** November 15 to be day to honour tribals: Amit Shah

Every year from now, November 15 will be observed as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ in honour of the tribal communities.

“The Government of India has decided to observe November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The day will be observed in various formats over a week to highlight the contribution of tribal communities to India’s freedom struggle and national development,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced at the Southern Zonal Council meeting here on Sunday.

** Babasaheb Purandare, historian and authority on Chhatrapati Shivaji, passes away at 99

Eminent historian and Padma Vibhushan awardee Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, passed away aged 99 on Monday.

Mr. Purandare, an authority on the 17th century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, was diagnosed with pneumonia a week ago and was undergoing treatment at the city’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

** And now, a GI tag adds more vibrancy to Rajasthan’s Sojat Mehndi

Known for its entrancing, deep burnt-red stain, the world famous Sojat Mehndi of Rajasthan got its due on September 14. We explore its harvesting, manufacturing and various art and medicinal forms — as well as the issue of adulteration

“Our women apply it on their hands and even our men put it on their fingertips,” says Mukesh Heerani, whose family has been in the mehndi business since it began in 1969. “Mehndi has been our lifeline for generations and the new GI (Geographical Indication) status for Sojat Mehndi will only increase its brand value and the customer’s faith in us.”