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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still...

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still discovering their interests. By his teens, he had already announced himself on the national stage and over the years he would go on to become one of India’s most decorated shooters. His remarkable achievements at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Championships and international competitions transformed him into a household name and brought unprecedented attention to shooting in India. Yet medals alone do not define Jaspal Rana’s legacy. What truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the sport long after his competitive career ended. As a coach, mentor and guide, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation of Indian shooters. His influence can be seen in the success of numerous athletes, most notably Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, whose achievements carried the unmistakable imprint of Rana’s guidance and belief. He possessed the rare ability to identify talent, instill confidence and demand excellence without losing sight of the human being behind the athlete. To his students, he was more than a coach. He was a teacher, protector and source of strength during moments of doubt. To colleagues, he was a respected professional whose passion for Indian sport was evident in every conversation and every training session. To fans, he represented an era when dedication and hard work could elevate a niche sport into the national spotlight. His sudden departure is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. But while Jaspal Rana is no longer with us, the values he championed — discipline, courage, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence — will continue to inspire generations. India mourns a champion. The shooting fraternity mourns a mentor. His family mourns a beloved husband and father. And the nation bids farewell to a man who spent his life helping others find their aim. Jaspal Rana’s final shot may have been fired, but his legacy will echo through Indian sport for decades to come.

Gentle Reformer

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh at 92 marks the end of an era for India’s political and economic landscape. A man of quiet demeanour but towering intellect, Dr. Singh’s legacy is etched indelibly in the annals of modern India. As Finance Minister in 1991, he turned a nation on the brink of economic collapse into a rising power through reforms that redefined India’s destiny. As Prime Minister, he transformed the nation’s global standing, embracing policies that balanced pragmatism with profound vision.


Dr. Singh’s maiden Budget speech in July 1991 was nothing short of historic. Faced with a fiscal deficit nearing 8.5 percent of GDP, dangerously low foreign reserves and mounting balance of payments and current account deficits, he did the unthinkable by opening the gates to industrial delicensing. By dismantling protectionist barriers, he laid the groundwork for India’s integration into the global economy. In a display of rare candour, he acknowledged the policy failures of his predecessors, urging Parliament to embrace the winds of change with a humility and clarity that have since become rare commodities in political discourse.


The reforms were transformative. From the creation of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to protect investors to his impassioned arguments for consumer welfare and wealth creation, Dr. Singh shaped an economy that would become synonymous with opportunity and innovation. Yet, his vision extended beyond material wealth. He warned against the perils of “mindless and heartless” consumerism, striking a balance between economic liberalization and social responsibility.


As Prime Minister, Dr. Singh’s quiet resolve shone through in moments of crisis. When the 2004 tsunami devastated the region, he demonstrated India’s newfound confidence on the global stage. Declining foreign aid, he mobilized India’s resources to assist neighbouring nations, marking its emergence as a humanitarian power and paving the way for Quad partnerships.


On foreign policy, Dr. Singh achieved breakthroughs that reshaped India’s place in the world. His deft negotiation of the civil nuclear deal with the United States allowed India access to nuclear energy without compromising its strategic autonomy. Similarly, his rapprochement with Japan, cemented by his warm relationship with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, ended India’s post-nuclear test isolation. His integrity and intellectual gravitas earned him respect from leaders as diverse as George W. Bush and Barack Obama.


Dr. Singh’s humility was legendary. Even as Prime Minister, he chose a modest Maruti Suzuki 800 over a luxury BMW, signalling his deep connection with the common man. This simplicity belied the enormity of his contributions. For a man who seldom sought the limelight, his achievements spoke louder than any rhetoric could.


Critics often labelled him “maun” or silent, mistaking his reserve for passivity. But Dr. Singh’s quiet confidence and unyielding dedication were his greatest strengths. In a fractious political landscape, he remained a rare figure of unity and intellect. His legacy as the architect of India’s economic resurgence and a statesman of remarkable vision will endure, shaping the India of today and tomorrow.

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