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Social media is ruining everyone’s life, here’s how

Aryan Jakhar
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Social media is ruining everyone’s life, here’s how

It comes as no surprise that 76% of internet users have a social media account of some kind given that the majority of people now have access to the internet. Additionally, as more people have access to the internet at home and on their phones and other mobile devices, this number has consistently increased over the past ten years.

Social media was developed to keep individuals updated on their lives and to foster tighter relationships. However, a lot of people are becoming overly dependent on social media and prefer to look for attention and social “interaction” online as opposed to in person. Additional examples of how social media is ruining our society include:

Antisocial behaviour: As more young people, including elementary school children, acquired social media accounts, we should have anticipated that millennials would become less sociable in the real world. Kids and young adults prefer to maintain their social media profiles over engaging and socialising with those around them. Children are using their phones in public settings like parks and restaurants to update their statuses and see who Sally is seeing right now. Instead of engaging with those around them, their eyes are glued to their phones.

A person holding a phone. One can also see certain Instagram icons: hearts or likes, person or follows, and speech bubble or comments.
Social media was developed to keep individuals updated about what’s going on in their lives and their surroundings.

Addiction: When people hear the word “addiction,” they frequently conjure up images of drug and alcohol abuse, but social media may be just as compelling. These addicts are forced to post status updates on a variety of social media sites, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter, to name a few. On these websites, they not only keep up with their everyday life but also update and read what other people have to say. Unfortunately, since they would rather check their phones or laptops than go out and spend quality time with friends and family, persons with this addiction could find that it interferes with their life.

EverytEverything posted is out there for all to see: While sharing a photo of Fluffy and you cuddling up after a hard day at work might not seem like a huge deal, there are some postings and images that could endanger people’s opportunities. People you don’t want to view could, for instance, see that one rant about your cheating boyfriend/girlfriend or even a photo from that wild party.

While applying for a job, internship, or even to be on a sports team, a manager or coach can instantly Google a person and read some quite intimidating posts. An employer can find it offensive or see it as a sign that a candidate lacks the qualities necessary for the employment.

Picking sides: Social media platforms are ideal for controversies. People can express their opinions on different topics, including politics, current affairs, and other subjects. This might seem like a fantastic way for people to express themselves and be who they are. However, if the opposing position is far more popular than the poster’s own, they may decide to join the group to escape jeers or to refrain from posting at all.

Another issue with these fiercely contested subjects is the spread of incorrect information as a result of well-liked posts by notable people. Additionally, some publications contain content with strong opinions that the general public misinterprets because it is taken too literally.

Cyberbullying: Without a question, the most serious problem with social media is cyberbullying. Bullies can harass individuals online without ever meeting them in person. This can be just as harmful as physical bullying because it can significantly harm the victim’s psychological well-being. Unfortunately, because it isn’t reported to the proper authorities or anyone, the majority of cyberbullying remains unchecked. Because cyberbullying might seem caustic or humorous when it targets the victim directly, it can be challenging to spot.

Although I don’t suggest for individuals to stop utilising social media, they should be aware of its disadvantages. People need to be aware of both their own and other people’s postings.

From Bin Laden to Al Zawahiri: The evolution of America’s targeted killing strategy

Rahul Wankhede
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From Bin Laden to Al Zawahiri: The evolution of America’s targeted killing strategy
  1. Introduction
  2. Ayman Al Zawahiri is reported to have been killed in a smooth ‘surgical missile strike’ by the USA,  firing two Hellfire R9X missiles on the target, and apparently without any collateral damage.

This news flash brought back the memories of the 2011 Operation Neptune Spear by the US Navy Seals that killed Osama Bin Laden, the founder of Al Qaeda. Zawahiri became the chief of this terror group after Laden was killed in 2011.

President Joe Biden has even more reasons to celebrate the recent operation as he was the Vice President back then in 2011, sitting in the Situation Control Room along with the then President Barack Obama and other officials, as they all watched the Laden hunt being live telecasted from Pakistan. The tweets by Biden and Obama posted after the recent operations also point towards this bonhomie. The recent operation draws on from the experiences of the CIA and the US military strikes in West Asia, global opinions, human right concerns and lessons learnt from the 2011 strike. This article analyzes the important elements of the change in America’s targeted killing strategy since 2011.

  1. Background

Ever since the 9/11 WTC attacks happened in New York, Bin Laden had become the face of global terror. From a mystical figure wandering across the Hindu-Kush, he now suddenly found himself to be the most sought after terrorist in the world and his name was at the top in ‘wanted’ lists of many countries. The CIA and Pentagon effectively used the 9/11 incident to enhance their budgets and capabilities, the rationale behind doing so being justified by the horrendous attack that killed over 3000 people.

The CIA launched a massive intelligence gathering campaign, combining technical surveillance with extensive human intelligence gathering – even resorting to inhuman methods of interrogation.  The message was clear on America’s part as they declared the so called ‘Global War on Terror’ with the famous axiom “in this war , you are either with us or against us…” .  

It was quite amusing to see Barack Obama saying in his recent tweet after the successful operation that killed Zawahiri: “roots of terror can be destroyed, without declaring a war on terror…” but that was what he effectively did during his tenure at the White House, ordering almost 10 times more drone strikes than George Bush[1].

Way back in 2011, the CIA presented their assessments and plans to Barack Obama regarding the Abottabad compound that they doubted was Laden’s safe house. CIA had inputs from many sources , including a ISI officer who tipped them off about the location of this compound. The CIA and other American agencies like the NSA and NGA had even bought a safe house in Abottabad to keep 24*7 surveillance on the suspected site.  

The mandate from the leadership was said to be “capture or kill” Osama Bin Laden[2], which became controversial later with some sections saying Laden should have been captured alive while most others being in favor of shoot-at-sight:

  1.   The Strategy:

The President was presented with multiple options like a drone strike (firing targeted missiles), a commando raid, bombing the compound by B-52 stealth bombers etc. One of the options to conduct a joint operation with Pakistan to kill Laden was ruled out, due to suspicions on Pakistan’s reliability. Barack Obama eventually ruled out the other options and confirmed the plan for a quiet midnight commando raid by Special Forces, who used modified Black Hawk helicopters, with mission specific arms and ammunitions.   Joe Biden is said to have also advised Obama about the possible ramifications for Pakistan when the knowledge of this operation became public. 

  • Aftermath Factor: 

Possibilities of collateral damage, other civilian casualties in the area etc. were also factored in. The CIA said they were unsure if aerial bombing would work, incase there is an underground bunker lying there. Also it would have been impossible to verify if Laden was dead, since till last moment the CIA had no photograph of ‘the white clothed man wandering in this compound’, to be Bin Laden or someone else. It was only after the Navy Seals saw Laden and shot him, it was confirmed that he was dead.    

  • On-ground Strategy:

A house intervention model of attack was followed with the Forces entering from the terrace and ground floor simultaneously, clearing out each room one by one. Laden was eventually discovered on the 3rd floor and as he tried to hide, a commando took 3 successive shots and killed him straight. A huge amount of hard drives, computers and whatever else the Seals could lay their hands on was taken away as evidence for further analysis.

  • Operational issues :

One of the helicopters that had crashed in the compound was blown up by explosives to avoid ‘reverse engineering’ attempts on the technology by Pakistan and China, and the remaining copters were used to carry Laden’s body back with the hit teams and the collected evidence. Laden was quietly buried in an unknown location in the Arabian Sea within 24 hours of the strike. During the raid other occupants of the house who came in the way of the commandoes were also shot dead [3].

E) Kill confirmation and identification:

Facial identification confirmed that it was Osama Bin Laden. To be doubly sure, one of the Navy Seals was made to lie down next to Laden’s body-and the body length also matched (6 feet). “You just blew up a $65 million helicopter and you don’t have enough money to buy a tape measure?”, Barack Obama is said to have remarked back then!

F) Public knowledge of the operation:

The White House issued a statement next day, saying the President will address the nation at around 10 pm local time, but some  junior officer from the Navy’s intelligence department leaked out the news of Laden’s death at around 9.45pm. The media was quick to pick this up, while the Presidential address happened around 11pm in the night.

G) Global responses

Pakistan was quite embarrassed, as it had always denied knowledge of existence of Laden on its land. Media reports mentioned that Pak allowed the Chinese to have a look at the wreckage of the damaged helicopter.

USA came in under huge criticism world over as more information about its detention centers, illegal interrogations and surveillances became public. Wikileaks and Edward Snowden also helped the world know about the CIA’s excesses in trying to catch Bin Laden. This became all the more important after US announced withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, that stretched to 2020 due to various reasons. The global opinion had been rising against America’s double standards and selective actions on terrorism as also its tacit support to Pakistan while being fully aware of Pak’s support to terrorism.  This became a learning point for all future special operations wherein America relied on no one else to carry out a similar strike.

  1. The Hunt for Ayman-Al-Zawahiri:

Its interesting to note that both Laden and Zawahiri carried a 25 million dollar bounty on their heads, as announced by USA and both were killed in official operations. Both were instrumental in planning the 9/11 attacks and that the leader of the violent jihadist group was in Afghanistan was not surprising: since the hard-line Islamist Taliban regained control in August, Al-Qaeda has felt more at home, analysts say. In the recent operations as well, this was an important consideration as the consequences of this operation on US-Taliban relationship was factored in, before giving the go ahead to kill Zawahiri – no official bilateral relations exist as of now, so that was not so much a concern for USA.


The intelligence derived from the huge trove of information hard drives in 2011 was used effectively in tracking down AL Qaeda members and other suspects, planning drone strikes killing terror sympathisers in Syria, Yemen, Somalia etc. since 2011. The USA could now map, identify, and link bits and pieces of information to make a careful selection of their targets. As Zawahiri assumed the top post in Al Qaeda after Laden was killed, he was quite obviously on the CIAs hit list. 

As was the case in 2011, the whole complex, its structure, material, surrounding buildings etc. were studied and it was decided to attack only Zawahiri, ensuring no other civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. US officials presented the house model and a final attack plan to President Biden on July 1st 2022. Issues that may arise due to weather, structure of building, collateral risks etc. were discussed out.

The main points of departure from the 2011 case were:

  • No US troops would enter the country,
  • Zawahiri was clearly identified and marked
  • Bi-lateral relations with Taliban are already at a low point

This minimised the post operations risk for the USA as even the attacking weapon, time of assault and the transport vehicle were aptly chosen as per the mission requirements. Also, the operation was made public by the President of the USA himself, thereby giving no chance to other non state entities inside or outside USA to leak out the news.

Also, since just Zawahiri is said to have been eliminated there has been no counter response from human rights organisations and other sympathisers of the Al Qaeda.

 The strike involved a US drone (most probably the Reaper), armed with two precision-guided Hellfire missiles (R9X version), which were launched at 6:18 am Kabul time on 31st July 2022 [1]. Zawahiri was “killed on the balcony” an official told the western news agencies. But since then no pictures or other data confirming the death of Zawahiri has been made available in the public domain. The only reliable sources remain the official tweets, news reports and response by the Taliban government.

A normal version of HELLFIRE  missile carries high explosives warheads that explode on impact and create area damage. But the R9X version  deploys a series of six sharp  knife-like blades from its fuselage and shreds its target but leaves nearby people and objects intact[2]. Some people describe it as “a falling anvil from the sky”.

This has earned it a deadly reputation by names of “flying ginsu” or “flying ninja” [3] as this missile has been used many times by US forces to kill other jihadist group leaders without hurting  people around them.

It has now become the go-to weapon for targeted killings of high value targets by the USA and as is the ritual in the intelligence community, the CIA never acknowledges the airstrikes it conducts. On previous occasions also, officials in USA have admitted to conducting such strikes, but on the usage of Hellfire missile neither any official, military contractor or the manufacturer of the original Hellfire series have responded to the use of this missile. The US government has never accepted or rejected the possession of this missile in its arsenal.

Thus, the counter terrorism strategies would further evolve in coming years as new technology increasingly has an influence on tactics and strategy, making them an important influencer in planning offensive operations. This would also mitigate the concerns on human rights, innocent killings and infrastructural losses. If carried out in complete secrecy, such operations ensure almost zero accountability for the attacking side – and that’s how new era warfare would be – potent, stealthy and anonymous.

End Notes

“Killing of Osama Bin Laden.” In Wikipedia, August 18, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Killing_of_Osama_bin_Laden&oldid=1105175355.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (en-GB). “Obama’s Covert Drone War in Numbers: Ten Times More Strikes than Bush.” Accessed August 30, 2022. https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2017-01-17/obamas-covert-drone-war-in-numbers-ten-times-more-strikes-than-bush.

“Pakistan’s Sovereignty and the Killing of Osama Bin Laden | ASIL.” Accessed August 30, 2022. https://www.asil.org/insights/volume/15/issue/11/pakistans-sovereignty-and-killing-osama-bin-laden.

“U.S. Drone Strike Kills al-Qaida Leader in Kabul > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News.” Accessed August 30, 2022. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3114362/us-drone-strike-kills-al-qaida-leader-in-kabul/.

“US next Generation Drone Strikes: How AFADS Scan Targets Using AI Precision – World News.” Accessed August 30, 2022. https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-next-generation-drone-strikes-how-afads-scan-targets-using-ai-precision-503153.

Hindustan Times. “US Used ‘Flying Ginsu’ Missile to Kill al-Qaeda’s al-Zawahiri? 5 Details on Op,” August 2, 2022. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-used-flying-ginsu-missiles-to-kill-al-qaida-s-al-zawahiri-5-details-on-op-101659404012538.html.

New ensign of Indian Navyà: A motive to bid adieu to all signs of servility

vasureddy
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New ensign of Indian Navyà: A motive to bid adieu to all signs of servility

During the 76th Independence day speech on completion of 75years of Indian independence, Prime Minister gave word to the people of our country to take 5 pledges (Panch Pran) which need to be fulfilled by 2047à to become a developed nation, remove all signs of servility, keep pride in our heritage, stay united from the divisive forces and fulfil our duties including chief ministers and prime minister. The St. George’s Cross named after crusading Christian Martyr by the Romans was adopted as England’s flag in 12th century, later became Royal Navy ensign in 1707.  

Then the design was transferred with the blue ensign of the Star of India used as naval ensign for Her Majesty’s Indian Marine (1879-92). Later it was changed to Royal Indian Marine (1892-1934), then was upgraded to Royal Indian Navy ( 1934-50).

After India was declared Republic on 26th January 1950, the white ensign  of the Royal Navy with the red saint George’s cross was retained. Though there was suggestions to change the postcolonial design of the flag since 1970s (by Vice admiral Vivian Barboza), change could not come until 2001 where the St. George cross was removed and replaced with blue coloured crest of the Indian Navy under the leadership of the then prime minister late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

But it was changed back with St. George cross and a state emblem of India at the intersection of the cross in 2004 by Shri Manmohan Singh the then prime minister. In 2014, Prime minister Shri Narendra Modiji further modified it by adding the Indian National Motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) in the Devanagari script  beneath the emblem.

The red cross has nothing in relation with Indian history. In 2022, on 2nd September, Prime minister Narendra Modiji unveiled the new ensign of Indian navy depicting the rich heritage of our country in naval maritime. On this very day, INS VIKRANT the first indigenously built aircraft carrier was commissioned. The new ensign has the national flap in the upper canton. There is an octagonal shape with twin golden borders which was drawn from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s shield who was the first  to establish a naval force protecting the costal line. 

The octagonal blue shape represents the eight directions indicating the Indian Navy’s multidirectional and multidimensional approach. In the centre of the shape there is the national emblem sitting on the top of an anchor with navy’s motto written “Sham No Varunah” meaning “may the lord of waters be auspicious on to us”. The anchor symbol emphasized on “steadfastness” (Fig.1 & 2). Already Australia, Newzealand, Canada, Pakistan, South africa and Bangladesh have bid adieu to colonial ensigns.

With the new naval ensign (NISHAAN), India ought to leave behind the signs of slavery, a new ensign projecting our heritage, nations motto was brought into practice.

Why we need a Uniform Civil Code in India

ritviksaikia
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Why we need a Uniform Civil Code in India

A national civil code has long been a topic of discussion for the Indian government. Many think it’s the only way to fix the nation’s social problems and bring all of its residents under one set of laws. Others believe that because Indian culture is not ready for such a law, now is not the time to enact it.

Implementing a unified code could also be detrimental rather than beneficial. To promote the welfare of its population, the Indian government must still keep pressing for a unified civil code.

A body of regulations guiding interactions between people is known as a uniform civil code.

Regardless of their religious origin, it respects the rights of all residents. The existing practice in India of treating Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and other religious groups differently under the law would be abolished under such a code. Instead, the legislation would apply equally to all people. This would make the nation more inclusive and equitable while also improving interreligious understanding.
To achieve social peace in India, a national civil code is also essential.

Because of the variations in their laws and practices, individuals of different religions or backgrounds currently find it difficult to communicate with one another. As a result, there are socioeconomic disparities in Indian society and tensions between various communities. These obstacles would be removed by a single civil code, allowing people of all backgrounds to communicate with ease. As a result, the nation would have more social peace.

A common civil code will strengthen India’s democracy by establishing consistent rules for all people, in addition to fostering interreligious understanding and social peace. According to existing legislation, each citizen is a member of a certain religious group and is subject to religious rules that are distinct from those followed by other members of his group.

As a result, there is injustice and inequality among the population since the legislation gives certain religious groups more privileges than others. By eliminating rules based on religious affiliation and applying the same laws to all individuals, a unified civil code would solve this issue.

Although there are many reasons to establish a unified civil code, some people think that society is not yet prepared for such a rule. Some believe that social unrest might start when people realise they would no longer be subject to their own religious regulations as a result of a new law. In addition, having to abide by rules that disregard their culture or customs may cause certain minorities to feel alienated. While supporters contend that society is not yet ready for such legislation, others believe this is a pretext for delaying its implementation as society develops over time.

Another issue with creating a unified civil code is that, if done incorrectly, it may backfire and do more harm than good. Additionally, if marriage rules are changed to prevent intermarriage between adherents of other faiths, certain religions may experience a decline in followers.

Despite these issues, the Indian government should continue to advocate for a universal civil code since it will foster social peace, interreligious understanding, and legal equality. The government should also make sure that minorities are not made to feel alienated by having to abide by rules that disregard their culture or customs since doing so might ultimately do more damage than good.

The Idea of Bhārata: The Mauryas and The Marathas

Siddharth
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The Idea of Bhārata: The Mauryas and The Marathas

The Nanda Empire (4th Century BCE) was probably the first empire of Bhārata. The first emperor of India, Mahāpadmānanda, ruled a large part of North India. We are, however, generally unaware of this empire because its successor – the mighty Mauryans – were too bright to be outshone by any contemporary dynasties. This period saw ācārya Cāṇakya write his famous treatise on polity and economy, Arthaśāstra. Pāṇinī composed Aṣṭādhyāyī in this period. The third Buddhist council under the patronage of Devanāmapriya Aśoka took place during this time. At its peak, the Mauryan empire extended from Gandhar and Kamboj to the borders of Prāgajyotiṣapura (Assam) and from Kashmir to the banks of Tungabhadra. 

The battle of Talikota in 1565 was a watershed moment in the history of Deccan. The Vijayanagara empire lost its prominence, and the five Shahas took over. The Maratha warrior Chatrapatī S͑ivājī Mahārāja coronated himself in 1674. This (1565-1674) is probably the only century in the entire history of Bhārata which saw no formidable Hindu/Dhārmika force to resist the onslaught of Islamic invaders. In 1757, when the Marathas were at their peak, they controlled a significantly lesser part of India than their predecessors, the Mughals. Neither can any architectural style be attributed to the Marathas that can match both their predecessors and their successors. The possible reason for this could be the political instability in the 18th century. Nonetheless, they made a significant impact on the history of India in general and Deccan in particular. 

Although separated by two millennia in time, these two great empires, their founders, and the gurus of their founders show remarkable similarities. It is to these two empires that every Bhāratīya shall remain forever indebted. Before their advent, cultural unity, even in pre-Mauryan times, did exist. What lacked was political unity or even the desire for it. The consciousness and will to bring the subcontinent under one control, the valour to bring that about, and the system of just and efficient administration setup are the three factors that separate them from all other empires Bhārata has ever seen.

In the wake of Alexander’s invasion, ācārya Cāṇakya had asked Dhanānanda, the last Nanda ruler, to prepare for the war and join hands with all the then kingdoms. Dhanānanda refused, ill-treated ācārya, and remained nonchalant. Alexander won over Porasa but returned. With Candragupta, ācārya Cāṇakya won back the region in North-West, dethroned Dhanānanda, and established the Mauryan empire. Even when Amātya Rākṣasa, the loyal minister of Dhanānanda, tried to kill Samrāṭa Candragupta, ācārya won him back in Samrāṭa’s favour. Assuring himself that the state is now in safe hands, he returns to Takṣaśilā only to produce the next generation of ācāryas.

In the early 17th century, Mahārāṣṭra was ravaged by the bloody war between the Adilshah of Bijapur and Nizamshah of Ahmadnagar. The administrative system was broken down, famines were a frequent affair, and the life of a common man was miserable. Rājamātā Jijābāī gave birth to S͑ivājī in 1630. She filled his mind with stories of Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata and the past indigenous kings. She lits his mind with the idea of Svarājya. It was the same consciousness and idea of Bhārata as one polity that ācārya Cāṇakya had envisaged 2000 years before it. S͑ivājī became Chatrapatī Mahārāja with his coronation in 1674. Thus began the formation of a mighty empire. This consciousness continued to inspire Marathas in later times – whether it was the third battle of Panipat in 1761 or Rāṇī Lakṣmībāī‘s resistance to the British in 1857. 

The Gupta-Vakataka period (4th to 6th century CE) is considered a golden period in India’s history. It was this period that saw tremendous progress in art, literature, music, and science. Yet, I believe the contribution of Mauryas and the Marathas surpasses that of Guptas. While hardly any other ancient or medieval kingdom/empire can ever match the strides of human endeavour achieved in the Gupta period, the very desire to have political unity is a pre-requirement for those achievements. It is in this political unity that cultural and civilizational unity is properly realized. The Guptas, at their peak, were never seriously challenged by invaders. Neither did they conquer Vakatakas from the south of Vindhya. The consciousness of the Mauryans and the Marathas, therefore, cannot be attributed to them. 

Medieval Chozas saw two great rulers – Rājarāja Choza I and Rājendra Choza I. Rājendra Choza I had conquered Lakshadweep islands, Maldives, Sri Lanka, large parts of South-East Asia, and areas up to the Ganga along the eastern coast. A great shiva-bhakta himself, he built Bṛhadeśvara temple in Gangayakonḍa Cozhapuram (a city built in memory of the win over the Palas reigning around the Ganga in Bengal) and Rājarājeśvara temple in Sri Lanka. What is appalling, though, is that there is probably no record of him confronting Mahmud of Ghazni who razed Somanātha temple, a jyotirlinga during the same period. The idea of sacred geography and the desire to keep it as one political unit lacked with the Chozas.

Many medieval dharmic forces, too, fought for their autonomy, but it was only Chatrapatī S͑ivājī Mahārāja who dreamt of ruling āsetu himācala. His vision bore fruits much after his death. He had prepared rājavyavahārakoṣa to replace loan Perso-Arabic words with old Marathi words or Saṃskṛta counterparts. Marathi was, thus, brought back to life.

When we look at the administration of Mauryans, ācārya Cāṇakya‘s words indicate their intent: “In the happiness of his (king’s) subjects lies his happiness; in their welfare his welfare.”[1] His Arthaśāstra deals with matters related to revenue, civil service, justice, war, and foreign policy. It is a comprehensive treatise on state administration. S͑ivājī Mahārāja had abolished the jahāgīradārī system and instead made regular payments to his soldiers and officers. His aṣṭapradhāna manḍaḻa looked after the day-to-day administration of his kingdom.

His son and second Chatrapatī of Hindavī Svarājya, Saṃbhājī Mahārāja, wrote a Saṃskṛta treatise on polity – Budhabhuṣaṇaṃ. In one of his ājñāpatra, S͑ivājī Mahārāja writes – “If you harass and trouble the subjects, …. many of them would starve to death. It would be as if you are more atrocious than the Mughals. There would be great uproar.”[2] Just and efficient administration was the backbone of the solid foundation of these two empires.

One can observe certain similarities and differences between these two empires. The idea of Bhārata as envisaged by their founders and gurus was partly a reaction to the foreign force and partly a belief in one common identity. The former is the immediate cause while the latter seems as the more driving force. Samrāṭa Candragupta had to fight Greeks who asserted political dominance only. S͑ivājī Mahārāja had to fight against those forces which even antagonized the native cultures.

Yet, he shows an exemplary attitude of religious tolerance, notwithstanding the fact that he did kill Portuguese Christian padres on the Konkan coast troubling the Hindus, and took down the mosque in Tamil Nadu built on an already existing temple. Samrāṭa Candragupta had annexed the already existing empire while S͑ivājī Mahārāja had to build one of his own from scratch. The Maratha empire was also the first and only time in history that the power controlling a major part of the subcontinent decisively moved south of Vindhya. These things make the Marathas special, while the extent of the Mauryan empire distinguishes them from the rest. 

Some believe India was created in 1947, others attribute it to the freedom struggle. Some Marxists like Dr Gangadhar Adhikari still don’t consider India as one unified state. However, the idea of India, that is Bhārata, as one polity is at least 2300+ years old. The inscription on the statue of shepherd Candragupta at the Parliament building rightly says: ‘ … dreaming of India he was to create.’

References:

  1. Chanakya, Arthashastra 1.19.34
  2. Page – 34, History and Civics, Standard Seven, Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook
  3. Production and Curriculum Research, Pune – 411 004, 2017

जब रावण ने पूछा- कहां हैं मेरे हस्ताक्षर?

जगदीश भाटिया
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जब रावण ने पूछा- कहां हैं मेरे हस्ताक्षर?

वालिसुत अंगद छलांग लगाकर लंका के परकोटे को पार कर रावण के दरबार में पहुँचे। उन्होंने कहा, “मैं वालि का पुत्र और श्री रामचन्द्र जी का दूत अंगद हूँ। श्री रामचन्द्र जी ने कहलाया है कि हवाला से संपति बना कर और मदिरा का राजस्व चुरा कर जो जघन्य अपराध किया है, उसके लिये मैं परिवार सहित तुम्हारा और तुम्हारे वंश का नाश करूँगा।”

“ये हवाला का बिजनेस तो कुंभकर्ण देखता है।”

“कुंभकर्ण की जेल में यादाश्त चली गई है किंतु हम जानते हैं कि हवाला के असली लाभ तुम्हें ही प्राप्त हुए हैं।”

“यादाश्त नहीं गई वो 6 महीने सोता है, नींद पूरी नहीं होने के कारण यदा कदा अंड शंड बकता है। रही बात मदिरा नीति की, तो 8 साल से हमारी कोई नीति ही नहीं है तो मदिरा नीति कैसे होगी? यह रूपवान इंद्रजीत प्रजा के आनंद के लिए बाय वन गैट वन की नीति लाया था ऐसी क्रांतिकारी नीति लाने के लिए हमने उसे लंका रत्न से सम्मानित किया है।”

“पापी, जहां प्रजा को साफ जल और वायु नहीं मिलता वहां तूने फ्री की मदिरा ही नहीं बाँटी अपितु मदिरा डीलरों से उत्कोच भी प्राप्त किया है। “

“अरे मूर्ख, हमने प्रजा को 200 इकाई विद्युत फ्री दी है जिस पर प्रजा मोबाइल रीचार्ज कर, मदिरा पी कर टिकटॉक बना सोशल मीडिया पर अपलोड कर अपने मनोरंजन में व्यस्त है। ये देख लंका टाइम्स में छपा विज्ञापन। पूरे विश्व में हमारे फ्री के लंका मॉडल की चर्चा है।”

“तेरे पापों का घड़ा भर गया है पापी, अब तुझे कोई नहीं बचा सकता।”

“लंका में सब और मेरे फोटो हैं, होर्डिंग्स, बसें, मेट्रो, समाचार पत्र, टीवी, मीडिया सब जगह मेरा चेहरा है किंतु यदि फाईलों में कुछ गलत हुआ है तो दिखा कहां मेरा नाम है और कहां मेरे हस्ताक्षर हैं? हाहा हाहा हाहा………. “

Tussle continues between LG and AAP MLA, Delhiites are suffering

avinash1997
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Tussle continues between LG and AAP MLA, Delhiites are suffering

The old days in Delhi politics are back when there was always a tussle between the MLA of Aam Aadmi Party and the LG of Delhi, be it Najeeb Jung or Anil Baijal, but ever since the new LG of Delhi has taken over Delhi. Since then, uneasiness has started increasing among AAP MLAs. But unfortunately what is grinding in this fight is Delhiites, be it government work or meeting their MLAs, Delhiites just have to wait for their work to be completed.

Delhi in Political crisis 

The Aam Aadmi Party claims that at the time of demonetisation, the newly elected LG of Delhi was involved in the 1400 crore Khadi scam, for which AAP MLAs are demanding a CBI probe. At the same time, the LG of Delhi has put the Delhi government in the dock by making many allegations against the Delhi government with its Twitter handle, as well as will also take legal action against the four MLAs, commenting on the Delhi government’s allegations, he said – “figment of their imagination”.

The people of Delhi complain that since a week they are trying to meet the MLA, but the MLAs of Delhi never stay in the office and due to this the work of many people has come to a standstill. The problem of drinking water is bothering the people of Delhi a lot, but that too is not being heard, the people of Delhi themselves are forced to come out on the road and sit on the movement against the government, so that the deaf government listens to the pain of the people of Delhi.

Crime and politics on the rise in Delhi

The CBI raids on the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, due to which the politics got heated, but the people of Delhi are suffering. A few days ago, according to the NCRB report, last year, 2 girls were raped every day in Delhi. Criminal cases against women have reached 40% in the capital Delhi last year, but there was no comment from the Delhi government and the LG of Delhi.

In the tussle of Delhi’s power, the people of Delhi have to yearn to get their work done, which is having a negative effect on the public regarding the Aam Aadmi Party. Delhi MLAs did not go to their offices for a week, all government work is at a standstill as many files are not going through the Chief Minister’s office due to tussle and many files are not getting clearance from the LG office.

Delhi caught in the game of power 

It has become more important for the Delhi government to save its power. There was no need to convene Delhi Assembly session and bring a trust vote, no need to show power to LG and play songs at night in the name of agitation in Delhi Assembly premises.

Outcry over water problem in Delhi

The people of Delhi are yearning for every drop of water and the legislators elected by the people instead of listening to their grievances are engaged in doing politics with the LG of Delhi. Saurabh Bhardwaj, Vice-Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, holds press conferences all the time to make the public aware of the deceit happening with the people of Delhi, but the people of Delhi are longing for water, no answer comes in their favour.

Water vs Politics – Power is Essential 

People are also waiting a lot to meet the Chief Minister of Delhi, but according to Arvind Kejriwal, he has to make India the number one country and now he will go to Haryana on 7 and 8 September to take this campaign forward. But Kejriwal ji is not giving time to the people of Delhi to put forth their problems. In the election environment, plans are being made to provide free water to the people of Gujarat and Himachal, but the scarcity of drinking water is such a big problem for the people of Delhi, which is far from free water yojana.

People have to pay money by getting tankers, which is loosening the pockets of the people, but the Delhi government is not going back on its claim of providing free water. The problem of releasing less water from Haryana is raised only on doing politics, due to which the attention of the people of Delhi shifts from the Aam Aadmi Party to the failure of BJP.

Win and Win situation in Delhi 

Now it will be interesting to see how the Chief Minister of Delhi can win the trust of the people of Delhi in this drawn-out tussle. Because the plan of 24 hours tap water seems to be dismantled, the anger of the public is gradually increasing due to lack of water. The water department comes under the Delhi government and now Kejriwal ji cannot blame anyone else for his failure, the Delhi government has to get rid of the water problem of the people as soon as possible. The tussle will continue but more than the power, the Delhi government should focus on how to complete the stalled works of the people. The Delhi government should not lose its trust from the public after the tussle with the LG.

The water problem of the people of Delhi should be solved so that drinking water reaches their homes and people do not have to come on the road to express their views.

हिंदुत्व को कमजोर करने वाले वामपंथी जरूर जान ले हिंदू सनातन संस्कृति का इतिहास, महाभारत में वर्णित ये पैतीस नगर

Sampat Saraswat
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हिंदुत्व को कमजोर करने वाले वामपंथी जरूर जान ले हिंदू सनातन संस्कृति का इतिहास, महाभारत में वर्णित ये पैतीस नगर

भारत देश महाभारतकाल में कई बड़े जनपदों में बंटा हुआ था। हम महाभारत में वर्णित जिन 35 राज्यों और शहरों के बारे में जिक्र करने जा रहे हैं, वे आज भी मौजूद हैं:

  1. गांधार: आज के कंधार को कभी गांधार के रूप में जाना जाता था। यह देश पाकिस्तान के रावलपिन्डी से लेकर सुदूर अफगानिस्तान तक फैला हुआ था। धृतराष्ट्र की पत्नी गांधारी वहां के राजा सुबल की पुत्री थी। गांधारी के भाई शकुनी दुर्योधन के मामा थे।
  2. तक्षशिला: तक्षशिला गांधार देश की राजधानी थी। इसे वर्तमान में रावलपिन्डी कहा जाता है। तक्षशिला को ज्ञान और शिक्षा की नगरी भी कहा गया है।
  3. केकैय प्रदेश: जम्मू-कश्मीर के उत्तरी इलाके का उल्लेख महाभारत में केकय प्रदेश के रूप में है।
    केकय प्रदेश के राजा जयसेन का विवाह वसुदेव की बहन राधादेवी के साथ हुआ था। उनका पुत्र विन्द जरासंध, दुर्योधन का मित्र था। महाभारत के युद्ध में विन्द ने कौरवों का साथ दिया था।
  4. मद्र देश: केकय प्रदेश से ही सटा हुआ मद्र देश का आशय जम्मू-कश्मीर से ही है। एतरेय ब्राह्मण के मुताबिक, हिमालय के नजदीक होने की वजह से मद्र देश को उत्तर कुरू भी कहा जाता था। महाभारत काल में मद्र देश के राजा शल्य थे, जिनकी बहन माद्री का विवाह राजा पाण्डु से हुआ था। नकुल और सहदेव माद्री के पुत्र थे।
  5. उज्जनक: आज के नैनीताल का जिक्र महाभारत में उज्जनक के रूप में किया गया है। गुरु द्रोणचार्य यहां पांडवों और कौरवों की अस्त्र-शस्त्र की शिक्षा देते थे।
    कुन्ती पुत्र भीम ने गुरु द्रोण के आदेश पर यहां एक शिवलिंग की स्थापना की थी। यही वजह है कि इस क्षेत्र को भीमशंकर के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यहां भगवान शिव का एक विशाल मंदिर है। कुछ विशेषज्ञ मानते हैं कि यह शिवलिंग 12 ज्योर्तिलिंगों में से एक है।
  6. शिवि देश: महाभारत काल में दक्षिण पंजाब को शिवि देश कहा जाता था। महाभारत में महाराज उशीनर का जिक्र है, जिनके पौत्र शैव्य थे। शैव्य की पुत्री देविका का विवाह युधिष्ठिर से हुआ था। शैव्य एक महान धनुर्धारी थे और उन्होंने कुरुक्षेत्र के युद्ध में पांडवों का साथ दिया था।
  7. वाणगंगा: कुरुक्षेत्र से करीब तीन किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है वाणगंगा। कहा जाता है कि महाभारत की भीषण लड़ाई में घायल पितामह भीष्म को यहां सर-सैय्या पर लिटाया गया था। कथा के मुताबिक, भीष्ण ने प्यास लगने पर जब पानी की मांग की तो अर्जुन ने अपने वाणों से धरती पर प्रहार किया और गंगा की धारा फूट पड़ी। यही वजह है कि इस स्थान को वाणगंगा कहा जाता है।
  8. कुरुक्षेत्र: हरियाणा के अम्बाला इलाके को कुरुक्षेत्र के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यहां महाभारत की प्रसिद्ध लड़ाई हुई थी। यही नहीं, आदिकाल में ब्रह्माजी ने यहां यज्ञ का आयोजन किया था। इस स्थान पर एक ब्रह्म सरोवर या ब्रह्मकुंड भी है। श्रीमद् भागवत में लिखा हुआ है कि महाभारत के युद्ध से पहले भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने यदुवंश के अन्य सदस्यों के साथ इस सरोवर में स्नान किया था।
  9. हस्तिनापुर: महाभारत में उल्लिखित हस्तिनापुर का इलाका मेरठ के आसपास है। यह स्थान चन्द्रवंशी राजाओं की राजधानी थी। सही मायने में महाभारत युद्ध की पटकथा यहीं लिखी गई थी। महाभारत युद्ध के बाद पांडवों ने हस्तिनापुर को अपने राज्य की राजधानी बनाया।
  10. वर्नावत: यह स्थान भी उत्तर प्रदेश के मेरठ के नजदीक ही माना जाता है। वर्णावत में पांडवों को छल से मारने के लिए दुर्योधन ने लाक्षागृह का निर्माण करवाया था। यह स्थान गंगा नदी के किनारे है। महाभारत की कथा के मुताबिक, इस ऐतिहासिक युद्ध को टालने के लिए पांडवों ने जिन पांच गांवों की मांग रखी थी, उनमें एक वर्णावत भी था। आज भी यहां एक छोटा सा गांव है, जिसका नाम वर्णावा है।
  11. पांचाल प्रदेश: हिमालय की तराई का इलाका पांचाल प्रदेश के रूप में उल्लिखित है। पांचाल के राजा द्रुपद थे, जिनकी पुत्री द्रौपदी का विवाह अर्जुन के साथ हुआ था। द्रौपदी को पांचाली के नाम से भी जाना जाता है।
  12. इन्द्रप्रस्थ: मौजूदा समय में दक्षिण दिल्ली के इस इलाके का वर्णन महाभारत में इन्द्रप्रस्थ के रूप में है।
    कथा के मुताबिक, इस स्थान पर एक वियावान जंगल था, जिसका नाम खांडव-वन था। पांडवों ने विश्वकर्मा की मदद से यहां अपनी राजधानी बनाई थी। इन्द्रप्रस्थ नामक छोटा सा कस्बा आज भी मौजूद है।
  13. वृन्दावन: यह स्थान मथुरा से करीब 10 किलोमीटर दूर है। वृन्दावन को भगवान कृष्ण की बाल-लीलाओं के लिए जाना जाता है। यहां का बांके-बिहारी मंदिर प्रसिद्ध है।
  14. गोकुल: यमुना नदी के किनारे बसा हुआ यह स्थान भी मथुरा से करीब 8 किलोमीटर दूर है। कंस से रक्षा के लिए कृष्ण के पिता वसुदेव ने उन्हें अपने मित्र नंदराय के घर गोकुल में छोड़ दिया था। कृष्ण और उनके बड़े भाई बलराम गोकुल में साथ-साथ पले-बढ़े थे।
  15. बरसाना: यह स्थान भी उत्तर प्रदेश में है। यहां की चार पहाड़ियां के बारे में कहा जाता है कि ये ब्रह्मा के चार मुख हैं।
  16. मथुरा: यमुना नदी के किनारे बसा हुआ यह प्रसिद्ध शहर हिन्दू धर्म के लिए अनुयायियों के लिए बेहद प्रसिद्ध है। यहां राजा कंस के कारागार में भगवान श्रीकृष्ण का जन्म हुआ था। यहीं पर श्रीकृष्ण ने बाद में कंस की हत्या की थी। बाद में कृष्ण के पौत्र वृजनाथ को मथुरा की राजगद्दी दी गई।
  17. अंग देश: वर्तमान में उत्तर प्रदेश के गोंडा जिले के इलाके का उल्लेख महाभारत में अंगदेश के रूप में है।
    दुर्योधन ने कर्ण को इस देश का राजा घोषित किया था।
    मान्यताओं के मुताबिक, जरासंध ने अंग देश दुर्योधन को उपहारस्वरूप भेंट किया था। इस स्थान को शक्तिपीठ के रूप में भी जाना जाता है
  18. कौशाम्बी: कौशाम्बी वत्स देश की राजधानी थी।
    वर्तमान में इलाहाबाद के नजदीक इस नगर के लोगों ने महाभारत के युद्ध में कौरवों का साथ दिया था। बाद में कुरुवंशियों ने कौशाम्बी पर अपना अधिकार कर लिया। परीक्षित के पुत्र जनमेजय ने कौशाम्बी को अपनी राजधानी बनाया।
  19. काशी: महाभारत काल में काशी को शिक्षा का गढ़ माना जाता था। महाभारत की कथा के मुताबिक, पितामह भीष्म काशी नरेश की पुत्रियों अम्बा, अम्बिका और अम्बालिका को जीत कर ले गए थे ताकि उनका विवाह विचित्रवीर्य से कर सकें। अम्बा के प्रेम संबंध राजा शल्य के साथ थे, इसलिए उसने विचित्रवीर्य से विवाह से इन्कार कर दिया। अंबिका और अम्बालिका का विवाह विचित्रवीर्य के साथ कर दिया गया। विचित्रवीर्य के अम्बा और अम्बालिका से दो पुत्र धृतराष्ट्र और पान्डु हुए। बाद में धृतराष्ट्र के पुत्र कौरव कहलाए और पान्डु के पांडव।
  20. एकचक्रनगरी: वर्तमान कालखंड में बिहार का आरा जिला महाभारत काल में एकचक्रनगरी के रूप में जाना जाता था। लाक्षागृह की साजिश से बचने के बाद पांडव काफी समय तक एकचक्रनगरी में रहे थे। इस स्थान पर भीम ने बकासुर नामक एक राक्षक का अन्त किया था। महाभारत युद्ध के बाद जब युधिष्ठिर ने अश्वमेध यज्ञ किया था, उस समय बकासुर के पुत्र ने भीषक ने उनका घोड़ा पकड कर रख लिया था। बाद में वह अर्जुन के हाथों मारा गया।
  21. मगध: दक्षिण बिहार में मौजूद मगध जरासंध की राजधानी थी। जरासंध की दो पुत्रियां अस्ती और प्राप्ति का विवाह कंस से हुआ था। जब भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने कंस का वध किया, तब वह अनायास ही जरासंध के दुश्मन बन बैठे। जरासंध ने मथुरा पर कई बार हमला किया। बाद में एक मल्लयुद्ध के दौरान भीम ने जरासंध का अंत किया। महाभारत के युद्ध में मगध की जनता ने पांडवों का समर्थन किया था।
  22. पुन्डरू देश: मौजूदा समय में बिहार के इस स्थान पर राजा पोन्ड्रक का राज था। पोन्ड्रक जरासंध का मित्र था और उसे लगता था कि वह कृष्ण है। उसने न केवल कृष्ण का वेश धारण किया था, बल्कि उसे वासुदेव और पुरुषोत्तम कहलवाना पसन्द था। द्रौपदी के स्वयंवर में वह भी मौजूद था। कृष्ण से उसकी दुश्मनी जगजाहिर थी। द्वारका पर एक हमले के दौरान वह भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के हाथों मारा गया।
  23. प्रागज्योतिषपुर: गुवाहाटी का उल्लेख महाभारत में प्रागज्योतिषपुर के रूप में किया गया है। महाभारत काल में यहां नरकासुर का राज था, जिसने 16 हजार लड़कियों को बन्दी बना रखा था। बाद में श्रीकृष्ण ने नरकासुर का वध किया और सभी 16 हजार लड़कियों को वहां से छुड़ाकर द्वारका लाए और उन्होंने सभी से विवाह किया। मान्यता है कि यहां के प्रसिद्ध कामख्या देवी मंदिर को नरकासुर ने बनवाया था।
  24. कामख्या: गुवाहाटी से करीब 10 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित कामख्या एक प्रसिद्ध शक्तिपीठ है। भागवत पुराण के मुताबिक, जब भगवान शिव सती के मृत शरीर को लेकर इधर-उधर घूम रहे थे, तभी भगवान विष्णु ने अपने सुदर्शन चक्र से सती के मृत शरीर के कई टुकड़े कर दिए। इसका आशय यह था कि भगवान शिव को सती के मृत शरीर के भार से मुक्ति मिल जाए।
    सती के अंगों के 51 टुकड़े जगह-जगह गिरे और बाद में ये स्थान शक्तिपीठ बने। कामख्या भी उन्हीं शक्तिपीठों में से एक है।
  25. मणिपुर: नगालैन्ड, असम, मिजोरम और वर्मा से घिरा हुआ मणिपुर महाभारत काल से भी पुराना है।
    मणिपुर के राजा चित्रवाहन की पुत्री चित्रांगदा का विवाह अर्जुन के साथ हुआ था। इस विवाह से एक पुत्र का जन्म हुआ, जिसका नाम था बभ्रुवाहन। राजा चित्रवाहन की मृत्यु के बाद बभ्रुवाहन को यहां का राजपाट दिया गया।
    बभ्रुवाहन ने युधिष्ठिर द्वारा आयोजित किए गए राजसूय यज्ञ में भाग लिया था।
  26. सिन्धु देश: सिन्धु देश का तात्पर्य प्राचीन सिन्धु सभ्यता से है। यह स्थान न केवल अपनी कला और साहित्य के लिए विख्यात था, बल्कि वाणिज्य और व्यापार में भी यह अग्रणी था। यहां के राजा जयद्रथ का विवाह धृतराष्ट्र की पुत्री दुःश्शाला के साथ हुआ था।
    महाभारत के युद्ध में जयद्रथ ने कौरवों का साथ दिया था और चक्रव्युह के दौरान अभिमन्यू की मौत में उसकी बड़ी भूमिका थी।
  27. मत्स्य देश: राजस्थान के उत्तरी इलाके का उल्लेख महाभारत में मत्स्य देश के रूप में है। इसकी राजधानी थी विराटनगरी। अज्ञातवास के दौरान पांडव वेश बदल कर राजा विराट के सेवक बन कर रहे थे। यहां राजा विराट के सेनापति और साले कीचक ने द्रौपदी पर बुरी नजर डाली थी। बाद में भीम ने उसकी हत्या कर दी।अर्जुन के पुत्र अभिमन्यू का विवाह राजा विराट की पुत्री उत्तरा के साथ हुआ था।
  28. मुचकुन्द तीर्थ: यह स्थान धौलपुर, राजस्थान में है।
    मथुरा पर जीत हासिल करने के बाद कालयावन ने भगवान श्रीकृष्ण का पीछा किया तो उन्होंने खुद को एक गुफा में छुपा लिया। उस गुफा में मुचकुन्द सो रहे थे, उन पर कृष्ण ने अपना पीताम्बर डाल दिया। कृष्ण का पीछा करते हुए कालयावन भी उसी गुफा में आ पहुंचा।मुचकुन्द को कृष्ण समझकर उसने उन्हें जगा दिया। जैसे ही मुचकुन्द ने आंख खोला तो कालयावन जलकर भस्म हो गया। मान्यताओं के मुताबिक, महाभारत युद्ध की समाप्ति के बाद जब पांडव हिमालय की तरफ चले गए और कृष्ण गोलोक निवासी हो गए, तब कलयुग ने पहली बार यहां अपने पग रखे थे।
  29. पाटन: महाभारत की कथा के मुताबिक, गुजरात का पाटन द्वापर युग में एक प्रमुख वाणिज्यिक केन्द्र था।
    पाटन के नजदीक ही भीम ने हिडिम्ब नामक राक्षस का संहार किया था और उसकी बहन हिडिम्बा से विवाह किया। हिडिम्बा ने बाद में एक पुत्र को जन्म दिया, जिसका नाम था घटोत्कच्छ। घटोत्कच्छ और उनके पुत्र बर्बरीक की कहानी महाभारत में विस्तार से दी गई है।
  30. द्वारका: माना जाता है कि गुजरात के पश्चिमी तट पर स्थित यह स्थान कालान्तर में समुन्दर में समा गया।
    कथाओं के मुताबिक, जरासंध के बार-बार के हमलों से यदुवंशियों को बचाने के लिए कृष्ण मथुरा से अपनी राजधानी स्थानांतरित कर द्वारका ले गए।
  31. प्रभाष: गुजरात के पश्चिमी तट पर स्थित इस स्थान के बारे में कहा जाता है कि यह स्थान भगवान श्रीकृष्ण का निवास-स्थान रहा है। महाभारत कथा के मुताबिक, यहां भगवान श्रीकृष्ण पैर के अंगूठे में तीर लगने की वजह से घायल हो गए थे। उनके गोलोकवासी होने के बाद द्वारका नगरी समुन्दर में डूब गई। विशेषज्ञ मानते हैं कि समुन्दर के सतह पर द्वारका नगरी के अवेशष मिले हैं।
  32. अवन्तिका: मध्यप्रदेश के उज्जैन का उल्लेख महाभारत में अवन्तिका के रूप में मिलता है। यहां ऋषि सांदपनी का आश्रम था। अवन्तिका को देश के सात प्रमुख पवित्र नगरों में एक माना जाता है। यहां भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योर्तिलिंगों में एक महाकाल लिंग स्थापित है।
  33. चेदी: वर्तमान में ग्वालियर क्षेत्र को महाभारत काल में चेदी देश के रूप में जाना जाता था। गंगा व नर्मदा के मध्य स्थित चेदी महाभारत काल के संपन्न नगरों में एक था। इस राज्य पर श्रीकृष्ण के फुफेरे भाई शिशुपाल का राज था। शिशुपाल रुक्मिणी से विवाह करना चाहता था, लेकिन श्रीकृष्ण ने रुक्मिणी का अपहरण कर उनसे विवाह रचा लिया। इस घटना की वजह से शिशुपाल और श्रीकृष्ण के बीच संबंध खराब हो गए। युधिष्ठिर के राजसूय यज्ञ के समय चेदी नरेश शिशुपाल को भी आमंत्रित किया गया था। शिशुपाल ने यहां कृष्ण को बुरा-भला कहा, तो कृष्ण ने सुदर्शन चक्र से उसका गला काट दिया। महाभारत की कथा के मुताबिक, दुश्मनी की बात सामने आने पर श्रीकृष्ण की बुआ उनसे शिशुपाल को अभयदान देने की गुजारिश की थी। इस पर श्रीकृष्ण ने बुआ से कहा था कि वह शिशुपाल के 100 अपराधों को माफ कर दें, लेकिन 101वीं गलती पर माफ नहीं करेंगे।
  34. सोणितपुर: मध्यप्रदेश के इटारसी को महाभारत काल में सोणितपुर के नाम से जाना जाता था। सोणितपुर पर वाणासुर का राज था। वाणासुर की पुत्री उषा का विवाह भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के पौत्र अनिरुद्ध के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ था। यह स्थान हिन्दुओं के लिए एक पवित्र तीर्थ है।
  35. विदर्भ: महाभारतकाल में विदर्भ क्षेत्र पर जरासंध के मित्र राजा भीष्मक का शासन था। रुक्मिणी भीष्मक की पुत्री थीं। भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने रुक्मिणी का अपहरण कर उनसे विवाह रचाया था। यही वजह थी कि भीष्मक उन्हें अपना शत्रु मानने लगे। जब पांडवों ने अश्वमेध यज्ञ किया था, तब भीष्मक ने उनका घोड़ा रोक लिया था।
    सहदेव ने भीष्मक को युद्ध में हरा दिया।

परंतु आज की वामपंथी विचारधारा लगातार हिंदुत्व को चोटिल कर रही है हिंदू देवी देवताओं पर टिप्पणी के अलावा हिंदुत्व को नीचा दिखाने में कुछ असामाजिक तत्व कोई कमी नही छोड़ रहे है हिंदू धर्म से अलग होकर बौद्ध या अन्य धर्म धारण करने वाले लोगो को हिंदुत्व में बुराई लगती है पर क्या उन्हे हिंदुत्व के इस इतिहास का पता है ? कभी नही होगा क्योंकि वो कुवे के मेढक है जिन्होंने कभी कूवे से बाहर की दुनिया देखी ही नही है।

“क्या मंदिर बनने से रोजगार मिल जाएगा?” आखिर इसका सच क्या?

Sampat Saraswat
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“क्या मंदिर बनने से रोजगार मिल जाएगा?” आखिर इसका सच क्या?

रिसर्च कर लो तो पता चलेगा कि जम्मू कश्मीर के रेवेन्यू में सबसे बड़ा हाथ वैष्णो देवी मंदिर का होता है। केदारनाथ, बद्रीनाथ, वृंदावन, बनारस, तिरुमला जैसे जगह के रोजगार का मुख्य केंद्र वहां स्थित देवालय ही हैं।

फूल-पत्ती, माला, प्रसाद को बेचकर जहाँ सैकड़ों अत्यंत गरीब लोग अपने परिवारों की जीविका चलाते हैं वही देश-विदेश के लाखों दर्शनार्थियों के आने से उस क्षेत्र के सभी हजारों छोटे-बड़े दुकानों की अच्छी बिक्री होती हैं, पर्यटन तथा होटल व्यवसाय से जुड़े हजारों परिवारों की जीविका बढ़ती है और रोजगार का सृजन होता है। साथ ही सरकार का भी रेवेन्यु बढ़ता है।

मंदिर सिर्फ रोज़गार हीं नहीं देते अपितु आम लोगों की सेवा हेतु मंदिर ट्रस्ट विद्यालय, अस्पताल, वृद्धाश्रम, अनाथालय का भी निर्माण करवाते हैं, जिससे फायदा आम जनमानस को होता है।

आइए बताते हैं कि भारत के मंदिर करोड़ों लोगों को रोजगार कैसे देतें है…

  1. धार्मिक पुस्तक बेचनें वालों को और उन्हें छापने वालों को रोजगार देते हैं।
  2. माला बेचने वालों को घंटी-शंख और पूजा का सामान बेचने वालों को रोजगार देते हैं।
  3. फूल वालों को माला बनाने और किसानों को रोजगार देतें हैं।
  4. मूर्तियां-फोटुएं बनाने और बेचनें वालों को रोजगार देते हैं।
  5. मंदिर प्रसाद बनाने और बेचने वालों को रोजगार देते हैं।
  6. कांवड़ बनाने-बेचने वालों को भी रोजगार देतें हैं।
  7. रिक्शे वाले गरीब लोग जो कि धार्मिक स्थल तक श्रद्धालुओं को पहुंचाते हैं उन रिक्शा और आटो चालकों को रोजगार देते हैं।
  8. लाखों गरीब पुजारियों को भी रोजगार देते हैं।
  9. रेलवे की अर्थव्यवस्था का १८% हिस्सा मंदिरों से चलता है।
  10. मंदिरों के किनारे जो गरीबों की छोटी-छोटी दुकानें होती हैं उन्हें भी रोजगार मिलता है।
  11. मंदिरों के कारण अंगूठी-रत्न बेचने वाले गरीबों का परिवार भी चलता है।
  12. मंदिरों के कारण दीया बनाने और कलश बनाने वालों को भी तो रोजगार मिलता है।
  13. मंदिरों से उन 65000 खच्चर वालों को रोजगार मिलता है जो कि श्रद्धालुओं को दुर्गम पहाड़ों पर प्रभु के द्वार तक ले जाते हैं।
  14. भारत में दो लाख से अधिक जो भी होटल हैं और धर्मशालाएं हैं उनमें रहने वालों को मंदिर ही तो रोजगार देते हैं।
  15. तिलक बनाने वाले- नारियल और सिंदूर आदि बेचने वालों को भी ये मंदिर रोजगार देते हैं।
  16. गुड-चना बनाने वालों को भी मंदिर रोजगार देते हैं।
  17. मंदिरों के कारण लाखों अपंग और भिखारियों और अनाथ बच्चों को रोजी-रोटी मिलती है।
  18. मंदिरों के कारण लाखों वानरों की रक्षा होती है और सांपों की हत्या होने से बचती है।
  19. मंदिरों के कारण ही हिंदू धर्म में पीपल – बरगद – पिलखन- आदि वृक्षों की रक्षा होती है।
  20. मंदिर के कारण जो हजारों मेले हर वर्ष लगते हैं – इन मेलों में जो चरखा-झूला चलाने वालों को भी तो रोजगार मिलता है।
  21. मंदिरों के कारण लाखों टूरिस्ट मंदिरों में घूमते हैं और छोटे-छोटे चाय-पकौड़े-टिक्की बेचने वाले सभी गरीबों का जीवन यापन भी तो चलता है।

सनातन धर्म उन करोड़ों लोगों को रोजगार देता है जो गरीब हैं। इनमें केवल पंडित ही नहीं, हर धर्म, हर जाति के जो ज्यादा पढ़े लिखे नहीं हैं और जिन के पास धन-जमीन और खेती नहीं है जो बेसहारा हैं जिनका कोई नहीं, उनके राम हैं… उनके श्याम हैं और उनके महादेव हैं…

बाकी सरकार के विरोध के लिए 1000 अन्य मुद्दे हैं, उन पर विरोध कीजिए, शायद लोगों से समर्थन भी मिलेगा। पर हर बात की आड़ में मंदिरों और इष्ट देवों पर कटाक्ष करना बंद करिए। आजकल कुछ प्रचलन सा है की वामपंथी विचारधारा तथा वामपंथी व्यवस्था को दवाब के साथ लागू करवाने की मंशा से कुछ लोग लगातार मंदिर व्यवस्था, गुरु परंपरा व्यवस्था तथा ब्राह्मण रीति रिवाज के ऊपर अनावश्यक टिप्पणी करने से नहीं कतरा रहे हैं। वामपंथियों द्वारा आए दिन मंदिर में दान पेटी के नाम पर, मंदिर में दर्शन के नाम पर, मंदिर में पूजा के नाम पर, अनावश्यक आरोप लगाकर हिंदू सनातन संस्कृति को खंडित करने तथा अविश्वास पैदा करने का असफल प्रयास किया जा रहा है।

अध्यात्मिक व्यवस्था तथा वैदिक ब्राह्मण के रीति-रिवाजों तथा परंपराओं पर बेवजह चोट करना अभी वामपंथियों का मुख्य मसौदा बनकर रह गया है। हिंदू सनातन संस्कृति को किसी भी तरह से कमजोर दर्शाकर कभी शिवलिंग पर दूध चढ़ाने, दीपावली पर पटाखे फोड़ने, होली पर गुलाल और पानी उड़ाने जैसे मुद्दों को उठाकर आज की युवा पीढ़ी को घाटे नफे का अनुमान दिखाकर केवल और केवल हिंदू संस्कृति को खंडित करने का प्रयास है।

Indian conviction of the “Akhand Bharat”

Shivam Kumar Pandey
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Indian conviction of the “Akhand Bharat”

After the abrogation of Article 370, eyes look and ponder upon POK. In the parliament, Home Minster Amit Shah stated in his speech, “Kashmir is an integral part of India, there is no doubt over it. When I talk about Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin are included in it.” When on this, opposition leaders deemed the minister was getting “worked up”. Shah hit back saying he was “ready to die for it”.

“Akhand Bharat” the agenda of ruling government of India. It won’t be fulfilled without occupying and including POK. Akhand Bharat is not a just political rather cultural concept. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said, “PoK is currently occupied by Pakistan and not even a single family is left without losses. They contributed a lot to the development of the country, PoK refugees should get full justice. They are looking up to India. We can’t forget that Baba Amarnath is here. How can Mata Sharada be there?”

The intentions of people seating in the government is very clear about POK and, there is no doubt everyone wants POK back. But fact of the matter is out willingness and how much we are prepared for it? This not a movie or a game, this is, albeit an ideological battlefield but blood is very much spilled, soldier martyr, people die. It is a popular belief that you have to lose something to get something. Here, it is the same thing – without sacrifice you are not going to get anything. Indian Government, though seemingly looking of the right time has forgotten by the time “the right time” arrives, we would have then lost thousands of people fallen victim to the wrongdoings and brutality of Pakistani Army.

Even now, in the name of CPEC, China is openly exploiting Balochistan. Baloch activists and human rights defenders have raised their voice against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and, termed it as a project of looting and plundering of natural wealth of Balochistan. A few days ago Protest held outside Pak Embassy in London against “fake encounters” in Balochistan. The protest was called by the Baloch National Movement, demanding Pakistan to end its unlawful and inhumane occupation of Balochistan.

As per the dossier, Pakistan have adopted a campaign to pick-torture-kill Balochs who are fighting for their rights. In only five years, 41,000 women have disappeared in Balochistan, the largest province – geographically – in Pakistan. As many as 22,600 Baloch people disappeared in 2020 and 366 were killed in 2021. This year, so far, 75 Balochs have been already killed by the security forces of Pakistan. On March 17, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan claimed that 480 people were made forcibly to disappear and 177 were killed in the province during 2020. The report also claims that over 15,000 children have been enslaved by the security forces in Balochistan. Pakistan has been carrying out massive military operations in Balochistan. To simply term it, “It’s one of the worst genocide in human history.”

Chinese have their own agenda of expansion policy. Sources said that Chinese engineers are not only working on the CPEC , they are also involved in defence projects for the Pakistan Army in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), Balochistan and Sindh. About 10-12 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel have been spotted at Sharda, in POK. Indian government needs to and should take strict action with all their force and power. Only talking and winning at diplomatic level is not efficient, the need to showing off the millitary power is ever so growing. This is the matter of our motherland and, we can’t tolerate it and just to find ourselves repeating the mistake of Nehru Era.

There is a possibility of heavy infiltration via PoK. Chinese soldiers have been spotted active in the Sindh and the restive Balochistan areas, are building storage facilities in man-made caves in different areas. These facilities have been spotted in Ranikot in Sind, along the Sehwan-Hyderabad highway, about 50 km from Nawabshah, the nearest big town. Similar constructions have been reported in Khuzdar, in central Balochistan, where a missile regiment is located. This is ever so dangerous & government can not sit close-mouthed his on such type of activities from the Chinese PLA’s.

Nowadays, what we’ve been seeing is killing of apple traders and drivers from outside the state ferrying apple crop, preventing shops from opening, the threatening the children away from schools… all this, is nothing but a part of narrative of the terrorists. Increase in target killing of Kashmiri Hindus, leading to migration and fleeing. Terrorists are also targeting labourers who have come to Jammu and Kashmir from outside states to create fear among them and disrupt trade. Our Armed forces have been doing a great job, teaching them lessons, killing many terrorists within a year.

But, at the same time, so many casualties takes place. The simple agenda of Pakistan is to train youth in the name Islamic Jihad, making them a near perfect militant, physically & mentally trained, sharply infiltrate India to further spread Jihad and, Chinese PLAs are helps them, who themselves killed Uiger Muslims in their own country. Like 1971, we have to focus on the make use something solid, like a “Mukti Bahini”.

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is, proven, perfect example of it. We have to support them, provide them with arms and ammunition, believe or not they target both, the Pakistani and the Chinese PLAs army. They show no mercy upon them, because they see the heavy rainfall of their own blood. In front of them, their mother, sister and women are mercilessly raped by the Pakistani army, killings of thousands of brothers, will surely make them want to take revenge.

I think that the country’s armed forces were fully prepared for any eventuality, including possible action in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), given, if the government clears it. There is need of Political will of Government. Our armed forces are always in the complete state of preparedness. We can not raise the question on the intention Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is a proven great personality known extensively, for his decision making beyond the comprehension of the World.

Whether you go back to surgical strike in Myanmar or after Uri, it shows & proves the strong and powerful leadership of the Modi. We can see it becoming ever so clear when after the Pulwama attack the Air strike that was carried by the Indian Air force in which estimated 250- 300 terrorist were killed in POK. The Abrogation of article 370 in was made to happen in the Modi Era. We can never forget, how he unfurled the Tiranga (tricolour) at Lal Chowk in 1992. He is man of his word.

Modi ji, though maintaining to keep his silence on PoK, has shown through his actions, that we must hope that government has a “special strategy” for Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, which will be executed and such things will not be discussed in public.

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