January 2024 - Page 22 of 39 - Lokmarg

Did Rahul Think Of Nyay For 1984 Atrocities On Sikh Community: Puri

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Reacting to the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi whether he had ever thought about justice (Nyay) for the people of the Sikh community who suffered atrocities in 1984.

“I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what has he thought about the justice for the people of our community who suffered atrocities in 1984, did he ever go there and apologised to the people?… Rahul Gandhi is distracted and keeps saying anything. His people said things about Sanatana Dharma and this is unfortunate,” Puri told ANI on Sunday.

When asked about former Congress leader Milind Deora joining Shiv Sena, Puri said that he has known Milind Deora and his father Murli Deora for 30-40 years.

“I know Milind Deora and I have known his father Murli Deora for 30-40 years…he has joined Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and we have an alliance with them so we will work together,” he added.

The Maharashtra leader ended his 55-year-old association with the party which went back to his father Murli Deora.

Milind Deora’s decision to quit Congress came on the day Rahul Gandhi kickstarted his nationwide ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from Manipur’s Thoubal.

Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the yatra from Manipur’s Thoubal.

The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. (ANI)

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Army To Deploy Drishti-10 Drones Near Pak Border In Punjab

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

The Indian Army’s surveillance capability along the border with Punjab is all set to get a boost as the force is set to deploy its Drishti-10 medium-altitude, long-endurance drones at a forward base in the Punjab sector.

The drones are expected to be inducted into the force in the next two to three months by the Indian firm Adani Defence.

The Indian Army has placed orders for two of these drones from the firm under emergency provisions that mandate that the systems supplied by vendors should be more than 60 per cent indigenous and should be under the ‘Make in India’ in Defence.

The Indian Army has plans to deploy these drones in the Punjab sector, where it can keep an eye on a large area, including the desert sector as well as the areas north to the Punjab, military officials told ANI.

The Indian Army is already operating the Heron Mark 1 and Mark 2 drones and has also placed orders for the Drishti-10 or the Hermes-900 drones under the last tranche of the emergency procurements approved by the government for the forces.

Adani Defence had signed a deal with the Israeli firm Elbit for the transfer of technology for the drones and stated that it has indigenized 70 per cent of the birds and will work to increase it further.

The Indian Army has also inducted more satellite communication-enabled birds from Israel, as it has a few Heron Mark 2 birds in direct deals with Israeli Aircraft Industries.

The drones were unveiled earlier this week by Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Director General Army Aviation Lt Gen Ajay Suri in Hyderabad.

The Indian Navy is going to position them in Porbandar to keep an eye on the maritime boundary with Pakistan as well as the high seas, as the BiRa have the capability to fly for over 30 hours and cover a distance of around 2,000 km in one go. (ANI)

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Israel quietly transitions to phase 3 in war against Hamas

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Without fanfare, the Israel Defense Forces is transitioning from phase 2 in the war against Hamas–the high-intensity stage of surging ground forces throughout Gaza–to phase 3, involving far more targeted operations, with a focus on the south of the strip.

The decision to do so is based primarily on the IDF’s assessment that it has succeeded in dismantling Hamas’s organized military structures in northern Gaza and in Hamas’s former heartland of Gaza City, leaving disorganized terror cells that have fallen back on independent guerrilla warfare tactics.

“While there are still terrorists and weapons in the north, they are no longer functioning within an organized military framework,” IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Jan. 6. “We are now operating differently in that area, with a different mix of forces, to deepen our achievements. We are currently focusing on the central Gaza Strip, in the area of the central camps, and in the southern Gaza Strip, in the area of Khan Yunis.

“This is still a complex operational activity, with hard battles being fought both in the center and the south. The fighting will continue into 2024,” Hagari added.

This coming year will likely see the military divide Gaza in two, with IDF units deployed to defend the dividing line while also working to make sure that tunnels cannot be used to move from north to south Gaza.

In practical terms, this means that large numbers of soldiers are being discharged, with reservists returning to the workforce to nourish the badly neglected economy and recharge ahead of a potential call-up to the north.

The operations in remaining Hamas strongholds such as Khan Yunis are being led by the IDF’s 98th Division, which features many special forces operators.

In the central Gaza Strip, the army is still involved in significant fighting in the area of the central camps in Al-Bureij, where it is locating tunnels, large underground weapons factories (from which weapons were sent along the Hamas military tunnel network to positions all over Gaza) and terrorists.

Flexibility, Adaptability and Ambiguity

The IDF’s shift from phase 2 to phase 3 (phase 1 involved airstrikes and massing forces throughout October ahead of the ground incursion into Gaza) is not being declared or occurring in one clear maneuver, much like the military’s ground offensive was not declared when it began at the end of October.

This approach is indicative of a broader tactical philosophy emphasizing flexibility, adaptability and ambiguity. This ambiguity serves multiple purposes: It allows the IDF to adjust its tactics based on realities in the field without being constrained by prior public commitments, and it keeps adversaries uncertain about precise future moves.

The realities in Gaza mean it is now clear that different military tactics are needed in the north and the south. The IDF’s decision to release many brigades back to the economy while refreshing forces indicates a long-term view of the campaign while recognizing the need to maintain operational readiness on the Lebanese border as well.

The conflict has been prolonged, already lasting some 100 days, which requires the IDF to manage its human and material resources carefully.

Giving the 98th Division, with its special forces, the lead in the war, in contrast to the more conventional divisions, is a response to the unique challenges in southern Gaza. This includes more contained operations with a focus on specific Hamas centers of gravity, involving tunnels where Hamas’s leadership likely is barricaded, together with many of Israel’s hostages. Above ground, many civilians remain.

The nature of combat in southern Gaza is therefore slower, more precise and targeted, involving raids and focused assaults rather than large-scale rapid maneuvers.

In northern Gaza, dismantling Hamas’s organized military capacity has already seen the elimination of many commanders to disrupt command and control, surrounding areas like Jabaliya with combined forces, and unprecedented collaboration between the air force and ground forces. These tactics have yielded significant results, including the surrender of many Hamas field terror operatives and the collection of valuable intelligence.

Meanwhile, rocket caches and underground infrastructure continue to be destroyed, despite the sporadic rocket fire that continues from Gaza at Israeli civilian areas.

As the IDF moves forward with its operations in central and southern Gaza, it is applying lessons learned from earlier phases. The focus on intelligence-gathering, using classified ways to deal with tunnels, precision strikes, and minimizing civilian casualties while effectively dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities is part of those lessons.

No less important, the IDF must retain full freedom of movement in the coming years and conduct persistent security raids in response to intelligence, to prevent Hamas from rebuilding capabilities to serve its genocidal intentions, just as Israel does in Judea in Samaria every night. (ANI/TPS)

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Yogi Flags Off 100 E-Buses For Tourists In Ayodhya

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

As the country gears up to witness the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday flagged off 100 electric buses for tourists in the city.

The operation of electric buses will be initiated on the Dharma Path and Ram Path. 100 electric buses will commence operations from January 15 onward in the city.

Ayodhya regional transport officer, Ritu Singh said “We are trying our best to provide clean transportation facilities. With the initiative of the honourable Chief Minister, the city is going to get electric buses. Ayodhya City Bus Transportation Ltd has been formed for the same.”

“We will provide the electric bus service to all our VVIP guests invited on January 22. We are also trying our best to promote CNG autos, tempos, taxis, etc. in the city,” the RTO said.

Ritu Singh highlighted the importance of drivers in providing a memorable journey in Ayodhya and emphasised the initiatives taken to well-train all the drivers in the city.

“Under the initiative of ‘Mera Chalak, Mera Mann’, we are sanitising the drivers. When people from outside come to Ayodhya, they get introduced to the drivers first. We want them to carry a good image of our city. We are grooming drivers for the same,” she said.

“Transport associations have been guided to not demand beyond divided fares. Commercial vehicle drivers must be properly uniformed” the RTO added further.

Ritu Singh elaborated on state initiatives to promote CNG vehicles in the city.

“E-autos have also been introduced, registration for which is under process. Very soon, Ayodhya will get e-auto service.”

Manoj Kumar Yadav, an electric bus driver said “I feel very happy that I could come to Ayodhya from Lucknow. Everybody travelling in an e-bus is full of joy.”

“Electric buses don’t emit pollution and these buses are fully air conditioned. The city of Ayodhya is decorated well for the upcoming event”, said Sharjah Alam, another e-bus driver.

Ayodhya will be seamlessly connected through transportation facilities. On the Chaudah Kosi and Panchkosi Parikrama routes, new areas have been marked at Udaya Chowk. Parking lots will be developed there, covering 70 acres (10 acres, 35 acres, and 25 acres).

Ram Path and Dharma Path are two of the four main paths in Ayodhya. The other two paths are Bhakti Path and Janmabhoomi Path.

The four paths are based on the concepts of the four Vedas and four eras. The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to run electric buses on Ram Path and Dharma Path to provide facilities for tourists and pilgrims.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony will be held over seven days starting on January 16. On January 16, the host appointed by the temple trust, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, will conduct the atonement ceremony. The ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and offering to cows will be held on the banks of the Saryu River. (ANI)

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The Countdown to Narendra Modi’s Third Term Begins

By Sanjoy Narayan 14th January 2024

The next time you are at an Indian railway station and it happens to be one of the hundred that has a selfie point, you can pass the time while waiting for your train by taking a photograph of yourself along with a life size replica of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The selfie points, if they’re of the permanent sort, cost around ₹6.25 lakh, while the temporary ones are cheaper at ₹1.25 lakh.

Railway stations aren’t the only places where you can take a selfie with the Prime Minister (albeit in a life-size 3-D avatar) beside you. Such points have also been installed at museums, parks, and other public spaces. According to media reports, universities and even the armed forces have been instructed to install them. One source says the total number of selfie points is 822.

At New Delhi’s international airport terminal, as you walk to the departure gates, there are several booths with Modi’s image along with that of Swami Gyananand where you can take a selfie. Swami, an Indian Mahamandaleshwar saint, is known for his research on Bhagavad Gita, the 700-verse Hindu scripture. He has also founded another organisation to globally promote the Gita.

The ubiquity of images and pictures of Modi, on posters, banners, official documents, and other commonly used official papers and forms for the past 10 years that he has been Prime Minister is not new but now their omnipresence seems truly larger than life and, quite clearly, this has much to do with the forthcoming parliamentary elections, which Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would like to win and extend the tenure of its rule by another five years.

Last December 31, The Guardian’s headline of an article said: BJP win in India’s 2024 general election ‘almost an inevitability’. It was written by Hannah-Ellis Petersen, the newspaper’s South Asia correspondent, and it described how, with less than six months left for the election (in which 900 million Indians will be eligible to vote) the Modi government had launched a nationwide campaign to highlight its achievements “despite criticisms of politicising government bureaucracy and resources for campaigning purposes”.

The Guardian’s use of the word “inevitability” in its headline (although in the article it is attributed to a prominent Indian policy analyst) displays the newspaper’s bias against Modi and his government, which are seen by the West as pushing a Hindu nationalist agenda and creating insecurity among minorities. Nearly 80% of Indians are Hindus and 14% are Muslims. As a percentage of India’s population of more than 1.4 billion, viewed against any global population statistics, both those numbers are huge.

Still, the view from the West could miss the reality on the ground in India. For instance, The Guardian article says: “At state and national level, the apparatus of the country has been skewed heavily towards the BJP since Modi was elected in 2014. He has been accused of overseeing an unprecedented consolidation of power, muzzling critical media, eroding the independence of the judiciary and all forms of parliamentary scrutiny and accountability and using government agencies to pursue and jail political opponents.”

To be sure, many Indian observers also agree that since the BJP-led regime came to power, elections, especially in the more populous northern and central states, have been marked by religious polarisation. And that inequality remains one of the biggest concerns and challenges. The richest 1% of Indians own 58% of wealth, while the richest 10% of Indians own 80% of the wealth. This trend has consistently increased–so the Indian rich are getting richer much faster than the poor, widening the income gap.

Also sadly, despite over 70 years’ of effort by the Indian government, the caste system (or social inequity) also continues to keep widening that gap. People coming from the marginalised sections of caste-based social categories, continue to be directly impacted in terms of their opportunities, access to essential utilities, and their potential as a whole.

The ordinary Indian voter, however, sees Modi as a strongman, a hero who has not only tried to enhance India’s prestige and status on the global stage–last year it hosted as rotational president the G-20 summit; and sent a space mission to land on the moon–but also tried to help improve the average Indian’s economic fortunes. India’s economy has grown at a higher rate than most large economies (although inequality has not been impacted significantly); a slew of subsidies aimed at the poor have benefited millions; and universal digital services have ensured that beneficiaries are not denied what they have the right to receive. Infrastructure, especially roads have improved impressively and so has public access to medical facilities and hygiene.

A well-known publicity and communications strategist of the Congress party, which is the BJP’s main challenger from the Opposition, admits that India will go to the polls with a clear advantage for Modi and his party. In 2019, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the BJP, won 353 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of Parliament. The BJP on its own won 303 seats. This time, the Congress strategist who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said he wouldn’t be surprised if the NDA wins 350 seats, a staggering 65% of the total seats.

It is a fact that the Indian mainstream media is no longer a platform where criticism of the ruling regime or a focus on problem areas such as religious polarisation is encouraged. In fact, India’s largest newspapers and TV channels are dominated by hagiographic coverage of the Modi-led regime. Even “independent” media outlets, most of which are small and lack robust business models, have begun to shy away from criticising the government or its policies, some of them because they fear retaliation in the shape of tax raids or other regulatory action.

No one really cares. Last year, several leading Indian artists were “commissioned” to make artwork themed on the Prime Minister’s monthly addresses to the nation, Mann Ki Baat. The event, which occurs once a month, is aired by the state-owned TV channels (and co-telecast by many private channels as well) and streamed on the internet and social media platforms. The commissioning of artists marked the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat and the art that they created was exhibited under the title Jana Shakti (people’s power) at Delhi’s prestigious National Gallery of Modern Art.

Last week it was announced that the Opposition alliance of nearly 30 parties, called I.N.D.I.A., would be headed by the Congress Party’s president, Mallikarjun Kharge. I.N.D.I.A., which stands for ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’, is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress, which have joined forces to challenge the NDA, led by the BJP, and stop it from securing a third consecutive term at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections. Most Indians think that it will end in a whimper. And that Modi, 73, and his party will win the elections decisively and secure a third term for the regime he heads.

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Religious Scholars, Tribals Call For Reopening Of Schools For Afghan Girls

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

The Taliban has been called upon by religious scholars and tribal leaders to open the country’s institutions and universities to women right away, as their basic right to attain education continues to remain compromised, TOLOnews reported.

At a meeting in Kabul they said that women should have access to education and that their presence is essential to the country.

A meeting on “The role of scholars and tribal elders in strengthening relations between the nation and the system” was held on Saturday at Qasre Sapidar (Sapidar Palace).

According to TOLOnews, it was attended by over two hundred religious scholars and tribal elders from various provinces in Afghanistan, as well as members of the Taliban’s cabinet.

“The committee’s view regarding education is that the Islamic Emirate has paid attention to the needs of religious and contemporary sciences, but it should open schools and universities to girls and women,” TOLOnews quoted Mohammad Hashem, representative of the southern zone of Afghanistan as saying.

Meanwhile, a few participants requested that the Taliban consider the justifiable requests of the Afghan people about growth, the economy, and the employment of qualified officials.

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to build water dams throughout Afghanistan so that it can raise the water level and alleviate the problems of the people,” said Abdul Hadi, a representative of the South East zone of the country, according to TOLOnews.

Afghan people have been leaving their homes because of poverty, insecurity and conflicts in the country.

Moreover, Afghanistan’s women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. They have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs. (ANI)

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Epic Tesla Musical light show in Maryland Ayodhya

US: Over 150 Cars Parked Strategically In ‘Ram’ Formation Hold Dazzling Light Show In Maryland

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Amid the euphoria and growing anticipation in India around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, later this month, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of America organised an Epic Tesla Musical light show in Maryland state.

Videos captured by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and raising ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Ram Lakshman Janki, Jai Shri Hanuman Ki’ slogans.

The Tesla car light show was synchronised to the tunes of Jai Shri Ram and was organised by VHP, US chapter.

More than 150 cars, parked strategically in the ‘Ram’ formation, participated in the light show. Indian Americans from Washington, Virginia and Maryland beamed bright and colourful from Tesla bars.

The cars gathered at Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland, which is situated on a street named the ‘Ayodhya Way’.

Tesla’s vehicles have the unique ability to put on synchronised light shows with other Teslas, which can be a particularly entertaining feature in large groups.

The Tesla light show organised by the Hindu community had 150 vehicles. All cars owned by the indian American community participated as they flashed and pulsed to the song of Jai shri Ram The light show is part of the celebration of the Rama Mandir opening in Ayodhya.

Teslas of all colours synchronised various colours from their headlights and taillights, all together displaying a colourful array.

Several rows of cars parked in a huge parking lot saw all of them go from moments of complete darkness to varying brightness levels. Because the vehicles were synchronised, they demonstrated interesting light patterns, like a few moments where only taillights were being used split-seconds apart to create the appearance of laser-like motion from aerial views. For creating this custom light show required a technical hand, as it was created by a young devotee.

“The show featuring all the 150 cars was performed using a software loaded via a USB flash drive. Each light is programmed differently to represent the devotion and enthusiasm towards Sri Ram Bhagawan ahead of the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration,” Satvik Gudipati, a young programmer from Maryland, told ANI.

Prashant, a resident from Virginia, said, “Its really inspiring to be here and be part of this tesla light show. Since 1992, I have been hearing that Ram Mandir will be built. However, it’s only now that it is close to becoming a reality. Shri Ram is arriving to take his thrown at his birthplace. I can now proudly say that Ram Mandir is set to be opened for devotees in Ayodhya.”

Meanwhile, Mahendra Sapa, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America Washington DC chapter President said, “As we joyously celebrate the inauguration of the Grand Mandir of Bhagwan Shri Ram, we reflect on over 20 generations of patience, perseverance, and sacrifices that led to this momentous occasion. This new Diwali holds a special significance as we honor the souls of countless karsevaks who made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us justice, including the Kothary Brothers.” “The Mandir stands as a symbol of faith and a tribute to the enduring spirit of our community. In this historic moment, we express gratitude to all contributors for realizing this cherished dream,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Indians in the United States organised a car rally in Edison, New Jersey.

More than 350 cars participated in the rally. Visuals accessed by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and several cars lining up on the streets.

Amid ongoing events and celebrations across the globe ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, giant billboards of Lord Ram and the majestic shrine in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh have gone up in more than 10 states, thousands of miles away in the United States.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in association with Hindus from across the US, have put up more than 40 billboards in 10 states and more, displaying the message around the the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22.

The billboards have gone up in Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, among other states. Additionally, Arizona and the State of Missouri are set to join this visual celebration starting Monday, January 15, according to the VHP, American chapter.

“The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony,” Amitabh VW Mittal, general secretary, Hindu Parishad of America, told ANI.

“The Hindu community in New Jersey is brimming with joy, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Car Rally, Exhibition, Curtain Raiser, Billboards across New York New Jersey, and the grand celebration slated for the 21st night. The enthusiasm is palpable, with members from Mandirs across NJ eagerly looking forward to this once-in-a-generation event,” Teja A Shah, joint general secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, told ANI.

Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu American community across the US has organised several car rallies and has planned many more events in the run-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

He said, “In Mauritius, all our Hindu brothers and sisters are in a different mood nowadays. As from the Sankranti, on January 15, all our mandirs in Mauritius are doing the Ramayan chanting. And especially on the 22nd, we are having the same as we used to celebrate Diwali. In Mauritius, we are celebrating two Diwali.”

He added, “The first Diwali is on January 22, and the second Diwali is on October 31. We will do it the same as we all know: after 14 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya. So this time, not after 14 years, Prabhu Ram is coming after 500 years.”

President Ghoorbin also shared that a day before the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a cultural programme will be held and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will attend the event as a chief guest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22.

A host of leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to the grand temple opening in Ayodhya. According to temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting January 16.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said Ramayan is a bridge across geographies and teaches people about the complexities of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Speaking at an event at the US Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’, the Indian envoy said, “Ramayan and its shared heritage across the Indo-Pacific. The lessons and tales from Ramayan are passed down from generations, and it is hard to say exactly when one learns them. It’s as if one was born with them. The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The Ramayan has something to teach us about each of these themes, among many other things.”

“The Ramayan is also a bridge across geographies. Stories from the epic are well known in many countries across Indo Pacific, from Cambodia to Indonesia, from Thailand to Laos. The epic has been reimagined, retold, included in the artistic, literary, and religious traditions of various societies incorporating their unique cultural nuances. I have been personally witness to this influence of Ramayan across boundaries,” Ambassador Sandhu added. (ANI)

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PM Decided This: Cong After Milind Deora Quits Party

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Following Milind Deora’s resignation from the Congress party, the party’s general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a role in his departure.

“The Prime Minister has decided this; there is no doubt about it,” the Congress MP said while speaking on Deora’s resignation.

Further, Jairam Ramesh remembered Deora’s father and veteran Congress leader, Murli Deora, and said that the latter stood by the party through thick and thin.

Further, Ramesh remembered Deora’s father and veteran Congress leader, Murli Deora and said that the latter stood by the party through thick and thin.

“He was a strong leader of our party and maintained good relations with all parties and party workers. He was a stalwart Congressman and stood by Congress through thick and thin. I remember him today,” the Congress MP said.

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president Varsha Eknath Gaikwad called Deora’s decision unfortunate and said, “It is unfortunate that you have taken this decision, @milinddeora ji. On a personal level and as a Congress karyakarta, I feel sad today.”

“The Deora family has had a long & storied association with the Congress Parivar. All of us were trying to convince you against taking this step. The party leadership also reached out to you,” Gaikward said in a post on X.

“It is also regrettable that your announcement comes on a day when the party embarks on the historic #BharatJodoNyayYatra,” she added.

Congress leader Manickam Tagore shared a picture quote saying “Some people are willing to betray years of friendship just to get a little bit of the spotlight,” while reposting Deora’s post confirming his resignation.

Congress leader Ajay Yadav criticized Deora over his resignation on the day the party is going to start ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’.

“The timing of leaving the party is not right. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is starting today and Milind Deora should not have left the party on this day itself,” Ajay Yadav said.

Deora tendered resignation from the party’s primary membership earlier in the day.

Deora confirmed his resignation in a post on X, and stated, “Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party.”

“I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years,” he added.

Milin Deora has served as Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Shipping during the Congress tenure from 2012 to 2014.

He was also a former president of Mumbai Pradesh Congress Committee.

As per party sources, Deora left Congress after he expressed displeasure over the Shiv Sena (UBT), an INDI alliance partner of Congress, claiming the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, which he had represented earlier.

He is likely to join Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena later in the day. Several party members are also likely to join Shiv Sena in support of Deora, the sources said. (ANI)

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Pongal Depicts Emotion Of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’: Modi

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Extending greetings on the Pongal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the festival depicts the emotion of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’

The PM said this while attending the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister of State (MoS) L Murugan in the national capital.

“The country celebrated the festival of Lohri yesterday. Some people are celebrating Makar Sankranti today and some people will celebrate tomorrow, Magh Bihu is also coming, I extend my greetings to the countrymen for these festivals,” he said.

PM Modi further said that he felt like celebrating Pongal with his kith and kin.

“Wish you all a very happy Pongal! On this pious occasion, I wish happiness, prosperity and contentment to flow in your lives. Today, I feel like I am celebrating Pongal with my kith and kin,” he said.

Puducherry Lt Governor and Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was also present on the occasion.

“The festival of Pongal depicts the emotion of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’…This emotion of unity will give strength to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ of 2047,” the PM said.

He further said that all the festivals are, in one way or other, connected to agriculture.

“Saint Tiruvallur has said that ‘Good harvest, educated men, and honest traders together build the nation’. It’s a tradition that on Pongal the first harvest is offered to God. At the heart of this tradition lies our farmers. In fact, all our festivals are, in one way or other, connected to agriculture,” he said.

The Prime Minister further said that more than three crore farmers in the country are involved in the production of Shree Anna (millet grains). If we promote Shree Anna, then it directly benefits these three crore farmers.

PM Modi also enjoyed a cultural program at the residence of Murgan on the pious occasion of Pongal.

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamils. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, nature, and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.

Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. (ANI)

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Dense Fog, Flight Delayed, Delhi Wakes Up To Freezing Sunday Morning

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

A dense layer of fog gripped the national capital, impairing the movement of traffic as the city woke up to a bitterly cold Sunday.

The minimum temperature in the RK Puram Area was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius in the early hours of the day.

Meanwhile, people on the streets as well as the homeless took refuge at government-run night shelters amid the unforgiving cold and foggy conditions.

The night shelters in Delhi are aimed at providing refuge to homeless people, who live on the streets and have nowhere else to go in the cold. The shelters offer blankets, beds, hot water, and food to those seeking shelter.

On Friday, the city saw the season’s first cold wave day, which, according to the India Meterological Department, is recorded when the minimum temperature goes below 4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department issued an alert amid the bone-chilling cold.

“Very dense fog layer extends over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, North Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Passengers on highways need to drive extremely carefully and only with fog lights,” the IMD posted from its X handle.

“Journeys need to be halted until fog reduction by morning especially on expressways. Very Dense fog reporting over Amritsar, Chandigarh, Patiala, Ambala, Ganganagar, Palam, Safdarjung, Lucknow with visibility 0 meter since 0230 hrs IST of today,” it added.

The fog is likely to prevail during the morning hours in isolated pockets of northwest India during the next three to four days, the Met agency said.

As the weather forecasting agency predicted dense to very dense fog on Sunday, the Delhi Police urged motorists to drive carefully amid low visibility.

Delhi Police posted from its official X handle, “The Meteorological Department, Delhi, has forecast dense to very dense fog on January 14, 2024, and dense fog on January 15 & 16, 2024. We appeal to all to drive carefully in the fog.”

Meanwhile, as thick fog gripped the national capital, reducing visiting to alarming proportions, several flights were delayed.

Vistara’s Delhi-to-Pune flight was delayed by more than an hour, according to officials. (ANI)

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