News / Author / Kenneth John

Kenneth John

Kenneth John is a Principal Correspondent based in Allahabad. He writes on wide ranging issues including education, women and child welfare, infrastructure development, environment, human rights, poverty and rural development.

Articles by Kenneth John

IITian baba Abhay Singh expelled from Juna Akhada

The Akhada’s office bearers issued an order banning the former IIT-Mumbai graduate from entering the Akhada camp and its premises.

Engineer Abhay Singh, popularly known as ‘IITian Baba’ who was expelled from the Juna Akhada on Saturday night. (File photo)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 19, 2025 08:18 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: Colour coded flags give teerth purohits a unique identity

On arrival in the mela area at Sangam, their respective ‘jajmaans’ from all over the country look for the flag to locate their respective purohit’s camp.

Flag bearing the symbol ‘Hari Machli’ (Green Fish) flying at the Kalpvas camp of teerth purohit Pandit Rajendra Paliwal in tent city in Sector 6. (HT)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 19, 2025 06:26 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Not just ‘Moksh Dahini’ but ‘Dhan Dahini’: Boom time for roadside stalls, eateries in Mahakumbh Nagar

Many family members are running their small ‘shops’ in shifts with one manning it during morning, another during afternoon and third one during the night

Abhay Sharma from Ghazipur selling the eastern UP dish of ‘Bati-Chokha’ in the Mela area on Saturday. (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 19, 2025 05:06 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

The unsung guardians of Mahakumbh: Teerth Purohits lead pilgrim management

More than ten generations of each of the 1,000-odd individual families have been registered under the Prayagwal Sabha

Teerth Purohit Rajendra Paliwal at his camp, making entries for pilgrims arriving for Kalpwas in Sector 6 of Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday. (HT )

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 18, 2025 08:10 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar

Techie-turned-purohit: Carrying forward a 7-generation legacy at Mahakumbh

Paliwal started his sojourn as a ‘Purohit’ at the tender age of 14, learning the nitty-gritty of his family’s traditional business from his grandfather during the 2001 Mahakumbh

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 17, 2025 06:30 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar

Laurene Powell Jobs, now a follower of Sanatan Dharma, goes to Bhutan

She receives ‘deeksha’, ‘guru mantra from spiritual guide, expected to revisit the Mela before the third and last ‘Amrit Snan’ of Basant Panchami on February 3

Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, receives spiritual initiation from her guru Niranjani Peethadheeshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri, amid the Mahakumbh, in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 16, 2025 05:22 AM IST

ByKenneth John

Mahakumbh: Over 3.5 cr take first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath congratulates devotees who took the first ‘Amrit Snan’ and calls the snan the living form of India’s eternal culture and faith

Flower petals being showered on devotees during the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Mahakumbh on Makar Sankranti, at Sangam in Prayagraj, Tuesday. (PTI Photo)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 15, 2025 08:34 AM IST

ByRajesh Kumar Singh, Kenneth John

AI-backed software, CCTV cams help assess devotee headcount at Mahakumbh

Experts prepare a chart of hourly crowd estimates at each of the 48 bathing ghats beside the Sangam while aerial inputs fed into a customised software provide approximate crowd density in the area

Devotees cross a pontoon bridge at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on Makar Sankranti Day during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 15, 2025 06:34 AM IST

ByKenneth John

Mahakumbh: Hi-tech lost and found centre a beacon of hope

Around 250 people reunited with kin on first Amrit Snan of Makar Sankranti with the help of high-tech khoya paaya kendra

The high-tech lost and found centre at Sangam in Prayagraj. (HT photo)

Lucknow

Published on Jan 14, 2025 10:53 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

After Paunsh Purnima, focus shifts to first Amrit Snan today

Special puja, offering of prasad (consecrated food) to the deity, hoisting of Parv Dhwaj (flag of the festival) will precede the holy dip at the Sangam

Devotees arrive to take a dip at Triveni Sangam on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’ during the Maha Kumbh 2025, in Prayagraj on Monday (Deepak gupta/ht )

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 14, 2025 05:52 AM IST

ByRajesh Kumar Singh Kenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Over 1.65 crore take holy dip on Paush Purnima:Mahakumbh begins amid flood of fervour, shower of petals

Spurred by zest and undeterred by the early morning chill, pilgrims from across the country and abroad bathe at Sangam

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 14, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByKenneth John K Sandeep Kumar Rajeev Mullick, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

A celebration of spiritual grandeur

Spread across a 4,000-hectare area, the sanitation system includes 10 walk-behind sweeping machines, over 150,000 toilets, 25,000 dustbins, and 5,000 urinals.

Devotees at Mahakumbh on Day 1(Prayagraj District Administration via ANI)

India News

Published on Jan 13, 2025 08:49 AM IST

ByRajeev Mullick, K Sandeep Kumar, Kenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar

Waves of faith and fervour: First Rajasi Snan tomorrow, Akhadas ready to take holy dip

Sadhus of 13 akhadas will take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, Mela admin gears up

An aerial view of Sangam ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela at Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj (HT )

Other Cities

Published on Jan 12, 2025 10:47 PM IST

ByRajesh Kumar Singh, Kenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: Curtain rises on world’s biggest congregation; millions to take a dip

The 45-day Mahakumbh Mela-2025 starts on Paush Purnima with 15 million devotees expected at the Sangam, amid tight security and extensive preparations.

Hindu pilgrims carrying their belongings walk over floating pontoon bridges to go to Sangam (Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 12, 2025 10:47 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Laurene Jobs is now Kamala, to don garb of sanyasin at Mahakumbh

During her 17-day stay at the Mahakumbh, Kamala will attend Katha and Pravachan in the camp of her guru

Other Cities

Published on Jan 11, 2025 09:40 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

13-year-old ‘Sanyasin’, her guru expelled from Juna Akhada, Mela

The decision was taken following an in-depth discussion by senior office bearers of the monastic order in a general body meeting held at its Mahakumbh-2025 camp in Tent City on Friday.

Rakhi and her guru with her mother (File)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 11, 2025 05:08 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh: Septuagenarian couple from Bihar to complete 12 years of Kalpwas

The auspicious journey, which began in the 2013 Mahakumbh at the sandy banks of Sangam, holds deep spiritual significance.

73-year-old Prem Kumar Jha and his wife 71-year-old Gauri Devi at their EP tent in Mahakumbh Nagar on the sandy banks of Sangam. (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

Other Cities

Published on Jan 10, 2025 10:37 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

From pipes to posts: Plumber-turned-blogger chronicles Mahakumbh’s spiritual tapestry

A class 12 pass out from a government Hindi-medium school, Prakash’s passion for preserving fading traditions led him from Jaisalmer to Nagaur, capturing Rajasthan’s cultural essence.

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 09, 2025 06:43 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Amid build-up, past data indicates Mahakumbh to be a money spinner

The 45-day religious fair will be the hub of a wide range of economic activities and is likely to witness significant revenue inputs, according to experts.

A luxury cottage with dome shaped relaxing area having a price range of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>80,000 per day on normal days besides <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.10 lakh per day on main bathing days of mela in Mahakumbh Nagar. (HT Photo)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 05:18 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Tracking Kumbh rush on rails: 36 trains in 1954 to 13k in 2025

The 1954 Kumbh Mela, the first in independent India, attracted about 50 lakh pilgrims; 40 crore visitors are expected at Mahakumbh-2025

Independent India’s first Kumbh was held in 1954. It had an estimated crowd of 50 lakh. (Sourced)

India News

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 04:00 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Prayagraj

Tracking Kumbh rush on rails: 36 trains in 1954 to 13,000 in 2025

The 1954 Kumbh Mela, the first in independent India, attracted about 50 lakh pilgrims; 40 crore visitors are expected at Mahakumbh-2025

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 05:58 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh security: 1,000 terror suspects added to AI facial recognition system

The move comes in the wake of a specific threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and a separate social media alert warning of a potential bombing at the Mahakumbh on December 31, 2024

A view of railway control room set up Prayagraj Junction ahead of Mahakumbh 2025. (HT Photo)

Lucknow

Published on Jan 04, 2025 08:40 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Prayagraj

Dawn of New Year sets stage for greatest gathering on earth

As Prayagraj prepares to welcome the faithful, the Sangam city has transformed into a mesmerising visual delight for the mega congregation during which 400 million pilgrims and tourists are set to assemble in a span of 45 days for the Mahakumbh-2025, the grandest event of the New Year

Prayagraj city getting ready for the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela (Deepak Gupta/ HT)

Other Cities

Updated on Jan 01, 2025 08:25 PM IST

ByRajeev Mullick, Kenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Marked drop in Ganga bacteria count in Prayagraj: UPPCB report

Yet, it is still above the maximum permissible limit for outdoor bathing as prescribed in the notification of the ministry of environment and forests dated September 25, 2000

A female devotee offering prayers at Sangam in Prayagraj on December 30. (HT photo)

Lucknow

Published on Dec 30, 2024 10:54 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Geo-fencing, selfies with students to ensure transparency at U.P. Board practical exams

UP Board's 2025 class 12 practical exams will use a mobile app for transparency, requiring examiners to upload selfies and stay within 200m of centers.

UP Board headquarters in Prayagraj. (HT File photo)

Other Cities

Updated on Dec 29, 2024 07:18 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Prayagraj

Breathing faith: Seer’s divine resolve for Shahi Snan

Despite severe lung damage and needing continuous oxygen, Mahant Inder Giri is determined to participate in Mahakumbh, cherishing his faith and devotion.

Mahant Inder Giri of Avahan Akhara lying on his bed in Mahakumbh Nagar on Friday. (HT)

Other Cities

Updated on Dec 28, 2024 08:14 AM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj):

For these French nationals, Kalpvas in Kumbh is a never-let-go practice

For these two women, the Kumbh is more than a religious gathering—it’s a practice that ties them to a spiritual journey they never want to end.

Other Cities

Published on Dec 24, 2024 05:15 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbhnagar (prayagraj)

MAHAKUMBH-2025: Floating barriers, Army support, and 25 Navy divers to ensure pilgrim safety at Sangam

The safety of pilgrims and tourists at the mega religious fair will be ensured through various safety measures, including the deployment of 25 marine divers from the Indian Navy, Vizag, maintaining a 24x7 vigil.

Floating river line dividers and traffic islands in Sangam waters in Prayagraj. (HT PHOTO)

Other Cities

Published on Dec 20, 2024 10:09 PM IST

ByKenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

In 1870 Kumbh Mela, one-fourth of revenue came from barbers

In 1882 Kumbh, out of ₹49,840 revenue earned by the government, ₹10,752 was collected as tax from barbers, reveal records of the Regional Archives

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 10:43 PM IST

ByKenneth John

UP Board 10th, 12th Results 2020 expected by June 30, 82% of evaluation work complete

Results of UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations are likely to be declared by the end of June. According to UP Board officials, speaking on conditions of anonymity, 82.66% of answer sheets of UP Board exam 2020, have already been evaluated.

UP Board 10th, 12th result likely by June 30(HT File)

education

Published on May 27, 2020 04:53 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Prayagraj | ByKenneth John

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Kenneth John

Kenneth John is a Principal Correspondent based in Allahabad. He writes on wide ranging issues including education, women and child welfare, infrastructure development, environment, human rights, poverty and rural development.

The Akhada’s office bearers issued an order banning the former IIT-Mumbai graduate from entering the Akhada camp and its premises.

On arrival in the mela area at Sangam, their respective ‘jajmaans’ from all over the country look for the flag to locate their respective purohit’s camp.

Many family members are running their small ‘shops’ in shifts with one manning it during morning, another during afternoon and third one during the night

More than ten generations of each of the 1,000-odd individual families have been registered under the Prayagwal Sabha

Paliwal started his sojourn as a ‘Purohit’ at the tender age of 14, learning the nitty-gritty of his family’s traditional business from his grandfather during the 2001 Mahakumbh

She receives ‘deeksha’, ‘guru mantra from spiritual guide, expected to revisit the Mela before the third and last ‘Amrit Snan’ of Basant Panchami on February 3

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath congratulates devotees who took the first ‘Amrit Snan’ and calls the snan the living form of India’s eternal culture and faith

Experts prepare a chart of hourly crowd estimates at each of the 48 bathing ghats beside the Sangam while aerial inputs fed into a customised software provide approximate crowd density in the area

Around 250 people reunited with kin on first Amrit Snan of Makar Sankranti with the help of high-tech khoya paaya kendra

Special puja, offering of prasad (consecrated food) to the deity, hoisting of Parv Dhwaj (flag of the festival) will precede the holy dip at the Sangam

Spurred by zest and undeterred by the early morning chill, pilgrims from across the country and abroad bathe at Sangam

Spread across a 4,000-hectare area, the sanitation system includes 10 walk-behind sweeping machines, over 150,000 toilets, 25,000 dustbins, and 5,000 urinals.

Sadhus of 13 akhadas will take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, Mela admin gears up

The 45-day Mahakumbh Mela-2025 starts on Paush Purnima with 15 million devotees expected at the Sangam, amid tight security and extensive preparations.

During her 17-day stay at the Mahakumbh, Kamala will attend Katha and Pravachan in the camp of her guru

The decision was taken following an in-depth discussion by senior office bearers of the monastic order in a general body meeting held at its Mahakumbh-2025 camp in Tent City on Friday.

The auspicious journey, which began in the 2013 Mahakumbh at the sandy banks of Sangam, holds deep spiritual significance.

A class 12 pass out from a government Hindi-medium school, Prakash’s passion for preserving fading traditions led him from Jaisalmer to Nagaur, capturing Rajasthan’s cultural essence.

The 45-day religious fair will be the hub of a wide range of economic activities and is likely to witness significant revenue inputs, according to experts.

The 1954 Kumbh Mela, the first in independent India, attracted about 50 lakh pilgrims; 40 crore visitors are expected at Mahakumbh-2025

The 1954 Kumbh Mela, the first in independent India, attracted about 50 lakh pilgrims; 40 crore visitors are expected at Mahakumbh-2025

The move comes in the wake of a specific threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and a separate social media alert warning of a potential bombing at the Mahakumbh on December 31, 2024

As Prayagraj prepares to welcome the faithful, the Sangam city has transformed into a mesmerising visual delight for the mega congregation during which 400 million pilgrims and tourists are set to assemble in a span of 45 days for the Mahakumbh-2025, the grandest event of the New Year

Yet, it is still above the maximum permissible limit for outdoor bathing as prescribed in the notification of the ministry of environment and forests dated September 25, 2000

UP Board's 2025 class 12 practical exams will use a mobile app for transparency, requiring examiners to upload selfies and stay within 200m of centers.

Despite severe lung damage and needing continuous oxygen, Mahant Inder Giri is determined to participate in Mahakumbh, cherishing his faith and devotion.

For these two women, the Kumbh is more than a religious gathering—it’s a practice that ties them to a spiritual journey they never want to end.

The safety of pilgrims and tourists at the mega religious fair will be ensured through various safety measures, including the deployment of 25 marine divers from the Indian Navy, Vizag, maintaining a 24x7 vigil.

In 1882 Kumbh, out of ₹49,840 revenue earned by the government, ₹10,752 was collected as tax from barbers, reveal records of the Regional Archives

Results of UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations are likely to be declared by the end of June. According to UP Board officials, speaking on conditions of anonymity, 82.66% of answer sheets of UP Board exam 2020, have already been evaluated.

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like