Jai Shree Ram, Today, as the beautiful Ram Mandir stands tall, it marks not just the end of a wait but the beginning of a new era for India. In the year 2010, as the verdict of the Allahabad High Court on the Ram Mandir dispute was announced, I sat with my grandfather, watching a press conference that would forever be etched in our memories. The court had divided the disputed land into three parts, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India’s history. My grandfather, a man of unwavering faith, sighed and said, “Hey Ram, Kotodin Tabu te thakbe Tomake ki Mandire dekhte pabo konodin?” – (How long will you stay in a tent? Will I ever get a chance to see you in a temple?) It’s been 11 years since he passed away, ultimately his prayers and the prayers of billions had been answered. Today, Shri Ram resides in a magnificent temple, and the nation celebrates the culmination of a journey that spans centuries. As I journey through different states in recent weeks, I discern an authentic and jubilant atmosphere. There is a palpable spirit of celebration in the air. People are dancing, rejoicing, and coming together to mark this historic moment. It’s as if Diwali is being celebrated once again, and there’s a collective sense of joy and festivity. This celebration extends beyond the immediate revelry; it signifies the dawn of a new era. People are experiencing a profound sense of belonging, commitment, and patriotism. It’s a momentous occasion to celebrate, for Shri Ram is not merely a deity; he is Marayada Purusuttom, the epitome of righteousness, the personification of virtue. He transcends time as the yug purush. Today, every Indian seems to have embodied the spirit of “Ramay,” symbolizing a collective alignment with the values and virtues represented by Lord Ram. It is a moment of unity, shared joy, and a reaffirmation of our cultural and spiritual heritage. “Jai Shree Ram” is no longer just a political slogan; it is a resounding proclamation of India’s commitment. It symbolizes our collective power to correct historical blunders and the triumph of justice over time. The echoes of “Jai Shree Ram” will now resonate not just within its walls but throughout the nation, shaping the destiny of a resurgent India. “Jai Shree Ram” is no longer just a phrase; it symbolizes India’s commitment and its ability to rectify historical injustices. The journey to the Ram Mandir did not commence with the demolition of a disputed structure but dates back much earlier. It started with the Ram Rath Yatra led by Lal Krishna Advani jii, court verdicts, and the unwavering commitment of Modi Jii. These were the mediums through which Lord Ram chose to reclaim his rightful place. Today marks the end of 500 years of waiting, of sacrifices by millions, and the prayers of a billion. The rebuilding journey began with the demolition of the temple itself, and now, with the completion of the temple, it hasn’t reached its fruition yet, it will end with the establishment of Ram Rajya, after revealing the true faces behind the facade of false secularism, and this is just the starting of Indian resurgence. The significance of this moment goes beyond religion; it symbolizes unity, justice, and the restoration of a cultural heritage that endured centuries. Today, as we enter a new phase in Indian history. The historical timeline of India will now be divided into two distinct periods – Pre Ram Mandir and Post Ram Mandir. The pre-Ram Mandir era encapsulates the struggles, conquests, dynastic falls, invasions, Mughal atrocities, and British rule. Pre Ram Mandir encompasses the trials and tribulations our country faced. It encapsulates the struggles for independence and the 76-year journey of India. The post-Ram Mandir era, on the other hand, signifies a new beginning – a journey toward becoming Vishwaguru. Post Ram Mandir will narrate our story of strengthening the foundations of democracy, commitment to society, a new vision, and a robust foreign policy. It will guide us on the path of economic development and set the stage for the re-establishment of Ram Rajya – a golden age of virtue, prosperity, and righteousness. Jai Shree Ram
Urban Naxalism – Akarshak Bose
These days, social media is infatuated with a new term: “Urban Naxals.” Although the name has been in use for some time, the notion of Urban Naxalism originated with the formation of the CPI(Maoist) in 2004. It is an age-old method utilized by the Maoists to target primarily urban areas, organize a vast number of people, and provide military personnel, infrastructure, and supplies. From the beginning, the Maoists’ goal has been to topple the Indian government through a people’s war. The Indian government regards the party as a “left-wing extremist entity” and a terrorist organization. The state governments of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, among others, have formally outlawed the organization. The party vehemently backed Guerrilla Warfare methods and had several academics who would propagate the party’s ideology. As a country with a notably rich culture, majority rule method, and unity in diversity, India is far more than the Urban Naxals’ aspirations. In handling the Maoist rebellion, the Indian state combined both populist and adversary-driven approaches, which manifested in chasing the Maoist majority by submitting significant state assets to cement the security-insight basis. The Maoist philosophy also strongly opposes globalization and ‘Hinduism.’ Many people who have expressed worry about the Urbanized Naxal phenomena claim that the actions are often clandestine, making it difficult to detect and identify individuals behind this effort. This threat’s obscurity makes it much more lethal. Thousands of people have been killed as a result of left-wing extremism. However, the number of killings has gradually decreased, this does not mean that the threat posed by such extremism has been fully eliminated. Several countries have also recognized the danger that this internal struggle poses. Many have stated that the term of Urban Naxal is too broad and includes every opponent of the current regime. We believe this to be true. The Naxal ideology is a threat to democracy and the nation’s unity. One must accept that the danger exists and that India must combat it. One must assume that the threat exists and that India must do more to fight it.
Is One China policy threat to the world? – Akarshak Bose
When China annexed Tibet the entire globe was silent. Now China is breathing on India’s neck, and with each passing day the matters are turning more complicated- Dokhlam, Galwan, Tawang. China’s tendency is to frequently claiming the land of others. They are growing desperate to accuire more land by force. As the year rolled on the sovereigntyTaiwan and Hong Kong is under threat. However, the cases of Taiwan and Hong Kong are not the same. Both areas are culturally identical to China, yet they are obligated to be a part of it owing to diplomatic recognition. The dilemma for Taiwan arose when nationalist troops were forced to retreat to the island of Taiwan following a devastating loss and established their seat of government there, while the Communists formed the People’s Republic of China on the mainland a tense Communist regime with no transparency. Both sides claimed to represent all of China. China’s governing Communist Party has warned to use force if Taiwan ever formally declares independence, but it has also chosen a gentler diplomatic path over the past decade. When the lease on the New Territories of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom expired in 1997, China advocated applying the principle to Hong Kong in negotiations with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher over the future of Hong Kong. The premise is that, notwithstanding the implementation of socialism in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, which were colonies of the United Kingdom and Portugal, respectively, can keep their existing systems with a high degree of autonomy for up to 50 years after reunification. What happens beyond 2047, on the other hand, has never been made public. This is what we’re referring to. China did not keep its promises of transparency. The issue is not limited to these two places. This is also causing problems in Macau and Tibet. The Chinese government has increased repression of Christian churches around the country. These activities include the destruction of crosses, the burning of Bibles, and the closure of churches. Christians are often made to sign paperwork in which they renounce their religion. The goal is to assure the Chinese people’s devotion to the Communist Party, which is atheist, by removing any hurdles to its influence over people’s lives. Uyghurs face a major threat as well. Huge numbers of Uyghurs are being jailed and forced to “transformation via education” in Xinjiang, China’s westernmost province. Thousands of people have been imprisoned in camps encircled by razor wire, where they have been detained for weeks or even months in what opponents characterize as indoctrination, generally with no accusations. The same thing has been happening in Tibet for decades, but the world prefer to remain silent, When Potala Palace was falling and yelling for help, no one stood for them. China is constructing a fascist empire outside its boundaries, with trade and loans paving the way. Poor nations take advantage of the promise of Chinese-financed infrastructure projects. However, when some falter and the cost of Chinese finance rises, beneficiaries of this supposed help begin to question the long-term cost, and, as a result, China’s meddling in their domestic affairs rises. Consider the atrocities committed by China and Taiwan, which were refused any support from the rest of the world. China has gained the most from international policies that have exiled Taiwan to the diplomatic wilderness. Much of the world, including the United Nations, does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country. However, even in its isolation, Taiwan has not lost all of its advantages. It retains its robust economic and cultural distinctiveness. They have not submitted to China, and yet this little island is facing a massive dragon on its own. The One China Policy is a danger. Indeed, we can expect a conflict in the near future to liberate Taiwan and Hong Kong if China attempts to limit their freedom. It might be a commercial war or a biological conflict (like Covid19). The One China policy endangers not only neighboring nations, but the entire world. As a result of this ambition to capture territories and spread influence via force, the globe has witnessed numerous conflicts, yet the globe is enabling China to steal territory from its neighbor by following improper methods. If China occupies Taiwan, the US would lose control of the South China Sea, and there would be no regional power to challenge them. If China takes control of the sea, it will be a tremendous setback for world trade. If it is not controlled today, it will become a major issue in the future. Economic sanctions will be ineffective, but utter isolation will be far more effective in controlling them. Direct war would be a stupid decision, but the entire world should work together to oppose this dictatorship that resembles Hitler’s. The One China doctrine allows democracy to flourish, but it also drives democracy into authoritarianism. The entire globe will be in jeopardy.
The Period Poverty- A barrier between march to dignity. – Akarshak Bose
These days, women are challenging the boundaries and are planting flags across arenas. They are proving themselves equally competent, par with men. We are witnessing a social revolution where women are breaking stereotypes and are unveiling their “Ghunghat” just to challenge the inhuman motives that have kept them away from the mainstream for centuries. Let it be, #METOO revolution or Walk for the Pride, these days they have urged us to address the problems that were once considered to be Women’s issues. But even in this time of changing we often fail to acknowledge their progress that they gain bearing pains of Menstruation and still talking about menstruation is considered shameful and the hushness around problem seems to be so much accepted that people are chastised if they break it. Even though we talk about this we never address the problem of “Period Poverty”. Period poverty refers to the challenge that many young girls are facing in order to buy menstruation kits due to economic fragility, lack of understanding, and inadequate hygienic standards. The majority of women continue to rely on unhygienic materials as a safer option to proper menstruation kits. As a result, they are vulnerable to illnesses and the threat continues. This has emerged as a barrier between the path of those millions of young girls towards their dignity and their self esteem. Thus it is extremely important to address their stereotypical mentality. Think of those young girls at school, unable to buy proper kits, how much humiliation they face, even though there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Period Poverty has snatched right to live with dignity from them. Inadequate access to menstruation products and lack of awareness has been major impediment to progress toward menstrual equality. Menstruation has become not just a health worry, but also a financial issue for the majority of individuals. The exponential gap between rich and poor is also increasing which is also a major contributor to menstrual equality. High sanitary product prices,lack of proper information about their use, or the normalcy of quietness surrounding menstruation and associated stereotypic ignorance as a “women’s problem” are just a few factors that have exacerbated period poverty across the globe. The most major cause of period poverty is probably the menstrual taboos and misconceptions that still exist. School dropouts are ones who suffer the most severe consequences of period poverty. Due of social shame, loneliness, humiliation, and the inaccessibility of menstrual products add to it the fact that, even after all these years, menstruation products are still not affordable for many. Period poverty is also a major source of sickness and even mortality among menstruators. They are vulnerable to many deadly Diseases and infections as a result of limited access to menstruation products, lack of medical treatment, and poor menstrual hygiene. Yes, political willfulness to shatter the stereotype is needed, as is the necessity to engage in talks that go beyond the gender barrier and take into account all elements and demands of menstruators. A need to build a movement that does not discriminate any disadvantaged group especially those who are from backward classes. Those in Government must make actual, quantifiable changes, and there must be a collective effort to demolish the prejudice and make services available at affordable cost. Period poverty must not threaten the basic human right that is to live with dignity and have a self esteem. Blog by – Akarshak Bose
Budget 2022: What India Hoped for vs What India got
This was India’s second budget following the COVID-19 pandemic. With the country’s economy expected to rebound despite the pandemic’s impact, all eyes were already on the government, which was closely scrutinized for how it balanced its yearly financial plan for the following year, while the middle-class hoped-for tax relief. However, no significant tax reduction was offered. Opponents have labeled this a “Budget for the Rich.” To get the economy back on track, it was necessary to put more money in the hands of ordinary people and encourage them to spend it. People were mostly looking for tax reduction in light of the impending elections. However, the government chose the route of progress over apprehension. The budget is growth-oriented, with a focus on capital spending to stimulate economic development and job creation. Reduced surcharges on unlisted shares from 28.5 percent to 23 percent, for example, are anticipated to facilitate investor withdrawals from start-ups. To help the middle class, the budget provided in these tough times should be more flexible in terms of government expenditure. The Finance Minister’s formal declaration on the introduction of India’s Digital Currency is a much-anticipated and significant step. This reinforces the concept that India is on the cutting edge of technological adoption. A digital currency will increase transaction transparency and allow for the tracking of all money, decreasing the usage of black money and cash-based transactions. This adoption of digital money will also see MSMEs’ loan needs to be met on demand and on time in the future, but it will also maintain lenders’ asset quality in the sector intact, notwithstanding the Omicron wave increasing to the dangers. The issuance of money by the RBI will culminate in an organized manner with regulated regulation, ensuring trust. Healthcare and infrastructure were the budget’s key centerpieces, with massive expenditure earmarked for the building of motorways, waterways, transport networks, and trains. As predicted, youth and entrepreneurs were given special consideration in the budget. The ECLGS credit program assurance cover has been increased by Rs 50,000 crore, allowing stressed-out MSMEs to obtain collateral-free loans. However, the government might have focused on initiatives/spending that have a multiplier effect on the economy and should have set response to the great trend for the Indian economy while offering some immediate assistance to those who have been most hit by COVID-19. This year’s budget lacked some strong measures in this approach. Key points:- Agriculture • Wheat, paddy, Kharif, and rabi crop procurement, supporting nearly 1 crore farmers. • NABARD will support a fund with blended capital to assist agricultural and rural company starts. • 2.37 lakh crore for direct contributions towards the minimum support price. • Across the country, chemical-free, natural farming will be encouraged. • Millet Year 2022 – assistance for post-harvest value addition for millet goods • Using Kisan drones for crop evaluation and pesticide spraying • A Rs 44,000 crore project to join the Ken and Betwa rivers will benefit 9.0 lakh hectares of agricultural land. Digital currency • FM Sitharaman’s Budget 2022: Key takeaways for digital currency • RBI will launch digital rupee using blockchain technology beginning 2022/23 • Losses from the sale of virtual digital assets cannot be offset against other income • Income from virtual digital assets to be taxed at 30% • TDS of 1% would be made on the transfer of digital assets • Sending or receiving digital assets in the form of gifts would be taxed at the hands of recipients Defence • National procurement accounts for 68 percent of the capital procurement expenditure. • Defence R&D will be made available to start-ups, commercial businesses, and academics. A quarter of the R&D budget will be set aside for this purpose. • The private sector will be incentivized to design and produce military systems and equipment. Education • Based on a networked hub paradigm, an education digital university would be constructed and created in several Indian languages. • To compensate for the loss of formal education due to Covid, One Class, One • TV Channel would be increased from 12 to 200 TV Channels to provide supplemental education in all regional languages. Finance • LIC IPO – Public offering of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) expected soon • To amend bankruptcy code to expedite the resolution process • Emergency credit line ensure protection for small and medium-sized businesses to be extended to March 2023 • Budget 2022 aims to reduce the time required to wind up a company to 6 months from 2 years currently • Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act to be replaced by new legislation The government’s top goal will be energy transformation and climate action. The long-term capital gain surcharge will be restricted to 15%. Health • The National Digital Health Ecosystem will be implemented. • A national telemental health program will be established to focus on mental health. • There are 23 high-quality telemental health centers. • Women and children will benefit from integrated services provided by Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0. • Under Har Ghar, Nal se Jal, Rs. 60,000 crores have been earmarked to cover 3.8 crore homes in 2022-23. Infrastructure • A budget of Rs 480 billion has been set out for affordable housing in 2022/23. • 5G spectrum auctions will take place in 2022; contracts will be awarded to put optical fiber in rural areas, with completion expected in 2025; • An additional Rs 195 billion will be allocated for production-linked incentives for solar equipment manufacturing; • A scheme for design-led production for 5G will be included in the production-linked scheme. Taxation, Economics, and Finance • The fiscal deficit amounts to 6.9 percent of GDP. • If there is an error in their filing, taxpayers can file an amended return within two years. • Cooperative societies pay an alternative minimum tax of 18.5 percent, whereas corporations pay a tax of 15 percent. Cooperatives will now be required to pay only 15%. • Surcharges have also been decreased to 7% for cooperatives with incomes ranging from one to ten crores. •
Preventive Measure for avoiding Next Pandemic – Akarshak Bose
“The COVID-19 epidemic has tremendously disturbed regular life and business, but has also provided us with a chance to view things differently and be self-sufficient in the future to deal with such abrupt problems.” Before COVID-19, we were importing the majority of the healthcare goods that we might have created in India, but we’re now creating the majority of the items ourselves. We are no longer reliant on imports from other countries, clearing the path for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the health and other areas.
THE COVID CONSPIRACY? – Akarshak Bose
It’s been 2 years since Covid 19 has been a part of our life, challenging the human race, perhaps quite often by its variants. In 2020, the Covid hit the global economy harder. Locking down their economies, shutting down their borders proved to be a difficult choice for the developing countries.
A memoir of trip to Shimla – Tribute to Mr. Jansdell
A memoir of trip to Shimla Tribute to Mr Jansdell. I was in Chandigarh for my book-related work.
A journey untold – Akarshak Bose
a journey untold a voyage from indecisiveness to entrepreneurship
“Sharing a Common Vision”- Dr. N Kannan
Dr N Kannan Sir was sitting right in front of me on a warm sunny morning in July 26, 2019, when I first saw him.