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‘Chanted Maruti Stotra, a monkey came and the wall collapsed’: Meet 96-year-old Karsewak Shalini ji who had narrowly escaped police bullet in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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‘Chanted Maruti Stotra, a monkey came and the wall collapsed’: Meet 96-year-old Karsewak Shalini ji who had narrowly escaped police bullet in Ayodhya

The auspicious time for Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha is less than a fortnight away. Countless people struggled to see that Ram Lalla rightfully returned to his birthplace. 96-year-old Kar Sevak Shalini Ramakrishna Dabir is one among them. She has received Akshat Nimantran for the consecration of Ram Lalla from Ayodhya.

To make sure that Ram Lalla could reside in Ayodhya and a Bhavya Ram Mandir was built at Shri Ram’s Janmabhoomi site, the saints and sages took many difficult resolutions. On their part, the common people also left no stone unturned and undertook karsewa.  

In the year 1990, under the leadership of Lal Krishna Advani, the Ramrath Yatra started from Somnath in Gujarat and reached Ayodhya via Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The process of Yatra and Kar Seva continued till the demolition of the disputed Babri structure on 6th December 1992 – deconstruction of the illegally built Babri structure on the usurped Ram Janmabhoomi site. The nonagenarian Kar Sevak, Shalini Dabir who was part of Karseva during that period pointed out that when she left Mumbai for Ayodhya in 1990, people everywhere treated her very well, but she faced a lot of harassment from the government and the police. 

Sharing her Karsewa experience, she says, “They beat us a lot, did everything. But we were not afraid at all, we said that we would go to Ayodhya no matter what you do. They kept us in Allahabad jail, but we jumped over the wall and came out. The Police couldn’t catch us as we were on the wall.”

(Video Courtesy – Aaj Tak)

Even at this age, she gets filled with enthusiasm remembering that incident and says, “At that time, I was accompanied by a friend Shalin who is no longer alive. After escaping from the jail, we walked on foot and reached Ayodhya. During this journey, the police harassed us relentlessly, not allowing us to proceed along the road.” 

She says, “We went through fields and meandered through various paths, but we did reach Ayodhya.”

It is important to note that Shalini Dabir had reached Ayodhya on 30th October 1990 and witnessed the moment when the saffron flag was hoisted on the disputed Babri structure. 

The Uttar Pradesh Police had then arrested a group of women Karsewaks from Dadar and detained them in a school. Some of them escaped from there with the help of local people and, after traversing over 50 kilometers on foot, participated in Karsewa on 31st October 1990.

At that time, Karsewak Shalini Dabir also faced a lathi charge, tear gas, and bullets, but her courage did not break. She adds that a bullet had passed close to her, grazing her, but Hanuman ji saved her.

According to Shalini, she was 63 years old at that time and she could not tolerate the fact that Ram Lalla’s birthplace had been snatched and that is why she also left for Ayodhya. She says that during her Karsewa, bullets were fired, and devotees were lathi-charged yet the Karsewaks kept singing bhajans together.

According to her, the second time when she went for Karsewa in 1992, she fared very well and did not face any problems. She also recalled the moment when the wall of the disputed structure was not crumbling. She said, “I remember that moment when that wall was not breaking. We recited Maruti Stotra since morning, but nothing was happening.”

Shalini narrates further, “We were in a perplexing situation, wondering what to do because if the sun had set at 5 o’clock then we would not have been able to do anything. Suddenly, a monkey came from a nearby tree and sat on the wall. We all started observing curiously. The monkey looked around, turned its head, and then left. Suddenly, the wall collapsed with a loud noise.”

She continues, “After that, for a long time, we couldn’t see anything due to the dust and debris. The local people there had told us that there was no need for us to do anything. They would provide us with food. That night, at 10 o’clock, we performed the worship and aarti of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Maruti.”

She added that diyas were lit all over Ayodhya that night. She recollects, “When the Babri structure collapsed, an angry person from another religion fed me sweets and said, now you have got what was yours. Now I would like to feed them laddus that we not only got it, my God has also returned.”

She says, “Even before going to Ayodhya, we had made up our mind that whatever happens, we will reach there. I had left my entire family behind. Even then, we did not feel any fear in that environment.”

Expressing happiness, Shalini adds, “Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya, I am so happy that words cannot describe it. We are happy that things got better under Modi’s rule. It’s wonderful that Lord Rama’s glory has been established. We are very pleased.

I will go to the temple but not on foot, now I have difficulty walking, but I will definitely go later. (Pointing towards her son Vikas) He will take me.”

Remembering the events of that time, her son Vikas says, “Even then, there was no atmosphere of fear in our home. There was just a little concern about what might happen. We used to wait for mother. We used to think, ‘we would understand only when she came back. If she doesn’t come, then what will we do? It’s bound to happen one day’.”

Dilip Godambe also participated in the Karsewa with Shalini Dabir. He says that those who talk about building a hospital there do not know the value of that soil. They are unaware of the greatness of Sanatana Dharma.

‘Why are you allowing a mushrikeen in our sanctuary?’ Islamists suffer a meltdown after Smriti Irani visits the periphery of Prophet’s mosque in Madinah

Amit Kelkar
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‘Why are you allowing a mushrikeen in our sanctuary?’ Islamists suffer a meltdown after Smriti Irani visits the periphery of Prophet’s mosque in Madinah

Islamists on social media suffered a meltdown after Saudi Arabia facilitated Union Minister of India Smriti Irani on her visit to Madinah, one of the holiest cities for followers of Islam, where she also visited the periphery of the Quba mosque—the first mosque of Islam. Medina or Madinah, is the second holiest city in Islam, celebrated by Muslims as a place from where Muhammad established the Muslim community (ummah) after his flight from Mecca (622 CE) and is where his body is entombed.

A delegation led by Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan Monday, visited the city of Madinah, marking a ‘historic’ moment on their visit to Saudi Arabia.

Two days prior, a bilateral agreement between India and Saudi Arabia was formally signed, designating New Delhi a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage scheduled for this year. The agreement, known as the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, was officially inked in Jeddah with Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah.

As outlined in a press release, the delegation embarked on a visit to the perimeter of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid Al Nabwi) located in the Markazia area of Madinah. Subsequently, the delegation toured the historic sites, including the mountain of Uhud and the Quba Mosque. Notably, the Quba Mosque holds significance as the first Mosque of Islam, while the Uhud Mountain serves as the final resting place for numerous early Islamic martyrs.

Smriti Irani took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share about her visit to Madinah. “Undertook a historic journey to Madinah today, one of Islam’s holiest cities included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud, and periphery of the Quba Mosque – the first Mosque of Islam,” she tweeted.

However, Irani’s visit did not sit well with Muslim fundamentalists on social media, many of whom were shocked to see a Hindu woman with no headgear in the vicinity of the Prophet’s mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi. Shortly after her visit to the mosque, a bevvy of scandalised Islamists descended on her X timeline, outraging over how a Hindu and an uncovered woman was allowed in the periphery of one of the holiest shrines of Islam.

Islamists suffer a meltdown after Smriti Irani visits Prophet’s mosque in Madinah

“‎Why are you allowing mushrikeen till the periphery of our sanctuary?” tweeted one Islamist, outraged with Smriti Irani’s visit to Madinah.

In Islam, the terms “Mushrik” and “Mushrikeen” refer to persons who practice Shirk, which is the act of worshipping many gods, idolatry, or in essence, polytheism. In Islamic theology, monotheism (Tawhid) is a fundamental concept, which emphasises the absolute oneness of Allah. Muslims believe in the uniqueness and oneness of Allah’s divine attributes, and anyone believing otherwise or having faith in other gods is treated as a ‘kafir’ of idol-worshipper and worthy of the strictest punishment, which according to Islamic scriptures is death.

“Oh followers of shaytan you made a grave mistake by letting filthy najs mushrik in the land of our Beloved master messenger of the Lord of Heavens and earth,” tweeted another user, a Muslim fundamentalist, who also threatened with “Allah will provide justice for this treachery.”

“What is a Hindu politician from India doing in Medina?” said another rabid Muslim extremist, adding, “The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade the presence of idol worshippers in the Hejaz region.”

It is deeply ironic that Islamists, who are outraged over the visit of Smriti Irani’s visit to the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah on account of her being a Hindu, hurl labels of ‘Islamophobia’ when non-Muslims institute similar measures and restrict entries of Muslims in and around places of their worship. It is worth noting that Irani didn’t even enter the Prophet’s mosque and had visited only its periphery. Yet, Islamists suffered a meltdown over it.

Such shameless display of irony is a hallmark of Islamists, most notably illustrated in the Islamist position on Palestine vis-a-vis their stance on Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Islamists dehumanise Israelis as “occupiers” to legitimise baseless Palestinian claims over Israeli lands, but the same logic does not extend to the Ram Mandir, which they vehemently oppose citing the erstwhile Babri edifice, even though it was built upon a preexisting temple by a Mughal invader.

Madhya Pradesh: Hindus attacked in Shajapur by Islamist mob while distributing Akshat for consecration of Ram Mandir

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Hindus attacked in Shajapur by Islamist mob while distributing Akshat for consecration of Ram Mandir

In Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, a Muslim mob attacked Hindu workers who were distributing Akshat for the consecration of the Ram temple being built at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. As soon as Hindu workers reached the area near the mosque to distribute Akshat, an Islamist mob pelted stones at them.

On January 8, 2024, an Akshat distribution program took place in the Somwariya region of Shajapur city. Shri Ram Pheri was planned for the evening. Many Hindu workers participated in this event. Shri Ram’s chants were played during the drive. However, as the Yatra approached the area near the mosque in the Harraipur region, it was attacked.

As soon as the Hindu workers arrived near the mosque during their yatra, the Muslim mob attacked them and began pelting stones. Several Hindu workers were injured in this attack.

According to the reports, the Islamist mob objected to Shri Ram’s procession taking place in this region of the city. The Hindus continued with the procession after which the mob attacked the Hindus. Activists claim that during this attack, stones were thrown from the roofs of the buildings. Women from Muslim families also participated in the stone-pelting. Some Muslim youths ran and also attacked Hindu workers with swords.

When OpIndia talked with Shajapur city Kotwal Brijesh Mishra about the matter, he stated that there is now peace in the city and that a case had been filed after obtaining information about the situation. A complaint has been filed against 24 individuals belonging to the Islamist mob. Other 20 unidentified persons have also been booked. Most of the accused are still absconding and efforts are being made to arrest them.

The enraged workers of Hindu organisations protested against the attack. Hindus are now demanding bulldozer action on the houses from where stones were pelted. FIR in the case has been filed under sections 147, 148, 149, 323, 294, 506, 336, 298, 295A and 153A of the IPC.

Uttar Pradesh: Man murders wife and daughter over love affair in Lalitpur, makes up a ‘robbery story’ to project himself as victim

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Man murders wife and daughter over love affair in Lalitpur, makes up a ‘robbery story’ to project himself as victim

On Sunday (7th January), a 27-year-old man named Neeraj Kushwaha killed his wife and young daughter over an extramarital relationship. The incident occurred in Mohalla Chandmari in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

As per reports, the victims were identified as 22-year-old Manisha and one-year-old Nipeksha. Neeraj Khushwaha had a heated argument with his wife Manisha on Sunday night over his love affair. After the fight escalated, the accused hit Manisha with a cricket bat and killed her.

In the meantime, his one-year-old daughter Nipeksha woke up from her sleep. Neeraj then proceeded to strangle her to death. At about 2 a.m., he began concocting an elaborate story to cover up his crime.

Three hours later, he called his friend and claimed that a dozen masked men robbed their house and killed his wife and daughter. Neeraj also hit his head against the wall to portray himself as the victim.

He also ransacked his own house to give the appearance of a robbery. The accused hid the cricket bat, the murder weapon in this case, inside the cupboard.

When the news spread, Neeraj Kushwaha was admitted to the Lalitpur district hospital. To make his story believable, he requested the doctors to administer him oxygen.

Police refuse to buy ‘robbery angle’

The Superintendent of Police (SP) formed 6 teams to investigate the matter. They analysed the CCTV footage around the house but did not find evidence of dozens of masked men breaking into the building.

The inconsistent claims of the accused, coupled with the discovery of Manisha’s ring and mangalsutra from behind the TV set, made the police question the robbery angle.

The cops also found blood splattered on the walls above the bed although Neeraj told them that the victims were killed on the ground. This made them suspicious and the accused was taken in for questioning.

Cops arrest Neeraj Kushwaha, accused confesses to the crime

A wedding decorator by occupation, Neeraj confessed to killing his wife and one-year-old daughter during the interrogation. It has come to light that he would often have arguments with his deceased wife Manisha over his extramarital relationship.

Neeraj married Manisha, the niece of Lalitpur district panchayat member, in 2020. He was arrested by the police. A First Information Report (FIR) was also registered against Neeraj and his family based on the complaint of Manisha’s father Purushottam Kushwaha.

The Superintendent of Police (Lalitpur) gave a reward of ₹25000 to the police team for solving the criminal case in record time.

Avinash Maheshwari sacrificed his life at the age of 19 while doing Kar Seva at Ayodhya: Another story of sacrifice and devotion of a Ram Bhakt

OpIndia Staff
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Avinash Maheshwari sacrificed his life at the age of 19 while doing Kar Seva at Ayodhya: Another story of sacrifice and devotion of a Ram Bhakt

A temple for Lord Shri Ram Lalla is being erected. My son’s sacrifice is finally coming to fruition. My son’s sacrifice has proved worthwhile.

This is what Akshay Devi, the proud mother of Avinash Maheshwari, who gave his life at the age of 19 while doing Kar Seva at Ayodhya during the Ramjanmabhoomi movement days, said as she awaits, with bated breath, to witness the Pran Pratistha ceremony at the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.

The 72-year-old Akshay Maheshwari and her 76-year-old husband Manak Chand Maheshwari live in Prem Nagar in Ajmer, Rajasthan. They are the proud parents of Avinash Maheshwari. Avinash was 19 years old when he sacrificed his own life while trying to save several other Karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement.

While the holy city of Ayodhya is preparing for the historic return of their Prabhu Ram, it is important to revisit the stories of such brave Karsevaks who sacrificed their lives for the Ramjanmabhoomi from the era of Mughals to Mulayam. Among countless such known and unknown martyrs was this 19-year-old boy Avinash Maheshwari. His story of unwavering devotion and selfless service for his fellow Karsevaks stretches back 31 years.

After a nationwide campaign, on December 6, 1992, about 150,000 Karsevaks from across the country attended a rally called by the BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Ayodhya. Eventually, a large number of charged Karsevaks stormed the heavily fortified premises of the Ram Janmabhoomi where the disputed Babri structure was standing and razed it to the ground. The movement marked the first significant step towards reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Ram which was forcibly occupied by Mughal rulers, as a symbol of Islam’s victory over the Hindu faith.

Avinash Maheshwari was part of a group of 28 devoted Karsevaks who had also reached Ayodhya from Ajmer, Jaipur to participate in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. They were scheduled to take the evening train back to Ajmer on December 6, 1992. Avinash, meanwhile, got busy attending to the injured Karsevaks. He was helping fellow volunteers to transport the injured Karsevaks to the hospital.

Avinash and others were diligently carrying out the relief work in the Tedhi Bazar area in Ayodhya when an unknown miscreant hurled a bomb into the area. The bomb caught Avinash’s eye. He quickly grabbed the bomb and threw it towards an empty two-storeyed building. The bomb went and landed on the balcony and exploded. After the bomb exploded, multiple fragments of shrapnel hit Avinash leaving him gravely injured. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died during treatment.

Avinash Maheshwari, then 19 years old, laid down his life to save the lives of hundreds of other Ram devotees.

Akshay and Manak Chand Maheshwari with Avinash Maheshwari’s picture (Source: NDTV)

He was hell bent on going to Ayodhya, left without my permission: Avinash Maheswari’s mother recalled

Avinash’s mother told the media that her complete family had settled in Ajmer in 1982. Her husband worked with the RSS. After seeing him, Avinash also joined the Sangh at the age of 12. He was fascinated by the ideology and the work the RSS did. He used to visit the branch frequently. He was a very bright student, she said.

Avinash’s mother further recalled how on November 26, 1992, Avinash began insisting on going to Ayodhya. She said that she was averse to the idea and discouraged Avinash but he was hell-bent. He went to his room in a rage and wept himself to sleep after she did not give him permission, but he had resolved that he would go to Ayodhya at any cost.

Avinash’s mother said that on November 28, his friend arrived at the house around five in the morning and called out to Avinash. When he heard his friend’s voice, he got up from his sleep, picked up his bag and immediately left home and headed to his father’s clinic. After meeting his father, Avinash left for Ayodhya with his friends, she recalled.

Whatever work is assigned to you, do it well: The last piece of advice Avinash’s father gave him

Recalling what happened on the unfateful day, Avinash’s father, Manak Chand Maheshwari, told NDTV, “A car attendant was injured during the demolition of the structure.” Avinash and others in his group were transporting him to the hospital. Meanwhile, another worker was reported hurt. Avinash reached the Tedhi circle to help these injured Karsevaks when a bomb was hurled at them. Avinash grabbed the bomb and flung it away, but as it burst, debris struck his face.”

Manak Chand Maheshwari recalled how before going to Ayodhya, his son came to see him at his clinic. He had advised Avinash, “Whatever work is assigned to you, do it well.” According to Maheshwari, at the time, a group of 28 individuals left Ajmer for Ayodhya.

Avinash Maheswari’s father recalls the atrocities committed by Mulayam Singh’s regime against the Hindu Karsevaks

Manak Chand Maheshwari told Dainik Bhaskar that he learned of his son’s death on December 6, 1992, through his acquaintances in RSS. On December 7, a curfew was imposed throughout the country. On December 8, he informed his wife that he had been asked to travel to the Jaipur-Ajmer bypass to identify his son’s body. Manak Chand arrived and discovered his son had terrible cuts on his neck and face. Manak Chand summoned a doctor and asked him to hide his wounds with a bandage before transporting his teenage son’s body back to Ajmer, fearing how his wife would react to seeing their son’s dreadfully wounded body.

On December 9, the Sangh proposed carrying out Avinash’s final journey in a procession, but Manak Chand turned down the proposal owing to the curfew imposed throughout the country. Regardless, a sizeable crowd assembled outside his house for Avinash’s final darshan.

Avinash Maheshwari’s funeral procession

Manak Chand recalled the atrocities committed by Mulayam Singh’s regime against the Hindu Karsevaks. He disclosed that when the Karsevaks gathered to see their 19-year-old slain son for the last time, they were peacefully chanting slogans like ‘Avinash amar rahe’. However, within no time the cops arrived, and they proceeded to mercilessly beat the people in the crowd with sticks and batons. Several persons suffered injuries in the incident, he added.

‘Didi, I will return soon, don’t worry‘: Sister received a letter from brother Avinash Maheswari after his death

On December 6, Avinash Maheshwari sacrificed his life in Ayodhya. His parents had last seen him on November 28th. Suman Kabra, Avinash’s elder sister, said that when Avinash arrived in Ayodhya on January 29, he wrote her a letter wishing her a happy birthday and informing her that he had arrived safely and would return soon. Suman’s birthday was on January 30, but she received this letter three days after he brother had passed away. Seema now ties Rakhi to Avinash’s photo. She stated that the loss of a sibling cannot be replaced in this life. But now that the temple is being erected, it appears that his brother’s sacrifice did not go in vain.

An old picture of Avinash Maheshwari’s sister tying him a Rakhi (Source: Dainik Bhaskar)

An excerpt from Avinash’s letter to his beloved sister:

Happy Birthday. I’ve reached Ayodhya. Everything is fine here. Do not get tensed. I’ll write the next letter soon. Hope Our parents Are doing well. I will write to them as well. Phoolon ka taron ka sabka kehna hai…ek hazaaron mein meri behana hai.

According to Manak Chand Maheshwari, around a month after Avinash’s sacrifice, Vishwa Hindu Parishad offered him a cheque for Rs 2 lakh, but he refused to accept it. After this, a school was opened at Bhajanganj, Ajmer, in memory of his son. This school started with 28 pupils and now has 650 students, he said.

Hiding their agony, the teary-eyed parents of Avinash Maheshwari remarked:

His sacrifice was worthwhile as eventually, his dream is taking the shape of reality.

‘Initiate No Confidence motion’: Maldives opposition demands President Muizzu’s removal after several ruling leaders mocked India and PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Initiate No Confidence motion’: Maldives opposition demands President Muizzu’s removal after several ruling leaders mocked India and PM Modi

Following Maldives’ Ministers’ disparaging remarks against India and Indians triggering a diplomatic row, minority leader in the Maldivian Parliament, Ali Azim, on Monday, January 8, called for the sacking of the archipelago’s President Mohamed Muizzu. Azim called for steps to remove the Maldivian President from office including initiation of a vote of no confidence against him.  

Notably, Azim is a member of The Democrats. Slamming the President for his minister’s anti-India barb, Azim demanded that the opposition should take “all necessary steps to remove President Muizzu from power”, and asked the largest opposition party – MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party) to “initiate a vote of no-confidence”.

Taking to X, the Parliamentary Minority leader wrote, “We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation’s foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove Prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?”

Additionally, a second MP, Meekail Naseem, also asked the Maldivian Parliament to summon and question Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. As per reports, Naseem has “requested Parliament to summon the Foreign Minister… following inaction regarding derogatory comments against PM Modi”.

MDP leader and ex-Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi also launched a scathing attack on the ruling party. The MDP leader slammed Muizzu’s party, People’s National Congress, for its “short-sightedness” in potentially alienating an “age-old relationship”. Mariya referred to India as “our 911 call” adding that “We have always had an India first policy.”

In a firefighting bid, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry tried to distance itself from its Minister’s disparaging remarks against India and the Indian PM. It said that the government is aware of “derogatory remarks” on social media platforms against foreign leaders adding that the personal views do not represent its position.

Additionally, President Muizzu’s government had called the comments “unacceptable”.  

Taking to X, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer claimed that the ruling party remains “committed to fostering a constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours…”

Further, the Maldivian government had suspended three of its ministers – Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid amid diplomatic tensions with India. 

Sensing the impact of the Ministers’ remark on its tourism industry, Maldives’ largest industry body – the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry – slammed the “derogatory comments” directed at PM Modi.

Following the controversy, Maldives opposition had publicly condemned the commentary made by the members of the ruling party and its Ministers noting that India was “rightfully angry” over the uncalled racial remarks. 

Senior Maldivian politicians including former President Ibrahim Solih and ex-Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid had condemned the use of “hateful language” and “reprehensible” remarks against India. 

Furthermore, former Tourism Minister, Abdulla Mausoom issued an appeal to Indians to disregard the words of “… any minister, junior or senior”. The Former Maldives minister also urged his government to recognise that the Maldives is tourism-reliant and Indian travelers are among its key sources of income.

The bizarre reaction from Maldives

Notably, it all started on 4th January after PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his visit to Lakshadweep. He exhorted people to explore the scenic islands in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism on the archipelago.

Following his visit to Lakshadweep, a large demand erupted among Indians to explore the Indian Islands and boost our tourism sector before visiting beaches or tourism sites in other countries. However, jittery Maldivian politicians interjected and reacted by making racial commentary on Indians. 

It is important to note that neither the Indian PM mentioned any country nor it was targeted toward any nation, yet some Maldivians feared a potential hit to their tourism economy. 

Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands. She later deleted the tweet and was among one of the three Ministers who were suspended by the Maldivian government for making disparaging remarks on India. 

On Friday (5th January), Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also took to the microblogging site X to mock Indians.

In response to Maldivian users’ and politicians’ uncalled-for and racial commentary, trends like #BoycottMaldives, and cancellation of trips to Maldives are picking steam in India.

From prominent Cricketers to Actors, all have in unison slammed Maldives for their hateful remarks against Indians and promoted tourism in Lakshadweep and other Indian Islands snubbing Maldives.

What is ‘Akshat Nimantran’: How VHP is reaching out to crores of people to celebrate Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha as a pan-India festival

Sanghamitra
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What is ‘Akshat Nimantran’: How VHP is reaching out to crores of people to celebrate Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha as a pan-India festival

The Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is finally being inaugurated after centuries of wait, and Hindu spiritual leaders, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and other organisations have been working dedicatedly to make this dream a reality. The Ram Mandir movement has been pan-Indian from the very beginning, by its very nature. Just as Ram encompasses the faith and devotion of all Indians, through culture, folklore, and literature, the movement and sentiments around the Ram Mandir have always been a phenomenon that ‘binds’ India and beyond.

After the Supreme Court in its landmark verdict in November 2019 upheld the rights of countless Hindus to have a temple on Ram Janmabhoomi, with its verdict stating that the Ram Janmabhoomi belongs to ‘Ram Lalla Viraajmaan’, VHP and associated Hindu organisations had carried out a massive funds collection drive. The VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and other organisations, with permission and support from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, had visited homes of crores of Hindus all over India, asking for donations to build the Ram Mandir. Hindus were always clear that the grand Ram Mandir will be built not from government funds, but from donations by devotees of Ram alone.

That campaign witnessed stories of unparalleled devotion and dedication, showcasing just how Shri Ram is the Raja of every Hindu. From elderly grandmothers in rural areas to even beggars surviving on alms, from great Hindu temples all over India to street laborers earning meager incomes, everyone opened their purses, and hearts to make the Ram Mandir a reality.

Now, 4 years after the Supreme Court verdict, the Bhavya Ram Mandir is ready, final touches are being given to its structure and the holy city of Ayodhya is all set to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha on January 22.

What is Akshat?

As the festivities have been scheduled to be observed from January 16th onwards, the VHP and other Hindu organisations have embarked on another unique campaign. Since all devotees cannot be accommodated in Ayodhya, the Temple Trust is sending symbolic ‘Nimantran’ or invitations to all Ram Bhakts, with the auspicious traditional ‘Akshat’, a pamphlet, and a photo of the Ram Mandir.

The drive to take auspicious ‘Akshat’ or holy rice grains from Ayodhya to crores of Hindus all over the nation, was started on January 1. The Akshat is sacred rice grains mixed with ghee and turmeric. The word Akshat means ‘undamaged’, and the rice grains used for worship in Hindu rituals are the undamaged, unbroken ones. The Akshat is rice grains that were touched and worshipped at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. The rice grains have been packed into tiny pouches, or red cloth, and are being distributed door to door across cities, villages, and states, by VHP and RSS karyakartas.

What is the tradition behind Akshat Nimantran

Sacred rice grains mixed with turmeric and ghee are used in almost every Hindu ritual, they are used to symbolically represent a person, or they are used to ritualistically welcome a bride or a groom, or a baby, they are used as a traditional means of inviting relatives for a sacred event and much more.

Akshat is sprinkled on devotees seeking blessings, Akshat is used in many ways in Hindu rituals. In many Hindu communities, Akshat, the holy rice grains mixed with turmeric and ghee are used to invite relatives for weddings or puja. Even with the advent of invitation cards, the cards are touched with Akshat in many communities before being handed over to relatives and friends.

On January 1, the Akshat distribution drive was initiated from the Valmiki Colony in Ayodhya. The VHP had announced that they will be reaching out to almost 5 crore Hindus through the drive. Nearly 5 lakh temples across India, small and big combined, and the communities living around them. are to be reached by VHP and RSS in this drive.

The Akshat is packed in tiny paper pouches or red cloth, and the pamphlet contains information about the Ram Mandir, its height, size, structure, the positioning of idols, and more. A colourful rendition of the Ram Mandir in its complete form, accompanied by the logo of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, is also given along with the pamphlet and the Akshat grains.

A Kannada pamphlet with Akshat distributed in Karnataka
An Odia pamphlet distributed in Odisha

While giving the Akshat, the VHP and RSS karyakartas are telling each recipient about the Pran Pratishtha celebrations in Ayodhya, and asking them to light Diyas on 22nd January, and if possible, gather at their local community temple to celebrate the ‘Ramotsav’ like they would celebrate any festival.

How people are receiving Akshat

The Akshat distribution drive is again bringing to the fore the unwavering, deep-rooted emotional connection Hindus have with their Lord Shri Ram. Videos flooding social media show people breaking into tears, overwhelmed at receiving a symbolic invitation to celebrate Ramotsav, and the fact that Akshat, touched and worshiped with Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, has reached their doorstep.

Akshat distribution has been going on from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Villages across states are welcoming the Akshat with folded hands, and with Diyas, Arti, and flowers.

From the very beginning, the Ram Mandir movement has been a pan-India movement of Hindus, irrespective of their language, culture, and habits. The mobilisation, political struggle, legal battle, campaign, the Karsewa, and the emotions around the Ram Mandir have demolished the imaginary barriers of linguistic and regional divide forced into the nation’s social fabric by a section of people with vested interests that are scared of a united India. The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha celebrations will once again assert that Shri Ram is the embodiment of the spirit of the Hindu Rashtra, the nerve center of the Hindu faith, and the Lord of over a billion people spread across the world.

No promotion in Mulayam’s govt, daughter tortured by a ‘particular community’: How Judge who opened the lock of Ram Janmbhoomi site was ‘punished’

OpIndia Staff
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No promotion in Mulayam’s govt, daughter tortured by a ‘particular community’: How Judge who opened the lock of Ram Janmbhoomi site was ‘punished’

The Bhavya Ram Mandir constructed in Ayodhya has the sacrifices and struggles of many people. One such person is Justice Krishna Mohan Pandey, who allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed structure. The turmoil that his life took following the decision is unimaginable. After he allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed structure, the Judge started receiving threats from Pakistan. He faced injustice in India as well. The state government at that time, under Mulayam Singh Yadav, halted his promotion. He had to approach the Court to get a promotion. Furthermore, his daughter was harassed by members of a particular community in class, which is rarely mentioned.

Justice Krishna Mohan Pandey allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed site on 1st February 1986. The judgment holds an important place in the events that led to the construction of the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. As per the Hindustan report, Madhu Pandey, daughter of Justice Pandey, said that her father was against the pending cases, so he gave a direct verdict in the case. There was no pressure on him to give a verdict favouring Hindus. When he was appointed as the District Judge of Ayodhya (then Faizabad), the 40-year-old Ram Mandir case was among the old pending cases he prioritised.

Madhu said her father spent 3-4 months studying everything from gazetteers to old evidence. After gathering all the evidence, he found no reason why the site locks were kept closed. On 1st February 1986, he gave his historic decision and allowed Hindus to worship at the site. Neither the High Court nor the Supreme Court overturned the decision. However, his decision agitated the then-state government.

The state government halted Justice Pandey’s promotion. His daughter also faced harassment during her time at KGMC, where she was studying medicine. When the class learned that her father gave judgment to open the lock and allow Hindus to worship there, she was harassed by members of a particular community. The situation became so tense that she had to skip several exams.

Justice Pandey’s nephew Sujit Pandey recalled how his uncle spent 8-hours a day researching for that one case. This went on for around six months. However, he did not tell anyone which case he was working on. Sujit Pandey said an astrologer, Professor Kunne, had told his uncle that he would be transferred to a small district and should not refuse it as he would gain fame after the transfer. When Justice Pandey was transferred to Fiazabad and the Ayodhya case came before him, he understood that this was the case. He worked day and night to deliver the verdict.

A monkey sat listening to the decision

In his autobiography “Voice of Conscience” written in 1991, Justice Pandey wrote, “On the date of the order when orders for opening locks was passed a Black Monkey was sitting for the whole day on the roof of the Court Room in which hearing was going on, holding the flag-post. Thousands of people from Faizabad and Ayodhya who were present to hear the Court’s final orders offered him groundnuts and various fruits. Strangely, the said Monkey did not touch any of the offerings and left the place when the final order was passed at 4.40 pm. The District Magistrate and SSP escorted me to my bungalow. The said Monkey was present in the verandah of my bungalow. I was surprised to see him. I just saluted him, treating him to be some Divine Power.“

Mulayam’s government stopped the promotion

Following the decision, when the list of judges was sent by the High Court to the Central Government by Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government, a note was left by the Chief Minister with Krishna Mohan Pandey’s name. The note read, “Pandey Ji is a resolved, honest, and hardworking judge. Yet, by ordering the opening of Ram Janmabhoomi’s lock in 1986, he created a situation of communal tension, so I do not recommend his name.” Because of this note, KM Pandey could not get a promotion even after being nominated.

Later, on 13th January 1990, the then-general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Advocates Association, Harishankar Jain, filed a petition in Allahabad High Court. Only Justice Pandey was promoted to the High Court. Reports suggest that the petition demanded Justice Pandey’s promotion, saying that the UP Government had sent 15 names to the centre, including the note above written by the chief minister. The Chief Justice of India approved seven names, including Justice Pandey’s. However, the central ministerial council approved the appointment of only six names out of seven that were approved by CJI and held back Justice Pandey’s name. Later, Junior Judge RK Agarwal was promoted to the High Court.

‘The guarantees have become a huge financial burden’: Karnataka CM’s economic advisor admits ‘freebies’ are weighing down the govt treasury

OpIndia Staff
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‘The guarantees have become a huge financial burden’: Karnataka CM’s economic advisor admits ‘freebies’ are weighing down the govt treasury

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy has reportedly stated that guarantees have become a huge financial burden on the state government. Rayareddy was alluding to the freebies that the Congress party had promised in its manifesto ahead of the Karnataka state assembly elections.

“As we have directed Rs 58,000 Cr for guarantees it has become a huge financial burden to us. We are holding discussions on what to do. In the primary stage after implementing guarantees we are looking into what changes must be brought in. As an economic advisor, I’m looking into how to get funds from the state and centre to fund guarantees,” Republic TV quoted him as saying.

Congress rode on the anti-incumbency wave against the BJP government in Karnataka on the promises of providing a slew of freebies, including free electricity, ahead of the state assembly elections earlier last year. The party won the elections in a landslide victory, which many political pundits and election observers saw as a direct mandate to the guarantees promised by the party.

Election guarantees hampering developmental projects in Karnataka

But the party had been struggling to fulfil its promises right from the start, owing to the state’s finances and the economic feasibility of freebies that political parties often ignore in their bid to gain power. In June 2023, Karnataka Minister of Small-Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Sharanabasappa Darshanapur admitted that the guarantee schemes announced by the party will take a direct toll on the infrastructure development within the state. 

The Congress Minister stated that infrastructure development in the state would be affected to some extent during the first year of the Congress government in office. He claimed that this would happen because of the guarantee schemes launched by the Siddaramaiah government.

The minister pointed out that there will be a financial burden of Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore on the exchequer due to these guarantee schemes. 

While the Congress party had pledged to provide free electricity to citizens up to a threshold limit, the increase in power tariffs in the state was seen as a means to fund the poll promise. The energy costs and power tariffs in Karnataka were hiked by Rs 2.89 per unit in June, leaving citizens to shell out an additional Rs 2.89 per unit if their power usage exceeds the 200 units slab while paying the power bill.

In July 2023, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar candidly admitted that the state government was suffering from a paucity of funds to bankroll development projects this year as they had budgeted Rs 40,000 crores for implementing the five election guarantees.

Shivakumar made the comments in response to inquiries regarding the discontent expressed by certain Congress MLAs who have requested funds for the development of their respective constituencies. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has scheduled a meeting this evening to address the concerns of these MLAs who are disappointed that their constituencies have not received adequate development funds.

Bullet in head, saying Ram-Ram even while unconscious: Karsevak Ram Bahadur Verma’s son shares how Mulayam Singh Yadav made him orphan

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Bullet in head, saying Ram-Ram even while unconscious: Karsevak Ram Bahadur Verma’s son shares how Mulayam Singh Yadav made him orphan

After several conflicts and legal fights dating from the Mughal period to the present day, the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated on January 22, 2024, in the temple built on his birthplace. On this occasion, the atmosphere around the country has turned jubilant.

In such circumstances, Hindus worldwide are remembering the Ram supporters who gave their lives from the times of Babar to the times of Mulayam Singh Yadav. Ram Bahadur Verma, a native of Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur area, was among these unheralded heroes. Ram Bahadur Verma was shot on October 30, 1990, while engaged in Kar Seva, and died 2 months later. OpIndia visited Ram Bahadur Verma’s home and obtained information about their life since Ram Bahadur’s martyrdom.

The residence of martyr Ram Bahadur Verma is located in Jaisinghpur police station area, Sultanpur district. The name of his village is Sartejpur. The distance between Sartejpur and Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi is around 60 kms. As we arrived at Ram Bahadur’s residence, we found his elder son Kali Sahay Verma outside the village. According to Kali Sahay Verma, his father died at the age of 48, leaving behind an ill wife and six children. These six children include two daughters and four sons. Everyone was unmarried back then.

Jairam Verma, son of Ram Bahadur Verma

Ram Bahadur Verma’s family is predominantly agricultural, and farming is their primary occupation. Kali Sahay, his oldest son, is currently the village in charge. Kali Sahay has been crippled in one limb since childhood due to polio. His house is currently in disrepair, with peeling plaster visible everywhere.

Mother played the role of father after the death of Ram Bahadur

Ram Bahadur Verma’s oldest son Kali Sahay was about 20 years old at the time of his father’s martyrdom. According to Kali Sahay, receiving the news of his father’s death sparked a slew of problems at home. However, Ram Bahadur’s wife, Chandravati, controlled herself to protect her children’s future. Kali Sahay additionally acted as an elder brother, educating his younger brothers and sisters and arranging their marriages while doing chores such as crushing sugarcane. Kali Sahay Verma described the time as the most challenging for his family.

Kali Sahay

The wife of the deceased Kar Sevak Ram Bahadur was already ill. Later, she contracted cancer. The family spent a significant amount of money on her therapy. Chandravati, unfortunately, passed away in 2016 after a long illness. She was around 73 years old at the time of her death. Ram Bahadur’s family is still striving to recover from the tragedy.

Ram Bahadur was shot with a bullet in the head

Kali Sahay Verma informed us that his father was a staunch follower of Lord Ram and Bajrang Bali. Every Tuesday, Ram Bahadur went to the adjacent Hanuman temple. Every full moon day, he would ride his bicycle to Ayodhya. When Karseva began in 1990, Ram Bahadur offered food and lodging for Karsevaks from all across the country.

In the end, on October 25, 1990, Ram Bahadur gathered a group with several of his acquaintances and marched to Ayodhya. Ram Bahadur told his wife on his way to Ayodhya that he might not be able to return. “Take care of the children,” Kali Sahay added, with tears in his eyes, “Lord Shri Ram was more dear to my father than his wife and children.”

Kali Sahay further stated that his father was familiar with all of the paths to Ayodhya that the police officers stationed on the main roads were unaware of. After hiding in the fields, Ram Bahadur and his companions arrived in Ayodhya on October 30, 1990. Kali Sahay says that his father was walking in front of the group. It is said that Ram Bahadur Verma began ascending the dome after the Kothari brothers. Meanwhile, shots were fired on orders from Mulayam Singh Yadav. Ram Bahadur was gravely hurt by the bullet and he collapsed to the ground.

Fought for life for 2 straight months

The son of martyr Ram Bahadur also stated that his father had bullet holes all over his body. Kali Sahay believes his father was fired upon by a chopper. One of these bullets struck Ram Bahadur in the head, knocking him out and causing him to fall into the crowd. Fellow Kar Sevaks helped the unconscious Ram Bahadur, and admitted him to Shri Ram Hospital in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, after four days with no news of Ram Bahadur’s search, his wife and boys began searching for him in Ayodhya. After extensive searches, Ram Bahadur was ultimately found in Shri Ram Hospital in severe condition. He was admitted there for around 12 days. Ram Bahadur was taken to Lucknow Medical College after his condition deteriorated significantly. Ram Bahadur’s family members managed to travel to Lucknow with him. His therapy began here, but he died about two months later, on the 3rd of January 1991.

Used to take Ram’s name even in an unconscious state

Kali Sahay was in Lucknow Medical College in 1990, where he was looking after his father. He explained that fluid had most likely accumulated in the brain as a result of the shrapnel strike to Ram Bahadur’s head. Because of this, Ram Bahadur frequently fainted. Kali Sahay asserts that his father would recite Ram-Ram in the hospital, even while unconscious. Finally, after his death on January 3, 1991, the body was transported to his hometown of Sartejpur.

People had showered flowers on the dead body

Recalling the year 1990, Kali Sahay said that many times more forces had gathered at the time of the funeral than what were deployed in the area before his father’s march to Ayodhya. During this period, many types of administrative restrictions were imposed on the movement of people, but despite this, thousands of people attended the funeral. On January 4, 1991, members of the Hindu organisations had taken out a tableau of Ram Bahadur’s dead body in the entire area on which people showered flowers. The next day, on January 5, his funeral took place in front of an ancient temple in the village.

Father accepted Mulayam Singh’s challenge

Kali Sahay Verma considers Mulayam Singh Yadav to be his most dangerous enemy. He said that Mulayam Singh orphaned him. Ram Bahadur Verma’s family is also overjoyed with the establishment of the Ram temple. He says his father’s sacrifice is something of value now. According to Kali Sahay, in 1990, Mulayam Singh Yadav had given a challenge that even Parinda could not be killed in Ayodhya, but his father not only accepted this challenge but also won by losing his life.

Kali Sahay Verma mentions the removal of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992, as an inspiration for the Kar Sevaks, who were killed in 1990. Ram Bahadur’s family members also want to participate in the Pran Pratishtha program, which will take place on January 22, 2024.

Ram Bahadur’s Samadhi still inspires everyone

On January 5, 1991, Ram Bahadur was cremated at the same location where his memorial now stands. The family members of Ram Bahadur Verma themselves erected this monument. Every year on January 3, Hindu organisations assemble here and recite Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa. Aside from this, on other festivals, Ram Bahadur’s family members gather here to honor him with devotion.

However, due to lack of land around this monument, there is a problem in gathering of people. The family members of Ram Bahadur have appealed to the administration and government to find a permanent solution to this problem. They also want that a memorial to Ram Bahadur and other martyrs should be built in the Ayodhya Ram temple and people should be told about their sacrifice.

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