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Sardar of contemporary India- Dr Manmohan Singh ( 1932-2024)

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Sardar of contemporary India, Dr Manmohan Singh, died on 26 th December 2024; he was born in to Panjabi Family on 26 September 1932 in the Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan). He always cherished and admired his roots and his friends cross the border. The family belongs to the Panjabi shik, they were in the business of the dry fruits. Manmohan Singh began his education at a local gurdwara, where he was first introduced to Urdu and Punjabi languages. On April 17, 1937, he joined the Government Primary School in his village, continuing his Urdu-medium studies until Class 4, at 10. When, his family moved to Peshawar, where he enrolled in the Khalsa School for upper-primary education. He completed his matriculation in the summer of 1947. Dr Singh pursued his education at Panjab University in Chandigarh before advancing to the University of Cambridge in Great Britain. He earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford. In the 1970s, he held various economic advisory roles ...

My take on the Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024

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  The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly election result painted a picture of optimism that stands apart from the trends seen in many state elections following the General Elections. While several post-general Election outcomes echoed national mandates or reaffirmed dominant majoritarian narratives, Jharkhand offers a refreshing deviation—a story shaped by regional priorities, grassroots issues, and a conscious electorate. Above all, I would say this is the struggle of the Indigenous community to reject the politics of religious divisiveness over self-determination through the democratic method. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc's resounding victory, which saw it win 56 of 81 seats in the State and achieve a two-third majority despite the BJP's deeply polarizing campaign, reflects the strength of a broad-based social coalition powered by a range of effective welfare initiatives. This stunning mandate has made history in Jharkhand's state elections, as it marks the firs...

Kerala lottery: story from the ground

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  The Kerala lottery enjoys immense popularity across the state, functioning as a well-organized and thriving industry. Throughout the year, different types of lotteries are launched, each tailored to appeal to various segments of the population. The system is deeply ingrained in Kerala's socio-economic fabric, with bumper prize schemes strategically timed to coincide with festivals, public holidays, and other major occasions, such as Onam, Christmas, Vishu, and New Year. These special lotteries often come with attractive prizes, including cash rewards that can significantly impact the winners’ lives. The government-run system is not only a source of excitement and hope for participants but also a substantial revenue generator for the state. The proceeds are channeled into public welfare projects, infrastructure development, and social services, making it a win-win situation for both the organizers and society. During my recent visit to the state, I observed, everywhere people ...

Jawaharlal Nehru's Legacy to Inspire Scientific Temper and Defend Democratic Ideals Amid Modern Challenges

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    Happy Birthday to our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, his legacy speaks volumes about the ideals he cherished and the values he strived to build modern India. When he mourned Gandhi's death with the words, “The light has gone out of our lives,” it was not merely an expression of grief—it was a warning and a call to action, an understanding that a profound sense of guidance, wisdom, and compassion was slipping away. Nehru saw the light of knowledge, justice, and humanity as essential for India to thrive, and today, on his birth anniversary, we must ask ourselves: Are we nurturing or neglecting that light? Nehru’s commitment to rational thought and scientific temper was, for him, the foundation of a society that could question, grow, and progress. He saw knowledge and inquiry as the pillars that could lead India to a dignified place on the world stage. Today, as we witness wars in Ukraine and the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, the values of peace and diplomacy he upheld f...

"Rethinking Reform: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Lessons for the Current Muslim Experience"

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  October 17 marks the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent intellectual, educationist, and reformer of the 19th century. His groundbreaking efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Muslims, his progressive approach to promoting modern education, and his establishment of institutions such as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later known as Aligarh Muslim University) represented a significant shift from the traditional mindset of his era. His legacy continues to shape the intellectual and educational progress of the Muslim community in South Asia. The contributions of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to higher education are unmatched, especially in shaping the intellectual and academic landscape of the Muslim community. AMU not only provided access to modern education but also fostered the emergence of an intellectual elite among Muslims, many of whom went on to become leaders, scholars, and professionals across various fields. While some may argue tha...

Rest and Self-Care: The Importance for Mental Health

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  World Mental Health Day being observed every year on 10th October , is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting efforts to support those affected. First established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, the day aims to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage greater understanding and action around mental health challenges globally. This year’s theme for the World Mental Health day is "Mental Health at Work". This is important; for promoting well-being in the workplace, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health on the job. It emphasizes the need for employers and organizations to create supportive environments where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges, seeking help when needed, and managing stress. By prioritizing mental health at work, businesses can improve productivity, reduce burnout, and foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture for everyone. Just...

Rediscovering Gandhi from Champaran in my childhood

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  Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a transformative figure in India's freedom struggle, despite many critics of his idea. Gandhi was not only a lawyer but also a social reformer, activist, and prolific writer who engaged with the contemporary political and social questions of his time. He was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, marking the beginning of a life that would leave an enduring mark on the world. My association with Gandhi's story began in my early childhood, as my home district is close to his historic Champaran Satyagraha of 1917. His experiment, where Gandhi took up the cause of indigo farmers, who were suffering under oppressive colonial policies, was the first major act of civil disobedience in India and laid the groundwork for his non-violent resistance. My grandfather often shared stories of Gandhi’s visit to his nearby village. Through his memories, I admired Gandhi's ethics—his commitment to bodily work, cleanliness, truth, and respect for oth...