“If it weren't for Batak Mian, India's history would have been different,” the late actor Farooq Sheikh wrote in a letter to his family in 1996.
Only a few Indians have heard about Batak Mian, the brave cook from Bihar who not only saved Mahatma Gandhi's life during the Champaran Satyagraha but also paid a heavy price for it.
His name may not be etched in every history book, but his courage deserves a chapter of its own.
In 1917, Gandhi visited Bihar to investigate the plight of indigo farmers oppressed by British planters.
Erwin, a cruel English plantation manager, saw this as a threat and hatched a sinister plot. He instructed Batak Mian, Gandhi's cook, to poison the Mahatma's milk.
Batak Mian refused the heinous order, choosing loyalty to truth over obedience to authority.
Through initiatives like Project SuVahak, Rakshak, and partnerships with IIT Madras, the state is training drivers, empowering communities, and using data-driven strategies to transform road safety.
It’s time India takes inspiration from Odisha’s efforts and moves toward safer roads for all.
🗨️ Tell us: What steps do YOU think India should take to reduce road accidents?
Tired of the usual hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Manali? It’s time to venture off the beaten path and uncover the true beauty of the Himalayas — Sandakphu!
Nestled at the highest point of West Bengal, this hidden gem offers panoramic views, serene landscapes, and a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Swipe for your ultimate travel guide to this breathtaking destination! >>
Imagine travelling from Chennai to Bengaluru (350 km) in just 30 minutes! Sounds like a dream? Not anymore!
India has hit a major milestone in revolutionising travel with the completion of its first Indigenous Hyperloop Test Track at IIT Madras' Discovery Campus in Thayur. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between Indian Railways, IIT Madras' Avishkar Hyperloop Team, and TuTr Hyperloop.
Hyperloop technology uses magnetic levitation in low-pressure tubes to move people and goods at speeds rivalling air travel. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, using far less energy than traditional transport and moving us closer to India’s carbon-neutral goals.