MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to the Middle East from today (April 6) to April 10, with key engagements in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to deepening economic ties with these dynamic markets and promoting the city as a premier gateway for Middle Eastern businesses seeking opportunities on the Mainland and in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
 
Hong Kong has a strong, long-standing and ever-growing relationship with the Gulf region including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marked by increasing co-operation in finance, trade, and investment. The city’s merchandise trade with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf reached US$21.6 billion in 2023. These partnerships are further strengthened through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which fosters greater connectivity and economic opportunities.
 
     “Amid an increasingly complex global landscape and geopolitical uncertainties, countries in the Middle East are actively diversifying their investments. Hong Kong, as a global financial centre and a ‘super connector’ between the Mainland, Asia, and the rest of the world, is uniquely positioned to support this shift,” said Mr Ng. “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, our city offers a robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, and internationally aligned regulations. Beyond finance, Hong Kong is also a hub for trade, logistics, innovation and professional services. It serves as a gateway for Middle Eastern partners to tap into the Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”
 
As part of its commitment to financial diversification, the city has developed a supportive platform for Islamic finance, including sukuk issuance and tax law amendments to ensure a level playing field with conventional bonds and the successful launch of three government sukuk. It continues to welcome more Islamic financial institutions and products to leverage Hong Kong’s international financial platform and tap into opportunities across Asia and the Mainland.
 
During his visit to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, Mr Ng will participate in numerous high-level business roundtables co-organised with Asia House, bringing together representatives from prominent businesses, family offices, and investors. He will also meet with representatives from leading Middle Eastern companies and discuss how establishing a presence in Hong Kong can drive their global expansion strategies.
 
These engagements aim to strengthen economic ties, foster collaboration, and attract more businesses from the Middle East to invest and expand through Hong Kong. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a global financial and multinational supply chain management hub, InvestHK seeks to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive innovation and growth across regions.

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned in completely elaminating Naxalism

Before 31 March, Naxalism will become history in the entire country including Chhattisgarh

Naxalism ruined many generations, now it should not take more time to eliminate this problem

Chhattisgarh government has made satisfactory progress on both development and security fronts

The ongoing fight against Naxalites must not scattered

Coverage area of the ‘NiyadNellanar’ scheme should be expanded from a 5-km to 10 km radius around security camps

It must be ensured that people in Naxal-affected areas receive equal opportunities for development

Coordination among states police and central agencies should improve to nab those Naxals fleeing from one state to another

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 11:25PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Directors General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as well as the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the meeting, the Union Home Minister said that the double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned in completely elaminatingNaxalism. He said that before 31 March, Naxalism will become history in the entire country including Chhattisgarh.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said Naxalism ruined many generations, now it should not take more time to eliminate this problem. He said, the ongoing fight against Naxalites must not scattered.

Shri Amit Shah said, Coordination among states police and central agencies should improve to nab those Naxals fleeing from one state to another. 

Shri Amit Shah said, Chhattisgarh government has made satisfactory progress on both development and security fronts. He said, coverage area of the ‘NiyadNellanar’ scheme should be expanded from a 5-km to 10 km radius around security camps. Shri Shah said, it must be ensured that people in Naxal-affected areas receive equal opportunities for development. The Union Home Minister said that the momentum of the anti-Naxal operation should not diminish under any circumstances.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2119424) Visitor Counter : 20

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:53PM by PIB Delhi

The leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) from Sri Lanka met the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today in Colombo. Shri Modi announced that India will support construction  of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka.

In separate posts on X, he said:

“The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction  of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka.”

“இந்தியாவை பூர்வீகமாக கொண்ட தமிழ் மக்களுடன் சுமூகமான சந்திப்பு இடம்பெற்றிருந்தது. இச்சமூகத்தினர் 200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கும் மேலாக இரு நாடுகளுக்குமான ஒரு வாழும் உறவுப் பாலமாக திகழ்கின்றனர். இலங்கை அரசாங்கத்துடனான ஒத்துழைப்புடன் இந்தியாவை பூர்வீகமாக கொண்ட தமிழ் மக்களுக்காக 10000 வீடுகள், சுகாதார வசதிகள், புனித சீதை அம்மன் ஆலயம் ஆகியவற்றின் நிர்மாணம் மற்றும் ஏனைய சமூக அபிவிருத்தி திட்டங்களுக்காக இந்தியா ஆதரவு வழங்கும்.”

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119404) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 APR 2025 9:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka today in Colombo. During the meeting, he conveyed condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah.

In separate posts on X, he wrote:

“It is always a pleasure to meet the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka. Conveyed my condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah, both of whom were personally known to me. Reiterated unwavering commitment to a life of equality, dignity and justice for the Tamil community within united Sri Lanka. Many projects and initiatives launched during my visit will contribute to their social, economic and cultural progress.”

“இலங்கையில் உள்ள தமிழ் சமூகத்தினரது தலைவர்களை சந்திக்கின்றமை எப்பொழுதும் மகிழ்ச்சிக்குரிய ஒரு விடயமாகும்.  பெருமதிப்புக்குரிய தமிழ் தலைவர்களான திரு இரா. சம்பந்தன் மற்றும் திரு மாவை சேனாதிராஜா ஆகியோரது மறைவுக்கு இச்சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் அனுதாபம் தெரிவித்தேன், அவர்கள் இருவருமே தனிப்பட்ட ரீதியில் எனக்கு தெரிந்தவர்கள். அத்துடன், ஐக்கிய இலங்கைக்குள் தமிழ் சமூகத்திற்கு சமத்துவம், கௌரவம் மற்றும் நீதி ஆகியவற்றுடனான வாழ்க்கைக்கான எமது அசைக்கமுடியாத அர்ப்பணிப்பு இச்சந்திப்பின்போது மீண்டும் வலியுறுத்தப்பட்டது. எனது விஜயத்தின்போது ஆரம்பித்துவைக்கப்பட்ட பல திட்டங்களும் முன்னெடுப்புகளும் அவர்களது சமூக, பொருளாதார மற்றும் கலாசார முன்னேற்றத்துக்கான பங்களிப்பை வழங்கும்.”

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2119403) Visitor Counter : 58

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival today (April 7):

(Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wanxiang Group, Mr Lu Weiding), (the Chairman of Wanxiang Blockchain and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HashKey Group, Dr Xiao Feng), Duncan (Member of the Legislative Council Mr Duncan Chiu), distinguished guests, innovators, and pioneers of the digital frontier,

Good morning. It is an immense pleasure to join you all today at the Web3 Festival of Hong Kong, a gathering of brilliant leaders and innovators to share thoughts and experiences about the future of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralised finance and beyond.

For those who have come from afar, a warm welcome to Hong Kong. As a city where East meets West and tradition intertwines with innovation, we are proud to host you to collectively chart the course of Web3.

As a technology, blockchain is displaying its vast potential, significantly increasing transaction efficiency, lowering costs and enhancing market transparency. Today, we are witnessing a marked increase in the institutional adoption of Web3, with traditional banks, asset managers and brokers increasingly integrating digital assets into their offerings.

As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies, the market has been energised with optimism, marked by a bullish trend over the past year or so.

But beyond finance and the enthusiasm on cryptocurrency, we all agree that blockchain can bring real benefits to the people. For example, ReFi (regenerative finance) is gaining traction. Tokenised carbon credits enable the transparent tracking of emissions reductions, reinforcing trust in voluntary carbon markets.

Meanwhile, the convergence of Web3 and AI is unlocking new frontiers. In finance, decentralised AI algorithms enhance credit assessments, audit smart contracts with greater precision, and deliver hyper-personalised investment strategies. Beyond finance, this synergy streamlines supply chains, revolutionises healthcare data management, and creates new immersive gaming experiences. Web3 and AI are transforming businesses and public services, driving innovation and efficiency at every turn.

Hong Kong: driving Web3 innovation

Allow me to take a few minutes to talk about Web3 in Hong Kong, our attitude and approach towards Web3 and our role in this global transformation.

Hong Kong is pro-Web3. Over two years ago, we published a high-level policy statement on the development of virtual assets, affirming our commitment to a dynamic Web3 ecosystem. Central to this is the principle of the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” approach. Through a balanced and pro-innovation regulatory approach, we seek to maintain a level playing field for market participants and encourage innovative activities in this space.

We have been walking the talk, and have delivered a number of initiatives. We were among the first in the world to have established clear licensing frameworks for virtual asset trading platforms, or VATPs. Indeed, the Securities and Futures Commission has already issued 10 VATP licences. We have also authorised VA spot ETFs (exchange-traded funds) last year, and Hong Kong now hosts the largest VA ETF market in the Asia Pacific, bridging traditional finance with crypto innovation.

Meanwhile, legislation for stablecoin regulation is set for imminent passage. My colleagues at the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are working hard to get the relevant licensing regime to go live within this year.

The Government will also conduct consultations on the licensing regimes of over-the-counter trading services and custodian services for VA (virtual assets). This will solidify Hong Kong’s comprehensive regulatory architecture.

Let me make clear that Hong Kong’s approach to Web3 is not simply about regulation. We aim to strike a balance, ensuring market integrity without stifling innovation. After all, innovation entails risks. The lesson we have learnt is that we need to put it under a balanced regulatory framework so as to enable the sector to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.

One essential element in our regulatory regime is sandboxes, such as the HKMA’s Project Ensemble. Project Ensemble allows innovators to test various use cases, such as tokenised real-world assets, with early regulatory feedback. This signifies our pro-innovation approach, as we put regulators and innovators in a co-creation process.

Later this year, we will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets. It will cover how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies.

A few thoughts on Web3

Now, looking ahead, allow me to share a few thoughts we consider important for the future development and success of Web3.

First, it is the very vision of Web3 to enable more equitable use of the Internet, and make transactions more efficient and less costly. Innovation is core to this goal, and regulators should adopt a technology-neutral approach. It would only be counterproductive if jurisdictions or regulatory authorities favour particular types of cryptocurrencies, or rule out technologies or applications at the outset. Markets, not mandates, should decide which innovations prevail.

Second, we all know Web3’s true potential lies well beyond digital assets or cryptocurrencies. Combined with AI, it can be a valuable tool to optimise impact investments, promote inclusive finance, support decarbonisation initiatives, advance sustainable development goals, and more. The global Web3 community should and can strengthen collaboration to support these worthy causes.

Finally, it is essential that new technologies be developed and applied responsibly. AI, for instance, is evolving at speeds that are unexpectedly faster. Decentralised networks bring enormous benefits, but when coupled with AI, challenges such as algorithmic bias, deepfakes and cybersecurity require attention and co-operation at the regional and global levels. Here in Hong Kong, we advocate for suitable guardrails – frameworks that protect investors, consumers and users while encouraging innovation activities. We support a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, regulators and market players across different territories and regions come together to drive forward the sustainable development of Web3.

Concluding remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, to secure a promising and successful future for Web3, we need not just technological innovation, but also a common will to harness creativity and innovation for the benefit of the people. Let me assure you that Hong Kong is committed to this goal. We are here to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and leveraging the transformative power of Web3 for the greater good. Thank you very much.

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar to chair Ministry’s 2- day Chintan Shivir – a National Dialogue on Social Justice and Empowerment – in Dehradun from tomorrow

Effective Convergence, better Centre – States Coordination and Inclusive Delivery of Government Services at the Grassroots level to be targetted

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi

Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organising the Chintan Shivir 2025 on 7^th– 8^thApril, 2025 at Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This two-day National Review Conference will bring together domain experts and stakeholders from across the country to undertake a comprehensive assessment of key social justice and welfare initiatives. This event aims to foster convergence, improve coordination between the Centre and States, and ensure effective and inclusive delivery of government services at the grassroots level.

The Conference will be chaired by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, along with Ministers of State Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B. L. Verma. The event would also be graced by the August presence of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. In addition, 21 Ministers from various States and Union Territories are expected to attend the event, along with the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, State Departments of Social Welfare, and heads of Development and Finance Corporations.

The focus of the Chintan Shivir is to advance the Ministry’s mission of building a just and inclusive society by addressing barriers to social, educational, and economic empowerment. Deliberations will emphasise strategies to enhance access to quality education for marginalised groups, promote skill-building, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Special attention will be given to ensuring the dignity, rehabilitation, and inclusion of communities such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, transgender persons, sanitation workers, and those facing homelessness or begging.

The discussion of the topic in the Chintan Shivir also comprises the vision and misssion of the Ministry which is centered around human dignity, rights-based support, and equal opportunity. Discussions will also explore state-level innovations, successful community-based models, and ways to strengthen Centre-State collaboration for impactful policy implementation.

Presentations by key Development and Finance Corporations will reflect financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among historically disadvantaged groups. Deliberations will also cover mechanisms for greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation through social audits and digital systems.

The conference will conclude with reflections from State and Union Territory Ministers, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to creating a society where every individual – regardless of caste, age, gender, or ability has the opportunity to thrive.

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VM

(Release ID: 2119579) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

World Health Day 2025

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

(Release ID: 2119577)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

Odisha is all set to host a major celebration of Yoga! The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is organizing the Yoga Mahotsav 2025 to mark the 75-day countdown to International Yoga Day. The event, coinciding with World Health Day on April 7, 2025, will feature a grand Common Yoga Protocol demonstration from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, in the esteemed presence of several dignitaries.

Honorable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, will grace the event.

Joint Secretary of Ayush, Government of India, Ms. Monalisa Dash, shared insights about the benefits of practising Common Yoga Protocol CYP, which will be a highlight of the 75-days Countdown to the IDY. CYP is the foundation of International Day of Yoga and it is available in 22 different languages. Last year, the Braille edition of the Common Yoga Protocol was launched, promoting inclusivity.

More than 24 crore people have directly participated in IDY so far. Every year, the number of participants is increasing, and new records are being made. This year too, we are expecting to set a new milestone in participation.

The event is set to witness the auspicious presence of dignitaries like Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Smt. Pravati Parida; Member of Parliament, Puri Lok Sabha, Sh. Sambit Patra;  MLA, Odisha Legislative Assembly, Sh. Ananta Narayan Jena; Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha; and Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush as distinguished guests.

The Ministry of Ayush, as the central coordinating body for IDY, has been instrumental in transforming the celebration into a global movement.Over the past decade, it has launched numerous initiatives and collaborations to further amplify the reach and impact of Yoga worldwide.

Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush said, “As you are aware, following the initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic decision in 2014 to declare 21st June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY). This global recognition of Yoga is a matter of immense pride for our nation, as Yoga is an integral part of our heritage. The central highlight of the International Day of Yoga each year is the Mass Yoga Demonstration, graciously led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister himself. Preparations for IDY 2025 are already underway.”

It is worth mentioning that 75 days’ countdown is an important event in the observance of International Day of Yoga every Year. The Ministry hopes to kindle a “Mass Movement for Health and Wellbeing” through Yoga in the 75- day run-up to IDY-2025.

As the International Day of Yoga marks a decade of its journey, we are now celebrating its 11th edition. To recognize this milestone, we are organizing ten signature events as part of this grand Yoga festival viz. Yoga Sangama, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Parks, Yoga Samavesh, Yoga Prabhava, Yoga Connect, Harit Yoga, Yoga Unplugged, Yoga Maha Kumbh and SamYogam. These will be complemented by a series of impactful initiatives and activities across the country in the run-up to IDY 2025.

As the countdown to International Day of Yoga progresses, the 75 days to IDY celebration marks a momentous beginning. With equal enthusiasm, the 50th and 25th-day milestones will be commemorated, leading up to the main event that promises to spark a global Yoga movement. These celebrations aim to spread the transformative power of Yoga, uniting nations and hearts in a collective journey toward wellness and harmony.

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MV/SB/AR

(Release ID: 2119571) Visitor Counter : 71

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah participates in the Mahapurnahuti and Sanatan Sammelan of 108 Kundiya Rudra Maha Mrityunjay Maha Yagya in Kotputli, Rajasthan

Baba Basti Nath Ji has made a great effort through this Sanatan Maha Yagya by continuously uniting every section of society for an entire year

Such an effort of uniting society, instill spirituality in individuals, and serve the environment has never been seen before

Many devotees came to this ashram and gave up many types of addictions, pledged to be free from addiction, became a symbol of social harmony and worked to provide more energy and power to the Samadhi of Baba Balnath Ji

Mahayogi Baba Balnath Ji was born on this land and worked to make his entire life religious by establishing 84 “Dhunis” in the country and abroad

Many disheartened minds and lives have found hope, the hopelessfound conscience, the helpless found support of spiritualityand lives has moved forward through compassion towards voiceless creatures

Today Baba Balnath Ji’s Samadhi Baba Bastinath is promoting the principles of believing in truth and penance, making renunciation and service the basis of life, living a natural life and serving animals and birds

From Mahaprabhu Adinath to 9 gurus and after them through many carriers of energy, the Nath sect has worked to give strength to Sanatan Dharma

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today participated in the Maha Poornahuti and Sanatan Sammelan of 108 Kundiya Rudra Maha Mrityunjay Maha Yagya at Kotputli, Rajasthan. Many dignitaries including Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Minister Shri Bhupendra Yadav were present on the occasion.

In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that Baba Basti Nath Ji has made a great effort by continuously uniting every section of society for an entire year. He said that it was here that the 108 Kundiya Maha Mrityunjay Maha Yagya started a year ago and today it is going to conclude. Shri Shah said that from last Ram Navami to this year’s Ram Navami, every five days a couple from every section of the society has performed yagya here by sitting on the 108 Kundiya Yagya with sacred feelings for the conservation of nature, promotion of Sanatan and purification of their soul.

Shri Amit Shah said that such an effort of uniting society, instill spirituality in individuals, and serve the environment has never been seen before. He said that inspired by Baba Balnath ji, Baba Bastinath ji has been organizing yagya in this ashram for the last 16 years. He said that many devotees came to this ashram and gave up many types of addictions, pledged to be free from addiction, became a symbol of social harmony and worked to provide more energy and power to the Samadhi of Baba Balnath Ji. He said that this Akhand Dhuni was started by a Mahasiddha Yogi and Baba Bastinath ji is taking it forward.

Union Home Minister said that India has had many saints, great men, sages, munis and Baba Balnath Ji was also one such great yogi who, after being born on this land, established 84 “Dhunis” in the country and abroad and worked to make his entire life religious. He said that when he attained Samadhi after getting liberation from the 84 cycles of human life, this place became very energetic due to his penance. Shri Shah said that here many disheartened minds and lives have found hope, the hopeless found conscience, the helpless found support of spirituality and lives has moved forward through compassion towards voiceless creatures. He said that today Baba Bastinath is carrying forward the principles of Baba Balnath Ji of believing in truth and penance, making renunciation and service the basis of life, living a natural life and serving animals and birds. He said that like his guru, Baba Bastinath ji also took up various projects for folk religion, public welfare, Sanatan Dharma, environmental protection and social harmony and worked to promote them.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Nath sect has worked to give strength to Sanatan Dharma through Mahaprabhu Adinath and nine gurus and after them through many carriers of energy. He said that Dhuni is considered to be the medium of attaining self-realization in the Nath sect by combining all the elements of earth, water, fire, sky and air.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2119562) Visitor Counter : 71