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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘End defamation of Lohagad Fort’

Prominent mountaineering institute urges CM to take steps over digital defamation Mumbai: A prominent mountaineering institute has taken strong objection to the vilification of the historic Lohagad Fort in Pune – now a UNESCO World Heritage (2025) along with 12 Maratha forts – which shot into limelight last month for an alleged murder. Pune-based Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM) has shot off a memorandum to the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking an end to the ‘digital...

‘End defamation of Lohagad Fort’

Prominent mountaineering institute urges CM to take steps over digital defamation Mumbai: A prominent mountaineering institute has taken strong objection to the vilification of the historic Lohagad Fort in Pune – now a UNESCO World Heritage (2025) along with 12 Maratha forts – which shot into limelight last month for an alleged murder. Pune-based Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM) has shot off a memorandum to the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking an end to the ‘digital defamation’ of Lohagad Fort which stands as a symbol of valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It has referred to the shocking alleged murder incident of June 18 of a Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal which was ostensibly masterminded by his fiancée Siya Goyal and her purported boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary, both arrested and currently under judicial custody. The gruesome incident has taken social media by a storm with a disturbing trend in which this 2000-year-old World Heritage Monument and the site of the alleged killing is now blatantly referred to as ‘Siya Point’. Disturbing Trend The AMGM claimed that besides the social media, it is reportedly ‘rechristened’ on certain digital mapping platforms, urging thrill-seekers to visit the site -- “which is a disturbing trend”. In the past few weeks, a commanding cliff in the Lohagad Fort has been repeatedly touted as ‘Siya Point’, sparking curiosity among the masses. However, the AMGM lamented that turning the site of a tragedy into a public attraction is deeply unfortunate and sets a dangerous precedent for other heritage monuments all over India by creating new macabre tourist landmarks. “Linking the identity of the historic fort to an isolated crime, assigning new names to locations within the fort, circulating memes, reels, jokes and sensational digital content, amounts to disrespecting both history and public sentiments. It must be immediately stopped,” an agitated AMGM President Umesh Zirpe told ‘The Perfect Voice’. Trekkers’ Pilgrimage In the presentation to the CM, the AMGM said that Lohagad Fort represents the history of Swarajya and is like a pilgrimage for trekkers, historians and lakhs of devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Zirpe, along with AMGM Executive Yadav and Secretary Dr. Rahul Warange raised another concern that has repeatedly drawn flak from various quarters – the rampant commercial exploitation of forts for pre-wedding shoots, fashion photography, music videos, reels by social media influencers or other promotional advertising, disregarding their historical significance, cultural sanctity or environmental sensitivity. They pointed out globally, there are prohibitions or stringent regulations on commercial filming and photography at such World Heritage Sites, and the same must be made applicable to monuments in India and Maharashtra. “While individual visitors/tourists should be allowed to click personal photos/videos, all other commercial activities must be curbed or regulated through a robust policy, mandatory prior permissions, adhering to a strict code of conduct and punitive measures against violators,” suggested the AMGM.

Cape Verde: Dreams Realised on Global Stage

In the vast tapestry of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, few stories shine as brightly as that of Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks. A nation of just over half a million souls, scattered across ten volcanic islands in the


Atlantic, this archipelago has etched its name into football immortality. Not as champions in the traditional sense, but as beacons of hope, resilience, and the unyielding power of belief. Their debut tournament was not merely participation—it was a masterclass in defying odds, proving that size is no barrier to greatness.


Qualifying ahead of football titans like Cameroon in CAF Group D was already a triumph. With seven wins, two draws, and just one defeat in ten matches, Cape Verde secured top spot and their ticket to the expanded 48-team finals. For a country celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, this achievement symbolized more than sporting success; it was a declaration of national pride and unity. The "11th island"—their vibrant diaspora across Europe and beyond—poured heart and soul into supporting the team, turning every match into a collective roar from the islands to the mainland.


From the opening whistle in Group H, Cape Verde announced their arrival with authority and grace. Holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing heroic saves at age 40, ignited imaginations worldwide. Then came a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against two-time champions Uruguay, where Cape Verde scored their first-ever World Cup goals and showed no fear against pedigree opponents. A hard-fought 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia sealed progression to the knockout rounds—unbeaten in the group stage. They became the smallest nation ever to reach the last 32, a record that underscores the magnitude of their feat.


The round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina in Miami was destined to be legendary. Facing Lionel Messi and a star-studded side, few gave the Blue Sharks a chance. Yet, they delivered a performance for the ages. Trailing early, Cape Verde equalized not once but twice—Duarte's strike and Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunning wonder goal sending the stadium into delirium and forcing extra time. They pushed the mighty Albiceleste to the brink, only falling 3-2 after 120 grueling minutes. Messi himself praised their fight, swapping shirts and consoling players like Vozinha. In defeat, Cape Verde won something far greater: global admiration and a permanent place in World Cup lore.


What makes this run so profoundly inspirational is its deeper meaning. Cape Verde embodies the essence of football as the beautiful game—a sport where passion, tactical discipline, and collective spirit can level the playing field against financial powerhouses. Their players, many with roots in the diaspora, balanced club careers with national duty, training on modest facilities yet competing with world-class intensity. Coach and staff fostered a family atmosphere, turning limited resources into an unstoppable force of will. For the youth of Cape Verde and aspiring athletes across small nations, this tournament sends a resounding message: Dare to dream. Your islands may be small, your population modest, but your heart and talent know no bounds. Every save by Vozinha, every surging run, every goal celebrated with island fervor reminded us that underdogs don't just write fairy tales—they live them.


As the 2026 World Cup continues, Cape Verde returns home as heroes. Their journey ends not in sorrow but in celebration. They leave behind unforgettable moments: the pride of a nation united, the respect of football giants, and proof that belief can carry you to extra time against the best. The Blue Sharks have inspired a generation, elevated African football's diversity, and shown the world that true victory lies in the courage to compete.


Cape Verde, your performance was more than football—it was poetry in motion, a symphony of hope. You made billions believe in the impossible. The islands echo with pride today, and tomorrow's dreamers will walk taller because of you. Onward, Blue Sharks. Your legacy is eternal.


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai.)

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