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PERSONS IN NEWS - October 2023

Oct 2023

Apr 27, 2026

Gurbax Singh Grewal, 1968 Olympic hockey bronze medalist, dies at 84

Gurbax Singh Grewal, a member of India's 1968 Olympic bronze‑medal hockey team, died at the age of 84 following a heart attack. A noted player of his era, Grewal also contributed to hockey beyond his playing days by nurturing young talent and serving as a Senior Sports Officer with Western Railways. His passing marks the end of an influential chapter in Indian hockey history, a period when the sport enjoyed strong international stature. Grewal’s career on the field and his mentorship off it left a lasting impact on the sport’s development in India.

Grewal was part of India’s 1968 Olympic bronze team in Mexico City.
Died at age 84 after a heart attack.
Served as Senior Sports Officer with Western Railways.
Active in identifying and nurturing hockey talent post‑retirement.
His demise signals the passing of a pivotal hockey era.

Raghu Rai passes away at 83; landmark Indian photographer leaves enduring legacy

Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai died after a prolonged illness at the age of 83. Rai’s career spanned decades, during which his lens documented India’s social, political, and cultural journey, capturing both beauty and hardship. He earned widespread recognition for work on war and refugee crises, including the Padma Shri in 1972, and international honours such as Photographer of the Year in 1992 (USA) and France’s Officier des Arts et des Lettres in 2009. Rai’s family stated the illness began with prostate cancer and later spread to the brain. His passing marks the loss of a defining voice in Indian photojournalism and a shift in the country’s visual history.

Raghu Rai died at age 83 after a prolonged illness including cancer progression.
Padma Shri awarded in 1972 for war and refugee crisis photography.
Named Photographer of the Year in 1992 (USA).
Officier des Arts et des Lettres conferred by France in 2009.
His work chronicled India’s social, political, and cultural evolution.
His death is described as the end of an era in Indian photography.

Apr 26, 2026

Prime Minister Modi shares Sanskrit Shloka emphasising selfless giving

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on social media on 23 April 2026, highlighting the virtue of selfless giving. The post quoted a traditional shloka praising generosity and public service. The message drew wide attention in political and cultural circles and reinforced the government’s emphasis on service and moral values. The post appeared on official channels and was part of broader efforts to connect with citizens through language and heritage. The Prime Minister’s message was lauded by supporters and criticised by some critics, reflecting ongoing debates over publicity and authenticity in public messaging. The discussion highlighted cultural diplomacy.

PM Modi shared a Sanskrit shloka on 23 April 2026
Shloka praises generosity and public service
Appeared on official channels; cultural diplomacy angle
Triggered supportive and critical responses
Part of ongoing public messaging debates
Highlights cultural heritage in governance

Apr 24, 2026

Shiv Ratan Agarwal, Bikaji Foods founder and promoter, dies at 74

Shiv Ratan Agarwal, promoter, chairman and whole-time director of Bikaji Foods International, died on 24 April 2026 at the age of 74 after a heart attack. He steered Bikaji from a regional snacks business in Bikaner into one of India's best-known ethnic snack brands with a growing global footprint. A grandson of the founder of Haldiram’s, Agarwal left the family business in 1986 and started Shivdeep Products, later rebranded as Bikaji in 1993. Under his leadership, Bikaji modernised Bikaneri bhujia production with advanced machinery while preserving its traditional taste and texture. Today the company exports to the UAE, Australia and other markets, strengthening India’s food exports. He is survived by his family.

Died on 24 April 2026 at age 74 after a heart attack
Promoter, chairman and whole-time director of Bikaji Foods International
Transformed Bikaji from a regional brand to a global ethnic snacks company
Grandson of Haldiram’s founder; left family business in 1986 to start Shivdeep Products (Bikaji 1993)
Modernised Bikaneri bhujia production with advanced machinery while preserving taste
Bikaji exports to UAE, Australia and other markets

Apr 22, 2026

Arthur Law Named 2026 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader

Arthur Law, co-founder and managing principal of Storefriendly Asia, has been named a 2026 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. The honor recognises leaders under 40 who contribute to business, policy, science and social impact. Law has grown Storefriendly Asia into a major tech-enabled self-storage platform serving more than 40,000 households and businesses across dense cities. His work combines entrepreneurship, technology and institutional investment to improve urban living and space efficiency. Partnerships with global firms such as Blackstone and Partners Group have expanded the company's reach. Law’s selection highlights innovative urban solutions in Asia and his broader role in sustainable development and philanthropy.

Arthur Law named WEF Young Global Leader 2026
Storefriendly Asia serves 40,000+ clients
Focus on urban space efficiency
Partnerships with Blackstone and Partners Group
Recognition for entrepreneurship and sustainability

Apr 13, 2026

Asha Bhosle Passes Away in Mumbai at 92

Asha Bhosle, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, died on 12 April 2026 in Mumbai at Breach Candy Hospital after suffering multiple organ failure. She was admitted a day earlier with a chest infection. Born 28 September 1933 in Sangli, Bhosle’s career spanned eight decades, making her one of the most recorded voices in Indian cinema. She began singing in Marathi films in 1943 and achieved a Hindi breakthrough with Naya Daur (1957). Her vast discography crossed genres and languages, shaping film music for generations. Tributes flowed from politicians, artists and fans, acknowledging her extraordinary versatility and enduring influence on Indian song.

Date of death: 12 April 2026; place: Mumbai; hospital: Breach Candy; cause: multiple organ failure.
Career began in Marathi cinema (1943) and Hindi breakthrough with Naya Daur (1957).
Asha Bhosle’s work spanned eight decades and multiple genres.
Her death prompted widespread tributes from public figures and artists.
Legacy includes one of the most recorded voices in Indian music.

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