Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s USA Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in February 2025 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the India-U.S. relationship. This visit was not only a display of high-level diplomacy but also a demonstration of both nations’ commitment to addressing contemporary challenges while harnessing emerging opportunities in multiple domains. With a focus on strategic defense, innovative technologies, economic reforms, and multilateral cooperation, the visit set the stage for a renewed and expansive partnership between the two democracies. This report outlines the key engagements, strategic dialogues, and transformative initiatives that were announced during the visit. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the discussions and agreements reached, highlighting the broad range of issues that are set to shape the future of bilateral relations.

India Hate Lab’s Flawed Report Lacks Credence

Disinformation Misinformation

486

India Hate Lab’s Flawed Report Lacks Credence

The report smacks of selective amnesia, prejudiced frameworks, overlooks rising crimes on Hindus, seeks to bring about divisiveness. India Hate Lab’s (IHL) 2024 report on Hate Speech Events claims that hate speech incidents increased significantly in the country and Hindu nationalist organizations, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were behind these crimes. A closer examination however throws up methodological flaws in the ‘agenda’ based study laced with prejudices, dubiousness of the publishing institute. The report’s inconsistent data collection, selective incident framing, turbulent agenda of IHL and its parent group, Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) have to fore.

Bharat Geopolitics

552

India, Japan, and Buddha

Dr. Jay Prakash Yadav Japan’s National Day embodies a legacy shaped by cultural wisdom and strategic foresight. Since Buddhism’s arrival from India in 552 AD, Japan has integrated its principles into governance. The history of cultural friendship between India and Japan dates to AD 552, the time when Japan was introduced to Buddhism. It was the time when Japan began to drink from the Indian spring of culture, sharing the Buddhist ideals of wisdom and compassion, faith and sacrifice, purity and enlightenment. India resulted in ushering in of a new era. Since then, Buddhism has remained the core and culmination of our friendship and will continue for generations to come. Japan drew its first constitution based on the Buddhist principles of Panchasila, Triratna- Buddha, Dharma and Sangha thus gave a humanized face to the administrative system in Japan. India and Japan have a unique relationship devoid of ideological, cultural, or geographical disagreements. It is distinct and exudes warmth from giving deeds and feelings of support for one another in difficult times. Japanese culture and thinking have been influenced by Indian culture, which has been filtered through Buddhism. This is precisely why Japanese people feel very close to India. A global vision of peace, security, and shared prosperity founded on sustainable development is now shared by Japan and India. The foundation of the two nations’ international cooperation is their shared democratic principles and dedication to pluralism, human rights, open society, and the rule of law. A wide convergence of India and Japan’s long-term political, economic, and strategic interests, aspirations, objectives, and concerns can be seen in their worldwide relationship. Japan and India see each other as partners who can and should respond to regional and global issues in a way that is consistent with their global cooperation. Thus, India’s strength, prosperity, and vibrancy are beneficial to Japan, and vice versa. It has been determined to strengthen the strategic focus of Japan-India’s global collaboration in light of the given circumstances and the state of the world. With a shared interest in and complementary roles in furthering global peace and equitable development as well as the security, stability, and prosperity of Asia, India and Japan are peace partners. In April 2005, during the then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit, it was decided that the two nations would deepen their cooperation and work toward a comprehensive and all-encompassing development of their bilateral relations, with a specific and pressing emphasis on bolstering economic ties by making the most of their economies’ potential and current complementarities. It was determined that both nations will work to establish stronger communication and cooperation in order to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia; advance democracy and development; and investigate a new framework for tighter regional cooperation in Asia. Taking advantage of and expanding upon existing strategic convergences, two nations also decided to increase collaboration in a variety of fields, including energy, disarmament, non-proliferation, security, and the environment. In the context of globalization and the growing concern over the use of military power for achieving foreign policy objectives, the importance of soft power has increased considerably, and Buddhism offers many advantages. Buddhism has international appeal and is highly conducive to spreading among all nations, cultures, and civilizations because of its core teachings, which include equality, non-violence, and its dialogical approach. Furthermore, there is no more effective soft power tool for Asian nations that share a Buddhist spirituality. Buddhism has played a significant role in Japanese culture and religion for over 1500 years, despite its foreign appearance. It is currently Japan’s soft power diplomacy’s most enduring tenet. Through several private and government agencies, Japan has been from time to time at the forefront in restoring the Buddhist relics, developing the major Buddhist pilgrim sites in various countries including India. Japan has thus rendered a great service to Buddhism and the land of its birth by rediscovering, reclaiming, and keeping alive the ‘wonder that was India. India has now woken up and is using Buddhism as the focal point of its soft-power campaign throughout Asia to highlight its strong Buddhist credentials. During the past one-decade, Indian policy-makers are making conscious efforts to utilize its allure for fostering deeper engagement with Asian countries – especially in the east and southeast, as part of its “Act East” policy. This involves not just sprucing up and showcasing Buddhist sacred sites and monuments, but also establishing people-to-people contacts and promoting cultural exchanges via tourism. (Author is Assistant professor at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of social sciences, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh and Scholar of Buddhist Studies.)

Bharat Policy Security United States USA

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USAID in India: A Subversive Influence

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in 1961 during the Cold War, ostensibly to provide humanitarian aid and foster economic development. However, over the decades, it has evolved into a tool of American geopolitical manoeuvring, often acting against the very interests of the nations it claims to help. While USAID publicly promotes democracy, economic growth, and stability, its interventions have repeatedly served as instruments of subversion, funding extremist organizations, undermining local governance structures, and advancing ideologically driven agendas that disrupt sovereign nations. While USAID has worked extensively with national governments to implement development programs, it has often bypassed official state mechanisms, choosing instead to fund non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate with limited oversight. This approach has created parallel administrative structures, leading to dependency and weakened governance in several countries. Governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have repeatedly raised concerns over USAID’s influence, with some nations outright expelling the agency due to allegations of political interference and covert destabilization efforts.

Economy

520

It’s Yagna & Sadhana

Economic Survey for 2024 – 25 pushes for deregulation and reforms as sure shot prescription for higher economic growth, resilience, employment, lower business costs amid global uncertainties. V. Anantha Nageswaran It will be over six months since the last Economic Survey when you lay your hands and cast your eyes on this document and this preface. In theory, there should not be much to write in this preface, given the short time lapse since the last Survey. In reality, there is. The world is perhaps evolving more rapidly than we realise. In the longer span of history, this is par for the course. But, we will leave that contemplation for another occasion. 2024 was a year of elections. Three big democracies went in for elections: India, America, and Indonesia. India returned the incumbent to office for a third term. The ruling party continued in Indonesia with a different leader at the helm. In America, there was a change in the presidency. The new President has been in office for less than two weeks now. The world has had an early inkling of policy changes that will affect the global movement of goods and labour. Europe faces both political and economic uncertainties. Europe’s biggest economic engine, Germany, experienced economic contraction for two successive years. Political uncertainty, too, is a factor since elections are due to be held in February this year. France has had political uncertainty due to developments in the wake of the snap elections called there. The United Kingdom had a change of government. After a long gap, the Labour Party came into office amidst fiscal pressures and a slowing economy. In general, Europe is facing competitiveness pressures amidst much higher energy costs caused, in part, by the transition towards renewable energy. To a large extent, these developments have affected the global economy. The Index of Global Economic Activity of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has been volatile since the pandemic began slowing at the end of 2023. The reopening of the Chinese economy after the Covid shutdown has not led to a spurt in economic growth rate as overcapacity and financial strains in the real estate sector have come to the fore. Due to weak aggregate demand, the economy is in deflationary mode. The absence of a significant policy stimulus to boost domestic consumption has seen excess capacity spill over into external markets. Chinese exports are thriving. China’s trade surplus in 2024 was nearly one trillion US dollars. Recent strength in the US dollar and rethinking in the Federal Reserve about the path of policy rates in America have caused emerging market currencies to weaken. Fiscal strains and low real rates relative to history have led to rapid erosion of value in some currencies compared to others. Borrowing costs for sovereigns are also rising as financial markets re-evaluate the outlook for inflation, policy rates and fiscal prudence. Several stock markets worldwide are at elevated levels and do not appear unduly concerned about economic growth and earnings uncertainties. Nor have financial stability risks fazed investors even though serious concerns are re-emerging about securitisation, leveraged loans. “The Future of European Competitiveness” Mario Draghi wrote: “The EU also benefitted from a favourable global environment. World trade burgeoned under multilateral rules. The safety of the US security umbrella freed up defence budgets to spend on other priorities. In a world of stable geopolitics, we had no reason to be concerned about rising dependencies on countries we expected to remain our friends. But the foundations on which we built are now being shaken. The previous global paradigm is fading. The era of rapid world trade growth looks to have passed, with EU companies facing both greater competition from abroad and lower access to overseas markets.” This is the global backdrop for India as it seeks to steady and sustain the growth momentum that the economy has experienced post-Covid. The passing of the era of rapid world trade growth clouds the outlook for India’s export growth because, historically, India’s export growth has been a high beta play on global export growth. This means domestic growth levers will be relatively more important than external ones in the coming years. The report on European competitiveness could easily have been written for India. Most of the challenges cited therein apply to India, except that India is an aspiring nation, and the European continent has the cushion of a higher per capita income. Europe is, by and large, ageing, but India has a more youthful demographic profile. That is an advantage, but it comes with a huge responsibility. One of the refrains in the Draghi report is the ‘China Challenge’ to European competitiveness. It is no less for India. Several commentators have recently written about the manufacturing colossus that China has become in the last six years. India faces limitations in producing critical goods at the scale and quality required to serve the infrastructure and investment needs of an aspiring economy. For instance, India has low production capacity in the solar energy sector for key components like polysilicon, ingots, and wafers. The production capacity of monocrystalline silicon ingot is expected to quintuple by 2035 from 2 GW in 2023, but it won’t be enough to meet the demand in the country. Several solar equipment manufacturers in the country significantly depend on Chinese supply chains and related services. The single-source concentration risk in several product areas exposes India to potential supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and currency risks. India’s task is cut out. It means going all out to attract, promote and facilitate further domestic and foreign investments that India needs to become a competitive and innovative economy. It will not be easy because competition for investment is not only with other emerging economies but advanced economies, too, who are determined to keep their businesses at home. Equally, investing in and strengthening domestic supply-chain capability and resilience will be the hallmarks of strategic and long-term thinking on the part of the private sector. Alternative sources of supply,

International

584

Indonesia’s India Connect

President Prabowo’s remark of having Indian DNA reignited intimate debate on the two countries centuries’ old linkages. Dr Gautam Kumar Jha Indonesian President remarked at a post-Republic Day banquet hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, “I have Indian DNA”. This one-liner by chief guest of seventy sixth Indian Republic Day has reignited debate on deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between India and Indonesia. This statement is not just symbolic but reflects centuries of shared heritage, mutual influence and ongoing collaboration that continue to shape relationship between these two vibrant nations. Bonds between India and Indonesia date back over 1600 years marked by spread of Hinduness and Buddhism through trade, migration and cultural exchange. King Samaratungga of Sailendra dynasty that ruled Mataram Kingdom and Srivijaya in eighth and ninth centuries exemplifies this connection. An archaeologist Devendra Nath Thakur, in his study, “Sanskrit Inscriptions of Indonesia” highlighted significance of Karangtengah inscription (824 CE). This inscription underscores foundational role of dharma (righteousness, duty or moral law) in society emphasizing its pervasiveness, purification and role in alleviating human suffering. The inscription articulates how benevolent kings like Samaratungga leveraged dharma to legitimize their rule and foster societal harmony. By promoting dharma, these rulers not only reinforced their authority but ensured ethical governance, contributing to longevity and prosperity of their kingdoms. This historical perspective underscores the enduring relevance of dharma in governance and societal well-being, laying a strong foundation for intimate cultural exchanges that followed. From early centuries, Hindu and Buddhist kings governed large parts of present-day Indonesia spreading Bharatiya (Indian) knowledge and traditions. This long span of exchanges left an indelible mark on Indonesian society, evident in education curriculum where 70 per cent of history taught in high secondary schools focuses on Hindu -Buddhist period and its profound influence. Such deep cultural integration makes Indonesian President’s remark on having Indian DNA both a testament to historic ties and reflection of shared heritage. Assertion by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto that he has Indian lineage is not an isolated off the cuff remark. It underscores deep historical and cultural entanglements between India and Southeast Asia. This is not just the case in Indonesia, though; genetic, cultural and migratory facts have all clearly demonstrated the universal resonance of Indian DNA throughout Europe and Western world. The Roma, who have roots in northwest India, are an acknowledged example. The Roma migrated from India about 1500 years ago, as determined by genetic research including studies published by Nature and Cell. They carry unique markers associated with their Indian ancestry. This link is further supported by linguistic and cultural continuity between Indian and Roma traditions. Genetic and intellectual exchanges between Indian and European civilizations were made straightforward by Indo-Greek experiences, especially those that occurred during Alexander’s invasion of Indian subcontinent (4th century BCE) and Greco-Bactrian and Kushan empires that followed. Archaeological proof includes combination of Indian and Greek iconography in Gandharan art. Beyond traditional migration accounts, more recent genetic research discoveries by Harvard geneticist David Reich show that Indian ancestry has made substantial contribution to global populations. These examples demonstrate how Indian DNA influenced by historical, economic and geopolitical factors has had long-lasting impact on the world highlighting importance of Subianto’s statement in a larger historical and scientific context. During his campaign, President Prabowo emphasized India’s development model, signalling a keen interest in deeper collaboration. This aligns perfectly with eagerness of both Indian and Indonesian stakeholders to elevate bilateral ties. Trade between India and Indonesia has surged beyond US $ 30 billion, reflecting robust economic engagement. In the defence sector, significant progress include negotiations for BrahMos missile system, joint military exercises and plans for joint manufacturing and maintenance of advanced fighter jets like Rafales. Strategic areas such as maritime security and training of Indonesian military personnel are also being prioritized. President Prabowo announced that high-profile Indonesian armed forces personnel will visit India in coming weeks to implement these agreements. This move not only signifies trust but measures that both nations are taking to enhance strategic partnership. Focus on traditional medicine is something to write home about. Integration of Ayurveda with Indonesia’s traditional practices, Jamu, represents a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern healthcare. The meeting on Saturday established a trusted platform for both countries to collaborate for mutual benefit, highlighting importance of preserving and promoting traditional knowledge systems in contemporary settings. India and Indonesia share a rich socio-cultural heritage with many common social traits still evident today. Indonesians are renowned for their humility and politeness, qualities that complement India’s vibrant and diverse culture. While India has made significant advancements in higher education, technology, defence, healthcare, and IT, Indonesia excels in the services sector, agro-products and natural resources, including marine biodiversity. There is substantial potential for collaboration in special research funding focused on shared heritage which can further strengthen bilateral ties. By leveraging each other’s strengths, both countries can address gaps and create a symbiotic relationship. Additionally, Indonesia’s inclusion in BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will help establish a familial platform, fostering deeper cooperation and integration within the region. Historical interactions between India and Indonesia have fostered unique blend of cultural and traditional practices. Institutions like National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) in India, established in 2000 under Ministry of Ayush play pivotal role in promoting medicinal plant conservation and sustainable use. Collaboration between Indian and Indonesian institutions can enhance the preservation and cultivation of medicinal plants, supporting both traditional medicine systems. Post-Covid-19, demand for herbal products has risen globally, driven by concerns about antibiotic resistance and safety of synthetic drugs. Both India and Indonesia are poised to capitalize on this trend by promoting traditional medicine through structured frameworks and bilateral agreements. Initiatives like India-Indonesia Bio-Resource Consortium (IIBC) focus on foundational development, advanced research and drug development, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements. Indonesian President’s remark on his Indian DNA,” encapsulates centuries of intertwined histories. From reign of King Samaratungga to contemporary strategic partnerships, relationship between these two nations is characterized by mutual respect, cultural affinity

Trump's Orders - Impact on Indians and the Diaspora

Bharat United States

471

Trump’s Orders Impact on Indians and The Diaspora

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was re-elected to the White House and took oath of office as 47th President of the United States. Without wasting any time, he signed a number of presidential orders on his first day in office to carry out the pledges he made during the campaign. These directives, while intended to address local issues, have important ramifications for populations around the world, especially Indians and the Indian diaspora. The possible effects of these orders on trade, immigration, bilateral relations, and cultural links between India and the US are examined in length in this Explainer.

Trump's Presidency is good for India and Russia, but not so for Europe and China

China United States

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Trump’s Presidency is good for India and Russia, but not so for Europe and China

N. C. Bipindra The transition in the US administration was completed on January 20 with Donald Trump taking over as the President for the second time. But his arrival at the White House has triggered anxiety worldwide, both among US allies and rivals in geopolitics. As the axiom goes, change is the only constant. Donald Trump has voiced a change in the US policy on all matters the world is concerned about. Soon after assuming office, Trump began implementing the policy directions he pushed during the presidential campaign.In the past few days, Trump has signed executive orders that could impact US ties with friends and rivals in Europe and Asia. Among his first decisions, Trump announced withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Accords on Climate Change. The U.S. has been a member of the WHO since its formation in 1948. Trump’s order said the US was leaving WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in China and due to its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO members, an indirect reference to China. The US has been the largest funder of the WHO contributing 18 percent of the overall budget, which for 2024-25 was US$6.8 billion. Trump has argued that these global initiatives have extracted more pound of flesh from the US than others, particularly castigating WHO for overtly siding with China on global health matters. These moves by Trump could cripple WHO’s capability for intervention in case of a pandemic like the Coronavirus while poorer nations would be forced to fend for themselves in such an existential crisis.The next in the line for his targeted attack could be NATO, which too has been criticised by Trump for too much financial demand it puts on the US for Europe’s security and protection. In 2024, the US provided the largest share of NATO’s funding, at 15.9 percent, approximately US$567 million. If the US withdraws funding to NATO, it could immediately dent the security of Ukraine in its war with Russia. Ukraine is a non-NATO nation yet has received huge arms support from NATO nations since the war began in February 2021. The US has provided about US$175 billion in funding for Ukraine to purchase arms from NATO nations for its war with Russia. Trump has repeatedly stated in his poll campaign that he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a day, and his plan seems to be withdrawing funding to Ukraine’s war effort and announcing that Ukraine shall not be part of NATO, a key bone of contention for Russia to inflict the war on Kyiv in “self-defense.” If Trump indeed goes ahead and pulls out of NATO funding, Volodymyr Zelensky would be the loser, and Vladimir Putin would have reasons to rejoice. However, this is a political tightrope that Trump should be willing to walk, as the public sentiment among Americans is more sympathetic towards Ukraine than Russia. Trump’s presidency impact is already visible in West Asia, where the warring Israel and Hamas in Gaza Strip have struck a ceasefire accord just hours before the transition in the US Administration. Trump has already claimed full credit for this halt in the bloody hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians. Yet, Trump is likely to favour Israel more in this conflict and has previously expressed full support for the Jews’ right to defend themselves post the October 7 attacks of 2023 by Hamas terrorists. Trump has time and again said that he would dismantle the anti-Jewish elements from US educational institutions and administration, and this doesn’t bode well for those faux supporters of Hamas terrorism and the Wokes inside the US. In the case of China, Trump is expected to pursue a hard line and there are several anti-China hawks among his supporters and administration. There are already talks of tariffs coming China’s way, and an External Revenue Service has been announced to leverage imports to find revenue for the US administration. Already Canada and Mexico are facing the brunt, with several sneaky remarks from Trump of integrating these neighbours as US territory. The trade war with China is expected to see a rise in the days to come, as so would the hate-hate relations over the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Chinese President Xi Jinping’s obsession with annexing Taiwan. In this regard, the first meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers a day after Trump took office in Washington DC is an indicator and the sentiments expressed in that meeting only buttressed that sentiment. India on the other hand would enjoy a smooth relationship post the administrative transition in the US, with some minor pinpricks such as import tariffs for Indian goods and H1-B visas for its talent pool to find employment in the high-paying market in the US. But the two nations security and defence relations are looking northward. India is as important to the US as the US is to India. Both nations can’t afford to lose sight of a common enemy in China. As they say, an enemy’s enemy is a friend. And this is truer in geopolitics today than ever. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s friendship with Trump will be a huge positive. Remember the ‘Ab ki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ at Houston in Texas in September 2019, and it will bring a positive outcome for India and the US. India and the US are partners in defending the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, and their bilateral naval exercise, Malabar, has been elevated into a Quad nations’ maritime best practices platform to achieve interoperability among their navies. The direction of their military cooperation is only expected to expand in the next four years, even as the two nations pursue joint development and production of military wares in India through agreements between their military research and development agencies apart from public and private arms companies. India specifically enjoys bipartisan support in the US Congress, with Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly supporting greater ties, calling New Delhi a natural partner of Washington DC. US Congress

Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Hindus Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

482

Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Taking inspiration from Bhagwan Ram, let’s pursue path of harmony, unity, progress and peace; reconstruction of Bharat and entire world. Dr Mohan Bhagwat The history of our Bharat is one of continuous struggle against invaders for around last one and a half thousand years. The aim of early invasions was to plunder and sometimes (like Alexander’s invasion) was for colonisation. But, attacks from West in the name of Islam only brought complete destruction and alienation of the society. To demoralise the nation, society, it was necessary to destroy their religious places, hence foreign invaders destroyed temples in India. They did this not once but multiple times. Their aim was to demoralise Bharatiya society so that they could rule over Bharat unhindered with a weakened society. The demolition of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya was also done with same intention and for same purpose. This policy of invaders was not limited to just Ayodhya or any one temple, but was a war strategy for the entire world. Indian rulers never attacked anyone, but invaders of the world have done such misdeeds by being aggressive for expansion of their kingdom. But in Bharat, it did not have the desired results, not at least as per their expectations. On the contrary, in Bharat, the faith, commitment and morale of the society never diminished, the society did not bow down, their struggle of resistance continued. Therefore, repeated attempts were made to take control of Shri Ram’s birthplace and build a temple there. There were many wars, struggles and sacrifices for him. And, the issue of Ram Janmabhoomi ingrained in the minds of Hindus. In 1857, when war plans started being made against the foreign i.e. British rule, Hindus and Muslims together expressed their readiness to fight against them and then there was a mutual exchange of ideas between them. And, at that time, a situation evolved where there would be a reconciliation on issue of banning cow slaughter and liberation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi . Bahadur Shah Zafar also guaranteed a ban on cow slaughter. As a result, entire society fought together. Bharatiya people showed bravery in that war but unfortunately this war of Independence failed. Then, Bharat did not get independence, British rule remained uninterrupted, but the struggle for Ram Temple did not stop. According to British policy of “Divide and Rule” towards Hindu-Muslims which was already in practice, gained even more prominence after 1857. To break the unity, British hanged the heroes of the struggle in Ayodhya and question of liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi remained unresolved. The struggle for Ram temple continued. After Independence in 1947, when Somnath temple was unanimously renovated, the discussion about such temples started. Similar consensus could have been considered regarding liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, but the direction of politics changed. The selfish forms of politics such as discrimination and appeasement became prevalent and hence the question remained as it is. On this issue, governments did not even consider the wishes and sentiments of Hindu society. On the contrary, they tried to destroy initiative taken by the society. The legal battle related to this, which had been going on since pre-independence, continuously carried on. The mass movement for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi began in the 1980s and continued for thirty years. In 1949, the Murty of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra appeared at the Ram Janmabhoomi. In 1986, the mandir was unlocked as per court order. In the coming period, the continuous struggle of Hindu society continued through many campaigns and kar seva. In 2010, a clear judgement of Allahabad High Court clearly came before the society. The efforts had to be sustained for final resolution of the issue at the earliest. On November 9, 2019, after 134 years of legal struggle, the Supreme Court gave a balanced decision after examining the truth and facts. The feelings and facts of both parties were also considered in this decision. This decision has been given after hearing the arguments of all parties in the court. According to this decision, a board of trustees was constituted for constructing the temple. Bhoomi pujan of the temple took place on August 5, 2020 and now, Paush Shukla Dwadashi Yugabd 5125, accordingly on January 22, 2024, installation and Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Murty of Shri Ramlala has been organised. From Dharmic point of view, Shri Ram is the most worshipped deity of majority society and the life of Shri Ramchandra is still accepted as an ideal code of conduct by entire society. Hence, now the conflict that has arisen as for and against over the dispute should be ended. The bitterness that has arisen in the meantime should also end. Enlightened people of the society must see that the dispute ends completely. Ayodhya means a city ‘where there is no war ‘, ‘a place free from conflict’. On this occasion, in the entire country, reconstruction of Ayodhya in our mind is the need of the hour and also the duty of all of us. The occasion of construction of Shri Ram mandir in Ayodhya marks reawakening of national pride. This also signifies acceptance of the vision of life behind the character of Shri Ram by modern Bharatiya society. Lord Shri Ram is to be worshiped in the temple with rituals of ‘Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam’ (leaves, flowers, fruits and water) and at the same time, by establishing image of Shri Ram in our minds, in the light of the same inculcating ideal conduct, we have to worship Shri Ram. As “Shivo Bhootva Shivam Bhajet, Ramo Bhootva Ramam Bhajet” (to worship Shiva, Be Shiva, to worship Ram, be Ram) is called true worship. If we consider from this point of view, then according to the social nature of Bharatiya culture, we need to imbibe “Matravat Pardareshu , Pardravyeshu Loshtvat. Atmavat sarvabhuteshu , yah pasyati sah panditah” (He is a wise man who sees the wives of others as his mother, the wealth of others like clod of earth and all beings as his own

Security Terrorism

453

Islamist Jihad, Threat to Humanity

Bloody attack on Charlie Hebdo a turning point in Islamist terror; Forced conversions, Muslim economic dominance, socio-cultural shifts imminent with open democratic spaces, conversations to shrink.

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