CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies

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Five big ideas to make Bharat a developed nation @2047!

K.A.Badarinath Niti Aayog in consultation with stakeholders has been readying a vision document for Bharat to evolve as a developed country in 25 years from now. This document is expected to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 90 days from now. Bharat celebrates 100-years as an independent nation in 2047 free from clutches of imperialistic British rule. By then, the country will have to implement a flawless plan to not fall into classic middle-income trap and emerge as a thriving developed economy. Given that independent consultancies and multi-lateral funding agencies foresee possibility of becoming a developed country, getting there seamlessly is what the government may have to work on. For this to happen, primacy must be on moderating rising cost of goods and services and at the same time sustain quality, quantity and price competitiveness for these items apart providing access to Bharat’s market. A national debate may have to be kicked off by Niti Aayog to get the strategy right instead of limiting their consultation to a powerful few that matter today. Fresh ideas and concepts need serious consideration to bolster moves to turn Bharat into third largest economy with US $ 30 trillion size overshadowing Germany and Japan by 2030. Here are the five big ideas that CIHS offers: Economy’s fourth pillar: Economic restructuring is something that needs to be undertaken urgently and expeditiously thereby preparing the ground for transformation into a developed country. For that to happen, fourth pillar of the economy needs to be built painstakingly. Grassroots businesses, cooperatives, producers’ organizations with direct linkages to consumers may have to don this role. Many of these consumers may also be business partners of these enterprises. Foreign, domestic, public sector investments apart from household savings and spending through annual budgets by states and centre may not suffice to trigger the transformative change that Bharat is aspiring for. Carving out at least 500,000 grassroots cooperatives in select sectors to provide goods and services, undertake exports and provide jobs may have to be scientifically designed. Bharat needs to be designed as the ‘largest participative economy’ that’s not constrained or limited by stock markets, portfolio investors, domestic savings or foreign funds. A large number of big, medium and small profitable enterprises in cooperative sector that are essentially rural will have to emerge and take the lead in next phase of economic expansion. Extending beyond possible 50 lakh street vendors, 66 lakh loans and a measly Rs 8600 crore is something that Bharat has to plan for at grassroots. From banking, insurance, pension funds to home grown low cost, home or family based enterprises run on the spirit of cooperation and sustainability is what Bharat may have to design. Recalibrating defunct or loss-making cooperatives by inducing professionalism and spirit of enterprises may be the starting point. Bharat’s government at centre, states and local bodies or district administration will have to collaborate to rejig the cooperatives and establish 500,000 new enterprises that are worth billions of dollars. Antyodaya: Reaching out to last individual standing in the line should form bulwark of the restructuring plan that takes Bharat to aspired third position in global economic pecking order. In the spirit of Antyodaya, broadening and deepening economic growth story to turn ‘all inclusive’ from spread of prosperity to providing services at lowest strata of village panchayats is something Bharat can work on. If message of ‘Bhagwan Ram’ can be taken to 500,000 villages to mobilize support for construction of a grand temple at Ayodhya on mission mode, there’s no reason why the ‘Antyodaya’ movement cannot methodically reach these far-flung places and people in seven years. Like Ram Lulla  signifies unification of a diverse Bharat’s society, Antyodaya should serve as unified economic emancipation and empowerment plan. Antyodaya cannot be limited to a ‘food scheme’, ‘skills development or a couple of projects in states or centre. An economic model that allows uplift of people at lowest strata in a protracted but sustained way needs to be rolled out by both central government and states in the spirit of ‘team Bharat’. For too long, there has been debate on ‘Antyodaya’ as the clinching factor in economic transformation, both in right wing and Left of centre political formations. Getting the model right is the key and implementing ‘Antyodaya’ taking each family as a unit to building clusters of self-ruled and sustained villages. This would translate to decentralization and democratization at lowest in the economic pyramid. 100 big Indian brands & companies: Can we take this economic change to a different level? In next seven years, can we build 100 known desi global brands for goods and services consumed in at least 25 countries each? Should we not chart a plan to build at least 100 large trans-national behemoths that account for about $ 10 trillion? Do our enterprises have the heft to get there and be there in the reckoning? Big question therefore is when do we build our own ‘Apple’ kind of a trillion dollar enterprises?  Let’s concede that unless wealth is produced, democratically spread and celebrated, this cannot happen. From banking, insurance, pension funds to iconic products and services can be ‘Made in India’ for the world, owned by Indians that showcase them with pride. Identify at least ten sectors in which the transformation that can be achieved by drawing up fool-proof plans. Here again democratization of these giant enterprises is what can be attempted with millions of stakeholders controlling the wealth. Strategic investment plans: Investments and businesses can be dovetailed to suit Bharat’s strategic futuristic plans. This involves careful assessment of Bharat’s interests, both offensive and defensive, to ride on the right horse. Chinese Communist Party has made strategic investments globally to suit President Xi Jingping’s aspiration of ruling the country for life time. In Bharat’s context, it cannot be individual centric but role the country would play internationally, both soft and strategic. Identifying a dozen areas with strategic interface and clear goal posts set for these enterprises may have to be readied

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Unite to Lead by Example

RSS message of unity transcending caste, creed, gender, region and faiths will strengthen Bharat’s social fabric, signal global leadership role K.A.Badarinath ‘Reconciliation, security and peace’ are what Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagawat articulated while delivering his annual Vijay Dashami speech at the organization’s headquarters in Nagpur. This is at variance with ‘radicalism’ and ‘fundamentalism’ sought to be attached to Hindus and RSS by self-styled ‘liberal minds’, conspiracy theorists and those opposed to Bharat’s unity. RSS chief’s Dussehra speech is widely recognized in Bharat and internationally as firm indicator of the organization’s outlook towards issues, happenings and unfolding developments on socio-economic and political front. ‘Sulah, Salamati & Aman’ is what Mohan Bhagawat pushed for with diverse communities that form larger Bharat’s society. Bhagawat appealed for reconciliation, security and peace as against discord, strife and violence (Fitna, Fasad & Kitan) to realize vast breadth of unity in diversity that Bharat’s 1.4 billion population is known for since millennia. Use of Arabic and Persian root words by RSS chief to drive home the point of unity rising above differences seems a firm signal to over 210 million Muslims in India and their counterparts around the world especially the Sunnis that eye RSS and Hindus with suspicion and distrust. His reference to Christians and other minorities that may have differences with Hindus is again significant given ‘tolerant, embracing attitude’ of Bharat’s citizens to all those that made this country their home. There was very little or no mention of RSS chief’s reconciliatory note in Bharat’s media or dispatches of foreign writers. Forging unity by rising above selfish and divisive tendencies disrupting Bharat’s growth seems to be central theme of RSS chief’s speech. RSS appeal for forging unity as ‘mantra’ is refreshing and assuring given the false propaganda unleashed by Bharat’s rivals on reported Muslims ‘genocide’ or Christians being targeted post-2014. A couple of Christian and Muslim organizations have being propagating globally on their being targeted by RSS, BJP and Modi Government, in that order. Sangh chief spoke for his organization unequivocally and plain terms that RSS does not believe in such an agenda. Playing victimhood, looking at each other with suspicion and seeking political dominance have been identified as three big evils that come in the way of achieving unity. RSS chief also made it clear that his push for unity did not tantamount to ‘ceasefire’ between the so called warring parties. It was RSS chief’s way of reflecting on cultural continuity, unity and vast diversity. Rightly so, RSS targeted ‘cultural Marxists’ and ‘woke’ that have sought to dominate the narrative and peddle confusion, chaos and corruption’ through deceitful means to meet selfish ends and discriminatory in attitude. RSS chief came down heavily on these elements that promoted anarchy and indiscretion in public life as individuals and groups. A lot of what Mohan Bhagawat said makes sense when one looks at disruptive campaigns, ‘tool kits’ and physical demonstrations that are done by anti-Hindu conglomerations that are indoctrinated by misplaced Marxism, jihad, evangelism and of all extremism and violence that breed divisiveness. Case in point is the aggressive, violent and extremist minority Khalistani elements in otherwise calm and quiet larger Sikh community. These vocal groups and individuals, not very large in numbers in Bharat, UK, US, Canada and Europe have threatened to derail perception about Bharat globally. Line of conciliation and message of unity propounded by RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat is significant given that Bharat is celebrating 75-years post adoption of the country’s constitution and in a year or so, RSS turns 100-years old with rich legacy of its founders Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his successor, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar. Sangh’s message of unity cannot be more apt given the challenges that Bharat faces within and outside as a country and ‘classical civilization with rich heritage. It’s no denying that this unity should also be the driving force for Bharat to provide leadership globally especially after an eventful G-20 Presidency, forging bilateral and regional pacts with equanimity at centre. RSS chief seems to have exercised huge restraint in his commentary on the Russian onslaught of Ukraine and Hamas terror attack on Israel that have led to ‘conflicts’ which will have disruptive impact on humanity and economic recovery that’s nascent post-Covid 19. Briefly, RSS chief referred to basic tenets of Sanatan Dharma as the guiding principles that shaped Hindu way of life. He seems to have exercised a lot of restraint in calling out the likes of Tamil Nadu’s first political family that view Sanatan Dharma as ‘dengue’ and ‘malaria’ to be weeded out. One issue that’s dear to Hindus on which RSS chief came out unambiguously is ‘grand’ Ram temple to house Ram Lalla at Ayodhya whose consecration has been scheduled for January 22 next year. RSS and likeminded organizations view Ram temple as a ‘unifying factor’ for all citizens in Bharat transcending castes, creed, sex, region and faiths. His call for holding programmes that send out a strong message of unity across Bharat and globally is extension of his extrapolation to rise above narrow mind-set. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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‘Terror is anti-humanity’

Bharat’s strategic independence was displayed while it rejected Hamas terror on Israel but extended support to free, viable Palestine with a message to friends & foes alike K.A.Badarinath Strategic independence has been the key to Bharat’s foreign policy formulation while engaging with global powers. And, furthering Bharat’s offensive and defensive interests is primacy to this policy. Globally, zero tolerance to expansionist, jingoistic political thought and rejecting every form of terror irrespective of caste, creed, gender, region, religion, faith and colour is something Bharat feels strongly about. Concept of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ – entire humanity as one big global family – has been the corner stone to Narendra Modi government’s engagement internationally in last nine years. These three basic tenets of foreign policy have worked reasonably very well when Bharat stayed away from joining the pro or anti-Russian fronts. Instead of joining the NATO forces blindly or going Russia way whole hog, Bharat espoused its own line. Strategic independence in thought and actions saw Bharat condemning the violence and bombardment by Russian forces that invaded Ukraine. Bharat did not join hands with European Union or for that matter US to single out Russia. In the same vein, Ukraine was given all possible humanitarian assistance and extricated Indians that were stuck in the war zone. Such independent line is expected to deliver results for Bharat in dealing with Islamist terror outfit Hamas attack on neighbouring Israel, home to Jews. In a week, the conflict between Islamist terrorists and Jews has escalated into full war having adverse impact in the gulf region and beyond. War between Jews and Hamas terrorists is expected to heighten further with no end in sight anytime soon. It was important for New Delhi to get its act right in dealing with the situation given that her interests in middle-east are too huge and Israel has been a dependable partner in half a dozen areas. Within first few hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Hamas campaign as ‘terror attack’ and condemned unequivocally in two tweets. Prime Minister Modi’s telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu fortified India’s position against terror, terrorism and terrorists that wreaked havoc on Israel and Jews. At G-20 Parliament Speakers conclave that’s underway in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi elaborated further and said ‘terrorism was against humanity’. Second part to Bharat’s policy on Hamas – Israel war was unveiled at a foreign media briefing this Thursday. India reiterated its decades old position for ‘an independent, viable and sovereign’ Palestine state that co-exists peacefully with Israel’ in West Asia. While Bharat does not tolerate, terror, terrorism and terrorist outfits like Hamas, it is not against carving out a Palestinian state. Drawing distinct differentiation between Hamas and Palestine is a significant point in Bharat’s Middle-East policy. This differentiation is conceptually and strategically significant vis-à-vis the Western powers and European nations. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar led foreign policy team seems to have sent out clear signals to both friends and foes alike by reiterating its support for Palestine state. The message from Bharat is straight and simple. The US and its partners in NATO cannot take Bharat for granted on the issue as was the case in Russia – Ukraine conflict. Coming out strongly in favour of a ‘free, independent and viable’ Palestine state and rejecting Hamas is also important given that Muslims rallied in country after country either in support of Hamas or advocating Palestinian cause. In the fast evolving situation, Bharat recognized her responsibility towards Middle East Muslims that seek a ‘peaceful’ Palestine state and at the same time stood like a rock with Jews in Israel. Bharat’s position is in continuation of its historic association with the Palestine movement. This policy has however taken twists and turns, evolved over the years in light of ‘terror’ outfits like Hamas posing serious threat to humanity. Bharat’s continued engagement with both Sunni and Shia dominated nations on political and economic fronts seem to have dictated her nuanced position. This policy also factors in the importance of aligning with Jews in Israel, US and Europe while rejecting Hamas ‘in toto’. By extending support to independent Palestine state via bilateral negotiations, Bharat has been pragmatic in finding lasting solution for peace in Middle East. It may not have been a cake walk for Bharat to evolve her position on Israel – Hamas conflict given her recent engagements with United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, players in the Gulf and North Africa including Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain etc. Even the Muslim world is divided in the middle on terrorist organizations like Hamas. For instance, UAE and Bahrain that are party to Abrahams accord with US have limited to extending tactical support to cause of Palestine and not toed the Hamas ‘terror’ line. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has been muted in its responses to Hamas terror. Egypt is not with Hamas. Jordan and Qatar have different positions vis-à-vis Palestine state and Hamas. Organizations like Hezbollah from Lebanon and Islamic State fighters may have extended their unqualified support to Hamas. Iran’s supreme leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei is yet another significant figure that stood behind Hamas terror act. But, Muslim world as such is not united completely. Apart from the fault lines among Arab nations, Bharat being home to over 210 million Muslims – both Sunnis and Shias – cannot ignore the impact of conflict within its own minorities. Isolation and elimination of terror outfits like Hamas, ISIS, Hezbollah, Taliban or such religious fundamentalists should be the global priority. For this to happen, a common definition of ‘terror’ may have to be achieved internationally without ‘ifs and buts’. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Doves in Droves!

Indian debt market with foreign funds influx of US $ 30 billion after JP Morgan, Bloomberg indexation reflect confidence of global financial community K.A.Badarinath A quiet transformation that has gone less noticed in India is that of its debt market which is in for bigger overhaul. Strong growth story, reforms in debt market, decisive leadership of Narendra Modi government have created fresh opportunities for foreign investors in the nascent debt market with potential and promise. After over years of intense negotiations, Indian sovereign bonds will make it to Bloomberg and JP Morgan’s emerging markets index. Getting benchmarked on these two indices would lead to about $ 30 billion inflows into Indian debt paper that’s largely confined to government banks and financial institutions. US bank J P Morgan recently announced inclusion of 23 government bonds worth $ 330 billion on its emerging markets index. This will be staggered out over ten months beginning June 28, 2024 to March 2025. Close on the heels, Bloomberg Index Services has given firm hint that Indian bonds will be part of its indices globally. While Bloomberg reported discussions with its clients that are largely banks and investment companies, JP Morgan has more or less completed this exercise. As per reports, large investors in government debt internationally expected Bloomberg to include India bonds in first quarter of next fiscal in India beginning April 1, 2024. Inclusion of Indian treasury issued  rupee denominated bonds under fully accessible route (FAR) are part of JP Morgan and Bloomberg indices would lead to large global investors taking big exposure in Bharat’s paper. Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bharat’s central bank in consultation with Indian government had opened a new channel named, Fully accessible route (FAR), through which non-resident investors were permitted to invest in specified Indian securities without caps. This foreign investors’ window was formally opened in 2020. In the indexation of JP Morgan and Bloomberg, Indian bonds are set to get maximum weightage of 10 points globally and 8.7 points in emerging markets indices. India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is right on track when she says that stability, policy consistency and reforms has made Bharat’s famed growth story all the more robust and sustainable. With emergence of India as a strong manufacturing hub for top companies like Apple, Nokia, Boeing, Samsung and Amazon, equity markets turned ebullient with fresh equities investments moving away from China. A similar situation is getting unravelled in debt market with investors shifting away from China that’s struggling to keep its growth estimates in short and medium term positive and healthy given hiccups in the post-Covid 19 recovery. In contrast, India is expected to log fastest growth next two years with 6.1 per cent in 2023 as per International Monetary Fund. This weighs against US’s 1.8 per cent and global aggregate of 3 per cent. China losing steam, Russia taken out of the indices following Ukraine war and healthy economic growth in India has egged foreign investment firms, rating agencies and large banks to look at Bharat’s debt paper eagerly. Finance Minister Sitharaman may have been a wee bit conservative when she projected inflows of US $ 23 billion after inclusion of Indian debt paper on JP Morgan Bond Index. Goldman Sachs, the prominent US investment bank and services company, has however projected $ 30 billion in 2023-24 when top investors rebalance their exposure internationally. Chinese debt paper was in demand way back in 2019. Of late, Chinese paper has begun to lose support given its shaky economic fundamentals that may translate into larger interest in Indian debt market. Hitherto, treasury debt paper was largely restricted to government owned banks and financial institutions while a very small chunk was available for retail investors and mutual funds. Foreign investors seem to be factoring huge infrastructure investment plans rolled out by Narendra Modi government. And, second factor that may propel rebalancing their exposure is outcome of legislative assembly elections in five states followed by Parliament polls before June 2024. Projected manifold increase in foreign funds flow into India debt paper goes well with ‘on the ascent’ narrative of Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP and its allies that have begun a spirited campaign ahead of states and federal elections. No doubt that RBI and Indian government are experimenting big by enabling foreign investors to take large exposure in Indian paper. This may eventually translate into RBI losing some flexibility in money policy formulation and shifting to market-led dynamics. One cannot ignore the contrarian view as well. Foreign investors taking exposure worth US $ 25 – 30 billion in government stock of over Rs 100 lakh crore or US $ 1.2 trillion is too little and too late. If one were to factor fresh borrowing of Rs 1.65 lakh crore each year, these inflows would add depth to the Indian debt market without having material impact on monetary policy formulation in near future. Unanimous view however is the robustness, inclusiveness and sustainability of India’s growth story built on strong economic fundamentals. Financial community’s confidence in Indian story reaffirms that doves are back in droves. (author is Director & Chief Executive at New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Israel’s Right to Defend is Absolute

Hamas and Hezbollah have just escalated their threat level, nuisance value thereby altering the delicately balanced West Asia power equations Rahul Pawa As Saturday dawned bright and sunny on the important Jewish day of observance, Israel was jolted by unexpected assault from Palestinian terrorists linked to Hamas in Gaza. With cold precision, Hamas backed by Hezbollah orchestrated a sweeping, multifaceted assault against Israel presenting one of the gravest challenges to the Jewish nation faced in half a century. In this nefariously orchestrated operation, diverse array of tactics was employed by Hamas, the dreaded Sunni Islamist outfit. This included gliders and parachutes with weapons that took to skies, naval vessels for maritime intrusion and heavily-armed terrorists advancing on foot. Hamas audacity became evident with launch of rockets in thousands, some daringly aimed at Jerusalem. The sheer scale of this aggression not only resonates with its immediate impact but raises significant concerns, setting off global alarm, attention and unease. In a recorded message, Hamas terror commander Mohammed Deif referred to the assault as “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.” He urged Palestinians in various regions to unite in the fight and emphasized on return to their revolution. He pointed to alleged Israeli hostilities and tensions surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem as a catalyst. This sentiment was echoed by Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh who rallied Muslims worldwide to defend Al-Aqsa and Islam’s sacred mission. The overarching message to Israelis was not just about Palestinian cause but conveyed deep religious conviction, viewing Israelis, predominantly Jews as betrayers of the ‘Islamic divine will’. Fallout of this Hamas terror attack was catastrophic. About 22 Israeli towns and critical military installations were under siege with human toll painting an even grimmer picture. For Israelis, the ordeal was nightmarish, ceaseless, and unimaginable. As hours ticked by, families huddled in their homes, in hope of getting relief from encroaching Hamas terrorists infiltrating their communities. At a music festival southern Israel, young attendees from around the world faced a tragic and ruthless fate. In a dark twist, Hamas brazenly broadcast their acts turning their reign of terror into a spectacle for the world. Israeli families including women and children bore the brunt of this mindless violence with numerous abductions and heart-wrenching scenes streamed live. The world witnessed trauma of a wounded young Israeli woman dragged into Gaza and an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier’s tragic fate displayed for all. Shockingly, the reaction to this brazen act of terrorism in certain quarters was inconceivably jubilant. Pro-Hamas videos found enthusiastic distribution and received cheers from its supporters around the world, including far-left factions in the West and India. Celebrations erupted in Tehran and Ramallah with Iran’s own parliamentary body voicing chilling chants of “Death to Israel” inside its Parliament. The intent was clear: every harrowing moment inflicted on the Israelis was meant not just as an act of terror but also as a message, an open humiliation. In response to multiple infiltrations and rocket launches from Gaza Strip, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was now in a state of war. He vowed retaliation against Hamas and underscored Israel’s unwavering right to self-defense. By Saturday, prominent global leaders including Joe Biden, Narendra Modi and Rishi Sunak voiced their solidarity with Israel. Their condemnation of unprecedented aggression by Palestinian terror group, Hamas was resolute. Moreover, the US, UK and several nations unequivocally affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. Several hours later, Israel retaliated fiercely in Gaza resulting in significant casualties. The conflict’s ripple effects were felt as far as Lebanon with clashes between Israel and Hezbollah and in Alexandria, where two Israeli tourists were killed. Israeli airstrikes targeted strategic points in Gaza including residences and Hamas officials’ homes leading to over 300 fatalities. With ongoing ground confrontations in southern Israel, the military was criticized for not thwarting the initial attack. Israel has now deployed a substantial force around Gaza and plans to evacuate Israelis near the territory’s border. Hamas attacks which commenced in early hours of Saturday has to date tragically resulted in loss of over 800 lives and injuries to more than 2000 individuals. Importantly, implications of the events in Israel stretch far beyond the immediate trauma and retaliatory defense response. Streaming pro-Hamas videos depicting grave violations against Israeli civilians and detained IDF personnel amount to crimes against humanity. In a startling breach, Hamas terrorists from Gaza managed to infiltrate southern Israeli border in a very short span of time catching Israeli defense posts off guard. This raises eyebrows given the sophistication and depth of Israel’s intelligence and surveillance operations especially focused on monitoring Hamas. Several Western commentators point to serious intelligence lapse from within Israel and its global partners. Inefficiency of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) funded at a staggering $23.6 billion annually also posed serious questions. When Israeli citizens found themselves enmeshed in their darkest hour, the defense forces seemed conspicuously absent. Even hours into the crisis, rapid response from the military was lacking and the political leadership appeared equally paralyzed, failing to provide clarity or direction. The nation, so often lauded for its security prowess seemed collectively stunned. With the state’s apparatus seemingly in a state of inertia, a haunting silence enveloped the nation’s psyche. The events challenge conventional beliefs about the robustness of Israel’s defense and political machinery.   Hamas, with swift terror acts sought to humiliate Israel. By kidnapping children, desecrating the fallen and broadcasting their acts, they aimed to instill fear and expose perceived Israeli vulnerabilities. These actions by Hamas, once considered a mere regional irritant, have substantially shifted the strategic landscape. Their provocations have transcended previous boundaries, deeply challenging Israel’s long-held defensive strategies.  These events have catalyzed unity among Israelis across political and social spectra. While internal differences persist, Hamas actions have crystalized the pressing need for a united front against the common enemy. The images and narratives from recent events serve as painful reminders of perils of a divided stance.  In the face of this enhanced threat level, Israel’s stance is bound to evolve.

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‘Sanatan Dharma is a Way of Life’

Where are the limits to this culture of ‘Aham Brahmasmi’, exhilarating mode of realised, liberated being Oopalee Operajita Rahul Gandhi’s recent article on Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma (“Satyam Shivam Sundaram”, Indian Express, October 1) is, tragically, largely based on fear. In the first paragraph alone he uses “fear” and “frightening” multiple times. Why would anyone want to spend their lives recoiling in fear? A sense of overriding fear destroys everything else. The piece is obviously aimed at a certain enclave and by being circumlocutory and agenda driven and hence, Gandhi loses sight of the central tenet of his own essay. As a little girl in Rishi Valley School, the first — and most important — lesson I received from our founder J Krishnamurti’s teaching, was the importance of freedom from fear. I recall the very moment he spoke to us, in our small auditorium, about fearing the idea of a snake more than the snake itself. I was seven: It was a transformational moment in my life. Shashi Tharoor sends this article up on Twitter / X, gushing about its ocean imagery as if it is something novel, whereas, the ocean and water are dominant metaphors in ancient dharmic texts. The Taittiriya Upanishad, for example, describes the relation of five koshas (sheaths, in humankind) to water. The “Aquatic Absolute” (inspired by Vedanta), runs much later through Rabindranath Tagore’s writings as well. Tharoor also says on Twitter / X that there’s “nothing new to say in Hinduism” — a surprising statement, especially emanating from him — which is both meshuga and lacking in veracity. I read from the Upanishads, the Vedas, the Valmiki Ramayana, and the Puranas, almost each day — and the limitless wealth in them is as vast as the universe. It is ironic that Rahul Gandhi comes up with this article when he has been conspicuously silent these many weeks, as his party’s coalition partners have mutilated the Sanatan Dharma, without remotely understanding it. Mum has been his deafening word. Some duplicitous leaders have ferociously attacked the Sanatan Dharma, both in India and, reprehensibly, on foreign shores, on many occasions, for the sake of appeasement — the hypocrisy is galling, but predictable. What’s driving Gandhi’s current janeudhari agenda? And would it be conflated with the forthcoming state elections? Sanatan Dharma is certainly a culture, an unbroken civilisational reality, and richly felt experience; because a culture is a way of life, a cultivation of the treasured self, and larger than any set of religious prescriptions. For millennia, this dharma has valorised the knowledge of the self (the atman), which the great sage Yajnavalkya views as identical to Brahman, or consciousness. We don’t swim in the oceans and, concomitantly, fear sinking — we swim to merge with the ocean, let our spirits sing, and set ourselves free. Rivers are, as individual souls (atman), merging into the supreme soul of the ocean of the immortal Brahman, (Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.8). Brahman has also been defined as “the creative principle which lies within the whole universe”. What’s to fear in that? And where are the limits to this culture — this exhilarating mode of realised, liberated Being (Aham Brahmasmi)? Nobody owns the Sanatan Dharma; but it has an ancient history, astounding intellectual rigour and richness, and a land of origin. It repeatedly alludes to the many, equally valid, paths to the Truth. But, kudos and gratitude to those who use their goodness and understanding to prevent it from being mauled by frequent, feral attacks from troglodytes. I recall a passage from an Upanishad: Tatha vidvan namah-rupad vimuktaha/Parat-param purusham upaiti divyam [The knower of Brahman casts aside all names and forms, and attains to the Supreme Being (Energy)], which is above all conceivable divinities in the cosmos. Thus, the Supreme Being becomes our whole. (Author has been a distinguished fellow at Carnegie Mellon University since 1990. She is a global advisor on public policy, communication, and international relations. This write up first appeared in The Indian Express)

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Canada’s Darkening Horizon: Red Flags and Alarming Trends

The dynamics between India and Canada are treading on thin ice, revealing a landscape where Canada’s interests seem to be diverging significantly from Prime Minister Trudeau’s actions and statements. It’s crucially morphing into a “Canada versus Trudeau” scenario, highlighting an urgent call for a recalibration of Canada’s stance. Dive deeper into the unfolding scenario and explore potential resolutions in CIHS special report on “Canada’s Darkening Horizon: Red Flags and Alarming Trends”

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Justin Trudeau on a Sticky Wicket!

Khalistani terror links, snapping ties with Bharat, ignoring bread and butter issues, dissent within ruling party may not help Canadian PM secure a fresh mandate Dr Amrit Pal Kaur Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made explosive comments on September 19 suspecting Indian role in killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Outrageous as these comments were, they were damaging in equanimity. Trudeau’s statements within and outside the Canadian Parliament led to an unwanted and unwarranted diplomatic war with India that could and should have been avoided. Given that Trudeau is leading a minority government with support from parties like New Democratic Party, it seems to be his political exigency to comment on any and everything Indian. The myopic view of the present Canadian dispensation with regard to Indo-Canadian relations only puts a mammoth question mark on Trudeau’s acumen as a statesman. Instead of behaving like head of a leading country like Canada, Trudeau managed to cut a sorry figure for himself in global international political matrix. Big question, however is, why Trudeau jumped the gun and declare something which may not be true at all. Did the purported ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence sharing mechanism that includes US, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand fail to deliver?   The reasons are palpable. The drama in wake of his visit to Delhi for G-20 summit, much on the line of Shakespearean script, was peppered with generous amount of prejudice against India acted as immediate trigger for his outpouring in Parliament.  It is more than clear that Trudeau is playing to domestic gallery with the allegations against India. As much as he wishes to make it an issue of international nature, it is essentially a domestic concern for Canada. As the New Democratic Party led by Jagmeet Singh, a sikh descent, is a crucial partner in Trudeau Government and Sikhs hold crucial votes in the Canadian elections. Therefore, his inkling towards everything Sikh is quite evident. There is clear evidence of Canadian Government’s support to extremist groups which have terror links as well as entertain separatist agenda against India. From facilitating Khalistani referendum to permission for vile speeches against India, the separatists have been given support short of recognition by the Canadian Government. The killing of Nijjar is portrayed as an assassination project of Government of India in the light of his terror history. Nijjar, an Indian citizen, had reached Canada seeking political asylum in 1997 after two failed attempts and with forged documents. In Canada, he eventually became the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force. He became the leader of a Gurudwara committee in Surrey, British Columbia in 2020. Nijjar was a deemed terrorist as notified by Government of India for his involvement in terror related activities in the country. This perhaps worked to Trudeau’s advantage and against India.  However, there are other aspects that Trudeau seems to be happily oblivious to or conveniently ignored. For one, the Sikh diasporic politics in Canada is as much about the heft and influence among hardworking community and the leadership of a Gurudwara is one such accolade which contributes to a Sikh death might have to do with leadership of Gurudwara as well as the local politics of his region. Second, there are credible reports that Nijjar was involved in the terrorist activities in India including a bomb blast in Punjab. He is known to have visited Pakistan to meet his links there. Third, as much as Trudeau believes in assassination theories, India is a peace loving and rule abiding democratic country with a long-standing impeccable record that’s under constant scrutiny. Trudeau and his government do not seem to realise the dangerous nature of separatist or extremists driven politics. Clearly, they have not witnessed the violence and fear of terrorism on the scale Indians and especially people of Punjab have seen. Separatists came to India via the Canadian route as there are hardly any takers in India for it. Way too much blood has been shed and precious lives have been lost to the grotesque creature of terrorism that its knock on the doors of Punjab makes Punjabis fearful. It took decades to restore semblance of normalcy in Punjab and the separatist agenda seeks to undo it. Indian government’s fury is understandable given the context and recent terror history. No one in India wants to turn the clock back to vile 80’s. Peace, love and stability are preached in Sikhism and Sikhs of today seek to maintain it in their homeland. Trudeau’s petty politics seeks to threaten it without realizing the fragile nature of this calm. Fanning separatist flames may have grave repercussions in Canada and India well. Indians, of all faiths, who do not vouch the handful separatist fringe elements are being threatened under the very eye of the administration. Security of Indian Diplomatic corps is also compromised when the separatists protested outside Indian Consulate, distributed flyers with names of Indian diplomats and put up posters. These grave incidences not only present a weak figure of Trudeau Government abroad but also create a fearful environment within Canada. These developments propelled Indian government to temporarily stay on issuing visas to Canadian nationals. Whereas India is accused of violating Canadian sovereignty, Canada has not performed its duty to protect the Indians, their properties, businesses, jobs and Indian diplomats. Trudeau has conveniently resorted to a cover up of these facts. In fact, if not controlled, the separatists may even become a credible threat to Canadian security as well when this creature that Trudeau is nurturing turns to face him. He does not seem to realize that terrorism has no religion and does not harbour faith in humanity and no amount of sugarcoating will change its essential nature. If the hope is to fan a fire across continents will keep their hearth safe, then history has shown time and again that chickens eventually come home to roost. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shown anything but statesmanship for petty gains in domestic politics costing the nation a

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