World

The Queen Cherished Her Time in India

Neha Dahiya / New Delhi, India Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the first child of the then future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), was born on April 21, 1926 in Mayfair, London. At twenty five years old, Princess Elizabeth ascended to the British throne and became Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms on February 6, 1952, and was commonly known as Elizabeth II. The British throne is inherited according to descent, gender, legality, and religion. According to British common law, a sovereign’s children or a sovereign without children’s closest collateral line inherits the Crown. Elizabeth was third in line for the British throne during her grandfather’s rule, behind her father and her uncle Edward. Even though her birth sparked curiosity in the public, it was not anticipated that she would become queen as her uncle Edward was still young and was most likely to be married and have his own children, who would succeed Elizabeth in the line of succession. She became second in line to the throne after her father when her grandfather passed away in 1936 and her uncle succeeded as Edward VIII. After his anticipated marriage with divorced socialite Wallis Simpson sparked a constitutional crisis later that year, Edward abdicated. As a result, George VI, Elizabeth’s father, ascended to the throne. It was then that Elizabeth became the presumed successor because she did not have any brothers. After her father, George VI, passed away on February 6, 1952, Elizabeth II succeeded to the throne and was immediately crowned queen by her privy and executive councils. The custom of waiting a proper amount of time after a king dies before holding such events meant that the coronation was held more than a year later. Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. Until her death on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at age ninety-six, Elizabeth II was the oldest current monarch and head of state in the world. In her record-breaking 70 years as monarch, Queen Elizabeth II set a lot of milestones. Elizabeth ruled for approximately seventy years and four months, during which over fifteen British prime ministers, including Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss, served under Queen Elizabeth II. The finest achievement of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, who passed away on Thursday after serving as monarch for 70 years, was to keep the monarchy popular throughout decades of seismic political, social, and cultural change that threatened to render it out of date. In the spotlight of an increasingly intrusive and frequently hostile media, she helped steer the institution into the modern era by eliminating court ritual and making it somewhat more open and accessible. Queen Elizabeth II travelled to India on multiple occasions. In 1961, her first state visit with her husband, Prince Philip, came over 15 years after India gained its independence from the British in 1947. She was the first British monarch to ascend to the throne. On her official visit to India, the Queen visited historical sites including Taj Mahal in Agra, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, and the ancient Hindu city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh while touring the cities of Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. She participated in several events, spent days at a maharajah’s hunting lodge, and rode an elephant. The royal couple attended the monumental Republic Day parade on January 26, 1961, as special guests. Following their state visit in 1961, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip returned to India in November 1983. Almost two decades later, her visit coincided with a summit of Commonwealth leaders and in 1997, when India was celebrating 50 years of its Independence from the British. It was the Queen’s first public appearance following Princess Diana’s funeral. During her three state visits, the Queen treasured her time in India.”The warmth and hospitality of the Indian people, and the richness and diversity of India itself, have been an inspiration to all of us,” she said. Today, as a mark of respect towards the longest reigning British Monarch, India will observe a one-day state mourning on September 11, 2022. Subsequently, in a statement issued by the ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, it was stated that the Indian National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings in India on the day of mourning, and on that day, there won’t be any formal entertainment. (Neha Dahiya is a specialist content writer at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Disinformation Misinformation

598

Vicious Attack on Religious Freedom of Minority Hindu Americans

By Neha Dahiya Is Hindumisia on the rise in the United States? Over the past few decades, Hinduphobic radical organisations like Hindus for Human Rights (H4HR), Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), and Equality Labs have waged disinformation and slur campaigns against Hindu culture, events and identity. The Hindu American community had scheduled a religious discussion and cultural event for August 30 and 31, 2022, at Impact Hall, Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia. A spiritual figure in the Hindu community, Sadhvi Ritambhara was invited to grace the occasion. Several extremist Anti-Hindu groups waged an online and offline smear campaign to disparage the Sadhvi and the event organisers. This continuing hate campaign is intended to terrorise and intimidate American Hindus barring them of their rights enshrined in the Constitution of the United States. This is not new as over the years, one may recall various hate and misinformation campaigns by motivated and foreign backed, abetted organisations and individuals which are habitual of spreading misinformation and hatred against Hindus like Equality Labs with its baseless “Smash Brahminical Patriarchy” campaign, Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR) with its constant and vile hateful attacks on Hindu cultural organisations like the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Pieter Friedrich, Audrey Truschke, Bhajan Singh Bhinder for their Pakistan supported Anti-Hindu agenda are some names, but the list goes long. Similarly, by instilling doubt and dread in the minds of Americans about Hindu culture and its saints, the hate campaign against Sadhvi Ritambhara launched by H4HR, IAMC and their supporters enlisted above is aimed to demonise the very persona of such noble Hindu saints, so as to further their nefarious, divisive and communal agenda in the United States. The hate campaign against the Sadhvifollows patterns and trends closely aligning with earlier campaigns and appears to be a part of an organised ecosystem of organisations and individuals who are well known around the world for their Hinduphobic views and discriminatory and divisive views about the Hindu society. On the contrary and in reality, Sadhvi Ritambhara is also known as DidiMaa(Lit. Sister and Mother), has motivated countless people all over the world. In Vrindavan, India she founded orphanages, special schools for underprivileged kids, and homes for women who have been abandoned. She established the “Param Shakti Peeth” organisation to protect India’s underprivileged people. To help women become more self-reliant and confident, Shakti Peeth also offers training in karate, horseback riding, and other sports. The collective name for these organisations is “Vatsalya Gram.” She also manages widows’ ashrams and shelters in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In addition, she founded and serves as the chair of DurgaVahini, a Hindu women empowered organization. Durga Vahini seeks to inspire more women to take part in Hindu prayer gatherings and cultural activities. By providing social services and aid to struggling families, the organisation hopes to foster a sense of togetherness and solidarity. Sanyasini Sadhvi Ritambhara has devoted her entire life to advancing Hindu causes including strongly advocating for Ram Janamboomi (Lit. Birthplace of lord Ram) in Ayodhya, India. On November 9, 2019, the five-judge Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by the now-retired Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, unanimously ruled that Lord Ram was born on the Ayodhya ground where the Babri Structure previously stood. Over the years, her motivating speeches, which are backed up by Hindu texts, have gained a tremendous global following that transcends caste, gender, and nationality. In light of this, acknowledging the gross violation of human values of Vis-a-Vis Hindus in America. HinduPACT, a policy research and advocacy collective based in the USA, suggested in a statement that American law enforcement agencies pay attention to the surge in such hate speech on social media and its potential to hurt people. Political favouritism must not be used to support these kinds of targeted assaults on the religious liberty of Hindu Americans and Hindu organisations. The First Amendment, which is a cornerstone of the US Constitution, guarantees Hindu Americans the freedom to profess their beliefs. But because of some radical organisations, Hindus in the USA are not allowed to freely practise their religion. Whether it be through the physical assault on Hindus expats or the entanglement of intellectuals in a web of false propaganda, Hindus are made into very easy targets in the west. Maligning Hindu culture, rituals and values using hate-tricks by radical cells is not a new phenomenon. They made groups, organisations, and networks with selective ill mind people to target India and Hindus from all spheres. Islamists, Separatists and Evangelists masked themselves as an innocent Hindu rights advocacy organisation, which didn’t spare any chance to malign Hindus and India. On the contrary, they sponsor events of Anti-India entities and fully support every measure to lead their malicious agenda of wiping out the Hindu community from the world. (Neha Dahiya is a specialist content writer at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Disinformation Fact Sheet Human Rights Misinformation

545

Depressed Subgroups Under Notified Indian Minorities

Rohan Giri / New Delhi Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) are among the five religious groups or sects that are granted minority religion status under the Indian Constitution. These designated Indian minorities do, however, contain depressed subgroups that experience prejudice on a daily basis from their own community members. This report reflects on the state of affairs of such depressed minorities under notified Indian minorities. (Rohan is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and Manager Operations at CIHS.)

Leadership

591

Introspect, Deliberate and Move Ahead!

Swarajya@75 should lead to work on tackling new internal & external threats, recast policy institutions and achieve economic self-reliance Dattatreya Hosabale Having completed 75-years after attaining independence from foreign rule, Bharat has embarked on new journey to play a rightful lead role globally. While next phase of its civilizational journey has begun, every citizen is in a boisterous and jubilant mood as the Amrit Mahotsav got underway with new purpose. Our nation completed this journey of 75 years after having crossed numerous obstacles and problems. This has been an arduous, exciting and momentous journey to cherish. Both achievements and the challenges faced by Bharatiya society during the renewed self-rule are before us. We also have a vivid picture of the nation that became independent but faced the tragedy of the partition. She suffered the trauma of violence that got unleashed after the divisive partition. Immediately after this tragic experience, its borders were attacked. But these challenges were not un-surmountable. The issues faced post-independence could not dent our resilience; defeat our capabilities and potential of our nation. Taking the challenges head-on has led to strengthening Bharat’s democratic foundations. Today, we can hardly imagine as to how the nation celebrated its greatest festival of democracy in 1952 and set up an elected government after having suffered the trauma of partition and the attack on its borders. It was indeed will power and effort of the people that ensured integration of those areas that were left out after 1947 like Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Hyderabad and Puducherry. Many a time, a question arises as to how a nation that secured political independence only a few years before could pick up pieces and move ahead fast? One cannot comprehend this without understanding the Bharatiya society in fulsome. Even while suffering the acute pain and suffering of attacks and crises, Bharatiya society did not forget the sutra of its unity. If genuine attempts are made, only then would one understand the freedom struggle of Bharat that had its footprint all over in towns, villages, forests, mountains, coastal regions etc. Whether it is the Santhal uprising or armed struggle of heroes in southern states, there’s a single underlying principle. Each and every one amongst greatest heroes desired independence. This desire and craving for swarajya was not for themselves alone but for larger society and the nation. Restlessness in the Bharatiya society was so intense that people cared very little in making supreme sacrifices willingly and tread the toughest paths. This was precisely the reason for Bharat’s independence movement to spread as far as London, United States, Japan and so on. In fact, the India House located in London emerged as one of the major centers of Bharat’s freedom movement. Bharat’s Independence movement was so comprehensive that it united the masses transcending geographical, economic, and societal boundaries. It would be unfair to take the name of one particular individual or a few as innumerable people sacrificed their lives in the Bharatiya independence movement. Some of them are household names while we hardly know about several others who submitted at the altar of independence. This was a movement which had countless participants and all of them had one goal. This legacy of heroism, unparalleled patriotic fervour, supreme sacrifices and bloodshed seems to have served as perfect launch pad for Bharat’s citizens urge to work towards attaining supreme glory. This is Bharat’s societal aspiration rather being fueled by political leaders alone. The very aspiration came to fore when the internal emergency was imposed and democratic institutions were systematically denigrated during 1975 – 77. Citizens from across the spectrum were at forefront of the struggle against anti-democratic and authoritarian forces. Seventy five years of independence may also be the right time to introspect and plan for our centenary year in 2047. Also, at a time when the entire world was coming to terms with post-Covid 19 social order and global uncertainty looming large, we should set our own distinct goals as a nation and society. Undoubtedly, the last decade has been a period of achievements for Bharat. We may have to build on our recent successes. Providing access to affordable and quality healthcare, housing, education and achieving financial inclusivity apart from citizens’ empowerment were areas in which we made large strides. For instance, Bharat’s ingenuity and intelligence was at its best in development of most affordable and safe vaccine against Covid 19 in short period possible. This was done at a time when Bharat was at the receiving end. The vaccine served as the perfect anti-dose and saved billions of lives globally. Going forward, we may have to recognize and confront several internal and external threats from known as well as unknown sources. Achieving societal harmony should get flagged as a priority area for Bharat. Given the inalienable link between society’s strength and harmony amongst her communities, we may have to channelize our energies in this direction. On the economic front, Bharat has made rapid strides notwithstanding the crises that were either domestic or imported. There’s lot more to that can happen on development front given the 1.4 billion population’s aspirations. There’s untapped potential for faster growth in several economic areas. Unless we place Bharat’s home grown businesses and enterprises at the forefront of our policy formulation, intervention and achieve self-reliance, providing work opportunities to all may remain a pipe dream. Bharat will emerge stronger in the true sense only when it’s self-reliant. A reorganization of our policy and democratic institutions may have to be done in sync with expectations our people and requirements at a time when Bharat seeks to play a lead role among the global communities drawing strength from its millennia-old civilizational evolution. Making judiciary and politically driven executive and all public institutions accessible to common people that feel distraught and helpless may be very significant in our onward march. Global challenges in short term can also be faced only when our internal systems were strong. Apart from economic and political empowerment, finding home

Disinformation Fact Sheet Hindus Misinformation

738

Lies & Propaganda!

Los Angeles Times article falls flat on basics relating to RSS, Hindus & Bharat By Neha Dahiya In an op-ed write up headlined “As a Hindu, I can’t stay silent about injustices in India” that appeared in Los Angeles Times edition of August 15, 2022, the author Akhila L Ananth seem to have made a desperate attempt to falsify Hindus image and turned her arguments propagandist and away from ground realities in India. The writer seems to have been either a victim of misguided anti-Hindu and anti-Indian propaganda. Or, she may have a willing and active participant of such negative campaign rather than making an objective analysis of developments within and outside India. Contrary to the assumption that Hindu nationalists have brutalized different communities, India with over 1.3 billion people has millennial history of religious, caste and faith linked diversity. Hindus that believe in sanatan dharma have lived in harmony with Buddhists, Jains and the Sikhs that have had close civilizational links with the majority people. Barring a few sporadic incidents in a country of the size of European Union, Muslims and Christians that were either born in India or most that made India their home have freely practiced their religious faith without much of a hassle. To compartmentalize Indians and charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waged a political war against the poor people, farmers, indigenous and caste based groups has very little or no basis whatsoever. If that were true, would Modi’s party secure thumping majority in two successive Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019. Is it not a fact that the right wing party was holding reins in 17 states and three others where it’s a coalition partner? Politics aside, India’s civilizational values do not have any room for attack on equality and plurality. In fact, there very values are cherished and embellished by RSS and the Hindutva forces. India proudly celebrates its diversity. Not only is it proud of its ethnic and religious diversity, all are equal before Indian laws that stood scrutiny for 75-years post-imperial rule. There’s hardly room for discrimination based on caste, region, religion, ethnicity or faith even in governance. In fact, India has over the decades designed projects, schemes and entertained ideas that gave better opportunities to communities and religious minorities in education, socio-economic progression. For example, minorities especially the Muslims, Christians and others like Sikhs have been big beneficiaries of such schemes and projects. Be it tribal, backward community, forest people or those living in hilly terrain or coastal areas, they are core of Hindu society and to say brutalize has no basis. To state that semi-sovereign status of Indian union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh has been abrogated speaks poorly on scholarship and understanding the intricate nuances of the issue. Even before the 2019 amendment of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is examined, it is important to note that no single person makes decisions in a vibrant democracy like India. The amendment was outcome of a protracted legal and political process. In the first place, it’s incorrect to refer to “Kashmir” as “semi-sovereign” as Kashmir has been a division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and J&K had no vestige of sovereignty outside of the Indian Constitution and its own constitution was subordinate to the Indian Constitution. To propagate that Kashmir was a “territory trapped between Indian and Pakistani military rule” reflects shallowness and understanding of the Kashmir Valley. For over 5000 years, Kashmir is a story in continuum and its history firmly aligns with the idea, identity, and culture of ancient Bharat. Hundreds of magnificent ancient Santan temples (Hindu Temples) like the Martan Sun Temple in Anantnag or Narayan Nag temple complex in Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley, thousands of Sanskrit scriptures like the Nilimat Puran and Rajtarangi are testament to Kashmir’s continuous relation, connection and basis of oneness with the rest of India. In contemporary times, two months after British India was partitioned, in an effort to take control of the Kashmir Valley by force, the then newly formed Pakistani Army launched “Operation Gulmarg” on October 22, 1947. The operation involved both regular Pakistani Army forces and tribal raiders assembled with the war cry, “Islam is in danger”. Simultaneously, the then lawful ruler of the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh reiterated his desire to accede his kingdom to the Dominion of India by signing an Instrument of Accession in accordance with the Indian Independence Act of 1947. Louis Mountbatten, who was British India’s governor general at the time, approved the accession on October 27, 1947. Indian soldiers launched a counterattack. By November 8, the Indian Army had taken control of Srinagar, the princely state’s capital. Up until mid-November, when scope of the war was reduced, the pushback persisted. Up until end of 1948, the war lasted longer but was less intense. In January 1949, the cease-fire agreement was officially signed wherein Pakistan remained to hold large parts of territory under its occupation. The area occupied by Pakistan is referred to as Azad Jammu and Kashmir by India’s neighbour. In 1963, Pakistan ceded some of its occupied territories of Baltistan, the Shaksgam Valley, Hunza-Gilgit, and Raksam to China. Therefore, the only areas trapped as a result are those of Jammu and Kashmir that are occupied by Pakistan and Chinese military as opposed to a vibrant, democratic and developing Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Contrary to claims made in Los Angeles Times, women of Islamic faith freely wear the Hijab across India including the southern state of Karnataka. Hijab row in Udipi was hatched and orchestrated by radical Islamist outfit Popular Front of India’s (PFI) student wing Campus Front of India (CFI) to create fear psychosis within Muslim minorities painting a dystopian picture about current state of affairs and drive oft-repeated myth that the state was against Muslims. Aliya Assadi, Ayesha Hajeera Almas, Ayesha, and Muskaan Zainab, the four initially stated victims of Hijab issue

Leadership

594

Let’s Take Bharat to Pinnacle of Its Glory

Dr Mohan Bhagawat On August 15, Bharat will complete 75 years of Independence. Amrit Mahotsav programmes are already being organised to commemorate the occasion. We are in a festive mood; it does not mean we have resolved all our problems. Some old issues are still pending and a few new ones are emerging. Despite this, the joy of Amrit Mahotsav celebration is natural and justified. After many centuries, on August 15, 1947, we regained the right to self-governance. The period of colonisation was long and so was the battle for Swaraj. The Bharatiya society fought against foreign rule in a comprehensive, all-pervasive fashion. All sections of the society contributed to the cause as per their ability. Along with various armed and unarmed movements, social awakening started about the evils that turned out to be obstacles in the path of attaining our freedom. Due to these comprehensive efforts, we attained a position to self-govern on August 15, 1947. After sending off the British rulers, we took reins of the country’s administration to run it as per our will, as per our choice, by our very own people. Hence, the enthusiastic celebratory mood around Amrit Mahotsav is obvious and appropriate. This is also an opportunity to revisit the known and lesser-known stories of struggles and sacrifices made by people from various sections of society. (Many such events are mentioned in the folklore). The character, devotion and inspiration of our freedom fighters that led to the complete sacrifice of everything to protect the interests of fellow nationals can be the guiding force for us. At the same time, we should remember our objectives, resolves, responsibilities and equip ourselves to fulfil them by quickly getting into action. Why does a country need Swarajya or self-rule? Can good governance under some foreign rule allow us to realise our national objectives? The answer is ‘NO’. The expression of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) is natural aspiration of each individual and nation; this very urge becomes the inspiration for Independence. Hence, human beings can experience Su-Rajya only where there is Swa-Rajya. As Swami Vivekananda said, each nation evolves and exists to make a certain contribution to the world. Such a role can be played only by an independent country. Therefore, being independent and capable is a precondition for a country to fulfil its destined role. Several great leaders have also explained the purpose of Bharat’s Independence. Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, through his famous poem, ‘चित्त जेथा भयशून्य, उन्नत जतो शिर’ (Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high), explained the expected environment in independent Bharat. Mahatma Gandhi, through ‘Hind-Swaraj’, elaborated on his ideas of free Bharat. Veer Savarkar in his epic poem dedicated to Swatantrya Devi, the Goddess of Independence, envisioned that she would bring excellence, nobility and progress. Dr B R Ambedkar, while presenting draft Constitution to the Constituent Assembly articulated the purpose of Independence and our duties to realise the same. Along with Amrit Mahotsava celebrations, we should introspect on a few questions: What is the content of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) that will fulfil the purpose of our national Independence? What would be the nature of our power on the global stage? How to prepare the society for our global role? We need a churning and absolute clarity on the eternal ideals of Bharat and its contemporary manifestation. This was the driving force behind our freedom struggle till 1947. Bharat has a distinctive message to the world based on experiments, experience and truth, reflected in eternal vision, thinking, culture and action, which is comprehensive, integral and inclusive. Here, diversity is not seen as differences but as the expression of same unity. For being one, one need not be the same. The mind-set of painting everyone in the same colour leads to uprooting and discord. An unconditional affection, standing firm on our fundamentals and still respecting the uniqueness of others is the only way to organise our society in one thread. Our motherland is the common factor that binds us. Our eternal culture gives us the wisdom of being erudite, benevolent and compassionate towards each other. It also teaches us how to purify – our minds and the environment around us. Since times immemorial, our common, brave and ethical forefathers guided us to adopt the right path. We should utilise this treasure, with its own peculiarities, but minus the narrow selfish and divisive interests. We need to consider national interest as the sole foundation of all our actions. We have no option but to organise the entire society on these lines. Besides social awakening, each of us needs to present exemplary conduct to get rid of the evils that infected our society over the period – whether discriminations based on caste, region, language and sect or petty selfish interests arising out of material or social aspirations. Only an egalitarian and exploitation-free society can garner the strength to protect its freedom. Some forces, internally and externally, are indulging in instigation and division through confusion created in the society for their petty interests. The alert, organised and powerful society does not give space or shelter such elements. There have been certain essential preconditions for success of a democratic system: 1. the ability of citizens to find synergy between national interest, merit of the candidate and ideology of the party and 2. basic knowledge and natural habit of following the laws, Constitution and civic discipline. However, erosion caused in these fundamental values due to political gimmicks is before us. People are losing control over their tongue to score brownie points in a debate. In Social Media such speech incontinence is a norm which is also a reason for disharmony. Every one of us, including the leadership, has to create an atmosphere where civic discipline and restrictions imposed by the law are respected and followed. No change is possible without individuals and society both being competent. We need to follow four principles for the necessary systemic modifications based on the idea of ‘Swa’ – clarity about the Swa (our

Business Policy

540

Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption

Congress culture of institutionalized corruption that seeped into other political formations must end. Rising above corruption is real tribute to freedom fighters as Bharat enters a new era @75. K.A.Badarinath When Enforcement Directorate raided Trinamool Congress leader Partha Chatterjee and his associate Arpita, there was hue and cry debunking the move as ‘political coercion’ against Mamta Banerjee’s government in West Bengal. Trunks full of cash, jewelry, property documents found from two flats in South West Kolkata and Belghoria blunted the opposition tirade against Narendra Modi government of using Enforcement Directorate as a political utility tool. TMC’s undeclared second in command Partha Chatterjee was audacious enough to claim that he had nothing to do with proceeds of school jobs scam parked in Arpita’s flats. Arpita also denies knowledge of this treasure trove that has turned out to be a billion dollar question for the enforcement sleuths. Conveniently enough, TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee disowned Partha and refused to take his calls in wee hours thereby making a desperate attempt to wash her hands off the scam or own up responsibility. The drama that unfolded post-cam drama last two weeks point to criminal collapse of governance structures in West Bengal and institutionalization of corruption that’s practiced with no remorse whatsoever. Should Mamta Banerjee not own up and offer a more rational explanation for using primary schools to fill in the party leaders’ coffers In the first place, the school jobs scam investigation got underway owing to hard work put in by enforcement officials in sync with a directive from the Kolkata High Court based on an in-depth analysis and findings of a high powered committee. So, the first argument that Modi went after his political rivals may not stand. Elected representatives’ brazenness to force youngsters to cough up bribes is rather unnerving. Manipulation of merit sheets, in teachers and personnel recruitment in schools reeks of a system that collapsed during previous communist rule. This system has conveniently been used by TMC political machinery and perfected for illegal gains. Second salvo against Modi government was fired by the Shiv Sena that lost out in Maharastra power slugfest owing to vertical spit in the party run by Uddav Thakarey. When Enforcement officials took custody of Sanjay Raut on charges of money laundering along with Wadhawans, Shiv Sena cried foul and ‘political vendetta’ to finish the Sena. Corruption and Shiv Sena were never two entities in the latter’s growth under Balasaheb and now Uddav Thakarey. Sena may have grudge against BJP for outwitting it in electoral machinations and managing political equations. Core question here is whether it can defend its leaders that have seeped themselves in charges of money laundering with select businessmen? Is investigation into a case of money laundering by Enforcement Directorate an illegal and politically motivated operation? Does Sena have plausible explanation for the laundering charges against its biggies? Whose liquid cash was lying in Sanjay Rout’s place? Thankfully, till now he has not dis-owned the retrieved cash like his TMC counterpart Partha Chatterjee? Third case in point is the huge cash chest recovered from three Jharkhand MLAs of Congress at Howrah by Kolkata Police. Well, are these public representatives available for sale is the moot question? Interestingly enough, the tipoff on cash was passed on to TMC by the JMM political leadership and both seem to have sensed an opportunity to settle their political scores with Congress in Jharkhand as well as West Bengal. In the process, what happened is that murky side of Congress culture bereft of values got exposed. It’s rather laughable that Congress leadership suspended these MLAs instantly ‘for anti-party activities’. But then, who would hold the Congress leadership to account for having bred a culture of corruption post-independence to benefit a few close buddies of the party’s ‘first family’? Can one forget umpteen numbers of scandals that tumbled out of Congress cupboard especially during two terms of United Progressive Alliance government at centre? Even today, the Congress first family is under scrutiny of Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering through trusts and corporate entities that own National Herald. Case of Satyendar Jain, an AAP minister in-charge of party’s affairs in Punjab is rather very interesting. Has Enforcement Directorate perpetuated a crime by probing his alleged money laundering activities? Acquiring assets that are disproportionate to his known sources of income is a very serious charge against Satyendar Jain on which the Enforcement sleuths have filed a first information report. Gold coins and cash retrieved from Jain and his associates may be dismissed by the opposition parties as part of BJP and NDA vendetta against its political rivals. But then, what’s the source of these funds or assets is the key question? AAP, as a party assumed power on an anti-corruption platform about ten years ago. They were given charge of Punjab with a thumping mandate and in a week after the swearing in, the state’s health minister had to be forced out. Sadly enough, top leaders getting netted in laundering cases or corruption is anti-thesis of what Kejriwal’s fledgling formation had promised in initial years. It’s a double edged sword on which anti-corruption agencies work. In their campaigns against well-oiled machinery of corrupt uncouth individuals, parties and leaders, they are bound to face both bouquets and brickbats from ruling as well as opposition parties. They may have to live with these charges and counter-charges of favouring one or other individual or party. Zero tolerance to corruption – both political and business linked – should be the state policy unlike Congress regimes of the past that institutionalized irregularities and murky deals with all impunity. None can be above corruption. Probity in public life is what Mahatma prescribed and that’s precisely why he recommended disbanding the Congress which evolved as a pre-independence political platform of leaders with different ideologies. Evolving a self-governance model sans corruption will be the biggest tribute to freedom fighters that liberated Bharat from stranglehold of imperialist forces. (The author is Director & Chief Executive of

Fact Sheet Media Misinformation Policy

563

Spare us, My Lord!

Judicial reforms that entail clearing large pendency and delivering justice to the last man standing in antyodaya spirit should be the focus. K.A.Badarinath Is holding a view opposed to Justice J.B.Pardiwala an equivalent of media trial by default? Do live wire TV debates or instant digital media scrutiny of honourable judges’ comments translate to holding ‘kangaroo courts’? Well, these are larger questions of interpretation especially after Chief Justice of India N V Ramana took TV and digital media to task while delivering a lecture at Ranchi. After the ‘Kangaroo courts’ comment of Justice Ramana, key point to ponder was if media in India overstepped their mandate and hurt the essentials of democracy? If yes, then what are the corrective measures that should be put in place as part of course correction? Or, should our judges and judiciary reconcile and adapt to ‘real time media coverage and scrutiny’ of controversial issues that engulf our society? Well, the jury is out. Is instant and incessant analyses of issues by hyper-active media same as holding Kangaroo courts? A quick search on the internet said that Kangaroo courts were ‘unofficial courts of law’ or punishment by hanging without due process. Ochlocracy, lynch laws or criminal syndicalism are other thesaurus synonyms for Kangaroo courts. A loose definition of criminal syndicalism was doctrine of criminal acts to advocate crime, sabotage, violence and other unlawful methods of terrorism. Has Indian media been so irresponsible that it functioned like Kangaroo courts? Well, as a practicing newsman for over 35-years, it’s an unpardonable insult to call our body of professional work as Kangaroo court delivering judgment without due process. Media in India’s thriving and chaotic democracy pre and post-independence has played a significant role in upholding societal values, subjecting every institution to scrutiny including the judiciary. Most scams were unearthed by very serious and alert news professionals and media houses risking their lives. Otherwise, the Rs 133 crore urea scam involving the then Prime Minister would not have hogged headlines. Corrupt Bofors deal that seriously compromised India’s security apparatus would not have got exposed. Investigation into allocation of spectrum would not have happened. Serious irregularities in purchase of fodder would not have seen light. ‘Sweet heart deals’ owing to politicians and bankers nexus were uncovered only due to hard work of media organizations and enterprising serious journalists My Lord! Media and journalists were the biggest victims of anti-democratic internal emergency imposed on June 26, 1975 following the ouster of Indira Gandhi owing to electoral malpractices through an Allahabad High Court verdict. Media role in independence movement can never be ignored nor needs amplification. Majority media houses – print, electronic, digital and social – have largely been serious players with a purpose as pursuit of objective journalism is too sacred for hard core newsmen and women. Like majority of judges and judiciary is serious about its profession of delivering flawless justice, serious media players are driven by commitment and conviction. Both, media and judiciary will have to co-exist with equanimity as equitable stakeholders in Indian democracy along with the executive and legislature. Respecting each other’s work and professional ethics and operating in their space recognizing the inter-linkages is something that needs to evolve organically and without a blemish. Stepping on each other’s toes or name calling may not be the best solution My Lord! One would tend to agree with Union Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Singh Thakur that self-discipline and self-regulation should be the buzz words for meaningful media contribution to the narrative and conversations. Several reforms in media have become operative after the pre-British days’ First Press Regulation of 1799. Press and Regulation of Books Act of 1867 coupled with various provisions under Indian Penal Code of 1860 paved the way for an organized media in this country. Post-independence, there have been several changes to press laws. Newsmen and media have largely followed a particular path to strengthen Indian democratic traditions, objectivity and keep the discourse in public space intact. In this context, a clear distinction needs to be made between judicial activism, restraint and overreach. This may not be limited to the relationship between judiciary, executive and the legislature. Free and responsible media is also an important organ that makes the circle complete. Justice S.N.Aggarwal recently pointed to citizens overlooking the fallibility of judicial officers considering the judge as the supreme, the primus inter pares that gets to have the last word especially on issues of public importance. Scrutiny, restraint and self-regulation are what the doctor prescribed for each of the democratic organs and not just the media or journalists. For instance, should Justice J.B.Pardiwala not have given enough thought before making a scathing remark on Nupur Sharma’s utterances of Prophet Mohammad? Do we expect citizens and readers to endorse Madras High Court calling Election Commission of India as an institution of ‘murderers’ holding it solely responsible for second wave of Covid 19 spread? Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah had rightly taken the line that judges need to be cautious about making off the cuff remarks that may be subject to interpretation and scrutiny. The learned judges have carefully noted that hysteria and chaos should not be result of even unintended comments made by the Lordships. Reforms in judiciary should be prima donna focus of the judiciary rather than satiating to the urge for hitting headlines day after day on each and every issue. These judicial reforms will have to lead to delivery of justice to last man standing in the queue of hundreds of thousands waiting to be heard. Introspection into workings of the judiciary should pre-occupy our top judicial minds rather than resorting to flippant comments on the media or transgressing into domains of legislature or executive. Ending huge pendency of cases at each level beginning with mofussil courts should become the priority. Setting its own house in order with reforming its processes from filing of a petition to delivery of justice must be pursued on mission mode. (This article is

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State of Religious Minorities in India

Indian minorities are at the forefront of socio-economic development of the nation. The Indian government has set up a separate ministry named the Ministry of Minority Affairs to work for the all round growth of minorities. The ministry designs and implements schemes and programs for their welfare. The Constitution of India recognises six religious minorities in India, which are, Muslims, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians, which constitute around 20 percent of the Indian population (Census 2011). Indian government and those at the state level have invested consider able resources in the upliftment of minorities, however, their efforts get sidelined by narratives that are propagated by divisive forces. Hence, an in-depth analysis based on evidence and data provided by the government and other relevant authorities becomes crucial. This report presents an overview of the efforts of the government and its agencies in the development and welfare of Indian minori-ties. Read More…

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