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The pandemic of lockdown

Reports

daljeet2005

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9 May 2020

Today as India enters the Eighth week of lockdown, an old and often quoted adage ‘Life is not about surviving but Living’ comes to mind. There are two basic attitudes to life, some say “I want to Live” while others say “I don’t want to die”. Any microcosm of society i.e. nations, cities, even municipalities will have an aggregate of both views, the balance of survival versus growth may perhaps be as old as humanity itself. However, the fact that we have come a long way from hanging on trees and consider ourselves better than the rest of the animal kingdom has to be attributed to success of the view that said, Damn be the risks, I/we want to live, flourish and expand our horizons.

There will always be those who don’t want to die, crave safety and protection against all forms of real and imagined harm. Multiple comparisons are drawn between Spanish flu of 1918 and the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020. The Spanish Flu was no doubt horrific and reading descriptions of the time makes me glad that I didn’t live through those times. But the same news articles also make me reflect upon the fact that people, even in those tough times, did not stop living. They took whatever precautions were necessary, or the ones they could afford, but no businesses were shut down. No cities were forced in lockdowns. Things were tough, the Spanish flu death rate is widely estimated at around 60 percent which is far higher than that of Covid-19. Yet, people focused on moving forward, on achievements. That is what defined their lives, not the tragedy.

This culture of moving forward, of not sitting at home with the slightest excuse drove human progress. The time from Spanish Flu till now was of unprecedented Human Progress. Our lives undoubtedly became better, so did our health care systems and more importantly our access to healthcare. While only a handful of individuals had access to primary healthcare in 1918, the figure now stands at 94 percent according to a WHO report released in January 2019. Malnutrition has declined, Trade has become more open and, despite what many say, the last century has been a game changer for the poorest nations. It is plain to see that the pandemic of 1918, though devastating, had no lasting effect on Human progress.

Today, we face a pandemic which is similar in scope, however, less dramatic in consequences. Hundreds of Thousands are dead and millions affected. The figure will sadly rise as the time progresses. But in all this focus on avoiding deaths, are we not starting a new pandemic. By classifying Business as essential and non-essential are we not avoiding the question – ‘Essential for Whom?” Are the factories and construction projects that are shut not essential for people working in them and their families. There are billions of people around the world that need to earn daily to survive. Covid-19 is not leaving us in a hurry. How long can the governments support the unsaid billions, a recent statement by WHO confirms that this virus will be a part of our lives for atleast 2-3 years.

The hunger and disease that lack of access to work and poverty arising from it, will create for large swathes of our population will be far worse than our estimated death count for Coronavirus. This devil is out of the bottle, now we can either hide in the confines of our walls or come out and fight it. And like every other war, the most courageous side will win. Lockdowns may be the most politically correct thing to do, but is it the most moral or righteous thing to do. Do we all not desire to give our children a better world than the one we inherited. With entire world entering recession, and industries being forced to shut, we will have far fewer resources to spend on building up infrastructure on healthcare and on building facilities that the most vulnerable require.

This craving for safety, the need to avoid even a little discomfort in our lives, is going to amplify it manifold. We are already seeing the origins of a Great Depression, the likes of which will make the earlier one seem like a blip. With little or no money to spend on welfare and social programs eroded, the poor will get impacted first. We are already seeing large queues for food collection, what happens when they become even larger, say to a magnitude of 100 or even 1000. Will we then, say enough, or will we wait for it to reach our cozy middle class homes and erode our standards of living, the shells we have built around ourselves.

The governments must allow industries to function, force them to do so even. The global trade must resume and the distinction between essential and non-essential must be removed. The society must, of course, make some basic precautions mandatory; enforce them with all its might and then punish the violators. Industrialist and traders who are providing us with our supplies should be rewarded and not vilified. The toll of people dying due to emotional and financial stress due to the lockdown will be far higher than the disease itself and its consequences will far outlast this generation.

Social distancing as a recommendation is a wonderful thing. Aside from good advice to avoid spreading disease, it’s just being respectful, aware of your surroundings, and confident in the space you physically occupy in this world. People would do well – I think – to practice it in public. Social distancing as a law is tyranny, which we as citizens of the world and custodians of the future generation must protest.

Lockdown and liquor

Ajay Sudame

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9 May 2020

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The Covid-19 induced lockdown has forced people to stay indoors for weeks together. And other than essentials shops, everything else, including liquor shops are shut by Government. Like all Government actions this one too took time to be fully effective. Giving an opportunity to some tipplers to stock up. But then PM Modi, a teetotaler, assuming the highest office in the country outthought them. The lockdown was extended for another fortnight. Somehow, drinkers managed. They borrowed from fellow boozers, they even compromised on the brand. Few resorted to buying stuff from the black market. They were waiting for 3rd May, for the lockdown to end. To their horror, well ahead of the date, when news channels blared… Lockdown 3.0! The Pandemic struck!

But as they say, God is kind. And he smiled. This time lockdown was extended with a rider. Most of the states decided that they are going to open alcohol shops. And on D-Day, when the lockdown was extended, tipplers were getting ready to buy a bottle of their favorite drink. If images on social media are to be believed, people were queueing outside liquor Shops as early as 7 am. As shops opened, the queues were broken, shirts were pulled & torn, people even climbed atop each other! All this, to get a bottle of alcohol. At the end of the day what stood out was two pictures where no struggle is visible. The first, a printed bill of Rs 52000 with many bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) on it. Then another one, a young chap with a mask on, hands full with a box of liquor and a few bottles on top of it. I was shocked!

Must declare, I am not a teetotaler. But this is something else. I never imagined people would be this desperate for a drink, that they will risk their own lives. No doubt, this reflects deeper malice in society.

However what followed this booze buying binge was much worse. Assorted Feminists, Left-Liberal journalists, Islamists, lowly rated actors, virtue signal traders and also well-intentioned individuals / social workers went outrageous. A page 3 personality from Pune, who also doubles up as Congress spokesperson, asked whether was there any Muslim in the queue? A c-grade actor cum item dancer was worried about domestic abuse! A famous Stand-up comedian thought people in line are ‘Stupid’. This is nothing but a deadly mix of agenda peddling and hypocrisy! A regular practice by page 3 personalities to stay relevant.

But what got me worried was responses of social influencers who seemed genuinely worried about the ill effects of drinking. The problem is most of them are hellbent on treating Drinking as a forbidden thing. For them, this is as bad as drugs or theft or even a fraud. And this mindset is actually counterproductive. The dry days or shutting down liquor shops pushes people to have illegal & spurious stuff. Also these good folks are unaware of the change in society. What was taboo a few decades back is fashionable today. Today a Son drinks with father while adolescent kids are watching. Treating liquor as a taboo thing actually pushes people to have it even more badly.

More importantly, they are also ignorant of the financial calculation behind state finances and a societal ill called subsidy seeking. Today most of the states, practice, what can be called, Broken Window Economics. This is how it works. Subsidies or handouts have been a part of vote-seeking machinations and budgets since Nehru. Every subsequent Government has only increased subsidies by squeezing middle-classes to pay for freebies to the poor. But the real game-changer in subsidy politics was introduced by Tamil Nadu CM, J Jayalalitha. In October 2003, her government passed an amendment, making TASMAC (Govt owned company) the sole retail vendor of alcohol in the state. Since then state revenues out of alcohol sales have jumped 10 times, allowing it to take spend on welfare schemes to record levels. Following this, poor in TN were in for a bonanza. First Jayalalitha and Karunanidhi later started giving away mixies, TV, table fans, laptop, bicycles, etc. This redefined the meaning of subsidy and state-citizen relations forever. The state of Tamil Nadu is a pioneer of Broken Window Economics.

In 2006, with Manmohan Singh as PM, Congress came up with equally destructive but much more imaginative money waster – NREGA. The program is so popular, that 15 years on, after a regime change, even one of the most popular government has not touched it. Contrary, PM Modi has endorsed NREGA and successive BJP Governments have increased the spend on it. BJP also added its own handout programs to the list. But more than the programs, what BJP did was using Jan Dhan accounts to transfer DBT benefits to beneficiaries’ accounts. And went to town with it. It did pay handsomely in the 2019 elections, ensuring 300 plus seats.

Now, what BJP’s 300 seats have to do with opening up liquor shops in Lockdown? A lot! Many states today, some ruled by BJP some by the opposition, run some or other variants of the TASMAC model. Other than TN, in Kerala and Delhi, it’s the Government that controls the wholesale and retail liquor business. In AP, Odisha, Bihar, CG, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Bihar Government runs Wholesale liquor business, leaving retail to private players. In short, all states are dependent upon revenues from liquor sales to run this ‘Welfare State’. As per one estimate, on average 20 % of the state’s revenues are generated from liquor sales. Now, due to Covid-19 induced lockdown, the economy has run into a strong headwind. For the next few weeks at least, the GST accruing out of travels, or hotel stays or vehicle sales has stopped. So from where can quick buck come? Of course through liquor sales! Hence all this haste to open the liquor shops.

And they were right. The amount of revenue generated through liquor sales in just 2 days is mind-boggling. The pictures of frenzied mobs at liquor shops have generated outrage and put Governments under pressure. Forcing them to literally shut shop for a while. But most of the states are planning to resume liquor sales after a short gap. Thankfully it seems they have found a way around the law preventing home delivery and very soon alcohol will be delivered at doorsteps.

Frankly speaking, the Government has done well on managing the Corona Crisis until now. But this ‘Opening Liquor Shop’ piece has exposed one big chink in the armor. Its empty coffers. It has also exposed the fact that many people do not treat drinking as a taboo anymore. Page 3 personalities, Sundry Actors and Virtue Signal Traders can whine. Hardly anyone takes them seriously.

But, genuine well-wishers and social activists who clap PM Modi for every new Welfare program, need to introspect. This is nothing new or different. BJP’s copying straight out of Congress playbook. The way BJP sought votes by tom-tomming various subsidy schemes in 2019, it will not be possible for it to change the narrative quickly. As I was about to end this piece, I came across this free eyeglasses for kids scheme by the Maharashtra Government. Chances are, that if your kid comes back with a free school bag or lunch box, it’s financed by one of the drunkards.

Now if BJP wants to avoid UPA 2’s embarrassment it needs to push reforms so that the economy is back on its feet and can take care of the poor. Or keep on selling more and more liquor to cross-subsidize welfare schemes.

India must ask ICMR, NITI Aayog- what new science generated about COVID 19 and novel coronavirus

Opinions

S Ranganathan

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9 May 2020

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India must ask ICMR, NITI Aayog- what new science generated about COVID 19 and novel coronavirus

Whether the coronavirus pandemic really warrants our central government to impose the nationwide lockdown or not, but Modi has shutdown India without any preparation and caring the life and livelihood of millions people and has finally resulted in total destruction of our economy. Time has come India must ask our policy makers such as ICMR, Niti Aayog, DST, DBT, CSIR etc., whether they have collected and analysed the autopsy pathology of all those Indians died of COVID19, is different or exactly the same as that of western population. It would be easy for the lazy people to say that the pathology is almost same and similar. With such reply no further job needs to be done by all those lazy people and from the perspective of discharging the duties, the question has been summarily answered. We should not let such escape because our policy makers must answer every question as justification for the lockdown and destruction of our economy.

In UK, USA and other European countries, autopsy has been done on all those who died of COVID 19 to understand the pathology in detail, at organ level with micro details. India is a vast country and many Indians have died in the past due to various ailments including lung infection, acute respiratory distress where the aetiology being virus/bacteria/fungi. India must therefore study and compare the pathology report generated from the autopsy over the patients died in the past 10 years due to similar or relatable clinical conditions with the pathology details reported by various countries out of COVID 19 patients.

If we fail to compare, relate and study all such pathological details of all those died of COVID 19 patients in India with rest of the world, we would become like rats that simply followed the Pied Piper of Hamelin with great pride and prestige and would completely perish our scientific quest.

The communicability of novel coronavirus so far seems to agree to the global red flag. However the infectivity or pathogenicity seems to disagree in Indian context. Considering the large population in India with multi-various social-cultural-economic diversity and dense living conditions, it was assumed that India would be the worst target of novel coronavirus because the virus was reported to cause unimaginable mortality in India through several epidemiological and mathematical models. The sketching extrapolation was based on the mortality rates in US, UK, Spain, Italy etc.

All the above countries are far developed, the hygiene and health care awareness in those countries is quite good and living conditions is also quite good but still suffered the worst from novel coronavirus and COVID 19.

The epidemiological prediction made for India was based on what was happening in western countries. But all such epidemiological predictions went wrong, Indians showed high resistance and invincibility to the virus and such reality has even questioned the rationale and intelligence behind nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.

Much before the lockdown was imposed, the virus had spread to our community and that is how it looks like. The irony is that many of those who showed positive for the RNA of the virus did to develop any alarming clinical manifestations or warranted any medical attention. Any dangerous medical alarm came from the village until our health care team gone to people to catch then, test them and quarantine them like frog catcher.

In the above scenario, the patients who died of COVID 19 in India are also likely to show a different or unique pathology at various organ levels. We must therefore study and compare the pathology of various organs in all COVID 19 patients who died through visceral examination in the background of the respective co-morbidities suffered by each of them. The above pathological details must compare with the autopsy pathology of patients died due to all the co-morbidity conditions devoid of COVID 19 to see the real difference in the pathology possibly induced by novel coronavirus.

Then such data must be compared with global report and only then we can ascertain the real virulence of novel coronavirus in Indian population and if there is any dissent or difference from the science reported so far from various countries. ICMR, Niti Aayog and other policy makers must take the responsibility to present all such details to India.

Instead of doing what is to be done, if we keep parroting lockdown must be continue, wear mask, follow social distancing etc., are going to remain only as cursory advisory note.

Our government showed great reflex to lockdown the country and destroy our economy, life and livelihood of millions and millions of people. Therefore we must know whether the government has same reflex to understand the virus threadbare and map each and every micro level autopsy based pathological details of all those died of COVID 19 in India.

Collecting nasal or throat swab and testing it for viral RNA by contracting such work totally to PCR machine and then push people to quarantine chamber alone should not be seen as the best measure or great job, but we must ask toughest questions to all those policy makers about what are the innovative initiatives they have taken to understand the virus, pathology and other India specific details.

Otherwise our policy makers shall remain as white collared gentleman of leisure and will act like ‘Pope in the pulpit’.

Each and every bureaucrat and health service expert involved in making policies and programmes for lockdown must explain what India specific data they have generated during the lockdown other than moving around in air-conditioned vehicle in the name of saving people. While saving the life of people should they also not save the economy of our country? Have they adopted the easiest and laziest option called lockdown?

When there is not proven drug and treatment for COVID 19, what is that our medical fraternity doing to all those patients? Providing oxygen support and other services are always done by our nursing staff. We also must ask all those fundamental questions. All these questions are extremely pertinent because the economic destruction lockdown has caused is horrendous and therefore our policy makers must have collected enormous data to explain what went right, what went wrong and where the prediction gone wrong. The pay versus payoff, even the last man in the street has the right to know because the lockdown of Modi has shaken the livelihood of even the last man in the village.

All unemployed youths, those who lost job, those face huge debt, suffered salary cut, no income etc., must ask what our ICMR, Niti Aayog and other scientific bodies have learned for India from the virus during the lockdown? Were they sitting idle and enjoying life during lockdown because in government service they don’t have to suffer salary cut…. India must know. Our opposition parties must take all those departments into task and only then we can build at least a good future for India if not NEW INDIA.

Mukesh Ambani plans to make reliance debt-free despite lockdown

Reports

Vivek Pandey

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9 May 2020

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Mukesh Ambani plans to make reliance debt-free despite lockdown

Looks like someone is going extra miles even in this lockdown situations and it’s no one other than Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani. In less than 3 weeks Reliance industries has signed 3 big deals and managed to raise it’s whopping yo 60,597cr.

Firm	Stake	Amount
Facebook	9.9%	43,574
Silver Lake	1.15%	5,656
Vista	2.2%	11,367
Total	13.25%	60,597

In the latest deal reliance has managed to sold a little over 2% of his point stake in Jio platform to Vista Equity platform.

Mukesh Ambani led Reliance which was sitting on a dead pile of about 1.75 lakh crore last year and had about to become zero debt company by 31 March next year. And now with earlier 1/3 stake reliance is white on track to meet that target.

Remember on 30 April reliance has announced the right issue of 53000cr Rs making it the biggest right issue offering that India has ever seen. The right issue was significantly catalyzed the debt reduction plans. the market has raised a toast to reliance debt reduction scrims.

In a note, Mr. J.P.Morgan has written that they except news of similar size deal to continue. Morgan Stanley too has eager to sentiment as it says it continues to see balance sheet deleveraging at reliance as one key pillar of its overweight rating on the company.

The Reliance RIL stock rallies close to 4% in trade today. It means that the market is giving thumbs up to the plans of Mukesh Ambani in debt and moving towards the target of reducing and making it net debt-free by March 2021. Mukesh Ambani chairman of Reliance industries has a very good track record in the market and they will be able to achieve his target ahead of time. In fact, the CFO of Reliance Industries did indicate that this target could be achieved by December 2020.

An open letter to the Prime Minister of India

ओम द्विवेदी

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9 May 2020

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An open letter to the Prime Minister of India

Respected Prime Minister,
Pranam

May Shri Ram grant you immense power to fight this terrible crisis. The way you are guiding Bharat in this crisis of corona virus epidemic is certainly amazing. Not only today but we have always been following you. Ever since you were the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat, you have received a lot of support from the public. Since 2014, this public support has turned into public mandate and Bharatvarsh has given you the privilege of becoming Prime Minister twice or as you call yourself Prime Server. It is not just public opinion but also divine blessing which is a ruler of this nation like you. After you took over as Prime Minister, the hopes of Bharat’s overall welfare increased manifold. The sleeping pride within the people woke up. Citizens of Bharat have a sense of duty towards their nation.

It is not that you have told us everything from radio or public forums, but it is a law of nature that as a king, so will his subjects. After taking the reins of this huge nation, it was decided that the time has come for the economic, social, political, diplomatic and religious uplift of Bharat. You have worked on all these fronts. Bharat’s great reputation was built all over the world. Under your leadership, there was a special social uplift of Bharat. You have started many such movements which are the carriers of social changes today. On the economic front too, after the global recession, the situation in Bharat has not deteriorated as much as other big countries of the world.

Seeing your methodology, it instills confidence in our mind that under your leadership, Bharat is safe and constantly moving forward on the path of prosperity. But there is dissatisfaction in the mind about Bharat’s religious empowerment. This dissatisfaction is based on my personal instincts and being a “Hindu” of this great nation, I have some concerns as well as hopes. We are aware that Bharat is a secular nation and the position you are in is also the highest democratic position, but still being a citizen of this nation, we have the right to speak before you. Anyway, this privilege can be obtained in front of you only because there are also such people’s representatives in Bharat, who may have to answer for twelve hours in front of the police if they ask questions. My dissatisfaction is related to the unilateral use of secularism that has forced Hindus to become second-class citizens in their own nation.

The need for stricter laws to prevent insult to the symbols, symbols and worship of Hindu Dharm:

Tolerance is a great feature of Hinduism. The Hindu has suffered terrible atrocities for centuries, but never removed from the principle of world welfare. What could be the problem with such a tolerant caste, but there is a problem and problem is with Hindus in their own country. Today, abusive comments are being made, about Hindu icons and venerated deities through social media and other means of communication. How far is this right? Is freedom of expression achieved only by killing our sentiments. Those who do this are also mostly those in whose religion the punishment of blasphemy is the death penalty. Through comedy shows and films etc. the Sanatan Dharm of Hindus is made fun of and it all comes under freedom of expression. Most people who do this call themselves atheists, but tell me what it means to be an atheist, to play with the faith of Hindus.

I am not saying that we, like Islam, should also set the death penalty for blasphemy, but there should be a provision of a stringent punishment for those who continuously abuse the religious existence of Hindus in the name of tolerance. If anyone has disagreement, then through discussion etc. they can register their disagreement and Hindutva accepts the atheist in the same way as the believer. There cannot be any other community more inclusive than Hindus. But this freedom is being wrongly taken advantage of. How long can we sit and listen to abuses about our Gods and Goddesses. In the absence of a stringent law, those doing so are constantly increasing.

There are some social workers and social media activists who bring these people to the society, complain about these abusers as per their responsibility but in the absence of strict action, these people also find themselves in a helpless state. All this should stop because our feelings also have value. You definitely can and you should because it also comes under the constitution. The rest of you also know that Hindus can never become so violent that someone should slit their throat, just because someone has said unacceptable words about their religion.

Security and equal opportunities available to Hindus:

As you saw during the anti-Hindu riots in Delhi, how Hindus were mercilessly killed. Apart from this, the way the killings of Hindus in Bengal and Kerala also raise questions on the security laws of this nation. It is not just the case of Bengal and Kerala, but wherever a government raising the flag of secularism comes, such incidents increase with Hindus. You should stop these because the souls of Hindus also have value. We are aware that you are bound in democratic bonds, but the governments of states like Bengal and Kerala have also been elected democratically. Is it not their duty to protect all their citizens? If it is, then why not act on it even after failing in its duty?

Apart from this, I would like to draw your attention to one such concern which is for the entire Hindus. In many places across Bharat, it is seen that Hindus are being pelted with stones during festivals, processions or funeral processions through Muslim-dominated areas. Where the BJP is in government, such incidents are rarely seen and even if it happens, appropriate action is taken but in non-BJP ruled states, it is a bit difficult for the Hindus to get justice in such incidents. Now you see only in Bengal where violence continues on the occasion of Ram Navami and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool government is unable to do anything. In Bengal, Mamata didi has also banned Durga immersion during Muharram. Now tell me that in a nation where the population of Hindus is about 80%, if Hindus are not allowed to worship their Durga Maa, then what could be a greater injustice. Consider this and try to find legal remedies for such problems that Hindus do not consider themselves weak.

Autonomy of Hindu temples and religious institutions:

If anyone has suffered the biggest sting of political appeasement, they are Hindu temples and Hindu religious institutions. Everyone’s eyes are on the resources of these temples. Recently you saw that the Tamil Nadu government ordered to give 10 crore rupees to Hindu temples. It is a different matter that the government had to withdraw this decision under the pressure of public opinion. Apart from this, there was also a dispute over the appointment of non-Hindus by the Andhra government in the TTD i.e. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board. Due to controversies, these appointments had to be canceled, but the question is why this is being done again and again. It should be closed and legislation should be enacted to ensure the autonomy of Hindu temples. When Bharat is a secular nation and mosques and churches have full autonomy, then Hindu temples should not be discriminated against.

Development of traditional knowledge and technology:

You must have seen how our city has been the most affected due to the corona virus crisis. This problem has increased even more due to the large number of migrant laborers who got stuck in panic situations. In such a situation, it becomes necessary that we now change our policy of rural development and turn our efforts towards making villages more prosperous. You understand the importance of villages in Bharat. The Mahatma Gandhi whom you consider to be your ideal, said that if the real Bharat lives in the villages, then nothing is going to be achieved by making the villages a city. We may make a smart city but if we allow the villages to remain villages, then it is good for us.

Now we have to understand that this problem of migration within Bharat is becoming increasingly difficult, so it is very important to find a solution. The solution to this problem of migration lies in the villages of Bharat. Yet Bharat’s rural economy has not reached its peak. The availability of opportunities here far exceeds our expectations. We should use our traditional knowledge, whether it is in the field of health or agriculture. Because the first need to do development work in villages is that this development should be of inclusive nature and inclusivity has been an important feature of Bharat’s traditional knowledge. You know how effective and important Ayurved is for us. Apart from this, its contribution in doubling the income of farmers also becomes important.

Ayurved is just one example, while Bharat is rich in such great traditional resources. These resources should be used for rural development. There are many benefits from this. As the migration of citizens will stop, the opportunities of earning in rural Bharat will increase and the development of agriculture called the backbone of Bharat will also be ensured.

All these concerns are not mine alone. I have met ordinary people in many cities in my personal life, have heard their interactions in trains, buses etc. Apart from this, the social media has also seen Hindus strongly supporting these demands. These are some of the rights that Hindus should get. There are some changes which are necessary for the welfare of Bharat. You are a Hindu yourself and you also have knowledge of tolerance of Hindus. But one should take advantage of this tolerance in vain and try to spread bitterness in the society, it is not acceptable.

It is known to us that taking tough decisions in this nation in terms of religion is a bit difficult but you have to take decisions. It is the duty of not only you but your entire cabinet to complete every task which is in the interest of Bharat. We are discouraged when our Human Resource Development Minister proudly says that we have not changed a page of history. While changing history is your first duty because it is not to change history but to get its old form. You also know how our history has been deceived and we do not want to give such a history to the future generation which undermines their self-esteem.

Your fight is with the leftist multi-modalities, your struggle is with the clever Congress, our enemies are inferior and low to moral values. Such a terrible war cannot be completed within the realm of religion. To win we have to be aggressive rather than defensive. The same strategy you have adopted for a lowly Pakistan, the same strategy will have to be adopted for the enemies hidden within Bharat.

In the democratic history of Bharat, you are the first person who has such a wide public support. Let history be remembered you as a nation builder, So Prime Minister of Bharat, Shri Narendra Modi! Use this huge public support and take care of the interests of Hindus and pave the way for the new creation of Bharat.

जय श्री राम।।

A common Hindu of Bharatvarsh.

भूपेश बघेल खिलखिलाता कींग फिरौन

sanjaygauraha

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9 May 2020

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NDTV , The Print के चहिते मुख्यमंत्री भूपेश बघेल हैं, कांग्रेस ने चुनाव प्रचार में गंगाजल लेकर कसम खायी थी, किसानो को धान का समर्थन मूल्य में इज़ाफ़ा होगा, चुनाव में जितने से पहले राहुल गाँधी ने धान का समर्थन मूल्य बढ़ाने का वादा किया था, जिससे कांग्रेस को छत्तीसगढ़ में बम्पर जीत हासिल हो गयी, किसानो का छत्तीसगढ़ में हाल बद से बदतर हुए जा रहा है। धान की बिक्री जनवरी तक था, लेकिन किसानो के धान का पूरा मूल्य आज के दिन तक छत्तीसगढ़ सरकार देने में असमर्थ रही है, मुख्यमंत्री भूपेश बघेल आनाकानी और गोलमोल कर रहे हैं। जब धान की खरीदी का समय आया तो भूपेश बघेल ने अपने चुनावी वादों की पूर्ति के लिए केंद्र सरकार के मत्थे डालने और केंद्र सरकार को किसान विरोधी होने का नौटंकी कि।

कुछ दिनों पहिले १ मई २०२० को पत्रिका न्यूज़ पेपर में खबर छपी थी जिसमे भूपेश बघेल ने कहा था कि, छत्तीसगढ़ के किसान के जेब में इतना पैसा भर दिया है की छत्तीसगढ़ की अर्थव्यवस्था में कोई परेशानी नहीं आएगी। इनका ये अहंकार और तानाशाही इजिप्ट के कुख्यात तानाशाही कींग फरोल का याद दिलाता है। किसानो के ऊपर कर्ज का बोझ, घर चलाने के लिए कोई आय का दूसरा स्त्रोत नहीं होता है। हड्डी तोड़ देने वाली मेहनत करने के बावजूद अन्नदाता अपने पैसा पाने में असहाये और मजबूर दिखाई दे रहे हैं, उम्मीद करते हैं भूपेश सरकार अन्नदाता किसानो के बचे हुए रकम को जल्दी से जल्दी ब्याज सहित लौटाएगी।

मुरैना में व्यंग करना हुआ अपराध, केन्द्रीय मंत्री नरेंद्र तोमर पर फेसबुक पोस्ट की तो संगीन धाराएं लगाकर दर्ज की FIR

अज्ञात

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8 May 2020

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मुरैना में व्यंग करना हुआ अपराध, केन्द्रीय मंत्री नरेंद्र तोमर पर फेसबुक पोस्ट की तो संगीन धाराएं लगाकर दर्ज की FIR

मध्य प्रदेश पुलिस ने केंद्रीय कृषि और किसान कल्याण मंत्री नरेंद्र सिंह तोमर पर एक फेसबुक टिप्पणी पोस्ट करने के लिए तीन नाबालिगों सहित पांच लोगों पर गैर जमानती धाराओं में मुकदमा दर्ज किया है। जबकि उस पोस्ट में सिर्फ यह दर्शाया गया था कि, उन्होंने गलत तरीके से मास्क पहना था। सभी आरोपी – अजय प्रताप सिंह सिकरवार अमन सिंह, और तीनों नाबालिग, मुरैना के जौरा के निवासी हैं, जो केंद्रीय मंत्री के लोकसभा क्षेत्र के तहत आता है। पांचों पर अब भारतीय दंड संहिता की धारा 188 और 505 (2) और आपदा प्रबंधन अधिनियम, 2005, (डीएमए) की धारा 51 के तहत आरोप लगाए गए हैं।

व्यंग्य करना हुआ अपराध

फेसबुक पोस्ट में मंत्रीजी की एक तस्वीर शेयर की गई थी, जिसमें वह नाक के नीचे मास्क लगाए दिख रहे थे। जबकि मास्क को नाक के उपर लगाया जाता है। बस, इतनी सी बात मंत्रीजी और उनके गुर्गों को पसंद नहीं आई और उनको लगा कि यह तो जहाँपनाह की शान में गुस्ताखी हो गई है। बस फिर क्या था, दौड़ पड़े सभी गुर्गे गुस्ताखी करने वाले को सबक सिखाने। और अपनी रसूख का पूरा इस्तेमाल करते हुए गैर जमानती धाराओं में अपराध दर्ज करा दिए।

24 अप्रैल को तथाकथित आरोपी ने फेसबुक पर मंत्रीजी की तस्वीर पोस्ट करते हुए लिखा था कि, “ये है मास्क पहनने का असली तरीका कुछ सीखो। ये हैं श्री श्री 1008 नरेंद्र सिंह तोमर जी (पहाड़). अरे भाई ये नेकर नहीं है, समझाओ कोई।” इस टिप्पणी को हंसी के इमोजी के साथ पोस्ट किया गया था, जो यह दर्शाता है, कि यह एक व्यंग था और सिर्फ मजाक के तौर पर पोस्ट किया गया था।

मामला दर्ज करने के लिए एसपी साहब ने खुद दबाव बनाया

मजे की बात यह है कि तथाकथित आरोपी व्यक्तियों के खिलाफ मामला दर्ज करने का दबाव मुरैना के पुलिस अधीक्षक असित यादव की तरफ से आया था। 3 मई को दर्ज एफआईआर में यादव ने कहा कि एक भाजपा कार्यकर्ता यश शर्मा ने व्हाट्सएप पर पोरसा के स्टेशन हेड ऑफिसर को शिकायत दी, जिसमें उन्होंने आरोपी के खिलाफ कार्रवाई शुरू करने को कहा।

शर्मा ने शिकायत में आरोप लगाया कि आरोपी ने केंद्रीय मंत्री के फोटो का दुरुपयोग किया। श्री शर्मा यहीं नहीं रुके, उन्होंने आगे कहा कि यह फेसबुक पोस्ट न केवल मंत्री, बल्कि सभी जनप्रतिनिधि, पार्टी कार्यकर्ता और आम लोगों के लिए “आपत्तिजनक” और “अपमानजनक” है।

प्रतिशोध के रूप में दर्ज की गयी है FIR

तथाकथित आरोपी अजय के रिश्तेदार आदित्य सिंह तोमर ने हमें बताया है कि, “हमने ‘बिस्मिल सेना’ नामक एक अपंजीकृत समूह का गठन किया था और यह पांचों आरोपी उस ग्रुप का हिस्सा हैं। हम सभी आवारा पशुओं को बचाने, खिलाने और उनका इलाज करने का कार्य करते हैं, साथ ही हम समय-समय पर सरकार की उच्च-स्तरीयता और लापरवाही को इंगित करने के लिए सोशल मीडिया का उपयोग करते हैं।”

आदित्य ने आगे कहा कि, “हाल के दिनों में, हमारे समूह ने ग्वालियर में स्थानीय जीवाजी विश्वविद्यालय में भ्रष्टाचार को इंगित किया था और बड़े शहरों से घर लौटने वाले प्रवासी मजदूरों को सरकारी समर्थन की कमी पर सवाल उठाए थे। जिस कारण, हमारे अभियानों से क्षेत्र के कई भाजपा कार्यकर्ता नाराज हैं।”

आदित्य सिंह वाराणसी के बनारस हिंदू विश्वविद्यालय में राजनीति विज्ञान के स्नातक छात्र हैं, उन्होंने कहा कि, “आश्चर्य की बात तो यह है कि पुलिस ने इस तरह के एक तुच्छ मामले में इतनी कड़ी प्राथमिकी दर्ज की। मामले की शिकायत स्पष्ट रूप से प्रतिशोध की तरह दिखती है। एफबी पोस्ट स्पष्ट रूप से व्यंग्य थी। गौर करने वाली बात तो यह है कि, यह मामला पोरसा पुलिस स्टेशन में दर्ज किया गया था, जबकि सभी तथाकथित आरोपी पोरसा से करीब 100 किलोमीटर दूर जौरा के निवासी हैं। और इस शिकायत को साइबर सेल को भी नहीं भेजा गया था, जैसा कि आम तौर पर किया जाता है।”

सोशल मीडिया पर धमका रहे हैं भाजपा कार्यकर्ता

जब से बिस्मिल सेना के सदस्यों के खिलाफ एफआईआर दर्ज की गई है, तब से स्थानीय भाजपा कार्यकर्ता यानि मंत्रीजी के गुर्गे बिस्मिल सेना के सदस्यों और उनके परिवार वालों को सोशल मीडिया पर धमकी दे रहे हैं। रणजीत सिंह तोमर नाम के भाजपा कार्यकर्ता ने फेसबुक पर धमकी देते हुए यहां तक कहा कि, “ढंग से रहना नहीं तो ढंग से लपेटे जाओगे।”

एक समाचार पोर्टल ने पत्रकार जब मुरैना के एसपी असित यादव से इस मामले पर टिप्पणी लेने की कोशिश की तो उन्होंने कहा कि, वह एक बैठक में व्यस्त थे और बाद में बात करेंगे।

Understanding Sita : Beyond Misconceptions

Pooja Singhal

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8 May 2020

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Understanding Sita : Beyond Misconceptions

As India was watching the re-telecast of ‘Ramayana’, a celebrated television show from the 80s, ‘Sita Navami’, the birthday of Sita went relatively unnoticed on May 2nd. Bhagini Nivedita, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda once said, “not only in India, but every woman in the world should put the ideal of Sita before herself”. It is pertinent to think that why is she asking modern women to have an ideal of an ancient woman like Sita. At first glance, Sita appears to be a docile woman who always conducts according to her husband’s will. Then how can the ideal of such a woman be appropriate in every woman’s life?

In the popular narrative, Sita is perceived as an unfortunate woman subjected to continuous injustice throughout her life since her marriage. This victimhood image is fueled by innumerable references of Sita as a symbol of women’s oppression and suffering in television serials, books, movies, and folklore. Topics related to Sita’s misery always trend in debate competitions. Capitalizing on this narrative, the left and other groups have been using the character of ‘Sita’ only to further their favorite agenda, i.e., prove the pathetic status of women in Indian society and blame the ‘Brahmanical Patriarchy’. As a result, whether it is a family conversation or an intellectual gathering, the mention of Sita keeps revolving around injustice done to her.

Due to this prejudiced and skewed view, one fails to notice the values which define Sita’s life – courage and self-respect. A careful reading of Valmiki Ramayan brings out Sita’s core characters in its wholeness, making her more relatable, that other retellings of Ramayana somehow could not convey. Recently, I got an opportunity to read Vandaniya Lakshmibai Kelkar’s discourse on Valmiki Ramayana that throws light on these qualities of Sita.

For instance, when Shri Ram comes to take leave of Sita for 14 years of exile to the forest, Sita expresses only one wish, ”I want to accompany you in the forest.” Shri Ram gives many arguments against taking her to the forest with him, but she does not budge. He further tries to persuade her, “There will be dreadful demons in the forest and it may happen that they can harm you, so you should not come with me to the forest. Instead, you will be safer here under king Bharat’s control.” On hearing this, Sita tearfully rebukes him, “you cannot protect me, that’s why you want to leave me here in others’ control. If Raja Janak will hear this, he will think of you as a woman in the form of a man!” Thus, Sita’s strong resolve and reasoning make Shri Ram accept her decision.

Sita’s swadharm was to accompany her husband in the forest. That’s why, she remained firm over her decision despite her husband’s denial, to fulfill her swadharm. That shows she had the courage and ability to put forth her opinion with vigor whenever necessary to protect her swadharm. The fact that Sita could convince Shri Ram with her arguments on subjects like Dharm, a feat that was only possible for Gurus and sages, also shows her awareness and in-depth understanding.

Second such instance comes when Sita was abducted by Ravan and kept in his Lankanagari. Many other women were also there, kidnapped by Ravan, who accepted his authority either out of fear or his opulence. But Sita did not succumb to Ravan’s fear or temptations. One day, Ravan’s wife Mandodari tried to convince Sita to fulfill her husband’s wish, “you are the wife of a wise man like Ram, then you must be knowing that we are all part of that one divine soul, then why do you distinguish between Ram and Ravan?” Sita immediately questioned her back, “while I am the wife of a wise man, Ravan himself is supremely knowledgeable, then why does he distinguish between you and me?” Sita’s exceptional patience and quick-wittedness surprised Mandodari. On another such occasion she rebukes Ravan, “If I wish, I have all ability to destroy you with my Tapas, but I wait for Shri Rama to come, so that he gets the fame.” For the same reason she also refuses to leave with Hanuman later.

We can imagine how Sita was fearless, prudent, and determined even in such difficult circumstances. Isn’t it entirely different from the widespread image of Sita as a helpless woman sitting in Ashoka Vatika who grieves over her misfortune?

The third incident I would like to share is when Lakshman farewells Sita in the forest. Sita categorically says to Lakshamana, “by the command of Shri Ramachandra, you are leaving me here. I am not sad about this. But give my message to Raja Ramachandra that he has sacrificed his wife to follow his Rajadharma. So it is not worth sorrowing in her memory now. Instead, he should focus on efficiently handling the administration of Ayodhya.” Shri Ram was indeed grief-stricken in the palace. After hearing Sita’s message he gets ready to attend the royal court. It is evident that Shri Rama’s character reflects Sita’s strength only. Sita gave Shri Ram the power and inspiration to fulfill his Rajdharma as a king.

In the climax, when questions were raised on her modesty once again, Sita did not agree to this, and to protect her self-respect above all, she merged herself into the Earth…

It is easy to (mis-)interpret Sita as a docile woman rather than a queen, who always fulfilled and protected her dharma with self-respect. She analyzes each situation that appears before her with utmost patience and takes action based on her conscience and swadharma. It is courage and self-respect that is quite clearly evident in all the difficult moments in her life, not helplessness. Sita’s decisions reveal her sublime character.

And, that is why Sita does not seek your sympathy, rather she is a source of inspiration for femininity.

The protection of rights in the course of COVID-19 pandemic

Opinions

saiakash

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8 May 2020

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The protection of rights in the course of COVID-19 pandemic

The four month old COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted various sectors of the world and has led to the creation of a new world order. Crashing of the crude oil prices[1]and fall of GDP rate in all the major economies[2] are some of them. To control this ‘Invisible enemy’ governments across the globe have implemented strict lockdowns, pumped large amounts of funds for the improvement of public health care systems, and restricted their citizens movement in their own countries. But in some places, citizens have not welcomed these policies and have come out protesting against them[3]. All these policies of the governments raise one common question, “whether individual rights can be sidelined for the common good of the community?”

For instance in India, private data of citizens like their travel history and contact tracing are carried out by the government[4]. Now can this be considered as a violation of Right to Privacy guaranteed under article 21 of the Indian Constitution? Does restriction on non essential economic activities be considered as a violation of Right to livelihood? In some states migrant workers are not being allowed to travel back to their home states. Will this amount to Article 19 violation? But all these rights come with reasonable restriction and especially in view of public interest these rights can definitely be restricted.

But for how long can we sustain these restrictions? Undermining of the rights can also lead to other problems. For example in some parts of the country the travel history of foreign returnees are shared with the local people and this can lead to the creation of stigma around that person. Families of daily wage workers are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Instances of excessive policing by the governments has also created problems. So its time to strike a balance between the rights of the citizens and the public interest.

Some states in India have already stood as examples for this balanced model of rights and public interest. In the state of Uttar Pradesh the government deposited Rs 1000 into the accounts of 21 lakh construction workers[5] and has already provided one and half lakh people with jobs in the state. The state is already working on a model to provide jobs to half a million migrant workers who have come back under One District One Product(ODOP) programme[6]. This is a clear cut example of protecting Right to Livelihood. It maybe the migrant workers from Delhi or students in Kota, the Yogi Adityanath Government has ensured that the people of their state stuck in other parts of the country are provided safe passage to return home[7].

In Karnataka the state government released two month Social Security Pension in advance for the poor and also additional working days amount was released in advance for the poor[8]. Misinformation and fake news are serious hurdles to Right to information(legal right). To combat the menance of misinformation the state government notified Karnataka Epidemic Diseases, COVID 19 Regulations,2020 under which it prohibits people and institutions from spreading misinformation[9].

In the state of Andhra Pradesh the government has planned to distribute 16 crore masks for free to their 5.3 crore citizens[10] with the help of Self Help Groups through which women are making Rs 500 per day[11]. The government is also regularly supplying sanitizers to the citizens through Public Distribution System(Right to Health under Art 21).

The Supreme Court in the case of Chameli Singh vs State Of UP[12] observed that in an organized society right to live as human being is not insured by meeting animal need of man. It is secured when he is assured of all the facilities to develop himself and is free from restrictions which enable his growth.

Justice K.G. BalaKrishnan while delivering a lecture at National Seminar on the Human Right to Health said that, “The responsibility to protect, respect and fulfill the right to health lies not only with the medical profession but also with public functionaries such as administrators….”[13].

In this hour hardship the Indian states have showed the path for a balanced administration and the rich competition among the states in their fight against COVID-19 pandemic has shown the true spirit of Indian Federalism.

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/20/oil-prices-sink-to-20-year-low-as-un-sounds-alarm-on-to-covid-19-relief-fund

[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/imf-projects-indias-growth-rate-at-1-9-in-2020-forecasts-global-recession-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/75142792.cms

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/20/us-protests-lockdown-coronavirus-cases-surge-warning

[4] https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/features/story/coronavirus-pandemic-aarogya-setu-app-can-help-in-contact-tracing-but-privacy-issues-need-to-be-addressed-1667604-2020-04-16

[5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-we-are-taking-care-that-nobody-in-the-state-goes-hungry-says-yogi-adityanath/article31366593.ece

[6] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/covid-19-crisis-up-govt-to-provide-employment-to-500-000-migrants-120041900622_1.html

[7] http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=386011

[8] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/mar/24/karnataka-government-announces-initiatives-for-poor-affected-by-coronavirus-lockdown-2121026.html

[9] https://karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/covid_rules/probhitionary_orders_circular.pdf

[10] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/andhra-pradesh-to-provide-each-of-its-53-crore-people-with-three-covid-19-masks-824456.html

[11] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/andhras-16-cr-masks-programme-helping-women-earn-rs-500-a-day/articleshow/75245482.cms

[12] AIR 1996 SC 1051.

[13] Address by Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chief Justice of India, at “National Seminar on the Human Right to Health”, Organized by the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission at Bhopal, supremecourtofindia.nic.in/speeches/speech2008.htm

जयंती विशेष: धर्म रक्षक गोरक्षपीठाधीश्वर महंत दिग्विजयनाथ

Dr. Kunwar Pushpendra Pratap Singh

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8 May 2020

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जयंती विशेष: धर्म रक्षक गोरक्षपीठाधीश्वर महंत दिग्विजयनाथ

हम भारत में काफी हद तक महंत दिग्विजय नाथ के बारे में नहीं जानते हैं। हमें उनका नाम पता होना चाहिए और हमारे राष्ट्र के आधुनिक राजनीतिक इतिहास में उनकी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका के बारे में भी जानना चाहिए। महंत दिग्विजय नाथ (1894-1969) का जन्म राजस्थान के उदयपुर में नन्हू सिंह के रूप में हुआ था।

उनका आविर्भाव बाप्पा रावल के उस इतिहास प्रसिद्धवंश में हुआ था, जिसमें उत्पन्न होकर राणा सांगा और महाराणाप्रताप जैसे स्वदेशाभिमानी वीरों ने देश और धर्म की रक्षा केलिए आजीवन संघर्ष किया। उनके चाचा ने उन्हें एक योगी फूल नाथ को दे दिया, जो युवा लड़के को गोरखपुर में गोरखनाथ मठ ले गए। उन्होंने गोरखपुर के सेंट एंड्रयूज कॉलेज से पढ़ाई की; पढ़ाई में औसत था लेकिन खेल और घुड़सवारी में उत्कृष्ट था। राणा नान्हू सिंह का विद्यार्थी जीवन भारतीय पराधीनता का कठोरतम समय था। अंग्रेजी शासन की कठोरता और दमन की दुर्दमनीयता के कारण साधारण जनता में नौकरशाही के विरुद्ध आवाज उठाने का साहस न था। उनके हृदय में हिन्दू धर्म, हिन्दू जाति, हिन्दू संस्कृति और हिन्दू राष्ट्र के प्रति संस्कारतः अंकुरित उत्कट प्रेम और बलिदान की भावना उन्हें एक सही दिशा प्रदान करने के लिए जागरूक थी। उस काल में ही उन्होंने अनेक क्रांतिकारियों से भी संपर्क स्थापित किया था, जो यथा अवसर मन्दिर पर भी आया करते थे।

बीसवीं शताब्दी के प्रारम्भिक दशकों में भारतीय जनता की भावनाओं का नेतृत्व भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के हाथों में आ गया था। कांग्रेस में भी दो प्रकार के लोग थे। एक उग्रवादी, दूसरे समझौतावादी, जो अपने नम्र विचारों के कारण ‘नरम दल’’ के नाम से सम्बोधित किये जाते थे। उस समय कांग्रेस का नेतृत्व महात्मा गाँधी जैसे नरम दलीय नेता के हाथों में आ रहा था।

सन् 1920 में महात्मा गाँधी का गोरखपुर में भव्य स्वागत हुआ। महात्मा गाँधी ने एक विशाल जनसमूह को सम्बोधित किया। राणा नान्हू सिंह ने गाँधी जी के कार्यक्रम की निर्विघ्न समाप्ति के लिए ‘वालेन्टियर कोर’ का संगठन किया था और गाँधी जी के कार्यों को पूरा करने में तन-मन-धन से सहयोग किया। किन्तु थोड़े दिनों के पश्चात् चौरीचौरा की प्रसिद्ध ऐतिहासिक घटना ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि राणा नान्हू सिंह (महंत दिग्विजयनाथ) महात्मा गाँधी के समझौतावादी सिद्धांतों के पोषक न थे। सन् 1921 में महात्मा गाँधी का राष्ट्रव्यापी असहयोग आंदोलन प्रारम्भ हुआ। राष्ट्र प्रेमी युवकों ने अपने अध्ययन- अध्यापन, नौकरी तथा व्यवसाय आदि का परित्याग कर असहयोग आंदोलन में भाग लिया I उन्होंने असहयोग आंदोलन को सफल बनाने का पूरा प्रयास किया।

गोरखपुर जिले में स्थित चौरीचौरा स्थान पर आंदालेन के खिलाफ की जो प्रतिक्रिया उत्पन्न हुई, उससे नौकरशाही तो आतंकित हुई ही, महात्मा गाँधी के अहिंसात्मक आंदोलन का रूप ही बदल गया। उन्हें बहुत शीघ्र ही अपना आंदोलन वापस लेना पड़ा। इस चौरीचौरा काण्ड के अभियुक्तों को फांसी की सजा देने का निर्णय किया गया था। उनमें राणा नान्हू सिंह भी थे। किन्तु साक्ष्य न होने के कारण वे मुक्त कर दिये गये।

महंत दिग्विजयनाथ ने मंदिर को नवीन रूप से व्यवस्थित किया। अब तक यह मंदिर केवल नाथपंथी साधुओं का साधना केन्द्र और पर्यटक साधुओं और श्रद्धालुओं के लिए पूजा का मंदिर मात्र था उन्होंने इसे हिन्दू धर्म और संस्कृति के समस्त अंगों को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए उन्होंने इसे महान सांस्कृतिक केन्द्र बना दिया। ब्रिटिश शासन काल में इस मंदिर ने हिदू धर्म और संस्कृति की रक्षा के लिए निरंतर संघर्ष किया। महायोगी भगवान गोरक्षनाथ के मंदिर की पवित्रता और आध्यात्मिक गरिमा ने मान, रक्षा तथा हिन्दुत्व प्रेम के साथ ही हिन्दू संस्कृति की रक्षा की भावना को और भी दृढ़ कर दिया। देश की राजनीतिक और सामाजिक स्थितियों ने भी उनके सांस्कृतिक भावों को सुदृढ़ किया। राष्ट्र और संस्कृति की रक्षा के लिए ही सन् 1934 ई0 तक भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के सिद्धांतों को स्वीकार कर उन्होंने कार्य किया। किन्तु कांग्रेस की मुस्लिम-तुष्टीकरण की नीति से असंतुष्ट होकर उन्होंने उसे छोड़ दिया।

भारत विभाजन के पश्चात पाकिस्तान को अधिक से अधिक सुविधाएँ देने के लिए गाँधीजी ने सात सूत्रीय मांगो को लेकर अनशन प्रारम्भ कर दिया था। उन्होंने पाकिस्तान को 55 करोड़ रुपये देने का आग्रह किया। भारतीय नवयुवकों का वर्ग इसे सहन न कर सका। नाथूराम गोडसे ने उतावली में गाँधीजी की हत्या कर दी। गोडसे ने हत्या का समूचा उत्तरदायित्व स्वयं ले लिया था, किन्तु तत्कालीन सरकार ने राष्ट्रीय स्वयं सेवक संघ और हिन्दू महासभा के प्रभावशाली नेताओं की धरपकड़ प्रारम्भ कर दी। महंतजी पर आरोप लगाया गया कि उन्हीं की पिस्तौल से गोडसे ने गाँधीजी की हत्या की थी। उन्हे नजरबंद कर दिया गया था और 19 महीने तक वे बंदी जीवन व्यतीत करते रहे। इस अवसर पर मठ की समस्त चल और अचल सम्पत्ति भी जब्त कर ली गई थी किंतु महंतजी न्यायालय के द्वारा निर्दोष सिद्ध हुए।

सन् 1962 का वर्ष देश के लिए घोर संकट का समय था। उस समय तक पंचशील के सिद्धांतों पर आधरित हिन्दी- चीनी मैत्री का संबंध टूट चुका था। चीन ने लगभग 12 सहस्त्र वर्गमील भारतीय भूमि पर अधिकार कर लिया था। युद्ध की आशंका बलवती होती जा रही थी। इधर देश में बढ़ती हुई मुस्लिम साम्प्रदायिकता की भावना नयी दिशा की ओर संकेत कर रही थी। केरल में मुस्लिम लीग की स्थापना हो चुकी थी। महंतजी ने उसी समय यह आशंका व्यक्त की कि यह मुस्लिम सम्मेलन मुस्लिम लीग के संगठन और देश के पुनर्विभाजन की नींव को मजबूत करने वाला है। उन्होंने उसका खुलकर विरोध किया।अक्टूबर 1961 में महंतजी ने मुस्लिम साम्प्रदायिकता का विरोध करने के लिए अखिल भारतीय हिन्दू सम्मेलन का आयोजन दिल्ली में किया। हिन्दू महासभा ने सन् 1960 में उन्हेंमहासभा का अध्यक्ष निर्वाचित किया था। महंत दिग्विजय नाथ का राजनीतिक उदय हुआ और उन्हें 1967 में गोरखपुर से सांसद के रूप में चुना गया।

गोरखनाथ मंदिर के महंत के रूप में महंत दिग्विजयनाथ ने नाथपंथी मंदिरों और मठों को संगठित करने का प्रयास किया। महंत दिग्विजय नाथ ट्रस्ट और गोरखनाथ मंदिर की ओर से अनेक ग्रन्थ प्रकाशित हुए। ‘फिलॉसफी आफ गोरखनाथ’ पुस्तक की सराहना महामहोपाध्याय पं. गोपीनाथ कविराज एवं पं. हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी प्रभृति विद्वानों ने की है। इस बहुप्रशंसित पुस्तक का हिन्दी अनुवाद भी गोरखदर्शन के नाम से प्रकाशित हो चुका है। ट्रस्ट तथा मंदिर ने उनके सानिध्य मे निम्नांकित प्रकाशन भी कराया:-

हिन्दू धर्म और संस्कृति (हिन्दी),आदर्श योगी योगिराज गम्भीरनाथ (हिन्दी),नाथ योग एक परिचय (हिन्दी),योगिराज गम्भीरनाथ (अंग्रेजी), नाथ योग (अंग्रेजी), योग रहस्य (हिन्दी), आदर्श योगी (हिन्दी),एक सत्यान्वेषी के अनुभव (अंग्रेजी), गोरख दर्शन (हिन्दी)- इन पुस्तकों के प्रकाशन के अतिरिक्त एक विशाल पुस्तकालय की भी स्थापना की है, जिसमें नाथ योग तथा हिन्दू धर्म और संस्कृति से संबंधित सहस्त्रों पुस्तकें संग्रहीत हैं।

गोरखपुर जैसे पिछड़े जनपद की जनता को केवल धार्मिक, सांस्कृतिक और राजनीतिक कार्यों के द्वारा प्रगति के पथ पर लाना संभव न था। उन्हें शिक्षित तथा प्रबुद्ध करना नितान्त आवश्यक था। इसीलिए गद्दी पर बैठते ही महंत दिग्विजयनाथ ने शिक्षा के प्रसार पर विशेष ध्यान दिया। उन्होंने सर्वप्रथम ‘गुडलक स्कूल’ के नाम से एक अंग्रेजी स्कूल की स्थापना की जो बक्शीपुर में एक किराये के भवन में चलने लगा तथा श्री यदुनाथ चक्रवर्ती उसके प्रथम प्रधानाचार्य थे। कालांतर में इसी विद्यालय से दो विद्यालयों की स्थापना हुई। आर्य समाज मंदिर के संरक्षण में डी.ए.वी. कालेज खुला और महाराणा प्रताप शिक्षा परिषद के संरक्षण में महाराणा प्रताप इन्टर कालेज की स्थापना हुई। महाराणा प्रताप शिक्षा परिषद की स्थापना कर महंतजी ने गोरखपुर के शैक्षणिक जगत् में एक क्रांति सी पैदा कर दी। इस परिषद के तत्वावधान में प्रारम्भिक शिक्षा से लेकर उच्चतम शिक्षा प्रदान करने तक की व्यवस्था हुई।

सितम्बर 1969 के अन्तिम सप्ताह में महंतजी पुनः अस्वस्थ हो गये। 26 से 28 सितम्बर तक वे दवा के बल पर मृत्यु से जूझते रहे। 28 सितम्बर को अपराह्न में उनकी स्थिति बिगड़ने लगी और उसी दिन 5 बजकर 30 मिनट पर उन्होंने चिर समाधि ले ली।