Hari Budha Magar, a former Gurkha soldier from Nepal who lost both his legs, made history by successfully climbing Mount Everest using prosthetic legs. Upon his return to Kathmandu, he was warmly welcomed by his relatives and family members.
Speaking to the crowd gathered at the airport, the ex-Nepalese soldier expressed his gratitude and acknowledged that this accomplishment was the result of a collective effort.
He mentioned the team of people who risked their lives to help him fulfil his dream of ascending Everest. Hari Budha Magar also thanked the government of Nepal and individuals from around the world for their support, constant presence, and blessings, emphasizing that without them, this feat would not have been possible.
In 2010, while on a mission in Afghanistan, the British Army veteran tragically lost both his legs when he accidentally stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the Taliban.
About a year after the incident, Magar started participating in various sports activities included in the Paralympics.
During an interview in 2022, Magar expressed his aspirations for the future, stating that he aimed to climb mountains and undertake more adventurous activities to raise awareness about disabilities in Nepal and across the globe. In the past decade following the tragedy, Magar successfully reached the summits of several notable peaks, including Ben Nevis (1,345 m) in a time of 23 hours and 20 minutes, Mount Blanc (4,808.72 m), Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m) and Mount Toubkal (4,167 m).
Indian origin Sikh becomes first turban-wearing Lord Mayor of UK city Coventry
Jaswant Singh Birdi, originally from Punjab, India, has made history by becoming the first Sikh councillor to hold the prestigious position of Lord Mayor in Coventry. The city, known for its diverse community, has embraced Birdi’s appointment as a symbol of progress and inclusivity. His ascendancy to the role of Lord Mayor is a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting diversity and recognizing the contributions of individuals from different backgrounds.
Coventry, a city in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, has appointed Jaswant Singh Birdi as its new Lord Mayor. As an Indian-origin Sikh councillor, Birdi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the city’s history. Taking on the role of Lord Mayor also means assuming the position of chairman of the City Council. In his new position, Birdi will serve as the non-political and ceremonial head of Coventry.
Jaswant Singh Birdi follows in the footsteps of Councillor Keven Maton, whom he served as Deputy Lord Mayor for the past 12 months. With his experience and dedication to public service, Birdi is well-prepared to assume the responsibilities of the Lord Mayor and carry forward the legacy of his predecessor.
Georgi Gospodinov becomes first Bulgarian writer to win International Booker Prize
Georgi Gospodinov has made history with his book ‘Time Shelter’, which becomes the first ever book translated from Bulgarian to win the International Booker Prize. Translated by Angela Rodel, the novel beat 5 other works on the shortlist in the completion led by a panel of judges which boasted prize-winning French-Moroccan novelist, Leïla Slimani at the helm.
Gospodinov and Rodel were given the honour at a glitzy ceremony at London’s Sky Garden on May 23.
The book is Gospodinov fourth to be translated into English and focuses on an Alzheimer’s treatment centre – a time warp environment – which comes to serve as a refuge for healthy people tired of modern life.
When initially published in Bulgaria in 2020, ‘Time Shelter’ topped the book charts, winning the Strega European prize.
Slimani headed up the panel of judges and was joined by Ukrainian Uilleam Blacker, one of Britain’s leading literary translators, Booker-shortlisted novelist Tan Twan Eng, New Yorker staff writer Parul Sehgal and the Financial Times’ literary editor Frederick Studemann.
The Prize is the United Kingdom’s most prestigious award for translated fiction published in the UK or Ireland, with a prize of £50,000 (about €57,500) split equally between the book’s author and translator. Previous winners have included literary heavyweights Han Kang and Olga Tokarczuk.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran conferred with France’s highest civilian award
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran has been given France’s highest civilian award Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur for his contributions to strengthen the trade relationship between India and France. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna gave the award to Chandrasekaran on behalf of the French President.
Earlier this year, Tata Group-owned Air India had inked a multi-billion dollar deal with Airbus to buy 250 aircraft from Airbus, which included 210 A320 neo planes and 40 A350 aircraft. Last year in December, Tata Technologies inaugurated its innovation centre in Toulouse, France, to cater for the new-age product engineering and digital requirements of the global aerospace and defence sector.
France’s highest civilian award is the National Order of the Legion of Honour (French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur). It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is awarded to French citizens and foreigners for their outstanding service to France in the fields of military, civil, and cultural affairs. The Legion of Honour is a symbol of France’s national pride and is a testament to the country’s commitment to excellence. It is an honor that is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to France and to the world.
