👉The three-day annual cultural festival “Umang 2026” concluded with enthusiasm at Sahodra Rai Government Polytechnic College from February 19 to 21. The event was inaugurated by Principal Dr. Y.P. Singh.
👉The three-day annual cultural festival “Umang 2026” concluded with enthusiasm at Sahodra Rai Government Polytechnic College from February 19 to 21. The event was inaugurated by Principal Dr. Y.P. Singh.
Sagar Watch News/ February 24, 2026/ Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), one of India’s leading test preparation institutes, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Army and the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA) to strengthen educational support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families across the country.
The initiative aims to expand access to quality coaching through structured scholarships, mentoring, and career counselling at AESL centres nationwide. The agreement follows a similar recent collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF), reinforcing AESL’s commitment to supporting defence families.
Under the three-year agreement, eligible beneficiaries—including dependents of martyrs, gallantry awardees, disabled personnel, serving and retired members—will receive national-level scholarships and special benefits. The support will run alongside AESL’s existing merit-based scholarship schemes.
Special Highlights:
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100% tuition fee waiver (only registration fee payable) for dependents of personnel martyred in the line of duty (Army and CRPF).
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100% tuition fee waiver for dependents of personnel with over 20% disability and gallantry awardees (Army), and for severely disabled CRPF personnel upon valid certification.
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20% tuition fee concession for dependents of serving and retired Army personnel (after other scholarships).
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22% tuition fee concession for serving, retired, and gallantry awardee CRPF personnel, over and above existing scholarship schemes.
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National-level scholarship and talent identification exams, including the Aakash National Talent Hunt Exam, to be conducted at designated defence schools and AESL centres.
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Continuous academic mentoring, online and offline coaching support, and structured career guidance.
AESL Managing Director and CEO, Chandra Shekhar Garisa Reddy, said the initiative is a meaningful step toward ensuring that families of those who serve the nation receive every opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations and career goals.
The programme is designed as a long-term collaboration to remove financial barriers and strengthen competitive exam preparation for defence and paramilitary families nationwide.
Sagar Watch News/ February 23, 2026/ A meeting of the District Execution Committee was held at the Collectorate Auditorium to discuss the implementation of the new Excise Policy for the financial year 2026–27.
The meeting focused on key provisions of the policy, including informing interested contractors about the contractor registration process and ensuring wide publicity of the execution procedures and important dates.
Detailed discussions were also held regarding the execution and allotment process of liquor shops in the district. Officials emphasized transparency and timely completion of the tender process under the new policy framework.
As per the schedule, the e-tender process (e-tender and e-tender-cum-auction) will be conducted in phases.
The first phase, Batch 1, will be held from February 27 to March 2, 2026.
The first phase, Batch 2, will take place from March 3 to March 5, 2026, followed by another round of Batch 2 from March 6 to March 7, 2026.
The meeting was attended by Additional Collector Avinash Rawat, Divisional Deputy Commissioner Inder Singh Jamod, Assistant Excise Commissioner Kirti Dubey, staff of the Divisional Flying Squad, and officials from the Office of the Assistant Excise Commissioner, Sagar.
Sagar Watch News/ Universities across India continue to serve as vibrant platforms for cultural celebration and intellectual discourse, hosting national festivals and international seminars that connect art, heritage and contemporary thought with academic engagement.
1. National Theatre Festival at Dr Harisingh Gour University
A five-day National Theatre Festival is being organised from February 20 to 24, 2026, at Dr Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, under the joint aegis of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the University Cultural Council.
In the evening session, the globally acclaimed play All My Sons by Arthur Miller was staged in Hindi as “Saare Mere Bete,” directed by Happy Ranjit Singh and presented by Unicorn Actors Studio, New Delhi.
Chief Guest and Sagar MP Dr Lata Wankhede described theatre as a powerful medium of dialogue that reflects social realities with emotional depth.
Socialist thinker Raghu Thakur highlighted the play’s message of humanity triumphing over violence. Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Divakar Shukla praised the collaborative efforts behind the festival.
Set in post-World War II America, the play explores moral guilt, responsibility, and the tragic consequences of unethical decisions, leaving the audience deeply moved.
2. Folk Dialogue on Rai and Swang
On the third day of the festival at Dr Harisingh Gour University, a special session focused on Bundelkhand’s folk traditions ‘Rai’ and ‘Swang.’
Santosh Pandey, son of Padma Shri awardee Ram Sahay Pandey, presented vibrant performances showcasing traditional costumes, music and expressive storytelling.
Speakers emphasised that no art form is inferior and highlighted the need to preserve folk heritage. The interactive session proved educational and inspiring for students and art enthusiasts.
3. International Seminar on Sardar Patel
An international seminar on “Relevance of Sardar Patel’s Ideas in Modern India” was organised by the Department of Public Administration at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Speaking as an expert, Dr Sujata Mishra stressed that India’s strength today reflects Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary leadership and decisive nation-building efforts.
Scholars discussed his administrative integration, governance model and national unity. The seminar concluded that Patel’s practical and nation-centric leadership continues to inspire contemporary India.
Universities across India continue to serve as vibrant platforms for cultural celebration and intellectual discourse, hosting national festivals and international seminars that connect art, heritage and contemporary thought with academic engagement.
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Sagar Watch News/ Tension flared in Sagar on Saturday as BJP and Congress workers clashed following protests by Youth Congress during the prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
BJP and its youth wing staged a gherao of the Congress office, burning effigies of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Congress workers, already gathered in large numbers, retaliated with counter-slogans and effigy burnings of the Chief Minister and the Urban Administration Minister.
The confrontation escalated into chaos, with both sides allegedly hurling slippers, chairs, sticks, and brooms. Police deployed heavy barricades and eventually used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
BJP’s Stand
District BJP President Shyam Tiwari termed the Congress protest at the global AI summit “anti-national” and accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to tarnish India’s international image.
MLA Shailendra Kumar Jain said representatives from 21 countries had attended the summit and called the disruption “shameful and irresponsible.” He clarified that breaking barricades was not part of the BJP’s planned programme and sought an internal review.
District President Yash Agarwal, State Working Committee Member Shailesh Kesarwani, District Vice President Jagannath Guraiya, Laxman Singh, Rameshwar Namdev, Chain Singh Thakur, Mandal President Amit Baisakhiya, Neeraj Yadav, Megha Dubey, Neelam Ahirwar, Vikram Soni, Alok Kesarwani, Manish Choubey, Anshul Harshe, Jai Soni, Vikas Kesarwani, Ajmeri Rain, Rajiv Jain, Rahul Vaidya, Nitin Soni, Nikesh Gupta, Councilor Ritesh Tiwari, Shailendra Thakur, Chetram Ahirwar, Kanhai Patel, Ramu Contractor, Devendra Ahirwar, Rameshwar Nema, Prasuk Jain, Murari Sahu, Anshul Gupta, Deepak Jain and a large number of workers were present in the program.
Congress’ Counterattack
City Congress President Mahesh Jatav accused the BJP of political desperation and warned of intensified protests. He announced upcoming mobilisations in Bhopal under state Congress chief Jitu Patwari, with the participation of national leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
Former rural president Dr Anand Ahirwar demanded the removal of Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya over alleged objectionable remarks, while other leaders accused the Centre of compromising national interests.
The prominent people present at the effigy burning event were former MLA Sunil Jain, Pandit Triloki Nath Katare, former president Jagdish Yadav, Mukul Purohit, Sandeep Chaudhary, Akshat Kothari, Sandeep Sablok, Awadhesh Tomar, Anand Haila, Deendayal Tiwari, Laxmi Narayan Sonkia, Rekha Soni, Rekha Ahirwar, Meera Ahirwar, Pawan Patel, Mahesh Ahirwar, Ganga Ram Ahirwar, Roop Narayan Yadav, Ashok Nagwani, Pappu Goswami, Sajid Ryan, Rashid Ryan, Ranjita Rana, Suresh Panjwani, Sameer Khan, Naushad Abbasi, Vinod Kori, Sahil Khan, Prem Mishra, Sunil Thakur, Arvind Singh Thakur, Nikhil Jain, Priyank Jain, Prabhat Bhandari, Gopal Prajapati, Naresh Valmiki, Narendra Ahirwar, Firoz Khan, Devendra Valmiki, Anil Daksh, Sher Khan, Mohishn Khan, Sunil Baba, Dinesh Dixit, Zeeshan, Tajju Bhai Jan Abrar, Man Singh Chaudhary. Priyankar Tiwari, Neeraj Chaurasia, Sultan, Ajay Lahariya, Omar Khan, Mohsin Ali Liladhar Suryavanshi, Bhaiyan Patel, Ehsan Khan, Dulichand Sakwar, Deshraj Yadav, Deepak Swami, Sajid Khan, Kundan Jat, Ritesh Rohit, Doctor Geeta Kushwaha, Bhure Khatik, Rohit Mandle, Saloni Saur, Jyoti Malia, Rajesh Upadhyay, Kiran Lata Soni, Meena Thakur, along with a large number of Congress members were present.
Political Impact
The incident reflects the deepening political polarisation between the BJP and the Congress, with national-level disputes increasingly spilling onto local streets.
While the BJP framed its protest as a defence of national prestige at an international summit, the Congress projected its resistance as a fight against alleged authoritarianism and policy failures.
However, the descent into physical confrontation—marked by effigy burnings, object throwing, and police intervention—raises concerns about shrinking democratic space and the normalisation of aggressive street politics. Instead of substantive debate on AI policy or governance issues, both parties appeared focused on symbolic retaliation.
Such clashes risk undermining public faith in democratic discourse and diverting attention from pressing developmental concerns.
Sagar Watch News/ A five-day National Theatre Festival is being organised from February 20 to 24, 2026, at Dr Harisingh Gour University under the joint aegis of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the University Cultural Council.
As part of the festival, a vibrant presentation of the traditional folk dance Dhimrayai was performed at the Cultural Council premises by folk artist Leeladhar Raikwar and his troupe.
The session showcased the rich folk traditions of Madhya Pradesh, creating a lively cultural atmosphere. The programme was inaugurated by the chief guest, Sudesh Sharma, Director of North Central Zone Cultural Centre, who offered floral tributes to Nataraja and the portrait of Dr Gour.
The troupe began their performance by paying homage to Maa Narmada and highlighting the cultural identity and pride of Madhya Pradesh. Several folk songs were presented, with the popular “Hum Gaadi Se Jehen, Paidal Na Jehen” drawing special applause.
Artists performed in traditional attire with ghungroos tied to their feet, using instruments such as khanjari, sarangi, dholak, lota and khartal to create an authentic folk ambience. Through songs like “Un Veeron Ko Yaad Kare Rahiyo,” they paid tribute to Bundeli heroes.
Leeladhar Raikwar informed that the 400-year-old Dhimrayai folk tradition originated from the Dhimri community and later included Kevat, Manjhi and other communities. Once a major source of public entertainment, the art form has received several recognitions and awards. He also introduced the traditional instruments and explained their cultural significance.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Sudesh Sharma said India’s true identity lies in its diverse culture, and classical and folk dances give the country a unique place on the global stage. He encouraged students to preserve their heritage, describing artists as true custodians of culture.
In the concluding address, Dr Rakesh Soni said the festival aims to connect the younger generation with their roots. Dr Avadhesh Tomar added that just as a tree cannot bear fruit without its roots, society cannot prosper if it disconnects from its cultural foundations.
A two-day national seminar on “Redefining Teacher Education: Innovation, Inclusivity and Interdisciplinarity under ITEP” began at the Department of Education, Dr Harisingh Gour University.
Sagar Watch News/ A five-day National Theatre Festival will be held from February 20 to 24, 2026, at Dr Harisingh Gour University, Sagar. The event is being organised jointly by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre under the Union Ministry of Culture and the University Cultural Council.
The formal inauguration will take place on February 24 at the university’s Golden Jubilee Auditorium. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yashwant Singh Thakur will preside over the ceremony.
Sagar MP Dr Lata Wankhede will attend as the Chief Guest, while Bhagwandas Raikwar will grace the occasion as the Saraswat Guest. Other dignitaries include Sudesh Sharma, Director of the cultural centre, Sagar विधायक Shailendra Jain, and Mayor Sangeeta Tiwari.
Special Highlights
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Daily Lecture & Interaction Sessions: Every afternoon at 1 PM, expert talks and cultural interactions will be held at the Cultural Council premises, featuring scholars and artists discussing folk theatre traditions and performing arts.
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Focus on Folk Heritage: Performances will showcase Bundelkhandi folk music, Rai dance, Swang folk theatre, Dhamariya dance, Badhai folk dance, and Bundeli martial arts.
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Padma Shri Lecture: A special lecture and presentation on Bundeli martial arts by Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar on the concluding day.
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Evening Theatre Performances: Each evening at 6:30 PM, theatre groups from Bhopal, Delhi, Haryana, Gorakhpur, and Patna will stage diverse plays including Vidushak, Saare Mere Bete, Samrat Ashok, Maharathi, and Gabarghichor.
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Free Entry: All performances are open to the public free of cost.
Festival coordinators Dr Rakesh Soni and Dr Neeraj Upadhyay informed that the event aims to promote national theatre, preserve folk traditions, and provide a platform for cultural exchange. Citizens and theatre enthusiasts of Sagar have been invited to attend the festival in large numbers.
University Will Get a Synthetic Tennis Court
Sagar: The Department of Physical Education at Dr Harisingh Gour University has begun construction of an ITF-approved synthetic tennis court equipped with floodlights and a chain-link fence. The foundation ceremony was performed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Y.S. Thakur.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor said the new facility will enable university players to showcase their talent in tennis and participate in national-level competitions. He emphasised that sports are an essential part of life and good health, adding that students continue to excel in both academics and athletics.
Prof. Thakur also indicated that the university plans to further expand sports infrastructure to promote overall development and encourage greater student participation in various games.
Sagar Watch News/ The ₹16.69 lakh crore GSDP-based Budget 2026-27 presented in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly has triggered sharp political reactions, with the ruling party calling it visionary and opposition leaders terming it disappointing.
1️⃣ Opposition View
The Congress says the budget does not fulfil big promises like higher crop prices and more cash for women. If election promises are not funded, public trust may fall. From an economic view, promises need money backing. Without clear allocation, they remain announcements, not real benefits.
Senior Congress leader and former minister Surendra Choudhary criticised the budget, alleging that key election promises made before the 2023 Assembly polls—such as higher MSP for paddy and wheat, ₹3,000 monthly assistance under Ladli Behna, and subsidised LPG cylinders—were not reflected. He called the budget “all talk, no relief.”
2️⃣ Ruling Party Support
Supporters say the budget focuses on development for farmers, women, youth, and workers. If spending is balanced and well-managed, it can boost jobs and growth. However, success depends on implementation. Big announcements must translate into real projects and timely delivery.
In contrast, Sagar MP Dr Lata Guddu Wankhede praised it as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” vision and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s development roadmap. She said it prioritises farmers, workers, women, and youth.
Former Home Minister Bhupendra Singh described it as a “historic, future-ready roadmap,” highlighting ₹5,500 crore for the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Yojana benefiting 82 lakh farmers, expansion of metro projects in Bhopal and Indore, and preparations for the 2028 Simhastha. He also noted the shift to a paperless, tablet-based budget and the introduction of a three-year rolling budget framework.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput emphasised that no new taxes were imposed. He detailed allocations across poor welfare (₹793 crore tribal upliftment), women’s welfare (₹1.27 lakh crore), agriculture (₹88,910 crore), infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and industrial investment. The government also aims to move toward a $2 trillion economy target.
Other Views
3️⃣ Long-Term Roadmap & Fiscal Planning
The three-year rolling budget is financially smart because it improves planning and stability. Large allocations for agriculture, metro expansion, health, and education can raise productivity. But borrowing must stay controlled. If debt rises too fast, future budgets may face pressure.
4️⃣ Welfare, Infrastructure & Industry Push
No new taxes give relief to citizens and businesses. Heavy spending on irrigation, rural roads, industry parks, and women’s schemes can increase demand and investment. If industries actually invest ₹33 lakh crore as proposed, jobs will grow. Real challenge: turning proposals into ground-level factories and employment.
Sagar Watch Overall Expert Verdict
The budget appears expansionary and welfare-heavy, aiming for political stability and economic growth together. It mixes social spending with infrastructure investment. If fiscal discipline is maintained and implementation is efficient, it could accelerate growth. If not, it risks widening fiscal deficit pressures.
In simple words, the plan looks big and ambitious. Now execution will decide success.

















