Early on Monday, local police received a distress call alerting them to the situation. Upon arrival, they found Rakesh Dodwa, 27, his wife Lalita Dodwa, 25, and their children Laxmi, 9, Prakash, 7, and Akshay, 5, hanging inside their residence. The shocking discovery was made at around 7 AM, leaving the community in deep sorrow and confusion.

“The report of five deaths in Ravdi village, Sondwa tehsil, was received at 7 AM today,” confirmed a police official. The authorities have launched a thorough investigation led by the Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) of Alirajpur to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

This case bears a chilling resemblance to the Burari incident in Delhi, where 11 family members were found dead in their home nearly four years ago. The Burari case shocked the nation, with the family discovered hanging in their home in a ritualistic manner, bound and blindfolded. Investigations revealed that the family had been influenced by delusional beliefs and a shared psychotic disorder, leading to their tragic demise.

The bodies in Alirajpur have been sent for autopsy, as investigators work diligently to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome. The community is left grappling with the emotional impact of such a profound loss, seeking answers and solace in the face of such a grim reality.

As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are committed to providing clarity and support to the affected community. The emotional toll of such incidents is profound, and efforts are being made to address the mental health and financial well-being of families to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The tragic deaths of Rakesh, Lalita, Laxmi, Prakash, and Akshay Dodwa serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within our communities. As we mourn their loss, we must also strive to understand and address the root causes of such tragedies, working collectively to prevent them from recurring. The investigation in Alirajpur continues, with authorities determined to provide answers and prevent future occurrences of such devastating events.

India’s tourism landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of premium Maldives-style water villas in the picturesque islands of Lakshadweep. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish Lakshadweep as a premier destination for ecotourism, blending luxurious accommodations with environmental sustainability. The project is not only a testament to India’s growing tourism ambitions but also an exemplary model of sustainable development and public-private partnership.

Project Overview

The administration of Lakshadweep has announced the development of three premium water villa projects on the Minicoy, Suheli, and Kadmat islands. With an estimated investment of INR 800 crore, this project marks India’s first venture into the realm of water villas, similar to those that attract tourists to the Maldives. The villas will offer a unique, immersive experience, allowing guests to stay in luxurious accommodations set above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The breakdown of the projects includes 150 keys for Minicoy at a cost of INR 319 crore, 110 keys for Suheli at INR 247 crore, and another 110 keys for Kadmat with an investment of INR 240 crore. This distribution is based on a comprehensive analysis of location suitability, technical feasibility, and financial viability. The administration has also ensured that all necessary clearances, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approvals, are secured in advance, expediting the project’s progress.

Economic and Environmental Balance

The project’s core objective is to bolster maritime economic growth with a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism. The administration’s commitment to environmental protection is evident in its approach to development. By employing eco-friendly materials and pre-cast concrete technology, the ecological footprint of the construction is minimized. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, further underscores the project’s sustainable ethos.

The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) has played a pivotal role in assessing the viability and environmental impact of the water villas. Their involvement ensures that the development harmonizes with the delicate marine ecosystem, particularly the fragile coral reefs that are integral to the region’s biodiversity. This scientific approach guarantees a balance between enhancing local livelihoods and preserving natural resources.

Boosting Local Economy and Employment

One of the most significant benefits of the water villa project is its potential to boost the local economy. Tourism is a powerful engine for economic growth, and the development of high-end accommodations will attract both domestic and international visitors. This influx of tourists will create numerous employment opportunities for the local population, ranging from hospitality services to ancillary support sectors such as transportation and local crafts.

Furthermore, the public-private partnership model ensures that the project is financially sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders involved. The government’s proactive role in facilitating permits and clearances reduces bureaucratic hurdles, encouraging private investors to participate in the region’s development.

A Paradigm Shift in Indian Tourism

The Lakshadweep water villa project represents a paradigm shift in Indian tourism, positioning the country as a competitor to established luxury destinations like the Maldives. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify India’s tourism offerings, providing unique experiences that cater to high-end travelers.

In conjunction with similar projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India is poised to become a leader in sustainable island tourism. These developments are aligned with the goals of NITI Aayog and the central government’s vision of creating a world-class tourism infrastructure that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

“If I would’ve invested the same amount that I did here in Canada, in India, I would’ve had better opportunities in consideration to what I see in Canada” these are the sentiments being echoed by Indian students who spent a good amount of money to migrate to Canada for higher education. 

The Canadian Experience, a documentary made and produced by Insight in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) with ANI as Media Partner, sheds light on the reality of Indian students’ life in Canada. With a huge housing crisis, crumbling healthcare, nominal employment opportunities, and a fee discrepancy, Indian Students now would much prefer to stay and study in India rather than migrate to Canada which ranks among the most preferred countries for higher education. 

Along with the USA and UK, Canada has been in the top three most preferred places for pursuing higher education for Indian students. Every year almost 3 Lakh students migrate to Canada, what is so special about it? Is it the lifestyle? Job opportunities? Quality Education? Our documentary exposes that it is none of the above and rather, just the good marketing and the glossy picture being painted by these ‘agencies’ that make families spend lakhs on fulfilling their children’s “Canadian Dream.” 

This documentary interviews two Indian students Ms. Vrinda Kathore and Mr. Namra Shukla who pursued higher education in Canada, and these two students tell tales of not only monetary loss but also lack of basic amenities and racial discrimination. 

Our objective through this documentary is to expose that one realises their mistake almost instantly when they land in Canada. The country has minimal livelihood in its northern part due to the harsh weather conditions, and it is there that the majority of the population has accumulated in Southern Canada, giving rise to a major housing crisis. The year 2022 saw the lowest vacancy rate in the country while rents kept on increasing due to high demand. 

The Rental Market report by CMHC suggests that there has been a 9.6% increase in rental prices from April 2022 to April 2023, i.e., A student who would be paying $1827 in April 2022 now had to pay $2004 in April 2023 for the very same property. It is because of this that international students have to compromise on decent living, and have to often live in overcrowded small apartments with no personal space or hygiene maintained. 

Canada has created an image of a country well-equipped with world-class healthcare facilities but in reality, it is crumbling. Vrinda tells us how her friend who got a burn had to sit in the waiting room for 5-6 hours just to even be looked at by the doctor. She herself got a waiting time of 4-5 months for something as simple as an X-ray since it is classified as a ‘non-emergency’ case.

Canada’s 65% of land is covered in snow, it has long harsh cold winters and short cool summers. It gets difficult for an Indian for whom sunlight is such an essential part of daily life. Seasonal Depression is common in international students who have to spend months with temperatures reaching -40 degrees cel. Namra, who had to live in a basement, shares how he did not see sunlight for days if he didn’t step out, and snow-covered roads make it difficult to commute on a daily basis while the buses halt their operations.

Most students dream that getting good jobs comes with the ‘abroad package’, but the reality is strikingly different, there is a severe lack of job opportunities due to which even the brightest of minds have to work in low-paying jobs just to sustain themselves and pay off their debts. In India, almost all colleges have a placement cell in place that offers internships and job opportunities, however, such is not the case in Canadian colleges [Georgian College, Barrie in this case] which boast of high-paying jobs on their websites. 

Another factor that contributes to Indian students regretting their decision is the discrepancy in fee structure where an international student is paying significantly higher than a domestic student. Where an international student is paying $8000 for a semester, a domestic student is paying $1500 for the same. It is worth noting that while Indian colleges waived or decreased the fee during online classes in the pandemic, no such luxury was given to these students in Canada. It has been calculated that Indian students contribute 8 Billion dollars to the Canadian Economy. 

What will shock you the most is the revelation that Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia admitted students beyond its capacity and is now making Indian students study in nearby Cineplex due to a lack of infrastructure. What should be called out is being marketed as an ‘innovation’ by the college in question. As Vrinda fairly points out- they are running a ‘facade’ in the name of quality education.

Why should a student invest a hefty amount and not even get a proper return? Why should a person choose a place so miserable when they can get far better education and facilities in their own country?

The question remains- Is the Canadian Experience worth it?

Watch the full documentary, made in collaboration with the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) and released via Asian News International (ANI) to experience what has yet been unseen and unheard. This documentary went on to feature on a prime time show on NDTV within 24 Hours of release, with subsequent coverage on CNN-News18.