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The truth is out: An eye opener fact based movie for our generation

shivani
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The truth is out: An eye opener fact based movie for our generation

And its a watershed moment for Indian cinema. It is not important whether Kashmir Files is a good film or a bad film. (It checks on all the points for cinematic competence but that’s not the point.)

What is important is that Kashmir Files is an important film. It is important for many reasons. One of them is the radio silence from the film fraternity, except for the one frothing-in-the-mouth review written by Anupama Chopra’s ilk. This review means that Kashmir Files has hit a nerve. This review is a glimpse into the forces that prevented Kashmir Files from seeing the light of day, but failed.

Bollywood is a vibrant robust film industry that saw its inception the same time as India’s independence. Most of its founders were from IPTA and firmly entrenched in the Leftist agenda and propaganda.

For seventy five years a film like Kashmir Files would never have even appeared as a blimp in its radar. Because only movies instilling self hate and Mughal glorification was allowed here. The Kashmir Genocide took place 30 years ago. That an authentic film on the topic was made albeit 30 years later but has not been canned as yet means that something has changed.

A tectonic shift has taken place. The fort has been breached. The first blow has been struck. The ecosystem has started to crumble.

The making of this film is yet another important film. A story yet to be told. Of how the truth finally came out. But the unravelling has begun. And Vivek Agnihotri started it.

May it never stop.

The biggest refugee crisis in history has just started

Bhimashankar Sanga
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The biggest refugee crisis in history has just started

The Ukrainian conflict is turning out to be the worst artificially manufactured disaster since World War II, characterized by the dizzying speed of a mind-numbing exodus plaguing the Baltic region. This multifaceted Ukrainian displacement crisis, provoked by the multilayered conflict, has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian refugee crisis.

With multi-front fighting across Ukraine, millions (2% of the Ukrainian population) have fled their country. These numbers could swell gradually depending on how long the war continues. As they continue skedaddling westwards into EU countries, this war could create “Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century.” The EU is ready to carry the brunt of the refugee wave and has relaxed rules to grant Ukrainians the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, under the principles of non-refoulment. The international community is focused on managing the migration flux to Europe rather than addressing the root causes of the refugees’ exile.

The conflict stemmed from a cascade of flashpoints spanning the gamut from Russian invasion, episodic anti-regime skirmishes, regional proxy battles, and low-level insurgencies to a profusion of separatist hostilities perpetrated by avowedly pro-Russian separatists. Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Europe. It already has one of the largest internally displaced persons (IDP) populations (1.5 million) globally due to the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea. Compounding Ukrainian misery is its worst economic downturn, depreciating Ukrainian currency – Hryvnia, precipitating high inflation, shortages of necessities, mounting poverty rates, etc., have exacerbated Ukrainians’ sense of desperation, leaving them in decrepit conditions.

This war has shown no signs of abating and has forced Ukrainians to face a lose-lose situation. Citizens are either being forced to choose between extreme poverty, exploitation, internal displacement, ever-growing chaos and insecurity, and possible persecution in their host country, or abandon their assets, property, and capital to seek asylum in neighboring countries. Refugees are fighting a losing battle, caught in a pincer between homegrown turmoil and hostile migratory conditions. Their journey from being “victims of war” to coming out as “survivors” includes suffering a loss of dignity and braving extreme challenges that seemingly have no end.

Millions are forced to flee their homes, apart from being subjected to despicable acts of siege, falling shells, crashing missiles, and blitzkrieg. They are fleeing in precarious freezing weather while carrying children and dragging wheeled suitcases to neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Moldova. Those fleeing their country to undertake the perilous journey to European countries have to face a few other perils, namely: the profound implications of resettlement, enduring the gravest burden of being outsiders, the plight of livelihood, overwhelming economic strife, indefinite psychological scarring, access to healthcare, inadequate food, unnerving new environments, absence of legal protection against sexual abuse and bonded labor, harassment and humiliation, xenophobia and callous discriminatory attitude towards refugees, which are often unheard and go unreported.

The testimonies of those who fled their homes to find a safer refuge raise questions about the very humanity of this world. Refugees are also at significant risk of becoming victims of transgressive behavior, violence, plunder, savagery, and extortion. Threats of sexual assault issued with seeming impunity by smugglers, security guards, police officers, and fellow refugees underscore the need to develop more effective protective mechanisms that ensure accountability. With the ever-increasing numbers of refugees, have we become inured to violations of the humanitarian norms posed by the devastating facts of displacement in Ukraine today?

Even if the war ends, insurgents will exploit security vacuums in their efforts to resurge. The stalemate would be temporary, inherently unstable, with many potential flashpoints and episodic anti-regime violence on the horizon. Ukrainian refugees are unlikely to return home anytime soon, given the hostile environment and large-scale destruction in Ukraine. Against this politically unstable, violence-prone, and impoverished Ukraine scenario, this protracted refugee crisis could spark a cascade of significant socioeconomic predicaments in nearby host countries, with ripple effects into Europe. This refugee crisis will tear social fabric, break economies, and mend the region’s contours for years to come.

https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine

How the Hindu youth’s failure to retain their religious identity is contributing to increased Hinduphobia

Shreyash Sharma
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How the Hindu youth’s failure to retain their religious identity is contributing to increased Hinduphobia

I don’t know how many of you noticed this, but somewhere I feel our Hindu youth has not been successful in retaining their identity. And probably that’s one of those many reasons why Hinduphobic behavior has now-a-days become a growing concern. There is absolutely no problem in not being too religious neither are we demanding it. But the saddening thing is that a lot of people from our own Hindu community make fun of or mock other Hindus who are proud of their religious identity. Same people would have no problem when people of other religious backgrounds, a Sikh, a Muslim or  a Christian would propagate or express their religious freedom.

I don’t know whether it’s always hate driven or intentional or has ulterior motives behind it. But it has become an issue worth discussing why a few people from the Hindu youth community show some kind of reluctance from expressing their pride in that religion. You might have definitely observed that a Sikh proudly says, “I’m a Sikh”, a Christian proudly says, “I’m a Christian”, a Muslim might proudly say that  he’s a Muslim; but a when it comes to a Hindu, especially a Hindu youth being proud of his religious identity. They refrain from saying that they are a proud Hindu. And most of the time just to get their not so cool labels of being “cool”.

It may sound really vague or stupid, or even irrational but if you look at this ‘cool culture’ as some kind of undercurrent, it has literally done some kind of reprogramming in the vulnerable minds of the youth, compelling them to think and have  a misconception that hindu religion or more precisely Sanantana dharma is backward, outdated and against the prevailing cool culture. The youth’s attachment to this ‘cool’ label is so deep rooted that to get this validation they literally start condemning or detaching from practicing their religion. I mean the way Hinduism has been portrayed by the wokes and torch-bearers of modernity, has gone too deep into the minds of the youngsters. They find Hindu rituals, value systems, beautiful practices like the yagna, tilak, kalawa backward and against the progressive tradition, when the reality is entirely opposite. The so-called modern, rational and westernized  Hindu youth, unfortunately, feels ashamed to visit temples, recite aartis (Hindu prayers), study Sanskrit, sit in Sankirtana or pujas. 

Call it whatever you want, but the whole ecosystem has been designed such that the Hindu youth find no reason to practice, promote and propagate the glory and beauty of the Sanatan dharma. Various attempts are regularly made to label Hinduism as misogynistic, impractical, radical, discriminatory, cateist, superstitious etc. just to mold the young minds that their belonging to the Hindu religion is a ma tter of shame and that you are typical conservative and a bigot to be proud of it. If that were not enough, they even reward, encourage, and appreciate you if you pass comments that try to slur the integrity of the Sanatana dharma. You are called cool, modern, tolerant, witty and educated if you mock at Hindu rituals and enjoy or indulge in Hinduphobic behavior.

Now if one thinks about what forces are behind this and what is their intention. It’s crystal clear and a fact in the public domain that the western think tanks, academicians, scholars, university professors have very audaciously committed acts of Hinduphobia and also have gained a lot of popularity by doing so. The acts of breaking Goddess Saraswati idols, misinterpreting Hindu practice of yoga into very vulgar and obscene forms, using Ganesh idols on wine bottles, and much more have contributed a lot in fetching Hinduism a wrong limelight. The systematic distortion and even falsification of the whole Hindu religion is going on in full swing, and if one thinks what forces these people use, turn around and look at the way Hinduism is portrayed in/by the film industry, educational institutions, acclaimed national universities, social media, big media houses, designer journalists. 

Well, if we start talking about their forces and their instruments to distort Hinduism, it will never be enough, and right now I not would like to waste more of my energy on it. The need of the hour is awakening the dormant Hindu youth who are living in a huge misconception that prevents them holding their Hindu identity with pride. More awareness needs to be spread regarding the magnanimity, sanctity and beauty of the Hindu dharma. That they need to understand that their religion is the most liberal, inclusive, accepting, logical, scientific, loving, empowering, ecstatic, transcendental and conscientious religion. And the ones which claim that Hinduism is not modern, not logical should be told that the way Hinduism teaches to be inclusive and live with the utmost balance with nature an other species, the way Hinduism portrays women- in the multiple manifestations of empowered durga and kali, motherly Vaishnavi and Santoshi, and blessing Laxmi and Saraswati, the way Hinduism teaches the science of yoga-forming a cosmic identity or ‘aham brahmasmi’ no other religion does so. And so our modern Hindu youth has every reason to say, “I’m a proud hindu!”

-Shreyash Sharma

@_shreyashsharma

Russia Ukraine Crisis

svmanjunath
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Russia Ukraine Crisis

Russia and Ukraine currently waging a war. Viewing this afar from India, with no skin in the game, the difficult question one has to ask oneself is, who has the moral high ground in this war? If at all, there is a moral high ground.

On one side there is the President of Ukraine, educated in USA, a career as a stand-up comedian with his own TV show. Based on the popularity of the TV show, he runs for President and surprisingly/shockingly gets elected. He talks a lot about democracy and democratic values. Yet in the first 2 years of his Presidency, he arrests and jails his main political opponent. He shuts down 2 TV stations critical of his functioning. So, one can see, that his posturing on democracy is just that – Posturing. He does not seem to believe in the free exchange of views that are so fundamental to a democracy.

Yet, because of his Western education and his opposition to the Russian President – Vladimir Putin, he is supported by the Western Europe leaders and USA. 

On the other side, is the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin. His career is well known – a former KGB spy who has seen the hypocrisy of the West from close quarters for more than 40 years and deeply distrusts them. His seemingly only interest is to protect Russian interests. Putin has also said that he does not want to take over the country, if Ukraine agrees to not be a part of NATO.

Almost one week of war has exposed the double standards of the West and USA. They are openly supporting a President who gives only lip service to democracy. Reports have come out that he is arming mercenaries to fight for Ukraine. Videos have come out exposing the racist mentality of the Ukrainian people and their army. Their UN Ambassador was seen giving sly threats to countries whose people are stuck in Ukraine to support their side, otherwise he could not guarantee safety to the stranded people of those countries. He is alleged to even using the stranded foreigners as human shields. Yet, they support the Ukrainian President.

The West has started imposing sanctions on Russia. They have even targeted the Russian private citizens and their wealth by seizing their assets. They have given themselves the right to moralise and act as Judge, Jury and Executioner.

The Western Media has once again displayed their bias towards people other than Whites. Numerous journalists have said on record that Ukraine is a civilised nation and hence needs support. In that one statement, they have whitewashed the crimes of USA and the other Western countries in their attacks and interference in Asia and Africa and established their contempt for other races.

As a common citizen in India, it is hard not to get affected by what is going on in Ukraine. I have read about the various invasions of India, including the wars between 1947- 71. I witnessed the war in 1999 and have been witnessing the frequent attacks on India via Kashmir/Mumbai etc. There is only suffering for the people. Lives are lost, economy gets impacted, in these acts of Politicians.

Ukraine wants to get free of big brother Russia and have a life of its own. Yet, who are they choosing? The hypocritical NATO and the West.

One can understand Russia’s position. They have supported India against these Western nations whenever India faced difficult times. Now, they do not want NATO at their borders and their interference. In all this, the UN has acted as per its nature – toothless and biased.

The Indian government has been very clear and nuanced in its stance, via its views and abstentions in the UN Security Council Meetings. The Indian govt has repeatedly asked for ceasefire and resumption of dialogue. Historically, Ukraine had taken a stance against India – supporting the sanctions against India in 1999 post our nuclear testing and asking for Article 370 to be reimposed. Yet, Indian leadership has shown maturity. It has not taken sides openly. India is lucky to have an experienced External Affairs Minister and well-liked and respected Prime Minister. This is reflected in the statements from the Western nations on our stance. India has never attacked another country. Our recent actions of taking tough decisions shown by our air strikes in Balakot etc. have given us respect in the eyes of the World. India needs to play a leading role in diffusing the war in Ukraine.

History has time and again shown that the ones who pay a heavy price in any war are the common people who have to suffer at the hands of scheming and ambitious politicians. The only winners in this war are the Armaments manufacturers and their lobbyists and agents. We can only wish for a swift ending to this crisis, with as little loss of lives and destruction of property. But then, it is not in our hands. We have to wait and watch.

Studying abroad is not a matter of pride

subbiah sridhar
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Studying abroad is not a matter of pride

There are thousands of Indian students studying abroad in various universities, Colleges and Institutes all across the globe in different countries, mainly in United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Central Asian Republics, China, Gulf, many European and South East Asian countries.  How is studying abroad now of relevance or anything to be proud of considering the growing number of problems day-in-and-day-out, be it owing to COVID pandemic related or owing to internal disturbances in many countries and the tremendous stress and panic related to such ever increasing problematic situation. We have all witnessed evacuation efforts from time to time of millions of stranded Indians abroad and most of them being student population. As per reports mentioning statistics of 2020 report by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, around 18 million India’s diaspora population have been evacuated till now. 

In the period of growing unrest prevalent in many countries abroad, it is not understandable as to why the students are attracted to go and study abroad when our own nation has all the more educational facilities for undergoing graduation study or higher education. In fact there are very many good State-run Universities and even recognized private universities spread across the country be it in the field of technology, medicine, management, humanities, etc. which even attracts foreign students to India. That being so, what tempts our own students to go looking out for pursuing their studies abroad? One might think it is because of cheap educational facilities available in some of the countries. We may not forget that they come with accompanying drawbacks. 

For example, a student studying in any of the Russian universities or Central Asian Republic universities has to pass the mandatory Russian language in first year of their respective studies and then carry on with the specific subject of study. It is common knowledge that medicine is one of the difficult subjects for study even in English language then how does one cope up with medical studies that too in a foreign language? 

Similarly, there are other countries such as China, Germany, etc. where the Universities teach only in Chinese or in German language and the student concerned has to pass the concerned foreign language first before carrying on with their specific subject study. Even after passing the medical studies abroad, the students need to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) consequent to one’s return to India and in order to be eligible to practice medicine in our country, which becomes rather very difficult since the students have studied the course in a foreign language and find the same difficult to clear in English language. This is one another big hurdle. Then there are other difficulties involved when one decides to go for graduation or for pursuing higher studies abroad such as getting accustomed to the local severe climatic conditions in many of the European or Central Asian or American countries, getting adjusted in not so good hostels, language constraints, new found pandemic fears, difficulty in obtaining visas, chances of getting entangled many times with fake or fraudulent agents who usurp the money and vanish, issue of fake universities, cases of abrupt closing down of universities, difficulty in getting education loans, etc. etc. 

Already we have lots of private universities undertaking various academic programs at under graduate and post-graduation level but still the takers are not as much owing may be to the reason of their high tuition and hostel fees but for that matter even the foreign universities be it the cheapest one also will match with our country’s private universities if we take into account the total cost including travel abroad etc. Even many times the students not only lose on their academic years due to abrupt closure of universities without notice or in case of evacuation due to various emergent situations but even their respective families losing on huge amount of money invested for children’s study abroad and many times selling one’s properties or getting huge loan etc. For such families, this kind of scenario is really bombarding, to say the least. 

Considering the various drawbacks of studying abroad, it is time a serious consideration is given that preference be given to studying in one’s own country instead of flying to other foreign nations and living a life there full of anxiety and stress. After all, children complete their 12 years schooling in India, then what makes them to migrate to foreign countries. It is not that good placements are not provided after studying graduation or post-graduation in India itself but the trend of studying abroad is seeing an upward move only, regardless of the day-to-day difficulties faced in a foreign land may be due to lack of awareness of the development of academic institutions in our own country and similar lack of awareness regarding the placement given post-higher studies. The more sad part is that after doing 12-years of schooling in India, a student goes to study in a foreign land many a times not to return to motherland. It is time we stop this phenomenon of brain-drain and help in developing our own nation.

The octa-exoduses of Kashmiri Pandits

vasureddy
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The octa-exoduses of Kashmiri Pandits

Kashmir is unique in its history and geography. It was an epicentre of Hinduism and Indus valley civilization. Kalhana, a Kashmiri historian in the 12th century CE described the history of Kashmir since 2449 BCE in his legendary chronicle (written in 12th century CE)– Raja Tarangini – (“the river of kings”) which consists of 7826 verses divided into eight books called Tarangas. He described about and wrote about the great king Lalitaditya Muktapida (697-733 CE) of Karkota empire, whose kingdom extended from Caspian sea (Sea of Kashyapa) till Pragajyotisha (Assam) in the east and Rashtrakutas (Deccan) in South. Kashmir was a safe place for Buddhists, Saraswats and Pandits until it was invaded by Muslims. Its civilization and culture flourished and people used to live in harmony.

King Lalitaditya successfully stood and prevented the invasion from Arab raider Junaid and later Hisham ibn’ Amar al-Taghlibi. The Utpala, Karkota and Lohara dynasties ruled predominantly between 1300- 1400 CE. There was instability during the Karkota dynasty especially during the period 1315- 1339 CE. Suhadeva (1301-20), the king of Lohara dynasty  and King Ramachandra both hindu rulers gave shelter to Shah Mir from swat valley, Rinchen from Ladakh (Buddhist) and Bulbul shah (a Turkistani sufi). Rinchen under the influence of Shah Mir and Bulbul Shah, murdered King Ramachandra, converted himself to Islam (renamed himself as Sultan Sadruddin) and also forcefully converted 10,000 brahmins to Islam. Hence Rinchan became the first muslim ruler of Kashmir. Shah Mir (1339-42) established Islamic rule under the title Sultan Shamsudin (The light of Religion) and conducted forceful conversions in Kashmir. He established Shah Mir dynasty which extended from 1339-1561).

Shah Mir was succeeded by Shihab-ud-Bin and  Qutub-ud-Bin (1373-1389) who proselytized the valley forcefully. But most of them used to follow hindu culture though they were muslims until Sufi Mir  Syed Ali  Hamadani came to Kashmir from Hamadan (Ecbatana of Herodotus) in Iran. The sufis advised the Sultans to make a strict Sharia /Islamic law and discriminate against non muslims. With this Sultan Qutub ud bin brought stricter rigid Islamic laws introduced forced conversions, destroyed temples or converted them to Islamic mouments.

Dr. Farooq Peer, a noted Kashmiri academician writes about sufi Mir  syed Ali Hamadani as ,

“The Valley of Kashmir is indebted to the great saint for cleansing it from idol worship and blessing it with the gift of Islam.”

The First Exodus (1389-1413- Shah Mir Dynasty):

With strong influence of Sufi Syed Hamadani, Sikandar Shah (Sikandar Butshikan) (1389-1413) the great grandson of Shah Mir and eldest son of Qutub Ud Bin along with Sufi Mir Mohammad (Amir Sayyid Muhammad, Son of Mir Syed Ali), turned out to be biggest iconoclasts. According to writings of Jonaraja, a Kashmiri historian, and excerpts from Baharistan-i-shahi (chronicle written by anonymous author about medevial Kashmir,1614) and Tohfatu’l-Ahbab (written by Muhammad Ali Kashmiri in Farsi,1642)   Sikandar  had cleansed Kashmir of Hindus and non muslims. Many Hindu temples including Martand temple (Sun God), Vijayesvara (Shiva), Chakradhara (Visnu), Suresvari (?), Varaha (Visnu), and Tripuresvara (?), Parihaspore, Tarapitha temples at Iskander Pora, and Maha Shri Temple were destroyed. In this way he turned about the idol breaker and also started collecting Jizya (a tax from non-Muslims) and constructed mosques and Khanqas (places of gatherings of Sufi brotherhood). Those who did not convert were killed and many fleed. More than 1 lakh Kashmiri pandits were drowned near Rainawari in Srinagar in a lake and this place now almost forgotten is called as Bhatta Mazaar (the graveyard of Kashmiri Pandits).

Jonaraja writes in his Dwithiya Rajatarangini (a continuation of Kalhanas Rajatarangini)

“Crowds of Hindus ran away in different directions through by-passes; their social life was totally disrupted, their life became miserable with hunger and fatigue; many died in scorching heat; many got emaciated due to under-nourishment; many lived on alms in villages enroute to the provinces in India; some disguised as Muslims roamed about the country searching their distressed families; their means of livelihood were snatched from them to prevent their education and break their morale; the Hindus rolled out their tongues like dogs searching dog’s morsel at every door”.

“Sultan Sikandar was constantly busy annihilating the infidels and destroyed most of the temples…,” records Haidar Malik Chadurah (soldier during the period of 4th Moghul emperor Jahangir).

The Second exodus – (1413-1418 ):

After the death of Sikandar due to a prolonged bed ridden illness with elephantiasis, Kashmir rule  was followed by a terrible rule of Sikandar’s son Ali Shah. Ali Shah’s rule was gruesome. Apart from collecting Jizyas, Hindus were barred from following their customs like applying  tilak and were even prevented from fleeing Kashmir by closing the routes and were either forcefully converted or killed.

The Third exodus (Shah Mir Dynasty -1470-1540):

After the death of Ali shah, there was a short period of tolerant rule by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1418-1470), son of Sikandar Shah, the 8th sultan of Kashmir. Under the influence of his stepmother Shobha, Saints Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi, reversed many policies of previous rulers, constructed temples, translated  Mahabharata and Rajatarangini in Persia. Because of his rule, he was called Bodh Shah (Great King). He was succeded by his son Hyder Shah (1470-72 CE) who committed atrocities against Hindus forcing them to kill themselves by jumping into Vitasta/Vyath (Jhelum) river. Hasan Khan (son of Hyder Shah)  along with Shamas Chak, Shringar Raina and Musa Raina (Shias) continued the genocide of Hindus. Shia dynasty was established  by Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (1440-1515 CE), who came from Iraq. In a book Tarikh-i-Hasan written by Ghulam Hasan Khuihami “twenty-four thousand Hindu families were converted to Iraqi’s faith by force and compulsion”. During a holy festival of Ashura (Muharam 1518 CE) 700-800 non Muslims were killed. Shias were intolerant to sunnis also and even they were converted to Shia faith. The chak dynasty was the first Shia dynasty that ruled Kashmir. Chak rule extended from 1553-1586 CE.

In the chronicle Baharistan-i-Shahi its written,

“All traces of infidelity and idol worship were replaced by Islamic symbols and the infidels and holy thread wearers of Kashmir were converted to Islam.”

With these continuous fanatic ways, persecution of Hindus continued and lead to 3rd exodus from Kashmir.

The Fourth Exodus (1586-1720 CE):

Mughal general Mirza Hyder Dhughlat (1540-1551 CE)  attacked  on the name of Humayun and ruled Kashmir. Later on Mughals took over and their reign extended from 1586-1752CE. Akbar rule was tolerant and he abolished Jaziyas and granted villages to Hindus. But later rulers Jahangir and Shahjahan continued the atrocities on Hindu ceremonies, temples and people.

A famous French historian Francois Bernier wrote – “The doors and pillars were found in some of the idol temples demolished by Shah-Jehan and it is impossible to estimate their value.”

Under the rule of Aurangazed ( 1658-1707) the fourth exodus occurred where the Jizya tax was reintroduced, women were made to wear compulsory salwars, tilak over forehead was forbidden. Iftkar khan , the governor of Aurangazeb played a vital role in the genocide and Kashmiri pandits requested Guru tej Bahadur from Punjab, the ninth guru to protect them from his atrocities.

The Fifth Exodus (1720):

During the late Moghul rule, Muhat Khan was appointed as Sheikh-ul-Islam or the superior authority of Islam of Kashmir (1720 CE).  Six commandments were amended against the Kafirs or people who don’t follow Islam

1.No Hindu should ride a horse; or wear shoes.

2. Should not wear Jama (Mughal style clothing).

3. Should not move out with their arms covered.

4. Shall not visit any garden.

5. Are not permitted to have a tilak mark on their foreheads.

6. Their children should not be educated.

Not only the Hindus but the Shia muslims were also persecuted under his rule.

The Sixth Exodus(1753-1819):

After the Moghul rule, the Afghans attacked Kashmir and Afghan rule came into existence. The afghan rule extended for 66 years (1753-1819 CE) and 28 pathan governors and deputy governors ruled Kashmir. Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqasi was the first governor of Kashmir.

W.R. Lawrence called this as “reign of brutal tyranny.” Hindus used to disfigure their daughters by cutting their nose, ears and tonsuring them to protect from the afghan rulers. Hindus were packed and soaked into river Jhelum and killed which led to mass exodus to different parts of North India.

Later Sikh rule came to Kashmir from 1819-1846 CE, a time period by which 90% of population had already embraced Islam or left the valley with only 10% Hindus remaining in the valley. Later Dogra rule came into existence from 1846.

The Seventh Exodus (1931-1980):

At the time of Sikh and Dogra rule, Hindus in Kashmir led a peaceful life but it was transient until the Islamic leaders took over their role in Kashmir and Hindus were persecuted again. During the rule of Dogra dynasty, secularism flourished where in Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir singh (1856-1885) ruled the valley with peace and he ruled in lines of King Zain-ul-Abidin and Akbar and Avantivarman (king of Utpala dynasty who ruled between 855-883 CE) . During his rule Pandits and Maulvis were encouraged and various religious books nearly 5000  were translated to various languages. Followed by Ranjit Singh, Maharaja Pratap Singh’s rule also continued in the same lines until 1931 , when the first communal violence occurred in the valley.

During the prominence of Sheik Abdullah, a “SheikRaj” remained in the valley. On June, 21, 1931, Sheikh abdulla led YMMA (Young Man’s Muslim Association) held a meeting against Maharaja at Khanqah-i-mohalla. During the speech, Abdul Qadeer Khan raised  proislamic voice and urged people to break down into Maharaja’s Palace which led to his arrest under sedition charges. A widespread agitation was raised against the arrest of Abdul Qadeer arrest under the leadership of Sheik Abdullah against Maharaja Hari Singh, successor of Maharaja Pratap Singh. Sheik Abdullah started Kashmir Muslim conference initially and raised slogan “Quit Kashmir” against the Maharaja in May, 1946  bringing all people of  a religion together in pushing out even the king from the valley.  On 26th October, 1947 Maharaja Hari singh signed “Instrument of accession” and with undue pressure Shaikh Abdullah was made the prime minister of Kashmir. Effective power rested with Shaikh Abdullah and an army was made with the local people called as Militia.

The Maharaja was exiled from the valley to Bombay on 20th June, 1949. Unlike other 560 plus princely states, Covenants of Merger and Merger Agreements were not signed with the Maharaja. Dr. B R Ambedkar could recognize the tactics of Sheikh Abdullah about the special status for Jammu and Kashmir—and he said:

“You want India to defend Kashmir, feed its people, give Kashmiri’s equal rights all over India. But you want to deny India and Indians all rights in Kashmir. I am a Law Minister of India, I cannot be a party to such a betrayal of national interests.” To promote partitionism he often advocated not to take paddy from India, Instead eat potatoes produced in Kashmir and hence he is often called as “ Aaloo Bab”.

Though Shaik Abdullah was arrested a couple of times, his unconditional motivation to isolate Muslims in the valley from India continued and Hindus faced persecution many a times until his death. People were brainwashed and a conspiracy continued with an aim to establish an Islamic republic of Kashmir.  Indira- Shaikh accord was signed in 1974, during which period the imperialistic mentality of the rulers of Kashmir continued and the Indian government remained a mute spectator.

The eighth exodus (1980-2019)

During the period of 1947-1986, its expected nearly 4 lakh Hindus were exiled from the valley. During 1986, Mufti Syed was thought to have played a role in riots by promoting cow slaughter and destroying temple at Anantnnag. Pakistan, after its humiliating defeat in 1971 war, promoted terrorism in Valley and various organizations were formed and people induced into them and separations of Kashmir. Indian national flag was burnt , Pakistan flag was hoisted, pro-Pakistan slogans raised. Celebrations continued during an incidence promoting  release of daughter of Mufti Syed in exchange of 5 terrorists in 1989. Police protection was needed to hoist tricolour at Ganpathyar temple in Srinagar and the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus continued. During 1989-1990, nearly 25,000 Kashmiri youth were trained as Jihadis and Kashmiri Hindus and non Muslims were considered as Kafirs and were targeted. Their Lands were grabbed, lives threatened and people were terrorized under the support of ISI.

On January 4, 1990 , local news papers – Aftab and Al safa released a public statement asking Kashmiri Pandits to leave the valley.

Press release of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) organization  published in the morning edition of Urdu Daily ‘Aftab’ of April, 01, 1990.

‘Aim of the present struggle is the supremacy of Islam in Kashmir, in all walks of life and nothing else. Any one who puts a hurdle in our way will be annihilated’

Head lines of Urdu Daily, Al Safa, of April, 14, 1990.

‘Kashmiri Pandits responsible for duress against Muslims should leave the Valley within two days’.

Wall posters indicating “ Islamic republic of Kashmir” were found everywhere in the valley.

Various slogans  raised were:

“Zalimo, O Kafiro, Kashmir harmara chod do”.

Merciless, O! Kafirs leave our Kashmir)

“Kashmir mein agar rehna hai, Allah-ho-Akbar kahna hoga”

(Any one wanting to live in Kashmir will have to convert to Islam)

La Sharqia la gharbia, Islamia! Islamia!

From East to West, there will be only Islam

“Musalmano jago, Kafiro bhago”,

(O! Muslims, Arise, O! Kafirs, scoot)

“Islam hamara maqsad hai, Quran hamara dastur hai, jehad hamara Rasta hai”

(Islam is our objective, Q’uran is our constitution, Jehad is our way of our life)

“Kashmir banega Pakistan”

(Kashmir will become Pakistan)

“Kashmir banao Pakistan, Bataw varaie, Batneiw saan”

(We will turn Kashmir into Pakistan alongwith Kashmiri Pandit women, but without their men folk)

“Pakistan se kya Rishta? La Ilah-e- Illalah”

(Islam defines our relationship with Pakistan)

Dil mein rakho Allah ka khauf; Hath mein rakho Kalashnikov.

(With fear of Allah ruling your hearts, wield a Kalashnikov)

“Yahan kya chalega, Nizam-e- Mustafa”

(We want to be ruled under Shari’ah)

“People’s League ka kya paigam, Fateh, Azadi aur Islam”

(“What is the message of People’s League? Victory, Freedom and Islam.”)

Ralive, Tsaliv ya Galive (either convert to Islam, leave the land, or die).

Former Director of J&K Police, Sri M.M.Khajooria writes-

“Mischief of the summer of 1989 started with serving notice to the prominent members of the minority community to quit Kashmir. The letter said, ‘We order you to leave Kashmir immediately, otherwise your children will be harmed. We are not scaring you but this land is only for Muslims, and is the land of Allah. Sikhs and Hindus cannot stay here.’ The threatening note ended with a warning, ‘If you do not obey, we will start with your children. Kashmir Liberation Zindabad.’”

Then Governor Jagmohan, wrote a detailed letter on the atrocities to the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1990 but his efforts went in vain. With brutality continuing, eyes gouged out, bodies floating in jhelum river, bodies hanged to trees, women raped, tortured and killed, body parts of many dismantled, battered faces, not even the children left, many missing, burnt alive, grenades thrown, bullets punched into the bodies , the massacre and genocide continued with no reaction from central government, state government watching grotesque proceedings, silenced human right organisations and international countries- the Kashmiri pandits cried for help with none responding hugged each other, hearts thumping with fear, nights to pass on became refuges in their own place and nation with horrified memories in brains and scars left on hearts.   

By the end of year 1990, around 3,50,000 Kashmiri Pandits were exiled from the valley as they remained as refugees in Jammu and elsewhere and nearly 45,000 people were killed since then. The massacres continued with Sangrampora in 1993, Udhampore in 1997, Prankot in 1998, Wandhama in 1998(23 Kashmiri pandits killed), Nandimarg in 2003 (24 kashmiri pandits shot dead). With these continuous atrocities and ongoing genocide on Kashmiri Pandits, their number waned from 10% in 1947 to 5% in 1986 and may be less than 1% now. But now with article 370 abrogation, hope is back into the lives and the present government is making paths for rehabilitating Kashmiri pandits to their ancestral places and getting back their properties. A route map is being made to control the terrorism first and reinstate Kashmiri pandits to their parental locations.

Kalhan, writes about Kashmir as :

“It is a country where the sun shines mildly, being the place created by Rishi Kashyap, for his glory – big and lofty houses, learning, saffron, icy cool water and grapes rare in Heaven are plentiful here – Kailash is the best place in the three worlds (Tri-lok), Himalayas the best place in Kailash, and Kashmir the best place in Himalayas.”

The saga will not be complete until every Kashmiri pandits be relocated to their place and rehabilitated with courage filled  in  their hearts and their freedom given back.

How Russia Ukraine war will affect your living

sanatancharacters
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0
How Russia Ukraine war will affect your living 
The answer to the title of this article is Expensive Crude Oil. As you know because of Russia Ukraine war the energy prices across the world has gone up like anything. Not just war there are other reasons too. But the secondary reasons take refuge under the primary reason and if you see currently Russia Ukraine war is the hot topic. 

Now try to understand this when oil prices go up all modes of transportation whether sea land or air. Primarily sea transportation that is freight rates are going up rapidly. When transportation cost increases that also increases the overall cost of raw material. And then there are some oil companies who will take advantage of the situation. They will see this situation as an opportunity to earn more profit or recover their debts. This kind of business behavior also exists we cannot deny that. 

Let's say company a bought oil from countries like Russia, Saudi, United States or Europe and that company bought the oil at a time when the oil prices were at 90 US Dollar a barrel. And then these companies have stored the oil in their tanks. 

Today if you see the oil prices of WTI Crude, Brent Crude, OPEC Basket the cost is somewhere around 120 to 130 per barrel. OPEC is around 117 per barrel. It is the cheapest right now anyhow. So currently the oil prices are high. Then company a knows that in the coming days oil prices will increase furthermore; that means oil companies are going to hold and wait more when the prices of oil go a little more higher. 

There are reports that suggest oil prices will go up as high as 180 Dollars per barrel in a few days. So anyhow the point is oil companies store oil or let's say if you are a shipping company and you need fuel for your ships to carry freight. If you approach any oil company they are not going to sell you oil in today's price. They will ask you more because they know that in a few days as it is the price will go up. As a shipping company you have your own cost and business to look after and also time is your enemy for carrying logistics because you have to be on time and then you know that there is huge export and import demands from countries. 

Then what you do is you buy that oil at whatever the price they ask, as a shipping company you're going to transfer that cost on companies that want to transport their goods through your ships. This way let's say you buy a laptop which is 50 000 rupees or 650 dollar. Now the laptop company who exports that laptop to India will have to pay more to the shipping company for transportation. As a result that laptop company will increase the cost of their laptops from 650 to 700 or 57 000 rupees. Now the same example is applicable on raw materials as well. Replace laptop with other raw materials like coal, iron, ore, copper, aluminum, rubber, organic chemicals, precious metal, compound machinery, electrical components and many more. 

When a country imports something in bulk, they do it through sea route. Cargo ships are the only possible way of transporting raw materials in bulk. These huge cargo ships consume a lot of diesel fuel and if you see diesel fuel, petrol fuel they're actually refined from crude oil. So if the prices of crude oil increases; it will have a trickle down effect on everything in between and the increase in price has to be born by the end consumer. 

So you see how the rise in oil prices became a catalyst in the rise of raw material prices. As an ordinary human when we think about it how come the prices of everything has increased in which industry it is used - It is used in auto appliances construction and real estate and we all know how steel is made right. It also needs certain raw materials or pairing raw materials. Some raw materials are imported from other countries and to get them you need to bring them in large ships. 

So anyhow when the price of fuel increases the transportation cost will increase and then the company which extracts these raw materials from earth. Even they use large machineries that also requires fuel as a result the extraction process becomes expensive, then transportation becomes expensive. So the overall cost of import also increases. That means ultimately the cost of HRC and TMT steel bars will increase and when you use this steel to make vehicles appliances or in construction naturally the cost of vehicle appliances and the cost of property will increase. And then people who work in these industries they will also demand a hike in their salaries. After all they also need to consume right they also have to buy things, to eat, pay rent, consume electricity, medicines, buy vehicles, etc. 

So like this price of everything increases and that is also how economy works. And then that is also How Eventually Cost of Living Increases. 

But Why Putin Wants Ukraine?

Pakistan, Iran can’t provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta

johnrozario
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Pakistan, Iran can’t provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta

Pakistan, Iran can’t provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta

The US and other nations including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have already announced banning military exports to the country. Even UNO has been urging all countries to impose an arms embargo.  When some Western and European countries are trying to penalize Myanmar Junta imposing sanctions on arms selling over massive human rights violations in Myanmar, it is news of frustration that Russia and China have been providing the weapons to the Myanmar Junta. But it is more surprising that Iran and Pakistan have also started arms business with the Junta. Myanmar continues to buy large quantities of arms despite sanctions imposed by various countries, including the European Union and the United States.

Myanmar’s military continues to buy weapons Due to its geographical location and its importance as an arms market; the country is also receiving concessions on arms purchases from various governments. While the West has not sold arms to Myanmar, other businesses are doing well.

Myanmar Junta wants to buy air-to-surface missiles from Pakistan for JF-17 fighter jets. A high-level delegation from Pakistan’s defense ministry paid a secret visit to Myanmar in September last year to discuss arms sales. The two countries discussed naval weapons, including advanced weapons technology, aircraft repair, and maintenance. The 10-member Pakistani delegation met the Myanmar Defense Minister and discussed verbally the sale of upgraded JF-17 (Block-3) aircraft and air-to-surface missiles.

Concerns are growing between the two neighbors over such an unannounced visit. Because they fear that the defense relationship between the two countries is being established not by their own will but under the direction of China. Myanmar and Pakistan will further enhance their defense cooperation in the future.

On the other hand, Iran is providing weapons and technology to Myanmar’s military. The flight of an authorized Iranian airline with the Revolutionary Guards in Myanmar has sparked speculation of secret military-to-military cooperation. The recent landings of planes owned by Iranian cargo airline Kesham Fars Air could be aimed at supplying weapons, including guided missiles.

An Iranian delegation that landed in Myanmar on January 13 was on its second or third visit since seizing power through a military coup on February 1, 2021.

Myanmar, devastated by sanctions, is looking for new ways to buy arms. And so the country’s junta government is sending a delegation of top officials to Pakistan ahead of a possible arms deal.

On February 1, 2021, a military coup led by Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing took place in Myanmar. In response, the West imposed strict sanctions on the country’s top officials and their affiliates. The current junta government in Myanmar has overthrown a democratically elected government and established military rule.

Myanmar military wants to buy 60mm and 81mm mortars as well as M-79 grenade launchers and heavy machine guns from Pakistan. According to the report, Myanmar has also expressed interest in purchasing air-to-surface missiles from Pakistan for JF-17 fighter jets. Due to sanctions, Naypyidaw is unable to buy these missiles directly from China, so the weapons will come through Pakistan. In 2015, Myanmar bought the JF-17 Thunder, a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China.

The 2017 violence against Rohingya Muslims sparked tensions between Myanmar and Pakistan. Myanmar accused Pakistan of aiding and abetting radical Rohingya groups. There are also allegations that Pakistan is sponsoring some militant groups in Rakhine with weapons and training. Even after such a hostile relationship, their meeting without any announcement raised many questions. Needless to say, in recent times, defense ties are growing continuously between Pakistan and Myanmar. Myanmar and Pakistan are strengthening their strategic ties covertly.

However, after the military coup by the junta government last year, the West imposed sanctions on Myanmar, which further improved relations with Pakistan. When the United States and other countries announced a halt to military equipment exports to Myanmar, China-backed Pakistan took the opportunity to cooperate with the country in the defense sector.

Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam visited Tehran in August 2021 to inaugurate the radical new President of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi. Palestine and the Rohingya were the main topics of discussion during his talks with Iranian leaders. Even, Iran assured Bangladesh that Iran will always stand with Bangladesh in the case of the Rohingya issues.

Iran always claimed that Iran is always vocal about the persecuted Muslim communities in the world. Even, then deputy head of the Iranian Parliament called for the creation of a joint military forces by Muslim countries to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar in 2017. “Why aren’t we Muslims thinking about forming a NATO-like joint military force that can intervene in such situations?” Ali Motahari was quoted as saying by the Iranian Students’ News Agency today. He criticized the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for not holding an emergency meeting to address the issue. “The crimes of the government of Myanmar will not be halted without using military force,” he stressed.

The Tehran government appears to be abandoning its policy position on the Rohingya by supplying arms to the Myanmar junta. Has Iran moral right to provide the weapons to the Myanmar Junta for paving the way of committing genocide? The international community including Bangladesh should seek clarification from Tehran on this issue.

The international community and regional countries should be concerned that Myanmar’s junta is taking up arms from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran.  Russia, China, Pakistan are helping the junta to expand its air force. It has expanded its navy with the help of India and China

Now let’s talk about Pakistan. Pakistan is also vocal regarding the rights of Kashmiri and Palestinian Muslims. On the one hand, Pakistan calls for resolution of the Rohingya crisis and defame the military coup, on the other hand, it gives weapons to the Junta. What’s a mockery of history? So, the question is how this Pakistan can provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta? Is only business interest pushing Pakistan and Iran to provide the weapons? As being Muslim majority countries, they always talk in favor of persecuted Muslim groups in the world, on the other hand, they provide weapons to the Junta to kill another Muslim group (Rohingyas).

As an active promotor of Pan-Islamism in the Muslim world, Pakistan should abstain from

strengthening ties with Myanmar Junta. It is the moral responsibility of Pakistan. Although

Myanmar Junta wants strategic relations with Pakistan, Pakistan should think that this junta has

been killing hundreds of Rohingyas. Pakistan shouldn’t think and decide all things on the only

strategic interest. Pakistan can’t strengthen its ties with the Myanmar junta. Pakistan should

strongly support the rights of all ethnic groups in Myanmar.

Myanmar’s military is oppressing the people. Tatmadaw has been carrying out genocide. These weapons are not only being used to suppress the Rohingyas but also other groups such as Chin, demonstrators, protestors who are protesting peacefully against the 2021 military coup, journalists, detainee medical workers, and NLD politicians, dissents. Providing weapons to the Tatmadaw means paving the way for the persecutors to violate the human rights of Rohingyas and pro-democracy protesters and help commit genocide. At least 1,500 people have been killed by the military. It is a clear mockery against the world human rights issue. Iran and Pakistan are doing wrong to provide the weapons on the hands of the Myanmar Junta. They are also the partners of human rights violators in Myanmar.  There is no moral ground to support the Junta. Other businesses are all going on there. All this is not preventing. Why aren’t the western countries watching these?

Why international community is so silent in this regard? The international community must address the issue. Delaying the issue can cause more devastation in Myanmar. In response to the military coup in Myanmar and to prevent the junta government from resorting to renewed repression, the international community including Pakistan and Iran should implement the imposition of the hardcore global arms embargo on the country.

UP Vidhan Sabha election results 2022 release today

mounika21
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UP Vidhan Sabha election results 2022 release today

Election Commission Of India today announced Uttar Pradesh Assembly/ Vidhan Sabha Election Results 2022 for Party Wise/ Candidate Wise or Constituency Wise. BJP, Indian National Congress, SP, and other major parties participated the elections. Election Commission of India conducted the UP Vidhan Sabha Elections 2022 in 7 Phases. 1st Phase Polling Date is February 10, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats is 58), Phase 2 Polling Date is February 14, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats is 55).

Also Phase 3 Polling Date is February 20, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats is 59). Phase 4 Polling Date is February 23, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats 59)is and Phase 5 Polling Date is February 27, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats is 61) & Phase 6 Polling Date is (61) March 3, 2022 and Phase 7 Polling Date is March 7, 2022 (No. Of Assembly Seats is 54). ECI conducted the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Elections 2022 for 403 seats.

To form the government any party must won the 224 seats. According to the latest update from Election Commission of India as on 10:00 AM on 10th March 2022 Bharatiya Janata Party Leading in 137 locations, Indian National Congress Leading 4 locations, Samajwadi Party leading in 60 locations. To know regular updates regarding Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2022 stay tune with Election Commission Of India Portal. Here below provided how to check UP Assembly Election Results 2022 Party Wise, Candidate Wise. So follow the step by step procedure.

How To Check UP Vidhan Sabha Election Results 2022

Step 1: First required to visit the Election Commission of India Results Portal i.e results.eci.gov.in

Step 2: Select General Elections To Assembly Constituency March 2022 Results

Step 3: Once select wait for few seconds respective page redirected to results page

Step 4: Once results page is displayed select party wise or candidate wise

Step 4: Verify how many seats won by particular party.

Unmasking pseudo secularism in India

saran
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Unmasking pseudo secularism in India

“I live in an India where Bindi is patriarchy,
whereas hijab is a choice.

I live in an India where Hindutva is mocked,
whereas Abrahamic religions are celebrated.

I live in an India where right wing students are called as terrorists,
whereas terrorists are called as peacefuls.

I live in an India where halal is imposed,
whereas vegetarianism is Brahmanical patriarchy.

I live in an India where sarees are female oppression,
whereas Burqas are female freedom.

I live in an India where BJP is fascist,
whereas Congress is secular.

I live in an India where Azaan is allowed to play 5 times a day,
whereas Hindu festivals are not allowed to celebrate.

I live in an India where worshipping idols is mocked,
whereas the mockers worship 5 times a day facing the direction of a meteor.

I live in an India where leftist wokes, fight for women’s entry to Sabarimala,
whereas they remain silent when almost all Mosques deny women’s entry.”

‘Pseudo Secularism’ – is the term used to deny the genuineness of Secularism. Especially in India, Pseudo secularism more often refers to Pro-Muslim and Anti-Hindu thoughts.

Congress secularism was brought down when the locks of Babri Masjid were opened, and the very humane judgment of the SC in the Shah Bano case that was overthrown through a regressive legislation. Thus Pseudo secularism was indeed a political constrict of India and it has been transformed more than a mere vote bank politics. That is why Hindus reunited to crown BJP to power, to overthrow communalism of the NDA. If India proclaims itself to be secular, it shouldn’t have provided Haj subsidy, for no other Islamic nation provides this privilege. A secular Ex-Prime minister once quoted “minorities must have the first claim on the resources.”

“If India is secular,
Why is proud Muslim, a diversity?

If India is secular,
Why is proud Hindu, a cruelty?”

And irony laughs!!

Hindutva is by its very nature is secular and therefore it can never be communal. Hindus are born secular. After being affected by the pseudo secularist congress for seven decades, majority Hindus have gathered courage to stand against communalism. The second independence after 2014 had seen a real secular government in which Hindu people and it’s ideologies matters. Yet it is not enough! The anti Hindus/ pseudo secularists have started attacking blatantly after BJP has come to power and since the party has its Hindu ideologies. To quote a few, Murder of Harsha who fought for his “equal rights” against “special rights” which only the minorities get, Death of Lavanya who was forced to convert to Christianity, The murder of Kishan for a Facebook post and what not?

And I hope this article reveals the ‘veil of secularism’.

“India must shine, but for all.“

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