Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Sunday, 2 November 2025, described Sanatana Dharma as the “soul of Bharat” and said it is “all-inclusive,” embracing even those who criticise it. He was speaking at the Mani Vizha, the 60th birth anniversary celebrations of Dharmapuram Adheenam’s 27th pontiff, Srilasri Kailai Masilamani Desiga Gnanasambanda Paramachariya Swamigal held at Dharmapuram Adheenam Arts College in Mayiladuthurai.

“Sanatana means eternal and indestructible. It is all-inclusive. It does not leave out anyone. Even those who do not believe, even those who call Sanatana dengue or malaria, we treat them as ours, because Sanatana cannot exclude them,” the Governor said, referring to a past political comment by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin that had drawn nationwide criticism.

Ravi said Sanatana Dharma, which he called “the soul of Bharat,” treats the entire country as one family. He added that India’s civilisational strength lies in its spiritual inclusivity, a value that institutions like the Dharmapuram Adheenam have preserved for centuries.

He praised the Adheenam for its contribution to Tamil heritage, spirituality, and education, noting that it had “served through the worst of times.” Reflecting on the colonial period, Ravi said the British sought to “destroy our culture, our identity, and our language,” but institutions like the Adheenam “preserved and promoted Tamil.”

The Governor recalled how British officials had dismissed Tamil as a “vernacular” or “dialect of the slaves.” Referring to one such episode involving British official J.C. Rollo Eso, who claimed Tamil was unfit for science or philosophy, Ravi said Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi had written a powerful rebuttal in The Hindu, asserting Tamil’s intellectual and scientific depth.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to promote the Tamil language, recalling the installation of the Sengol presented by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam during India’s Independence in the new Parliament building. “The way Narendra Modi has promoted Tamil, I don’t think anyone who claims to serve the language has done even 10% of what he has achieved,” he said, describing Modi as a “great lover of the Tamil language.”

Emphasising the Adheenam’s contribution to education and social welfare, Ravi noted that it runs more than 50 educational institutions and medical centres. “By 2047, Bharat must become a fully developed, self-reliant nation and also a Vishwa Guru and Vishwa Vidya. Aadheenams must play a greater role in this mission,” he said.

During the event, the Governor distributed assistive devices to people with disabilities on behalf of the Adheenam. Other speakers included Kunnakudi Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Seer 27th Gurumaha Sannithanam Kunnakudi Ponnambala Adigalar and former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan.

Ravi also presented translated copies of books released by the Adheenam to the guests, concluding his address by commending the Adheenam for continuing to guide society spiritually while strengthening the nation’s cultural fabric.

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post “Even Those Who Call Sanatana As Dengue Or Malaria, We Treat Them As Ours”: TN Governor RN Ravi Says appeared first on The Commune.

The NCERT has undergone a complete transformation, stripping away the long-standing Western-centric, Marxist lens and infusing the curriculum with a more rooted Indian perspective. The new approach highlights India’s own civilizational ethos, includes relatable real-life examples, and connects students across all regions and cultures of Bharat. Gone are the outdated Marxist frameworks that often painted India as a mere subject of Western analysis. Instead, the curriculum now reflects indigenous values and historical depth. This sweeping reform feels nothing short of a cultural goldmine rich in tone, grounded in heritage, and far more relevant to students today.

Here are a few standout examples from the revised NCERT Class 6 Social Science book textbooks :

Establishing The Civilizational Identity Of India

This chapter offers students a rooted and authentic introduction to how ancient Indians named their land. It begins with the Rig Veda, the oldest known Indian text, which refers to the northwestern region of the subcontinent as Sapta Sindhava — meaning the “Land of the Seven Rivers.” The term ‘Sindhu’, from which ‘Sindhava’ is derived, referred to the Indus River or rivers in general.

The chapter further explores how the Mahābhārata, one of India’s greatest epics, mentions several ancient regions that correspond to present-day locations — such as Kāshmira (Kashmir), Kuru (Haryana), Vanga (Bengal), Prāgjyotiṣha (Assam), Kaccha (Kutch), and Kerala, showing how deep-rooted and ancient India’s regional identities are.

Importantly, the chapter references names for the entire subcontinent such as ‘Bhāratavarṣa’ and ‘Jambudvīpa’, both found in texts like the Mahābhārata and Vishnu Purāna. Bhāratavarṣa is explained as “the country of the Bharatas,” with Bharata being a prominent Vedic tribe and later a royal lineage. The term Jambudvīpa referred to a larger geographical concept within ancient Indian cosmology.

Ancient Scientific Wisdom:
Chapter 1, titled Locating Places on Earth, opens with a striking quote from Aryabhata (circa 500 CE), who described the Earth as spherical and situated in space. It’s inspiring to see such early scientific thought take center stage in the curriculum.

It quotes, “The globe of the Earth stands in space, made up of water, earth, fire and air and is spherical…. It is surrounded by all creatures, terrestrial as well as aquatic. – Aryabhața (about 500 CE).”

Environmental Awareness In Ancient Texts:

Chapter 3 begins with a verse from the Atharva Veda, which clearly articulates ancient Indian concern for nature and climate. It’s a compelling reminder that environmental consciousness isn’t a recent or Western concept it has deep roots in Indian civilization.

The quote reads, “Free from the burden of human beings, may the Earth with many heights, slopes and great plains, bearing plants endowed with varied powers, spread out for us and show us her riches!… The Earth is my mother and I am her child. Atharva Veda, Bhūmi Sūkta (‘Hymn to the Earth’)”

India’s Prime Meridian – Madhya Rekha:
A fascinating insight from the “Don’t Miss Out” section reveals that India had its own central meridian, known as Madhya Rekha, which passed through Ujjain. This city was a historic hub for astronomy, home to scholars like Varāhamihira 1,500 years ago. Such details are rarely highlighted in mainstream education, making their inclusion here a powerful move to reconnect students with India’s scientific legacy.

“What North? What South? It’s all Bharat”:
The curriculum promotes a unified cultural identity that transcends regional divisions, reinforcing the idea of one civilizational Bharat. This slaps the divisive propagandist.

The book reads, A few centuries later, ‘Bhārata’ became the name generally used for the Indian Subcontinent. For instance, in an ancient text called the Vishnu Purāņa, we read: uttaram yat samudrasya himādreścaiva dakşiņam varşam tad bhāratam nāma … “The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bhārata.” This name, ‘Bhārata’ remains in use even today. In north India, it is generally written as ‘Bharat’, while in south India, it is often ‘Bharatam’.”

Understanding The Name “India”:
The term ‘India’ has Persian and Greek roots, originating from the Sanskrit word Sindhu (Indus River). The Persians pronounced it as ‘Hindu,’ and eventually the Greeks adapted it to ‘Indos.’ Meanwhile, traditional names like Bharat, Aryavarta, and Sapta Sindhu reflect indigenous continuity.

Highlighting Indigenous Scholars:
The work of archaeologist B.B. Lal and research into the Indus-Sarasvati civilization showcase how scholarship rooted in Indian soil brings a deeper, more authentic narrative. This marks a shift from earlier histories written through colonial or detached academic lenses, moving towards what many see as true civilizational justice.

The book reads, “The most ancient civilisation of India, known variously as the Harappan, Indus or Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, was indeed remarkable in many ways. … [It showed how] a well-balanced community lives – in which the differences between the rich and the poor are not glaring…. In essence, the Harappan societal scenario was not that of ‘exploitation’, but of mutual ‘accommodation’. – B.B. Lal”

Tamil Nadu’s Civilizational Connection:
One example speaks volumes: Irula tribals in Tamil Nadu have preserved the story of the Pandavas through stone carvings. This contradicts narratives that claim Tamil Nadu is culturally disconnected from the rest of India. The real question arises who is truly disconnected from India’s heritage? The tribals who preserve it, or the Dravidianists who deny it?

Quoting Thiruvalluvar On Family Ethics:
Referencing the Tamil sage Thiruvalluvar, renowned for the Tirukkural, adds depth and inclusivity. His writings on family values, governance, and ethics are timeless and deeply relevant.

The book quotes, “Love and dharma are the flower and fruit of family life. -Tiruvalluvar”

Democracy and Epics:
The Mahabharata is cited in the chapter on grassroots democracy an excellent way to illustrate political thought emerging from ancient Indian texts. Beyond highlighting Bharat’s civilizational identity, the new NCERT textbooks also embrace global voices—such as that of Rigoberta Menchú Tum, a K’iche’ Maya activist from Guatemala, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and advocate for human rights and gender equality. Her inclusion reflects a spirit of global solidarity, inclusivity, and the shared values of justice and equality across cultures.

In the “Grassroots Democracy – Part 1 Governance CHAPTER 10” it quotes, “rājānam dharmagoptāram dharmo rakshati rakshitah” “The ruler protects dharma and dharma protects those who protect it.” The Mahābhārata. 

“There is no peace without justice; no justice without equality; no equality without development; no democracy without respect to the identity and dignity of cultures and peoples.” Rigoberta Menchú Tum”

Representation Rooted In Reality:

Instead of glorifying distant figures with questionable legacies, the textbooks now feature real-life Indian icons. For example, Dnyaneshwar Kamble, a transgender person serving as a elected sarpanch in Maharashtra, and Vandana Bahadur Maida, a tribal woman who became a sarpanch in Madhya Pradesh, represent genuine inclusion.

Learning About Governance & Development:
The role of central government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is explained clearly. It’s shown not just as road building, but as vital infrastructure connecting remote villages to schools, hospitals, and markets.

Spotlight On Chanakya’s Arthashastra:
The ancient treatise by Chanakya is now rightly highlighted, showcasing India’s deep history of political science, economics, and administrative systems—long before colonial governance models emerged.

Cultural Authenticity In Representation:
Visual depictions challenge stereotypes: women in sarees working professionally, showing that traditional attire doesn’t imply backwardness. It’s a subtle yet powerful correction to outdated portrayals.

A Shift In Economic Perspective:
The economics chapter no longer demonizes wealth creation through a Marxist lens. Instead, it quotes Kautilya’s Arthashastra: “The root of prosperity is economic activity.” It encourages students to see economic growth as vital to dignity and opportunity, not as inherently exploitative.

Celebrating Regional Contributions:
In a nod to inclusivity, brands like Nandini (Karnataka), Aavin and Kevi (Tamil Nadu), and a detailed lesson on Amul are featured along with the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Gujarat’s contribution. It’s a well-rounded narrative that honors India’s diversity.

No Woke BS

The chapter titled “Family and Community” (Chapter 9) opens with a quote by Tiruvalluvar, setting the tone with a civilizational lens:

“Love and dharma are the flower and fruit of family life.”

This in itself is a bold departure from Westernized frameworks that often sideline dharma and traditional values.

The text emphasizes the family as the most ancient and fundamental unit of Indian society, not just a social construct but a civilizational pillar.

It distinguishes between joint families and nuclear families, with a clear inclination towards valuing the joint family system, which reflects India’s deep-rooted intergenerational bonds and responsibilities. A traditional joint family is shown sitting together — grandparents, parents, and children.

Left’s Oppressor Vs Oppressed Caste Propaganda Dismantled

The textbook offers a balanced, decolonized view of the Jāti and Varṇa systems, portraying them not as tools of oppression but as frameworks for social harmony and functional specialization. It explains how Jāti evolved around hereditary occupations—such as agriculture, metallurgy, or crafts—where skills were passed down through generations, forming tight-knit, culturally rich communities. The Varṇa system, rooted in Vedic texts, categorized society based on duty and role, not hierarchy—Brahmins for knowledge, Kshatriyas for protection, Vaishyas for trade, and Shudras for service. Unlike the usual Marxist lens of oppressor vs. oppressed, this chapter highlights how these groups complemented each other in a cooperative civilizational order, offering students a truthful and dignified understanding of India’s social structure.

Calling Out Islamist Rulers For Who They Really Were

The revised NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook offers a more candid account of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule, highlighting numerous examples of religious intolerance and violence—a significant shift from previous editions. It portrays Babur as a fierce and merciless invader who massacred entire populations, erected “towers of skulls,” and enslaved women and children, despite also being described as intellectually curious. Akbar’s reign is characterized as a mixture of cruelty and religious accommodation, referencing his brutal massacre of 30,000 civilians during the siege of Chittorgarh and the destruction of temples, even while later promoting a more inclusive approach. Aurangzeb, meanwhile, is shown as motivated by both political and personal religious reasons, issuing edicts to demolish temples, including those at Banaras, Mathura, and Somnath, along with Jain and Sikh places of worship.

The book also details how Alauddin Khilji’s general, Malik Kafur, targeted major Hindu centers such as Srirangam, Chidambaram, Madurai, and potentially Rameswaram. It acknowledges that temple destruction during the Sultanate era stemmed from both loot and iconoclastic zeal. The imposition of jiziya on non-Muslims is also portrayed more critically—described as a means of public degradation and a push toward conversion to Islam. This starkly contrasts with older NCERT narratives, which largely omitted or downplayed these violent episodes, focusing instead on administrative achievements and general political transitions.

A Cultural Cartography Of Bharat

Finally, a particularly noteworthy addition appears in the Class 7 Geography textbook, where India’s deep-rooted religious and spiritual heritage is meaningfully represented. The textbook features a map highlighting sacred sites such as the Shakti Peethas, Jyotirlingas, Char Dhams, Kumbh Mela locations, as well as important Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain pilgrimage centers. This is a significant shift from the earlier trend where Marxist historians, influenced by colonial frameworks, often downplayed or reinterpreted India’s native traditions, sometimes even hijacking Indian cultural traits to credit external Abrahamic influences. In contrast, this map offers students a clear and respectful representation of India’s own civilizational and spiritual geography.

In summary, the revised NCERT textbooks offer a much-needed reset anchored in India’s own history, knowledge systems, and lived experiences. By replacing outdated colonial and Marxist narratives with content that’s culturally authentic and intellectually enriching, this shift truly represents a refreshing and long-overdue change.

(This article is based on an X Thread By Aaraadhya Saxena and Star Boy Tarun)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post The New NCERT Textbooks Are Lit: Bound To Make Leftislamaodravidianists Squirm And Our Kids Finally Proud Of Their Civilizational Heritage, A Look At Some Of The Key Changes Introduced appeared first on The Commune.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, on 11 February 2025, opposed the simultaneous interpretation of Lok Sabha proceedings in Sanskrit, arguing that it was unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money. He linked the move to RSS ideology and questioned the relevance of Sanskrit as a communicative language.

During Question Hour, Maran cited the 2011 Census, which recorded only 73,000 Sanskrit speakers, and emphasized that while he supported interpretation in official state languages, he objected to Sanskrit being included. He said, “Sir, you are giving translation, which is most welcome, for the languages, which are the state languages, official state languages, can you tell me which state official language is Sanskrit? Why are we wasting taxpayers’ money with this language, which is not even communicable, nobody communicates with it in any of the states in India, nobody speaks with it. The population survey in 2011 said only 73000 people are supposed to be speaking. Sir, when there is data, why should the taxpayers’ money be wasted because of your RSS ideologies?”

While he received belt treatment from the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla who schooled him that he was living in Bharat where Sanskrit is one of the official languages and is recognised by the House. Om Birla asserted that Sanskrit has been India’s primary language. Birla clarified that interpretation services were being provided in multiple languages, not just Sanskrit, and later announced the inclusion of six more languages—Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Sanskrit, and Urdu—for simultaneous interpretation in Parliament.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran: Why are you wasting taxpayers' money on translating debates into Sanskrit?

Speaker Om Birla responds : In which country are you living? Debates are translated in 22 languages but you have problem with Sanskrit, with Hindi. It will be translated pic.twitter.com/q3CFXORsWM

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) February 11, 2025

However, it is noteworthy that Maran exposed his ignorance when he claimed that only 73000 people in India spoke the language. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have designated Sanskrit as official languages of the state. In 2010, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to designate Sanskrit as its second official language. In 2019, Himachal Pradesh followed as the second state to grant Sanskrit the same status.

Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh both have Sanskrit as their second official language. https://t.co/lwpvhXO17v

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) February 12, 2025

Additionally, Wikipedia says that there are 2,360,821 total speakers of Sanskrit in India, as of 2011. So, on both fronts – be it numbers or assuming that no one speaks it or its official status, Dayanidhi Maran has made a fool of himself by just opening his mouth over a non-issue and creating an illusion that he is fighting for judicious use of taxpayers’ money!

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post 2 States In India Have Sanskrit As Official Language But Dravidian Model DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran Exposes His Ignorance appeared first on The Commune.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran on 11 February 2025 opposed the simultaneous interpretation of Lok Sabha proceedings in Sanskrit, arguing that it was unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money. He linked the move to RSS ideology and questioned the relevance of Sanskrit as a communicative language.

During Question Hour, Maran cited the 2011 Census, which recorded only 73,000 Sanskrit speakers, and emphasized that while he supported interpretation in official state languages, he objected to Sanskrit being included. He said, “Sir, you are giving translation which is most welcome, for the languages, which are the state languages, official state languages, can you tell me which state official language is Sanskrit? Why are we wasting tax payers’ money with this language which is not even communicable, nobody communicates with it in any of the states in India, nobody speaks with it. The population survey in 2011 said only 73000 people are supposed to be speaking. Sir, when there is data, why should the tax payers’ money be wasted because of your RSS ideologies?”

His remarks drew a strong response from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who defended the decision, asserting that Sanskrit has been India’s primary language. Birla clarified that interpretation services were being provided in multiple languages, not just Sanskrit, and later announced the inclusion of six more languages—Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Sanskrit, and Urdu—for simultaneous interpretation in Parliament.

As DMK MPs protested the move, Birla questioned Maran’s objection. Om Birla replied, “Respected member, which country are you living in? This is Bharat, and its primary language has been Sanskrit. That is why we interpreted in 22 recognized languages in Parliament. Not just in Sanskrit. Why do you have a problem with Sanskrit? You have a problem with Hindi and Sanskrit. There are 22 languages in the country that are recognised in the Parliament and simultaneous interpretations will take place in the 22 languages and the simultaneous interpretation will take place in Hindi as well as Sanskrit.”

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran: Why are you wasting taxpayers’ money on translating debates into Sanskrit?

Speaker Om Birla responds : In which country are you living? Debates are translated in 22 languages but you have problem with Sanskrit, with Hindi. It will be translated pic.twitter.com/q3CFXORsWM

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) February 11, 2025

(With inputs from India Today)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post “In Which Country Are You Living? This Is Bharat!”: Lok Sabha Speaker Gives Belt Treatment To DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran For Asking “Why Waste Taxpayer’s Money On Translating To Sanskrit” appeared first on The Commune.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that the country is realising the vision Atmanirbhar Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sonowal attended the meeting on the Final Master Plan of Dibrugarh – Vision 2045 – by the Dibrugarh Development Authority (DDA) here today.

He said on the occasion: “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is moving swiftly towards realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. Dibrugarh, rich with tremendous potential for economic development, is also working towards becoming a modern, self-sufficient and sustainable urban centre of growth with elevated quality of living.” He said that that Dibrugarh has a rich legacy, it has a rich history, one that needs to be taken into account while we move ahead to reclaim it and build it on the premises of sustainable development. In the future, the premises of the city are likely to reach 391 square kilometres, which will also include water bodies, including rivers.

“Our planning should be meticulous to the point that such gifts of mother nature is respected as we must take all possible steps to protect the environment. The master plan of Dibrugarh should take this aspect into account while working out solutions to ensure sustainable development,” he added. Sonowal stated: “Our city is a beautiful urban dwelling and we must take measures to arrest any possibility of artificial flooding. It is most important that scientific measures must be applied for swift disbursal of any flooding.”

He added that the mother nature has blessed us with a natural bounty and we must take steps to preserve it for our future generations. “Many steps initiated by the Modi government like ‘Waste to Wealth’ or ‘Waste to Energy’ must be roped in to nip the pollution in the bud,” he said. He further said, “Our effort, through this meeting here today, is an attempt to build an argument for a greener, healthier and happier Dibrugarh.”

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post India Realising Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appeared first on The Commune.

Union Minister for Electronics, IT, and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said the country’s AI mission is advancing with strong collaborations among industry, government, and academia.

In a post on X, Vaishnaw said he met Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Dr Yann LeCun and discussed the country’s potential in AI and skilling the youth. “Met @ylecun of Meta to discuss Bharat’s AI potential. Our AI mission is advancing with strong collaborations among industry, government, and academia: GenAI Centre of Excellence (CoE) with IIT Jodhpur and Meta, and YuvAI Skilling with AICTE and Meta to train 1,00,000 students on LLM (large language models),” the minister said.

LeCun said it was “a pleasure discussing the important role Bharat plays today and can play tomorrow in the ecosystem of AI open platforms”. On Friday, Meta announced a strategic collaboration with IndiaAI at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), including the establishment of the Center for Generative AI called ‘Shrijan’ at IIT Jodhpur and the launch of the “AI for Skilling and Capacity Building” initiative, in partnership with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Meta has committed to investing up to Rs 7.5 crore over the next three years to ensure the successful establishment and operation of the centre.

Additional Secretary, MeitY, Abhishek Singh, said the government is supporting the vision of AI innovation, skilling and technological advancement to drive inclusive growth under the ‘IndiaAI’ initiative. “By fostering a culture of open-source innovation in AI, advancing research and skill development in emerging technologies, we are bridging the talent gap and ensuring that our youth are equipped to lead in the AI revolution, ultimately securing India’s position as a global leader in responsible development and contributing to a robust AI ecosystem,” said Singh. According to Meta India’s Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Shivnath Thukral, they are committed to nurturing an ecosystem where indigenous solutions can flourish.

–IANS

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Bharat AI Mission Advancing With Strong Ties Among Industry, Government: Ashwini Vaishnaw appeared first on The Commune.

This article challenges the detractors of RSS who have been abusing it for decades as chauvinist and anti-Muslim. By confronting them with the unchallengeable truth about the RSS philosophy which they either don’t know or they conceal.

The context is self-evident. The RSS just entered its Centenary year on Vijay Dasami Day on 12 October 2024. As an RSS insider and as one in public life for 5 decades without accepting any position I owe a duty to tell the public about what the RSS is.

My extensive experience across diverse and seemingly disconnected fields—ranging from religion and spirituality to law, journalism, economics, politics, anthropology, academics, and geopolitics—over the past five decades allows me to view the RSS both from within and from an external perspective. The RSS is the culmination of a century of tireless dedication, shaped by the silent sacrifice of thousands of pracharaks and lakhs of swayamsevaks who have devoted their entire lives, often without recognition, to realizing Swami Vivekananda’s vision of “man-making and nation-building.”

But RSS’ adversaries trash its concept of Hindu nationalism as narrow, anti-Muslim. But if I prove RSS’s Hindu nationalism was not its innovation, but it has adopted it from Swami Vivekananda and Maharishi Aurobindo, will they call them anti Muslim?

If I prove that Hindu nationalism preached by Swami Vivekananda was expressly accepted by Nehru what will the adversaries of RSS say? Will they say that Nehru who endorsed a narrow, anti Muslim idea was as bad as RSS?

If I prove Mahatma Gandhi held the same view as the RSS that India’s unity lies in Hinduism and minorities must be assimilated into national mainstream, will the RSS baiters say Gandhi was Hindu chauvinist and communal?

If I prove that the Supreme Court has ruled that Hindutva which is the foundation of Hindu nationalism constituted the national ethos, way of life and culture of Bharat, will the detractors of RSS say the highest court is wrong?

Here is the irrefutable proof that Swami Vivekananda and Maharishi Aurobindo swore by Hindu Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi swore by Hinduism as the basis of India’s unity and nationhood, Nehru accepted Hindu nationalism and Supreme Court endorsed Hindutva.

“Swami Vivekananda very eloquently, forcefully preached the gospel of nationalism. His nationalism was Hindu nationalism, it had its roots in the Hindu religion, culture. This was not in any way anti-Muslim or anti-anyone else.” Who said this?
Pandit Nehru.

Pandit Nehru did not just say off the cuff media response or extempore speech. He consciously wrote it in his most famous book Glimpses of World History [p. 437]. He must have edited the draft many times before it was printed. He said more.

“It (is) not easy…to draw a line between Hindu nationalism and true nationalism. The two overlap as India is the only home of Hindus, they form a majority there.” This is what Nehru wrote again in Glimpses of World History [p720]

Nehru unequivocally accepted Hindu nationalism in 1935. He again wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine US in January 1937 “Indian background and unity is essentially cultural; not religious in the narrow sense of the word”.

In 1935, Nehru acknowledged Hindu nationalism, and by 1937, he recognized culture as the foundation of Bharat’s unity. However, the RSS had already embraced both principles as its core philosophy in 1925. Nehru’s father, Motilal Nehru, had praised Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, and Nehru himself later endorsed Vivekananda’s Hindu nationalism, which had been “eloquently and forcefully preached” half a century earlier. Nehru’s belief in culture, rather than narrow religious identity, as the basis of India’s unity came a full decade after the RSS had integrated these ideals.

Congress party [usurper of the original Congress brand], secular parties, intellectuals, journalists and Rahul, who swears by Nehru might not have read his writings. If Rahul reads this article can he deny Nehru owned Hindu nationalism? If Nehru did, can he disown Nehru?

S. Gurumurthy is the Editor Of Tamil political weekly magazine Thuglak.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post The Irrefutable Truth About RSS appeared first on The Commune.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the completion of ten years of the ‘Make In India‘ initiative and said that the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians was transforming the nation into a manufacturing and innovation powerhouse. In a blog on the milestones and landmarks achieved under the flagship scheme, PM Modi wrote: “The impact of Make in India shows that Bharat is unstoppable.”

PM Modi said today was a moment to salute the country’s vast talent pool for making the initiative a roaring success. “Each of you is a pioneer, visionary and innovator whose tireless efforts have fuelled the success of Make in India and thereby made our nation the focus of global attention as well as curiosity,” he wrote. He further said that the initiative which was undertaken ten years ago is yielding big results, as is evident in the manufacturing sector and also in the country’s big strides in the export sector. “The imprint of ‘Make in India’ has become visible across sectors, including areas where we never even dreamt of making an impact,” he said.

PM Modi also cited some examples to explain the resounding success story of the Make In India initiative. “Mobile manufacturing… we know how important mobile phones have now become, but what is startling is that in 2014, we had only two mobile manufacturing units in the entire country. Today, that number has risen to over 200. Our mobile exports have skyrocketed from a mere Rs 1,556 crore to an astounding Rs 1.2 lakh crore – a mind-boggling 7,500 per cent increase! Today, 99 per cent of mobile phones used in India are Made in India. We’ve become the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally,” PM Modi wrote, recalling the telecom revolution in the country in the past ten years. PM Modi further drew attention to astronomical growth in energy and manufacturing sectors.

“Look at Steel industry – We have become a net exporter of finished steel, with production increasing by over 50 per cent since 2014. Our semiconductor manufacturing sector has attracted investments worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with five plants approved that will have a combined capacity of more than 7 crore chips per day. In renewable energy, we are the 4th largest producer globally, with capacity increasing by 400 per cent in just a decade. Our electric vehicle industry, practically non-existent in 2014, is now worth $3 billion,” PM Modi wrote on his blog. He further said that the defence production exports have soared from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore, spanning across over 85 nations. PM Modi also took pride in the indigenous production of state-of-the-art trains, including Vande Bharat, and missiles like BrahmMos and boasted about all of them having a ‘Make In India’ imprint.

The Prime Minister further wrote: “Make in India initiative is special because it has given the poor the wings to dream big and aspire – it has given them the confidence to be wealth creators. Equally notable is the impact on the MSME sector.” He described the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme as one of the game-changers, enabling investments of thousands of crores and generating lakhs of jobs. PM Modi said that the country has emerged as a critical player in the global supply chain and boasted about its phenomenal Yuva Shakti, which is proving its mettle in the start-up industry globally.

The Prime Minister also called upon young Indians to come forward and join the Make In India initiative to take it to new heights. “The momentum is clearly in India’s favour. Despite facing unprecedented challenges like the global pandemic, India has remained firmly on the growth track. Today, we are being seen as drivers of global growth. We all must strive for excellence. Zero defect should be our mantra,” he said in a concluding note.

–IANS

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered personally.

The post Bharat Is Unstoppable: PM Modi Pens Blog As ‘Make In India’ Turns 10 appeared first on The Commune.

The last decade has marked an extraordinary evolution in trust and cooperation between India and other countries. A relationship that many believed would remain stagnant has flourished in ways few could have anticipated.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in May 2014, it was widely assumed that foreign policy would be his Achilles’ heel. With limited experience in international relations, sceptics questioned whether he could navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.

Yet, almost ten years later, how has India strengthened its ties with the other nations and become a central player in global discussions? What strategies and shifts transformed these doubts into undeniable progress, and what does this mean for the future of Global relations?

Narendra Modi’s foreign policy became one of his greatest assets a decade into his leadership. This achievement stands out even more when viewed against unprecedented global turbulence.

The world has faced challenges unseen for decades, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, a once-in-a-century crisis that rattled economies and disrupted lives across the globe.

Just as the world was grappling with this upheaval, two unforeseen conflicts—the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas clash—added to the volatility. China’s increasingly assertive stance has compounded these issues.

China has further tested regional stability from its confrontations in the East China Sea with Japan and Taiwan to its manoeuvres in the South China Sea against ASEAN nations.

India and Bhutan, too, have felt the pressure with tensions over unresolved land borders. Through these sweeping global changes, PM Modi’s foreign policy has not just endured but emerged stronger, steering India with a steady hand through a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

One of PM Modi’s earliest moves in office was to launch the Neighbourhood First Policy, setting the tone for India’s regional diplomacy. His invitation to the Heads of State and Government from all SAARC nations and Mauritius to attend his swearing-in ceremony on May 26, 2014, marked a symbolic yet strategic outreach.

In a similar gesture, when he took office for a second term on May 31, 2019, Modi invited leaders from BIMSTEC, Kyrgyzstan, and Mauritius and reinforced his commitment to strengthening regional ties.

The impact of this policy is clear today. While challenges remain with Pakistan, China, and recently Maldives, India’s relationships with its other neighbours have significantly deepened since 2014.

A notable example is the rekindling of ties with Nepal. PM Modi’s visit to Nepal in August 2014 was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, and it set the stage for further engagement.

Since then, the Prime Minister has visited Nepal four more times, including for the SAARC Summit in November 2014, bilateral discussions in 2018, and the BIMSTEC Summit later that year.

His most recent visit to Lumbini in 2022, at the invitation of the Nepalese Prime Minister, underscored the growing bond between the two nations.

A crucial moment in the relationship was the September 2014 Joint Economic Commission meeting—the first in 23 years—which laid the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation.

These consistent visits and dialogues have strengthened the understanding and partnership between India and Nepal, symbolising the broader success of PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka in March 2015 marked a historic moment. It was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 32 years.

This visit laid the foundation for a stronger partnership, but India’s decisive political and economic support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis truly solidified the relationship.

In its time of dire need, India extended a lifeline of US$4.5 billion in cash and resources, showcasing an unwavering commitment to its neighbour and elevating the bilateral ties to new levels of trust and cooperation.

Meanwhile, India’s relationship with Bhutan has always been characterised by mutual warmth and a deep sense of trust. The unique bond between the two countries is built on shared goodwill, regularly reinforced by high-level visits.

The frequent engagements between leaders reflect the strong connection, not just at the political level but among the people of both nations.

Recent visits—Bhutan’s Prime Minister to India in March 2024, followed closely by PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan later that same month—strengthened this enduring friendship further, cementing the already solid foundation of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.

One of the most notable achievements of PM Modi’s foreign policy has been the significant strengthening of ties with West Asia and the Middle East.

These countries, once influenced by Pakistan’s religious narrative in their view of India, now see India as a key political, economic, and strategic partner.

This transformation is evident from the recognition PM Modi has received, with nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Palestine bestowing their highest national honours upon him.

India’s stature in the region has never been higher, marking a profound shift in its engagement with the Middle East.

In a notable shift in regional diplomacy, the UAE invited then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to address the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in 2019 despite Pakistan’s objections. This marked a significant development in India’s relations with the Gulf nations.

More recently, in January 2024, Smriti Irani, the former Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, attended the third Haj and Umrah Conference in Madina. This event would have been inconceivable a decade ago. Additionally, no West Asian country opposed India’s decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A.

The UAE demonstrated its support by committing Rs 500 crore in foreign direct investment for Jammu and Kashmir, including Rs 250 crore for a significant mall and additional funds for IT towers in Jammu and Srinagar. The success of India’s foreign policy in the region is further highlighted by the Emir of Qatar’s decision to pardon and release eight retired Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death for espionage.

This diplomatic victory in February 2024 underscores India’s growing influence and effective foreign policy in West Asia. India’s Act East Policy has successfully broadened and deepened relationships across various domains, including economic, political, strategic, connectivity, and cultural spheres.

This policy has effectively expanded India’s engagement with ASEAN countries, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Pacific Island nations, and others.

Over the past decade, the relationship between India and the United States has seen remarkable growth and consolidation. PM Modi has navigated interactions with three US Presidents—Obama, Trump, and Biden—each time enhancing the bilateral relationship. This partnership has become one of India’s most pivotal global alliances, encompassing political, strategic, economic, commercial, and technological dimensions.

The two nations collaborate through 60 dialogue platforms covering critical areas such as emerging technologies, renewable energy, connectivity, education, health, agriculture, green hydrogen, defence, semiconductor chips, and more.

In a testament to the strength of this relationship, US President Biden extended a state visit invitation to PM Modi in June 2023. During this visit, the Prime Minister also addressed the US Congress for the second time, having previously spoken before Congress during Obama’s presidency in 2016. PM Modi has been crucial in revitalising the Quad since November 2017 and elevating it to the summit level over the past three years.

Despite recent minor issues—such as allegations related to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, US State Department comments on Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal’s arrest, the freezing of Congress accounts, and controversy surrounding India’s CAA law—these are unlikely to disrupt the steadily growing bilateral relationship between India and the US.

It would benefit both nations to avoid such distractions and maintain the focus on their expanding partnership. India has demonstrated its strategic autonomy by resisting Western pressure to criticise Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Instead, India has continued to import oil and gas from Russia at concessional rates, ensuring an affordable and reliable energy supply for its population. A crowning achievement of PM Modi’s foreign policy over the past decade is the successful handling of India’s G20 Presidency.

Against the backdrop of conflicting global positions on the Ukraine conflict—between the West and nations like Russia and China—India managed to secure a consensus Leaders’ Declaration on the very first day, an outcome many deemed improbable. This success can be credited mainly to PM Modi’s leadership and his ability to build strong personal relationships with world leaders.

The world united to support a successful G20 Presidency for India, reinforcing India’s role as a voice for the Global South and a trusted global friend. India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered international acclaim for effectively handling the health, economic, and social impacts.

The international community has widely recognised and praised India’s ability to implement significant economic reforms and accelerate digitisation even amid the crisis. Beyond its domestic achievements, India distinguished itself by supplying approximately 300 million vaccines to over 100 countries, most of which were provided free of charge. This act underscored the global benefits of India’s development, particularly for other developing nations.

PM Modi and his foreign policy team, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, have navigated the numerous challenges of the past decade with notable skill and effectiveness.

Their leadership has solidified India’s reputation as a key player on the global stage, demonstrating that India’s progress and growth benefit not only its own citizens but also the broader international community.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has skillfully navigated a complex and rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic flexibility and strategic autonomy.

He has built upon the efforts of previous governments by forging alliances with nations that are often on opposing sides of global conflicts, yet he has maintained India’s independent stance.

A prime example of this diplomatic balancing act is India’s active participation in the Quad—a partnership with the United States and its allies—and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes China, Russia, and their allies.

What sets PM Modi’s foreign policy apart is his ability to deepen ties with the United States, extract advanced defence technologies and weapons, and continue longstanding defence cooperation with Russia, including joint development projects.

Perhaps one of PM Modi’s greatest successes lies in his ability to develop strong relations with the US while engaging with its global adversaries, a feat few major powers have managed to achieve. He has astutely capitalised on Washington’s concerns about China, securing extraordinary support from the US without compromising India’s independent foreign policy or giving in to external pressures.

This approach has allowed India to remain a pivotal player in global geopolitics, strengthening its role as a bridge between competing global powers while ensuring its strategic interests remain uncompromised. (Author is Professor and Chairman of the Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS))

–IANS

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the day’s best stories delivered to you personally.

The post How PM Modi Transformed India’s Global Standing appeared first on The Commune.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (5 September 2024) that his government wants to create many Singapores in Bharat. He said this during a meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the country at Wong’s invitation.

“Singapore is not just a partner country but an inspiration for every developing country. We also want to create many Singapores in Bharat. I am happy that we are working in that direction together. Ministerial roundtables formed between us are a path-breaking mechanism .. Skilling, digitisation, mobility, semiconductor, advance manufacturing, AI, healthcare, sustainability cybersecurity.. areas of cooperation have become symbols of the initiatives….” said PM Modi in his remarks while leading delegation-level talks with his Singapore counterpart.

Several MoUs were signed between India and Singapore in the fields of Digital Technologies, Health and Medicine, Educational Cooperation and Skills Development, and India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership in the presence of PM Modi and Singapore PM Wong. Ahead of the talks, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Singapore Parliament House.

PM Modi and Singapore PM Wong meet ministers and delegates from each other’s countries at the Parliament House. PM Modi also signed the visitor’s book there.

The meeting between the two leaders comes days after Singapore PM Wong took over as premier and PM Modi began his third term as the prime minister.

PM Modi greeted him on becoming the Prime Minister and said, “I thank you for your warm welcome. This is our first meeting after you assumed the post of Prime Minister. Many congratulations to you from my side. I am confident that under the leadership of 4G, Singapore will progress even faster.”

PM Modi arrived in Singapore on Wednesday as part of the final leg of his two-nation tour from Brunei.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

The post Want To Create Many Singapores In Bharat, Says PM Modi appeared first on The Commune.