Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar, 7 October 2025: October 7, 2001, was significant for Indian politics. Narendra Modi that day became the 14th Chief Minister of Gujarat at the age of 51. I was some four years old in journalism and a junior scribe who was witnessing and putting in text the public affairs for a leading daily of Gujarat. Marking this day, here's my reporting notes recollected from that day. In a historic and grand ceremony attended by over 50,000 people, Shri Narendra Modi was sworn...Read More

Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar: How foreigners portrayed the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj 144 years ago in 1881-1882? They portrayed it not at all through spiritual angle. Three news reports found from the year 1882 suggest westeners' attempt of critically viewing the grand religious gathering. A news report on Dr. Planck's visit to the Kumbh Mela discusses sanitation issues pertaining to this event. Dr. Planck was secretary in North Western Provinces (NWP) government. NWP was an administrative re...Read More

Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar: Upcoming Dholera airport may start operations later this year exclusively by handling international air cargo operations through freighter flights/passenger flights. Dholera International Airport Company Limited(DIACL) intends to commence international air cargo oeprations in initial phase from June/July 2025. Upcoming Dholera airport is located at around two hours distance from the city of Ahmedabad. The works for construction of a greenfield expressway to Dholer...Read More

Japan K Pathak What would strike in your mind when you hear the term 'Isha Yoga Center' of the Isha Foundation? Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Adiyogi statue, or those annual Mahashivratri celebrations. But once you visit the place, or stay there, the answers to this question shall also be 'peace,' 'tranquillity,' environment,'  'spiritual exploration,' 'simplicity,' 'culture,' and on the top of them all, 'service.'. Someone from an arid region of Gujarat, the first sight that attracted my att...Read More