Author: Esha Gupta
The historic town of Ayodhya, which holds great religious significance, is presently experiencing a significant metamorphosis that mirrors the evolving nature of contemporary India. Ayodhya, which was formerly a holy place valued for its spiritual mystery, is today situated where tradition and modernity converge, where the quest for profit and religious revitalization clash. This development is representative of more significant changes taking place in modern Indian culture, where deeply ingrained religious and cultural traditions collide with the pressures of globalisation and commercialization. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTK), an independent organisation created to supervise the building of the…
After being founded with much excitement just six months ago, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is now facing internal struggle and division, which is causing a seismic shift in the political landscape of India. The formerly cohesive front of 26 opposition parties, which was supposed to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is now slowly disintegrating, which is bad news for the party’s chances. A notable fissure in the opposition coalition surfaced in West Bengal as TMC chief and chief minister Mamata Banerjee chose to distance herself from the alliance by adopting an “ekla chalo re” strategy. After…
A WhatsApp message highlights the complex tango of religion and statecraft in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, a district known for its turbulent past. The sender, who gained notoriety in the community by using violence against a Muslim who was allegedly stealing a calf, now takes on a new role. He gives the district administration the order to close all meat and liquor stores on an auspicious day in honour of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This seemingly benign directive brings up important issues regarding the relationship between governance and religion. The story opens with a graphic description of a public beating,…
Not only did the opening of the Ram Temple on January 22nd represent a turning point in India’s religious history, but it also sparked a debate about politics. Leaders of the opposition in a number of states voiced concerns about the alleged blending of religion and politics. The complicated relationship between religion and government was brought to light by the differing comments from prominent figures such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Safeguarding Secularism: Pinarayi Vijayan’s Perspective Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the personal aspect of religion in…
The controversy over the Ram Temple at Ayodhya goes much beyond a simple political chess match; it touches on fundamental aspects of Indian society, religion, and morality. The story presents a nuanced picture that transcends political manoeuvring as we examine the historical context, viewpoints from many communities, and the gravity of the inauguration. The Ram Temple controversy stems from the controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid and the ensuing legal disputes over the disputed property. Though some have hailed the BJP’s Ram temple campaign as a genius move, allegations of judicial fraud have also dogged it. The campaign’s slogans appeared…
The assertion that Hindus—especially non-resident Indians (NRIs)—only started embracing their identity and culture after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office is a complex one that needs to be carefully considered. Modi undoubtedly contributed to the development of Hindu and Indian culture, but blaming his administration alone for the movement’s rebirth oversimplifies a complicated phenomenon with a political, social, and historical foundation. First and foremost, it is imperative to recognise that Hindus have a strong sense of cultural and religious identity, even before Modi. Hinduism has a long history of absorbing many influences, developing inside India, and dispersing via trade and…
One of the most famous notes in Indian history is from 1949, written by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first home minister, about India’s policy towards China. An in-depth examination of the complex interactions between Patel and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is necessary since they present a captivating story despite their periodic disagreements. Four crucial themes become apparent as we examine this historical artefact, providing insight into the intricacies of the post-colonial and post-war periods. Sardar Patel’s intellectual fearlessness was one of his approach’s most notable features. Though Nehru was well-versed in international issues, Patel was not afraid to voice…
The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) guidelines would be announced before the April–May Lok Sabha elections, according to a senior Home Ministry official who recently revealed this information. The Citizenship Act of 1955 was amended in December 2019 with the particular goal of assisting non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in obtaining Indian citizenship. Elaborating on the provisions of the CAA With the passage of the CAA, immigrants who are members of certain religious groups—Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians—and who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014, will have their application for citizenship processed more quickly.…
Within the turbulent terrain of the modern world, an odd and concerning confluence is emerging. Once wide and tranquil, the oceans are today conduits for three evil forces: terrorists, migrants, and narcotics. Seas have become tumultuous arenas due to this unholy union, resulting in an unparalleled global crisis. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a potent hallucinogen recognised for its mind-altering effects, is the central component of this nexus. Beyond its recreational use, LSD has unintentionally become a part of terror organisations’ strategies, giving their operations a strange twist.The Sea as a Highway for Chaos:The waters have evolved into a stage for…
Within the dynamic field of digital public infrastructure (DPI), India has become a global leader in this regard, both nationally and internationally. India, well-known for its unwavering efforts to achieve financial inclusion with the 2015 launch of the Digital India programme, is currently focusing its energies on a revolutionary change to the financial industry. Digital infrastructure is a key component of this paradigm shift and is driving India’s development in ways never seen before. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 unveiling of the Digital India programme was a precursor to India’s current digital competence. This was a calculated action to establish…