you can go nearer to God" - says RSS chief in New York. 

At the US event, Mohan Bhagwat went onto say: "If you think wrong way, you go nearer to animal kingdom". He gave the example of a cow grazing grass till its tummy is full. 

But it does not have the thinking power to preserve it for tomorrow. 

"Nar karni karey to Narayan ban jae ... ulti karni karey toh kya ban jae," he said amid thunderous applause from the audience. Hence he added: "A direction is important...".  

"You are in America. You live in America. You earn in America. So you are America, and you should behave true to America," he told the audience. 

This he said while underlining the Indian community's sense of duty towards their "karmabhumi (place of work)".

The RSS chief said therefore, Indians must remain loyal to the country where they live and work. The RSS chief the human kind has been blessed with the power to think; and that is why if they think rightly -- "they can sustain the whole world". In this context, he referred to what Indian ancestors have been trying. 

"Everyone searches pursuit of happiness, that is common for all.  So, two types of people went in search of humanity ... there were two groups on the basis of tendencies. One tendency is Live and Let Live. Another tendency is Live and let only those Live who Obey Us".  

"Those who say, if you obey us, we will protect you. Those will be protected who only obey ... they are Rakshashas (monsters)," he said yet again again applause. 

Was he trying to make a veiled attack on US foreign policy since 1970s or not by this reference is not quite sure.   

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said every nation has its own unique destiny. Bhagwat said Bharat's role was to realise the principle of unity in diversity and help the world understand it.  

"We are one. And due to diversity, that oneness is decorated. So, diversity has to be celebrated," he said. 

The RSS chief also maintained - "Those who say no matter you obey us or not ... you hear (listen) to me or not. What is your opinion ? What you think about me, how much useful you are to me ? These are very minor things. Major thing is we are all human beings. We are to sustain the world and we are to live in fraternity. So I will take care of you. He is Deva (God or here the most relevant word will be virtuous)".  

Underlining the importance of Satisfaction, he said - there is a limit of Material achievements and glories. 

Giving the example of a common life in New York, he said - "How many Donuts I can have at a time, I don't know." 

A donut (or doughnut) is a sweet, deep-fried or baked piece of dough usually shaped into a ring or filled with cream, custard, or jam.

"I am a diabetic," he said and then added, "may be in one sitting, I take 50 of them .. and after that he (the person) will not be able to see the Donut itself."  

To drive home his point of 'limits' of materialism; he said - "Donut is the same, what changed ?"   

Then he pushed his real missive == "the material happiness is Transitory. If abundance of material happiness is there .... that people learn by experience". 

 

"We belong to each other," he emphasised.  

"In Bharat, the concept is you have been given life to utilise it to obtain the truth".  "Atmanon mokshanom (That will liberate you)".  The purpose of human life is Jagat Hitayocho (welfare of the entire world)". 

"Human life is no coincidence". This lesson of doing by action for 'welfare' of the world is something India and Indians must do across the world. 

"And they should do it not merely by preaching; but by practice" 

Dharma, according to ancient Indian wisdom and principle, is not religion. "It is beyond worship .... it is the rule by which the universe is sustained".  The ideal way 

"It is the rule though which human beings can manage dualities of life. It is the balance that sustains everything". 

Bhagwat also said - there is no case to push an argument that an individual can progress when the society is suppressed or the society can progress only when individuals are suppressed. 

The ideal way - the environment around, the individual and the society has to progress together.  

"When discussing the United States of America, one word that frequently comes up in conversation is 'pluralism'. On the other hand, when referring to Bharat, the phrase most often discussed is 'unity in diversity'. 

For the people of Bharat, both this unity and this diversity are ingrained in their very DNA," he said.

ends 

Sunday Spl ::::: What was the reason ... - 74% of Muslims portrayed in Hindi films are shown "strongly religious and honest" ... most corrupt politicians would be Brahmins ::::: "Kya Kashmiri Pandit ko apne ghar jaane ka mauka milega?"

Nearly 80 years since independence. 

It is a long period for a country. It's same for the money-spinner film industry too. 

We look at the era of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who once said - "my industry has forgotten me". 

Time goes on -- Bollywood has seen legends like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, minority appeasement, drugs and also 'suicides'. 

This is a new spin and old finding. IIM Rohtak Director Dheeraj Sharma analyzed Bollywood movies from 1960 to 2010, and according to his report:

- 58% of corrupt politicians had Brahmin surnames.

- 62% of corrupt businessmen had Vaishya surnames.

- 88% of Sikhs were portrayed as laughable characters.

- 74% of Muslims were portrayed as strongly religious and honest.

'Chak De' is based on real life hockey player Negi - but in the film character is shown as a Muslim ... Was it plain art ? 

$$$$

IIM Rohtak studies find:

- 78% of promiscuous women had Christian names.

"Pakistan was featured in 20 movies, of which 18 portrayed Pakistanis as welcoming, courteous, open-minded, 

.... and courageous, even though this was far removed from reality."  

Amitabh and Vinod Khanna portrayed as 'sadhus' in 'Hera Pheri' 

In circa 2021 when the son of actor Shah Rukh Khan was arrested for consuming drugs at a party, the Sickular army did not think law should take its course.  They were pretty fast to jump that it was a motivated and deliberate move intended to tarnish a Muslim actor's image. 

Last few years also saw debate about nepotism especially after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. It was a drama Bollywood would like to forget. 

All eyes on India’s film and television industry, which employs over a million people and thousands more indirect way. The industry albeit has admirers around the world and is a money spinner.  

Today, the charge is 'saffronisation' but the story was totally 'otherwise' for decades. Not only these, even Pakistani stars flourished in India quite easily ! Let us not go into Yusuf Khan - meaning Dilip Kumar era. 

In recent times, Zeba Bakhtiyar's first Bollywood movie was 'Hinna' and it is said the filmmakers spent months to 'discover' a suitable talent like her.

The storyline shows a large section of Pakistanis have 'good intent' about India and Indians. Fiction can be so far from truth !! A tryst with Falsehood, and there could be motives ? 

Meesha Shafi is Pakistani singer who has worked in “Bhaag Milka Bhaag” in 2013. 

Cricketer Mohsin Khan also tried his fortunes on silver screen in India. He had married Reena Roy, who later returned 'home'. 

Pakistani Saba Qamar played a key character in critically acclaimed 'Hindi Medium'. 

A few Muslim Bollywood stars fell from the grace in recent times due to their unpalatable remarks on India. 

Naseeruddin Shah has let down his admirers. He has not only done some memorable works in India; he also acted in Pakistani films that include Pakistani super hit 'Khuda Ke Liye' in 2007. The film also starred Pakistani stars like Fawad Khan, Shaan and Iman Ali.

Naseeruddin also made into headlines in 2026. Among other Indians who worked in Pakistani industry has been Sara Khan. She featured in ‘Ye Kaisi Mohabbat Hai’ with Pakistani actor Noor Hassan. Om Puri too has acted in Pakistani films.

Before Shilpa Shukla became popular as flamboyant hockey player 'Bindiya' in Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Chak De India', she had made her debut with Pakistani film 'Khamosh Pani'. 

Blogger : Always a fan of Rekha and Big B 

However, Bollywood portrayed India's internal affairs, its society, judicial system, and various castes and religions in an extremely stereotypical and biased manner.  

In most cases, a child in a movie after disasters like floods and dacoit-attacks is adopted by a pious Christian .... some aunty Fernandes, Bare-chacha !! 

Where was the pious Hindu on screen ....he was shown as a crook in 'saffron' a Sadhu or a temple priest who connives with brigands !!

And, they also had a song, "Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pareshaan Karen Mujhe Chhoriya".   

Under Narendra Modi. one likes it or not - this is the season of 'patriotism' and hence we must recall the movies of Manoj Kumar and his Bharat angle and characters.

More recently, films like 'Uri - The Surgical Strike' have gone down as an immensely successful.  

'Dhurandhar' - already two editions are commercial success and the films unhesitatingly "expose" Pakistani ISI and even Indian Sickularism. 

In 2022, 'The Kashmir Files' written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri presents a fictional storyline centred around what happened to Kashmiri pandits in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The film talks about cultural genocide.

"Kya Kashmiri Pandit ko apne ghar jaane ka mauka milega? Is this justice?" The refrain so far has been to not ask these uncomfortable questions.

There also came yet another era of angry youngman, Amitabh. 

Minority appeasement of political leadership had become a trend.

Can we have some other Gods meaning from other religions? 

In 'Deewar', Amitabh does not believe in God, questions God Shiva !! But see the coincidence, he is saved from bullets by 'number 786'.

In Hindi films, a nice person who comes to help the hero or his family or a kid is mostly - if not always - a Muslim or a Christian. 

In blockbuster 'Sholay', among all the villagers, it is the Imam who says he is ready to sacrifice his son ! 

Occasionally Sikhs may be lucky !! But Sardarjis are also ridiculed in Hindi films !! In a virtuous Karan Johar's movie, a sardar kid is shown counting stars !

A Hrishikesh 'creation' 

Maestro Satyajit Ray stood out for his height, commanding tone and good works.

In Mumbai, people might have forgotten someone called Dhundiraj Govind Phalke.

His films based on religious icons laid the foundation of building up the world's largest film industry. Films like 'Lanka Dahan' and 'Raja Harishchandra' were run away success. 

Not to forget the fact that the images of Hindu Gods -- now moving on screens, destroying evils and teaching morality - instantly struck a chord with the viewers.

There came different era - many years later. The works of filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. 

He provided a window to Indian middle class life - the frustration of the middle class, the wit of a lover boy who did not like his father-in-law.

Deven Verma tells his girl friend in 'Kissi Se Na Kehna'

 

--

Antique means --- "Ghisi-hui, purani, bekaar si cheezen — jaise tumhare pitaji (“Old, faded, useless things — like your father”).

The social context of the time also were well reflected in dialogue from comedian Keshto Mukherjee - who says - 

"Yeh milavat aur banavat ka hee zamana hae (This is an era for pretense)".

 

There came an era of films like 'An Evening in Paris' made by Shakti Samanta where the heroine is in a revealing swimsuit 

Raj Kapoor had emerged as another icon and much popular in India and also the erstwhile USSR. 

But among the 'high priests' of culture in London or New York it was Satyajit Ray.

He became a national icon showcased to the world "in a way that no Indian art personality ever had been" - said 'India Today' in 2000.

Ray's works got regular article-length reviews in 'The Times' and even PM Indira Gandhi organised private screening of the maestro's films for foreign dignitaries.

ends 

Simple thing Gen Z 'commoners' need to understand that in terms of getting political authority and entering Parliament ---- the first battle is against POLITICAL DYNASTS

 We are talking extensively talking about next generation Politics. But look at these statistics. Between the age group of 25 and 29 - we have only 26 MPs in Parliament this year.  

Why the age bar - 25 is important; that is the minimum age in India when one can be elected to the legislature - either state assembly or Parliament.  The Article 84 of Indian Constitution defines qualifications for MPs, including citizenship, age limits for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and other prescribed criteria.  

To qualify as a member of the Rajya Sabha, a person must:

Be at least 30 years of age

Achievers of their time: Kapil Dev, Lata ji, Mohinder Amarnath, Rajiv Gandhi, Sunil Gavaskar 

Now among 26 MPs in Parliament between the age group of 25 and 29 -- there are 13 political dynasts coming from political families. In other words, in these cases, the credit for their parliamentary debut goes to their 'birth' more than their own hardwork and any other qualification. 

In Lok Sabha, the Gen Z has only six members. In fact, here as many as five are 'well connected' ones - that is 'dynasts'. 

Across India, data shows there are 20 state assembly MLAs in the Gen Z category. Out of these 8 are from political families. 

Take another figure == below the age group of 40 there are altogether -- 384 elected representatives (that is MPs and MLAs) and out of them - 145 are dynasts. 

Those born in 1986 or after - make about 65 per cent of Indian poulation and that way 'representations' in assembly and both houses of Parliament is fairly less.  

The BJP has 9 MPs below 40 years. Five are dynasts. 

Samajwadi Party of Akhilesy Yadav - has total 37 MPs in Lok Sabha. Of these as many as 7 fall under below age bar of 40. Interestingly, but not surprisingly - six of them are dynasts (coming from political families).  

Across India - there are altogether 52 MLAs coming under 40 years of age. Total number of state legislators in India - now - stands at 662.   

Of these as many as 23 are from political families. 

As a background note, we may consider this : 

India’s political landscape has been shaped by numerous dynasties that have wielded significant influence over centuries. 

These families and ruling lines have governed vast territories, implemented administrative reforms, fostered cultural advancements, and left lasting legacies.

In Punjab, the Badal family has dominated politics for decades with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) founder and four-time chief minister, Parkash Singh Badal, leading the way.

His son Sukhbir Singh Badal is now the president of the party and had served as the deputy CM of the state between 2009 and 2017. Sukhbir has also been a Lok Sabha MP and was a union minister for a brief while in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government that had a mere 13-month stint in 1998.  

Former Congress chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh also had his wife Preenet Kaur as a three-time Lok Sabha MP and she also served in the Manmohan Singh cabinet.

Sukhbir’s wife Ms Harsimrat Kaur Badal has served as a minister in the Modi government.  

– The Chautalas, Hoodas, Jindals and Bishnois are dynasts of Haryana. Devi Lal was once asked - why did you make your son Om Prakash Chautala as the chief minister. His response was more than mere tongue and cheek - "Toh kya Bhajan Lal ke chhore ko banata (Then, did you expect me to make Congress leader Bhajan Lal's son the new chief minister). 

Chautala becoming chief minister coincided with 'mayhem' in Meham constituency during his election.  

Former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, is the son of the late Rajesh Pilot — a senior Congress leader and a powerful Gurjar leader. Sachin’s mother, Rama Pilot, has been an MLA from Hindoli and an MP from Dausa.

The Scindias, originally of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, have a political lineage that not only cuts across the party divide but also state lines.

Matriarch Vijaya Raje Scindia was a prominent Jana Sangh and BJP leader. 

Her daughters Yashodhara and Vasundhara Raje have followed in her footsteps to emerge as key BJP leaders. 

Vasundhara Raje has been a two-time Rajasthan chief minister while her son Dushyant is a BJP MP.

Vijaya Raje’s son, Madhavrao, and grandson Jyotiraditya have tread a different path. The father and son have been senior Congress leaders as well as cabinet ministers in the central government. 

Madhavrao Scindia died in a plane crash in 2001. Jyotiraditya Scindia joined BJP in 2021 and has also joined the Modi cabinet. 

In East, former President, veteran Congress leader and former union minister Pranab Mukherjee passed on his Jangipur Lok Sabha seat to his son Abhijit for sometime.

Mukherjee’s daughter Sharmishtha too joined the Congress and unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Delhi assembly election from the Greater Kailash constituency.

In neighbouring Odisha, BJD leader and Lok Sabha MP Tathagata Satpathy‘s parents have been politicians. While his mother Nandini served as the chief minister of the state, his father Devendra was a Lok Sabha MP. 

Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik is son of illustrious Biju Patnaik. 

Lalu Yadav's family is well known from Bihar. When Lalu was to go to jail and had to resign. his wife Rabri Devi became chief minister. Their children are also in active politics. 

The list is pretty long. 

ends 

21 Indian nationals affected in Nepal floods 'land' in Delhi :::: 63 other Indiana working at Trishuli-1 hydropower project rescued

 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that 320 Indian nationals remained out of contact following the deadly floods in Nepal, while 400 Indian nationals on the Chinese side were safe.   

Around 100 persons of Indian-origin who hold other nationalities and may have travelled for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remained out of contact.  "On the Chinese side, we have 400 Indian nationals, They are safe. They have been in touch with their family because phones, etc, I'm told is working on that side," MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.

Nepal flood toll climbs to 626 amid fear of fresh deluge; India ready to send NDRF teams if required

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said rising water levels at the site of a devastating flash flood earlier this week increased the risk of another flood in the area.

"Our embassy has been in touch with several of them, in fact, with their team leaders and their travel agent. Many of their family members also contacted us through the helpline numbers that our embassy is running right now in Beijing...As I said earlier that it's a dynamic situation so we will give you updated figure later but at this point in time we are talking about around 400 people.

Addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that 84 Indian nationals, including 63 Indian nationals who were working at the Trishuli-1 hydropower project, have been rescued so far. 

He further stated that 96 Indian nationals who were stranded on the Chinese side have safely crossed into Nepal by land.  

On the situation of Indian nationals in Nepal, Jaiswal said, "First good news, 21 Indian nationals who had yesterday arrived in Kathmandu from the area that was affected by this flood, they have today landed in Delhi. They have just landed. These 21 Indian nationals, are from Tamil Nadu and they arrived by Indigo flight which just landed in Delhi. 

".. our Ambassador had met them in Kathmandu and inquired about their well-being. In addition to these 21 Indian nationals, yesterday I had informed you, we had given you an update about 63 Indian nationals who are working at Trishuli-1 hydropower project, they were also rescued yesterday."  

"In addition to these 21 and 63, we have learnt that 96 Indian nationals who were stranded on the Chinese side have safely crossed into Nepal by land and efforts are underway to have them evacuated. We shall be sharing with you details about them as and when we have more information about the particulars etc," he added.  

"As far as the number of people who we are not able to contact or who are missing, the figure at this point in time is 320. But, please do keep in mind that we are in a dynamic situation, so figures keep going up and down. Also, we have to reconcile several lists that we are dealing with. 

There are also around 100 persons of Indian-origin who remain uncontactable. So, these are people of Indian origin who may have gone for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, but they hold other nationalities. Our MEA control room here is working round the clock as is the case with the control rooms in our Embassy in Kathmandu as also our Embassy in Beijing."  

The MEA spokesperson said that 400 Indian nationals who were on the Chinese side were safe and able to contact their families. He said that Indian Embassy in China has been working with local authorities to ensure evacuation of 400 people stranded on the Chinese side.   

"Our Embassy is in touch with local authorities in China and they are working out as to how these people who are there they can be evacuated but just to tell you that all these 400 people or plus people are safe," he added.

India has sent two aircraft carrying relief materials to Nepal and is coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts with Nepali authorities, Jaiswal said.

ends