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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

YouTuber challenges FIR, LoC in HC

Mumbai : The Bombay High Court issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by UK-based medico and YouTuber, Dr. Sangram Patil, seeking to quash a Mumbai Police FIR and revoking a Look Out Circular in a criminal case lodged against him, on Thursday.   Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, who heard the matter with preliminary submissions from both sides, sought a response from the state government and posted the matter for Feb. 4.   Maharashtra Advocate-General Milind Sathe informed the court...

YouTuber challenges FIR, LoC in HC

Mumbai : The Bombay High Court issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by UK-based medico and YouTuber, Dr. Sangram Patil, seeking to quash a Mumbai Police FIR and revoking a Look Out Circular in a criminal case lodged against him, on Thursday.   Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, who heard the matter with preliminary submissions from both sides, sought a response from the state government and posted the matter for Feb. 4.   Maharashtra Advocate-General Milind Sathe informed the court that the state would file its reply within a week in the matter.   Indian-origin Dr. Patil, hailing from Jalgaon, is facing a criminal case here for posting allegedly objectionable content involving Bharatiya Janata Party leaders on social media.   After his posts on a FB page, ‘Shehar Vikas Aghadi’, a Mumbai BJP media cell functionary lodged a criminal complaint following which the NM Joshi Marg Police registered a FIR (Dec. 18, 2025) and subsequently issued a LoC against Dr. Patil, restricting his travels.   The complainant Nikhil Bhamre filed the complaint in December 2025, contending that Dr. Patil on Dec. 14 posted offensive content intended to spread ‘disinformation and falsehoods’ about the BJP and its leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   Among others, the police invoked BNSS Sec. 353(2) that attracts a 3-year jail term for publishing or circulating statements or rumours through electronic media with intent to promote enmity or hatred between communities.   Based on the FIR, Dr. Patil was detained and questioned for 15 hours when he arrived with his wife from London at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Jan. 10), and again prevented from returning to Manchester, UK on Jan. 19 in view of the ongoing investigations.   On Wednesday (Jan. 21) Dr. Patil recorded his statement before the Mumbai Police and now he has moved the high court. Besides seeking quashing of the FIR and the LoC, he has sought removal of his name from the database imposing restrictions on his international travels.   Through his Senior Advocate Sudeep Pasbola, the medico has sought interim relief in the form of a stay on further probe by Crime Branch-III and coercive action, restraint on filing any charge-sheet during the pendency of the petition and permission to go back to the UK.   Pasbola submitted to the court that Dr. Patil had voluntarily travelled from the UK to India and was unaware of the FIR when he landed here. Sathe argued that Patil had appeared in connection with other posts and was not fully cooperating with the investigators.

Dhanteras: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and Prosperity

True wealth lies in our health, our relationships, our peace of mind, our generosity, and the values that guide our lives.

As the gentle glow of countless diyas begins to light up homes and hearts, and the fragrance of marigolds fills the air, India readies itself to welcome Diwali-- the festival of light, love and new beginnings. But before the grand celebration of Diwali arrives, comes a day that holds immense spiritual and material significance -- Dhanteras, the day that marks the dawn of prosperity, purity and divine blessings.


Dhanteras, also known as Dhan Trayodashi, is a significant festival in Hindu culture, celebrated on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, symbolising the start of light overcoming darkness, wealth overcoming poverty and good fortune entering our lives. This day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This year it is celebrated on October 18th.


Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. It is believed that on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, carrying a pot of nectar and Ayurvedic medicines. The festival is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered for her blessings of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.


Rituals and traditions

The rituals and traditions of Dhanteras are steeped in spiritual and cultural significance. Some of the common practices include:

  • Cleaning and decorating the home: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli, diyas, and flowers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.

  • Buying new items: It is considered auspicious to buy new items, especially utensils, silver, or gold, on Dhanteras. This is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.

  • Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari: Devotees offer prayers and perform puja to seek Lord Dhanvantari's blessings for good health and well-being.

  • Lighting diyas: Diyas are lit to dispel darkness and bring light and prosperity into the home.


Another lesser-known ritual associated with Dhanteras is Yamadeepam – a symbolic offering to Lord Yama, the God of Death, for the protection of family members. A small lamp is placed outside the home facing south, with a prayer for longevity and peace.


Relevance in modern times

In today's fast-paced world, Dhanteras remains a significant festival that holds relevance for several reasons:

  • Celebrating tradition and culture: Dhanteras is an opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage and traditions. It is a time to reflect on the values and principles that have been passed down through generations.

  • Promoting family bonding: The festival brings families together, fostering a sense of unity and bonding. It is a time to strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

  • Fostering a sense of gratitude: Dhanteras is a reminder to be grateful for the blessings we have received. It encourages us to appreciate the good things in life and express our gratitude to the divine.

  • Emphasising the importance of health and wellness: The worship of Lord Dhanvantari highlights the importance of health and wellness. It reminds us to take care of our physical and mental health and seek blessings for well-being.


While the markets may glitter with offers and discounts, the essence of Dhanteras calls us to pause and reflect -- to ask ourselves what true wealth means. It could be our health, our relationships, our peace of mind, the ability to give and share, and our values and principles that guide our lives. As we celebrate Dhanteras in the modern world, let us embrace the spirit of the festival and strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude, unity, and well-being.


In the modern context, Dhanteras encourages financial wisdom and mindful living. Buying gold or investing on this day is often seen as auspicious, but the deeper meaning lies in valuing what truly sustains us-- wisdom, compassion and well-being.


Dhanteras teaches us sustainability -- when we light diyas made of clay instead of electric lights, when we clean our surroundings as a symbol of inner purification and when we spend time with family instead of screens, we reconnect with timeless values that modern life often overlooks.


May the lamp of Dhanteras illuminate our paths with good health, joy and abundance. May our hearts shine brighter than gold and our homes overflow with love and laughter. As we step into Diwali, may every flame remind us that the greatest light of all-- is the one that glows within.


Happy Dhanteras to you!

 

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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