KALPESH and Shailesh Solanki, the sons of Ramniklal Solanki, founder of the Asian Media Group (AMG), completed the last rites of their father on the banks of the holy River Ganges in Rishikesh, north India, last weekend.
His wife Parvatiben, accompanied by Kalpesh and Shailesh, daughter Sadhana Karia, daughters-in-law Rashmita and Sheila as well as her grandchildren, travelled to Parmarth Niketan Ashram for the ceremonies.
His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidananda Saraswati Muniji helped conduct the rituals, including immersion of the ashes, last Saturday (7).
Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati also guided the family. Priests and young rishi kumars performed the rituals, alongside the chanting of Vedic prayers.
Following that, a two-day bhandara prasadam was held at the ashram under the guidance of HH Pujya Muniji. An international yoga festival was held at the ashram last weekend, so guests – among them yoga teachers and saints from the US, UK, and Europe – attended the prasadam.
The Ganga aarti, held every evening at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, is a highlight for devotees. Last Saturday, the Ganga aarti was held in honour of the Solanki family.
In his speech after the prayers, HH Pujya Munji paid tributes to Mr Solanki. Referring to his relationship with the family, the spiritual leader said AMG’s founder was a great journalist and an excellent person. He added that Mr Solanki contributed immensely to the livelihood of the Gujarati community in England and Africa.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)