Brief: Foreign Media, Political Players in Bharat’s Elections

Bharat, a country with 1.4 billion population and over 968.8 million registered voters, is in the midst of largest democratic exercise of franchise in seven phases over two months ending on June 4. In the midst of election fury, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bellari, the mining town in the country’s southern state of Karnataka a few days back. Prime Modi made a significant statement relating to foreign propaganda in the elections to Bharat’s Parliament with upper and lower houses. A few were surprised when Modi said, “when the country is progressing rapidly, some countries and some institutions do not like it. There are many people who do not want a strong Bharat. They want the country and its government to be weak so that they can easily make profits. Since 2014, a campaign for cleanliness has been going on in the country’s power corridors. Bharat will progress as a developed nation.” Progressing to become a developed nation is logical extension of high growth trajectory in which Bharat is currently cruising. But, what stands out is Indian Prime Minister’s assertion about the country’s foes that may like to disrupt this organic progression by influencing the electoral process. In a nuanced speech, Prime Minister Modi talked about foreign powers’ false propaganda, interference and attempts at intervention in Bharat’s elections to see a weak and pliable government at helm in New Delhi. (Author Rohan Giri is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and a Content Manager at CIHS.)

Disinformation Hindus Misinformation Security World

627

Canada Unsafe for Indians & Hindus

Recent years have posed significant challenges to Canada’s reputation as a safe destination for immigrants, particularly for Indians. Nation’s appeal as a place of opportunity and inclusivity notwithstanding, reports of hate crimes, violence against Indians, Hindus and racial prejudice have increased. This radicalism and governmental biases have mounted concerns regarding safety. (Author Pummy Pandita is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Hindus

606

Multifaceted Nationalist & Revolutionary

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s ideas on Hindutva that define cultural and civilizational unity defined his struggle for Bharat’s independence Dr Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, fondly remembered as Veer Savarkar, stands as an iconic figure in Bharat’s struggle for independence from British imperialists. His life, marked by intellectual brilliance, fierce nationalism and unwavering courage, resonates beyond borders of Bharat, inspiring generations around the world. The multifaceted persona of Savarkar is tale of his journey from a young revolutionary to a visionary leader of Bharat’s freedom movement. Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur village of present-day Maharashtra, Savarkar was imbued with a spirit of nationalism from an early age. His formative years were shaped by deep sense of pride in Bharat’s cultural heritage and fervent desire to free his motherland from colonial shackles. A brilliant student, Savarkar got his early education at Shivaji Vidyalaya in Nashik, Fergusson College, Pune and later, pursued higher education in England where he got acquainted with revolutionary ideas and plight of colonized people across the globe. Academic excellence notwithstanding, activism led to his expulsion from college. But, without giving up, he persevered, securing funds to pay fines and excel in his examinations. Known for fiery speeches and patriotic ballads, Savarkar’s influence grew, prompting invitations for lectures across Maharashtra. He fostered network of Abhinav Bharat, envisioning collaboration with revolutionaries abroad. His departure to London, facilitated by Shivaji Scholarship, underscored his rising prominence, hailed as a skilled orator at youthful age of twenty-two, leaving profound mark on path to Bharat’s freedom struggle Savarkar’s return to Bharat marked beginning of his involvement in struggle against British rule. His seminal work, “The First War of Indian Independence,” challenged colonial narrative and redefined Bharat’s struggle for freedom as a unified, nationwide movement. As a prolific writer, Savarkar utilized his literary prowess to galvanize support for the cause, inspiring countless Indians to join the fight for independence. Central to Savarkar’s ideology was Hindutva which centred on cultural and civilizational unity of Indian subcontinent. This ideological position defined as Hindu nationalism is different from European view that’s more sectarian and divisive. While his advocacy for Hindu nationalism has been debated intensely, Savarkar’s vision transcended faith boundaries, envisioning an inclusive Bharat where every individual enjoyed equal rights and opportunities. Savarkar’s contributions to Bharat’s independence movement were not confined to the realm of ideas. He actively participated in revolutionary activities, organizing underground networks and mobilized support for armed resistance against British imperialists. His arrest in 1909 following Nasik Conspiracy Case where a British aligned magistrate was neutralised marked beginning of years of incarceration and hardship. Notwithstanding unimaginable torture and suffering that he was subjected to at infamous Cellular Jail in Andaman, Savarkar remained steadfast in his commitment to freedom. After prison release in 1924, Savarkar continued his efforts to advance cause of Indian nationalism. His advocacy for social reforms, educational empowerment and women’s rights underscored his progressive outlook and commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive society. Savarkar’s legacy extends far beyond his role as a freedom fighter. His writings, including “Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?” and “Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History,” continue to shape public discourse and influence political thought in contemporary Bharat. While his life remains an enigma, there is no denying that he left an indelible mark on pages of history. His visionary foresight illuminated paths yet untrodden, rendering him a figure of multifaceted brilliance. Every facet of his being, every moment of his existence, was devoted unwaveringly to the nation’s service. His intellectual prowess knew no bounds, traversing realms of poetry, biographies, dramas, rational treatises and seminal works on social reform, including the scourge of untouchability and the imperative of purification and reconversion. In his fervent crusade against colonial tyranny, he ignited flames of inspiration by igniting foreign garments, rallying the youth towards fervent patriotism. Establishing connections with revolutionaries worldwide, he brought injustices of British rule to global stage, while fearlessly addressing and rectifying social maladies within Hindu society. Simultaneously, he envisioned and advocated for the transformative role of Hindu organizations in shaping the nation’s political destiny. Savarkar’s legacy transcends time, a beacon of enlightenment and action for generations to come. Social Revolutionary Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, renowned for his advocacy on Hindutva and Hindu Rashtra, also embodied essence of a social revolutionary. Dhananjay Keer, in his biography of Ambedkar, distinguishes a social reformer and a social revolutionary, highlighting that while a reformer rebuilds existing structures, a revolutionary dismantles the old to rebuild anew. Savarkar, far from being merely a reformer, actively engaged as a social revolutionary. Scientific Temperament: Savarkar rejected dominance of religious texts in society, advocating instead for a foundation based on scientific principles. He emphasized necessity of embracing practical and scientific values over blind adherence to religious doctrines. In his essay ‘What is the Real Sanatan Dharma?’ Savarkar challenged the notion of considering religious texts as immutable truths, asserting importance of accepting truth based on empirical evidence rather than tradition. His vision encompassed a nation grounded in scientific rationality, essential for both societal progress and individual well-being. Critic on Caste & Beliefs A vocal critic of caste system, Savarkar denounced notion of caste being determined by birth, contending that one’s occupation, not lineage, should dictate caste classification. He adamantly opposed the idea of caste-based discrimination, condemning it as a hindrance to societal advancement. Savarkar attributed the perpetuation of casteism to the belief in mythological texts, rejecting their validity in shaping social hierarchies. He advocated for the abolition of caste-based discrimination and proposed practical measures to bridge caste disparities, stressing the importance of evaluating individuals based on merit, not lineage. Seven Indigenous Practices: Savarkar vehemently opposed ‘sapta-bedya’ or seven restraints imposed by tradition, advocating for their abolition to foster societal equality. He advocated for equal access to religious texts, freedom in choosing professions, eradication of untouchability, unrestricted foreign travel, religious conversion, freedom in dietary practices, and elimination of caste-based restrictions in marriage. Savarkar recognized these practices as impediments to social progress and called for their elimination to

Fact Sheet Hindus

577

Factsheet: Share of Religious Minorities – A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)

Economic Advisory Council to Indian Prime Minister has conducted an in-depth cross-country analysis on status of minorities worldwide, focusing on population shifts over 65-year time span of 1950 – 2015. This extensive survey, encompassing 167 nations revealed that in 1950, average percentage of majority religious groups was 75 percent. Over ensuing decades, this percentage saw a significant average decrease of 21.9 percent by 2015. (Author: Rohan Giri is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and Manager Operations at CIHS.)

Disinformation Hindus

541

American Paradox: Campus Protests in U.S. Universities

This unfolding scenario in U.S. campuses, casts a sobering light on the United States, a nation that brands itself as a global proponent of human rights and freedom of expression, underscoring the imperative for the U.S. to embody the principles it espouses, lest its credibility, be called into question. Rahul Pawa Nearly seven months have passed since Operation Al-Aqsa Storm—a military-grade terrorist attack carried out by sunni Islamist terror outfit Hamas and supported by four other Palestinian terrorist groups. This dreaded terrorist attack resulted in tragic deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, and more than 240 people were taken hostage into Gaza from Israel, marking it as Israel’s deadliest day since its founding in 1948. In response to the terrorist attacks, Israel vowed to annihilate Hamas, launching a series of airstrikes and subsequent ground operations inside Gaza. According to the latest reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, at least 34,596 individuals have been killed in Gaza since then. Fast forward to today, in the aftermath of the attack and Israel’s subsequent response, universities across the United States have become epicentres of heated debate, discord, and violence characterised by anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric. In the past month alone, escalating contentions at US universities have led to the arrest of over 1500 protesters across 30 U.S. campuses. This unfolding scenario casts a sobering light on the United States, a nation that brands itself as a global proponent of human rights and freedom of expression, underscoring the imperative for the U.S. to embody the principles it espouses, lest its credibility, be called into question. (Author is Director – Research at New Delhi based think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Hindus

632

Reviving Bharat’s Ancient Heritage: Martand Sun Temple of Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction : Placed amidst the lush landscapes of Jammu Kashmir, Martand Sun Temple[i] stands as a flare of Bharat’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. Dating back to the 8th century, this ancient temple, originally much larger than other prominent Sun temples like Modhera in Gujarat, Multan in Sindh, and Konark in Orissa, represents a diverse cultural influences and architectural styles. Martand, the Sanskrit word for Surya, the Sun God. The temple is located at an altitude of approximately 5400 feet above sea level and five miles from Anantnag town in the Jammu Kashmir division of the union territory of Jammu and Jammu Kashmir. In this article, we delve into the intricate details of the Martand Sun Temple, exploring its historical significance, architectural features, cultural context, and the ongoing efforts towards its preservation and restoration. Historical Significance: The 1200- years old Martand Sun Temple dedicated to Surya, holds a significant place in Bharat’s architectural and religious history. Constructed under the patronage of Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida,[ii] the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty. Situated atop a plateau, the Martand temple offers an expansive vista of the entire Jammu Kashmir Valley. The temple complex spans over 32,000[iii] square feet. Its construction reflects the cultural exchange in ancient Jammu Kashmir, highlighting the region’s rich heritage. The temple’s historical significance is further underscored by its association with Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida, a revered figure in Jammu Kashmir’s history. Lalitaditya’s contributions to the temple’s construction signify the flourishing of art, culture, and spirituality during his reign. The temple served as a centre of worship and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from far and wide. Architectural Features: The Martand Sun temple is famous for its excellent carvings, the trefoil doors and the elaborate stone columns, which reflect the architectural genius of the ancient Jammu Kashmiri craftsmen. The temple is constructed of Devri stones which may have been transported using elephants. It is believed that elephants were widely used in the region of Jammu Kashmir by the eleventh century. According to several collected works by Kalhana, the layout of the temple includes a central courtyard which houses the main shrine. The main shrine is surrounded by 84 minor temples[iv]. Among the 84 minor temples, 81 temples housed the idols of the Sun God. Three temples had the Shivalingas as well. The total length of the temple is 220 feet and the width is 142 feet. The height of the temple does not exceed 40 feet. The outlined border walls and the pillars around this abode explain the magnificence of the martand sun temple. The central region of the temple is slightly raised. There are distinct wings on each side of the entrance. The outer walls are around 90 yards in length and the front wall is about 56 yards in length. The entire arcade consists of 84 pillars. The number is considered as auspicious by Hindus. The temple is rectangular in shape and made of limestone in the traditional Aryan style. They are 6 to 8 feet in length and are being cemented with grout. The center section of the temple is 36 feet wide and 63 feet long. The sanctuary along with the choir and the nave are 18 sq ft in size[v]. The entrance of the temple is decorated with beautiful carvings of various Hindu Gods and goddesses. It looks as if every element has been carefully arranged and proportioned to create harmony and unity. The vimana, or main shrine, is around 60 feet high and is adorned with many intricately carved and sculpted carvings and statues. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with more than 400 columns which support an intricate roof structure. The strategic orientation of the temple ensures that the Sun’s rays light up the central shrine during the daytime. This architectural innovation highlights the temple’s symbolic significance as a homage to the Sun God Surya and the heavenly order. Cultural Context: The Martand Sun Temple holds immense cultural significance, serving as a site of religious worship, pilgrimage, and artistic expression. It reflects the amalgamated traditions of Jammu Kashmir, where diverse cultural influences combine to create a unique architectural heritage. The temple’s enduring legacy resonates with the spiritual and cultural ethos of the region, transcending chronological boundaries. Despite facing attempts of destruction, notably under the orders of Sikandar Butshikan [vi]to the turmoil of Jammu Kashmir’s terrorism in 1988, the temple’s traces stand as a testament to Jammu Kashmir’s resilience and cultural heritage. The temple complex continues to inspire surprise and appreciation, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness its historical significance. Preservation and Restoration Efforts: In recent years, there has been a rigorous effort to preserve and restore the glory of the Martand Sun Temple, recognising its importance as a cultural and historical landmark. The government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Jammu Kashmir[vii], in collaboration with heritage conservation organizations, has initiated various measures to safeguard the temple complex and ensure its long-term preservation. Alongside this monumental endeavour, a statue honouring Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida, who oversaw the temple’s construction, is set to grace the premises. These efforts include documentation, structural stabilisation, and conservation of the temple’s architectural elements. Additionally, plans are underway to enhance visitor amenities and promote tourism, thereby nurturing greater appreciation for Jammu Kashmir’s cultural heritage. Conclusion: The Martand Sun Temple is a symbol of Bharat’s rich heritage and architectural excellence, symbolising the spiritual and artistic ambitions of ancient Jammu Kashmir. Established in the eighth century, this architectural wonder is a combination of different cultural influences and styles, representing the diverse tradition of the region. The elaborate carvings of the temple, the trefoil doors, and the elaborate stone pillars all reflect the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Jammu Kashmiri craftsmen. The temple’s strategic orientation, designed to catch the Sun’s rays, emphasises its symbolic importance as a homage to the Sun God Surya and the cosmic order, even though it has faced many challenges and attempts to destroy it, especially under the orders of Sikandar Butshikan. Government of

Uncategorized

627

BBC Revamps, ‘Collective Newsroom’ Takes Off In Bharat

Former BBC professionals float Indian media firm, run BBC six languages news operations along with Youtube channel Rupa Jha A few colleagues and I working with the BBC in India decided to start our own venture, ��Collective Newsroom’, an independent media company. But, it was not the most obvious and easy choice. It came out of a very real and difficult situation that our employer BBC in India faced. Foreign Direct Investments in India will have to be capped at 26 per cent for digital news outfits. So far, over 99 percent of BBC India shares were owned by UK-based British Broadcasting Corporation. This meant that the BBC could not operate the way it has for so many years in India. It meant hundreds of employees in India could lose jobs and space to do independent and credible journalism. The thought itself was very demoralising. Why should I quit journalism or leave my country to do journalism. At end of the day, we wanted two things – continue to do trustworthy journalism and be in India. It became evident that this needed a very out of box thinking, courage and sense of entrepreneurship. Four of us decided to quit The BBC and launch Collective Newsroom. We got five others as shareholders. As a fully owned independent Indians owned media company, Collective newsroom secured BBC as its first client. It was a historic moment for us all and we embarked on this new venture with a clear vision to be home to India’s most credible, creative and courageous journalism. The journey to our launch that happened on April 10 this year has not been without challenges. While we had to seek answers to previously unasked questions, work imaginatively and innovatively, I am proud that working collaboratively and closely with all those journalists working in different language in India; we have reached this milestone. The level of commitment, dedication and aspiration that the staff members have shown in recent months is evident. Starting April 10, 2024, Collective Newsroom is the sole producer and publisher for BBC content in six Indian languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi. We also run BBC Youtube channel in English for Indian audiences. It’s historic for the BBC to give a third-party license to operate its platforms. Therefore, I call this as a project in trust and innovation. On personal front, it’s a huge learning curve for me. Being chief executive officer of Collective Newsroom, I’m certainly in a space which is very new, different and male dominated but what could be more exciting than breaking the glass ceiling!! The fear of unknown stops us from taking an uncharted route. Is this scary? Of course it is!! But with my team, I feel everything is possible. Do I fear? Yes, I do, but I will also overcome it. The Courage is resistance to fear and faith is a fundamental part of life and I lean on the faith that together with my team, we shall overcome. I believe we have the skills and expertise to make Collective Newsroom a standout success in the market. As we say in our mission, we will lead with facts and bring audiences diverse voices through innovative and impactful journalism in public interest. It’s a formidable offer. In a world inundated with breaking news updates, sensational and misleading headlines, Collective Newsroom is committed to authenticity, depth and empathy in storytelling. Collective Newsroom is committed to a digital-first strategy for modern newsrooms, producing superior quality stories spanning a myriad of platforms and formats, ensuring our reach are as diverse as communities that we serve. What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on going beyond the headlines. We delve deep into the heart of stories, bringing in-depth ground reports and human narratives brimming with empathy and clearly marked by fairness and impartiality. Our skilled, experienced and brave reporters go where many dare not—within India and around the world—all in pursuit of facts from the ground. Our fearless approach to storytelling ensures that we amplify voices of those often overlooked, putting humans at the centre of every narrative. Our explainers and analysis make sense of the intricate tapestry of local, national and international events and offer valued reach for a meaningful growth trajectory. We use cutting-edge technology and innovate with media to produce unique stories you are not likely to see elsewhere. The accolades we’ve garnered, national and international serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence. Yet, more than any shiny trophy, it is trust of the audience that remains our greatest honour. This trust is reflected in the fact that our client, BBC has its largest international audience in India. Such recognition is testament to our shared commitment to truth, integrity, and the power of storytelling. (Author is chief executive officer, Collective Newsroom, BBC News Indian languages)

Hindus

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Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu Philosophical Icon

The sage is tallest in Hindu thought and way of life. He propounded Advaita as a unifier through debate, conciliation, logic and reasoning! Dr Aniruddh Subhedar Each person leaves some positive or negative impact on his or her surroundings and people. In some cases, it’s negligible and a few individuals are giants that leave their imprint not only on the immediate neighbourhood but that transcends centuries and geographies. Adi Shankaracharya’s persona extends beyond being a scholar and teacher of Vedic philosophy. His impact on shaping modern Hindu thought could never be overstated. He died young at 32 and but left an undying intellectual and philosophical legacy behind. Adi Shankaracharya’s time period is uncertain as some ascribe him to the 8th century CE while others argue that he was here before CE. His influence on Hindu philosophy can be gauged by his work that speaks for itself. Adi Shankara’s philosophical influence: Most iconic and unique representation of Hindu thought today is the concept reflected in Aham Brahmasmi (I am the Brahman) or Shivoham (I am Shiva). The idea that the Supreme Being / God and Jivatama, humans are not two different entities were put forth by the iconic sage philosopher. Jivatma is just a reflection of that immortal Supreme Being. It’s the ignorance which makes Jivatma not see this reality. This philosophy of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) is one of the most revolutionary contributions of ancient Indian spiritual thought and Adi Shankaracharya was its most influential and outstanding proponents in Bharat’s spiritual journey over millennia. Vedanta is one of the six traditional schools of thought in Vedic Hinduism which can be traced to its most foundational scriptures. But, Adi Shankaracharya has been historically seen as one of the most articulate and influential teachers. The idea of “Brahma Satya Jagat Mithya” (This world is an illusion, only the Brahman / Supreme Being is the reality) is unique to Indian philosophy and it sets a person on the path to self-realization. Adi Shankaracharya preached that every mortal being is part of that immortal Supreme Being. It’s the illusion which hinders one from seeing this reality. Advaita allows a person to reach spiritual heights. This concept of self-realization is what Hindu philosophy is known for. Though, in modern times Swami Vivekananda popularized Advaita world over, Adi Shankaracharya is easily recognized as its most revered teacher. Panchayatan system of worship: Adi Shankaracharya is not known for just idealistic philosophical musings. Au contraire, he was a synthesizer of philosophy and practical knowledge. Though there are prominent orthodox schools of thought, today Hindu philosophy is majorly identified with Advaita. Similarly, in practice, Hindusim is identified with worship of many deities and related rituals. It was Adi Shankaracharya who brought order to daily worship through Panchayatan. Adi Shankaracharya preached that many diverse forms of gods are basically variations of five basic deities (who ultimately are manifestations of the Supreme Being only). The five deities being Ganesh, Adi Shakti Goddess, Shiva, Vishnu, Surya (sometimes deities defer depending on the worshiper’s ishta devata). As such, he harmonised various strands of Hinduism. Another significant facet of a devout Hindu way of life today is “Bhakti” or devotion which is different from rituals and philosophy. It is simply devoting oneself to the worship of one’s ishta devata. If Adi Shankaracharya has written commentaries on Upanishads, the pinnacle of Hindu philosophy and abstract thoughts, we also see him propounding some of the most touching works on Bhakti. In his immortal “Bhaj Govindam” one of the most formidable philosophers of India writes “सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ् करणे “, when the time of death come, rules of grammar (i.e. intellectual and philosophical discourse) won’t save you; worship the Govind, you foolish mind. In his “Bhavani Ashtakam”, Adi Shankara leaves most profound Bhakti saints behind in devotion when he says: न जानामि दानं न च ध्यानयोगं, न जानामि तन्त्रं न च स्तोत्रमन्त्रम् । न जानामि पूजां न च न्यासयोगं गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ।। (Neither do I know meditation nor Tantra, hymns, prayers, rituals, etc. You are my only refuge Oh Mother Bhavani!) Thus, in Adi Shankaracharya we find this rare combination of Gyan (Knowledge), Karmakand (Rituals) and Bhakti (pure devotion); three pillars of Hindu way of life. Living Legacy: Mathas & Ascetics Adi Shankaracharya is not only confined to books and writings but his legacy is visible in more tangible forms too. Most remarkable is the four Mathas (monasteries) he set up in far flung places like Badarinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri and Shringeri; thus covering all four corners of Bharat. He appointed Shankaracharyas in these Mathas as his successors. Till today, we find Shankaracharyas being appointed through a line of succession (That is why the name “Adi” Shankaracharya, as he was the initial Shankaracharya who established this system). It’s an established fact that Hinduism doesn’t have unitary form of saithood with one single head or priest, à la Pope. The institution of Shankaracharyas is what could be nearest to it. Hindus have sects like Shaivas, Shaktas, etc. but, majority Hindus are practicing Smartas (whether they know this term or not is immaterial) and for Smartas, Shankaracharyas are highest, most elevated and devout heads. Historically we find that they have been highly revered by Hindu States like Vijaynagar and the formidable Maratha Empires. When in a military raid, rogue elements following Maratha army looted Shringeri Matha, Peshwa was left aghast pleading Shringeri Shankaracharya for forgiveness and propitiating him by returning all the money, as it was considered ‘”Swami’s” (Lord’s) displeasure does not augur well for the empire. The institution of Shankaracharyas has survived most tumultuous times for Hindus through the era of Sultanates, Mughals and British imperial invaders. It still serves as a beacon of light and guidance. Pan-India appeal and influence of Adi Shankaracharya can be gauged by orders of Sanyasis (ascetics), most importantly the Dashnami Sect. It was Adi Shankara who either founded these sects or formulized the norms under which they function even today. The names taken by Sanyasis like

Guest Column Hindus

979

A Civilizational War Won On Hindu Terms

Arun Anand The struggle for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya lasted for about 500 years. It commenced immediately after demolition of the Ram temple by invader Babur’s forces. For Bharatiya society, Islamist Babur represented and practised a set of values that didn’t believe in co-existence. In contrast, Lord Rama personified civilizational values that reflected Hindus belief in ‘Vasudheiv Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family). The struggle for building of RamTemple at Ayodhya was a civilizational war between these two different sets of values. How Hindus fought this war and won despite all odds is a breath taking story that the world needs to know. This story has precisely been narrated in my book, “Ramjanmabhoomi: How Hindus won 500 years long civilizational war”. It’s a Suruchi Prakashan publication. This story is not about merely a temple or God. It’s more about the victory of ‘Dharma’ that is the soul of Hindu civilization and Bharat. This book encapsulates the protracted struggle as well as discusses global impact of the story of Lord Rama and the values he represented and practised. The book has used ancient scriptures, archaeological records, British colonial era and legal documents to take the readers on an epic journey that starts with birth of Lord Rama and ends with ‘pran prathista’ of Ram Lalla at his birth place in Ayodhya on January 22 this year. The book deals with key questions that have been posed on historicity of Lord Rama’s existence. It also brings to readers accounts of foreign travellers and global impact of Lord Rama’s story through Ramayana and Ramcharit-manas, the two books that have been translated into almost every language. Decades of my field experience as a hard core news professional across media platforms and reading between the lines has come handy in piecing together this exciting story of Lord Rama who’s revered by about 1.5 billion Hindus living across continents. (Arun Anand is a journalist based in New Delhi. He has worked at editorial positions in leading dailies and broadcast including The Statesman Dainik Jagran Midday IANS and TV Today. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books)

Disinformation Geopolitics Hindus Misinformation Rebuttal

555

Exposing Inaccuracies: A Sharp Critique of the US State Department’s Human Rights Report

Rohan Giri US State Department’s annual human rights report for 2023 on Bharat (India)[1] appears to have lost credibility in its assessment of human rights incidents. It’s latest edition brings forth numerous significant issues that necessitate a response. Unfortunately, the report’s depiction of Bharat’s human rights landscape suffers from a noticeable agenda, undermining its own integrity as an self appointed, global evaluative agency. The report draws on sources that are both unreliable and ambiguous, including media reports and statements from NGOs, which fail to comprehensively represent the human rights situation in Bharat. Such sources lack the depth required to understand the nuances and recognise progress in these areas. Moreover, numerous instances of factually incorrect or misleading data undermine the report’s credibility and distract from addressing legitimate human rights issues that demand serious consideration. Furthermore, the report’s methodology of aggregating data over extended periods, sometimes spanning more than five years, distorts the current state of affairs. It is perplexing why the report does not focus on the human rights conditions of a specific year, rather than a cumulative period. This approach to data aggregation skews perceptions and hinders a true understanding of the present conditions and the improvements made. These significant flaws necessitate a rigorous review and response to ensure that discussions about human rights in Bharat are based on accurate, timely, and contextual information. This rebuttal aims to correct these misconceptions, provide relevant data, and offer a nuanced perspective that accurately reflects both the ongoing challenges and the significant advancements of Bharat. While the report contains several misrepresentations. However, for the purpose of this rebuttal, we are highlighting a select few to assist the US state department in re-reflecting on its sources, information, and overall presentation. Section on Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings reported, “On July 31, media reports stated security official Chetan Singh killed his senior officer and three men who identified as Muslims on a train near Mumbai, targeting them based on their appearance.” The family members of the three men called the incident “a hate crime” and “an act of terror” based on the hate speech Singh used against the three men before he shot them. Police arrested Singh on the same day.” Report frames the incident in a way that suggests two Muslims, who unexpectedly died in this accident, were targeted because of their faith. However, conversations with those close to the situation narrate a different story. Ghanshyam Acharya, who was on duty with Chetan, provided further context in his statement to the Railway Police, recounted that shortly after their duty started, he observed ASI Meena mention that Chetan was running a fever and still had two hours of duty ahead.[2] However, the manner in which the US Human Rights Report represents the incident raises serious concerns about the accuracy of its sources and the integrity of its presentation. The same section asserts that the deaths in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and those affected by Maoist terrorism are fault of Indian security forces. Nevertheless, it is a fact that Pakistan backed terrorists and Naxal Maoist terrorists pose the most substantial threat to both the development, peace and security of the region. It is also a fact that the Indian Security forces have carried out several operations against terrorists, often suffering heavy casualties in their pursuit of protecting their motherland and its habitants. To put things into perspective, website of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was updated on March 24, 2023, with the headline “India: UN expert demands immediate end to crackdown on Kashmiri human rights defenders,”[3] in which UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor talks about those who illegally concealed their original identity, supported terrorist activities, and furthered their cause. Mary Lawlor should understand that her job is to defend rights, not crimes. Lawlor previously directed the Irish chapter of Amnesty International from 1988 to 2000.[4] In several instances , Lawlor has violated the UN code of conduct by agenda driven narrative building, especially about India, a sovereign and respectable UN member state. Furthermore, the U.S. State Human Rights Report details that ‘on October 31, the Supreme Court announced it would hear the bail plea of student and human rights activist Umar Khalid on November 22, which was then adjourned to January 2024. Khalid has been repeatedly denied bail since his 2020 arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).’ Despite international and local activists demanding Khalid’s release, citing his arbitrary detention without trial since 2020, the report fails to mention significant details. For instance, Khalid’s counsel requested seven of the fourteen adjournments during his Supreme Court hearings. Furthermore, the public prosecutor pointed out during the bail hearings that Khalid often creates narratives in the media and online. It is also noteworthy that Khalid, described in the report as a ‘student and human rights activist,’ is the son of Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, a former member of the banned terrorist group Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Khalid is accused of being a primary conspirator in the 2020 anti-Hindu Delhi riots, which resulted in significant legal charges against him. The U.S. State Department’s report, perhaps naively, seems to undermine the judiciary of a sovereign state and a key U.S. partner. Such an approach is safely viewed as a misuse of state department resources to further specific agendas, particularly concerning India. The Human Rights Report inaccurately used the killing of Canadian Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to propagate the notion that the Indian government is engaged in global repression. It notes, ‘On September 18, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government was investigating allegations linking Indian government agents to the killing of Sikh Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who had been designated as a terrorist by India and advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. The Indian government has denied any involvement. However, this portrayal overlooks significant details. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian agency involvement were made

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