New Delhi, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Authors and book lovers can be discerned by a few major traits, including a curiosity in all phases of a book's production, a readiness to embrace a new role in the process, as well as a marked inclination to attract others - in these days of limited attention spans - to the joys of reading, be it for pleasure or profit. Amrita Tripathi meets these criteria.

Print/broadcast/digital journalist-turned-author and podcaster Tripathi this week launched a new publishing imprint, Say Again Press, in collaboration with Bloomsbury India. Its two inaugural titles: "Lead Yourself" and "Be Heard!", designed especially to be concise, engaging, and accessible for modern readers, focus on helping them build communication, leadership, and personal development skills.

Elaborating on her change from being an author to donning the publisher's role, she stressed that she continues to be an author but has just transitioned to a wider perspective of the sector.

"I've been an author for 16 years, having written both novels and non-fiction, and I don’t want that identity to change," Tripathi told IANS in an email interview.

"But somewhere over the past few years, including my experience running The Health Collective for 10 years (focusing on stories of mental health) and heading content partnerships here in India at a tech company, I realised that I have an interest in the larger ecosystem. I wanted to see how best to curate stories and ensure they reach audiences. Especially those who now have a shorter attention span! " she added.

"I want to work on the business and strategy side of things as well, so this seemed like the right approach. At the end of the day, I love working with content and being an author (like most of our core team!) should be a huge value-add."

On the transition experience, Tripathi told IANS that it was "very dynamic and fluid", and she was lucky to put together "such a great squad of talent to work with", including editors Himanjali Sankar & Sundeep Misra, designers Devangana Dash and Mridu Agarwal—and a great partnership with Bloomsbury thanks to MD Rahul Srivastava.

"On the other hand, what a learning curve! From my first conversations last year with Stck.me founder Samir Patil to talks with bookstore owners, writers and more, it’s clear that this is also an ecosystem that could do with a little more transparency and that there are many tough spots to navigate as a startup," she added.

On the imprint's debut titles, Tripathi holds that for the first leadership series, "Say Again Essentials", she had "a very clear idea" in mind, to focus on short, crisp and compelling titles that people can lean on for leadership and professional development.

"For the next series that is kicking off, 'Say Again Crux', we will be looking at non-fiction across politics, sports, parenthood, healthcare and more -- these will also be shorter books, sharply tailored for today’s attention span."

"We zeroed in on the first titles thanks to our network of writers and editors, as well as some open pitches!" she added.

On what her venture's oeuvre would comprise, Tripathi said that the prime focus for now was on non-fiction in the genre of self-improvement, family and health, business, sports and politics, as well as a very interesting mythology series.

"My work in the mental health space also naturally lends itself to some forthcoming titles from writers in this space. And actually mid-to-long term we will also look at select fiction!" she added.

On the declining reading habits due to digital device addiction/limited attention spans, she contends that she is of the opinion that everyone is suffering from a similar challenge -- the fragmented attention span.

"But at the same time, we don’t even realise sometimes how much we are reading (on our screens) and how much content we are consuming!" she pointed out.

"My sense is that many of us also have a lot of digital fatigue and would welcome a change of pace. We would like to have some good options - even a short book that inspires us to think, or gives us some ideas, or helps us build our own critical thinking again, not just being dictated to by algos!"

"Many people are still clearly curious and hungry for good content, and conversations. So hopefully that’s something we can tap into and help co-create!"

On her own reading habits, Tripathi confessed that she loves so many different books.

These span Ann Patchett’s "Whistler", Elif Shafak’s "There are Rivers in the Sky", to some very fun spy thrillers in the Slow Horses series by Mick Herron, an irreverent look at the bureaucracy of espionage.

"In the leadership space, I’m reading Brene Brown’s Strong Ground, which is fantastic."

On suggestions for readers, settled or emerging, she pitches for her own favourites, as well as Say Again Press debut ventures - "Lead Yourself" and "Be Heard!"

"These are very short and budget- and pocket-friendly, and meant for the modern reader. Including our short attention spans," she said.

Source: IANS

The post ‘Reenergising reading’: Amrita Tripathi’s jump from writing books to acing publishing appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has revealed a startling conversation with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his new book "India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir", recounting how he had told him he would “commit suicide” after mistakenly believing the then CEC Quraishi had questioned his commitment to the poll panel during a controversy over the censure of then Union Minister Salman Khurshid for violating the Model Code of Conduct during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Quraishi said that the remarks of the former Prime Minister came to him as a "bombshell" and he was "totally shell-shocked", after which he had spent 15-20 minutes calming Manmohan Singh down.

Here are the excerpts of the interview.

IANS: What would you want to say about your new book "India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir"? What are the highlights of the book?

S.Y. Quraishi: There are many interesting anecdotes from my childhood, from my college days when I joined the academy in the Civil Service, and in elections. So, I think the political episode probably will draw more attention. It's very difficult to pick and choose because all these episodes are part of my life.

IANS: Why did then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh say that he will "commit suicide"? Why was the issue so serious?

S.Y. Quraishi: There is a story behind it. What happened was that we were conducting UP elections, and in those elections the then Law Minister, Salman Khurshid, a very fine person otherwise, but in the heat of the moment in the election when he was campaigning for his wife, he announced that they would increase the quota of minorities from 4.5 per cent to 9 per cent. So, immediately the BJP filed a written complaint; we asked the other party to explain. We heard a battery of lawyers on both sides. Then we came to the conclusion that Khurshid had indeed violated the Model Code, so we decided to censure him.

Under the Model Code, we cannot impose any fine or anything except advise, reprimand, or censure; censure is the maximum, and there is no judicial appeal also, but it amounts to conviction. So, we did that. After that, we were told by our common friends that some Congress leaders were indulging in loose talk, highly critical of me personally and the Election Commission for arrogance and for being arbitrary, whereas what we had done was a totally transparent judicial process which we had followed.

Criticism of the Election Commission was not acceptable; personally, I would not mind. So, I met Harish Khare, who was media advisor to the Prime Minister, and mentioned that some politicians are indulging in loose talk against us, which is not acceptable, and if we make it public, they'll run for cover. So, he said, 'Should I tell the Prime Minister? I said it is meant for the Prime Minister, do tell him please. So, the next day the Prime Minister called me, and he was so nervous, almost in panic. He said, 'Mr Quraishi, I want to meet you urgently'. I said, 'Sir, tell me where'. After some discussion, we decided to meet at his residence at 7 p.m. When I reached there, he was waiting at the door; he escorted me in. When we both sat down, he said, 'Mr. Quraishi, Harish told me what transpired between you and him yesterday, and if this is what you think about me, I'll commit suicide'. I was not prepared for this. It came to me as a bombshell. I was totally shell-shocked and didn't know what to say, how to react, and after that I spent 15-20 minutes to calm him.

“I told him, ‘Sir, my remarks were not directed at you. They were meant for ministers and political leaders who were engaging in irresponsible and loose talk. You have always been a strong supporter of the Election Commission, and that is a matter of record.’

Every time I met Dr Manmohan Singh at official functions, he would speak with pride about India’s democracy. He often said that one of the country’s greatest strengths and sources of global recognition was its robust electoral system and the conduct of free and fair elections.

He also told me that if I ever had any concerns, I could simply pick up the phone and speak to him directly. That reflected his sensitivity and openness. First, he had immense respect for institutions, and second, he felt strongly that baseless aspersions should never be cast on an institution that he deeply believed in and respected.

That is why he was so disturbed by such remarks. I believe this episode highlights the innate goodness of Dr Manmohan Singh -- his integrity, his respect for democratic institutions, and his unwavering commitment to fairness.

IANS: Was there any pressure on you from the government during your tenure as the CEC?

S.Y. Quraishi: There is no question of pressure. The government was very scared of us, and it was our Dharma mandated by the Constitution to keep distance from the government. Constitution provides that once the Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the government, they cannot touch him, cannot remove him or do anything or transfer or shift him. So, keeping a distance between the executive and the Election Commission was the mandate of the Constitution, and in our time we absolutely both sides honoured it completely.

IANS: Do you think there was power politics in play to manipulate the election results during your tenure?

S.Y. Quraishi: There is no question about that, absolutely out of the question. It was unthinkable. Nobody dared, and nobody did.

IANS: Did you ever interact with Rahul Gandhi during your time as CEC?

S.Y. Quraishi: No, not at all. I bumped into him a couple of times in official functions in Rashtrapati Bhavan, but I don't know whether we even wished each other, but just saw him from a close angle.

IANS: During your tenure, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav was elected unopposed. Do you find it a fair election or it was a state-sponsored show?

S.Y. Quraishi: I don't know; it's a very old thing that you brought out. I remember that she came unopposed; there were two or three candidates initially, but they withdrew, and we tried to find out from them whether they had withdrawn voluntarily. I don't remember the details; probably they had, so it's all political dynamics and more than that we had no personal knowledge.

IANS: What was your observation regarding that bypoll?

S.Y. Quraishi: Regarding bypoll? No, nothing. Nothing, there are several elections which are won unopposed, so it was a bit surprising that UP is a hotbed of politics and why nobody chose to contest the election. Maybe out of respect for this new entrant, the young lady. I don't know. We conducted the election, declared the results, and moved on, nothing more, nothing less.

IANS: Was EVM a big issue in your era also?

S.Y. Quraishi: Oh, yes, very much. In fact, it was at the peak in our time. Even before I became CEC in 2010. The BJP was the biggest critic of EVMs, and they even wrote a book, 'Democracy at Risk'. It was written by G.V.L Narasimha Rao with a foreword by L.K. Advani, and they were questioning the dependability and trustworthiness of the EVM.

When I took over, I immediately called a meeting of all political parties, as was my norm because it's good to discuss with them, with all the opposition parties, it was led by Chandrababu Naidu. I was initially very surprised to see him leading a delegation which is anti-technology because he was a technology icon. I told him that, and I said: "Chandrababu ji, tell me what your grievance and problem is; I will try and solve. And my challenge is that, at the end of the day, either you will convince me, or I'll convince you to become the brand ambassador of EVMs".

He laughed, and of course then he explained, he said: "I'm not saying that EVMs have been manipulated and they have manipulated the result or will do so in the future". Then I said, " Then what are you saying? He said, "All we are saying is that there is no transparency. Meaning thereby, when you press a button, it goes into a machine; whether it is going to the right candidate or not, it's not visible to the naked eye".

I asked what the solution is. He said: "Introduce VVPAT, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, which means there will be a printer attached, and on that printer there will be a screen on which, when you choose a candidate, it will appear on the screen. So, that is how you are able to verify: yes, this is the guy I have chosen, so you can see for yourself. And after that, a chit or a slip will get cut automatically and go into a sealed box, and then you can compare the figures in the machine and the slips which it has generated."

Lakhs and lakhs of them were compared, and they all tallied. Therefore, with the help of VVPAT we were able to establish, re-establish the credibility of EVMs. Questions are being raised now about VVPAT, how many to be counted and all that; that's a matter of detail, and of course we have to find a solution. If some parties and many parties in this case are questioning it, we should listen to them. Surely, just as we listened to them and found a solution. So, if you talk to them and ask them to explain what it is that they want, surely a solution will be found.

IANS: Was there any EVM manipulation during your period?

S.Y. Quraishi: No question about that. Absolutely nothing. Nothing of the sort. Even people losing by one vote accepted the results with grace.

IANS: What was the relationship between Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, to your observation during the time in the office as CEC?

S.Y. Quraishi: We have no idea because what was happening inside a political party, we had nothing to do. We dealt with them only when they came to the Election Commission as a delegation. More than that, we knew nothing about what was happening except whatever we heard in the media, so, more than that, we know nothing personally.

IANS: Was money power used for the elections during the UPA-led government?

S.Y. Quraishi: That is a serious question because when I took over in 2010 as CEC, I gave myself, in my own inaugural press conference, two challenges. One was voter apathy, particularly of a so-called educated urban people, who were never voting and were bragging about it, and second was money power.

We found a solution; the solution that we suggested and we tried to do was to create two separate divisions in the Election Commission. One was for voter education; we brought a professional from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as its first Director General. And for money power, we created the Expenditure Monitoring Division, where we got an Income Tax Service officer who was working in CBDT and made him the DG. He created the rules and regulations and all that, which we publicised; we gave training to politicians so that they do not make mistakes. We wanted to be preventive rather than punitive.

Initially, we had great success because we started seizing money in crores and later on hundreds of crores. But, in fact, in my first book, 'An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election', it's mentioned that I had identified 40 modus operandi of abuse of money power, which is what we had discovered. You know how they were using money through newspapers. You know when you open the newspaper, the cash will flow, or they will go door to door. Slip in some gold chain, and they were holding fake marriage parties and birthday parties to host the voters to dinner and all that.

We discovered all kinds of modus operandi. But I'm sure they have come up with many more. So, I would not say that we have controlled the situation as we would have wanted to.

IANS: In Section 6 of your book, you mentioned that there was a PMO posting you rejected. What was that?

S.Y. Quraishi: I was Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and in addition I was also Director General of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, which had 3 lakh youth clubs all over the country, and I was also the head of NSS, National Service Scheme, which was operational in 300 universities. So, with the result, instead of a Secretariat job, my job had become a field job. In fact, it had a double benefit. I was also a Secretariat officer, as Joint Secretary, but as DG and as Director of NSS, the whole country was my field, and I found it unique. It was the only job of its kind, and I was quite enjoying it.

When somebody told me that you are going to PMO, he thought I'll be excited, but I was shocked. I said: "But I don't know; nobody has told me". So, he said, "No, all decisions have been taken. Security clearance is obtained, and this order must be coming any minute, maybe by evening or tomorrow morning". So, I was genuinely shocked, because normally, anybody would jump at that job. But one thing is that I was enjoying my current job and I didn't want to move to PMO, where you become totally anonymous, faceless, nameless; you are a backroom boy. It is, of course, very important; working in the PMO is a privilege otherwise.

I also had another funny notion; maybe wrong, maybe right; I don't know; that I would not like to work in three Ministries, PMO was one and Home Ministry and Defence Ministry because there was a kind of a communal feeling around -- "oh, this is a Muslim officer, therefore, let us keep an extra watch on him", that was not acceptable to me at all. That was insulting. I used to think that I would rather be a king in Panchayati Raj Department, than be a suspect in these three Ministries. People may not agree with it, but that was my view. It was a considered long-term view. I didn't want to go.

My neighbour was the Additional Secretary, PMO, N.K. Sinha, who was first very angry and said, "How did you know, how did you get to know? It was supposed to be an all-secret process." I said, sir, somebody told me, but I really don't want to go. I said that I also don't want to go in a kind of a quota -- a Muslim officer. I don't want to come as a Muslim officer; I want to come as a brilliant officer, as a bright officer. I want to come in that capacity. He said, "We do need a Muslim officer because there are some matters in which we need their advice, like Waqf", so I said, you can get a Director or maybe I can suggest some other names, but this is my hang-up.

But my feeling was not wrong; there was a Secretary to the Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, K.R. Venugopal... he was my boss, and he was very fond of me. When I met him, he totally agreed with me. He said, "Yaqub, your stand is absolutely correct, because six months ago I had asked you by name, and that is when they say, no, we already have a Muslim officer; we can't have two. So, therefore your stand is right." So, finally I had prepared an alternative list of names which were not acceptable and the incumbent then was given an extension for two years.

IANS: You mentioned in Section 5 about how television could change India. What do you have to say about this?

S.Y. Quraishi: These are some anecdotes from my days as DG, Doordarshan. One was about the TRP scam. I found that the private channels, when they came as cable and satellite channels, were all ganged up to cheat Doordarshan of its revenues by wrong interpretation. They came out with an interpretation that only 2 per cent of people were viewing Doordarshan, which was rubbish. Because that was the time when 52 per cent of India had only terrestrial TV... Which means half the country had 100 per cent Doordarshan... So 51 per cent of India was watching Doordarshan; the other channels were being watched together for 48-49 per cent. But the revenue was coming to us only as a channel with 1.5 per cent or 2 per cent audience. So, this was absolutely an attempt to defraud the public broadcaster.

They were using people metres. So, I went into the workings of the metre; there used to be a set-top box on the TV, and how it was connected to the TV by opening the back of the television, which means you lose warranty. Who would like to volunteer? Would you like to have that TV in your house, where every time you leave the room in front of the TV, you go to the toilet, you go to the kitchen, you have to press a button, come back, you press another button, and you keep doing that the whole day. Who in their senses would do that? Except somebody who had been paid. So, this was a racket which I tried to expose and which is what I have detailed here.

IANS: Once you were pointed out as a Muslim, as you have mentioned in the book. Can you explain more about the incident?

S.Y. Quraishi: For 40 years in the civil service, I have repeatedly said that all the glory that I got was from the Hindus. And all the brickbats which I got were from Muslims, and that too from Malerkotla in Punjab. They were known to be of this nature, this temperament, and they used to... I was the Administrator of the Punjab Waqf Board for some time. They used to send all kinds of false complaints against me all the time, harassing me. So, that was the context. I had not encountered any communalism in the civil service.

I was a Divisional Commissioner of Gurgaon, which had four districts in it. Elections came, and the Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana and the Home Secretary came visiting. I took them to all four districts. We reviewed the arrangement for two days. And when they were leaving, suddenly the CEO told me: "Mr Qureshi, you haven't gone for your observer training because you have been appointed an observer in Yamuna Nagar". I said, sir, for two days I am with you, the whole day in four districts. You never uttered a word, and now suddenly, when you are leaving, you are saying this. He said, no, that's (training) very important. You can't get any exemption from that.

I thought this was a mistake because I also had an additional charge at that time of Resident Commissioner. So, the Resident Commissioner is not conducting elections; maybe that's why they gave me this duty. Haryana was under President's rule at that time, so I spoke to Zafar Saifullah, who was the advisor and said: "Sir, there seems to be a mistake. He said, 'Yeah, it looks like it; you forget that observer duty and you do your work in the division". Then in half an hour, he called me and said, "Mr Qureshi, you will have to attend that observer duty because the Chief Secretary here has taken a stand that in Gurgaon district, there is an area called Mewar where there are a lot of Muslims and therefore having a Muslim Commissioner supervising the election will not be right".

I think that was a very, very unfair stand because a Hindu Deputy Commissioner supervising the Hindu voters, that is fine. But saying there were some Muslims in one district. I think it was only foolish, I would say, or should I say mischievous. But I didn't like it at all. That was the only time. Otherwise, all my bosses and all my colleagues and all my friends, colleagues, they were all very secular, and I was very close and dear to them.

IANS: How was your meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat? You have mentioned the meeting in your book.

S.Y. Quraishi: Yes, that is another thing which has received a lot of media attention in the past, but since people still keep on asking me, I've mentioned that you know, we were some friends group of friends 4 or 5, we were not happy with what was happening, the lynching every day and the hate speech and bulldozer, so, we wanted to go and mention it to Bhagwat that enough is enough. So, we sought an appointment with him, which he immediately gave, and we went to see him, and of course he said what grievances were, and we mentioned them, and it was decided that dialogue is the best way. We should keep in touch, and we have had two or three meetings after that, and I think they have been useful.

IANS: You also mentioned that Javed Akhtar made you a hero and then a villain. Can you explain why?

S.Y. Quraishi: Well, that's an interesting story... I am sure one of the highlights of my tenure, all six years, was the UP elections. I think the best UP elections ever were held when I was the CEC and my two colleagues, of course, were ably supporting me, so we did wonderful elections. Immediately thereafter, there was a function in Delhi Gymkhana Club where Javed Akhtar sahab was there, and there were others, and Javed Sahab said that "You know Mr Quraishi, you were the hero of UP election". So, I said: "Javed bhai, you will give me a role in your next film". So, he says: "Role to de dunga, lekin villain ka hoga (I will give you a role, but it will be that of a villain". What he meant was that he will give a role, but since I may have been a hero to the people, the voters, but I was a villain for the politicians whose tricks I did not permit at all. So, that is what he was hinting at, and we just laughed it off.

IANS: You have also written about your meeting with former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. How do you see that meeting?

S.Y. Quraishi: In 2014, I had retired already for 2 years, so I was going to Bangladesh for some lecture. But the then High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India said: "Sir, if you are meeting Sheikh Hasina, please tell her the importance of the Election Commission and its credibility". So, that was very important and significant. So, I said, all right. So, I sought an appointment, a courtesy call with Sheikh Hasina, and she readily agreed. I went with my High Commissioner, Pankaj Saran. She came with seven of her top advisors as if it was a formal meeting and a summit. I was just a retired CEC, but India had that image and that reputation that even a retired CEC enjoys a lot of respect and credibility.

We had an over-one-hour meeting in which I explained to her why a credible election is extremely important, and she was a bit defensive, but also receptive to the idea. And this was a very nice meeting; then we met ten years later just before this recent controversial election, and then she looked a little tired, and then she complained that she suspects that foreign powers are trying to unseat her, they want a change of regime. So, which is exactly what happened.

IANS: In one section of your book, there is an instance mentioned where a Chief Minister stopped talking to you. Can you tell us more about it?

S.Y. Quraishi: The Chief Minister was Om Prakash Chautala. I was very close to him because I was very close to his father (former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal), whom I had worked with. But on bureaucratic intrigue, I was given a sideline post of Haryana Mineral Corporation. One day he called a meeting in Chandigarh and said that some mines with which we were operating our corporation should be given to a private man. I said: "Sir, I can't do that because that's the way I'm paying my salaries. You close down the corporation, but I cannot give this". He was very unhappy because nobody had the courage to speak to a Chief Minister like that. For three-four months he did not speak to me, and suddenly one fine day, when the Principal Secretary to the CM's post was falling vacant, and there were a whole lot of candidates - every day some new name would come - then he called me and said: "Quraishi, I want to make you my Principal Secretary."

Here is a man who has not talked to me for three months and suddenly wants to make me the Chief Minister's Principal Secretary, the most powerful job in the state. I was surprised. I said: "Sir, are you sure? Have you thought about it?" He said: "Mr Quraishi, we will need to give your Principal Secretary's job without thinking." I said, it is good to be clear about certain things, so because there are certain things I cannot do, with referred to money making frankly, so but there are certain thing in which I'm strong; I said I have bright ideas for development programmes, new ideas keep coming up and half of them I'm able to implement also, and secondly, I know the art of getting money from the Government of India because I had worked in Government of India. He said: "That is exactly what we want".

Then he appointed me, and he said: "But keep it a secret for three weeks, because there are a whole lot of critics and hostile elements who will sabotage it". This is a moral for the civil servants, that you should not stray from your path of honesty, and because politicians may find you inconvenient temporarily, but in the heart they respect only the honest people, which you can't find a better case and better proof than this story tells you.

IANS: Why do you think we have to rethink teaching mathematics in schools?

S.Y. Quraishi: I have two children, and I have seen that when they were going to school, 90 per cent of their time was being spent only on one subject, mathematics; 90 per cent of our money was being spent on their tuition, and that was the case in every home. So, why should mathematics be thrust on everybody? Trigonometry, calculus -- why should it be? I have asked mathematicians: have you ever used this in your life? They haven't.

I said, instead of thrusting it on everybody, after eighth class, which is elementary mathematics, after that you make it optional. Bright people who are brilliant in maths, let them go and do their PhD. But why thrust it on everybody? In fact, wherever I mentioned in school functions, I got maximum applause, which shows that the children want this.

Source: IANS

The post Came as bombshell, says ex-CEC SY Quraishi on Manmohan Singh’s ‘will commit suicide’ remark (IANS Interview) appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) The feminine, leaving aside the sacred feminine motif present in several religions, is not just a concept of the human condition but rather a facet of creation itself, given its role in gestation and nurturing. Even if it is viewed as half of the equation of life, it unfortunately does not reflect in the social configuration, or the infamous patriarchy, which long deprived women of their due status and agency.

In the Indian context, the question that crops up is whether it was always like this, given that this inequality is purported to be rooted in the hoary annals of "traditional and/or scriptural authority". Or is this ruse another colonial construct, rooted in selective interpretation or mischievous misinterpretation in pursuance of vested interests?

This is what civil servant Mukul Kumar seeks to investigate in his first non-fiction work, "Women in the Womb of Time: Unveiling Ancient Feminism" (BluOne Ink Pvt/328 pp/Rs 799), with his basic question being to find out "how did the discrimination against women emerge?"

This he seeks to answer by undertaking a comprehensive and intense scrutiny of ancient texts and other evidentiary material to see what they tell us about the status of women in hoary antiquity.

And what he finds is quite eye-opening, not to mention counter-intuitive!

But before beginning what proves to be a most extensive - yet lucidly-presented - survey into Ancient India's social mores and norms, Mukul Kumar, an Indian Rail Traffic Service officer whose previous published oeuvre comprises half a dozen works split between novels and poetry anthologies, seeks to clarify his terms of reference and yardsticks, particularly the contested definitions of the binary constructs of 'feminity' and 'masculinity'.

This entails an engrossing philosophical, historical, and anthropological excursion into the genesis and development of human society and gender roles and the definition and scope of feminism, which draws in Karl Marx - and his theory of the influence of the means of production, his collaborator Friedrich Engels, Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler, and more.

With this done, the author then begins his examination with the 'Shruti' literature, encompassing both the venerable Vedas, particularly the Rig Veda, as well as the Upanishads, and the 'Smriti' literature, which includes both the great epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Shastras, and the Puranas.

And in the process, he brings the spotlight on several female luminaries of the Vedic period, of which Gargi, Maitreyi, and Lopamudra are known, but also the likes of Viswavara and Apala who deserve more attention.

Similarly, he does strike new ground in his study on epic literature, where the focus is not only on Sita and Draupadi, but several other key characters, both central and cited, like Tara, Mandodari, and Savitri, among others.

More significantly, Mukul Kumar delves deep into the Manusmriti, the Arthashastra, and the Kamasutra, all of which get their separate chapters.

Explaining his choice of the trio, he says the first needs an examination for its contradictory nature on the subject (among other issues), the second for being the first Indian work to deal with the role of women in the economic domain beyond their home and hearth, and finally, the last, which is not, as commonly perceived, only a manual of erotic love but a more wider work of social customs and advice.

Varying traditions across the subcontinent, including Buddhism and Jainism, are then taken up for how they deal with the issue of women, before the author moves on from his scriptural exegesis to what extant epigraphical and numismatic evidence tells us before wrapping up his quest in the Gupta era of the 7th Century C.E. - and the wider landscape of the sub-continent - to reflect on what his research indicates.

The course of the journey is most engrossing, not to mention cerebral but accessible at the same time, for the author does wear his erudition lightly and despite the profuse quotations from the source works, presents his work as more of an informed conversation than a discourse.

And then, along with his own reading of the matter concerned, Mukul Kumar marshals the thoughts of a considerable number of domain and other experts, including (but not limited to) Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, Romila Thapar, Radha Kumud Mukherjee, D.N. Jha, Wendy Doniger, et al.

In all, it is a thought-provoking excursion into a period of early Indian civilisational ethos, with its sets of binary opposites, and an aim of seeing how far the "ancient articulations are resonant with current feminist concerns", but based on indigenous intellectual and cultural heritage, instead of Western interpolations.

While the author does add the caveat that his work shouldn't be seen as definitive but as the beginning of informed exploration, it certainly is an impressive start.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) A new publishing imprint, Say Again Press, was officially launched in the national capital with the release of its first two books, Be Heard and Lead Yourself. The event brought together authors, communication experts, media professionals, and academics, and was attended by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mahishini Colonne.

The inaugural titles focus on helping readers build communication, leadership, and personal development skills in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and shrinking attention spans.

Say Again Press, founded by author and podcaster Amrita Tripathi, is a multi-platform, interdisciplinary thought leadership studio. It has since expanded into a publishing venture, launching a curated imprint in collaboration with Bloomsbury India.

Author Amrita Tripathi said the books were intentionally designed to be concise, engaging, and accessible for modern readers.

"I'm very interested in how we can create beautiful and compelling books for today's attention span. We know people are struggling a little bit more to read books, so we wanted to make some friendly, accessible and important books," she said.

Explaining the idea behind the series, Tripathi added, "The first two books are in a leadership series. One is called Be Heard, which shows people how to communicate with confidence, as leaders do. The other is Lead Yourself, which explores, through quotable insights from amazing leaders, qualities of leadership and how we should look at success and failure in this age of AI."

Introducing Lead Yourself, she described it as a collection of practical wisdom drawn from experienced leaders.

"Keeping in mind that time and attention are at a premium, the Say Again Press team has put together a series of sharp and insightful takes to turbocharge your professional development. You'll find wisdom, honesty and perspective at your fingertips," she said.

The author stressed that communication has become more important than ever despite technological advances.

"We're losing the art of communication because most of us are constantly on screens and letting Gen AI do much of our thinking and communicating. It's important to remember our original thinking, our own words, and reconnect with people," she said.

On the changing role of writers in the AI era, Tripathi said authors remain vital because readers continue to seek authentic human perspectives.

"As authors and creators, we have our own audiences and our own messages. People are still very curious and want genuine human connection," she said.

Speaking about plans, she hinted at an expanding catalogue.

"We have so many books planned. We have wonderful writers, designers and artists who want to work with us," she said.

Rahul Srivastava, Managing Director of Bloomsbury Publishing India, highlighted the growing need for face-to-face communication, especially among young people.

"The biggest communication gap is the time young people spend on screens. Face-to-face communication is missing. We think we can do a lot over Zoom, but eye contact and personal interaction make all the difference," he said.

Explaining the collaboration behind Say Again Press, Srivastava said the initiative aims to complement Bloomsbury's existing publishing programme.

"We felt that what Amrita is publishing would add value to what Bloomsbury is publishing. These are shorter books designed for today's readers with limited time. It's a collaborative effort between Bloomsbury and Say Again Press—more books for more readers," he said.

On whether social media is affecting listening skills, he acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.

"People are still reading, including on social media. That's why we're launching shorter books that can be finished in a couple of hours, matching today's reading habits," he noted.

Senior communication coach and former journalist Shivraj Parshad argued that effective communication is about understanding people rather than simply choosing impressive words.

"There's a misunderstanding that communication is about having the right words. It's actually about understanding what the other person or your audience needs to hear. How you make someone feel or respond is far more important than sounding impressive," he said.

Offering advice on overcoming the fear of public speaking, Parshad said speakers should focus on serving the audience instead of worrying about themselves.

"Public speaking becomes easier when you realise it's not about you—it's about your audience. Think of it as a conversation over coffee with someone familiar rather than a performance," he said.

He also underlined the link between leadership and communication.

"A great leader understands what they want people to feel, do and remember. Communication is much more than words; it's about creating impact. That's what makes an effective leader," he added.

Describing the concept behind the new publishing venture, Parshad compared it to "snackable content."

"There are countless self-help books. These books simplify the essentials. At its core, communication is about being clear, concise and coherent," he said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Embassy of Israel in New Delhi hosted the official launch of the book 'Budo for Life' by internationally acclaimed martial artist, leadership mentor, and technology executive Sensei Eyal Nir. During the event, held in the presence of Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, the author presented the first copy of the book to the envoy, marking its official launch.

Budo, often translated as the 'martial way', is a holistic and philosophical approach to martial arts deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It extends beyond the physical techniques of combat to encompass spiritual and ethical dimensions. Budo is not just about fighting; it's about self-improvement, discipline, and a journey toward enlightenment.

Speaking to IANS, Nir said, "The name is Budo for Life. That means Budo, the traditional Japanese martial arts, not just for self-defence, which is obvious, but as a tool for life. It is for anyone, even people who do not practice martial arts, to apply in their personal and professional lives and in their daily routines by leveraging the wisdom, experience, and knowledge of Budo accumulated over centuries in today's 21st-century life."

When asked how Budo differs from yoga, he further said, “One difference is that the purpose of Budo is, in some ways, self-defence, whereas in yoga, self-defence is basically irrelevant. Secondly, in Budo and martial arts, you very often practice with a partner. You have someone facing you, so you need to connect with the other person, understand, anticipate, respond with good timing, influence, strategy, and many other mental and physical aspects that involve facing someone.”

Stressing that the two disciplines differ in several ways, Nir said that yoga is an individual practice focused on self-reflection and inward awareness.

"It is about looking inward, observing yourself mentally and physically. There are many other differences as well," he added.

Asked whether Budo could help Indians, given their busy lifestyles and limited time for fitness and physical activities, Nir said, "First, I think this is relevant and useful for every human being. Of course, Indians are part of that because, as you said, life today is often very fast-paced. There is pressure, chaos, and people suffer. The tools are very concrete. As I said, it's a system. It's not a vague idea. It's arranged into five phases and ten tools that people can read and practice on their own. There are very specific instructions to acquire the skills and then apply them in their lives.”

Source: IANS

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Jammu, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) After the book controversy erupted in which eight officials were suspended, police said on Sunday that a case has been registered, and the Counter-Intelligence Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was carrying out raids.

Officials said the Counter Intelligence Wing registered a first FIR on Saturday and launched raids in connection with the alleged glorification of separatists in two controversial publications.

The books in contention are titled 'Personalities and Legends of J and K', authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir', authored by Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.

According to officials, 123 copies of one of the books were supplied to Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, and 128 copies of the other book were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla districts.

A case was registered at the Police Station Counter Intelligence, Jammu, under Sections 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity, disharmony) and 353 (publishing, or circulating false statements, rumours, or reports) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the officials said.

After filing the case, the Counter Intelligence unit launched raids at the premises of one of the publishers in Bahu Plaza in Jammu city. They said the searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation to collect material relevant to the case.

The investigators have seized both physical documents and digital evidence during the raids, the officials said, adding that no arrests have been made so far.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, removed a contractual staff member and ordered an inquiry into two controversial books found containing "highly inappropriate content".

The action comes after BJP, Congress and other political groups raised objections that the books allegedly "glorified" separatism.

In an order, the School Education Department said the two books were withdrawn on Friday. It must be mentioned that the books were approved by screening committees and cleared for being issued to various school libraries in the UT.

The Samagra Sikhsha officials had approved the controversial book and passed it for being issued to school libraries.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Acclaimed writer, lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi is set to be honoured with the inaugural 'NBT Bhushan Samman' at the Navbharat Times (NBT) Utsav 2026 on July 4. The special honour has been instituted by NBT Delhi to reward outstanding and enduring contributions in the fields of literature, culture, creativity, and mass communication.

The celebrated creative icon will receive the NBT Bhushan Samman by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during NBT Utsav 2026, slated for July 4 in the national capital.

Prasoon Joshi is among India's most distinguished creative minds, whose words have transcended cinema to become expressions of hope, emotion, patriotism, and social change. Through memorable works in films such as Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Neerja, he has forged a lasting connection with audiences across generations. His writing reflects the aspirations of youth, the spirit of the nation, and the depth of human relationships, making his work an integral part of contemporary Indian cultural life.

Beyond cinema, Prasoon Joshi has established himself as a leading voice in literature and advertising. His poetry and prose are celebrated for their emotional depth, while his acclaimed advertising campaigns are known for their simplicity, creativity, and ability to connect with millions. His exceptional command over language and distinctive storytelling have earned him recognition as one of India's most influential creative personalities.

“Prasoon Joshi's remarkable creative journey continues to inspire generations of young Indians. It is with this vision that the publication is instituting the NBT Bhushan Samman, beginning with one of the country's most respected cultural icons,” NBT Delhi said in a press statement.

“The award will honour individuals whose extraordinary contributions have enriched Indian society, culture, and public life,” it further said about the purpose behind introducing a new honour at its annual flagship event.

Notably, Prasoon Joshi was recently appointed as the head of a study group set up by the Centre to recommend measures for strengthening the Indian film industry and expanding theatre infrastructure in the country.

Joshi, the chairman of Prasar Bharati and long-time advertising and film professional, will chair the study group. The panel will also include industry experts and technology partners and will submit its report to the ministry within three months.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) When the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch dismantled one of India's largest alleged "digital arrest" fraud networks in 2024, arresting 17 accused, including four Taiwanese nationals, the investigation not only exposed the growing sophistication of transnational cybercrime but also laid the foundation for a book on modern cybercrime investigations.

The case, which gained national attention and was later referenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', prompted Ahmedabad Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal and his colleagues to begin documenting lessons from major cybercrime investigations, emerging fraud trends and evolving investigative techniques.

The result was 'Cyber Trails: Unmasking Digital Crimes', a publication unveiled last week alongside 'NDPS Investigation and Procedure (Ready Reckoner)' under the guidance of the Gujarat Director General of Police and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi formally releasing the two books.

Together, the books reflect an effort by senior police officers to document investigative practices in two areas that law enforcement increasingly considers among its most challenging: cybercrime and narcotics offences.

Singhal, who co-authored both books, said the cybercrime volume emerged from a desire to preserve investigative knowledge that often remains confined to individual case files.

“Nobody knows after two years how we detected the case, how we did the charge sheet, what tools were used and how criminals had access to the database. We should have more documentation," Singhal said in an interview with IANS.

The 403-page 'Cyber Trails', co-authored with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Dr Lavina Sinha and Assistant Commissioner of Police Hardik Makadia, covers a broad range of topics including social media monitoring, digital forensics, cryptocurrency investigations, dark web activity, financial frauds, open-source intelligence (OSINT), mobile and cloud forensics, email investigations and digital hygiene.

According to Singhal, the book differs from many existing publications because it is rooted in actual investigations rather than purely academic or theoretical discussions.

“This is the book in which we have case studies from real-time investigations. When we caught the gang and how we investigated, we included those learnings. There are a lot of references as well," he told IANS.

The authors drew from cases investigated not only by Ahmedabad Police but also by cybercrime units in other cities.

However, Singhal noted that certain operational details were intentionally omitted. “We have not put all the procedures in place otherwise, criminals will read and know what our capabilities are,” he said.

The book includes chapters on digital arrest scams, one of the fastest-growing categories of cyber fraud in recent years. "The victims are often senior citizens who are manipulated through fear and deception," he noted.

Other chapters examine emerging threats such as cryptocurrency-based laundering, fake investment schemes, social media exploitation and online financial frauds.

One case highlighted by Singhal involved fraudsters targeting parents of students preparing for medical entrance examinations.

According to him, scammers falsely claimed on Telegram groups that they possessed question papers for the recently concluded NEET-UG re-examination and used fabricated success stories to convince victims to pay amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 80,000 before disappearing.

“They did not have any paper with them, but they were showing on Telegram that they had a paper. Once payment is made, they wash out," he said.

The book also devotes significant attention to digital hygiene and online safety. Singhal argued that smartphones have fundamentally transformed daily life and have become indispensable tools for communication, payments, shopping and social interaction.

“You can live without other things, but you cannot live without the mobile,” he said. At the same time, he warned that users often expose excessive personal information online, making themselves vulnerable to cybercriminals.

He pointed to fake profiles, spyware, malicious APK files disguised as greeting cards or invitations, and the misuse of personal data shared on social media platforms.

“By just one click, you can lose your precious money in less than a minute,” he said. The authors also dedicated chapters to OSINT tools, which Singhal described as "valuable resources" for investigators.

While many advanced tools require paid subscriptions, he said numerous free tools can assist investigators in analysing digital evidence, conducting forensic examinations and tracing online activities.

“There are so many OSINT tools which are aiding our investigations. Very few field officers know that these types of tools are available,” he said.

While 'Cyber Trails' targets both law enforcement personnel and the public, the second publication, 'NDPS Investigation and Procedure', is primarily intended as an operational guide for investigators handling narcotics cases.

Co-authored with DCP (Special Operations Group) Rahul Tripathi, the book was developed against the backdrop of growing concerns over drug trafficking and the need for stronger investigations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Singhal explained that NDPS investigations are highly procedure-driven and require investigating officers to comply with extensive legal safeguards. “NDPS Act specifies that there are 21 checklists which every investigating officer has to do for making a case,” he said.

The book explains how officers should document intelligence inputs, obtain permissions before raids, conduct searches, coordinate with forensic laboratories, prepare evidence and comply with legal requirements that are frequently scrutinised in court.

Each section also includes relevant judicial precedents and practical guidance aimed at helping officers build legally sustainable cases.

A distinctive feature of the NDPS publication is its ready reckoner format. The book contains forms, checklists and procedural guidance for actions such as freezing bank accounts, attaching properties and filing documents before courts.

“If you want to freeze the property, how to freeze, what are the checklists, what are the forms we have to fill and submit to the court... we have made forms available and put them in the book itself,” Singhal told IANS.

Another objective was to make specialised knowledge accessible in Gujarati, a language in which relatively few policing manuals are available. “A lot of books are available in English, but very few in Gujarati. We thought it better to publish it in Gujarati," he said.

Both books were the result of roughly a year of work, including drafting, collaboration and multiple rounds of proofreading. Singhal said the authors divided chapters according to their areas of expertise.

He personally worked on sections related to digital forensics and cybercrime investigations, while Dr Sinha contributed chapters on social media monitoring and the dark web, and Makadia focused on cryptocurrency investigations.

Despite the demands of policing, Singhal said he dedicated time each week to writing and research. “I dedicated one hour late at night to ensure that at least four hours per week I would give to my book. That helps me not only in writing, but I also have to read a lot," he said.

For Singhal, the publications are ultimately aimed at addressing a broader shift in crime patterns. While traditional offences remain important, he believes cybercrime now represents one of the most significant challenges facing law enforcement agencies.

“Everybody is mastered in property offences and physical offences. But now cybercrime is increasing. We need trained staff in police stations," he emphasised.

As digital technologies continue to evolve, the authors hope the books will serve both as investigative resources and as guides for citizens seeking to navigate an increasingly complex online world.

Whether examining the mechanics of a cryptocurrency scam, the investigation of a dark web network, the freezing of assets in a narcotics case or the simple precautions required to stay safe online, the publications attempt to translate operational experience into lessons that can be applied beyond the case files from which they originated.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, June 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The English edition of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s book in Malayalam, 'Adam Nee Evide Aakunnu? (Adam, Where Are You?)' is now keenly awaited, as the Malayalam version continues to make waves in the market, crossing sales of more than 10,000 copies within weeks of its release.

The book, a collection of Satheesan’s speeches delivered at various Christian church gatherings while he was Leader of Opposition, has emerged as one of the notable non-fiction successes of the year, with its publisher expecting the English version to launch the book to a wider national audience.

Published by D.C. Books on May 8, the book entered the market at a politically significant moment, days after the Congress-led UDF registered a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, ending the 10-year rule of the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

At the time of its release, intense discussions were underway within the Congress over who would lead the UDF government.

Though Satheesan was among the frontrunners, the possibility of senior leader Ramesh Chennithala and the surprise entry of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal into the leadership race had kept the issue open.

After several rounds of consultations, Satheesan eventually emerged as the choice for Chief Minister.

Since assuming office, Satheesan’s public presence, particularly his style of handling media interactions and his interventions in the Assembly, has generated fresh interest around him.

The growing curiosity around the new Chief Minister appears to have also reflected in the demand for his book.

Speaking to IANS, Roy Mathew, media secretary to Satheesan, who edited the book, said the response had been extremely encouraging.

“The response has been excellent. More than 10,000 copies have already been sold. The English edition, expected next month, could take the book to a much wider audience,” he said.

Publisher Ravi D.C has gone on record to say that around 250 copies were being sold daily through D.C. Books outlets, adding that the book had received strong feedback from readers.

The English edition is expected to be released in July.

The book contains 32 chapters and includes speeches delivered by Satheesan at nearly 250 meetings organised by various churches.

Former Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Dr Cyriac Thomas has written the foreword.

The title of the book comes from Satheesan’s speech at the reception given by the native parish of Cardinal-designate Archbishop Mar George Jacob Koovakad.

The speech, “Adam, Where Are You?”, had gone viral.

Another notable speech included in the book was delivered at the Kumbanad Convention of the India Pentecostal Church in January 2023, where the theme was “Let Your Kingdom Come”.

With the English edition set to arrive soon, the book’s journey from a collection of speeches to a bestseller is being seen as another indicator of the expanding public interest around 62-year-old Satheesan, barely weeks into his tenure as Chief Minister.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior journalist Zoya Ahmad Husain's debut book "Wah Ri Zindagi", an evocative, eclectic and engaging collection of stories based on real-life experiences, was launched at a glittering ceremony attended by several distinguished figures from the worlds of media, the literary world, arts, and public life.

The launch at the India International Centre commenced with a special audio-visual musical performance on a song by celebrated playback singer Abhijeet, whose lyrics were centred around the theme of "Wah Ri Zindagi" itself.

Shobhit University Chancellor Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, senior journalist, author, and former Rajya Sabha member Shahid Siddiqui, satirist Prem Janmejay, senior journalist and author Jayanti Ranganathan, Prof. Anshu Joshi of JNU's School of International Studies, and senior journalist Kadambini Sharma were prominent figures at the launch event, memorably and energetically piloted by Aaj Tak's Executive Editor and Anchor, Saaed Ansari.

Other eminent personalities present were TV Today Vice President Rehan Kidwai, leading theatre personality Salim Arif, film actor Nasir Abdullah, PTI Video Section editor Shazi Zaman, senior journalists Ramesh Menon, Amitabh Srivastava, Shishir Sinha, Prabal Pratap Singh, Anuj Khare of Zee News), Vibhas Awasthi, Bichitramani Rathore, Piyush Pandey, Parvez Sagar, Rafe Sultan, Ravinder Bawa, Suman Kansra, Kripal Singh and Regional PF Commissioner Alok Yadav, along with several other distinguished guests.

BAG Films and Media Ltd CMD Anuradha Prasad welcomed and felicitated all the speakers, who praised the new work for its sensitive portrayal of life’s experiences, emotions, relationships, and struggles, and commended Husain's insightful writing and unique perspective on life.

Talking to IANS, Husain said her work comprises seven stories dealing with various aspects of life.

"They are fictional but based on real-life experiences," the debutant author said.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kerala’s first woman Director General of Police and now BJP councillor R. Sreelekha has alleged that the stories of Malayalam actor Shane Nigam’s films 'Dridham' and 'Bhoothakaalam' were copied from her works.

After her retirement, she later joined the BJP and became a councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections last year.

In a social media post, Sreelekha claimed that the recently released police-themed film 'Dridham' was made by copying her story.

She said the core storyline of the film was taken from her short story 'Karinkudi Police Station', which she had written years ago and was published in Mathrubhumi Weekly.

Sreelekha said she realised the similarity between her story and the film only after watching 'Dridham'.

She also shared the link to the audio version of the story that she had uploaded on her official YouTube channel for those who had not read it.

The former DGP also raised similar allegations against another Shane Nigam starrer, the critically acclaimed and award-winning film 'Bhoothakaalam'.

She alleged that the movie was based on an experience-based story titled 'Bhootha Bhavanam', which she had shared on her official YouTube channel three years ago.

According to Sreelekha, the similarity was evident even in the titles of the two works.

She shared links to both her stories through her YouTube channel while raising allegations against the filmmakers.

A notable connection between the two films, she pointed out, is that both feature Shane Nigam as the lead actor.

However, Sreelekha clarified that while she had made complaints against the filmmakers, she had a special affection for Shane Nigam.

She said she had liked the actor ever since watching the film 'Parava'.

The BJP leader added that she sees Shane as similar to a young police officer who had worked with her and whom she considered like a younger brother.

Referring specifically to Shane’s role as a police officer in 'Dridham', Sreelekha said the character reminded her of a policeman named Mohammed, who used to gift her mango saplings, pure honey and ghee.

Sreelekha’s allegations have opened a fresh debate in Malayalam cinema over claims of story ownership and originality.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Inspired equally by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Portugal's literary icon Luis de Camoes, an Indian teacher of Portuguese at the Camoes Portuguese Cultural Centre in New Delhi, has released her second book of poetry, which spans themes as varied as social injustice to ecology while seeking that its readers look inwards to find their own answers.

Dr Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha, who is also the Senior Technical Officer at the Portuguese Embassy in India, told IANS in an interaction that her work tries to raise questions rather than provide answers.

In the book "Riding With The Silver Wolf", released by the Portuguese Ambassador on the country's National Day on June 10, Noronha said that her book does not have a single overarching theme but is rather a "journey on the waves".

Following is a transcript of the interview:

IANS: What is the central theme of your book?

Noronha: This book has many themes. It draws on spirituality in India, feminine identity, ecological awareness, and social justice. It explores the concept of feminine identity, but I cannot say that it has just one central theme. It is like a journey on the waves, and those waves travel through many different areas of life.

IANS: How does this book connect India and Portugal?

Noronha: I went to Portugal to study in 1988. I was the first recipient of a scholarship awarded under the cultural agreement between India and Portugal. As a result, I was deeply influenced by the country. Portugal is a small nation surrounded by the ocean, and its culture left a lasting impression on me.

June 10 is Portugal's National Day, and the day also marks the death of the great Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes. I had already been greatly influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, and later I was influenced by the writings of Camoes as well.

In a way, Rabindranath Tagore is synonymous with India's cultural identity, while Camoes is synonymous with Portuguese identity. Portugal's National Day is celebrated worldwide by Portuguese-speaking communities and in recognition of the country's language and culture. Since I also teach the Portuguese language, this connection is very close to my heart.

IANS: What are the key features of your book?

Noronha: As I mentioned earlier, the book is not simply trying to take readers outward or provide answers. Instead, it raises questions and encourages readers to look within themselves. It invites them to discover courage and responsibility alongside freedom.

We enjoy a great deal of freedom in our country. We are a democratic nation where people can express themselves, engage in discussions, and even protest. However, freedom must also be exercised responsibly.

The book highlights social injustices, including the situation of widows in Varanasi, as well as the ecological damage occurring around us. It encourages readers to reflect deeply on these issues. At the same time, it draws upon the richness of our spiritual heritage and cultural traditions.

IANS: Which audience or demographic has this book primarily targeted?

Noroha: This book speaks to everyone. One beautiful example is India's Stanza, a poetry group that I curate. Our youngest poet is 13 years old, while the oldest is 72.

Every month, we hold poetry gatherings under the UK Poetry Society. The book is a journey both inward and outward, a journey to find one's own answers, healing, and a greater love for the world. Because of this, it can resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

IANS: What cultural impact do you hope this book will have?

Noronha: This book has been written from my own cultural perspective, which has been shaped by India. At the same time, my work with the Embassy of Portugal, my studies in Portugal, and my teaching of Portuguese language and culture have also influenced it.

Therefore, the book reflects both Indian and Portuguese cultural influences. The foreword has been written by Maria Regina da Mota, President of the International Academy of Portuguese Culture, and the book was launched by the Portuguese Ambassador. I believe these elements clearly demonstrate the book's cultural significance and impact.

Source: IANS

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Pathanamthitta (Kerala), June 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The political future of former CPI-M MLA and Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar appears headed for a decisive point, with the party preparing to discuss disciplinary action against him over the Sabarimala gold case controversy.

The Pathanamthitta District Committee, Padmakumar’s home district unit, has been entrusted with examining the action to be taken, and the meeting scheduled for June 15 is expected to be crucial.

The development assumes greater significance as Padmakumar, who is currently out on bail after spending time in jail following his arrest in connection with the Sabarimala gold controversy, now faces possible action from his own party.

Until now, the CPI-M had limited itself to keeping him away from party programmes.

However, the state leadership has now made it clear that the issue cannot be left without a formal organisational response.

Padmakumar had renewed his party membership only recently, but the leadership reportedly felt that the allegations surrounding the gold controversy required corrective action.

Following pressure from the state committee, references relating to the issue were brought back into the election review discussions, including a specific mention of the need to act against Padmakumar.

The timing of the move has added another intriguing dimension.

Padmakumar’s autobiography, which is reportedly in the final stages, is expected to hit the shelves soon and could create considerable political turbulence.

The former legislator is said to be chronicling his long political journey, his years as an MLA, his tenure as Devaswom Board President, and the controversies that shaped his public career.

Political circles are now watching whether strict disciplinary action by the CPI-M will push Padmakumar to break his silence.

Once considered a frontline leader of the party, Padmakumar is expected to write about the pressures he faced, the decisions he took, and the events that unfolded during his time at the Devaswom Board.

During the gold controversy, Padmakumar had referred to a ‘god-like’ senior figure, raising questions about the identity of the person he was hinting at.

There has been speculation that his autobiography may shed light on those remarks and the behind-the-scenes developments surrounding the case.

The book is also expected to revisit the politically sensitive Sabarimala women’s entry controversy, the intense protests that followed, and the challenges faced by administrators during that turbulent period.

For the CPI-M, June 15 could mark a turning point.

While the party is attempting to present the move as an organisational correction, disciplinary action against a former MLA who held a key constitutional-religious administrative post could have wider political implications.

If Padmakumar chooses to respond through his autobiography, the book may become more than a personal memoir; it could emerge as a political account capable of reopening old controversies and unsettling equations within the CPI-M, presently caught in a bind over multiple issues.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia revealed how the universe prepared for the arrival of Devi at her home.

In her latest post, Tamannaah shared that while she was worried about the heat in Mumbai ahead of the Linga Bhairavi Devi Punya Puja at her house, she was pleasantly surprised to see that it had rained, completely switching the weather.

The 'Baahubali' actress revealed that she felt that Devi had arrived to bless her home, along with the rain.

Putting her experience into words, she wrote on the photo-sharing app, "For days, Mumbai had been unbearably hot. One of the things we quietly worried about was how everyone would sit through the puja, how we would make the day comfortable for those who had come. Then, at dawn, I woke up and looked outside my window. The trees were swaying. The flowers were drenched in rain. The wind had arrived. The heat that had hung over the city for days had simply disappeared. And standing there, looking out at that unexpected morning, I remember feeling that something had already begun long before the first lamp was lit. The puja happened hours later. But in some ways, it felt like Devi had arrived at home with the rain. (sic)."

The 'F3' actress went ahead and described how the atmosphere felt divine even after everyone had left.

"Everyone had left. The chants had faded. The puja was complete. Yet I found myself sitting beside Devi, not wanting the day to end. There was still so much life in the space. The energy of a home that had spent the day in prayer, celebration, laughter, devotion, and togetherness. It felt as though something beautiful was still lingering in the air, refusing to leave," she shared.

"What made the day even more special was sharing it with family, loved ones, and everyone who gathered under one roof. I’ve always felt that when a spiritual process is brought into a home, it touches not just those who organize it, but everyone who walks through the door. It creates a moment to pause, connect, and experience life a little more deeply", added Tamannaah.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday launched the inaugural issue of 'Vidhan-Chetna’, a quarterly journal of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, along with the momentous release of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924-1930) published in 89 volumes.

He said that the initiatives will provide a new direction to democratic discourse, parliamentary studies, research, and ideological dialogue.

“Dialogue, reasoning, and knowledge-based discussion are the true strength of democracy. It is believed that this historic publication will connect the new generation to their constitutional heritage, parliamentary traditions, and the values of nation-building, thereby making India’s democratic future even more empowered and enriched,” he said at the event held at the Delhi Assembly.

The event was also attended by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, and legislators.

In a message on X, Birla said, “Participated in the launch ceremony of the 89 volumes of proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924-1930) and the inaugural issue of the quarterly magazine ‘Vidhan-Chetna’ in the historic premises of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and addressed the program.”

“The publication by the Delhi Legislative Assembly of the proceedings of 407 historic meetings of the Central Legislative Assembly in 89 volumes and 32,376 pages is a unique and farsighted initiative to preserve India’s parliamentary heritage, democratic consciousness, and constitutional values,” he said.

These walls of the old secretariat have witnessed those historic deliberations, ideological churning, and resolutions for nation-building, the echoes of which can still be felt today in these invaluable proceedings and historic pages, said Birla.

“In these proceedings is reflected the invaluable imprint of the impartial presidential leadership of the first Indian President Shri Vithalbhai Patel Ji, the patriotism of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Ji, the resounding voice of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai Ji, the fiery nationalist ideas of Vipin Chandra Pal Ji, the constitutional reflections of Madhav Shrihari Aney Ji, and the ideological churning of numerous great luminaries, he said on X.

Vithalbhai Patel was the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to the modern Lok Sabha.

The glorious tradition established by the valiant Vithalbhai Patel in upholding the presidential duty, impartiality, autonomy, and parliamentary decorum remains an inspiration for democratic institutions even today, said the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the landmark event represented a vital bridge between India's rich parliamentary legacy and its contemporary legislative evolution.

Gupta, who chaired the event, said the ceremony underscored a deep commitment to preserving institutional history while fostering modern democratic discourse.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Renowned Urdu poet Dr Bashir Badr, known for his expressive and evocative 'shayri' passed away in Bhopal on Thursday afternoon, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that spanned decades. He was 91.

He breathed his last at around 12 noon at the age of 91.

According to family members, Badr had been suffering from dementia for a long time, a condition that gradually eroded his memory and left him unable to recognise even close acquaintances. His health had been deteriorating steadily in recent months, and despite medical care, his condition worsened until his demise.

The funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, though family sources indicated that the last rites may be performed later on Thursday only.

His passing marks the end of an era in Urdu poetry, as Badr was celebrated for his evocative verses, like ""Ujale apni yaadon ke hamare saath rahne do/Na jaane kis gali mein zindagi ki shaam ho jaaye", or "Kai sitaron ko main jaanta hoon bachapan se/Kahin bhi jaaun mere saath saath chalte hai", or "Sar jhukaoge to patthar devtaa ho jaayega/Itna mat chaaho use wo bewafa ho jaayegaa", "Khuda ham ko aisi khudaai na de/Ki apne siva kuch dikhai na de", Kuch to majbooriyan rahi hongi/Yun koi bewafa nahi hota", and many more, that captured the complexities of love, longing, and human emotion with unmatched simplicity and depth.

His literary journey was not only prolific but also profoundly inspiring, influencing generations of readers and writers alike. A familiar figure in 'mushairas' across India, he was much admired for the art with which he not only recited his sparkling couplets, but frequently elaborated on their creation and his inspiration.

Born in 1935, Bashir Badr rose to prominence in the post-Independence period, becoming one of the most widely read and quoted poets in contemporary Urdu literature. His ghazals, often laced with poignant reflections on life and relationships, earned him admiration across India and beyond. He was known for bridging the gap between classical traditions and modern sensibilities, making Urdu poetry accessible to a broader audience.

His couplets, frequently shared in everyday conversations and on social platforms, remain etched in public memory. Despite his illness in later years, Badr’s contributions continued to resonate, reminding admirers of the enduring power of words. He once wrote: "Ham bhi darya hain hamen apna hunar maaluum hai/Jis taraf bhi chal padenge raasta ho jaayega".

His decline due to dementia was a painful chapter, as the poet who once illuminated minds with his verses gradually lost his own connection to memory and recognition. Yet, his work stands as a testament to resilience and creativity, ensuring that his voice will echo long after his departure.

As the literary community mourns his loss, tributes are pouring in from writers, scholars, and admirers who regard him as a towering figure in Urdu poetry. Dr Bashir Badr’s death leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his words will continue to inspire and console countless hearts.

As he wrote: "Musafir hai ham bhi musafir ho tum bhi/Kisi mod pe phir mulaqaat hogi".

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) A host of senior BJP leaders on Tuesday hailed the launch of 'Apnapan – Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav', a book authored by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, describing it as an important political and inspirational work that captures his decades-long association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offers valuable lessons for future generations.

The book, launched in Delhi, offers a glimpse into Prime Minister Modi's public life through Shivraj Singh Chouhan's personal experiences and observations over the years.

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said the title itself reflected a deep sense of belonging and public connection.

"The title 'Apnapan' itself means 'ours' or 'belonging to us'. This book is very important and should be read by every politician, especially budding politicians, to understand how a public servant can serve for 17 years as Chief Minister in a state like Madhya Pradesh that was considered backward at that time. It is a record 17 years as CM, and now he is serving at the Centre as Agriculture Minister," Naidu said.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan said leaders with decades of public experience should document their journeys for the benefit of younger generations.

"I have always believed that leaders who have decades of experience should document it so that coming generations can learn from their experiences. I myself used to tell my leader and my father, Ram Vilas Paswan, many times to document as much of his experience as possible. For people like us and the younger generations, it would certainly serve as a source of inspiration," he said.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav congratulated Chouhan on the publication and highlighted his long administrative and organisational journey.

"Over the years, he has served in many roles — as Yuva Morcha president, Kesariya Hindu Vahini coordinator, Chief Minister and now as Union Agriculture Minister. We will all benefit from the experience he has gained while serving in these various positions in government. We would all like to read this book, and I extend my best wishes and congratulations for this important contribution," Yadav said.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the current generation had witnessed Prime Minister Modi in multiple capacities — from organisational work to Chief Minister and eventually Prime Minister — and that Chouhan had meaningfully documented those experiences.

"This book will serve as a guide for the new generation. I congratulate Shivraj Singh Chouhan for presenting his experiences in a very meaningful and well-articulated manner," Vijayvargiya said.

Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said the book would inspire not only political workers but also people from all walks of life.

BJP MP Darshan Singh Choudhary also welcomed the publication, saying it would be useful for workers, youth and all sections of society, while encouraging readers to draw inspiration from it towards self-reliance.

The launch event witnessed leaders across the party praising the book as both a political memoir and a record of leadership, with many expressing hope that 'Apnapan – Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav' would become an important reference point for aspiring public representatives and young readers seeking insight into leadership and governance.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) 'Apnapan', a book penned by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his decades-long association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also giving a peek into the latter’s long-standing public life, was released on Tuesday, in the presence of several high-profile dignitaries in the national capital.

The book, titled ‘Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav’, was formally launched by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister Deve Gowda at the NASC Complex in the capital.

The event saw the participation of many Union Ministers, besides Chief Ministers from multiple states, including those of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, who reached the capital to be part of the book launch. Several writers, authors, and social leaders also attended the event.

The book, ‘Apnapan’, authored by Shivraj Chouhan, chronicles his 35-year-long association and experiences with PM Modi.

The Union Minister recalled decades of warmth, closeness and humility while working with the Prime Minister, during a long stretch of public life ranging from party worker to Chief Minister of respective states and then at the Centre.

He said that the book will serve as an inspiration for youth and will make them understand the commitment and dedication of a true leader.

Sharing a glimpse of the book on his social media handle, he also appealed to the readers to give it a read to get an insight into the ‘true and exemplary leadership’ as shown by the Prime Minister.

“I am fully confident that this book will acquaint the new generation with the breadth of Prime Minister's personality, the vastness of his heart, his dedication to national service, and his intimate affection toward workers,” he said on his X handle.

According to Chouhan, the book reflects deeply on his experiences, observations and learning from more than three decades of political and organisational association with the Prime Minister, and he believes that this will find strong resonance with the people and political workers at large.

In a media interaction before the book launch, he stated that this book will serve as a "lesson" for those interested in governance and public leadership.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to unveil his book titled ‘Apnapan’ on May 26, in which he has compiled three decades of his public life, a detailed account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inspirational leadership and also numerous experiences of his close coordination with the latter in serving the nation.

The Union Minister, in a video message on Thursday, said the world sees PM Modi as a political leader with a mass support base, but for him, he is a true “Karmayogi and a person with infinite dreams” and working with him came as a “great learning” for him, which he wanted to share with the next generation of leaders and also the people in general.

“I have had the opportunity to observe and understand his personality, leadership, service, organisation, good governance, and national dedication from multiple perspectives. With a humble effort, I have woven these experiences, emotions, inspirations, and life values into my book, 'Apnapan',” he said.

He further said that writing this book was not an easy task as it entailed penning his thoughts and experiences from three decades of public life, a large part of which was spent working closely with the Prime Minister.

“People have watched him giving speeches from the dais, but I have seen him closely -- stretching himself day and night with the same energy, enthusiasm and verve to serve the nation. People see and assess his policies, but I have observed his utmost concern, feelings and dedication to serve the poor, youth and women alike,” he said.

Shivraj Chouhan further said that true leadership doesn’t come from speeches, but rather it comes from selfless dedication, discipline and close connect with people.

Sharing reasons behind penning the book, he said, “I thought that these experiences shouldn’t end up as memories but should be taken to the people, for whom PM Modi works day and night.”

“This book will also serve as a lesson for the young and emerging leadership on how to weave the nation’s goals and citizens’ concerns together and still move ahead to bring a visible change in the lives of people,” he remarked.

He further stated that for bringing decisive change, not a big post but firm determination is needed, and the Prime Minister’s life is a testament to this principle.

“I am confident that this book will inspire all readers, especially young friends, to play an active role in building a developed India through the ideals of service, empathy, patriotism, and public welfare,” he noted.

Source: IANS

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Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) The district administration in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh has cracked down on the sale of fake NCERT textbooks and registered FIRs against three bookshops under the Copyright Act, officials said on Sunday.

The action follows the detection of the sale of counterfeit Class 9 NCERT books in the city.

The shops named in the FIRs are Sangam Book Depot, Gyan Bhandar-1, and Gyan Bhandar-2.

The action has caused a stir among book traders in the city. The district administration said it had been receiving repeated complaints about the sale of fake books being passed off as genuine NCERT publications.

Taking the complaints seriously, the administration launched an investigation. Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati, a district administration team carried out simultaneous raids at all three shops on Friday.

During the inspection, officials closely examined the NCERT books stocked at the outlets.

Several books were found without the official hologram used to authenticate genuine NCERT publications. The quality of paper, printing, and binding was also found to be substandard.

Officials said the preliminary findings strongly suggest that the books were counterfeit.

During questioning, the shop owners claimed that they purchase old NCERT books from students and resell them to others. However, the administration believes the matter goes beyond the resale of used books and could be linked to an organised racket dealing in fake textbooks.

The suspected counterfeit books were seized in the presence of local residents and witnesses. Subsequently, FIRs were registered against the shopkeepers under the Copyright Act, 1957.

The district administration has made it clear that irregularities or fraud in the name of education will not be tolerated. Parents have been advised to purchase books only from authorised and reliable outlets and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a significant literary gathering took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Delhi.

This dignified gathering served as the backdrop for the official unveiling of a new anthology titled “Operation Sindoor: 100 Sarvshreshth Kavitayen”.

The volume, which was edited by the renowned author Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal and published by the prestigious publishing house Prabhat Prakashan, was released by Ram Bahadur Rai, the President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, who also presided over the day’s proceedings.

The event was attended by an array of distinguished guests from various professional spheres, including former Army officer Colonel Pradeep Khare and Saeed Ansari, the Executive Editor and Anchor at Aaj Tak.

They were joined by senior satirical poet Sudeep Bhola and the celebrated poet and State Information Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, Virendra Vats.

While releasing the book, Chief Guest Ram Bahadur Rai lauded the unwavering creative spirit of Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal, noting his consistent engagement in meaningful literary work.

In a notable moment of his address, Rai cited insights from an American defence expert to remark that Operation Sindoor has not truly concluded and could see a resurgence at any moment.

He suggested that the poets who participated in the initial competition would likely find further opportunities to document these events through their verses in the future.

The guest speakers shared deep reflections on the cultural and historical weight of the collection.

Colonel Pradeep Khare described the anthology as a vivid and essential document that celebrates national valour.

He spoke with pride about the gallantry of the Indian Army, asserting that the swift destruction of nine terrorist and military targets in just twenty-five minutes created a historical impact that would be remembered for centuries.

Similarly, Saeed Ansari highlighted Prabhat Prakashan's role in fostering a spirit of nationalism.

He shared a personal connection to the work, mentioning that he had encountered many of the featured poems during the pre-publication phase.

Ansari also extended high praise to Dr Burnwal for his compassionate treatment of the literary community, particularly his decision to honour poets who did not win main prizes with certificates and honorariums.

During his introduction of the book, Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal explained that the project originated from a competition organised by HB Poetry, which saw enthusiastic participation from 361 poets across the country.

He noted that the collaboration between HB Poetry and Prabhat Prakashan enabled a single platform where the works of 100 distinguished and emerging poets could be preserved.

The ceremony reached a stirring climax as several prominent poets recited their compositions, filling the auditorium with patriotic fervour.

The event concluded with the felicitation of over eighty poets from different regions of India, marking a successful convergence of literature, journalism, and the arts.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) “Innovation, Technology or Artificial Intelligence cannot replace a human being. AI poses many challenges, and we have become exceedingly technologically advanced, but it cannot replace a person,” said Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Law & Justice (IC), Government of India at the Launch of the book, Technology Law: Regulations, Cyber Policy, and the Digital Landscape authored by Rodney D. Ryder & Nikhil Naren.

“People have been suspicious of new developments since the time of the steam engine. It led to a change with new developments and an increase in commerce. We adapt to changes in the world as technology keeps advancing. Similarly, we are now in the age of AI and robotics, but it will lead to new opportunities, too. What will change is the facet of jobs and opportunities, and experts need to harness and develop them. Technological intervention is also increasing in the legal field. We are now in the era of Industry 4.0. We have to accept these new challenges and understand how they can benefit the nation. The book Technology Law: Regulations, Cyber Policy, and the Digital Landscape will help us to understand how best to utilise emerging technological opportunities,” the Hon’ble Minister said.

The book - Technology Law: Regulations, Cyber Policy, and the Digital Landscape by Rodney D. Ryder & Nikhil Naren helps one understand their rights, risks and how to navigate the intersection of law and technology with confidence.

Packed with sharp policy and legal insights typically scattered across multiple specialist texts, it offers the finest clarity at a student-friendly price, making it one of the most comprehensive yet affordable companions to technology law available. It covers the entire spectrum of technology law – from the Indian Information Technology Act [and Rules], Data Protection, Surveillance, Online Brand Management, to New technologies.

The book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of professionals and an essential part of the University curriculum.

In his Welcome Address, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, said, “I congratulate Professor Nikhil Naren and co-author Mr Rodney Ryder, both of whom have made a significant contribution to the area of technology law. At a time when there is so much discourse surrounding the role of AI and its impact on the future, it is this kind of academic work that will give us clarity, coherence, and greater understanding and appreciation of the realm of ideas in which AI will impact the future of law and justice. A knowledge society connected with innovation and technology, and the role of law and justice, which strengthens our democratic institutions, is the only way by which we will achieve our vision of being a Viksit Bharat.”

The Guests of Honour were Mr R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, Mr Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India and Mr Amitabh Kant, Former G20 Sherpa, Government of India.

“Books have been written about how, in a technology and science-driven world tomorrow, life will look like. Sometimes it's scary, sometimes it looks really wonderful. But then we do not know how we will navigate it. Our minds cannot be subjected to any regulation except freedom of speech and expression. It's important for us to keep what's called the impact of our mind; and our minds will always remain as free as possible to be able to define the fundamentals of law, the contours of law, the application of law and the impact of law. I think the question is to deal with the impact of impacts. No part of life is free from regulation and law.” R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, said.

“India is progressing in leaps and bounds, and in digital India, we are ahead of our time. When I talk about digital law, I mean the intersection between India and the international legal regime. As far as the digital medium is concerned, the world is one unit. There are no country barriers. There are no physical barriers. Now the difficulty is that when I do something, I do so in the context of the limitations placed upon me by my Constitution, which defines my freedoms and also stipulates the limitations on my freedom. The similar freedom or the similar limitations are not to be found in other countries. The second challenging aspect is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence, to my mind, so far has remained statutorily unregulated. I do not see any comprehensive legislative framework that regulates, controls, or defines artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence has thrown several challenges at us that we as the human race have never imagined. Therefore, we need professionals who understand the technological aspects of the digital medium as well as its legal aspects, and who can develop a holistic regime that applies globally. If we build technology as digital public infrastructure, keep it interoperable, open, and secure, we can do population-scale transformation,” Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, said.

Amitabh Kant, Former G20 Sherpa, Government of India, said, “This book is remarkable in many ways, firstly because I've always believed that India's digital transformation is one of the most significant development stories in the world today. We have 1.5 billion digital identities, but between 2015 and 2017, we opened 550 million bank accounts; every second, a bank account was opened in India. We then linked them up with Aadhaar and mobile numbers. This enabled fast payments, and then a number of start-ups began offering credit, stock markets, tax services to cities, and insurance to rural areas. Courts should be the place for matters that genuinely require adjudication, not the first destination for every routine dispute. Court technology must not be seen as a back-office computerisation exercise. It should function as a complete operating system which is spread across alternative dispute resolution.”

Rodney D. Ryder, Founding & Senior Partner of Scriboard and co-author of the book, said, “It's a historical record of the things we as a nation have been able to accomplish with technology law. The development of the Information Technology Act has been a wonderful example of a continuous quarter-century of policy work by successive governments, carried out with speed and clarity. This book is a distillation and also meant to be a resource for academia.”

Prof. Nikhil Naren, Chevening Scholar, Assistant Director, Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law and Regulation and Assistant Professor, Jindal Global Law School and co-author of the book, said, “We cannot be apolitical at any given point of time. Policy and politics always reach us, so has technology. So, when it comes to writing something on technology and policy, it's obviously a very demanding task owing to its dynamic nature. I strongly believe that the law must be imaginative enough to enable innovation but rigorous enough to protect rights, dignity and democratic institutions.”

Prof. Naren highlighted a few new ideas he thought should be included in the text, such as introducing the concept of “social media paranoia,” a condition in which visibility, validation, trolling, virality, and constant comparison reshape how individuals think, behave, and seek approval online.

The book with reasons argues that the vocabulary of the digital age must also evolve: the term “influencer” overstates social authority and masks the attention economy beneath it, while “clickstar” more accurately captures internet personalities whose prominence is built on clicks, reach, engagement, and algorithmic visibility rather than genuine influence.

Prof. (Dr.) Dipika Jain, Executive Dean of Jindal Global Law School, introduced the Jindal Global Law School. A Critical Appreciation was given by Prof. (Dr.) S.G. Sreejith Dean, Strategy & Institution Building, Office of the Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University and the Vote of Thanks was given by Prof. Paavni Jain, Assistant Director, Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, April 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Marking World Book Day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday underscored the enduring importance of books in shaping individuals and societies, calling for renewed efforts to cultivate a strong reading culture across generations.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister reflected on the transformative role of books, describing them as a “quiet power” that shapes minds, broadens perspectives and strengthens character.

Emphasising that a reading habit forms the backbone of a thoughtful and informed society, CM Sarma urged people to actively nurture this culture and pass on the love for books to younger generations.

World Book Day, observed annually on April 23, is celebrated across the globe to promote reading, publishing and copyright awareness.

The day also commemorates the legacy of literary greats such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, whose works continue to influence readers worldwide. In India, educational institutions, libraries and literary organisations mark the occasion with book fairs, reading sessions and awareness campaigns to encourage literary engagement among youth.

CM Sarma’s message aligns with broader national efforts to improve literacy and foster intellectual curiosity among students.

Over the years, both government and private initiatives have focused on strengthening libraries, integrating reading programmes in schools and promoting regional literature to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Highlighting the role of families and educators, the Chief Minister stressed that encouraging children to read from an early age can significantly enhance cognitive development, creativity and critical thinking skills.

He also noted that in an era dominated by digital distractions, reviving interest in books remains a collective responsibility.

As World Book Day celebrations continue across the state and beyond, the call to build a vibrant reading culture resonates strongly, reminding society of the timeless value of books in nurturing informed, empathetic and progressive communities.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, April 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gyan Shakti Think Tank (GSTT), under the aegis of Sapta Shakti Command, organised an insightful discussion on the book ‘Redlines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal’ at Jaipur Military Station on Thursday.​

The seminar witnessed participation from a large number of serving and retired defence personnel, academicians, and students from prominent universities and schools in Jaipur, said officials on Thursday.​

The distinguished panel featured three of the four authors of the book, Major General (Dr) Bipin Bakshi (Retd), former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and Brigadier Akhilesh Bhargava (Retd), who shared their perspectives and insights on the subject. ​

The speakers provided a detailed account of the 88-hour Operation Sindoor and its implications for India’s evolving strategic doctrines. ​

They also elaborated on all eight chapters of the book, explaining how India demonstrated its strategic resolve to impose higher costs on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.​

The session included an engaging interactive segment, with attendees actively participating in a question-and-answer discussion with the panellists. Since its inaugural seminar in November 2024, the Gyan Shakti Think Tank has held 11 seminars on diverse and contemporary topics, including book discussions such as this one. ​

The platform aims to foster intellectual engagement on strategic and defence-related issues and serves as a forum for meaningful dialogue between veterans, experts, and young scholars.​

In his closing remarks, Lieutenant General P.S. Shekhawat, Chief of Staff, Sapta Shakti Command, complimented the authors for their work and appreciated their comprehensive analysis of Operation Sindoor.

He thanked the speakers for providing valuable insights into the political, military, and diplomatic dimensions that shaped the operation.​

Source: IANS

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Amritsar, March 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amritsar resident Amit Singh Rana beamed with pride on Sunday, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mann Ki Baat address to the nation, praised him for his work related to the preservation and digitisation of manuscripts.

Rana, who originally hails from Kanpur but has been living in Amritsar since 2013, said that having his name mentioned by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat is a "matter of great pride for him".

Speaking to IANS, Rana also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for praising his work.

He said that he is actively involved in the preservation and research of manuscripts related to India’s ancient Vedic knowledge tradition, "as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream project 'Gyan Bharatam'".

"Many such manuscripts are found in homes, monasteries, temples, universities, and libraries across the country, and they form an important part of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage."

He said that he is working to survey and study these manuscripts and ensure their preservation for future generations.

"I am working to bring all such manuscripts to the Government of India."

Reflecting on his journey, Rana said: "In 2006, I had completed a course from the National Archives of India (NAI) (School of Archival Studies). From there, I got to know about manuscripts."

"In 2010, I got to know about the National Manuscript Mission. I worked for some time at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. During my time there as a resource person, I started giving training programmes to various manuscript conservation centres across the country under the National Manuscript Mission," he said.

"I got associated with the Government of India during my time at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Because I got to know about these manuscripts while I was working there."

Rana encouraged people to inform the government if they possess such manuscripts, so that they can be properly preserved and studied.

"I want people who possess manuscripts in their houses to be aware of them. Rather than treating it as personal possessions, they should actually understand it as an important part of the nation’s heritage," he said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, March 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan unveiled the coffee table book The Lawrence School Sanawar – Military Heritage (1847–2025) at the Manekshaw Centre, an official said on Sunday.

"This comprehensive work, comprising 450 printed pages along with 194 additional digital pages, is a rich repository of military heritage and leadership legacy," the official said in a statement.

“It holds immense value not only for Sanawarians but also for institutions engaged in nurturing future leaders. The occasion was marked by an engaging interaction with distinguished alumni,” the statement added.

Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, for the maintenance of existing satellite-based telecommunications nodes and the provision of additional nodes for all three Services of the Armed Forces.

“The MoU was signed by Air Marshal Shankar Subramanian, DCIDS (Med), on behalf of HQ IDS and Nilesh M. Desai, Director, SAC, ISRO. DCIDS (Med) and Director SAC reviewed the present setup and also deliberated on the way forward for future versions of telemedicine nodes,” an official post on X said.

In a separate development, the Southern Naval Command shared information on social media on Sunday about the harbour training phase for international trainees at INS Dronacharya.

“The harbour training phase at INS Dronacharya witnessed international trainees undergoing intensive training on VBSS operations and small arms. The capsule course blended classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training, including kill house drills and tactical procedures at the Composite Indoor Shooting Range, building bridges of friendship through sustained capability enhancement,” the Southern Naval Command said in a post on X.

Earlier, INS Trikand, a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, departed from Port Victoria in Seychelles after successfully completing an engaging and productive port call.

During the visit, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of the ship, called on senior government officials of Seychelles as well as the High Commissioner of India to the island nation.

The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing cooperation.

The port call, which began on March 16, concluded on March 20 and featured a range of operational and collaborative engagements between the two countries.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025, presented by the Government of India in the field of literature, was announced recently. This year, the honour in the Sanskrit category has been conferred upon the eminent scholar Mahamahopadhyaya Swami Bhadreshdasji for his monumental work "Prasthanachatushtaye Brahmaghosha."

Recognised as the finest Sanskrit work in the country, this text offers a comprehensive exposition of the Brahma principle based on the primary scriptures of Hinduism — the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras — along with the Vachanamrut, the primary scripture of the Swaminarayan tradition, delivered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Composed in a poetic aphoristic (sutra) style, scholars regard this work as a masterpiece of philosophical poetry. Considering its literary excellence and profound philosophical depth, the selection committee has chosen it as the best Sanskrit work of 2025.

The text presents the philosophy propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in a refined literary style. Published in 2018, the work was composed under the guidance and instructions of Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The award-winning text, a profound exploration of the Brahma principle, focuses on key highlights, which include:

• Literary Excellence — A rhythmic, verse-based structure elevating complex philosophy into high literature

*Theological Significance — A systematic presentation of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan

Following the announcement of this award, an atmosphere of joy and pride has gripped the academic and literary classes across the country. Scholars have lauded the Sahitya Akademi’s decision, noting that this recognition underscores the continued vitality of Sanskrit as a medium of intellectual and creative excellence.

Notably, the Sahitya Akademi Award is one of India’s most prestigious literary honours, conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi — India’s National Academy of Letters — to outstanding works of literary merit in 24 major Indian languages.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, March 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 60th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, for the year 2025 will be conferred on distinguished Tamil poet, lyricist and writer R. Vairamuthu.

This was announced by the Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday.

He has been selected for the prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Tamil literature, marked by creative depth and a distinctive poetic voice.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bharatiya Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by noted writer Pratibha Ray. The committee comprised eminent litterateurs and scholars including Madhav Kaushik, Damodar Mauzo, Suranjan Das, A. Krishna Rao, Prafulla Shiledar, Kesubhai Desai, Janaki Prasad Sharma, K. Srinivas Rao and Maheshwar.

Born on July 13, 1953, in Tamil Nadu, R. Vairamuthu is regarded as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Tamil literature. His works are known for their evocative portrayal of human emotions, social concerns and a deep sensitivity towards nature.

Over a literary career spanning more than four decades, he has made significant contributions across poetry, lyrics and prose. His writings have gained wide readership for their originality, emotional depth and strong cultural grounding.

Vairamuthu has authored more than 37 books, including poetry collections and novels. Some of his acclaimed works include Kallikattu Ethikasam, Karuvachi Kaaviyam, Thanni Desam and Moondraam Ullaga Por (The Third World War).

During his career, he has received several prestigious honours, including the National Film Award for Best Lyrics on seven occasions. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014 by the Government of India.

In the same year as the Padma Shri, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his celebrated novel Kallikattu Ethikasam.

The Government of Tamil Nadu has also honoured him with the Kalaimamani award for his contributions to literature and the arts.

The selection committee noted that although Tamil is one of India’s richest literary languages, only two Tamil writers -- P.V. Akilan (1975) and D. Jayakanthan (2002) -- had previously received the Jnanpith Award.

The award to R. Vairamuthu is therefore seen as further recognition of the vibrant tradition of Tamil literature on the national stage.

The Jnanpith Award carries a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), and a citation, and is presented annually to an author for outstanding contribution to literature in any of the Indian languages.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, March 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Noted historian and public intellectual K. N. Panikkar passed away here on Monday. He was 90.

He breathed his last at a private hospital here, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.

Panikkar was widely regarded as one of India’s most respected historians and a powerful voice in defence of secular and progressive scholarship.

Over the decades, he emerged not only as a distinguished academic but also as a cultural activist, educationist, and public intellectual whose writings shaped debates on history, society and politics in modern India.

During his long academic career, Panikkar held several key positions in Kerala’s higher education and research institutions.

He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, the Chairman of the Kerala Council for Historical Research, and the first Chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council.

Earlier, he had taught in the Department of History at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, where he contributed significantly to historical scholarship and academic debates.

Born in Guruvayur to Krishnan Nair and Ichukkutty Amma of Thaikkatt Kandiyur House, Panikkar completed his schooling at Chavakkad Board High School.

He pursued his undergraduate studies at Government Victoria College before moving to the University of Rajasthan, where he completed his postgraduate studies and later obtained a PhD in history.

Panikkar authored several influential books that examined colonialism, religion, culture, and politics in India.

Among his well-known works are "Against Lord and State: Religion and Peasant Uprisings in Malabar", "Culture and Consciousness in Modern India", "British Diplomacy in North India", "Culture, Ideology and Hegemony: Intellectuals and Social Consciousness in Colonial India", "Communal Threat, Secular Challenge, Contemporary India: Culture and Politics", and "Interrogating Colonial Modernity".

He also penned an autobiography titled "Kalushithamaya Kalam (A Troubled Time)".

A book on his life and scholarship, "Charithramenna Porkkalam (History as a Battlefield)', was published in 2019.

Panikkar is survived by his wife and former classmate, Usha, a native of Rajasthan, daughters Ragini and Shalini, and sons-in-law Peethambar and R. V. Raman.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, March 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday released a book that examines how cities can turn climate risks into opportunities for sustainable growth, amid growing concerns over the pace of urbanisation and its environmental impact.

The book, titled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities – From Climate Risk to Green Opportunities”, was launched in Gandhinagar.

It explores pathways for developing sustainable, climate-resilient and innovative cities as urban populations continue to expand worldwide.

The publication has been authored by Shalini Agrawal, Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited.

It draws on the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on transforming the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation into opportunities for long-term development.

The book outlines how urbanisation, described as one of the most transformative processes shaping modern societies, can be managed through sustainable planning and climate-resilient infrastructure rather than being treated solely as a challenge.

It reviews global urban development trends and presents a vision for future city planning aligned with climate considerations and innovation.

According to the book, rising urban populations will bring environmental and social pressures that require early planning and policy responses.

It discusses the potential impacts of increased energy demand, higher resource consumption and growing greenhouse gas emissions associated with urban expansion, and proposes approaches to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The publication also notes that urbanisation in India is advancing and is expected to increase significantly by 2047, making cities central to the country’s economic growth.

It highlights that expanding urban populations will place greater pressure on infrastructure, housing, water supply and other basic services, making structured urban planning and sustainable development strategies essential.

In addition, the book outlines financing mechanisms that could support sustainable development projects and climate-resilient infrastructure.

These include the use of green bonds, public-private partnerships, carbon markets and climate finance to mobilise investment for urban development.

It also discusses strengthening the financial capacity of local self-government institutions and improving municipal finance systems so that cities can better raise and manage the funds required for infrastructure and public services.

The publication argues that cities should be viewed not only as centres where challenges arise but also as platforms where social, economic and environmental solutions can be developed through planning, technology and sustainable policy frameworks.

Source: IANS

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Sonipat, Feb 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Shallu Jindal Performing Arts Academy was inaugurated at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) as a major new academic and cultural facility dedicated to advancing performing arts education, artistic research, and public cultural engagement within a multidisciplinary university environment.

Conceived as a purpose-built space for performance, pedagogy, and cultural exchange, the Academy features a proscenium stage, advanced acoustic design, tiered seating, and integrated gallery spaces. It will host performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations, serving students, faculty, visiting artists, and the wider community, while reinforcing the role of the arts in higher education.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by eminent Kuchipudi exponents and Padma Bhushan awardees Dr Raja Reddy, Dr Radha Reddy, and Dr Kaushalya Reddy, alongside Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation, and Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU.

Dr Raja Reddy highlighted the importance of institutional platforms for classical arts, noting that dedicated academic spaces play a vital role in preserving India’s artistic traditions while preparing future generations for disciplined and meaningful creative practice.

Shallu Jindal said that the Academy reflects the belief that artistic practice contributes to more reflective, empathetic, and harmonious societies and expressed hope that the space would inspire students to engage deeply with discipline, creativity, and service.

Naveen Jindal, the Founding Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, emphasised the role of the arts in holistic education. He said that universities must nurture not only intellectual excellence but also cultural and artistic sensibilities, and that the Academy strengthens JGU’s commitment to nation-building through education, culture, and creativity.

Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, elucidated that the Academy is named in recognition of Shallu Jindal’s long-standing contribution to the performing arts, cultural philanthropy, and institution-building. Through her work with the Jindal Foundation and other initiatives, she has supported education, health, rural development, and the promotion of traditional arts across India. This will pave the way for JGU launching a new School of Performing Arts with programmes in music, dance, theatre, and other performing arts courses with a strong emphasis on experiential learning.

The Shallu Jindal Performing Arts Academy forms part of JGU’s broader cultural and academic infrastructure and complements existing teaching facilities and the Jindal International Convention Centre (JICC), which hosts international academic conferences, cultural programmes, and public engagements. Together, these facilities strengthen the University’s vision of integrating academic inquiry with cultural expression.

Designed by Stephane Paumier, his architectural vision has given this structure its distinctive character. Spread across the landmark building’s several floors, the Academy is dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence and cultural expression. It features a 1,000-seater state-of-the-art auditorium and twenty-four galleries for hosting wide-ranging performances, exhibitions, and other creative explorations.

With the launch of the Shallu Jindal Performing Arts Academy, O.P. Jindal Global University reinforces its commitment to embedding arts and culture within higher education, positioning the University as a space where creative practice, scholarship, and public engagement advance together.

The concluding remarks at the landmark event were given by Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar, JGU, who said, “The inauguration is a historic moment and the beginning of a cultural legacy for the entire JGU community, as the arts strengthen the spirit and elevate humanity.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi could have flipped through a few pages of a historical account purporting to recount the Congress and Nehru-Gandhi legacy in collaborating with Western agencies before criticising the government for selling the country over the trade and tariff agreement with the United States.

"As one of (US President Richard M.) Nixon’s ambassadors to India, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, pointed out, (then Indian Prime Minister Indira) Gandhi had few qualms about cooperating foreign intelligence agencies, including those of the United States when it suited her interests to do so," wrote Paul M. McGarr in his book, "Spying in South Asia: Britain, the United States, and India’s Secret Cold War", published in 2024.

The book quoted Moynihan’s 1978 memoir, "A Dangerous Place", having confirmed that to his knowledge, the CIA had twice intervened in Indian politics.

"On both occasions, the agency had funnelled money to the ruling Congress party in a bid to head off the election of communist governments in Kerala and West Bengal. In one instance, the ambassador charged, CIA money had been passed directly to Gandhi in her capacity as Congress party President," it revealed.

Thus, even as Western intelligence agencies were helping the government of the day in keeping track of Left forces back home, in its foreign policy, New Delhi continued to maintain good relations with communist countries.

McGarr’s book is a comprehensive history of ‘India’s Secret Cold War’, where he recounts the roles of the country’s politicians, activists, and journalists in their stand for or against Western intelligence agencies.

The author, a lecturer in Intelligence Studies, now at King’s College London, was Principal Investigator of a British Academy-funded research project from 2017-19 that assessed the role of psychological influences alongside material factors in determining British policymaking in post-colonial South Asia.

"Spying in South Asia" also contended that though Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was suspicious of the CIA’s role and its degree of involvement in India, he chose to work with the US secret agency on some occasions at least.

"Nehru was sceptical that India needed, and could afford, a geographically diffuse intelligence infrastructure,” the author mentioned regarding China.

He quoted India’s first Prime Minister as saying: "I do not think that we should go in a big way to expand our intelligence services," adding, "That is beyond our capacity."

The book referred to the "challenge of gathering reliable and timely information on an effectively closed society in China had defeated intelligence services that were far larger and better resourced than the IB."

It observed: "Efforts that were undertaken by the IB to enhance its coverage of China were hampered by structural and cultural obstacles as much as financial considerations. The study of Chinese linguistics, culture, politics, and history were neglected in the Indian academic system until the middle of the 1950s."

On Indira Gandhi, the author stressed: "Having served as Nehru’s political confidante and, after 1964, a cabinet minister in her own right, it is hard to conceive that Gandhi was unaware of, if not complicit in, joint initiatives with the CIA that was sanctioned by the Indian government."

"Spying in South Asia" has probed the nexus between intelligence and statecraft in South Asia, tracking the relationship between Western spying agencies and the government. Though at the time of independence and thereafter, India’s leaders were anti-imperialist and suspicious of the West, foreign policy has been maintained as officially nonaligned. However, this posture did not prevent extensive collaboration between Indian intelligence agencies and their Western counterparts, as implied by the book.

Source: IANS

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Kannur (Kerala), Feb 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Expelled CPI-M veteran V. Kunjikrishnan on Wednesday sharpened his attack on the party leadership by releasing his book, alleging financial irregularities in the funds of the Kerala unit, in Payyannur, a town widely seen as the Left's ideological citadel in Kannur district.

The event, attended by a large crowd, was held under tight police security following a protection order granted by the Kerala High Court last week.

Kunjikrishnan was expelled from the CPI-M's primary membership last week after he publicly reiterated allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Dhanaraj Martyrs’ Fund, triggering a major controversy within the party’s Kannur district unit.

The leadership had maintained that his public statements amounted to indiscipline.

Releasing his book "Nethruthvathe Anikal Thiruthanam (The Cadre Must Correct the Leadership)", Kunjikrishnan insisted that his actions were aimed at correcting, not weakening, the party.

He said the CPI-M's survival depended on its foundational principle of criticism and self-criticism, arguing that dissent was now being treated as hostility.

He alleged that accountability had eroded to the extent that even a martyrs’ fund was being misused, and claimed the leadership was shielding those responsible.

Warning cadres to reflect on the party’s decline in West Bengal, where it once ruled for over three decades, Kunjikrishnan urged grassroots members to "stand up and correct the leadership" before similar political erosion occurred in Kerala.

He also spoke of being subjected to sustained attacks and humiliation on social media since raising the issue.

Joseph C. Mathew, who delivered the chief guest address, described the book as "a narrative of facts" and appealed to party workers and the public to stand by the truth.

He said silencing Kunjikrishnan was unjust and driven by fear, drawing parallels with former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, to whom the book is dedicated.

Recalling Achuthanandan’s removal from the Politburo, Mathew said leaders who questioned wrongdoing had historically faced isolation within the party.

Mathew was the former IT secretary of Achuthanandan, who was ousted at the top of the tiff between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Achuthanandan.

Referring to Payyannur’s symbolic importance, Mathew said the town bore a responsibility to demand clear answers on the issues raised.

Despite the charged atmosphere, the heavy police presence ensured the programme went off without any untoward incident, even as the controversy continued to ripple through the CPI-M's Kannur stronghold.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Feb 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, the Tamil Nadu Children Writers and Artists Association has appealed to major political parties to prioritise children’s arts, literature and library development in their election manifestos, arguing that investment in young minds is essential for the state’s cultural and intellectual future.

Formed in 2021, the association has steadily expanded its presence and now operates through 35 branches across the state. It works with the aim of nurturing children’s creativity, imagination and emotional well-being through exposure to books, storytelling, theatre and visual arts.

The organisation believes that policy decisions must place children’s intellectual, ethical and cultural growth at the heart of governance, rather than treating them as a secondary concern.

In a detailed “Children’s Arts and Literature Charter of Demands,” the association has outlined several proposals it wants political parties to adopt.

A key recommendation is the conduct of an annual children’s book fair in Chennai during the summer holidays, to be organised jointly by the state government and the Publishers’ Association of South India.

The body says such an event would encourage reading habits, support regional authors and make quality children’s literature more accessible to families.

The charter also calls for the institution of a dedicated Azha Valliappa Award for children’s literature, similar to the prestigious Tiruvalluvar, Bharathiar and Bharathidasan awards, to recognise writers and creators who contribute to the field. Among its structural proposals is the creation of an autonomous Tamil Nadu Children’s Arts and Literature Corporation, to be headed by an IAS officer.

The corporation would focus on research, documentation, publication support and the systematic promotion of children’s literature and art forms.

The association has further urged the integration of children’s literature into university syllabi, honorary doctorates for distinguished contributors, and the appointment of trained librarians in schools.

It also wants school libraries to be transformed into lively, child-friendly, creative spaces, supported by storytellers and theatre trainers in government schools.

Additional demands include exclusive children’s libraries and cultural centres in every district and regular children-focused programmes in district book festivals.

Udhayasankar, Bal Sahitya Puraskar winner and president of the association, said the charter has already been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office and several political parties. Efforts are underway to secure broader backing so that children’s cultural development becomes a firm electoral commitment.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, Jan 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Acharya Devvrat on Tuesday released the “Ghosts, Horror and Hills” at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.

The book has been authored by Aditya Kant, a senior journalist, academician and author of the book 'High on Kasol'.

Complimenting the author for the book, the Governor said even though the title of the book appears mysterious and frightening, the author has conveyed the message of social service and positivity through the 18 stories contained in the book.

Noting that ghosts and spirits are the creation of the human mind, the Governor said the author deserved compliments for weaving stories of positivity around various subjects.

Stating that sensitivity is the greatest attribute of human life, the Governor said, adding that it helps nurture a sense of sensitivity in society, especially among the youth, which can lead to positive social transformation.

The Governor said books are a person’s true friends, and that reading brings peace and inner strength.

Recalling his experiences of hospitalisation during the COVID pandemic, the author said that while battling life and death and witnessing mortality closely in the intensive care unit, he still felt an inner urge to help other COVID patients.

He added that the stories in the book, in various ways, foster a spirit of cooperation and environmental awareness.

The book release ceremony was attended by Karuna Badwal, Business Manager SRK-Producer Red Chillies Entertainment, Sanjeev Wadhwani, music composer and film director Rajan Khosa and other invitees from the entertainment and media sectors.

Source: IANS

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