Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to use “increasing military strength” against Hamas as Israel carried out lethal attacks around Gaza, shattering the fragile ceasefire early on 18th March. More than 340 people have reportedly been killed and many others wounded in what the Israeli military declared are “extensive strikes” in the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported to be pursuing “terror targets” that were owned by Hamas. According to reports, a strike has killed Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the top Hamas security official in the region. Notably, an agreement to extend the ceasefire in Gaza has not been reached. Overnight, the bombardments hit several areas including northern Gaza, Gaza City and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah.
According to the Israeli military, which proclaimed to have attack hundreds of targets, in the “preemptive” action, the strikes would continue for as long as needed and could go beyond airstrikes, increasing the likelihood that Israeli ground forces would return to the battlefield. The development came after weeks of futile attempts to reach an extension of the ceasefire agreed upon on 19th January. The fresh assault was significantly larger in scope than the regular series of drone attacks the Israeli military carried out against individuals or small groups of suspected terrorists.
The action was ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, based on an official statement. “This follows their (Hamas) repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators. Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” it informed.
The strategy “was approved by the political leadership after being presented by the IDF over the weekend,” the statement stated. An Israeli official expressed that Israel was targeting infrastructure, leaders and soldiers of Hamas. He charged that Hamas was trying to reorganize and set up new operations. Security forces and Hamas terrorists had swiftly returned to the streets in the weeks following the ceasefire’s implementation.
According to Israel Katz, if the hostages are not freed, the “gates of hell will open in Gaza” and warned, “We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals.” Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the the United Nations, announced that “we will show no mercy on our enemies” unless they free all the captives. Hamas has “repeatedly refused to release our hostages” and rejected offers from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, per the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel informed the White House before launching the offensive
A White House spokesperson told Fox News that Israel consulted with Donald Trump’s administration before launching the offensive. “As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted. Meanwhile, Hamas responded by accusing Netanyahu of “putting the captives in Gaza at risk of an unknown fate” by choosing to revoke the ceasefire deal.
?? ?? White House Spokesperson:
"The White House was consulted by Israel on their attacks on Gaza tonight. President Trump was clear: Hamas, Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize Israel and the U.S. will pay a price. All hell will break loose."pic.twitter.com/iawRPgtqry
For the past two weeks, Israel has prevented food and other humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza to put pressure on Hamas to free more hostages. Additionally, Israel turned off the only remaining power-generating facility in Gaza. The Israeli strikes follow days after the United States proposed a new plan to extend the ceasefire for another month in exchange for the release of a few surviving captives detained by Hamas.
The US suggested prolonging the first phase until the middle of April, which would include another swap of Israeli-held Palestinian inmates and hostages detained by Hamas. However, a Palestinian official with knowledge of the negotiations disclosed that Israel and Hamas couldn’t agree on important points of the agreement that Witkoff outlined during the indirect negotiations.
The fresh attacks occurred two months after the war was put on hold by a ceasefire. During the first phase of the truce, Hamas released over three dozen captives over six weeks in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, since the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the opposing parties have been unable to come to an agreement on how to proceed with a second phase that would try to end the war and free remaining 60 hostages that are still alive. The Israeli military has been operating inside Gaza ever since the ceasefire was established.
On 7th October 2023 Hamas killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel, primarily civilians and took 251 hostage, sparking the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The interim government in Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus has expressed concern over the remarks of US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard in which she said that the Trump administration in the US is concerned about the persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Gabbard, who is in India to attend a conclave of security and intelligence officials and participate in the Raisina Dialogue, told NDTV, “The long-time unfortunate persecution and killing and abuse of religious minorities – Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and others – has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration”.
“This continues to remain a central focus area of concern…with the threat of Islamist terrorists and…the global effort of these different groups that are rooted in their same ideology, their same objective, which is to rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate,” she added. “This obviously affects people of any other religion, other than one that they find acceptable, and they choose to carry this out through very violent and terroristic means,” said Gabbard.
#Watch: "Persecution of minorities in Bangladesh a long-standing concern; Islamist terrorism a major cause of concern for President Trump" : US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) exclusively speaks to NDTV's Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV)#NDTVExclusivepic.twitter.com/FGyOeghHM6
Gabbard conveyed that the Trump administration was determined to eradicate Islamist terrorism.
Bangladesh said Gabbard’s remarks ‘damaged’ the country’s reputation
Hindu minorities in Bangladesh faced targeted persecution and killings after the ouster of the Awami League government following a violent revolution in August last year. India has been repeatedly expressing concern over the situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh dismissed Gabbard’s remarks as “misleading and damaging” to the country’s reputation. “Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of ‘Islamist caliphate’,” the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government said in a statement.
“Gabbard’s comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. Bangladesh, like many other countries in the world, has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counter-terrorism efforts,” the statement added.
The interim government advised all politicians including Gabbard to base their statements on actual knowledge and not spread fear. “Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions,” it said. It further expressed commitment to engage in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district, Professor Rajneesh Kumar, the chief of the geography department at PC Bagla College has been accused of sexually exploiting his female students. After several female students levelled allegations of sexual abuse, the college authorities suspended Professor Rajneesh Kumar. The accused was working as the chief proctor of PC Bagla Degree College. The accused is currently absconding, however, the police are conducting searches to arrest him.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has also registered a case against Rajneesh Kumar under various sections, including rape. The Hathras Police said that the accused has been booked under BNS sections 64 (2) (rape), 68 (sexual intercourse by a person in authority), and 75 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty).
The 54-year-old accused professor’s alleged misdeeds came to light after some female students sent anonymous complaints to the National Commission for Women (NCW) and other senior officials.
In addition to accusing Professor Rajneesh Kumar of sexually assaulting them, the students also shared photographs with NCW in which the accused professor could be seen in objectionable positions with some female students. Ten months back, the police had received an anonymous letter in which the victims accused Rajneesh Kumar of blackmailing them into sexual acts in exchange for good grades and teaching jobs.
Alongside the letter, the victims also shared a pen drive with 59 videos of Kumar getting intimate with students. Reports say that the videos shared along with the complaint letter which are currently viral on social media date back to 2023. As per a Dainik Bhaskar report, the police have found 65 such obscene videos. After this, on 13th March, Inspector Sunil Kumar lodged a complaint in the police station, however, by the time the police caught the accused, he had absconded.
UP शिक्षा के मंदिर में प्रोफेसर की हैवानियत, अच्छे रिजल्ट और नौकरी का झांसा देकर किया रेप, @Uppolice कब करेगी कार्यवाही । आरोपी 20 साल से इस कृत्य को अंजाम दे रहा था और छात्राओं को वीडियो बनाकर ब्लैकमेल करता था। इन गिद्धों से बेटियाँ कैसे बचेंगी।#Hathras@myogiadityanathpic.twitter.com/lILv3IoaHa
The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) conducted a preliminary investigation into the matter based on the photographs provided by students to the authorities. The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) confirmed the authenticity of the accusations levelled against the chief proctor.
थाना हाथरस गेट क्षेत्रांतर्गत बाग्ला डिग्री कॉलेज के प्रोफेसर रजनीश के द्वारा प्रलोभन देकर छात्राओ का यौन उत्पीडन करने के सम्बन्ध मे थाना हा0 गेट पर सुसंगत धाराओ मे अभियोग पंजीकृत है।पुलिस द्वारा आरोपी की शीघ्र गिरफ्तारी हेतु टीमो का गठन किया गया। उक्त के सम्बन्ध #SPHts की बाइट pic.twitter.com/ZLoLnxT5pd
Meanwhile, the district magistrate Rahul Pandey has formed a four-member committee to probe the matter within seven days. The committee is comprised of the sub-divisional magistrate, the deputy superintendent of police, the tehsildar, and the district education officer.
A major challenge in the case is the absence of a recorded statement by the complainant, who remains hesitant to reveal her identity, fearing stigma and harassment.
Amidst the outrage over the case, several videos of the accused proctor sexually abusing the students have gone viral on social media.
It has also been reported that the accused was sexually exploiting female students for the last 20 years. Earlier a case involving similar allegations was registered against Rajneesh Kumar, however, he was reportedly proven innocent. Police investigation revealed that the girl students complained to the college management 5 times in 18 months against the accused, however, no stern action was taken.
Reports say that the accused used to call female college students to his bungalow and entice them with the promise of good marks. The accused would then sexually exploit the girls and allegedly record videos of the same to blackmail the victims later. As per an AajTak report, the accused also uploaded some of these videos on pornographic websites.
On 17th March, tensions flared in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as violence erupted over rumours, including the burning of a copy of the Quran and a photograph, during a protest by Hindu groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Sambhaji Nagar. Islamist mobs reportedly pelted stones, torched vehicles, and vandalised public property. Around 15 police officials and five civilians were injured in the clashes.
The violence broke out in Chitnis Park and Mahal and soon spread to the Kotwali police station area. Authorities imposed Section 144 to restore order. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nitin Gadkari, who was elected from Nagpur, issued a video statement and urged residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration.
Eyewitness accounts painted a horrifying image of the violence. Speaking to ANI, one of the eyewitnesses from Hansapuri area, Sharad Gupta, said that he came back home at around 10:30 PM after closing his shop. While having dinner, he heard noises from outside. When he stepped out to check, he saw a mob torching vehicles. “We shouted at them not to burn the vehicles. I tried to douse the fire with a hose, but they hit me with a stone. My two vehicles and a few other vehicles parked nearby were torched.”
Gupta accused the police of arriving after the violence was over in his area despite multiple calls. He said, “I called the police. Several others also called. But the police came only after the violence was over.”
#WATCH | Maharashtra | A local shopkeeper from Nagpur's violence-hit Hansapuri area says, "At 10.30 pm, I closed my shop. Suddenly, I saw people torching vehicles. When I tried to douse the fire, I was hit with a stone. My two vehicles and a few other vehicles parked nearby were… pic.twitter.com/tisqTd87d2
Another eyewitness, Chandrakant Kawde, spoke to ANI and echoed that the police arrived late at the scene. He said that the police came at least 30 minutes after the violence had ended. According to Chandrakant, the violent mob comprised around 200 rioters. They burnt down his and his brother’s bikes. “There was decoration material for the Ram Navami Shobha Yatra that was dragged with the vehicles and torched.” He pointed out that the rioters first targeted CCTV cameras to prevent identification before torching the vehicles. Chandrakant urged the government to help them with compensation for the losses they had suffered.
A female eyewitness from the same area said, “Mobsters came here, their faces were hidden with scarfs. They had swords, sticks and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalised shops and pelted stones. Then they dragged the vehicles and torched them.”
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: An eyewitness and local from Hansapuri area says, " A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarfs. They had sharp weapons, stickers and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalised shops and pelted stones. They also torched… https://t.co/dulJLlh1kVpic.twitter.com/QYDClkXVS9
Another eyewitness, Sunil Peshne, said that his car was torched by the rioters. He stated that the violence began at around 8:30 PM. “A mob of 500-1000 people arrived. They pelted stones at the houses and torched our car. They vandalised around 25-30 vehicles.”
#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: A local, Sunil Peshne, whose car was set on fire in the violence, says, "This incident happened around 8.30 pm. A mob of 500-1000 people pelted stones. They even torched our car…They vandalised around 25-30 vehicles." pic.twitter.com/hDqWICrWAI
Another local, Madhu Pashne, said, “They were running around with stones. They pelted stones at our house. They saw children on the upper floor and threw stones at them. They damaged our doors and windows and torched our car. There were around 1,000 rioters.”
#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: A local, Madhuri Peshne says, "They were running around with stones. They pelted stones at our house, even at children on the upper floor. They damaged our doors and windows. They torched our car…There were around 1000 people in the… pic.twitter.com/eCrAjkAKGk
Speaking to PTI, Vansh Kawle said that the mobsters had their faces covered and damaged CCTV cameras. Another eyewitness told PTI that tensions had been simmering since the morning due to protests over Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest persisted through the afternoon and escalated into violence in the evening. He added that rumours being spread had triggered the violence. “They came in large numbers. They had big stones and petrol bombs in their hands. They pelted stones, vandalised property, and torched vehicles.” He pointed out there were children among the mobsters and raising Islamic slogans.
VIDEO | Nagpur violence: Here's what locals said about the incident that took place yesterday.
"There was tension in the area since morning. Stone pelting began in the evening… Big stones were pelted…" says a local.
An incident that should have been a minor parking dispute escalated into a major concern for the military fraternity and the public. The alleged assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, a serving Indian Army officer, and his son, Angad Singh, by Patiala police officers in civilian clothes has raised serious concerns about law enforcement accountability, justice, and the civil-military relationship in India.
Incident overview and public outcry
The incident occurred near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala when a confrontation over parking led to an alleged brutal assault on the Colonel and his son by police officers. According to reports, baseball bats and sharp-edged weapons were used, leaving the Colonel with a broken arm and his son with severe head injuries. Five days later, despite a registered FIR, no arrests had been made, sparking outrage in the military and civilian communities.
The situation gained widespread attention after Lt. Gen. KJS Dhillon (Retd.) highlighted it on social media, questioning the lack of immediate action against the accused officers. The military fraternity, public, and political figures have called for justice, citing the need for swift arrests and accountability.
Delayed Justice?
While 12 police officers, including three inspectors, were suspended, no legal action has yet been taken against them, leaving questions about whether suspension alone is an adequate response to such a severe assault. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh has assured a 45-day departmental inquiry, but the delay in making arrests raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation and whether it will result in genuine accountability.
Adding complexity to the case, conflicting narratives have emerged. The victim’s family claims that the officers acted with excessive force and without provocation, while the police allege that the Colonel and his son were inebriated and instigated the confrontation. The dhaba owner near the scene has also stated that the victims were drinking and had parked improperly, which further complicates the investigation.
National Security Concerns
As a veteran of the Indian Army, I find this incident deeply unsettling. The Indian Armed Forces are one of the most respected institutions in the country, and an attack on a serving officer undermines that trust. The fact that this occurred in Punjab, a border state with historical sensitivities, adds another layer of concern. Incidents like these, if mishandled, can be exploited by external forces, particularly Pakistan’s ISI and Khalistani elements, to fuel unrest and weaken national unity.
The government must recognize the potential security implications of such events. Delays in justice or perceived biases can create unrest among serving and retired military personnel, which could erode trust in civilian law enforcement agencies.
Justice Must Prevail
Suspending officers is not enough—the demand is clear: arrest the guilty officers, conduct a swift and transparent investigation, and ensure justice is served. The Director General of Punjab Police, the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office, and the Home Ministry of India must take immediate action.
As a veteran who has served the nation, I stand with my fellow officers and the public in calling for accountability, transparency, and reform. If the police are not held accountable for such grave misconduct, it sets a dangerous precedent for future civil-military interactions.
Call to Action: Ensuring Trust Between the Armed Forces & Law Enforcement
India’s military and police must work hand-in-hand to maintain national security and law enforcement integrity. This case serves as a reminder that unchecked power and lawlessness in law enforcement can have severe consequences.
Immediate arrests and legal proceedings against the accused officers.
A transparent and impartial inquiry with military representatives involved.
Policy reforms to prevent misuse of power by police against citizens, especially uniformed personnel.
Justice delayed is justice denied. This incident must not be brushed under the carpet. The military, the government, and the citizens of India must unite to demand justice, ensuring that such acts do not happen again. A serving Army officer should never have to fear for his safety in his own country.
The nation is watching, and the time for action is now.
A young girl who traveled to take the 10th board exam from Ghazipur was raped by a Ballia school manager Janardan Yadav who is also the national vice president of Samajwadi Shikshak Sabha (Teachers’ Association). A case has been filed and he has been arrested. The matter pertains to Bhimpura police station area. She revealed that he took her to a room in the campus in the name of the question paper. He then raped her and threatenend to murder her if she disclosed anything before anyone.
The terrified minor reached home after the examination. She explained the entire incident to the family members when they repeatedly questioned her. Afterward, her uncle filed a complaint at the police station on 16th March. She lives in a village near the Karimuddinpur police station in Ghazipur and attends Kharaupur’s Basmati Sarju Higher Secondary School. Its examination center is at SVBSIC in Kharaupur Uskar. She went there on 1st March for her Mathematics test, however, the SP leader raped her.
“I have raised my niece since childhood. Currently she is a student of 10th standard and is 17 years old. We had admitted her in Basmati Sarju Higher Secondary School, Kharaupur, Ballia. Its examination centre is SVBSIC Kharaupur Uskar Ballia. The manager of this school is SP leader Janardan Yadav. I had left her at my friend Shivshankar Yadav’s place for the exam. He dropped her at the examination centre on 1st March between 7:15 and 8:15 am. She had a mathematics exam that day. After she reached school, Janardan Yadav brought her to a separate room on the school grounds on the pretext of explaining the question paper. The room is near the entry gate of the school,” the victim’s uncle stated.
He further unveiled, “Janardan took her there and raped her following which he threatened to kill her. I came to know about all this later, because she was very scared. Afterward, I lodged a complaint in Bhimpura police station on 16th March. We are very scared after the instance.”
The police took immediate action and submitted a case against the accused for rape under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and (BNS Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita). Superintendent of Police (SP) Omvir Singh conveyed that the police sent the girl to the district hospital for medical examination on 17th March. The police is taking necessary legal action in the case. National Secretary of Samajwadi Shikshak Sabha Anand Yadav confirmed that Janardan Yadav is the National Vice President of the body.
Police station in-charge Madan Patel informed that he has been arrested and further inquiry is underway. Ashish Mishra, Rasra’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, was dispatched to the scene as soon as the crime was reported and the perpetrator was taken into custody.
Tensions prevailed in the city of Nagpur after violent clashes between Muslim mobs and Hindu Groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Sambhaji Nagar. According to the reports, unrest gripped the city over unverified rumours of the Quran burning during a protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb.
As many as 15 police officials and 5 civilians were injured in the violence as unruly mobs pelted stones, vandalised public property, and torched vehicles. Section 144 was imposed in the violence-hit region as a measure to bring situation under control.
The violence initially erupted in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas and later spread to Kotwali and Mahal areas. To control the situation, police used tear gas and carried out a baton charge to disperse the mob.OpIndia spoke to eyewitnesses who saw the clashes between the two groups.
Ram Mohan (name changed) said tension was palpable when he was at the Chitnis Park square where the police were barricading to avoid a potential escalation. “I had gone to drop my wife off at the railway station, and while returning I saw a large unruly mob passing through the Chitnis Park square, where a mosque stands,” he said.
Another eyewitness said he saw a mob of at least 500 to 600 men chanting slogans of “Allahu Akbar” and “Labaik-Ya-Rasool-Allah” in the Mahal region. He also revealed that the mob was pelting stones and that one of the stones hit his car.
“They were in hundreds. One of the stones hit my car. But since they all looked angry and agitated, I quietly skirted around them and came back to my home,” he said.
BJP MP Nitin Gadkari appealed for peace to the residents, urging them to support the administration in controlling the situation and expressing regret over the violence.
In a podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra painted a vivid image of India’s cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity and how they are united under one name—Ram. Prime Minister called Lord Ram a “common thread” that beautifully binds India’s kaleidoscopic diversity into a unified tapestry of ancient yet living civilization.
As Lex Fridman asked about what is the idea that unites India and what India is as a nation, PM Modi responded, “Look, India is a cultural identity. It is a civilization that dates back thousands of years. Consider the vastness of India, with over a hundred languages and thousands of dialects.” Further emphasising the saying that every 20 miles, the language, customs, cuisine, and clothing styles change from region to region, he said that despite this immense diversity, there is a common thread that unites the country—Lord Ram.
PM Modi highlighted the stories of Lord Ram, which resonate across India, and pointed out how names inspired by Lord Ram are found in every region, from Rambhai in Gujarat to Ramachandran in Tamil Nadu and Ram Bhau in Maharashtra. He remarked that this unique cultural bond unites India as one civilization.
“From the South to the North, you will see immense diversity across the country. But if you dig a little deeper, you will find a common thread. For example, the name of Lord Ram echoes in every corner of the country. But if you look closely, from Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir, you will always find people whose names include Ram in some form. In Gujarat, you might be called Rambhai, in Tamil Nadu, Ramachandran and in Maharashtra Rambhau. This unique cultural bond is what unites India as one civilization,” PM Modi said.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi beautifully describes how Hindu Dharma, particularly, Lord Ram, is the inextricable thread that has woven Bharat’s fabric of vast and varied civilization transcending linguistic, regional and cultural confines, let’s unpack how Bhagwan and Ramayana bind us Indians as one civilization.
Lord Ram and the revered saga of his heroism—Ramayana—manifest across India’s diverse regions not only as a shared name or figure but as a vibrant, living presence in folk traditions, dance forms, literature, festivals and the sacred geography. In fact, Lord Ram’s glory stitches together a broader Dharmic and cultural tapestry that transcends the boundaries of India.
Bhagwan Ram as the “common thread” unifying India: The journey across states and cultures
The Hindu epic of Ramayana authored by Rishi Valmiki is not a mere static epic confined to ancient Sanskrit texts rather it is entrenched in India’s cultural essence and has been retold, reimagined and relived across India’s linguistic and cultural mosaic, blending local flavours while retaining the core essence. The life and times of Bhagwan Ram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, extend to a vast geographical span—from Janakpur in Nepal where Mata Sita was born, to Sri Lanka where Ravana’s kingdom was situated, literally stretches across the subcontinent and touches neighbouring countries, every state within India leaving a trail of spectacular temples, soulful traditions and intriguing tales.
Bhagwan Ram was born in the holy city of Ayodhya in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. While Lord Ram is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu the supreme God, in the Awadh region Lord Ram is revered as the King. Ayodhya, the Hindu spiritual epicentre has seen it all, from the glory of Lord Ram’s life, the destruction of Ram Janambhoomi Mandir on the orders of Mughal tyrant Babur to the reclamation and reconstruction of Ram Mandir after 500 years. In fact, Hindus from across the country participated in some way or another to reclaim the rightful abode of Lord Ram.
Ramlila, a dramatic reenactment of the Ramayana, is performed during Dussehra or Vijay Dashami with local performers bringing the story of the divine to life through songs, music, dance and theatres. Ramcharitmanas, the 16th-century retelling of Ramayana in Awadhi rekindled the flame of Ram Bhakti (devotion towards Lord Ram) when Bharat was under consistent attacks of foreign Islamic jihadi invaders. Even to this day, Ramcharitmanas is found in almost every north Indian Hindu household and the chaupais (quatrain), Bhajans and folk songs dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita echo through villages and cities. Interestingly, Lord Rama is not only a unifier of Hindus but also unites the followers of other Indic religions. In Punjab, several Sikh traditions revere Lord Ram as Guru Nanak Ji referenced Lord Ram as the epitome of righteousness in the Guru Granth Sahib. Even Jains have composed their ‘non-violent’ retelling of Ramayana called the Paumachariyam or Padmacharitra.
In Odisha, the Jagmohana Ramayana by Balarama Dasa in the early 1400s in Odia language is a retelling of Ramayana emphasizing Lord Ram’s Leela or his divine play and incorporates local sensibilities. Folk dances like Chhau present a captivating reenactment of episodes from Ramayana. Similarly, Bengal has its lens to see Lord Ram’s life and deeds—the Krittivasi Ramayana by 15th-century poet Mahakavi Kritvasi Ojha. This Bengali retelling of Ramayana has a colloquial and folksy style resonating with the region’s devotional culture.
Even festivals like (the day Lord Ram was born as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu), Dussehra (the day Lord Ram slayed Ravana and established Dharma), Diwali (the return of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years exile, among others relating to the figures mentioned in Ramayana as well as the events described in the epic are celebrated across the country and by Hindus living elsewhere with unbridled joy and devotion.
Be it the Tulsidas authored Geetavali, a Braj rendering of Ramayana in songs or the Geet Ramayan in Marathi describing events from Ramayana, love, devotion and inspiration is drawn from Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram’s life by people across states and linguistic backgrounds.
In Maharashtra, folk theatre and Powada ballads celebrate the life and valour of Lord Ram. Interestingly, the Orchha town in Madhya Pradesh boasts a unique Raja Ram Temple where in a regal cultural twist, Lord Ram is revered as the King rather than a deity. In Gujarat where Rampagdandi, Pampa Lake, Rameshwar, and Unaal among other sites related to Lord Ram’s journey are situated, Lord Ram is worshipped and celebrated.
The Yakshagana of Karnataka and Kerala, Chhau mask dance and Jatra tradition of West Bengal and Odisha, Kathakali of Kerala and Dashavatara in Maharashtra are among the popular Indian folk dances representing Ramayana though not confined to representing Ramayana alone. The events of Ramayana are also depicted through puppet performances through Tolpava Koothu of Kerala, Tholu Bommalattam of Andhra Pradesh, and Togalu Gombeyatta of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Still taken from a YouTube video titled Togalu Gombayetta by Veranna
The journey and teachings of Bhagwan Ram and Maa Janaki (Sita) are ingrained in the living traditions of the sacred geography of the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. In Tamil Nadu, the Kamba Ramayanam by 12th-century poet Kambar is a literary gem focusing on Lord Ram’s journey, his Dharma and the emotional aspect. In Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita installed a Shivling while returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana in the great war in Lanka. Not to forget, it was in Rameshwaram where Lord Rama and the Vanar Sena built the Setu (bridge) to Lanka.
The Ramayana mentions that when Lord Ram was returning to India from Lanka, he sought to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin (Ravan). In response, Lord Shiva advised him to install a Shivling and perform puja. Lord Ram then assigned Lord Hanuman the task of finding a Shivling on Mount Kailasa. However, when Lord Hanuman did not return on time, Goddess Sita used sand from the seashore to construct a Shivling.
The Tamil literature also celebrates Lord Ram. The Hindu god finds mentions in some of the earliest Tamil compositions like the Sangam Literature. The Purananuru, the Ahananuru and the Paripadal collection of verses mention various incidents of the Ramayana. Even the post-Sangam texts like Silappadhikaram and Manimekhalai also revolve around the incidents of Ramayana. The great Tamil dynasties, the Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas, are known to have made endowments for the public exposition of Ramavataram also known as Kamba Ramayana (12th century). Even the 7th and 8th century Alvar and Nayannar saints also worshipped Lord Rama and to this day, despite the perpetual attacks on Hinduism and attempts to ‘eradicate’ Sanatan Dharma, the Hindus of Tamil Nadu continue to worship Lord Ram and take inspiration from his valorous and righteous life.
In the Telugu language, there are three main compositions of the Ramayana with the oldest being the 13th-century Ranganatha Ramayanam, the second being Bhaskara Ramayanam and the third Molla Ramayanam (15th century).
In Telangana, the Sri Seetha Ramachandraswamy Temple in Bhadrachalam dedicated to Bhagwan Ram and Mata Sita is famous for its grand celestial wedding ceremony, or Sri Sita Rama Kalyana Mahotsavam, performed on the occasion of Ram Navami. The ceremony attracts devotees in large numbers. Incidentally, Bhadrachalam is considered a Divya Kshetram (divine region) and is also called the Dakshina Ayodhya (the Ayodhya of the South).
Sri Seetha Ramachandraswamy Temple in Bhadrachalam (Image via IndiaTimes)
The earliest available literary composition in Kannada is Kavirajamarga by Nripatunga in the 9th century. It contains references to earlier poets in addition to excerpts from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The earliest Ramayana in Kannada, however, was the Jain Chavundaraya Purana which is believed to have been composed in the 10th century. There are later versions of the Hindu epic that contributed towards the spread of Ram bhakti and united the Hindu community despite linguistic and regional differences.
Interestingly, Kerala observes Ramayana Masam in the Malayalam month of Karkdakam in sync with the Shravan Maas in north India. During this holy month, temples and many Hindu households in Kerala reverberate with the divine chants of “SreeRama, Rama! Rama!, Sree Ramachandra! Jaya, SreeRama!Rama!Rama! Sree Rama Bhadra! Jaya”, taken from Aadhyatma Ramayana, a Malayalam version of Valmiki Ramayana composed by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan in the early 17th century.
In Kerala’s Kollam district, there is an iconic Jatayu Earth’s Center that hosts the world’s largest bird sculpture. Here the massive bird sculpture is of the divine bird Jatayu mentioned in Ramayana who bravely resisted demon king Ravana’s attempt to abduct Mata Sita on his Pushpak Vimana. The Centre also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, a replica of the Palace of Janaka, the father of Goddess Sita. The legendary vulture king is believed to have attained martyrdom in Kerala’s Chadayamangalam.
Image via Jatayu Earth Centre’s website
Similarly, Karnataka’s Hampi is mentioned in Ramayana as Kishkindha or the monkey kingdom ruled by Sugriva. It was in Kishkindha that Lord Rama formed a pivotal alliance with King Sugriva and Lord Hanuman during exile. Kishkindha was the staging ground for the search for Mata Sita, marked by Lord Ram’s aid to Sugriva to defeat his brother Vali (Bali). Interestingly, Kishkindha’s landscape dotted with hills and caves mirrors the rocky and forested terrain description in Ramayana. To this day, Hampi or Kishkindha remains significant from both religious and historical perspectives.
One lesser-discussed aspect of Ramayana is its prevalence in northeast India. Ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ram were found in Assam’s Dhubri. The earliest mention of Shri Ram has been found in the 7th-century Dubi copper plate inscription of Bhaskarvarma which hails Lord Ram and his father King Dashrath. Even the Ahom kings patronised Hindu Dharma and issued land grants in the name of Lord Ram. There are many such inscriptions, temples and local traditions centred on Shri Ram’s worship, however, the Macaulay-ised education system coupled with the narrative of suppressing Hindu history pushed by leftist historians made the impact of Lord Ram on northeast India’s religious practices, traditions and literature nearly unnoticed.
North to South, East to West: Ramayana’s geographical span is as vast as the character and virtues of Lord Ram
The physical footprints of Ramayana are staggering. If one tracks it from North to South direction, it begins in Janakpur, Nepal, moves to Ayodhya, then traces the exile through Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh, Panchavati in Maharashtra’s Nashik, Kishkindha in Karnataka. With other major landmarks, the journey culminates in Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram and crosses the sea to Sri Lanka.
In January 2024, days before performing the consecration of Ram Lalla (Lord Ram in his child form), at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the representative Yajman undertook a journey to several temples states including Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. PM Modi essentially visited temples that were connected with the incidents of Ramayana, particularly, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman’s exile. PM Modi visited Panchvati in Nasik, Maharashtra. As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama and Sita stayed in Dandakaranya forest during the 14th year of their exile. This forest which spans modern-day parts of central and eastern India, roughly covering areas of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra was back then filled with both sages and demons. Goddess Sita was abducted by demon king Ravana from Panchavati in Dandakaranya.
From Panchavati, PM Modi headed southwards to Lepakshi ( Telugu word meaning Rise! Oh bird) in Andhra Pradesh as it is believed that Lord Rama had commanded an injured Jatayu to rise.
Subsequently, PM Modi visited the Triprayar Sree Ramaswamy temple in Kerala’s Thrissur. The temple has a unique worship done with the bursting of crackers called ‘vedi vazhipadu’ which is performed to commemorate the return of Hanuman from Lanka after he met Sita and brought her ornament. It is said that after Lord Rama killed the demon Khara, he attained both the Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects here. After this, PM Modi visited Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy in January 2024. As per Ramayana, the temple finds mention after Shri Ram had slayed Ravan. It is believed that here Shri Ram gave Vibhishan his own dynasty’s Aradhana Murthy which is an idol of the reclining Vishnu. Lord Ram had warned Vibhishan that if he kept the idol anywhere on the ground during his travel, the idol would become permanently fixed there, however, Vibhishan failed to successfully take the idol to Lanka and it became permanently fixed in Kerala’s Thrissur. Centuries later, a Chola king Dharmavarma rediscovered the idol and established the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
PM Modi also visited Rameshwaram’s Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi dedicated to Lord Rama with a bow. It is believed that here, after the war, used his bow and arrow to break the Ram Setu and later performed Vibhishan’s coronation there. PM Modi had visited all major temples that fall under the Ramayana circuit before reaching Ayodhya just as Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman did, and performed the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in the Ram Janambhoomi Temple.
The presence of ancient temples, traditions, folklores, festivals and scriptures across regions, languages and cultures celebrating the journey of Lord Ram shows that every Indian state claims a piece, a share in God’s Leela making Lord Ram a literal and metaphorical bridge across the Indian subcontinent.
Rama beyond Bharat
The unifying “thread” Prime Minister Modi referred Lord Ram as, extends beyond India into Southeast Asia, where the Ramayana though with its core elements preserved, gets a local touch. In Thailand, Ramakein is a national epic, with Lord Ram (Phra Ram) as a valorous king. This Thai version of Ramayana is performed in the elaborate Khon masked dance.
Similarly, Indonesia’s Kakawin Ramayana has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions and is performed through Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry symbolising Lord Ram as the epitome of virtue.
Image via Radar Jogja
In Cambodia, Reamker (Glory of Rama), a local version of Ramayana is designated as the national epic and its incidents are beautifully performed through local dance forms.
Malaysia has a Malay adaptation of Ramayana named Hikayat Seri Rama. This is not a direct translation of Valmiki Ramayana rather it incorporates the elements of both Hindu and Islamic mythology.
Similarly, Laos and Myanmar also have their own poetic versions of Phra Lak Phra Lam and Yama Zatdaw respectively.
Ram: The soul of a civilisation
Indeed, Lord Ram is the “common thread” unifying Bharat as a civilisation. Bhagwan Ram is the heartbeat of our civilisation that thrives on its diversity. From the rugged forests of Dandakaranya to the vibrant Kishkindha, Lord Ram’s story, his journey stitches the Indic civilisation together echoing in the “Ram Ram” greetings of the north, the temples bells of the south and the beautiful renditions of Ramayana in Indic languages, play, puppetry and dance performances and its adaptations in Southeast Asian countries.
Bhagwan Ram is not only a historical figure, but a living bridge, linking past to present, region to region, heart to heart, soul to soul. His journey is retold in countless languages, and myriad dance forms, his glory sung in various musical forms, from his birth to marriage, and exile, his valour and virtue are all celebrated in every corner of Bharat. Goswami Tulsidas ji wrote this chaupai (quatrain),
हरि अनंत हरि कथा अनंता। कहहिं सुनहिं बहुबिधि सब संता॥ रामचंद्र के चरित सुहाए। कलप कोटि लगि जाहिं न गाए॥
This means that Hari (Lord Vishnu) is infinite (no one can surpass him) and his story (Katha) is also infinite. All the saints tell and listen to him in many ways. The beautiful character of Ramchandra cannot be sung even in millions of Kalpas (cosmic cycle). Prime Minister Modi was absolutely correct when he called Lord Ram as the common thread, as only the infinite, the supreme, the unsurpassable Lord Ram could be the unifying force that binds such a vast and diverse kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions, languages, regionalities and people together.
China on Monday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on India-China relations, commending his emphasis on dialogue over discord. Beijing likened the bilateral relationship to a “ballet between the dragon and the elephant,” emphasizing the necessity of cooperation for mutual prosperity.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning acknowledged PM Modi’s “positive” comments and highlighted progress in ties since his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia. “China has taken note of Prime Minister Modi’s recent positive statement on China-India relations and appreciates it,” she stated during a media briefing. Mao reiterated that their discussions had set a strategic course for both nations.
#FMsays China expressed appreciation on Monday over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations. The two countries should be partners that contribute to each other's success, FM spokeswoman Mao Ning said. pic.twitter.com/a7uMIBTUic
Reflecting on historical ties, she noted that for over 2,000 years, India and China have engaged in friendly exchanges and contributed to human progress. Stressing the importance of collaboration, she stated, “The two countries should support each other’s success, and a ‘cooperative pas de deux,’ a ballet between the dragon and elephant, remains the only viable path forward.”
During a nearly three-hour conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi expressed optimism about the two nations’ ties, underscoring their shared history and the importance of ensuring “differences do not turn into disputes.” He pointed out that India and China once accounted for over 50% of the global GDP, highlighting the benefits of cooperation for global peace and prosperity.
Chinese state-run daily The Global Timesalso lauded PM Modi’s remarks, viewing them as a pragmatic approach to balancing competition and cooperation. The publication cited experts who noted that both nations have taken “positive strides” since the Kazan summit, improving diplomatic and military communications while maintaining border stability.
A series of financial irregularities and governance violations have come to light at Exclusive Capital Limited (ECL), a non-banking financial company (NBFC), leading to multiple investigations and regulatory interventions. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Delhi has ordered an investigation under Section 242 of the Companies Act, 2013, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified serious breaches of financial regulations.
Exclusive Capital’s Role in Hindustan National Glass CIRP
Exclusive Capital is also a Committee of Creditors (CoC) member in the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of Hindustan National Glass (HNG). In a landmark judgment on January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court set aside the resolution plan of AGI Greenpac, stating that the plan was not legally tenable. Further, in paragraph 155 of the judgment, the Supreme Court directed the CoC to consider INSCO’s resolution plan or any other resolution plan that had valid Competition Commission of India (CCI) approval as of October 28, 2022.
The CoC, exercising its commercial wisdom, approved INSCO’s resolution plan and subsequently issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) to INSCO. Following this, the resolution plan of INSCO was filed with NCLT Kolkata for final approval.
However, in a surprising move, Exclusive Capital, a minority CoC member, challenged the majority CoC’s decision by filing an Interlocutory Application (IA) before NCLT Kolkata. The IA opposed the CoC’s decision to approve INSCO’s resolution plan and declare INSCO as the successful resolution applicant.
OpIndia has obtained a letter from the workers’ union of HNG addressed to the Court-appointed Observer/Administrator, Justice (Retd.) R.K. Gauba, raising concerns over Exclusive Capital’s actions. The letter alleges that Exclusive Capital’s conduct is aimed at derailing the resolution process of HNG and that it may be acting in the interests of AGI Greenpac, the Supreme Court-rejected resolution applicant. The workers’ union has urged Justice Gauba to intervene and examine whether Exclusive Capital, already under financial scrutiny, has been filing frivolous legal challenges at the behest of vested interests.
OpIndia’s Investigation and Justice Gauba’s Response
OpIndia has been tracking the insolvency proceedings of HNG for long and, therefore it preferred to send a list of questions to Justice R.K. Gauba. The reply is quoted below:
Dear Mr. Bagla / Mr. Jindal / Mr.Abraham,
I am in receipt of the email forwarded herewith, sent at my personal email ID, which seems to be already marked to Mr. Bagla and one another in Exclusive Capital Limited (ECL). A large number of facts mentioned in this communication are not part of the disclosures made to me by ECL and so are taken as inputs. Please share the entire information on the subject. You are also reminded that ECL is expected to disclose to the undersigned the facts and status of all litigation in which it is involved.
From the reply of Justice Gauba, it seems that he is not aware of any such IAs being filed by Achal Jindal on behalf of Exclusive Capital (CoC member of HNGIL). Such major revelations directly question the legitimacy and intentions of Exclusive Capital and under whose approval or authority such frivolous IAs have been preferred to be filed by the top management of the board, which itself is under massive financial misappropriation investigation by various agencies. In light of these findings, NCLT and NCLAT have appointed an Observer on the board to oversee the operations of Exclusive Capital.
Workers Union’s writ petition against IBBI, CoC, and RP
On March 12, 2025, the workers union of HNG filed a writ petition against IBBI, CoC, and RP, seeking clarification from IBBI regarding whether the Resolution Professional (RP) of HNG, whose Authorization for Assignment (AFA) is suspended, can continue to discharge his duties in the ongoing CIRP of Hindustan National Glass.
In a shocking turn of events, Supreme Court-rejected resolution applicant AGI Greenpac and CoC member Exclusive Capital attempted to intervene in the proceedings at the Delhi High Court, opposing the clarification issued by IBBI. Such conduct raises serious questions about Exclusive Capital’s role in derailing the resolution process of HNG to favour vested interests.
During the Delhi High Court hearing on March 12, 2025, IBBI’s counsel clarified and submitted to the court, which was recorded in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the court’s order:
“According to the petitioner, the same only precludes the RP from undertaking any new assignment. In this regard, reliance has been placed by the petitioner on the Division Bench judgment of the Bombay High Court in the case of Kairav Anil Trivedi vs. IBBI & Ors., 2024 SCC Online Bom 2572, particularly on paragraph 14 thereof.
When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, learned counsel for the IBBI sought time to take instructions. Today, it is submitted by learned counsel for the IBBI that in line with the judgment of the Bombay High Court, the order dated 30.01.2025 precludes the concerned RP from undertaking any new assignment/s; the same does not prevent him from continuing with any existing assignment/s. The said statement is taken on record.”
This statement by IBBI further discredits Exclusive Capital’s attempt to intervene in the proceedings and raises concerns over their intentions in opposing the clarification issued by IBBI.
Other ongoing investigations against Exclusive Capital:`
Exclusive Capital, formerly known as UT Leasing Limited, has been accused of siphoning funds, mismanagement, and regulatory non-compliance. The company, under the directorship of Satya Prakash Bagla has allegedly engaged in unauthorized financial activities, leading to legal scrutiny. Some of the major violations include:
Unapproved Issuance and Conversion of Debentures:
The company issued Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs) worth ₹315 crores between October 2021 and March 2022 without RBI’s prior approval. These were later converted into Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), violating RBI regulations.
Breach of Leverage Ratio:
RBI guidelines prescribe a maximum leverage ratio of 7 for base-layer NBFCs. However, ECL had an astonishing leverage ratio of 117.77 as of March 2022. This indicates that the company took on a disproportionate amount of debt, posing significant risks to its financial stability and investor interests.
Failure to Submit Financial Documents:
ECL has not provided its balance sheet, profit & loss statements, and auditor reports for multiple financial years, raising concerns over financial misrepresentation.
Allegations of Siphoning Funds:
Investigations have uncovered potential financial misconduct and misappropriation of funds. There are accusations of funds being transferred to related parties, allegedly for personal gain.
Criminal Investigations Against Management:
Satya Prakash Bagla and other directors are reportedly under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and Economic Offenses Wing (EOW).
Conclusion
To conclude, it looks like major material facts regarding Hindustan National Glass are being suppressed by the management of Exclusive Capital from Court-appointed Observer Justice R.K. Gauba. It further appears that the actions of Exclusive Capital’s directors—who themselves are under investigation—are solely aimed at derailing HNG’s CIRP. This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and true intentions of Exclusive Capital in this entire insolvency process.
The ongoing investigations into Exclusive Capital and Satya Prakash Bagla expose a deep-rooted pattern of financial violations and corporate mismanagement. With multiple agencies, including RBI, NCLT, CBI, and ED, now involved, the case is expected to have far-reaching legal and financial implications.
