One of our Bhagnari brothers recently met Dr Anoop Kumar Udassi in Indore. He is from Bhag and gave a lot of information about the town.
While Dr Anoop is from Bhag, he mentioned that Nari is an area attached to Bhag. The town of Bhag is about 500 KMs from Karachi and about 300 KMs from Quetta. It comes in the district of Baluchistan. Dr Anoop and several other persons from Bhag have settled in Indore since the last ten to twelve years. They still have their country’s passport with Indian Visa and are stay legally in Indore. Every five years they get their Visa renewed. They still have their families in Bhag, whom they often visit. There are approximately 1000 such persons in Indore.
Bhag market is divided into two parts. The upper market is where Hindus do their business and lower part of the market is where Muslims do their business. Hindus protect themselves by not going out of their houses after 9.00 p.m. There is a lake in the town used for drinking water, but it is mostly neglected by the Government.
Our Bhagnari brother spoke to them in Bhagnari dialect just to know that their style of speaking, pronunciation, words, etc. are similar to ours. But he hardly noticed any difference. They all conversed with each other very fluently.
There are about 8 Hindu temples where people in Bhag worship.
1. Baba Mohandas Udassi Mandir
2. Baba Nanga Saheb Mandir
3. Baba Madhavdas Udassi Mandir
4. Lalji Mandir
5. Jhulelal Mandir
6. Chabootra Saheb Mandir
7. Sherawalli Mandir
8. Saad Saada Mandir
A Mela is held every year on 25th November in memory of Sai Jagdishdas Udassi. Another Mela is held every year on 1st January in an area called Jalal Khan in Bhag. In an ancient place, Tirbut (Bhag), there is a monument similar to Taj Mahal.
We will try and get more details of Bhag town. Meanwhile here are some pictures from Bhag.
Beware of Fake Call Centers: How Scammers Are Stealing Money Using Big Brand Names
In recent years, there has been a surge in fake call centers operating predominantly in the eastern corridor of India. These fraudulent operations target individuals outside the country, using deceptive emails and notifications to trick unsuspecting victims. Here’s how these scams work and what you need to know to protect yourself.
The Motive Behind Fake Call Centers
The primary aim of these scams is to steal people’s hard-earned money through social engineering and fake communications. The scammers often impersonate well-known brands such as Microsoft, Apple, Norton, McAfee, and Google by using their logos and templates in phishing emails.
How Do These Scams Work?
The process typically involves several carefully orchestrated steps:
1. Fake Emails
Victims receive an email claiming that a charge has been made to their credit card for a subscription. The email appears legitimate, using logos and branding of well-known companies. Sometimes, the email includes an attachment with a fake invoice or letter.
💡 Pro Tip: There’s no actual charge on your card—this is a trick to grab your attention.
2. Fake Customer Care Numbers
The email urges victims to call a customer care number to resolve the issue. These numbers often appear in search results, masquerading as genuine support contacts.
3. Remote Access Requests
Once the victim calls, a scammer posing as a customer service agent engages them in conversation and asks them to install remote control software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
⚠️ Note: These programs are legitimate but should only be used with trusted individuals.
4. Fake Refund Simulation
The scammer pretends to process a refund, showing the victim a fake banking page. They simulate an overpayment, making it appear that the victim received more money than they were owed.
5. Cash Withdrawal
The victim is convinced to withdraw the “extra” amount in cash from their bank account.
6. Bitcoin ATM Deposits
The scammer instructs the victim to deposit the cash into a Bitcoin ATM.
7. Online Banking Fraud
In cases where the victim has online banking, the scammer persuades them to buy Bitcoin and transfer it to the scammer’s wallet. Since Bitcoin transactions are unregulated and untraceable, recovering the money is nearly impossible.
8. Credit Card Information Theft
In some instances, scammers trick victims into filling out forms with their credit card details, allowing them to debit arbitrary amounts.
Key Takeaways to Stay Safe
Verify Emails: Always double-check the sender’s email address and be wary of unexpected emails claiming charges or subscriptions.
Avoid Calling Numbers in Emails: Search for the official customer service number on the brand’s official website.
Be Cautious with Remote Access: Never install remote control software at the request of someone you don’t know or trust.
Know Bitcoin Risks: Avoid transferring money to Bitcoin wallets without thorough verification.
Final Word
Fake call centers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams. Share this information widely to raise awareness and help combat these fraudulent operations.
Digital arrest scams are becoming increasingly common, with fraudsters exploiting psychological manipulation to steal victims’ hard-earned money. These scams rely on pressuring individuals into believing they are criminals.
Motive
The primary goal is to extort money by using social engineering and psychological pressure, often under the pretense of crime accusations.
How Does It Start?
The scam typically begins with a phone call. An automated IVR system claims:
• A FedEx parcel is held by customs,
• Or, the telecom department is canceling your mobile number due to alleged criminal misuse.
The IVR instructs you to press “1” to speak with customer care for further details.
What Happens When You Press 1?
A scammer, impersonating a representative, answers the call and tricks you into believing that they have evidence against you. To resolve the matter, they insist you file an FIR, providing random or fake details, before transferring you to a so-called “officer.”
Conversation with the Impersonating Officer
The scammer posing as a police officer uses every tactic to convince you that you are involved in serious illegal activities. This marks the start of the “digital arrest.”
• The fake officer may instruct you to lock yourself in a room.
• The call is then transferred to another scammer impersonating a court official.
• In extreme cases, victims are asked to turn on their camera and undress, with the footage later used for extortion.
Final Step: Extortion
The scam concludes with the victim being coerced into paying large sums of money. During this time, the victim is psychologically isolated, convinced of their guilt, and manipulated into compliance.
Stay Vigilant: Recognize these scams, avoid engaging with unknown callers, and report such incidents to the authorities.
F BLDG, KATARIA COLONY, 233, V S MARG, MAHIM, MUMBAI – 400016
1st November, 2024
Notice of Annual General Body Meeting of Bhagnari Panchayat Trust for the year 2023-24
Annual General Body meeting of Bhagnari Panchayat Trust for the year 2023-24 will be held on Sunday 24th November 2024 at 11 a.m. If there is no quorum till 11.30 a.m., then the meeting will be convened with the members who are present at that time.
Venue: The meeting will be held in Shree Bhagnari Panchayat Hall.
Agenda for the meeting:
Pass the minutes of the last meeting held on 3rd December 2023
Review and pass the auditor’s report and the accounts of the Trust for the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Appoint auditors for the period 1.4.2024 / 31.3.2025
Review the report of Trust’s activities during the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Any other business (see note below)
Note: If any member wishes to raise any query on the accounts or discuss any other matter during the AGM, the same should be notified at Trust’s office latest by Monday 15th November 2024.
Naresh Nasta
Managing Trustee
Managing Trustees:
Ramesh Poplay – Treasurer,
Lalit Jham, Lachmandas Gehi, Arjan Wadhare, Laxman Jham, Satish Nasta, and Niranjan Nasta – Members
x-x-x-x-x
BHAGNARI PANCHAYAT TRUST
F BLDG, KATARIA COLONY, 233, V S MARG, MAHIM, MUMBAI — 400016 (REG NO. E – 11711)
REPORT OF ACTIVITIES OF BHAGNARI PANCHAYAT TRUST DURING THE PERIOD 1.4.2023 to 31.3.2024
The Trust applied for renewal of 12A certification with the Income Tax Office to enable it to operate under the laws set by Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra for Charitable Trusts. We received the renewed 12A Certificate on 26‘h March 2024 for the Assessment Years 2021-22 to 2025-26 (from FY 2020-21 to 2024-25.)
During the year the Trust has carried out several charitable tasks in the areas of Education & Medical Aid for the underprivileged persons.
The Total Investments as on 31st March 2024 stood at Rs. 2.33 crore including balance in the Savings account.
For Bhagnari Panchayat Trust
Naresh Nasta Managing Trustee
x-x-x-x-x
BHAGNARI WELFARE SOCIETY
F BLDG, KATARIA COLONY, 233, V S MARG, MAHIM, MUMBAI – 400016
(Reg. No.F3197)
1st November, 2024
Notice of Annual General Body Meeting of Bhagnari Welfare Society for the year 2023-24
Annual General Body meeting of Bhagnari Welfare Society for the year 2023-24 will be held on Sunday 24th November, 2024 at 11.30 a.m. If there is no quorum till 12 Noon, then the meeting will be convened with the members who are present at that time.
Venue: The meeting will be held in Shree Bhagnari Panchayat Hall.
Agenda for the meeting:
Pass the minutes of the last meeting held on 3rd December, 2023
Review and pass the auditor’s report and the accounts of the Society for the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Appoint auditors for the period 1.4.2024 / 31.3.2025
Review the report of the Society’s activities during the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Any other business (see note below)
Note: If any member wishes to raise any query on the accounts or discuss any other matter during the AGM, the same should be notified at Society’s office latest by Monday 15th November 2024.
We continue to assist needy Bhagnaris with the settlement of their medical operations/treatment bills at Shushrusha, Inlaks, Sarvanand and other hospitals.
Note: The practice of seeking funds to meet large contingencies had been stopped for the past two years and the same were being funded from Society’s resources. However, the P&L fund has now significantly reduced. We will, therefore, resume the practice of appealing for large expenses. This will also ensure that our corpus is not impacted
We are grateful to all the doctors who provide free consultation to the members of the needy families, besides arranging major operations/treatment at reduced costs
We are also thankful to Ashok Gehi for continuing to provide the car service for our members
Regular monthly contributions are received from Shri Ramchand Popley towards the settlement of medicine bills submitted by needy members each month. We extend our sincere thanks to him for his continued support
Corpus/non-corpus donations worth Rs. 32,11,035/- (Rupees thirty two lacs eleven thousand thirty five only) were received from the following donors:
We are grateful to all the donors, as it is entirely due to their support that we are able to provide assistance towards regular and higher education, medicines, medical treatment, house repairs, weddings, etc.
Besides the above donations, some of our gracious donors pay generous sums directly to the needy families. During the year, such donations amounted to Rs. 20 lakhs
Expenditure on education has been the main thrust this year also. This includes:
a) payment of school and college fees up to a maximum of Rs. 75,000 per student
b) Financing of higher education, for which sponsorship is arranged for the concerned student
We are pleased to inform that several members have come forward to fund sponsorship for higher education. We are thankful to the donors for taking lead in this matter
Investments as at 31.3.2024 stood at Rs. 1,57,86,982.89 (Rupees One crore fifty seven lacs eighty six thousand nine hundred eighty two and P S eighty nine only).
Ramesh Poplay
Chairman
x-x-x-x-x
SHREE BHAGNARI PANCHAYAT
F BLDG, KATARIA COLONY, 233, V S MARG, MAHIM, MUMBAI – 400016
1st November, 2024
Notice of Annual General Body Meeting of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat for the year 2022-23
Annual General Body meeting of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat for the year 2023-24 will be held on Sunday 24th November 2024 at 12.00 noon. If there is no quorum till 12.30 p.m., then the meeting will be convened with the members who are present at that time.
Venue: The meeting will be held in Shree Bhagnari Panchayat Hall.
Agenda for the meeting:
Pass the minutes of the last meeting held on 3rd December 2023
Review and pass the auditor’s report and the accounts of Panchayat for the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Appoint auditors for the period 1.4.2024 / 31.3.2025
Review the report of the Panchayat’s activities during the period 1.4.2023 / 31.3.2024
Any other business (see note below)
Note: If any member wishes to raise any query on the accounts or discuss any other matter during the AGM, the same should be notified at Panchayat office latest by Monday 15th November 2024.
We continue to hold Diwali and Awards Night, where awards and prizes are presented to the students and members of the community for academic as well as non-academic achievements. This year also prizes were also conferred for achievements in the field of sports and for special talent. During the function held in November 2023 almost 60 prizes were distributed
Ganesh Utsav, Navratras, Holi, Mahashivratri, etc. were celebrated with same fervor as always. Bhagnari Cricket Carnival was also held during the year
We thank the organizers of these events who regularly hold these functions and keep the community engaged
Shree Bhagnari Panchayat Hall is provided free of cost to members for holding their functions. A nominal cost is charged to cover the cost of air-conditioners, if they are used
During the year, Shree Bhagnari Panchayat received corpus/non-corpus donations amounting to Rs. 2,92,400/- (Rupees two lacs ninety two thousand four hundred only)
Panchayat expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following donors:
Bina Gopi Ranabenur, Seema Mehta, Vinay Nasta, Bhag Co-op. Hsg Soc Ltd, Reema Sapru, Rachna Mehta, Laxman Popley Trust, Pranit Popley, Priyanka Thanekar, Kanchan Bhagnari, Subhash Bhagnari, Haresh Mehta, Shivaji Park Mahila Satsang, Yoga Parivar, Anmol Gehi, Lalit Jham, Mahesh Kataria, Preeti Gehani, Rajan Dewan and Sumit Lal
We continue to receive pre-used healthcare equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, hydraulic beds, adult diapers, etc. from community members. These items are then provided to those who have a need for them. We are grateful to all those who have provided these healthcare mobility items to Panchayat. We would also like to thank Bhag Cooperative Housing Society for providing space to store this equipment
Investments as at 31.3.24 stood at Rs. 43,82,329/- (Rupees Forty three lacs eighty two thousand three hundred twenty nine and PS. Ninety nine only).
10th August 1972…a date etched in my memory bank…as this was the day, I first set foot on the then Sandy Dubai… well back then there was more sand than buildings and roads. …but how Dubai has transformed from Sandy Dubai to the new modern tourist paradise is a story in itself.
In 1972 there was not much to do in Dubai socially. We were all starting our life in a new country…we had very little money, so our outings were limited to visiting friends…a movie occasionally and very often a visit to our Hindu temple which was just a 10 minutes walking distance from my house. The Hindu temple was built in 1958. It was built on top of some old fashioned shops in Bur Dubai Old Souk…it was near the Creek which was an integral part of Dubai…as there were abras ferrying passengers from Bur Dubai to Deira daily…taxis were a luxury so the abra served as a most useful transport system at a very low price.
I remember my first visit to the temple…I was fascinated with the narrow lanes…the textile shops …then a few shops selling flowers…incense sticks….and all pooja related items…one could buy a thali of these pooja items as offerings to the Lord. I remember going up the old staircase to a small open hall, then on the left there was the Shivling of Lord Shiva and idols of other Gods and Saibaba. After praying there then one could go up to the Gurdwara …which was so serene and had an old-world charm…that one was immediately at peace. So all Hindus and Sikhs would visit this temple and Gurdwara.
All major festivals were celebrated in this temple …Janmashtmi….Onam…Diwali…Shivratri and people even took their marriage vows in the Gurdwara…followed by Langar prasad…..in fact during these festivals it was difficult to accommodate the growing population and there was a serpentine queue which started from the creek leading to the temple. During Shivratri people would come and queue early morning before going for their work. I can still remember the kutti given as prasad and the thandaai which was absolutely delicious. Prasad was always given on a daily basis there…and people celebrated many of their happy occasions of life there followed by langar prasad. I remember I had done Amrit’s mundan there …it was such a joyous occasion and moreover it was in the presence of all the Gods there…so I feel really blessed.
But now we all got a jolt when the Hindu temple shut down on 3rd January. Before it could shut, I went for the last time to pray there. Way back in 1972 there were just a handful of shops selling pooja items…but now it was a full-fledged bazaar….a beautiful sight …the narrow lanes filled with colourful shops selling flowers…Mithai., milk, incense sticks, small beautiful clothes for the God, tulsi plants, beautiful temples, marble and brass statues of all the Gods. It was a mini Indi and reminded me of Mahalaxmi Mandir ..which has similar shops selling all these items. There were pandits all giving you their cards in case you wanted to do a pooja or havan at home. I went and prayed to Lord Shiva for the last time there and next to Saibaba idol there was a small booth there saying “Wish Fulfilling Hundi“, I always would pray there asking Sai to fulfil my wishes…and would feel confident that Sai had heard my prayers. One last time I went to the gurdwara bowed down to Waheguruji…and felt sad that no more would we hear the melodious bhajans sung by the Sardars there. Took the delicious Karaan Prasad and with a last wistful look went down the spiral staircase which apparently was there before the temple was built as there was a store there before.
It is sad for people living in Old Dubai to accept the fact that they can’t visit this iconic temple again…no doubt we have a new modern beautiful gurdwara and a temple at Jebel Ali…but visiting them will have to be planned and it cannot be as often as one would visit the Dubai temple as the distance and the traffic are a real hindrance. We all wish that we get back our temple again…maybe not in its original vintage form…due to its old construction and safety factor it could be remodelled …but I think that since 1958 that site has had so many poojas…mantras chanted and havans performed, that the land is now a holy land…so hope we once again get to pray in our beloved temple.
If that happens …I know all will rejoice… because both in happiness and sorrow people tend to go to the temple either to thank the Lord for their happiness or when one is sad, we go to pray for the bad time to pass.
Hope God hears our prayers and we again get to visit our temple …see the bustling activity there… inhale the fragrance of the flowers and enjoy the karaan prasad. For as they say – “Old is Gold”.
HOW OUR MOTHER LIVED HER LIFE AND SHAPED HER LEGACY
By Amrit and Pooja
(Followed by comments by her relatives and close friends on their personal interactions with Pushpa Kishore Mehta)
I know.
Those who knew and loved our mother well affectionately called her, “I know”. She had this uncanny ability to weigh in on any topic, and provide her point of view. It was part wisdom, part hunger to share what she had learned, and part well-intentioned desire to genuinely help others. The truth is she was decades ahead of her time. In a world where it was neither expected nor customary for a woman to have a strong point of view, she always had one, and sometimes it took people aback. So be it!
Born on October 8th, 1947 in Karachi, she blazed a new trail right from the beginning. Her mother stayed back in Karachi to give birth to her in uncertain conditions post-partition. She narrated to us how her pregnant mother had to wear a burqa (abaya) at times to protect herself and her child. After her birth, both mother and daughter flew to Bombay. She was born Pushpa Hiranand Nasta, and was doted on and loved by her family, especially her father, who we affectionately called Baba. During one of his trips to Europe, Baba bought her a small ride-on-horse toy that she kept as a memory till this date. We would often joke with our mother that she never stopped being a spoilt child, intent on getting her way, but the fact is she was always a rebel, often with a good cause.
She received a top notch education at Auxilium Convent, and subsequently a BA with a Major in Psychology at the St Xaviers College. A top student, she excelled at maths and algebra, receiving 100% marks in school in both subjects, and often among the top 3 in her class. She wanted to be a doctor, but that would entail several years of study, and a delayed marriage, so her parents persuaded her to do a BA instead. She did well at that too, and also attained a Masters program in Management several years later, going back to college with our Dad, while Pooja and Amrit were 2 and 6 years old. We share this because she prized the pursuit of academic and career goals and instilled that in us right from the beginning. We are convinced in a different generation, or a different time under different circumstances, our mother would have been a top surgeon, a CEO of a major corporation or a successful lawyer – her father was a lawyer and her grandfather a judge. She had the intellect, the street smarts, the fortitude and the tenacity to accomplish anything.
Her marriage to our father was the stuff of fairly tales. She was his teenage infatuation, and they often spoke of how she was in Auxilium Convent when he was an engineering student at VJTI, and he would take the same BEST bus so he could see her daily. Several years later, when he returned from England after his Master’s degree, he wrote letters to our nana (Baba) asking for her hand in marriage. Baba was sufficiently impressed by this young, educated, articulate, handsome, tall young man and agreed to the proposal. They got married January 5th, 1969, and the romance continued. Their anniversaries were always special occasions, and our father often came home with flowers, a cake and a present.
We always had a working mother. When our father decided to start a business in the 1980s, she worked alongside him to set up and grow the family business. After all, they had been to management school together and were putting their education into practice as entrepreneurs. As kids, we remember going to Puja Knitting Works, a small factory with 4 large circular knitting machines. Our mother had a desk on the factory floor, and she would often work the phone talking to clients or supervising the workers. She could navigate a profit and loss statement and balance sheet with ease, being naturally good with numbers. She was the only woman in that industry but that never stopped her. If someone was late on their payment, she chastised them, and often dealt with grievances and needs of the workers. After her father unexpectedly died in 1977, it changed her profoundly, and she doubled down on taking charge, helping my Nani with her many administrative tasks, including visits to lawyers related to ongoing property disputes, helping her manage her investments and expenses. She did all this in addition to managing work and home. She could do it all!
For several years, mom was a volunteer cum Board Member of the Paraplegic Foundation. Most of the beneficiaries of this foundation were people who had lost two or more limbs in an accident or due to an unfortunate medical condition. As kids, we remember going to some events where she would volunteer. She knew all of them by name, and often got enthusiastic greetings when she showed up. Mom relayed to us their life stories and the cause of their disability. She took time to listen and understand what they were experiencing. It was heart wrenching, but she always reminded us she was not there to feel sorry for them but to help them be independent, to retain their dignity and to enjoy their lives to the fullest possible. Living in Mumbai, it’s impossible to escape visions of people who are much worse off than us, but it’s pointless to pity and do nothing. Rather it’s necessary to do something and help them get on their feet. We learned that valuable life lesson from her.
She was one of the most curious people we have ever met, with an insatiable appetite for learning. When she got her first computer in 2000, she insisted she had no use for it. That changed very quickly as the internet opened the world up to her. She was adept with technology quickly learning it and using it to navigate the world. We often called her cyber mom. She had set up news alerts for Michigan and Dubai and we often got WhatsApp texts about the impending snowstorm, election results, changes in laws, or work-related news from business publications.
She was loving but tough on us growing up, always expecting more. We played a lot of board games and scrabble with her as kids. There were visits to the planetarium, aquarium and book stores. She insisted we do an aptitude test in Grade 10, and reminded us often that two degrees were better than one. Pooja excelled in Creative Art Design at Sophia’s College and also did her BA on the side. Mom would not have it any other way. She often said it was important to be a working woman, as you never know what life has in store. Amrit attained an Engineering degree and she often reminded him it wasn’t enough. She said he needed to get a management degree. And even till date, she would often send him WhatsApp messages every time an Indian-American became a CEO of a large corporation, or if there was a news article about IIT or IIM graduates. It was her way of saying – if you think you are doing well, think again! Several years later, when the concept of Tiger parenting became popular – essentially a style of parenting that emphasizes academic achievement, life success, and discipline – we could not help but smile. We realized we had one of those Tiger moms.
And despite this attachment and expectation from her children, she was equally comfortable with letting go. Both Amrit and Pooja settled aboard and she often said – live your lives, build your future; you are young eagles leaving the nest and you need to fly and soar. And while we did, she and dad also traveled and lived around the world, visiting us often and working in several countries. Their spirit of independence and adventure kept them living and enjoying their lives to the fullest.
Perhaps her best chapter was as a grandmother. Like any grandparent, she was less tough on her grandchildren than she was with her own kids. We often teased her about that. And yet, there was doting and indulging, mixed with patient listening and sage advice.
For Veera, her Nani was both a friend and grand mom. Veera affectionally called her my “Naan bread” and mom called her my “Grand bun”. When Mom lived in Dubai, Veera got to spend many weekends and summer holiday weekdays with her Nani. And her famous batata vadas were a super hit at all of Veera’s birthday parties. They developed a loving relationship, each confiding in the other. Somehow Nani always knew what Veera felt without her saying it. She was Veera’s best friend, spending hours with each other on zoom calls until the last few weeks. They had a very strong bond.
And then there was Aman. Mom first saw Aman in ICU as a little baby fighting for his life. It was an unsettling experience for any grandparent. However, there was no time to waste or feel sorry for oneself. When we learned Aman had CHARGE Syndrome, she got to work. She became well known within the CHARGE community. At CHARGE conferences, people would reach out to Amrit randomly and ask if he was Pushpa Mehta’s son. And when she stayed with Amrit, she established a special bond with Aman. One can only describe it as a meeting of the souls. She understood him at a much deeper level. Even when Aman was young, she’d often point out that he was very intelligent, and would surprise us. And so he did. He flourished, and she rode that wave with him. Aman and Dadi shared countless precious moments together, reading books, talking about places to visit, and sharing stories. He will miss her the most, but we are grateful for the moments they had together.
With Anmol, she always had a patient ear and celebrated the smallest of successes, egging him on to do better. When Amrit was tough on him (guess where he learned that), there was always Dadi to call. She often said to Anmol that his father did not measure up to him, and reassured him he was doing great and was on the right path. She avidly followed his robotics team on tour, and asked him countless questions about his academic pursuits, taking interest in every small detail. This summer, she gleefully followed day-by-day accounts of his international tour with the orchestra group. It gave her immense joy!
And last but not the least, Rynah. When Amrit first broke the news about having a daughter she squealed in delight, saying it was her early Christmas present. Rynah always got a few extra kisses being the youngest, and some advice to go with that. There was summer fun on the lake when they visited, with Rynah being the perennial entertainer who made her laugh. And many FaceTime calls on Saturdays, a weekly ritual of sorts.
During her final weeks, mom showed us the best version of her. As her body started to give way, her mind was sharp as ever. She refused to feel sorry for herself or cry, and reminded us to do the same. Mom said she felt what Aman went through – perhaps she willed it for herself, we don’t know. She insisted on eating and drinking water by herself despite having very little strength. She showed an amazing amount of grace, dignity and courage. Mom knew she was setting an example; raising the bar once again. Because when our time comes, which it will, we can only hope we come close to matching her strength of character.
The bottom line is – she knew, she always knew – right, wrong or indifferent. She was ahead of her time and it took the rest of us a while to understand it. She leaves us with an awesome life, legacy and plenty of inspiration.
Aman often says, people become stars in the sky when they die. And so it shall be – a new star joined the billions of stars in the sky tonight. She will no doubt be a shooting star somewhere in the universe blazing new trails. Her life and her memories will be a blessing for generations to come.
Goodbye mom, until we meet again.
11th December 2023
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Deepa Laji Bhagnari
Such a beautiful tribute … a very apt description of our dear friend….people would say Pushee will now say I know….and I would tell them…but Pushee really knows…so she has to say that ..as she would then explain her viewpoint which was always correct…I really admired her for her Intelligence. Her knowledge and her generosity in always helping others. She never hesitated to do so…her heart and her house were open to all. It was she who pushed me to write articles…and I am ever so grateful to her for that… as I was never a very confident person, but she instilled that confidence in me…and then my journey of writing started with my articles Random Thoughts ..Thank you my dear friend….you were a treasure trove of knowledge.. Intelligence and love….Will really really miss you….
Meena Sadani (Pushpa’s sister)
Amu, A golden eulogy for my golden hearted sister, you said it all. She was way ahead of her time and was made of the stuff super achievers are made off. Often, she would get impatient with me when I would be relating anything to her and would come up with her ‘I know’ comment even before I could finish saying, she would say you are taking too long to get to the point, I have already understood it all.. she was a karma yogi, who believed in doing all the good karma / help for whoever crossed her path.
A rare combination of beauty and brains, she was sought after by the most eligible suitors. but your dad was the best match for her.
I don’t know if you kids know that when they lived in Madras, your parents entered a ‘made for each other’ contest and won the first prize. Yes. I remember the days she volunteered at the Paraplegic society and how charged she was of helping out.
Not to forget how she even changed the life of her household helpers by motivating them to move on to better opportunities even if it meant she was stuck with no help at the domestic front. In Madras she had this helper Chandran whom she enrolled in night school because she felt he could do better than menial work. Last, I remember, he was still in touch and informing her about his successes and achievements.
Pushpa had the strength of spirit that is so hard to come by. Against all odds she faced life head on with grit and determination.
My last exchange with her to share my most favorite Meditation! I am a child of God!
We bid her farewell with heavy hearts but find solace in the knowledge that she is now at the lotus feet of the lord, our father! Om Shanti!
Lisa Weir
I never met her in person but we did chat online especially when Aman was young. That is a woman who fiercely loved her family. I remember she asked so many questions and sought to learn all she could. Such a lovely woman.
Suresh D Gehi
I have personally lost a very sincere well wisher. I vividly remember how I suddenly had to fly to Bombay in Jan 1999 to visit my sick father and Amrit was getting married around that time. Pushpa’s joy knew no bounds to see that I was at the wedding ceremony. May her soul rest in peace.
Ramesh Poplay
I will remember Pushee (as we fondly called her) as a very helpful person. We would jointly find ways to contribute to the community. She helped in maintaing UAE Bhagnari database after I left Dubai and later helped to organise collection of an emergency fund in Dubai. This fund was used to meet the cost of several major medical operations. Many Bhagnaris words in Bhagnari Dictionary were contributed by her, for which she maintained an Excel worksheet. This was finally ported to the community website. She always helped her friends with technical problems on their phones. Names of many Bhagnaris for Facebook and WhatsApp groups Bhagnaris in the Americas where given by her. In fact for these groups and the dictionary, we had a healthy competition as to who has contributed more names/words.
I do feel that she was the inspiration behind Amrit’s sponsoring several students’ higher education and setting up Devibhai Mehta Scholarship. She had also organised a large donation amongst her siblings whose interest was used for Annual Prize Distribution function.
The enclosed photo was taken just a few hours before she developed cardiac issues. The picture was taken at a meet with Reena Mehta in NSCI.
Imogen Nasta
Such lovely words Amrit. I was so sad to hear about your wonderful Mom. I think we only met once, maybe twice (see pic) but I felt I had met her many times. She was such a wonderful ‘cyber aunty’ who kept in touch with the whole family. Over the years we shared many exchanges, she would often send Pooja’s work campaign videos, news of your work and family Amrit – she was always so very proud of you all in her messages to me – I still have them all and will share them with you. For me, she was a very important link to India – I valued talking to her on WhatsApp and we shared pictures and stories over the years. If ever I had a question, I would send her a quick message and she would tell me, most recently in September about our Great Grandparents. I will miss that connection enormously. How lucky you were to have had such a wonderful mother. I am thinking of you all as you navigate this loss. Much love, Imogen
Beena Dudeja
Pushee was a very knowledgeable well-spoken person. She was a member of our home kitty in Dubai and we would go together for the kitty. In Mumbai also we would be together at some kitties. I was last together with her in June 2023 at NSCI lunch and she was ever so happy to be able to come. A very social person indeed. God bless her soul. She’ll be missed.
Ellen Howe
I am not sure I have any specific memories of her, but I do know she was one of my favorite CHARGE grandmas. I will miss her and seeing her like my posts. but I know she’s with us all.
Deepa Vardrajan
So sorry for your loss, Amrit and Pooja. I remember chatting with her, both online and on the phone, when Aman and Amita were young. She had many questions and also gave comfort to me. A wonderful and loving person, she was. Om Shanti.
Nancy TwaI Neshewat
Firstly, I want to say I’m so sorry for your loss, she sounds like an amazing person, mother, grandmother, wife. We should all and try to be a like her. She set her goals high and achieved more than most. I loved reading that and thank you for sharing it with us all. I found it amazing that you think she was held back as a female in India back then. I feel like India has been the most advanced than all other countries for woman. I know she was admired by you all and especially her bond with Aman. She’s among the starts. God bless her.
Erica Solomon
Such a beautiful, wonderful tribute to your Mom. How fascinating her life was and how strong and intelligent she was. She was so beautiful as well. I know she will be missed. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. You are all in Gregg, Sarah and my thoughts and prayers.
Minnie Lee Lambert
I never met her in person, but I loved the love that she had for her family and especially Aman. She always shared the most positive things with me, some that I needed at just the right moment. I am truly sad that I will never have the amazing opportunity to meet her in this lifetime.
Reshma Mansukhani
My fondest memories of Pushee Aunty are our summer holidays Kiran and I spent the most amazing summers at Yashodan. She mothered us during those two months. Her prawn pulao, her teaching us how to be responsible girls and us being in awe of her when we watched her dress up to go out for parties. She always said I have 4 children when we went out. All the outings and picnics especially to Marve. She has left such beautiful memories for us. We will miss you Pushee Aunty. You are forever in our hearts.
Deepali Shah
Pushee aunty was extremely passionate about education. She loved talking about new age careers, enjoyed visiting universities and sharing her experiences with me. We often chatted about U.S. education. Such a strong and powerful woman she was! Her memories will always live with me. RIP aunty.
Rashi Sharma
Such a beautiful tribute to Pushpa Aunty. From what I recall from childhood, she did come across as a very intelligent woman with a lot of knowledge. Sending you all a lot of strength and love right now. She’s probably studying the cosmos.
Amrit Nasta
Dear Amrit
What a wonderful tribute to your mother. Jan and I were so moved by your words. We had the privilege to meet her three times, twice in Bombay and once in London. She was kind, intelligent and facilitating. She helped so much to connect the Nastas in England with those in Bombay and further afield. We loved our time with her.
We will always be grateful to her and your lovely father, Kishore.
Deep condolences
Shakuntala Jodhan
My relation with Bhagnaris was initiated because of my relation with Pushpa Mehta and on every visit to India – a day was kept by me to have a dialogue with her in person and such hospitality and extensive warmth and openness was direct tendencies which she exhibited so warmly. May her Soul Rest In Peace.
Shri Niranjan Gehani was the President of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat from 2004 to 2007. After leaving this post, he continued to be a pillar of strength for Panchayat. At any time whenever we wanted his help or clarification on any matter, we would visit him, to seek his guidance. His doors were always open for us. He had exceptional memory and therefore he could accurately recall many old Panchayat related matters.
The community has lost an elder statesman, who will be dearly missed by all of us. Panchayat will also miss his strong support at all levels.
The matter of student education was very dear to Shri Niranjan Gehani. He used to generously donate towards this cause by always responding to our appeals and sometimes even without any appeal for help.
His enthusiasm for education can be gauged from the fact that he passed his BA graduation exam in 2014 at the ripe age of 72.
Bhagnari Welfare Society will miss one of its biggest supporters and this void will not be easy to fill.
Shri Niranjan Gehani as the President of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat was also the trustee of Bhagnari Panchayat Trust, popularly known as Deolali Trust.
During the court cases pertaining to Deolali property, he solidly stood behind the trust.
Even after resigning from the post of President of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat in 2007, he continued to remain the trustee of Bhagnari Panchayat Trust. It was only after Deolali property case was resolved in 2019, that he expressed his desire to hand over the reins of the trust to the younger lot of the community.
He, however, continued to guide us. In fact we had to rely on his sharp memory for recalling several old issues of the trust.
We can write pages after pages of homage for Shri Niranjan Gehani, but paucity of time does not permit us to do so.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have gained global attention as nations embrace digital transformations. In this context, India has made significant progress in developing its own CBDC known as the Digital Rupee. This article aims to delve into the concept, features, benefits, challenges, and the accompanying mobile apps available for the Digital Rupee CBDC.
CBDCs are digital representations of a country’s fiat currency issued and regulated by the central bank. Unlike cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are government-backed and aim to provide a digital version of physical cash, revolutionizing financial systems with efficiency, financial inclusion, and secure transactions.
The Digital Rupee aims to leverage technology to enhance India’s financial infrastructure and digitize its economy. Key features of the Digital Rupee CBDC include:
Accessibility: The Digital Rupee ensures financial inclusion by providing access to all citizens, reducing reliance on physical cash.
Security and Privacy: Robust security measures protect transactions while prioritizing user privacy and data protection.
Real-time Settlements: Instantaneous transactions enable individuals and businesses to settle payments quickly and efficiently.
Programmability: The Digital Rupee’s underlying technology enables programmable money, facilitating smart contracts and automated transactions.
The need for CBDCs and the driving factors behind their development are listed below :
Enhancing Financial Inclusion: One of the primary motivations for implementing a CBDC is to promote financial inclusion. By providing a digital form of fiat currency, CBDCs offer individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services the opportunity to participate in the formal financial system. This can empower the unbanked population, reduce financial inequalities, and foster economic growth.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: CBDCs can significantly enhance the efficiency of financial transactions. Traditional payment systems often involve intermediaries, resulting in slower settlement times and higher costs. With CBDCs, transactions can be executed directly between parties, eliminating intermediaries and reducing processing times and associated fees. This increased efficiency can benefit both individuals and businesses, leading to cost savings and improved productivity.
Strengthening Monetary Policy and Stability: CBDCs offer central banks enhanced control over monetary policy and economic stability. By having a digital currency, central banks can have a more granular understanding of money flows, enabling better assessment and management of macroeconomic factors such as inflation and deflation. CBDCs also provide a tool for implementing innovative monetary policies, such as negative interest rates, with more direct and immediate impact.
Mitigating Risks of Cashless Economies: As digital payments become more prevalent, there is a growing concern over the risks associated with a fully cashless economy. CBDCs provide a digital alternative to physical cash, ensuring that individuals and businesses can continue to transact securely even in scenarios where digital infrastructure may be compromised. This helps maintain financial resilience and protects against potential disruptions in payment systems.
Combatting Illicit Activities: The anonymity associated with cash transactions can facilitate illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. CBDCs offer improved transparency and traceability, making it easier to monitor and prevent such activities. By integrating robust anti-money laundering measures, CBDCs can enhance the integrity of financial systems and contribute to global efforts in fighting financial crimes.
Addressing Technological Advancements: Advancements in financial technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and digital payment platforms, have disrupted traditional financial systems. CBDCs allow central banks to leverage these technological advancements while maintaining regulatory control. By providing a secure and regulated digital currency, CBDCs can ensure the stability and reliability of national payment systems.
The CBDC or the E-Rupee can be accessed with the help of the E-Rupee App of your specific Bank, Currently 11 Banks have been shortlisted by the Reserve Bank to Participate in this program i.e. SBI, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, IDFC First Bank, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank & Bank of Baroda, Indus Ind Bank.
Do note that this is a pilot program and you can only access the app, if you have received the invite from your bank.
The download links of the apps for IOS/Android are listed below :
Kotak Mahindra Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.erupeeKOTAK, Kotak Mahindra Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/digital-rupee-by-kotak-bank/id6447517281
ICICI Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icici.digitalrupee, ICICI Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/digital-rupee-by-icici-bank/id1671229934
Canara Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.erupeeCANARA, Canara Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/canara-digital-rupee/id6447098968
Axis Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.axisbank.cbdc, Axis Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/axis-mobile-digital-rupee/id6448527099
IDFC First Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.erupeeIDFC, IDFC First Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/idfc-first-bank-digital-rupee/id1666274203
Union Bank Of India (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.erupeeUBI, Union Bank Of India (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/ubi-digital-rupee/id6446883723
HDFC Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.token.hdfc
Bank of Baroda (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npci.token.bob, Bank of Baroda (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bank-of-baroda-digital-rupee/id6445941213
Indus Ind Bank (Android) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.sarvatra.erupeeINDUSIND, Indus Ind Bank (IOS) : https://apps.apple.com/in/app/digital-rupee-by-indusind-bank/id1670622253
The Screenshots of the various denominations of the Currencies is also attached below for reference, each virtual currency is assigned a unique serial number like we can find on the physical notes.
India’s Digital Rupee CBDC marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a digital economy. By leveraging technology for financial inclusion, efficiency, and security, the Digital Rupee has the potential to revolutionize India’s financial landscape. With dedicated mobile apps and digital platforms, individuals and businesses can seamlessly embrace the Digital Rupee, enabling faster transactions and a robust digital payment ecosystem. Overcoming challenges through careful planning, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement will pave the way for successful implementation, allowing India to embrace the benefits of a digital currency tailored to its unique needs.
Most of you may have heard about ChatGTP. Recently I asked it to write a poem based on a few points I wrote about Bhagnari Community. Here is CharGTP’s marvellous output.
In the land of Bhag, where Nari river flows, A community emerged, with stories to disclose.
From Balochistan’s embrace, we journeyed afar, To the bustling streets of Karachi, our new avatar.
We are Bhagnaris, with a language of our own, Saraiki, we speak, a heritage well known.
Though mistaken as Sindhis, our spirit stays true, Unwavering in our roots, no matter where we pursue.
From the shores of Karachi, to Mumbai’s vibrant beat, In Mahim and beyond, we find solace and retreat.
United in Kataria Colony, our heartbeat aligned, Over a hundred families live here, harmoniously entwined.
Though small in numbers, our bond stretches wide, Across India’s expanse, UAE, and lands worldwide.
Through our website and Facebook, we remain connected, A thread of unity, never to be neglected.
Oh, Bhagnaris, may our community thrive, May our language echo and forever survive.
With hearts intertwined and spirits held high, May blessings of unity always be nigh.
3000 to 4000 strong, we stand tall and true, Preserving our heritage, a remarkable virtue.
God bless our journey, with continued unity, May the Bhagnari spirit shine with serenity.
Dewan Bahadur Kalumal Nasta, an icon, who had been recognized for his illustrious career and conferred the title of Dewan Bahadur by the British viceroy Lord Linlithgow, was a trailblazer.
I remember him as a towering distinguished looking man, dapper in his British style, top hat gold pocket watch, cane and all. I recall him holding court in the library of our palatial home cloistered with leather bound books from wall to wall. In the early hours of the morning, I remember him chanting the prayers from the holy Guru Granth Sahib in our beautiful Prayer sanctuary which had hand painted murals of the ten gurus adorning the walls. I cannot help but feel proud that I hold the distinct honour of having been the only family member who flew with him from Karachi to Bombay. Proud to be his descendant, I cherish these memories and I think he did our community proud and set the stage as a role model and inspiration for the Bhagnari youth. The sky is the limit and we should strive for it.
Our Palatial House in Karachi
A visionary and a forward thinker, he was well known for his over achievements. Rising from humble beginnings, he studied under street lamp posts to become a top notch attorney and a judge well known for his fair judgements.
He was a first in the Bhagnari community for achieving all this and more! A man of law, he was well respected, not only in our community but in wider circles of the greater Karachi society. He is listed in the ‘Who is Who‘ of The British/Indian Distinguished Society!
During the British rule they used to periodically publish an Almanac highlighting the prominent Indians of that era. The 1937 version of the Almanac, which carries an article on Dewan Bahadur Kalumal Pahlumal Nasta, under its Bombay & Sind section is reproduced.
His are big shoes to fill and although we now have many educated professionals, his footsteps have yet to be followed in. I am a proud grand-daughter and member of his illustrious family!
