India at G 20: Rio de Janeiro Summit

India’s commitment to broader global engagement is demonstrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 18–19 sojourn to Rio de Janeiro and his proactive participation in G 20 Summit among world leaders. Modi’s participation in G 20 summit demonstrates Bharat’s commitment to multilateralism and enrolling diverse partners. His “productive” official visit to Nigeria was centred on improved relations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Indian diaspora. As India’s representative at G 20 summit, Modi shouldered the responsibilities of the country’s G20 leadership and her ambitious agenda for global transformation and inclusivity. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content manager at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi)

US Elections: Will Donald Trump deliver for Bharat?

Geopolitics United States

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US Elections: Will Donald Trump deliver for Bharat?

The 2024 US presidential election holds critical implications for global politics and economies with countries like India closely watching the outcome. This analysis compares key policy positions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris highlighting how each candidate’s potential leadership could shape Indian economy and bilateral relations. To understand dynamics at play, it’s worth revisiting narrow 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush where each candidate gained and lost modest leads throughout the race, ultimately ending in deadlock. The 2024 election is distinctly different with results reflecting a decisive shift in favour of Republicans in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Donald Trump and Republicans that emerged victorious face the daunting task of governing an increasingly divided nation. Polls indicated a tight race, yet beneath these numbers were profound shifts in American politics, some of which spotlighted key issues in Harris’s record and underscored difficulties she would have faced if she had won the White House.

Canada World

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Ottawa Falls

Justin Trudeau’s biggest blunder was to rely on ISI, CCP to tie up with anti-India Khalistani extremists; Five Eyes, US deep state purported inputs to make baseless accusations against India. “At that point it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated during foreign interference inquiry, alluding to the claims he made against India, linking ‘Indian agents’ to Khalistani Canadian terrorist Hardeep Nijjar’s death in a gang war outside the gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.

Can Labour Rebuild the Bridge with Bharat

Geopolitics International

1.05K

Can Labour Rebuild the Bridge with Bharat?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer may have to work overtime to mend Labour ways and breath fresh life into UK ties with Bharat. Prakhar Sharma Relationship between United Kingdom and Bharat has always been complex, evolving and shaped by their checkered past. Today, these ties are transforming into modern partnership. With Labour Party storming back to power under Keir Starmer, UK-India relations are entering a new phase that demands careful attention. Labour Party’s past actions and current stance on Bharat-related issues might impact these ties particularly considering growing influence of British Indian community. Labour Party on Bharat Labour Party hasn’t always been on the best terms with Bharat, especially during key moments in recent history. In 2019, under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party adopted a controversial resolution calling for “international intervention in Kashmir” and even mooted UN-led referendum. This move came right after India abrogated Article 370 which revoked special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The timing and content of the resolution were seen by many as aligning with Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and as an anti-India position. The backlash was immediate. Over 100 Indian organizations wrote to Corbyn expressing their strong disapproval. The response wasn’t just limited to letters of protest. Several British-Indian voters who had supported Labour felt betrayed and shifted to the Conservative Party in the following elections. The result? Significant losses for Labour were attributed to their stance on Kashmir. Recognizing the damage done, Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery publicly acknowledged that Kashmir resolution had offended not just India but British Indians as well. In a bid to repair relations, Lavery assured that Labour would not take sides—neither pro-India nor pro-Pakistan—on the Kashmir issue, signalling an attempt to distance the party from Corbyn’s earlier position. This promise, reported by The Guardian, was clear effort to regain the trust of British-Indian voters who felt alienated by Labour’s earlier approach. Similarly, during farmers’ protests in Bharat during 2020 – 21, Keir Starmer and some Labour MPs voiced concerns about Indian government’s handling of the situation citing human rights issues. While their concerns were claimed to be framed around human rights, it highlighted their stance on Bharat’s domestic affairs which is not acceptable for a nation like Bharat with better political stability than UK in the recent past. British Indian Community and its Political ‘voice’ Understanding the need to mend ties with British Indian community, Keir Starmer has made significant efforts to rebuild trust. His visit to Swaminarayan temple in Kingsbury where he stated that “There is no place for Hinduphobia in the UK,” was a clear attempt to reach out to the community. He also emphasized Labour’s intention to build a new strategic partnership with Bharat, marking a shift from the party’s previous positions (BBC, 2021). British Hindu community with nearly 983,000 people in England and Wales has become a significant political force (ONS, 2021). Historically seen as Labour vote bank, this community has grown more assertive in recent years, making it clear that their support is not guaranteed. The launch of ‘Hindu Manifesto’ reflects this change, aiming to bring Hindu voices into mainstream political discussions and ensure that their concerns are addressed (The Times, 2023). Future of UK-Bharat Relations With Labour Party back in power, the future of UK-Bharat relations is at a crossroads. Keir Starmer’s recent efforts to engage with the British Indian community and his commitment to a stronger partnership with Bharat are promising signs. However, it’s crucial that the Labour Party goes beyond words and takes actions that respect Bharat’s sovereignty and address concerns of the British Indian diaspora (The Times, 2021). From Bharat’s perspective, there is cautious optimism that the Labour Party will adopt a more nuanced and informed approach to bilateral relations under Starmer’s leadership. The success of UK-Bharat ties will depend on how well the Labour Party can navigate this complex relationship acknowledging the growing influence of British Indian community while fostering mutual respect and cooperation. (Author is Alumnus of London School of Economics and a doctoral scholar at University of Delhi. He works at Rishihood University)

Education Geopolitics Highlight Post Hindus Leadership USA World

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Swami Vivekananda Unpacked Dharma for Global Communities

‘Us’ versus ‘them’ is passé. The great Bharatiya sage unveiled vedic vision of entire humanity being part of the wholesome ‘Supreme’. Dr Aniruddh Subhedar Very few people know that “Juggernaut” is derived from Sanskrit word “Jagannath,” most revered Hindu god literally meaning “Lord of the world”. In early 19th century, Christian missionaries spread malicious propaganda that during popular Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath, a huge chariot crushed devotees under its wheels. Many influential people in England including William Wilberforce who is admired in Western world for his advocacy to abolish slave trade demanded an end to the so-called devilish practices. Over the years, western world got enlightened about Jagannath Rath Yatra. But, even today, English word “Juggernaut” is seen as a destructive, unstoppable force serving as living testimony to the smear campaign against Bharat’s culture and Hindu dharma. Truth behind this one word illustrates the hostile world in which Swami Vivekananda had to work at a time when Hindus were considered savages, their philosophy and traditions viewed as devilish. Amidst these hostile forces, Swami Vivekananda hoisted the banner of Bharat’s spiritualism to Western world and emerged victorious. Throughout her history, Bharat produced great sages and scholars, each one greater than the other. But, in modern times, Swami Vivekananda is seen as harbinger of sanskritik (cultural) and adhyatmik (spiritual) revolution in India. He was the pioneering monk who understood the need to spread sublime and profound philosophy of Advaita Vedanta throughout the world. Global awakening to Yoga and Vedanta is fruition of Swamiji’s pioneering efforts. World’s Parliament of Religions World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in September 1893 can be termed the first organized interfaith gathering internationally. Swami Vivekananda participated in this parliament which was held during September 11 – 27, 1893. From his first rendition on September 11 which opened with touching lines “Brothers and Sisters of America,” up to his address at the final session on September 27, Swamiji addressed the parliament six times. Each of these speeches focused on Bharatiya philosophy, universal brotherhood and need for global unity. Swamiji not only expounded on the philosophy of Vedanta but amplified teachings of Lord Buddha and their intricate relationship to Sanatan Dharma. While he criticized evangelical activities of Christian missionaries, he stressed the need for every individual to walk the path of self-realization. Quoting Lord Krishna’s words from Bhagavad Gita: “ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम्। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्या: पार्थ सर्वश:।।” (O Arjuna! In whatsoever form one seeks Me, I reach him in that form, for all mankind is but following the paths I laid down for them.) Swami Vivekananda told the world that the path to reach Supreme Being is not and cannot be monopolized by one religion. It is open to every honest seeker. Bharat’s Soul Unveiled Swamiji’s words were not just verbose discourse on philosophy for armchair intellectuals, nor were they a recounting of Bharat’s long-lost past. Rather, what Swamiji presented to the world was Bharat’s very soul. When Swamiji said, “I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites… I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation,” he was not merely recounting Bharat’s glorious past but presenting reality of Bharat that was rooted in spirituality even during most testing times of colonial oppression. This legacy continues today when Iran, the original land of Zoroastrians is suffering religious fanaticism, riots and theocracy. Zoroastrianism continues to flourish in India. It is this soul of Bharat that prompted Indian Government to offer citizenship to persecuted religious minorities in its neighbouring countries through Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Arguments and conspiracy theories floated against the all-inclusive act was from those that did not realize Bharat’s Soul. Swami Vivekananda and World Peace Swami Vivekananda’s work had lasting impact not only on people of Bharat but global communities. His teachings led to setting up Vedanta societies across United States that continue to thrive even today. Vedanta Society of New York and that of Northern California, San Francisco were centres established by Swami Vivekananda. Today, the world going through conflicts and wars may have missed an enlightened soul like Vivekananda. We see racial crimes, bigotry, wars and persecution. Religious fanaticism is raising its head in the form of Khalistani terrorism. The land of Bengal (both Bangladesh and West Bengal) has descended into religious persecution and chaos as it has strayed from the path shown by Swami Vivekananda. At the World’s Parliament of Religions, Swami Vivekananda said: “Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now”. These words of Swamiji are more relevant today than ever. For long, organizations like United Nations have attempted at maintaining global peace. But, the world tends to lapse into chaos and violence periodically. Limited success is seen by UN as its efforts are mainly aimed at political level. What Swamiji preached was the path of emancipation of every soul where every individual strives for self-realization. September 11, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech at World’s Parliament of Religions, is commemorated by his disciples and admirers as ‘Vishwa Vijay Diwas’ (the day when he conquered the world). But this conquering is not a dystopian dream of military victory and subjugation; it is a victory through message of peace. For those harbouring malice, the “Lord of the World” (Jagannath) becomes a “destructive force.” But for noble minds nurtured by Swamiji, even “conquering” loses its bloodshed and becomes an exercise in love and mutual respect. To a world that knew only the logic of “us vs. them,” Swami Vivekananda introduced the idea of “आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु”. It signifies all living entities as part of one’s self. It’s time the world revisits

Bangladesh Feature Post Hindus Human Rights Security

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Hindu Genocide Unfolding in Bangladesh

The situation in Bangladesh has reached a critical and alarming juncture, with a systematic and coordinated campaign targeting the Hindu community through acts of violence, destruction, and terror. This genocide, characterized by the deliberate annihilation of Hindu religious and cultural sites, as well as the targeted killings and displacement of individuals, poses an existential threat to the Hindu population in Bangladesh. The interim government must act with urgency and decisiveness: deploying security forces to protect vulnerable communities, ensuring justice through swift prosecution of those responsible, and initiating a comprehensive restoration of destroyed religious and cultural heritage. Moreover, the government must engage with international bodies to secure support and demonstrate a commitment to protecting all citizens, ensuring that such atrocities never occur again. Immediate action is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for the preservation of Bangladesh’s core fabric. Updated – Hindu Genocide Unfolding in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Hindus Human Rights Security

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‘Drip-Drip Genocide’ of Religious Minorities in Pakistan

Arun Anand The movement for the creation of Pakistan out of the larger landmass of India was based on the (in)famous ‘two-nation theory’ that positioned Hindu and Muslim as two irreconcilable identities, and therefore, deserving separate homelands. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the struggle for Pakistan, envisaged it as a Muslim-majority homeland but one that housed and treated equally other minorities as well. However, since the early days of the establishment of the new country, the tone was set when it declared itself as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under the 1956 constitution, barring non-Muslims from becoming President or Prime Minister. The partition of the Indian subcontinent had wreaked grotesquely inhuman carnage, killing between 1 million to 2 million people and uprooting around 15 million people on both sides of the border. Ever since then the religious minorities in Pakistan such as Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs continued to face existential threats, shrinking demographically and politically. The onslaught confronted by religious minorities in Pakistan is reflected in the distressingly marginal increase in their population since the country conducted its first census in 1951. Religious minorities, which constituted only 3.12% of West Pakistan’s total population in 1951, could only grow to 3.72% by 1998. This 1998 census put the Hindu population in Pakistan at around 2 million, however, it was shown to increase to only 3.5 million in the 2017 census, that is, in almost 20 years. In fact, a comparison between the 2017 and 2023 census figures reveals that the Hindu share of the total population declined from 1.73% to 1.60%. The Christian population in the same period was also shown to have marginally risen from 1.27% to 1.59%. The Sikhs, despite their relentless demands, are not given a separate column for documentation, and are clubbed under the category of ‘others’. Nonetheless, the NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) shows only 6,146 registered Sikhs in 2021, a gigantic downgrade from their numbers before the partition. In contrast, in India, Muslims, who are the largest minority group, registered a 4.4% increase, from 9.8% of the total population in 1951 to 14.2% in 2011. There are multiple reasons behind Pakistan’s pathetic demographic statistics. However, they can mostly be summed up in two factors- institutional discrimination and blatant impunity or even encouragement to radicalized social elements. Over the years, increased space to radical Islamist parties for political expediency or regional geopolitics has meant that the ‘Islam is in danger’ narrative that was employed to demand Pakistan has been sharpened to vilify ethnic, sectarian, and religious minorities. Attacks on minority places of worship have become routine, amid frequent reports of abductions, forced conversions, lynchings, and open calls for genocide. Among the nearly 4 million Hindus in Pakistan, around 90% live in the Sindh province. According to a report, it is estimated that around 1,000 Pakistani women and girls from religious minority groups between the ages of 12 and 25 are abducted, forcefully converted to Islam, and married to their abductors every year. This criminal practice, called a ‘human-rights catastrophe’ by the report, is most acute in the Sindh province, and although girls from all religious minorities are subjected to this brutality, it is most commonly enacted on Hindu girls. Around 20-25 Hindu girls are estimated to be kidnapped and converted in Sindh every month, which means that their already limited access to education, healthcare, and other public facilities is even more curtailed due to a prevalent fear of abduction. The police and judiciary often exempt the perpetrators who many times enjoy social influence and support for ‘scoring’ a conversion to Islam. Another major weapon that has been widely deployed in Pakistan to persecute minority groups has been the notorious blasphemy law. The blasphemy law, although in existence since colonial times when its purpose was to avert inter-religious conflict, was given an extremely harsh form under the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq who is known for institutionalizing Islamization in Pakistan. The law has been weaponized to frivolously accuse persons from minority groups, most prominently Christians, spawning a culture of vigilantism, lynchings, glorification of perpetrators, and expulsion of persecuted people from the country. Prominent political figures such as the former governor of Punjab Salman Taseer and former Federal Minister for Minorites Shahbaz Bhatti have been assassinated for opposing the law, and judges who either convict vigilantes or acquit the falsely accused have to flee the country to save their lives. The pervasive misuse of the law is illustrated by the fact that since the 1920s till 1986, only 14 cases of blasphemy had been reported under the law, whereas at least 1,472 people have been charged under the same between 1987 and 2016. Even more disturbingly, at least 70 people have been reportedly murdered over blasphemy accusations since 1990, including the Sri Lankan Christian worker Priyantha Kumara. In addition to this, attacks on minority places of worship are frequent, however, those have never been tried under the blasphemy law in Pakistan. In August 2023, the fundamentalist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik reportedly led attacks in the Jaranwala area of Faisalabad in Punjab and ended up burning 21 churches and hundreds of Christian houses, over an allegation of blasphemy. A month prior to that, the 150-year-old Mari Mata temple of Karachi was destroyed and 2 days later, dacoits attacked a Sindh temple with rocket launchers. The Pakistani state has subjected its religious minorities to structural discrimination in every sphere. From vilifying them in school textbooks, underrepresenting or tokenizing them in government bodies, to systematically promoting their persecution through fundamentalist proxies, it has forced many people from the minorities to seek refuge out of the country. In the words of Pakistan’s former minister and media advisor to the President, Farahnaz Ispahani, the state has been enacting ‘drip-drip genocide’- a form of slow genocide- against its minorities, as it seeks to ‘purify’ Pakistan which literally translates to ‘the land of the pure’. (Author is a senior journalist & columnist. He has authored more than a dozen books)

Hindus Human Rights

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Akhand Bharat: Manifestation of Spiritual Nationalism

‘Indian Nationalism’ is quite different from European or the Western Nationalism. In this context, it is important to bust this myth propagated by the colonial and Marxist historians that the rise of nationalism in India was an outcome of British rule hence it needs to follow the paradigms set by ‘Western Nationalism.’ The trajectory of Western nationalism and Indian nationalism are altogether different. Arun Anand We have been talking about Akhand Bharat i.e. an undivided India since independence. Many people, especially the youth of today’s generation, consider this concept impractical. Those who oppose this concept often ask the question whether the formation of Akhand Bharat would mean that we will join Pakistan, Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries with present India as a geographical unit? Does the idea of Akhand Bharat include only the Indian subcontinent? Where do countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, which have a deep influence of Hindu culture, find a place in the concept of Akhand Bharat? Will any other country be ready to give up its existence and merge into a unit to make Akhand Bharat a reality? Is it even possible? The answer to these questions can be given in one sentence – Akhand Bharat implies a continuous cultural flow whose root is spirituality, not materialism. Therefore, geography is secondary in the concept of Akhand Bharat. It is not necessary that all countries merge with each other. The eternal consciousness of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture has been the basis of the dharma-based life of societies and communities settled on a large part of the earth. With time, this consciousness based on eternal values got lost in many regions. Led Islamic preachers and Christian missionaries, countries were invaded, cultures were destroyed and massive conversions by force were carried out. Exploitation, racism and colonialism were the hall marks of these campaigns. In Bharat too, an attempt was made to eliminate this cultural consciousness from eight century AD onwards. Unfortunately, there was no course correction after independence. But the consciousness based on eternal values is basically spiritual in nature, so it was not possible to eliminate it. In India, with the efforts of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and many other spiritual, social and cultural organizations, there has been a re-emergence of the Bharatiya consciousness. This consciousness is still prevalent on a large part of the earth. When this consciousness emerges in a strong form in various other regions, the dream of Akhand Bharat will come true. Even if all countries are not named India or Bharat on the political map, wherever the values on which Bharatiya consciousness is based are re-established, all those territories and societies will be a part of ‘Akhand Bharat’. Indian vs Western Nationalism One of the key reasons that has led to this confusion over the concept of Akhand Bharat is the absence of understanding the Indian concept of nationalism. What ‘nationalism’ means for Indians is however vastly different from what ‘nationalism’ means for the West. The time has come for the West to look at Indian nationalism from an Indian lens and not through their own perspective which is deeply flawed because of the oppressive and colonial character of Western nationalism. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Nationalism means “loyalty and devotion to a nation; a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.” The dictionary further mentions in an additional note, “intense nationalism leads to war”. Thus, nationalism, in the Western framework, is seen as an oppressive concept that leads to wars and conflicts. While the concept of ‘nationalism’ in Bharat or what we may call, ‘Hindu nationalism’ dates back to thousands of years, it is a very recent phenomenon in the West. The western concept of ‘Nationalism’ originated from the French Revolution in 1789. If you look at the map of mid-eighteenth-century Europe, you will find that there were no ‘nation-states’ as we know them today. What we know today as Germany, Italy and Switzerland were divided into kingdoms, duchies and cantons whose rulers had their autonomous territories. Eastern and Central Europe were under autocratic monarchies within the territories of which lived diverse peoples. They did not see themselves as sharing a collective identity or a common culture. Often, they even spoke different languages and belonged to different ethnic groups. The Habsburg Empire that ruled over Austria-Hungary, for example, was a patchwork of many different regions and peoples. It included the Alpine regions — the Tyrol, Austria and the Sudetenland — as well as Bohemia, where the aristocracy was predominantly German-speaking. It also included the Italian-speaking provinces of Lombardy and Venetia. In Hungary, half of the population spoke Magyar while the other half spoke a variety of dialects. In Galicia, the aristocracy spoke Polish. Besides these three dominant groups, there also lived within the boundaries of the empire, a mass of subject peasant peoples – Bohemians and Slovaks to the north, Slovenes in Carniola, Croats to the south, and Roumans to the east in Transylvania. Such differences did not easily promote a sense of political unity. The only tie binding these diverse groups together was a common allegiance to the emperor. Noted historian David Sasson who earned his PhD under Eric Hobsbawm, one of the foremost authorities on Western nationalism, observed in his introduction to a collection of essays and lectures by Hobsbawm ‘On Nationalism’, “In Europe, nationalism was the product of the ‘dual revolutions’, the French Revolution and the British Industrial Revolution. Some, such as the historian Elie Kedourie (who defined nationalism as a political religion), suggested that the invention of nationalism could be traced back to German Enlightenment thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and Johann Gottlieb Fichte in response to Napoleon’s occupation of German territory.” John Hutchinson underlined the true character of Western nationalism in Nations and War as he wrote, “The ideology of nationalism, powerfully articulated in the French Revolution, emerged in late eighteenth-century

Leadership Policy Security

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From Turmoil to Transformation: A Tale of J&K after 370

Dr. Preeti Sharma In a recent development, the United States issued a travel advisory, underscoring the grave security threats pervading select regions of India, including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which was identified as a high-risk destination due to the specter of crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. India responded by characterizing this advisory as a routine practice among nations, thereby downplaying its significance. Notwithstanding this, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has made remarkable strides in its post-2019 journey, marked by the abrogation of its special status and reorganization into Union territories. This transformative shift has accelerated the region’s progress towards restoring peace and developmental activities, as borne out by official data indicating a significant decline in infiltration attempts. After decades of turmoil, Jammu and Kashmir is now experiencing an unprecedented era of growth, marked by improved administration, a secure environment, and an influx of tourists and investors. The substantial developments in socio-economic security, stability, and growth measures have transformed the scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, which now boasts a decline in recruitment into militancy and terror activities. As per the official records, till July 2024, J&K has completely done away with organised stone pelting and strikes, and despite a few incidents happened in last few months, there is a decline in terrorist initiated incidents, encounters, killings of security forces and civilians. The region has witnessed a remarkable voter turnout of 58.46% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the highest in 35 years, underscoring the public’s growing faith in the democratic process. The G20 meeting in Srinagar served as a testament to the UT’s gradual elevation in stability and global significance. Despite sporadic incidents of violence, the progress achieved in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be negated, as evidenced by the record tourist footfall of over one crore till June 2024. In consideration of the intermittent yet persistent reality of sporadic violence, it is imperative to acknowledge the transformative progress unfolding in the region, unobscured by the travel advisories issued by nations such as the United States, which serve as a standard precautionary measure. The remarkable strides made by Jammu and Kashmir are exemplified by the unprecedented tourist footfall of over one crore till June 2024, surpassing the previous year’s tally of two crores. This surge in tourism can be attributed to the significant improvements in law and order, coupled with the successful organization of various events, including the tourism conclave. Furthermore, Jammu and Kashmir has borne witness to a record number of scholars, academicians, journalists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds converging to engage in discourse on peace, nation-building, and institution-building, in addition to the myriad positive developments that have transpired in the aftermath of Article 370’s abrogation. These grand events, facilitated by the ‘South Asia Center for Peace and People’s Empowerment’ in collaboration with GDC Shopian, have been instrumental in revitalizing a locale that was once a hotbed of secessionist fervor and a bastion of intransigence, where the specter of anti-India sentiment once held sway, and constructive engagement was deemed anathema. In this erstwhile state, which was, until recently, a cauldron of insurrectionary zeal and a forbidden terrain for benevolent initiatives, a plethora of schemes and policies have been unveiled, inviting investments and promoting foreign investment in both small and large industrial sectors. The introduction of the new industrial policy in 2021 has been instrumental in catalyzing investments in Jammu and Kashmir, as evidenced by the record investment proposal of Rs 84,544 crores received in the industrial sector. The forward-looking investment policy of the UT has attracted large business groups, including Dubai’s Emaar Group, which has invested USD 60 million, thereby removing roadblocks and redefining politico-economic developments in the region. The burgeoning interest of domestic and foreign investors in vital sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing can be attributed to the lifting of restrictions, improved security conditions, and liberalized land policies, which have collectively shaped the state’s investment policy by attracting Foreign Direct Investment, a crucial catalyst in developing the state’s economic potential. The abrogation of Article 370 and afterwards lifting of restrictions marked a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir, heralding the dawn of a new era of economic liberation. The confluence of improved security conditions and liberalized land policies has precipitated a remarkable influx of Foreign Direct Investment, unshackling the region’s latent potential in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Through a series of visionary initiatives and policy reforms, the government is painstakingly transforming Jammu and Kashmir into an investor-friendly haven. The judicious regulation of FDI will serve as a catalyst, elevating the state’s business environment, generating employment opportunities, and enticing further investment. As the region strives for unprecedented economic growth and development, FDI will assume a pivotal role. The possibilities are endless, and the future holds boundless promise, provided that forthcoming opportunities for growth are seized with alacrity and executed with unwavering efficiency. The horizon beckons, and the sky’s the limit, as Jammu and Kashmir embarks on an odyssey of unbridled progress and prosperity. These momentous developments serve as a testament to the remarkable headway achieved in cultivating an atmosphere of enduring peace, stability, and security for the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, this auspicious trajectory shall persist in charting a course of unbridled progress, kindling a radiant beacon of democratic principles, and thereby ushering in an epoch of unparalleled advancement and felicity. Notwithstanding the remarkable socio-economic advancements witnessed in the region, the recent terrorist attacks constitute an incontrovertible reality, having surfaced in novel areas of Jammu, hitherto unscathed by the decades-long terrorist insurgency that has plagued Kashmir. These attacks possess far-reaching implications and underlying motivations, including the strategic recalibration of Pakistan-based terrorist groups in the aftermath of the revocation of Article 370. These groups have redirected their focus from the heavily fortified Kashmir Valley to the relatively vulnerable Jammu region, exploiting its vast and rugged terrain to infiltrate armed militants across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). These militants often assume the guise of civilians, procuring weapons from

American Indian Movement - Confronting Injustice and Oppression of Native Americans

World

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American Indian Movement: Confronting Injustice and Oppression of Native Americans

In July 28, 1968, a revolutionary American Indian Movement was founded that struggled for the rights and dignity of Native Americans, often known as American Indians. It was a response to the community’s severe institutional and cultural oppression. To eradicate the native community’s culture and identity, along with atrocities, there were several treaty violations, forced relocation from native land, and the implementation of hazardous laws. The primary priorities of the movement were defending land rights, restoring sovereignty, and ensuring the continuation and prosperity along with the pervasive marginalization and disenfranchisement, as well as their frequent experiences with poverty, poor healthcare, and education. The social and economic underpinnings of native societies were undermined by the loss of ancestral lands and the extraction of natural resources from those regions.

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