The Indian banking industry has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, with mergers and acquisitions playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape. The concept of twin merging, where two prominent banks come together to create a stronger entity, has gained momentum. Twin merging offers several advantages, including enhanced market presence, economies of scale, and improved operational efficiency. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of twin merging in the Indian banking industry, its implications, and the potential benefits it can bring.
The Need for Twin Merging: The Indian banking industry has been grappling with challenges such as fierce competition, technological disruptions, and regulatory changes. In this context, twin merging presents an opportunity to consolidate resources, expertise, and customer base, enabling banks to navigate the dynamic environment more effectively. By joining forces, banks can pool their strengths, synergize operations, and create a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Enhancing Market Presence: Twin merging significantly amplifies the market presence of the merged entity. It allows banks to expand their reach across geographies, tap into new customer segments, and diversify their product offerings. With an expanded customer base and a wider distribution network, the merged bank can better cater to the evolving needs of customers and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Achieving Economies of Scale: One of the key advantages of twin merging is the attainment of economies of scale. Combining operations and resources enable banks to optimize costs, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency. Shared technology platforms, back-office functions, and administrative systems can lead to significant cost savings. Furthermore, economies of scale provide the merged entity with the ability to negotiate better deals with suppliers and vendors, resulting in improved profitability.
Strengthening Financial Stability: In an era of increasing volatility and economic uncertainties, twin merging can bolster the financial stability of banks. The merged entity benefits from a stronger capital base, enhanced risk management capabilities, and improved asset quality. This, in turn, inspires confidence among stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory authorities. A financially stable bank can better withstand adverse market conditions and support the country’s economic growth.
Leveraging Technological Advancements: Technology has become a game-changer in the banking industry. Twin merging offers an excellent opportunity for banks to leverage technological advancements. By integrating digital platforms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, banks can enhance customer experiences, drive innovation, and deliver personalized services. The merged entity can allocate greater resources towards research and development, fostering a culture of continuous technological evolution.
Mitigating Risks and Challenges: While twin merging brings forth several benefits, it also presents certain risks and challenges that need to be managed effectively. Cultural integration, regulatory compliance, and operational harmonization are some of the critical areas that demand attention. The success of a merger lies in careful planning, open communication, and effective change management strategies. By addressing these challenges proactively, banks can ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions.
Table: 1 Growth Data in Twin Merging in the Indian Banking Industry
Aspect
Growth Data and Statistics
Number of Twin Mergers
15 twin mergers in the Indian banking industry from 2018-2022
Market Capitalization Growth
Average market capitalization growth of merged banks: 25%
Branch Network Expansion
30% increase in branch network post-merger
Customer Base Expansion
Merged banks witnessed a 40% increase in customer base
Digital Adoption
Digital transactions grew by 50% post-merger
Loan Book Growth
Combined loan book growth rate: 15% per annum
Profitability Improvement
Merged banks reported an average increase in profits by 20%
Employee Skill Enhancement
Training and upskilling programs for employees post-merger
Credit Rating Upgrades
70% of merged banks experienced credit rating upgrades
Financial Inclusion Initiatives
Increased focus on financial inclusion and rural outreach
Conclusion: Twin merging in the Indian banking industry holds immense potential to drive growth, innovation, and resilience. It offers a pathway for banks to strengthen their market presence, achieve economies of scale, and leverage technological advancements. However, successful twin merging requires meticulous planning, diligent execution, and effective management of risks and challenges.
By embracing this transformative approach, banks can position themselves at the forefront of the industry, delivering enhanced value to their stakeholders and contributing to the nation’s economic progress. As the Indian banking sector continues to evolve, twin merging remains a catalyst for the future of banking in India.
‘The Kerala Story’ a film by Sudipto Sen and produced by distinguished filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah has already generated massive uproar within the Islamists and jihadists in India and the world as it has exposed notoriety of radical Muslims who are luring females into the traps of ‘love jihad’ and finally hypnotizing or forcing them towards jihad.
Although Islamists and so-called secularists are branding this film as mere propaganda stuff, in reality such incidents have happened in the past and still happening, where innocent young girls sneak away from their homes and join terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIS) thus finally ending up as sex slaves.
These unfortunate females get trapped and are being impregnated by jihadist monsters. It is happening in India and other countries – including the Western nations. Shamima Begum, the infamous ISIS bride is just one such example. As this film has boldly exposed the jihadist activities – this certainly deserves Oscar awards, as such an award shall open the prospect for this movie to catch the attention of a larger segment of audiences throughout the world, which will play an important role in alerting every young girl from falling victims of jihadist conglomerates.
Unfortunately, in order to appease Muslim in India who form a solid voting block and side and associate their religion with the tragedy, some states ban it. Loss of millions of non-Muslim – Hindu and Christian lives does not matter to these politicians. They totally ignore the plight of these people, particularly if they are Hindus. That is why for many Hindus Narendra Modi’s party is a great respite.
Muslims, anti-Modi bloc and HINOs in India are vehemently opposing this film and demanding a countrywide ban despite the fact, this movie is based on the story of Islamic State preying on young girls and luring them towards jihadist notoriety. This movie shows – how Islamists and jihadists manipulate innocent girls. The same segment of people had earlier opposed another film titled ‘The Kashmir File’, which is based on the prolific story of Kashmiri Hindu pundits who were massacred by Muslims.
‘The Kerala Story’ follows the travails of three females from the southern Indian state of Kerala who are abducted and recruited by ISIS in Syria. The modestly budgeted film released on May 5 to poor critical reviews, but is emerging as a major box office success, having grossed US$5.6 million to date.
The film claims that some 32,000 women from Kerala had been abducted and recruited by the Islamic State (ISIS). This film has been banned in West Bengal in India on the orders of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister, who is known for her extreme bias towards Islamists and jihadists. Following this ban.
The Producers Guild of India in a statement said: “The Producers Guild of India is distressed by, and would like to record its strong objection to, state-enforced bans on ‘The Kerala Story’. As emphasized by us on several occasions in the past, film releases are regulated by CBFC [Central Board of Film Certification] and any film that complies with this statutory requirement should face no further hurdles in having the paying public decide on its fate”.
“Of course, the audience can choose to watch or ignore any film but that is a choice that should be theirs to make, not one that is imposed on them by any party other than CBFC. We call upon all the relevant authorities to urgently address this all-too-frequent phenomenon of films being denied their right to unfettered, nation-wide exhibition despite having duly complied with regulatory requirements”, the Guild added.
It may be mentioned here that Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala are so-called opposition states, with governments with different political leanings from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have encouraged the film by waiving local film taxes, thus making tickets significantly cheaper.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an election rally in Karnataka last week: “The movie ‘The Kerala Story’ is trying to expose the consequences of terrorism in a society, especially in a state like Kerala which is beautiful land of hardworking and talented people. The Congress party is now trying to ban the film and support the terror elements”.
India, the world’s largest democracy and a land of cultural diversity, has witnessed significant growth and transformation over the past decade. The period from 2010 to 2020 marked a crucial phase in India’s history, characterized by remarkable progress in various spheres.
This article explores India’s growth trajectory by examining key aspects such as the political landscape, geopolitical situation, armed forces and national security, organizations, and laws. By delving into these areas, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s development and achievements.
Political Landscape
The political landscape of India witnessed dynamic changes during the last decade. In 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed a majority government under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The government’s ambitious agenda focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs.
Initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Digital India, and Make in India aimed to stimulate economic growth, improve governance, and enhance India’s global competitiveness. These policies propelled India’s economy forward and opened doors to new opportunities for both domestic and international investors.
Geopolitical Situation
India’s geopolitical significance grew substantially in the last decade. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India emerged as a key player in international relations. The nation forged strategic partnerships with countries around the globe, including the United States, Japan, and various nations in Europe and Southeast Asia. These alliances paved the way for increased trade, investment, and technology transfers. Additionally, India’s active participation in international organizations such as the United Nations and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) showcased its rising influence on global platforms.
Armed Forces and National Security
India’s armed forces made significant strides in enhancing national security during the last decade. The country continued to modernize its defense capabilities by investing in indigenous defense production, acquiring advanced weapon systems, and strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations. Additionally, initiatives like “Make in India” encouraged domestic manufacturing of defense equipment, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on imports. The successful implementation of these strategies bolstered India’s defense preparedness and demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its borders and national interests.
Organizations within India
India is home to several prominent organizations that played a pivotal role in the nation’s growth over the past decade. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved remarkable milestones, including the successful Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-2, establishing India as a leading player in space exploration. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) effectively managed the country’s monetary policies, ensuring stability and resilience in the face of global economic challenges. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) played a crucial role in healthcare research and pandemic management, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, showcasing India’s scientific capabilities.
Laws in India
The last decade witnessed significant legal reforms in India, aimed at ensuring justice, equality, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India paved the way for progressive social change. The decriminalization of homosexuality, the recognition of the transgender community’s rights, and the abolition of triple talaq (a form of instant divorce) were significant milestones in promoting inclusivity and gender equality. Additionally, the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) streamlined debt resolution and bolstered investor confidence, fostering a favorable business environment.
Digital revolution and technology enhancement
India has been experiencing a digital revolution over the past decade. The government has launched several initiatives to promote digitalization and technology enhancement in the country. One such initiative is Digital Bharat, which aims to provide digital infrastructure and services to all citizens of India. The initiative includes several programs such as Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is another initiative that has revolutionized the way people make payments in India. UPI is a real-time payment system that allows users to transfer money between bank accounts instantly using their mobile phones. It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016.
e-RUPI is another digital payment system launched by the Indian government in 2021. It is a cashless and contactless payment system that allows users to make payments for various services without the need for a physical card or bank account.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is a not-for-profit organization that was set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in 2008. NPCI is responsible for managing several payment systems in India, including UPI, RuPay, and BHIM.
Total Transactions via UPI
According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates UPI, 5.04 billion transactions were processed on the platform until March 29, 2022, amounting to Rs 8.88 lakh crore. In October 2022 alone, UPI led to nearly 7.3 billion transactions. We will be expecting more and more transactions via UPI in future due to its reliability and convenience.
Aatmanirbhar bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India)
One notable initiative that emerged during the last decade in India was the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign and the Made in India project. Launched in 2020, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports across various sectors of the economy. It encouraged domestic production, innovation, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the development and promotion of indigenous industries and products.
The Made in India project, an integral part of this initiative, sought to boost manufacturing capabilities and promote Indian goods both domestically and globally. These initiatives fostered a renewed sense of pride and confidence in Indian industries, facilitating economic growth, job creation, and positioning India as a self-reliant and globally competitive nation.
Conclusion
India’s growth over the last decade showcases its determination to emerge as a global powerhouse. The nation’s political landscape witnessed transformative reforms, while its geopolitical influence expanded significantly. The armed forces and national security apparatus were strengthened, ensuring the protection of Indian interests. Remarkable progress was achieved through organizations like ISRO, RBI, and ICMR, elevating India’s status in space exploration, monetary policies, and healthcare research. Legal reforms brought about positive social change, advancing equality and justice.
As India continues its journey into the future, it faces challenges and opportunities that will shape its growth further. Sustaining the momentum of economic reforms, investing in human capital, and addressing social inequalities will be crucial in building an inclusive and prosperous India. By leveraging its strengths, embracing innovation, and promoting global cooperation, India has the potential to become a beacon of progress and an inspiration to nations worldwide.
Please note:
As a conscientious citizen of India, it is my moral and fundamental duty to inform all readers of this article that there may be inaccuracies in certain maps of India available on platforms like Google Maps. These inaccuracies pertain to the depiction of territories that are illegally occupied by Pakistan, commonly referred to as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and certain regions in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern part of India, which China claims as its own territory.
To ensure the accuracy of the map of India you are using, it is advisable to refer to reliable and authoritative sources. The official website of the Survey of India, https://indiamaps.gov.in/, can be used as a trustworthy resource for verifying the correctness of the map. It provides up-to-date and accurate information on the territorial boundaries of India.
As responsible individuals, it is essential to use accurate and legally accepted maps of India to maintain the integrity of national boundaries and to respect the sovereign claims of the country. By utilizing reliable sources, we contribute to the dissemination of accurate information and support the preservation of India’s territorial integrity.
Russian special operation in Ukraine is in its second year now. This is the longest war after WW2 and the only time when the Russian Federation is fighting a full-blown war against a regular army. After WW2 Russians haven’t participated in any war. Their war in Afghanistan was not against a regular army but against terrorists and armed militia. The same militia defeated the world’s top-ranked and de-facto deputy superpowers.
During the whole operation the point of conversation among the military specialists has been the vulnerability of Russian tanks to the Ukraine army which is operating the same platform or say comparatively inferior versions of T-Tanks. But only a couple of encounters has been such where the Russian tanks are destroyed by Ukrainians using the tanks as a countermeasure. Most Russian tanks has been eliminated by other Anti-Tank weapons like Javelin. This is a fierce anti-tank system that can destroy any tank in the world at the time including the Abrams of the US Army.
First-generation ATGMs were developed in the early 1950s to late 1960s by both Western armies and Soviets. But the first time this system made any visible impact was during the Yom Kippur War. Soviet-designed 9M14 Malyutka ATGMs knocked out more than 800 Israeli tanks during the war. Since the Malyutka system was wire guides, therefore, the operator was vulnerable because he had to steer the missile continuously to the target.
The development of anti-tank missile systems seems to have reduced the role of tanks to pre WW2 era. Opposed to the French and British think tanks in WW2 Germans used the tanks not as infantry support weapons but as infantry itself. But the Ukraine-Russian war has limited the use of tanks as the infantry support system. So far the war looks like a duplication of WW1 style of battles where armies used to dig trenches, sit there, and shoot until everyone is dead.
The battle of Bakhmut can be compared to the Battle of muse river. No one seems to be advancing but learning from experiences Russian army has found a new role for tanks. Instead of going guns blazing with tanks as spearhead, RA stations their tanks at a safer distance away from AFU countermeasures and shells the buildings and AFU troops hidings from far away. They have even fitted their older tanks such as T-54s and T-62s with the anti-tanks guns. What was obsolete and useless has now become absolutely useful.
The Ukrainian army seems to be banking too much on Abrams and Leopards but it seems that these tanks as well will be too much vulnerable to loitering ammunition, precise Russian artillery, and the newest addition to the Russian arsenal ‘The Kinzhal’.
Although the AFU can learn from Russians and just limit the role of tanks to infantry support weapons. The Abram tanks are very sophisticated systems. It requires a great deal of logistics management to support these tanks in a battle. It will be worth watching closely how these tanks play out against the tanks Americans designed these for, “The Russian Grizzly Bear”.
To put it simply IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) is under siege. To put it radically the meritocracy-educational complex in India is being assassinated by the dismantlers aka the scholars and academicians at IVY League Universities most notably Harvard to suit their own socio-cultural agenda. The book highlights how beneath the mask of social justice and human rights Indian Institutions of Excellence most particularly IIT are being showered with grenades of wrongful accusations pertaining to castism and racism.
The Battle for IITs serves as an outstanding and one of it’s kind toolkit to combat the legal, and social implications of this attack faced by IITiens specifically abroad like in the Silicon Valley which has become a host and experimental ground for IVY League Woke machinery to perpetuate their skewed and bigoted narrative on Indian Institute of Technology and what they as an fundamental Institution of Excellence represent India as a society on the whole. This book is a follow up of the widely popular treatise – Snakes in the Ganga. Battle For IITs focuses solely on American propaganda and project to tear down IITs and other institutions of meritocracy in India by demeaning and trumping up these institutions as echo chambers of casteism. This concoction of a slew of lies has fomented a fourfold accusation on the IITs –
1) IIT is the machinery Upper Castes use to encash their Caste Capital (Merit)
2) IITs are systematically biased where caste determines social trajectories and students from reservation categories face elimination.
3) IIT exam and curriculum is reproducing caste hierarchies in India
4) A distorted image of IITians working in Silicon Valley is carved out blaming them for sidelining lower caste contemporaries.
The Battle for IITs also sought to analyze that how in the backdrop of anti-racism movements in America, Theories such as the Critical Race Theory are being propounded in academic circles. This is deeply concerning because it is using the issue of caste in India as a foundation and a scapegoat for the operation of racism in American. These vicious attacks on Indian Educational Institutions is being manifested in IITs and other merit- based institutes by none other than our Indigenous institutions like Ashoka University and Delhi School of economics. They run workshops and offer scholarships with the motive of redefining merit and indoctrinating it’s students into applying Marxist framework on Indian society and institutions.
One might wonder what ramifications such Harvard led attacks will have upon Non – IITiens and why should they be concerned. Because in clear and concise language – Meritocracy matters and any and every Indian who believes in Merit, an unbiased vetting process for getting admissions in such institutions of excellence and the legacy of our imminent institutions which are sustained by Indian resources and Indian initiative should take this seriously. We need to ride at dawn and stand up for our Nation ‘s institutions because they’re testament to our greatness and development .
The book titled “The First Muslim; the story of Muhammad”, written by Lesley Hazleton, was first published in 2013 in both the USA and Great Britain. The book is a biography of prophet Muhammad that talks about the major incidents of the prophet’s life from birth to death. The author, Lesley Hazleton, comes from a Jewish family but calls herself a confirmed agnostic.
The book is based on an unstated assumption that the Standard Islamic Narrative (SIN) is true. The SIN actually came into being in the form of Sirat Rasul Allah, Sahih Hadith, and Al Tabari’s Early Islamic History etc. 200 to 300 years after Muhammad’s death. The author does not enter into the issue of authenticity of SIN and proceeds to tell us about the life of Muhammad.
There is contradictory information as to who was the first Muslim? A large section of Islamists today claims that Islam is the oldest religion and Adam was the first Muslim. Lesley Hazleton, however, puts an end to that propaganda by referring to the Quran, where it says multiple times that Muhammad was the first Muslim.
Author’s respect for Muhammad is palpable in the book, though she tries to proceed in a dispassionate manner. The respect could be due to commercial consideration. She builds up the narrative of her book by quoting from Ibn Ishaq, Quran and Al Tabari. Her lack of concern about the historicity of these sources makes the reading free-flowing like a fairy tale.
The book is divided into three chapters, namely (1) Orphan, (2) Exile and (3) Leader. As the names denote, the first chapter deals with Muhammad’s birth and upbringing as an orphan child to the elevation of an honest business agent to his marriage with Khadija and receiving of revelations from Allah, as well as, early and benign preaching of his new monotheism for twelve years in Mecca against all odds from his own people.
Besides receiving the first revelation from Allah in the hill-cave of Hira in the outskirt of Mecca, the nocturnal journey (Miraj) of Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem on a winged horse-like creature and from there to an audience with Allah by climbing a gold-made ladder was the most important incident of Muhammad’s Meccan life. The author calls Miraj a miracle story.
Second chapter is the largest one. It deals with Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina with a few dozens of Meccan followers and his gradual transformation to a violent and intolerant leader with a very shrewd political cunningness. His major raids and battles get large space in the chapter. The story of persecution of Jewish tribe Banu Qurayza of Medina serves as an example to explain the viciousness in Muhammad. All males, about 750 in number, of the tribe who reached puberty were beheaded, their properties were confiscated and all children and females were taken as slaves by Muhammad and his Muslim soldiers.
The author virtually accepts that all the violence, intolerance and aggression of Muhammad of Medina are outbursts of his response to the humiliation, obscurity and neglect he received in his childhood, youth and adult life in Mecca. The suppressed volcano of his hatred towards Meccans and their lifestyle allowed an outlet of molten lava in the form of his forceful imposition of new monotheism upon Meccans, Jews, Christians and Bedouin of Arabia. From time-to-time Allah kept on sending Quranic revelations in support of Muhammad.
The author unnecessarily brings in Mahatma Gandhi to refer to the non-violence practiced by Muhammad in his early prophethood in Mecca. She almost justifies Muhammad’s violent transformation in Medina for not achieving any good result by non-violent approach in Mecca. While Muhammad’s non-violence was situational, Gandhi’s was not. The author fails to understand this basic difference. The chapter ends with the negotiated surrender of Mecca before Muhammad.
The third chapter deals with the last two years of Muhammad’s life that includes his last Hajj to Mecca also. After consolidating a large part of Arabia under his control Muhammad, in this chapter, is almost a confused person. He is a tired, exhausted and sick man. The increasingly demanding nature of public life and responsibility of temporal leader and a prophet were too much for him to bear. He did not announce his successor. Muhammad’s identity in this chapter dominates as a socio-political reformer and not as any holy spiritual man.
Muhammad had nine wives in Medina, but no living male heir. The infight between co-wives was increasing. After ten days of severe illness, Muhammad died at the age of 62 years as an unhappy man. According to the SIN, Muhammad died as a result of consuming poisoned lamb-meat given to him by a Jewish woman in Khaybar three years back.
However, in the book the author deviates from SIN and postulates that Meningitis was the cause of death of the prophet of Islam. Muhammad was buried after about 40 hours of his death, almost unceremoniously, because his closest associates and followers were busy in deciding his successor. The end was sad and lonely for the prophet of Islam.
The whole book in general, and the second chapter in particular, is devoid of any worthy spiritual content. The second chapter projects Muhammad as an obsessed tribal leader, who was keen on expanding his area of control only. Allah came as an afterthought to catalyze and sanctify Muhammad’s leadership or prophethood as he claimed. Muhammad transformed Arab tribal society to supra-tribalism. And this is the life story of The First Muslim.
About the book, a Pakistan-origin friend from the USA has succinctly observed, “I do not think her (Lesley Hazleton’s) book has any additional value as research or as critique. It may, however, add a little more to our narcissistic pride. And such books are written exactly because our people eagerly buy them”.
Over the years, India has made progress towards adopting more liberal regulations and embracing the LGBTQ+ population. However, especially in terms of same-sex marriage, the nation has not yet completely acknowledged the rights of the community. The most recent Supreme Court case involving Anjali Chauhan and Sukhdeep Kaur, who filed a petition seeking formal recognition of their marriage, has lately brought this issue back to the fore.
The case has sparked a discussion over whether India is ready for same-sex Marriage. Different viewpoints have been expressed on both sides of the debate regarding same-sex marriage in many different nations. Even though some nations have made same-sex marriage legal, others have not, and India is one of those nations. In this article, we will analyse why same-sex marriage is not yet acceptable in India, taking a look at a variety of aspects including cultural views, governmental policies, and popular perceptions. To give a thorough study of the problem, we will also look at precedents and instances from other nations.
Anjali Chauhan and another filed a petition to have their marriage recognised legally in the case Anjali Chauhan and another v. Government of NCT of Delhi and others. The Special Marriage Act, which permits interfaith and intercaste weddings, was used by the pair to be married in 2019. On account of the fact that they were both women, the registrar of weddings refused to allow them to register their marriage. The petitioners claimed that Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution guaranteed them the freedom to marry.
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution states that “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.” This implies that everyone should be treated equally under the law, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. According to Article 21 of the Constitution, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.” This means that everyone has the freedom to live their life whatever they choose, provided it doesn’t damage other people.
The petitioners referred to the Supreme Court’s judgement in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, which had overturned Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and acknowledged the rights of LGBTQ+ people. The Navtej Singh Johar decision, which decriminalised homosexuality and increased the community’s legal protections, was a landmark decision. The court ruled that adult voluntary sexual actions performed in private between consenting adults cannot be criminalised and acknowledged the right to privacy as a basic right.
The Navtej Singh Johar case, however, did not immediately address the problem of same-sex marriage. The ruling did not recognise same-sex partnerships or offer any kind of legal protection for LGBTQ+ people in relationships; it just decriminalised homosexual activities. The Anjali Chauhan and Sukhdeep Kaur case aims to close this legal loophole and advance same-sex marriage’s legalisation in India.
It’s a complicated question to ask if India is prepared for same-sex Marriage. On the one hand, there are many who contend that same-sex marriage would be an unacceptably radical departure from conventional norms in India’s conservative society. They also note that legalising same-sex marriage may spark opposition because many Indians still have traditional attitudes on homosexuality.
On the other side, they contend that India is prepared for same-sex unions and that it is past time for the nation to acknowledge the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Citing the hijra community and other marginalised groups, they emphasise that India has a long history of accepting gender and sexual diversity. They also contend that legalising same-sex marriage would be a logical extension of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, which was a step in the right direction.
Problems :
Cultural Principles:
The cultural views of India are one of the main reasons why the country is not ready for same-sex unions. Marriage is only recognised between a man and a woman in India since it is seen as a holy institution. For instance, a man and a woman are united during a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, which has its own rituals and traditions. In addition, India is a nation that places a high priority on family and community. Since maintaining family ties is important, it’s not unusual for kids to continue living with their parents well into adulthood. In India, the idea of a nuclear family, which consists of a spouse and their kids, is still not very common. Given this cultural setting, the concept of same-sex marriage is frequently perceived as an anomaly that defies societal norms and traditional values.
Political and legal systems:
The legal and political structures that govern India are another reason why it is not ready for same-sex unions. Indian law is founded on the Constitution, a constitutional democracy that guarantees equality and against discrimination. However, same-sex marriage is not expressly permitted by the Constitution. In addition, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibited consensual sexual actions between adults of the same sex, was only repealed in 2018, decriminalising homosexuality.
Additionally, the political climate in India does not support the legalisation of same-sex unions. Political parties in India, a nation with a rich religious and cultural history, hold varying views on the subject. While some political parties are in favour of same-sex marriage, others are against it, and the topic is frequently used as a political ploy to win over voters. It seems doubtful that the Indian government would adopt a progressive posture on the subject of same-sex marriage anytime soon given this situation.
Examples from the Globe
India is not yet ready for same-sex marriage, although other nations have adopted a more liberal policy. The Netherlands was the first nation to legalise same-sex unions in 2001, and a number of other nations have subsequently done the same. As an example, the United States legalised same-sex marriage in 2015 because of a significant ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges {135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015)}
Following a national postal survey in which 61.6% of respondents voted in favour of the change, same-sex marriage became legal in Australia in 2017. The ruling was eventually upheld by the Australian parliament, establishing legality for same-sex unions there.
In recent years, same-sex marriage has also been legal in nearby nations like Taiwan and Nepal. Taiwan became the first nation in Asia to legalise same-sex unions in 2019, while Nepal was the first nation in South Asia to do so in 2008. These instances show how cultural norms and judicial systems may develop and alter through time, paving the road for the acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights.
It is important to remember that these developments did not occur overnight and were the product of years of lobbying and activity on the part of LGBTQ+ people and their supporters. It is crucial to understand that every nation has a different background, and that what works in one place would not necessarily work in another.
In conclusion, cultural beliefs, legal and political structures, and public perceptions all contribute to the fact that India is not yet ready for same-sex marriage. This does not imply, however, that the nation will never be prepared for it. Change is taking place, however slowly, as seen by the growing understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ people in India. The political and legal systems may change to promote the acceptance of same-sex marriage as more people become informed about the topic and comprehend the value of equality and non-discrimination.
Even while India might not be prepared for same-sex unions right now, it is crucial to keep the dialogue going and seek to build a culture that is more tolerant of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We can create the conditions for a better and more equitable future for everybody by taking lessons from other nations’ experiences and applying them to the Indian environment.
As the wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar- arguably India’s most popular protests arena- took a new turn after a clash between the protesting wrestlers and Delhi Police the other day, one wonders what’s really happening and why.
What’s happened so far?
The protesters organized a sit –in at Jantar Mantar in January this year demanding that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh should resign, as he has sexually assaulted several female wrestlers– including a minor– during his tenure at the top post.
However, after an assurance that the Central Government will form a committee to look into the matter, the protests were soon called off. The report by the committee was submitted on 5 April but not made public. The protesters renewed their protest on 23 April alleging inaction by the authorities.
Earlier, the Delhi Police had filed two FIRs against Singh after intervention of the Supreme Court. The first FIR had been registered under the POSCO Act based on the allegations of a minor. The second FIR was registered for a comprehensive investigation into the complaints by other complainants under relevant sections pertaining to outraging of modesty.
Consequently, the statement of the seven female wrestlers including a minor was recorded by the police.
Overview and looking back
Apparently, there’s something more to it than meets the eye. B B Singh has been in charge of the WFI since 2012. Among the wrestlers who are protesting against him now, some were his fans earlier. But things can change fast especially in politics. A little digging into the past reveals that like most sports associations in India, the WFI too is deeply politicized. In 2011 elections for its President’s post , the winner was a wrestler named Dushyant Sharma from J&K.
However, the wrestling federation of Haryana appealed to Delhi High Court against the election process and the court ordered a reelection. There were two strong candidates for the coveted post viz. BB Singh and Deependra Hooda. Out of the two, Singh having more political clout, won the reelection and ever since then has been at the helm. India’s wrestlers have done quite well during his tenure winning many medals at international competitions; medals that they now wish to immerse in the holy Ganga.
Rift between Singh and his bête noire Hooda, who was heading the Haryana Wrestling Association, became more pronounced when new selection policy was introduced by WFI in November 2021. The changes in the selection process were strongly opposed by the Haryana Wrestling Association as the same were perceived to be inimical to their interest. Things came to such a pass that Hooda was removed from his post in June 2022 and Rohtas Singh was appointed in his place by the WFI.
Politicization of the protest
It’s none other than the star wrestler Bajrang Punia who claimed that some individuals were trying to steer the ongoing protests to a different direction, while adding that they would not let the movement get politicized. However, later the wrestlers expressed their willingness to welcome anyone who wants to come out in their support, including the political parties. And then as if waiting for a cue, political parties, farmers unions, Khap leaders et al, jumped into the band wagon.
The way forward
All protests ultimately have to find a closure. This one should too. The wrestlers need to understand a few things.
First, whatever is the merit of their grievances, after a certain point such agitations tend to lose steam and as a matter of fact, become counter-productive. It’s pretty much obvious that most of their supporters – be it politicians or others – have their vested interests and are trying to fire from their broad shoulders.
Second, other than the aforementioned supporters, their protest has actually failed to gather mass support from the public. People in general seem to be fed up of recurring protests in the national capital over the last few years. The wrestlers attempt to protest outside the new parliament as it was being inaugurated has not gone down well with the public.
Third, since the wrestlers’ allegations are being investigated by the police as directed by the Supreme Court, the wrestlers should have faith in the law of the land. In any case, their agitation has already been hijacked by the usual suspects. They shouldn’t let themselves be exploited anymore.
The government on its part must be proactive in dealing with this situation and not play the waiting game. At the time of writing, some International wrestling organizations have conveyed their concern over this issue and warned of consequences to the WFI.
“Let the law take its own course” is fine but this being a special case involving national sports heroes, a swift action is needed by the law enforcement agencies. They must decide fast whether allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are true or false, and then take action accordingly to put an end to this serious issue.
देश में रहकर बोलती तो निकलती नही है चले जाते है विदेशों में मनोरंजन करनें। हा वही माननीय राहुल गांधी जी की बात कर रहा हू। इन्हे समझ भी है की ये कहा जाकर क्या बोल रहे है इससे विदेशियों के सामने भारत की क्या छवि बनेगी? कोई परवाह नही हैं इनको सिर्फ अपने दो कौड़ी की राजनीति से मतलब है और कुछ नहीं। अब अमेरिका में उन्होने ने अपने दिल कि बात रखी की “भारत में मुसलमानो का वही हाल है जो 80 के दशक में दलितों का था” अरे भैया आप ही का परिवार सत्ता में था काहे नही न्याय कर दिया।
देखा जाय तो राहुल गाँधी का कहना है कि जो भाजपा सरकार में मुसलामानों के साथ हो रहा है जब उनके परिवार की सरकार थी तब वो यही काम दलितों के साथ करते थे। इतना ही नही इन्होंने ये तक कह डाला मुस्लिम लीग पूरी तरह से सेक्युलर पार्टी है, नॉन-सेक्युलर नही। वाह राहुल जी वाह जो देश का दो फाड़ करा दे वो सेकुलर नही होगा तो कौन होगा। इनके सामने ही खालिस्तानी समर्थक नारे लगा रहे थे। इनको सिख लोग भी बड़े परेशान दिख रहे है भारत में पता नही कैसे? जबकि इनकी दादी की हत्या के बाद सिखों का नरसंहार हुआ था इनके पिता जी ने कहा था “जब बड़ा पेड़ गिरता है तो धरती हिलती है..”
सबसे बड़ी बात क्या की इनकी पार्टी सत्ता में थी सत्ता की ताकत इनका परिवार बखूबी दिखा रहा था। ऑपरेशन ब्लू स्टार तो याद ही होगा लोगो को ये वो सब घटनाएं जिन्हे कोई चाहकर भी कोई नही भुला सकता है। फिर भी देखने समझने वाली बात ये है की खालिस्तानी एजेंडा आज भी विदेशो में सक्रिय है ये और इनके पार्टी के तथाकथित प्रबंधक इन लोगो के आस पास ही दिखते है। इनकी पार्टी उसी के साथ गठबंधन कर लेती है जो राजीव गांधी के हत्या के जिम्मेदार थे।
भारत के केंद्रीय जांच ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) ने विवेक रघुवंशी, एक स्वतंत्र पत्रकार और पूर्व नौसेना कमांडर को जासूसी मामले में देश के सरकारी गोपनीयता अधिनियम के तहत गिरफ्तार किया। रघुवंशी पर रक्षा अनुसंधान विकास संगठन (DRDO) और सेना के बारे में संवेदनशील जानकारी के अवैध संग्रह और उन्हें अन्य देशों की खुफिया एजेंसियों के साथ साझा करने का आरोप लगाया गया है। राहुल गांधी से जब इसपर सवाल पूछा गया तो उन्होंने इसपर भी रोना शुरू कर दिया।
पता नही राहुल गांधी को इसके बारे में पता था भी की नही लेकिन उन्होंने यह तो जरूर ही कह दिया देख लीजिए भारत में यही तो मीडिया की आजादी है। हद है आजादी से याद आया कि बीबीसी के समर्थन में लोगो हल्ला हु मचाना शुरू कर दिया था कुछ दिन पहले ही बीबीसी ने स्वीकार किया है भारत में 40 करोड़ की आयकर चोरी, सीबीडीटी को पत्र भेजकर कहा- कम चुकाया था टैक्स। जब छापा पड़ा था तो टुकड़े टुकड़े गैंग के सक्रिय हो गए थे की मोदी का डॉक्यूमेंट्री दिखा दिया बीबीसी ने इसीलिए छापा पड़ रहा है। देश में कहने बोलने की आजादी नही है, देश खतरे में आ गया था एक विदेशी मीडिया कंपनी के ऊपर उचित कार्यवाही होने से। अरे मोदी विरोध में इतना नीचे स्तर इतना ना गिरा दीजिए की फिर से देश के टुकड़े हो जाए और जनता विदेशियों का जूता साफ करने पर मजबूर हो जाए।
“Jana Gana Man” composed by Rabindranath Tagore was adopted by constituent assembly as India’s national anthem on 24th January 1948. Tagore’s beautifully crafted lyrics written in Sanskritized Bengali portrays pluralistic heritage of the Republic i.e., Unity in Diversity in geography, languages, and regions of the country. In a multilingual nation, the lyrics of the anthem are inclusive of all major regional languages. The lyrics of the anthem were adopted from Tagore’s poem Bharoto Bhagya Bidhata written in 1911, first sung during annual session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta.
National anthems have been an important component of identity in the era of Westphalian sovereignty. British national anthem “God Save the King” is oldest in the world with attribution dated to 1618. The lyrics addressing God focuses upon Monarch as the personification of divine’s rule on Earth. It is the monarch who embodies ideals of victory, prosperity, and good governance.
However, it is not the oldest song to become a national anthem as “Filips van Marnix van Sint-Aldegonde,” written in honor of Willem van Oranje-Nassau, the founder of the Netherlands was composed in 1572. The precedent for other European monarchies was set with description of ruler as embodiment of the nation.
Prussian national anthem, which later became anthem of German Empire was set in tune with “God Save the Queen” but omitted use of God instead hailing the monarch Heil dir im Siegerkranz, Herrscher des Vaterlands, Heil Kaiser dir “Hail thee in victor’s laurels, ruler of the fatherland, hail to thee, emperor.” France having procured strong tradition of secular thought has used La Marseillaise, troops marching song from the days of revolution as national anthem for all the five republics.
National anthems have evolved to be vital to define national character, manifesting state ideals. They are played during diplomatic meetings, state conferences, national celebrations, sporting events and other functions. It would not be wrong to say national anthems form part of nation building. After WW2, Germany (erstwhile West Germany) omitted use of first stanza “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der welt” Germany, Germany above all, above all in the world.
During fractured provincialism of Holy Roman Empire and post-Napoleonic inter-warring among German states, the lyrics originally denoted ideal of a unified Germany. The lyrics became popular during the Nazi rule and as part of Entnazifizierung (Denazification), only third stanza has been in use as the official anthem since then.
Orientation of Indian National Anthem
National Anthems are ruler oriented, nation oriented and god oriented. Most of the modern secular states and republics avoid the reference to God and even heads of the states, as they are one of the nation that is already being revered. India’s national anthem opens up by adressing, the rulers of minds of people, the one who is Dispenser of India’s destiny and in whose name the victory is pronounced. Only the first stanza of Bharoto Bhagya Vidhata was adopted as national anthem and interpretations around the Dispenser of India’s destiny have been many.
When Bharoto Bhagya Vidhata was first performed, King Geroge V was the Emperor of India and was set to visit India during the annual session of Indian National Congress in 1911, where the anthem was sung publicly for the first time. In 1913 Tagore becamethe first non-European to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature for his work Geetanjali published in London a year prior.
After Bharoto Bhagaya Vdhata was perfromed, Tagore was hailed by the British controlled press as a loyalist of the Empire. The interpretaiton was drawn around the 2nd stanza where gracious call of the dispenser is answered by multiple faiths of Indian people and they weave the garland of love, coming to the side of his throne. The stanza goes like:
Your call is announced continuously, we heed Your gracious call The Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Muslims and Christians, The East and the West come together, to the side of Your throne And weave the garland of love. Oh! You who bring in the unity of the people! Victory be to You, dispenser of the destiny of India! Victory, victory, victory to You!
The lyrics made it seem very likely how Tagore is hailing George V as Dispenser of nation’s destiny with a secular shroud around it. This version of events has been a popular belief and is accepted by many as the actual meaning of these lyrics. In 2015 ex-chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Kalayan Singh demanded removal of “Jana gana mana adhinayaka jaya he and it to be replaced by Jana gana mana mangala jaya he in the national anthem. Kalyan Singh, then governor of Rajasthan found line to be offensive because he believed adhinayaka refers to King George V of England.
Tagore was haunted by the premise of the controversy to his deathbed when senior journalist, Nanda Dulal Sengupta asked him if the adhinayaka in the poem was King George V. Tagore responded by expressing his wish to slash down one of the songs he had written- — Sarthok janam amar jonmechi ei deshe (I have achieved salvation by being born in this country).”
In a letter to Bengali revolutionary Pulin Behari Sen, Tagore shed light on the matter “That Lord of Destiny, that Reader of the Collective Mind of India, that Perennial Guide, could never be George V, George VI, or any other George. Even my official friend understood this about the song. After all, even if his admiration for the crown was excessive, he was not lacking in simple common sense.”The letter was later published in Brahmo Samaj’s magazine Bichatra.
Prominent Indologist Dr. Koenrad Elst holds that other than the glorification of nation, India’s National Anthem is a veneration of the divine guru. As one moves to 3rd stanza of Bharoto Bhagya Vidhata it becomes clear to the learned mind, who is the dispenser of India’s destiny. India’s national anthem is not ruler-oriented, god-oriented or nation oriented. It is distinctly nation and god-oriented, the god here identified as Shri Krishna of the Bhagwat Geeta.
The way of life is somber as it moves through ups and downs, but we, the pilgrims, have followed it through ages. Oh! Eternal Charioteer, the wheels of yourchariot echo day and night in the path In the midst of fierce revolution, your conch shell sounds. You save us from fear and misery. Oh! You who guide the people through torturous path, victory be to You, dispenser of the destiny of India! Victory, victory, victory to You!
The use of words like Eternal Charioteer (अनन्त सारथि), conch shell(शंख) and the famous expression (युगे युगे) makes it crystal clear what Tagore was referring to. The iconography around the lyrics portray Lord Krishna as the ruler of minds of people, charioting India’s destiny for millennials and millennials. Tagore as a Brahmo Samaji avoided direct mention to the divine incarnation but his message resounds unequivocally for the pilgrims(यात्री).
Creation of Pluralistic Ideal
There are only 2 words in preamble of the Indian constitution that didn’t go through debate in Constituent Assembly, SECULAR SOCIALIST. During the constituent assembly debates, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar refuted a whole amendment for adding “SECULAR, FEDERAL SOCIALIST” introduced by K.T. Shah. According to him the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy bore testimony to principles of justice, equality and fair play. Besides there is no attempt in Indian Constitution to make Republic a theocratic state and idea of Secularism i.e. state’s neutrality on religion is embedded thoroughly in the living document.
For Tagore the contours of majoritarian nationalism delimit the scope of pluralism. His advocacy of religious pluralism is well circulated and 2nd stanza of Bharoto Bhagaya Vidhata also champions the same cause. Despite his Universalist fervor and skepticism around nationalist temper, the spirit of national anthem is not secular rather it is thoroughly Hindu. The pluralistic thread of Indian Civilization is accommodating of all faiths stemming from the ideals of universality enshrined in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” The World is one family.
Tagore as a Brahmo Samaji paid reverence to an incarnation of Vishnu yet Kalayan Singh, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh whose government was toppled for standing at the ruins of Babri Mosque lambasted Tagore. Such is the cloak of colonialism on a nation that requires arena of Secularism in vast field of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and where a leader of Hindu Nationalist Party berates hymn of his divine as a gospel of the despot.
For Tagore civilization matters, nation-states do not. Despite his commitment to Indian Nationalist cause, he frequently criticized dogmatic form it might take and complete denigration of Western influence. Tagore ideology had always been with non-conviction of nation states, which according to him limited the scope of individualistic expression.
Even the official Indian National anthem evades the ground reality of fractured provincialism in today’s South Asia. The name on whom the victory is pronounced even echoes in PUNJAB (land of five Indus tributaries), SINDH (land of Indus), HIMACHAL (Himalayas), BANG (land of Bengali people) and UCCHALA-JALADHI-TARANG (is chanted by the waves of Indian Ocean). The mark of colonial enterprise might divide the people over borders but mark of a civilization reverberates with every layer that is removed.
Other than Tagore, two of his contemporaries Mohammed Iqbal and Banikam Chand Chatterjee also composed honors for the nation. Iqbal, who later spearheaded creation of Pakistan wrote two beautiful hymns celebrating the land. Sare Jahan se Acha Hindustan Humara is a beautiful iteration of national unity, country’s landscapes, pluralism and revolution. His other work Mera Watan Wai Hai is another beautiful set of hymns laid in idea of nation, its history and myth around it.
The latter of his works evade temper of secular ideal and embraces the primacy of separatist cause of Indian Muslims. Bankim Chatterjee’s Vande Matram is a direct veneration of India in the form of Bharat Mata, a Hindu deity. From the pre-independence days many Hindu nationalist groups sought adoption of this song as anthem for India which was meet with fierce resistance from other religious groups, especially Muslims.
The idea of non-Hindus revering a Hindu deity was unacceptable to many nationalist leaders including Tagore, who pointed out in a letter to Subhash Chandra Bose, that this hymn is essentially dedicated to goddess Durga and people from other religions might have a problem with it.
Tagore, in 2 letters written around same time pointed out someone’s worship of divine in one and in the other defended his subtle homage of the same. Perhaps this is what Universalist fervor of Tagore is really about. If doctrines of Islam and Christianity can’t work around idolatry of divine in a polytheistic society like India, his idea was to work around it. The adoption from a Hindu Scripture that not only speaks as a conclusion but also meets with Abrahamic temper of monotheism.
Shree Krishna in his Vishwaroop speaks with a 1000 faces speaks as I, charioting the destiny of warrior prince Arjun. If non-Hindus can pay homage to a Hindu god in national anthem, then the ideal of pluralism is truly realized. The fabric of this pluralism is quoted in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” from Sanskrit philosophy in Hinduism, an Indian religion.
Secularism is a western concept that can’t fully encapsulate vividness of a polytheistic society and reverence of divine ideal, as the dispenser of nation’s destiny. A nation where philosophers play a thousand variations based on one monistic theme, Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava “All faiths are possible”.
At the time when India’s destiny is to be marked by virtue of being the host of G-20 summit it is important take note of Tagore’s legacy which has been built around “the ideals of humanity” over nationalism. His ideals of a globalized society lay emphasis on principles of tolerance, unity and co-operation.
In a world rattled by aftershocks of COVID-19, the humanitarian crisis plunging Russian and Ukrainian citizens in disarray, multiple ethno-religious conflicts, climate change, inflation, energy crisis, mass layoffs and possibility of conflict escalation in Eastern Europe, the virtue of multi-layered cooperation espoused by Tagore should be at forefront of close examination and thought. The time is set for India to manifest what it has always sought to project itself as “Vishwaguru.” From Pandit Nehru’s speech at the stroke of midnight hour to Narendra Modi’s pronouncement at Kartvya Path, the destiny of India has led to final steps of reclaiming the title from India’s own classical language.
Tagore’s tryst with destiny lays out the message of hope in bleakest of nights when the eternal charioteer’s blessing will carry pilgrims to the hills of eastern horizon where the sun has finally risen. The mark of India that is Bharat is national orientation through sacred manifestation, so believed Rabindranath Tagore and citizens singing the anthem.
