Geopolitics Leadership Policy Security

Refusal to Reform

Self-defeating journey that Pakistan embarked upon with Jihadist mindset has rendered Shimla agreement ineffective & unworkable. Rohan Giri Fifty two years back, Shimla accord inked on July 2, 1972 by then Bharat’s Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan’s President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, bears testimony to Islamabad’s refusal to learn its lessons. It’s also a missed timeframe for Pakistan for evolving as a well-meaning, affable and socio-economic development partner on western borders that Bharat was looking for. Partition of Bharat in 1947 by imperialist British forces on withdrawal mode inflicted a huge injury that cannot be easily forgotten. Instead of metamorphosing as a well-meaning society based on true Islamic values, it resorted to genocide of Bengali Hindus in East Pakistan in most inhuman way in 1971. Pakistan had to eat a humble pie after getting defeated at the hands of Indian army and consequent liberation of Bangladesh. Shimla agreement concluded in Barnes Court christened as Raj Bhavan today was intended at bringing about lasting peace in South Asia, especially Bharat and Pakistan. But, that did not happen as predicted even before ink on the Shimla agreement dried. Things did not work out as Sunni extreme leadership refused to acknowledge magnanimity of Bharat in returning their 93,000 war prisoners without a word. Questions were raised on intent of Smt Indira Gandhi who returned all major territories of Pakistan that came under Bharat fold in aftermath of the war. Intentions and goals articulated in Shimla Agreement were magnificent on paper but hollow in reality. Commitment to a direct, bilateral approach to problem solving, emphasis on face-to-face interactions, were laudable. Pakistan that had long history of deception and flopped promises saw the accord as a strategic pause rather than genuine peace initiative. Among Shimla Agreement’s six important clauses, pledge to observe Jammu and Kashmir’s Line of Control (LoC) was most significant. This was one commitment that Pakistan gravely breached very frequently. Disagreements were to be settled amicably and that no government would unilaterally change the status. This again was violated. The rogue state that it evolved to be, Pakistan, continued to fuel fires of turmoil, culminating in Kargil War in 1999. This blatant crossing of Line of Control served as vivid reminder that Pakistan had never genuinely embraced principles of the Shimla Agreement. The accord had highlighted mutual respect for one another’s geographical integrity and political independence. Pakistan, with its malicious intent and plan on Kashmir made attempts on several occasions to intervene in India’s domestic affairs, breaking the very foundation of the accord. The pledge to desist from hostile propaganda was a scam, as Pakistan’s official machinery continued to spew anti-India rhetoric, stoking hatred and division. Despite the Shimla Agreement, Pakistan’s conduct over the decades demonstrated its deceit. The Kargil conflict, in which Pakistani soldiers penetrated Indian territory along the LoC, was a clear act of aggression that shattered the already fragile agreement. This fight, which lasted for more than 60 days, exposed Pakistan’s true character, reinforcing its reputation as an untrustworthy neighbor. Indira Gandhi, acclaimed as a competent leader, was heavily criticized for signing the Shimla Agreement without achieving a resolution to the Kashmir conflict. The pact was viewed as a strategic failure, a concession that failed to capitalize on India’s resounding victory in the 1971 war. Pakistan’s claim to Kashmir, combined with its repeated efforts to internationalize the issue, have rendered the Shimla Agreement ineffective and meaningless. The Shimla Agreement’s history is one of unfulfilled promises and broken expectations. It underscored the futility of trusting a country that has repeatedly proven its propensity to destabilize peace for geographical advantage. Pakistan’s repeated betrayal, from the Kargil conflict to its current backing for cross-border terrorism, demonstrates that it never intended to comply with the Shimla Agreement. The agreement, while ostensibly a plan for peace, was a strategic failure that failed to address the two countries’ core challenges. It allowed Pakistan to recover and rearm, which eventually led to other instances of conflict. India’s generous gesture of returning POWs and territory was met with Pakistan’s unwavering enmity, demonstrating once more that Pakistan’s word could not be trusted. Finally, the Shimla Agreement, which was offered as a historic step toward peace and stability. Pakistan’s reluctance to respect its pledges, as well as its ongoing efforts to destabilize the region, have demonstrated that any agreement with such a nation is worthless. The Shimla Agreement serves as a clear reminder of the drawbacks of naive diplomacy as well as the importance of taking a hard stance when dealing with a fraudulent neighbor like Pakistan. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content manager at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Geopolitics Pakistan Policy Security

826

Games that China Plays

Psychological warfare, media propaganda, narratives coupled with operations beyond diplomatic relations is what China is known for. Is the world listening? Dr Amritpal Kaur Prima Facie, diplomacy is a well-rehearsed hard bargain negotiation among countries to achieve the best possible outcomes for a nation without resorting to crude force. What does not however meet the eye is that it is an incessant process to resolve outstanding issues lurking around the corners, brewing for years before the final settlement, if ever, is achieved. With core interests at the heart of diplomatic deliberations, the high stakes make this complicated dance on eggshells all more crucial. It is assumed that deliberations conducted by diplomats are a standard process with similar training in negotiation processes and the parlance used in discussions. In reality, diplomatic negotiation is a high-voltage tussle with deep and far-reaching consequences. Even more astounding is that it does not end on the negotiation table but runs like an undercurrent. In the era of Globalization or ‘Complex interdependence’ as much as the international community is reality of domestic national life, diplomacy and diplomatic signals become more significant for nations. If diplomatic engagement is mired in psychological games with the intention of one-upmanship, bilateral engagements become complex and if one of the parties is contemporary China, it raises its own share of issues. Conspicuous silence President Xi Jingping maintained when Prime Minister Modi assumed office for historic third consecutive term was marked by world leaders. This silence seems to have sent out an eloquent underlying message. Though Chinese Premier Li Qiang joined top world leaders in congratulating Prime Minister Modi ahead of swearing in on June 9, 2024, President Xi’s silence was ostensibly aimed at mounting psychological pressure on India. Post-second world war, China and its international relations give us glimpse into the country’s thinking on its relations with others including India. Beginning with Zhau Enlai, average Chinese have relentlessly pursued overt and covert ways to achieve its desired bilateral outcomes with an astonishing disregard for international treaties and modus operandi. Indo-Chinese agreement of 1993, intermittent border skirmishes and war (1962) since 1948 reiterates the point that it’s not over, until the last bell rang. Border dispute with India and People’s Liberation Army operations on Indo-Chinese border comes at crucial junctures. Former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon recounted in his book Choices (2016) that in 2014 when the first Modi government took office and President Xi came to India, PLA engaged in border skirmishes with India. Similarly, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China, a similar tactic unfolded. Probable explanation to such acts, according to Menon is to create psychological pressure on the newly elected Indian prime Minister as to who is the sheriff in town. Richard Solomon, former diplomat in US and former Foreign Secretary of India Vijay Gokhale have written respectively about the Chinese style of diplomacy which is remarkably different from diplomacy of democratic countries. Chinese engage in psychological warfare even in diplomacy at various levels. From setting agenda to building narratives, Chinese are adept at controlling the whole process and go beyond closed doors of diplomatic negotiations. One pattern is to engage in crude coercion and use of force while the other is to leverage media to create narratives. Two examples can be cited here, one is that of 1950s when Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was called the ‘Bourgeoise Imperialist’ by Chinese media. Earlier this month, the state-sponsored Chinese media and related ecosystem described Prime Minister Modi as ‘weakened’ leader. These reports also suggested possible use of counter measures by China if India maintains policy status quo. Why is it that Chinese takes recourse to multi-pronged games in strategic and diplomatic relations with other countries eventually leading to disturbing regional peace and tranquility? Nature of Chinese state perhaps necessitates such behaviour. To begin with, Henry Kissinger in On China argued that since antiquity China has believed in ‘Middle Kingdom’ phenomenon which places the Chinese state over rest of the world and only beneath the heaven. This perceived middle Kingdom phenomenon has percolated to Communist China as well and hence they believe that other countries can only be vassals to the dragon power. There have been suggestions to the effect that Chinese communist expansionists harbor the idea that bilateral relations cannot be between equal sovereigns. These relations should centre on ‘superior’ China and ‘inferior’ other nations. With regards to Bharat, Chinese terminology includes ‘legalized hegemony’ and perceives India as an inferior state given that it does not have a permanent seat in United Nations Security Council. Chinese may have effortlessly used this aspect to tip balance of power in their favour, as former NSA Shiv Shankar Menon calls it. Former foreign secretary Gokhale argued that Chinese engage in such tactics to keep power equation in their favour. Communist Party of China is the state itself and officials are appointed by the Party and not the state. Hence, their allegiance is with the Party and not the state per se. Menon sums the Chinese position succinctly when he argues that China is a lonely state rising in a crowded neighbourhood with an acute need for regime survival and internal harmony. Hence, its no wonder that being adventurous in foreign relations was to offset domestic attention from key issues. Since China is viewed as a formidable power, there is critical need to find a mutually beneficial bilateral mechanism. But, there’s no letup in tricky Chinese games loaded with psychological operations that have implications for outstanding bilateral issues. China experts, time and again, underscore that if we had to deal with China, understanding its game is more important. Only then can we find favourable outcomes in diplomatic negotiations. Jiang Zemin was famous for saying in English that it takes two to tango and it is true in this case well. For bilateral relations to succeed, it takes two to clap and a possible egalitarian approach in Chinese diplomacy. (Author is Assistant Professor in Political Sciences, Dayal Singh College, Delhi University, New Delhi)

Disinformation Geopolitics Hindus Human Rights Misinformation Security World

953

Testing Times in Canada

Trudeau regime will have to address core issue of terrorism to keep its relations with Bharat intact or face consequences. Pummy Pandita Eyebrows were raised when Canadian Parliament paid homage to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a hardcore Pakistan-backed Khalistan terrorist and named in several anti-Bharat campaigns globally. One minute’s silence by Canadian Parliament members to Nijjar, a wanted criminal in Bharat, does not augur well either for bilateral relations or global campaign against terrorism of all shades and hues. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to be playing with ‘Khalistani fire’ to stay in office and even sacrifice the strong and sound footed relations with India at the altar of preserving his political fiefdom with support from the extremist group. It’s not just one minute’s silence that matters! Trudeau hailing Nijjar ‘for his persistent efforts in advancing the diversity and inclusion ideals that Canada cherishes’ is something that’s gross and unpalatable. By buying peace with Khalistanis that campaign for a separate sovereign state which most Sikhs do not support, Trudeau exposed his political opportunism. He seems to have conveniently banked on anti-Bharat forces to portray himself as someone who genuinely cares about his country. In the process, Trudeau has succeeded in appeasing his political crutch group in Khalistanis and diverted attention from Canada’s burning issues. In fact, Indian-descent Member of Parliament Chandan Arya exposed the extremist role of Canadian Khalistani elements when Air India flight 182 was bombed midday 39-years back on June 23. Incidentally, this very day is remembered in Canada as National Day of Remembrance for victims of terrorism. In the mid-air bombing of Kanishka aircraft carrier 329 innocent lives including crew members was lost to terrorists that made Canada their home. Rightly so, Arya pointed to the ideology responsible for Kanishka attack that’s alive and kicking with a small chunk of Canadians. Recent celebration of Indian Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi is yet another incident where terrorism is glorified, violence mainstreamed, hate and violence eulogized. It also indicates that dark forces responsible for these terror events are getting regrouped and portends terrible events to come. Khalistan movement’s past is rife with murder and bloodshed. Tens of thousands of Hindus and Sikhs have been slaughtered by terrorists not just in India but in US, Australia, the UK, and Germany among others. People in Canada seem to have forgotten that tend to forget that 39 years ago when terrorists [Talwinder Singh Parmar (Canadian citizen), Inderjit Singh Reyat (held both British & Canadian citizenship), Ajaib Singh Bagri (US citizen), Ripudaman Singh Malik, Surjan Singh Gill, Hardial Singh Johal, Daljit Sandhu and Lakhbir Singh Rode (all Canadian citizens) bombed Air India flight. Regretfully, there are still locations in Canada where people who pray to these very terrorists as ‘demi-gods’. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice open threat to Hindu Canadians life is nothing but “glorification of terrorism” and acceptance of hate crimes under the pretext of “freedom of expression”. Canada has fallen under Trudeau’s gross mismanagement making it an extreme version of Pakistan. Canadian economy that was in shambles has not yet fully recovered. Meagre income that ordinary Canadians are able to earn is negated by inflation overhang that continues to roil the economy. Cost of living in Canada has about tripled in three years. Steep spike in housing rents left many individuals without a place to live. Over 40,000 people died in eight years due to drug overdose and the country is fast emerging as narco-terrorism hub. As Pakistan is falling Islamic terrorism, Canada has gone the Khalistani way.[1] Since his minority government depends on the backing of New Democratic Party led by Khalistani Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau has gone his way. Trudeau, much like his alliance partner Jagmeet finds nothing wrong with pro-Khalistan operations being carried out on Canadian soil. Justin Trudeau’s open support to a terrorist such as Nijjar has given legitimacy to violence committed by the Khalistani groups in Canada. In addition to endangering security of Hindus residing in Canada, Trudeau has snatched rights of common Canadian citizens to profit from shifting geopolitical conditions. Trudeau, who claims Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, remained silent on Karima Baloch, an activist who fled persecution by Pakistani government and settled in Canada. Trudeau twiddled his thumb when opposition leader Michael Chong charged that he was being targeted by a Chinese diplomat. Canada’s evolution as a safe sanctuary for Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism is the result of Trudeau’s silence on legitimate interests of Canadian residents that he breaks only when one terrorist is killed as part of his vote-bank politics. Canada as a nation will now pay the price for appeasement of Khalistanis by its Prime Minister who is responsible from harbouring organised crime, help terrorists and criminals. Trudeau has isolated Canada from Western world. What a catastrophe! Indian is upset with Canadian theatrics. “India stands at the forefront of countering menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks 39th Anniversary of cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) in which 329 innocent victims including 86 children lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in history of civil aviation,” it said in a statement.[2] Canada’s unflinching support to anti-India forces may disturb the delicate applecart. Bracing up to fight terrorists of Khalistani or Islamist shades is in global interest. (Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi) References: [1] https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-canada-has-become-new-pakistan-thanks-to-trudeaus-soft-spot-for-khalistan-8585898.html [2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-marks-kanishka-flight-anniversary-as-canadian-parliament-honors-khalistan-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar/articleshow/111110391.cms?from=mdr

Disinformation Hindus Misinformation Policy Rebuttal Security World

859

Spice, Imagination & Conspiracy

ABC peddles ‘Spies, secrets and threats’ that grossly misrepresents Hindus, RSS & Indian government through agenda-based peddling of lies. Rohan Giri Forty six minutes video report “Spies, secrets and threats: How the Modi regime targets people overseas, Four Corners” broadcast by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) which features infamous reporter Avani Dias declares its extreme antagonism towards Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Through this report, state-run ABC also targets the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) whose senior leader Narendra Modi has been elected Prime Minister for third consecutive term. This ABC report and Dias reek of bias and misrepresentation, constantly presenting RSS as a paramilitary group despite its long-standing efforts as a cultural and service-oriented movement. Easily recognized as the world’s largest voluntary organization, RSS is dedicated to community service particularly for the deprived sections of Indian communities. Overlooking this, Dias intentionally distorts its image, dismissing its substantial contributions to a larger society. Selfless service work carried out by RSS volunteers inspired by its founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s pre-independence movement experiences has been largely ignored or intentionally set aside to paint a shady picture of an open flexible organization. Avani Dias seems to have blinded herself and the ABC viewers on RSS service activities through over 120,000 projects in areas ranging from education, healthcare to socio-economic empowerment. These projects have positively contributed to millions of families in India. A whopping 2.145 million individuals and families in Bharat have benefitted and continue to be supported by projects across half a dozen sectors that contributed to improving living standards. Beneficiaries in the healthcare sector separately have crossed 8.716 million and food support programmes touched 2.735 million. Community well-being and development is the under-lying objective of RSS volunteers’ drive that’s comprehensive and unique in their organization. Avni Dias who left Bharat after being under cloud argued that minorities do not have sufficient opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This is factually incorrect and a false claim made by Avni Dias and concurred by ABC editorial board. Facts on contradict her politically charged propaganda. Since 2014, the Indian government has executed welfare initiatives for minorities. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) gives five years of financial help while the Padho Pardesh scheme provides interest subsidies for study abroad at the Masters, M.Phil., and Ph.D. levels. The Seekho aur Kamao initiative improves minority youngsters’ abilities in a variety of occupations, ensuring employability or self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram seeks to enhance socio economic infrastructure for minority populations. Despite these substantial initiatives, Avani seems to have peddled anti-India agendas and divisive ideas. The report’s most glaring flaw is its blatant endorsement of Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism. The script seems to have been written by Khalistani supporters themselves, with Dias serving just as their representative. This is an attack on journalistic integrity and an insult to sufferers of Khalistani terrorism. In 1980s, Khalistani terrorists in India carried out an upsurge of cruel violence, killing thousands of innocent people. However, Dias selectively disregards this grave and historical fact overlooking to acknowledge the terrible adversity and bloodshed caused by these separatists. Dias’s narrative represents Khalistani terrorists when she says Sikhs were victims and under pressure in Australia which is a flagrant white lie. The fact is otherwise. A handful aggressive Khalistani terrorists has continued their campaign of violence and terrorization not just in India but also in other nations including Australia. In less than a month, pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia have launched three distinct attacks on Hindu temples. On January 23, 2023 Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park, Melbourne of Australia came under attack. On January 17, 2023, Melbourne’s historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs was targeted. On January 12, 2023, Khalistan activists vandalized and destroyed BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Melbourne, by spray-painting anti-India graffiti. The walls of Melbourne’s landmark Swaminarayan temple in the northern suburbs of Mill Park have been spray-painted with ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ slogans. Hundreds of innocent Indians in Australia have been threatened or abused by these terrorists, a reality that Dias completely ignores. Instead, she promotes Khalistani propaganda while ignoring their current terrorist acts and the true threat to peace and security. It’s not that the entire sikh community in India, Australia or elsewhere endorses this divisive agenda. Despite the report’s contentious storylines, it is crucial to highlight India and Australia’s developing strategic, economic and bilateral relations. Both countries have worked together extensively on a range of issues, including trade, defense, education, and cultural exchange. The relationship is based on mutual respect and democratic values with the goal of enhancing regional stability and economic progress. The report’s description of chronic animosity and conflict is refuted by the upward trend in Indo-Australian relations. Collaborative initiatives in education, technology, and counter-terrorism demonstrate both countries’ commitment to fostering a robust and long-term alliance. Avani Dias’s report exemplifies biased and irresponsible journalism. It misrepresents the RSS, glorifies Khalistani crimes and dismisses recent improvements in Indo-Australian ties. This reporting fosters division and promotes radical agendas. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should be held accountable for broadcasting such an evidently biased and factually wrong story. True media should seek and provide an honest presentation rather than serve as a propaganda weapon for violent extremists. Dias’ report is a disservice to the profession and to innumerable people who have suffered at the hands of the terrorists she explicitly supports. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content head at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Education

923

Yoga Cleanses Minds of Ill Will, Conflicts & Envy

Happy soul, fresh mind and a healthy body – all three can be achieved with yoga! Dr Aniruddh Subhedar On June 21 last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi led ninth International Yoga Day celebrations at United Nations headquarters in New York, it marked a significant shift in Bharat’s global image- from being seen as a “backward third world country of snake charmers” to a leader in philosophical and spiritual pursuits for the global communities. Bharat’s wisdom has contributed big to global order for millennia. And, today, it has so much more to offer through yoga, Ayurveda, alternative life styles in sync with environment. And, it’s only natural that Yoga has become its most popular and globally accepted brand ambassador. Yoga, by its very nature, has a universal appeal and application that puts individuals on path of spiritual self-realization as well as physical well-being. What is Yoga? Yoga is identified with various asanas (postures) and physical exercises which is just a small aspect of the entire scientific offer. Yogic philosophy is part of six orthodox Indian schools of thought, alongside Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Samkhya, and Vedanta. These are called Astika darshanas as they all consider Vedas as the authority. Each offers a unique perspective to the world of spirituality and interpretation of the Vedas, the fountainhead of Indian civilization. What makes Yoga different and popular is its relevance to both the masses and elite. It’s in Mimamsa and Nyaya that we find deepest and intellectually rigorous philosophical musings. Yoga, on the other hand, reaches spiritual heights as any other darshan or vision while offering practical applications accessible to everyone and asanas are its most popular form. Worldwide, yoga is practised today is just a set of physical and breathing exercises. Those that delve deeper into practicing Yoga follow higher levels such as dhyana or meditation that can rightly be called India’s gift to the world. The word “Yoga” means “to add” or “to unify”. Yoga teaches union of individual consciousness thereby forging perfect harmony between mind and body, human being and nature. As Maharshi Patanjali propounded in his ‘Yoga Sutra’ योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (Yoga controls fluctuations / wanderings of the mind). Yoga trains a person to regulate one’s mind, thoughts and achieving spiritual heights that Bhakti saints describe as “unification with God.” Physical fitness is just first step in this noble endeavour, ultimate goal is unification. This higher goal is achieved through forms of meditation, guiding a person to self-realization. Meditation is not only significant to the Vedic lifestyle but central to non-Vedic Buddhist and Jain philosophies. Siddharth became “Buddha,” the enlightened one, through power of meditation. His disciples spread meditation far and distant places. Etymologically, “Zen” meditation of Japan originates from Sanskrit word “dhyana” (meditation). Thus, Bharat’s dhyana travelled across the world, becoming spiritual foundation for many nations. Roots of Yoga can be traced to Vedic texts and we find its mention in Katha Upanishad. Traditionally, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras written in the early centuries of the CE, if not before, is considered most authoritative text discussing and throwing light on nuances of Yogic philosophy. It propounds the famous Ashtanga (eight limbs of Yoga): Yama (abstinence), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (controlled breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption, an advanced stage of meditation). These eight limbs of Yoga are not limited to ascetics but followed in varying degrees by laypeople. It makes Yoga an all-encompassing philosophy that one can follow in sync with their capabilities. Some stop at physical exercises while others become Yogis, lifelong devotees.. This intrinsic, all-encompassing nature of Yoga is evident from its presence in both orthodox texts and unorthodox sects. One of the most famous is “Nath Sampradaya” whose ascetics are called “Yogis.” Currently, its largest centre is in the city of Gorakhpur, India, though it had major presence at Tilla Jogian (Mound of Yogis) in Pakistan. The thriving centre could not survive onslaught of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and it is now abandoned. Nath Yogis have significantly influenced life and culture of society. Nath Yogis consider Bhagwan Shiva as the Adi-Natha (the original/first Natha). Many Hindu texts discuss propound tnature of Yoga. In Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna says: योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् (Yoga is a skill in action). Gita calls Bhagwan Shri Krishna as “Yogeshwar” (the Lord of Yoga). Kashmir Shaivism, Shakta sects and famous Brahma-Sutra Bhashya of Adi Shankaracharya contain deep discussions on Yoga. Recent attempts like “Christian Yoga” to de-Hinduize Yoga by separating it from Hindu spirituality are thus dishonest and futile exercises. Unification, Not Domination From times immemorial, world has seen conquerors, both noble and tyrannical, attempting to establish their own rule through domination. Some have succeeded and some did not. Yoga, meaning unification, brings the world together through spiritual upliftment of individuals. It focuses on cleansing minds of ill will, conflicts, and envy. Yoga has always been spread by Indian seers and ascetics. From India, the teachings of Yoga reached ancient China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. In medieval times, scholars like Al-Beruni translated Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras into Arabic and Persian, though their spread was limited by hostile attitude of Islamic clergy. In modern times, gurus like Swami Vivekananda introduced Indian wisdom and Yoga to the West. Yogis like Paramahansa Yogananda and teachers like BKS Iyenger popularized Yoga in America and Western World. Slowly, Yoga and its concepts are reaching the world not by force or guile but by sheer positive influence. Today, around 300 million people around world practice Yoga in some form. Statistics show that in America alone, number of people practicing Yoga has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2012. Today, around 36 million people practice America has emerged as largest yoga-practicing nation after India. This impact is visible in popular culture too with references to Yogic concepts like Kundalini in the famous Marvel movie Dr. Strange. Positive effects of practicing Yoga are recognized worldwide. Acknowledging its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through resolution

Geopolitics Hindus Leadership Policy

905

Hindu Manifesto 2024

On Saturday, June 8, the British Hindu community officially unveiled the Hindu Manifesto 2024. A long-overdue manifesto will emphasise a shared commitment to the advancement of not just British Hindus but the entire nation. Rohan GIRI With the United Kingdom’s (UK) general election set for July 4, 2024. British Hindus are at a critical juncture. Due to its historical unwillingness to engage in political discourse, the community frequently regarded politics as a taboo subject. Many people do not vote, whereas some vote without thinking about the long-term consequences for themselves, their community, and the nation at large. According to the 2021 UK Census, British Hindus make up about 1.7% of the UK population, or approximately one million people. Despite their small numbers, their contributions to the British economy are unparalleled. As a community, they are among the top taxpayers, and their contributions to UK’s National Health Service (NHS) are imperative, with a large number of doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals. Additionally, Indians employ tens of thousands of individuals. British Hindus are a well-educated community that is self-sufficient, independent, and prosperous. Their commitment to prosperity and the rule of law reflects their extremely low numbers in British prisons, accounting for less than 0.3 percent of the total prisoners. Despite the community’s alignment with British values and society, it has minimal influence in British politics. This arena, where policies are formulated, laws enacted, and narratives established, demands a significant voice to shape the future. Unfortunately, British Hindus are often underrepresented or misrepresented in education, academia, media, and politics, both locally and nationally. They frequently face attacks, vilification, and maligning, with no substantial collective response to defend their interests and set the record straight. The next general election presents a crucial opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts. Parliamentary candidates must understand that British Hindu votes cannot be taken for granted. The community seeks fair representation and recognition of its contributions, highlighting Sanātan Hindu Dharma as an asset to Britain. The next general election presents a crucial opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts. Parliamentary candidates must understand that British Hindu votes cannot be taken for granted. The community seeks fair representation and recognition of its contributions, highlighting Sanātan Hindu Dharma as an asset to Britain. It is time for British Hindus to claim their seat at the table, shaping and influencing the country’s future. This involvement is not just a right but also a duty, or Dharma. The Hindu Manifesto 2024, launched by the British Hindu community, contains seven crucial pledges that the community expects from parliamentary candidates and future governments. These assurances are designed to ensure the protection, promotion, and progress of Hindu values and interests within the broader British society. The Seven Assurances of the Hindu Manifesto UK 2024: “Recognising Anti-Hindu Hate as a Religious Hate Crime: This expectation demands the identification and prosecution of groups and individuals that perpetrate anti-Hindu hatred. Recognising such acts as religious hate crimes will ensure that they are taken appropriately and addressed accordingly. Protecting Places of Hindu Worship: Ensuring the safety and purity of Hindu temples and places of worship is critical. This promise aims to preserve these precious areas from damage and attacks. Access to Fairer Education: This involves advocacy for an education system that accurately represents Hindu culture and contributions, as well as ensuring that textbooks are inclusive and unbiased. Equal Representation and Opportunities for Hindus: This protection aims to address Hindus’ underrepresentation in numerous sectors by struggling for equal opportunities in employment, politics, and other areas. Streamlining Immigration: The need for fair and efficient immigration laws that make it easier for people looking to join family in the UK or contribute to the British economy. Healthcare and Social Care: Encourage and enhance access to healthcare and social care services for Hindus while also addressing their special needs and concerns. Acknowledging and Protecting Dharmic Values: It aims to understand and respect the Hindu Dharmic way of life by consulting with the community while legislating on intra-community issues affecting the UK Hindu community, by facilitating infrastructure for religious ceremonies such as marriage and cremation, by commissioning a memorial for Hindu soldiers who served and died for the UK, and by understanding that the connection between UK Hindus and India (Bharat) is spiritual rather than political.” The Hindu Manifesto is a call to all parliamentary candidates and political parties to engage with and support the Hindu community in their respective areas. It has already received endorsements from various parliamentary candidates who have declared their support for the manifesto and its goals. As the general election approaches, the Hindu Manifesto will act as a guide for British Hindus, reminding them of their ability to shape the political landscape and ensure their community’s interests are reflected and safeguarded. This election is a critical opportunity for British Hindus to establish their presence, demand fair representation, and contribute to determining the future of the UK in a way that recognises and appreciates their substantial contributions. The election is an opportunity for British Hindus to turn their contributions, concerns, and expectations into legitimate political influence. The substantial participation and widespread support for the Hindu Manifesto 2024 can demonstrate to political leaders that the community is a force to be reckoned with, worthy of representation and consideration in policies. The ramifications of this participation will extend far beyond election day, potentially ushering in an era where British Hindus’ voices are fundamental to national conversations, their needs are met, and their values are upheld in the halls of government. (Author: Rohan Giri is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and Manager Operations at CIHS.)

Disinformation Hindus Leadership Misinformation Policy Security

932

Fresh Set of Challenges for Modi 3.0

Khalistanis, Naxalites, Kashmiri subversives gaining legitimacy in Parliament demands fresh thinking and strategy K.A.Badarinath As Bharat’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi readies to take reins at centre for a third consecutive term, challenges, known and unknown may have to be dealt with on priority basis. Commentators of every hue and shade have written copiously on Prime Minister Modi’s tenacity or lack of it to run a coalition government with Telugu Desam and Janata Dal (United) and half a dozen others in tow. Challenges identified here are different and mostly new to tackle right away. For a year, Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani extremist who waged a war on Punjab Police has been put away in Dibrugarh jail of Assam. Waris Punjab De chief who hitherto owned a logistics company in Dubai is being tried for crimes including possible treason after having led a mob on Ajnala police station in Punjab. He’s being tried under National Security Act (NSA) from April 2023. His reported linkages with Pakistani spy agency, ISI to source weapons to spill violence on streets of Punjab are some of the allegations against Amritpal Singh. The 31-year old radical Khalistani separatist will have to be dealt with by Modi government when eighteenth Lok Sabha opens for newly elected members of Parliament to take oath. From Khadoor Sahib in the Punjab, Amritpal Singh was elected a member of Lok Sabha after having trounced his Congress rival. Security forces that laid trap in and around Punjab after the Ajnala incident will now have to provide security cover to the ‘Honourable Member of parliament’. Singh was successful in recent elections with highest majority of 1.97 lakh votes in Punjab. Member-elect from Khadoor Sahib will have to be respectfully escorted by the very security forces from jail to Parliament. Election Commission of India (ECI), Lok Sabha Speaker and the new government apart from courts will have to bear with his idiosyncrasies on Khalistan, the imaginary separate Sikh state. One big positive however is that the avowed Khalistani will have to take a pledge as per Bharat’s Constitution and work within the country’s governance system. Protocols to deal with him will change overnight. Second case will be Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh who killed then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi following Operation Blue Star. Sarabjeet is the new Member of Parliament elected from Faridkot and a fundamentalist. Though an independent candidate, hitherto Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa was with Siromani Akali Dal – Amritsar. This party has had Simranjit Singh Mann as its member in Lok Sabha from Sangraur previously represented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa’s plank as an independent in Faridkot was to seek justice for desecration of Guru Granth Sahib in October 2015. On October 12 that year, Sikhs’ holy book was desecrated in Behbal Kalan and a couple of days later two sikh youth were killed. This very is part of Faridkot constituency. Even after election, Khalsa and Mann along with several Khalistani separatists shouted slogans for a separate Sikh state at Golden Temple, the highest seat of Sikh Panth in Amritsar. While Sarabjeet is regarded a fundamentalist, his election and allegiance to Bharat’s Constitution as a Parliament Member may ring in some positivity. But, there’s denying that going forward Sikh panthic politics has come here to stay and traditional Sikh parties like Shiromani Akali Dal will have to make way for new alignments and forces especially aligned with extremist and terror elements globally. Modi government will have to redraw its Punjab strategy in sync with new realities. Third member who could turn tricky for Narendra Modi government is Sheikh Abdul Rashid who’s serving his term in Tihar jail. He’s been elected to lower house from Baramulla after trouncing former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of National Conference. Popularly known as engineer Rashid, he’s been in high security Tihar jail for over five years in cases relating to money laundering and funding terror in the Kashmir valley from across the border and elsewhere. Oppression, revenge and jail term were emotionally put forth by his sons to garner votes for engineer Rashid. While Rashid’s swearing in as Lok Sabha member would turn an eyeball event, abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections may come back to focus. Courts have to take a call on his interim bail to facilitate his swearing in. After a gap of 25-years, Communist Party of India – Marxist Leninist (Liberation), Left extremist group will enter the parliament with two of its members in Rajaram Singh from Karakat constituency. His comrade, Sudhama Prasad defeated BJP minister and high profile R K Singh from Arrah. Both these constituencies are in Bihar. The party that draws inspiration from one of left extremist movement, Charu Mazumdar, has moved into public space from arms struggle and is part of the opposition, Indi alliance. CPI-ML Liberation shifted gears and moved away from Kondapalli Seetaramaiah faction’s Peoples’ War group that still is in the midst of waging a war against the state. Mainstreaming of naxalites with entry into Parliament and state legislatures is a tribute to Bharat’s democracy. But, spread of Left extremist political ideology overtly may demand a fresh strategy from Modi government. Chandrashekhar Azad alias Ravan is yet another figure from Uttar Pradesh that BJP-led alliance that needs to watch out for. Chandrashekhar will represent Nagina Lok Sabha constituency in the lower house after having won the seat with a margin of over 1.51 lakh votes. He is regarded as a self-established Dalit leader after having setup the Bhim Army. His activism extends to a decade. On March 15, 2020, Chandrashekhar launched Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) to mainstream his political activism overtly. Initially, he looked at a tango deal with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party (SP). But, Chandrashekhar felt let down when his party was offered just two seats in the Lok Sabha elections by SP. Azad’s direct involvement in Saharanpur violence led to his arrest under National Security Act by the Uttar Pradesh government. Delhi Police denied him

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Reforms Should Go Beyond Economy, Touch Every Facet of Life

Let’s leverage strengths for global good, meet aspirations of Bharat’s citizens as we progress to become a developed country by 2047 Narendra Modi The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, is concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions… I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed ac-ross the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti… the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist… I entered into a ‘sadhana’ (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election… they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me… my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniya Kumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful to God for instilling in me these values from birth, which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realise the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived. Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari… this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the ‘Shakti Peeth’ (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat. Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence – the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat’s nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharti from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure. Swami Vivekananda once said, “Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.” For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, ‘Idam-na-mama’ (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat. Bharat’s welfare benefits our planet’s journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on Aug 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat’s independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century Covid-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat’s successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations. Today, Bharat’s governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat’s Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire

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Fuelling Discontent Dishonestly

Ziya Us Salam’s propagandist anti-Hindu book, “Being Muslim in Hindu India” promoted by habitual offender The New York Times Dr Shailendra Kumar Pathak The book, “Being Muslim in Hindu India,” by Ziya Us Salam, an author infamous for his agenda driven writings has sparked controversy and debate, particularly due to its propagation of what many perceive as a narrative steeped in victimhood and misinformation. A recent article in The New York Times edition of May 18, 2024, titled ‘Strangers in Their Own Land: Being Muslim in Modi’s India’ by Mujib Mashal and Hari Kumar seems to be an attempt at amplifying this very min-information. Assertions made in the book that are one-sided may have suited anti-Hindu and anti-Bharat agenda of The New York Times. Media outlets like ABC News, AFP News from US also echoed the packaged mis-information peddled by Ziya Us Islam. On closer scrutiny, it becomes evident that claims made in the book and related articles are riddled with inaccuracies and lack substantive evidence. A few media outlets had to cut a sorry figure as US State Department debunked their claims on lack of religious freedom in Bharat. On May 20, US foreign ministry spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the state rejects such reports outright. “We are deeply committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide. We have engaged many countries including India on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religious communities,” Miller said at a briefing. In this write up, claims made by Ziya Us Islam in his book and related foreign media reports are being closely scrutinised to expose the fallacies and distortions that underpin them. Salam’s book propagates false victimhood narrative suggesting that Muslims in Bharat are constantly oppressed and marginalized due to their religious identity. This portrayal ignores the socio-political realities of Bharat where Muslims have held significant positions in government, businesses, academia and arts. Dharmic ethos has led Bharat to accommodating diverse religious communities and faiths including Muslims over the millennia. It may not be an exaggeration to say that Bharat is the only country that’s home to most sects and sub-sects of Muslims. Overplay by foreign media sporadic localised incidents involving minorities in Bharat are absurd. Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council said in a report that from 1950 to 2015, muslim population in Bharat increased by 43.15 per cent. On the contrary, a decline of 7.82 per cent has been reported for Hindus during the same period. If muslims faced atrocities or were under attack as Ziya Us Islam and his media friends claim, will the absolute number of muslims surge? The research found that Christian, Sikh and Buddhist numbers increased while Jain and Parsi populations fell. Is there, any country across the world where any community faced discrimination and wrath of majority but its number grew consistently over 65-year time frame? Propagandist book alleges systemic discrimination by Indian state against Muslim citizens. On the contrary, Bharat’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens, irrespective of religion. Government policies and initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities including Muslims, through affirmative action and welfare schemes. Accusations of state-sponsored discrimination lack evidence and serve only to fuel divisive agendas. One glaring flaw in Salam’s book is his selective interpretation of history. He conveniently ignores instances where Hindu-Muslim harmony prevailed and exaggerates isolated incidents of conflict to paint a grim picture of interfaith relations in Bharat. In reality, Bharat’s cultural tapestry is woven with threads of coexistence and mutual respect, exemplified by centuries-old syncretic traditions and shared cultural practices. Salam’s work ventures to perpetuate stereotypes about Hinduism, portraying it as inherently hostile towards Muslims. This misrepresentation not only undermines the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy and spirituality but reinforces divisive narratives that fuel communal tensions. Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs and practices embodied by principles of tolerance, compassion and pluralism. Salam’s lies hit the roof when he claims that ancestors of Bhagwan Ram were Muslims. It has been proved with scientific research that Ram existed more than 3000 years before Islam took birth on this earth. The book sensationalizes Hindu – Muslim relations by highlighting isolated incidents of communal violence while ignoring the vast majority of harmonious interactions between two communities. Bharat’s cultural fabric is woven with threads of diversity and tolerance where Hindus and Muslims coexisted peacefully celebrating each other’s festivals and sharing social bonds. Instances of communal harmony far outweigh sporadic conflicts, a fact conveniently overlooked in the propaganda narrative. Salam illustrates some incidents where those accused in murder of Muslims were given heroic welcome. The author deliberately keeps silent on targeted killing, rape and sexual abuse of Hindu girls and women perpetuated by Muslims through predesigned means and campaigns. Salam appears very upset towards laws against ‘love jehad’ encouraged by Muslim families through fake identity. His conscience does not stir when reports appear each day on rapes, murders, discords, divorce, abuse of Hindu girls. By singularly portraying Muslims as victims of purported Hindu oppression, Salam overlooks the agency and resilience of the Muslim community in Bharat. Despite facing challenges, Muslims have made significant contributions to Bharat’s cultural, economic and social fabric. From art and literature to science and technology, Muslims have excelled in various fields enriching the nation’s diversity and heritage. Attributing violence to Hindu extremism oversimplifies complex socio-political dynamics. Like any other country Bharat also grapples with various forms of violence including caste-based and intra-religious conflicts. Blaming Hindu nationalism for all instances of violence undermines efforts to address broader issues of social justice and communal harmony. Salam’s book risks exacerbating sectarian tensions by essentializing Hindu-Muslim identities and reinforcing a binary narrative of “us versus them.” Such divisive rhetoric not only undermines Bharat’s secular ethos but plays into the hands of extremists on both sides who seek to sow discord and hatred. Instead of fostering unity and understanding, Salam’s work could fuel polarization and mistrust. The propaganda propagated in Ziya Us Salam’s book, “Being Muslim in Hindu

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Think Different, Do Differently

Modi 3.0 may have to extricate itself from incremental expansion of on-going projects, if it were to lead Bharat to exalted developed nation status K.A.Badarinath Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to form a government for record third term in a row with comfortable majority after a tumultuous eight-week long Lok Sabha elections campaign. While Modi 3.0 begins mid-June, there’s huge interest globally on the agenda for the new government. There’s already some spadework done by the present regime on what would perhaps be rolled out in first 100-days of freshly minted National Democratic Alliance government. Once the new government takes charge with a reconstituted team under Prime Minister Modi, political stability at centre and 20-odd states ruled by BJP or its coalition partners is assured. Unlike several countries that are in the midst of wars, conflicts or political instability, Bharat would stand out as a nation of 1.4 billion people to emerge as the global economic powerhouse and a beacon of hope for global communities. The eight per cent plus growth coupled with stable interest rates and reined-in inflation levels at 4 per cent will serve as backdrop for Bharat to emerge as third largest economy globally surpassing Germany and Japan. After US and China, Bharat will emerge as third largest economy and a hub for agricultural produce, industrial manufacturing, providing services and export cost-effective quality goods and services. In first three years of Modi 3.0, Bharat will not only be valued as US$ five trillion economy, but would well be on way to move up market capitalisation in stocks sweepstakes. Already, both BSE and NSE have reported that market capitalization in Bharat have crossed a whopping US$ five trillion serving as a leading indicator on what’s in store for the economy. First big task for new finance minister to occupy the corner room in North Block would be to present a full regular budget in three months along with blueprint for making Bharat a developed economy by 2047. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, may have scoffed at the idea of ‘developed nation’ tag for Bharat, but putting in place nuts and bolts to go big is something inevitable. A commendable job done by Nirmala Sitharaman is what would come handy for Modi 3.0 while charting its course for attaining the exalted ‘vikasit bharat’ status which is both a commitment and conviction for Team Modi. Cash surpluses of over Rs. three lakh crore, RBI dividend of Rs 2.1 lakh crore and record foreign exchange reserves of US$ 648.7 billion as on May 25 serve as positives for new government to rollout short term measures in its long journey to becoming a developed nation. Even if interim budget expenditure projections of Rs 47.65 lakh crore and gross tax collections target of Rs 38.2 lakh crore are retained, borrowings through bonds and bills may be pruned by third edition of Modi government. Alternatively, retaining gross borrowings at Rs 14.13 lakh crore in 2024-25 will provide enough leeway for the new government to introduce new elements to economic expansion and put it on high growth trajectory of over 10 per cent growth on continuum for three years. A big push to capital spending to create assets across infrastructure areas at Rs 12 lakh crore may become focal point to further Modi government’s campaign to evolve New India along with new jobs, services and opportunities, cater to the aspirational youth that backed BJP-led NDA in the seven phase Lok Sabha elections that ended today. Sticking to fiscal prudence strategy that involves reduced fresh borrowings, lower accumulation of debt and interest payments outgo coupled with serious recalibration of food, fertilizer and oil subsidies may have to continue without any let up. On the parallel, deepening and broad-basing famed growth paradigm with focused development interventions in education, healthcare, housing, water and farm support is what the Narendra Modi government in its new avtar may have to continue. Real challenge will be to lay firm foundation for a ‘new developed’ Bharat. Out of box thinking may propel diversified economic expansion that’s inclusive and target oriented. For instance, can the new government think of 20 new growth centres to take Bharat’s economy to next level? What does that mean? Say for instance, can Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s Sunderbans area where women faced violence and sexual abuse become new growth centre for women-centric development project? Three crore ‘lakhpati’ didis scheme be housed in Sandeshkhali and spread across Bharat as women’s economic empowerment project of Bharat. Local skills, opportunities and fresh ideas from different states apart from development of eco-sensitive Sundarbans waterfront can be weaved into this signature project of Prime Minister Modi. Comprehensive economic uplift project for tribal communities can be centred in Bastar or Narayanpur in Chattisgarh where both Left extremism and rampant religious conversion of vulnerable tribal communities happen routinely. Can a growth centre be planned and implemented for fisheries development with coastal Kerala or Andhra Pradesh being its headquarters? Should fisheries be managed and regulated from Delhi? A fresh economic growth model around fisheries and coastal areas development can be evolved to give thrust to these areas. If Hyderabad is developed as defence technologies and original manufacturing hub, can’t ports based economic development model be designed in Odisha? No new project, scheme or public sector company should be allowed registration in national capital region or the metropolis. Twenty-odd new thematic growth areas can be considered to spread development projects to nook and corner of Bharat. If required, some ministries, departments, state-run companies, autonomous bodies may have to be located away from Delhi. Modi 3.0 can even design twenty hubs with spokes and spines each for start-ups, different financial services etc as decentralized economic growth centres. Why not relocate agriculture ministry to say Amritsar or Ludhiana without making hue and cry about it? Should comprehensive hills development project not be run out of Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh? There’s very little utility in keeping environment and forests ministry housed in Paryavaran Bhavan located at posh Jor

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