The state government of Karnataka has ordered 18 modifications in Kananda and Social Science topics for classes 6 to 10, just days after the Karnataka Cabinet approved the revision of school textbooks to reverse the changes made during the previous BJP administration.
According to reports, the Karnataka Textbook Society released a list of revisions to reveal that RSS founder KB Hedgewar’s ‘Nijavada Adarsha Purusha Yaragabeku’ lesson that was included in the Class 10 textbook has been replaced by ‘Sukumara Swamiya Kathe’ written by Shivakotyacharya.
The poem ‘Kalavannu Geddavaru’ by KT Gatti, which starred Hindu freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, has been replaced in the Class 8 Kannada textbook with ‘Blood Group’ by Vijayamala Ranganath.
Madhu Bangarappa, the state’s minister of primary and secondary education, declared on Thursday that all the modifications made by the BJP government in 2022 have been undone. “Whatever changes they have done last year, we have changed it and reintroduced whatever was there last to last year. In the interest of the children, we have done the least now. That is only in the Kannada language from class 6 to 10, and social studies from classes 6 to 10,” he said.
Additionally, the class 8 Kannada textbook now includes the translation of ‘Magalige Bareda Patra’ written by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and translated by Siddanahalli Krishna Sharma. The lesson introduced by the previous BJP administration- Parampalli Narasimha Aithal’s play ‘Bhoo Kailasa,’ has also been removed. Yudha by Sara Aboobacker has been substituted for Shatavadhani R. Ganesh’s ‘Shreshta Bharatiya Chintanegalu’ in the Class 10 Kannada textbook.
A Hindutva leader’s prose, ‘Taayi Bharatiya Amara Putraru,’ has been eliminated from the Class 10 Kannada textbook, among other revisions. Additionally, the board has replaced the class 10 Kannada textbook’s Shreshta Bharatiya Chintanegalu by Shatavadhani Ganesh with Yudha by Sara Aboobacker.
The Congress government has included lessons on the ‘Culture of the Vedic Period,’ ‘Rise of new Religions,’ and ‘Human Rights’ in the social science textbook for class 6. In the chapter on princely states in the class 7 social science textbook, they have added sections on ‘Women Social Reformers’ and ‘Women Freedom Fighters,’ as well as information on the Wadiyar rulers, Sir M Visvesvaraya, and Sir Mirza Ismail.
Moreover, the Class 10 Social Studies textbook has changed to promote linguistic pride. Sentences that previously conveyed regionalism and portrayed linguistic pride as narrow-mindedness in comparison to nationalism have been removed from the chapter titled “Bharathakke Iruva Savalugalu Matthe Pariharagalu” (Challenges and Solutions that lie ahead of India).
The majority of the elements that were implemented by a committee led by author Baragur Ramachandrappa between 2013 and 2018 while the Congress administration was in power have been taken back by the textbook committee. According to the state government, the modifications were made following a review by subject matter experts. All schools would receive the amendments as a corrigendum, and the department’s website would also make the changes public.
Notably, the changes have been introduced only a month after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 66 seats in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections and lost the state to Congress who won 135 seats. The Congress in its manifesto earlier had pledged to undo the curriculum set by the BJP to textbooks. The changes were reportedly made after about 30 academics and writers met with CM Siddaramaiah on May 29 in Bengaluru and presented him with a memorandum outlining several requests for reforming the education system, including changes to textbooks and the outlawing of the hijab in educational settings.
The state who has excluded the chapters on Hindutva and Veer Savarkar has claimed that the textbook revision is in favor of the students. The said revision was decided on June 6 this year, to drop any ‘controversial and objectionable texts’ from the teaching, examination, and evaluation process.
On June 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for his five-day visit to the United States and Egypt. The US visit is PM Modi’s first state visit to the US on an invitation by President Joe Biden. A state dinner is scheduled for India’s PM on June 22 at the White House, where President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be the hosts.
Though PM Modi has visited the US multiple times since he took charge of the office in May 2014, this is his first “official state visit”. For those unaware, a state visit is considered the highest expression of a friendly bilateral relationship between two countries. It is a formal visit by the head of state of a country at the invitation of the head of state of the other country. Though it is an official visit, a state visit has more ceremonial events scheduled, for example, a dinner hosted by the head of the host state.
On May 10, the White House released an official statement in which it was mentioned that the President and the First Lady would host PM Modi for a state dinner during his official state visit to the US. The statement read, “Official State Visit to the United States, which will be a state dinner, on June 22, 2023.
State Dinner is planned months in advance. The White House generally takes around six months to plan and prepare for such events for closest friends and allies. The menu of these dinners features the culinary traditions of the guest of honour with “An American Twist”.
PM Modi speaks on the importance of the visit
In an official statement, Prime Minister Modi said that this special invitation is a “reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies.”
Leaving for USA, where I will attend programmes in New York City and Washington DC. These programmes include Yoga Day celebrations at the @UN HQ, talks with @POTUS@JoeBiden, address to the Joint Session of the US Congress and more. https://t.co/gRlFeZKNXR
Speaking on the International Yoga Day event, he said, “I look forward to this special celebration at the very location that supported India’s proposal in December 2014 to recognise an International Day of Yoga.”
Furthermore, at the state dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, he said, “I will also have the pleasure of joining President Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden for the State Banquet along with a number of dignitaries.”
PM Modi added, “India-US ties are multifaceted, with deepening engagements across sectors. The USA is India’s largest trade partner in goods and services. We collaborate closely in science & technology, education, health, defence and security fields. The initiative on Critical & Emerging Technologies has added new dimensions and widened collaboration to defence industrial cooperation, space, telecom, quantum, Artificial Intelligence and biotech sectors. Our two countries are also collaborating to further our shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
PM Modi’s itinerary
June 21 – On the first day, the PM will lead an International Yoga Day event at the United Nations Secretariat in New York City. Top Indian Americans will attend the event.
June 22 – PM Modi will visit Washington on the second day for the official state visit to the White House. On this day, he will also address a US Congress joint session. This is the second address to the US Congress by PM Modi, making him the first Indian leader to do so. Last time he addressed US Congress in June 2016.
June 23 – On the third day of his visit to the US, PM Modi will attend a lunch hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Later, he will address an event organised by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum that top business leaders and CEOs will attend. After the event, he will attend a mega event at Ronald Reagan Centre and International Trade Centre in Washington, where Indian Diaspora will meet him.
Speaking on the importance of the trip, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the visit signifies the “highest level of honour”, and it has happened only twice in the history of India. He said, “No Indian prime minister has addressed it twice. So, it will be the first time. World over also, very few people have done that… Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela. So, there are very few people who have addressed the US Congress twice. That’s why its importance is huge.”
PM will be on a state visit to the US. State visit means it is the highest level in terms of honour. Only a few people have been given this honour. It is happening for the first time that an Indian PM will address the US Congress for the second time. That's why its importance is… pic.twitter.com/0uj5YwRUi1
Before PM Modi, only former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in June 1963 and former prime minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009 were invited to the US for a state visit.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. And yet, just when one thought that Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) couldn’t get more desperate, its leadership pulled another embarrassing stunt. Shiv Sena leader and Uddhav Thackeray’s right-hand man, ‘naughty’ Sanjay Raut has written to the United Nations. He has demanded that 20 June be declared “World Traitors Day” on the first anniversary of his boss Uddhav Thackeray being kicked out of his own party.
In his letter, which he shared on Twitter, he recalls the massive jolt his party received on 20 June 2022, the impact of which can be seen even now. About 40 Shiv Sena (now UBT) MLAs led by rebel MLA Eknath Shinde kicked Uddhav Thackeray and camp out of his own party.
“On June 20, a huge group of 40 legislators from our Shiv Sena left us after being instigated by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Each of them is said to have taken Rs 50 crores to defect. Along with them, 10 more independents supporting the Maha Vikas Aghadi government left us,” Raut writes.
He further went on to appeal, “They deserted Uddhav Thackeray who was an ailing man and underwent two major surgeries on November 12 and November 19, 2021. Each of them (the MLAs) took advantage of his illness. Hence, I am appealing to you to make June 20 World Traitors Day just as June 21 is observed as World Yoga Day. This must be done so that the world remembers traitors.”
Here’s how Sanjay Raut reacted after losing MLAs
Back in 2022 when Uddhav Thackeray was being deserted, Sanjay Raut made several daring statements and claims in a bid to project that they are unaffected by the defections.
From then to now, Raut’s fall has been quite steep. His letter to the UN shows just how hollow his statements were in 2022 and that the party is clearly powerless. Here are some of those statements made by Raut during the defection period:
‘Ready to withdraw from MVA’ claim
On 23 June 2022, Raut claimed that the party is in touch with over 20 rebel MLAs. He said that if the rebels return in 24 hours, then the Shiv Sena will discuss pulling support from the MVA.
He had also made the claim rather confidently that if it came to a floor test, the MVA coalition “will win.”
‘Street agitation’ threat
On 23 and 24 June 2022, Raut threatened street agitation against rebel MLAs. He said, “[The] Eknath Shinde faction that’s challenging us must realise that Shiv Sena workers are yet to come on the roads. Such battles are fought either through law or on the roads. If need be then our workers would come on the roads.”
‘Legal Action’ threat
On 25 June 2022, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP threatened to pursue legal action against the Shinde faction for using Balasaheb Thackeray’s name.
“We will take legal action against those who have used Balasaheb Thackeray’s name for their self-centred politics. Those who have left cannot use our patriarch’s name,” he said.
Then-rebel MLA’s office vandalised
Shiv Sena workers vandalised the office of party MLA Tanaji Sawant in Katraj, Pune. Sawant was among the rebel MLAs.
June 2023: Defections trend continues
Meanwhile, the disappointment among leaders within Uddhav Thackeray’s party has not waned yet. The ripple effects of the downfall of UBT are being seen till as recently as yesterday.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande withdrew from the party to join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena on Monday. This came a day after former MLA Shishir Shinde resigned from the party on Sunday.
In his resignation, Shishir Shinde wrote, “It has been a year since I became the deputy leader of the party, but the leadership has not yet given me any responsibility. I have been unable to meet Uddhav Thackeray ji for 6 months now.”
Not the first bizarre behaviour displayed by Raut
If you found Sanjay Raut’s letter to the UN funny, wait till you learn about the world’s previous encounters with him.
That Abusive Call
On 28 July 2022 an alleged conversation between Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and Dr Swapna Patker, a Marathi film producer and renowned psychologist went viral on the internet.
In the leaked audio file, the voice of a man, allegedly that of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, can be heard using extremely foul language while threatening a woman, allegedly Swapna Patkar.
During the conversation, the male speaker is heard threatening the woman with veiled threats and calling her ‘Sa*li’, ‘madharch*d’ and ‘behench*d’.
“40 bodies will arrive…”
A frustrated Raut on 25 June 2022 used these words for the rebel MLAs. “40 bodies will arrive from Guwahati and they will be directly sent for post-mortem. When bodies of these forty MLAs will arrive, they will be directly sent for postmortem in the Maharashtra Assembly,” he said.
When Raut spit on live TV twice
On 1 June 2023, a video of Sanjay Raut spitting on live TV went viral drawing ire from netizens. In the video, a reporter is seen asking Raut a question about Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat.
Raut, upon hearing his name, spits on live TV and dismisses Shirsat saying, “Who is that? I don’t know.”
On a repeat on 2 June 2023, when questioned by the media about Eknath Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, he spits on live TV.
The Directorate of Vigilance has issued show-cause notices to Public Works Department (PWD) officials in connection with the alleged expenditure on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence case, an official statement said on Sunday.
The resident of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is situated on 6, Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines. The notice has been issued by the Directorate of Vigilance to seven PWD officials. The PWD officers have been given 15 days time to respond to the notice, the statement read.
Notably, this comes after BJP alleged Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of spending Rs 45 crores on the renovation of his official residence.
In April, hundreds of BJP leaders and workers staged a massive demonstration against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged Rs 45 crores renovation of his official residence.
BJP leader Harish Khurana said that they were protesting against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly spending crores of rupees on the renovation of his official residence in the national capital.
“It is questionable that a person who claims to be ‘Kattar Imaandar’ spends 45 crores rupees on the renovation of the official residence. He spent 11 cr on his wardrobe, obviously, questions will be raised,” he said.
Meanwhile, Former Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said that CM Kejriwal allegedly spent Rs 45 crores of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including extravagant items like Dior polish Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.
He said that the CM has been accused of reportedly spending public funds on a lavish 7-star residential facility for himself during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been accused of reportedly spending public funds on a lavish 7-star residential facility for himself during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to official records, a total of Rs. 44.78 Cr. was spent on the “Addition/Alteration” of his accommodation at Flagstaff Road,” he tweeted.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
After a strong start at the box office, the controversial film Adipurush saw a sharp decline in box office numbers on the fourth day. Experts believe it is because of the negative reactions on social media. The film has been criticized extensively due to the dialogues, poor VFX, and changes in the actual storyline of Ramayana done by the makers. So far, the film has reportedly grossed over Rs 340 crore worldwide in the opening week. However, the film fell flat on the fourth day at the box office.
On June 19, the film managed to earn only Rs 20 crore in India. The total collection in India for the 600-crore budget film stands at Rs 241 crore. Total occupancy on the third day, i.e. June 18 (Sunday), was reportedly 61.75%. Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Kriti Sanon starrer Adipurush saw the biggest pan-Indian opening of 2023 on day-1, leaving behind Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, which made Rs 57 crore on the opening day.
Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh pointed out that negative word of mouth played a role in the film’s downfall. He wrote, “THE NEGATIVE WORD OF MOUTH HAS COME INTO PLAY… After a strong opening weekend, #Adipurush COLLAPSES on Monday. #Hindi version. #India biz.”
The film Adipurush saw a severe backlash from the day the teaser was released. The makers postponed its release day by claiming they would make necessary changes to meet the viewers’ expectations. However, things did not work out for the team as planned. The Hindi version of the film was clouded with criticism due to poor dialogue writing and crass language used by religious characters.
Furthermore, the viewers were flabbergasted by the changes made by the makers in the storyline. The poor quality VFX of the film, blatantly copying Hollywood themes, made the situation worse. Due to the criticism, the makers have now decided to change a few dialogues. Still, as the days pass by, more issues are being highlighted by the netizens making it virtually impossible for the film to make a notable comeback.
Social media has become the new breeding ground for love jihad. In another such case, this time from Aligarh, a youth named Zihad with an account by the name of Aryan, befriended a Hindu woman on Instagram. For 6 months, they kept messaging each other on the social media platform until they decided to elope.
The Meerut-based Zahid arrived in Aligarh on 17 June, Saturday. He handed some intoxicating pills to the Hindu woman and asked her to mix them with her family’s food. Following this, they hatched a plan to elope at night.
Zahid also told the woman to get money and ornaments from her house. They were caught by the police shortly after attempting to flee. She has been handed over to her family.
Complaint filed by the family
The woman’s family filed a complaint with the Gandhi Park police station. They informed the police that while the name on his Instagram account was Hindu (Aryan), his Instagram ID was by a Muslim name (Zahid). Zahid, who builds cabinets for a living in Meerut, had been trapping the woman for 6 months on Instagram.
Zahid has been arrested. Meanwhile, the woman has been called for questioning.
Love Jihad: The growing cases of the hidden identity
Uttarakhand: 2 Muslim brothers trap Hindu sisters
Mohammad Salik and his brother posed as Hindu men to trap 2 Hindu sisters in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. Md Salik posed a Lucky Rana on Instagram to befriend the elder sister while his younger brother also changed his name and befriended the younger sister.
Md Salik had been working as a junior advocate in the Dehradun court for a year. Meanwhile, his younger brother is studying MBBS in Bangladesh.
To gain the trust of Hindu girls, the accused brother duo tied kalava, bad-mouthed Muslims, and even took the sisters to watch ‘The Kerala Story’. However, the elder brother got exposed while making an online payment to the landlord for a flat in Panditwadi, and slowly everything unraveled thereof.
Registering a case against the accused, the Police arrested him and sent him to jail. The Police have called his younger brother who is currently in Bangladesh for questioning in this matter. Their father is said to be an Assistant government advocate in Bijnor.
U.P: Muslim youth lures Hindu girl into marrying him
In the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim youth named Rashid lured a Hindu girl into marrying him. Following this, the family of the Hindu girl along with the members of Hindu rights organisations arrived at the local police station demanding that the girl be returned to them.
Rashid already has four wives. Out of his four wives, one is Muslim while the other three are Hindu.
The girl’s family alleged that accused Rashid’s relatives Parvez and Nadeem along with their accomplices barged into their home and threatened to kill them if they refused to take back the case they have registered against Rashid.
Chhattisgarh: Muslim man poses as Rahul to trick Hindu tribal girl
On 14 June, the Ambikapur police in Chhattisgarh arrested Noor Alam Khan from Balarampur for alleged human trafficking under the guise of promising a job in Gujarat to a tribal Hindu girl. Accused Noor Alam Khan posed as a Hindu man named Rahul Singh.
The accused promised to get her a job in Gujarat. He managed to convince her that a fake court marriage certificate would help her at the workplace in Gujarat. Accused Noor Alam called the victim to Ambikapur court through Sharmili Netaam.
The victim learnt about the accused person’s real identity when he was preparing an affidavit for the marriage. In the affidavit, the person Madkam knew as Rahul Singh wrote his name as Noor Alam Khan. The victim was left shocked and clueless upon realising that the person she believed to be a Hindu was actually a Muslim.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 18 June, Sunday announced that the state’s class 11 syllabus will include chapters on Goa Revolution Day. 18 June marks the day when Dr Ram Manohar Lohia gave a clarion call to the people of Goa to fight against Portuguese oppression.
The Goa Revolution Day, also known as Kranti Din, was commemorated at Panjim’s Azad Maidan on Sunday. CM Sawant said, “The importance and history of Goa Revolution Day will be included in the 11th standard curriculum. The chapter on Cuncolim Revolt has also been added to the school curriculum.”
Paid tributes to #DrRamManoharLohia, the Freedom Fighters and Martyrs of the Goa Liberation Struggle on the occasion of #GoaRevolutionDay at Azad Maidan, Panaji.
The importance and history of the Revolution Day will be included in the curriculum of 11th Std. Also, Chapters on… pic.twitter.com/mWBMZU4lcR
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 18, 2023
88-year-old veteran freedom fighter Gurudas Kunde, President of the Goa Freedom Fighters’ Association was also present at the event. It was following his appeal on stage to the govt to include in textbooks the history of Goa’s freedom struggle that the CM announced the decision.
Kunde also asked the BJP govt to not delay freedom fighters’ pensions. He said, “There are hardly 15-20 surviving freedom fighters. We might not be having votes, but our principles are still intact,” said Kunde.
What is the Goa Revolution Day?
On the evening of 18 June 1946, distinguished nationalist and freedom fighter Dr Ram Manohar Lohia arrived in Margao. His rousing speech calling for action by Goans against the persecution by Portuguese tyrants echoes in their hearts to date.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, freedom fighter
Defying the order of the Portuguese regime, he held a public meeting. Dr. Lohia’s speech against the Portuguese regime sowed the seeds of revolution which flourished into the tree of liberation 15 years later on 19 December 1961.
Dr. Lohia’s friend Juliao Menezes writes in his book ‘Goa Freedom Struggle” the account of what followed before his speech:
“At this sight, Capt Miranda with his Latin blood and excitement straight took out his revolver and pointed it at the unarmed civilian Goans who were approaching us with garlands in their hands. Lohia, at this moment, acted quickly. He caught hold of the hand of the captain in which the weapon was held, ordered him to be calm, brushed him aside, calmly proceeded to the place of meeting, and started to address the people.”
For the first time in 451 years of Portuguese dictatorship, someone had dared to throw an open challenge. Himself recuperating from ill health after his release from the British prison, these were Lohia’s words that resuscitated the state of Goa.
“A conspiracy has sought for decades to turn Goa into an island of imperialist safety where the law has proved inadequate. You (people of Goa) cannot form organisations. Not to talk of political organisations like Indian National Congress, even organisations, for study or sports or village uplift, require previous sanctions of the government and must obviously work under police watch. You cannot hold meetings not to talk of political meetings, even social and private gatherings, require permissions, and come in for police inquiry,” he lamented.
Chants of “Dr. Lohia zindabad,” “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” “Jai Hind” reverberated the skies and land of Goa. This was followed by Dr. Lohia’s arrest from the venue. Freedom fighters accompanying Dr. Lohia were also arrested.
Amongst those arrested was author Shefali Vaidya’s grandfather, Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya, who had driven Dr. Lohia to the venue. She is the daughter of Goa’s revered freedom fighter Prabhakar Trivikram Vaidya who was a member of the revolutionary movement called Azad Gomantak Dal. Her grandfather’s brother Vyankatesh Vishnu Vaidya was jailed for fighting the battle for freedom.
Best wishes to all Goans for #GoaKrantiDin. Not many people know that it was my grandfather, Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya, who drove Ram Manohar Lohia to the venue of this historic speech in his carreira. He was also arrested that day, along with Dr. Lohia by the Portuguese police.… pic.twitter.com/M4AvZFJI9S
“He (Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya) was arrested for driving Dr. Lohia along with other people on the stage. Later Dr. Lohia was escorted out of Goa borders by the cops. My grandfather was let out on bail,” she said.
Goa inquisition: Goa’s dark history with the Portuguese
The Portuguese inquisition of Goa started when Vasco Da Gama returned to Portugal after he discovered the route to India via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Upon his return to Portugal in 1510, Gama told the Portuguese royals about the undiscovered route to India, which gave them an opportunity to colonise the Western coast of India and particularly Goa.
Vasco Da Gama
Pope Nicholas V soon issued a diktat which gave the kingdom of Portugal a monopoly on forcing Christianity upon the locals of the newly discovered areas (and mainly India), along with the monopoly to trade on behalf of the Roman Catholic Empire in Asia. Soon after, the Portuguese sent troops to capture a portion of Goa and set up a colony in the coastal city.
Aghast by the local traditions followed by Hindus, the Portuguese were angered by the locals following a religion other than Christianity and ordered all temples within the colony to be shut; this marked the beginning of the bloody Goan inquisition that comprised of gross human rights violations and mass executions of the local Hindus and Jews.
Missionaries, forced conversions, confessions, and ethnic cleansing of Hindus
Most of the Inquisition’s records were burnt by the Portuguese after it was abolished in 1812 depriving the Indian people of learning about their exploitation. Author Richard Zimler has documented the persecution of non-Catholics at the hands of the Portuguese in his book ‘Guardian of the Dawn.’
He says, “It was a machinery of death. A large number of Hindus were first converted and then persecuted from 1560 all the way to 1812!”
Hindus were tied up and their feet were burnt slowly with sulfur
The sadists built hundreds of prison cells in order to accommodate fresh victims. 71 records of public penance (“autos da fe”) were recorded. In the initial years, over 4000 people were arrested and 121 were burnt at the stake alive. This is from the data that survived; the real numbers are sure to surpass the human imagination.
Hindus were publicly burnt at the stake outside Cathedrals during “ceremonies.” Those who confessed to heresy were strangled before being burnt.
After the savage Bakhtiyar Khilji’s burning of the Nalanda University, it is safe to say that Hindu literature in Goa suffered a similar fate at the hands of these demons. Books written in Sanskrit and Konkani were burnt, and Hindu spiritual texts were reduced to ashes in order to make space for the demonic Christian value system.
Orphaned Hindu children were baptized and indoctrinated by Fathers, and Hindu children with families were kidnapped and forcibly baptized. The torture did not end here, it only worsened with the arrival of the satanic Francis Xavier, founder of the “Society of Jesus.”
Torture techniques were used to force arrested Hindus into “confessing.” Hindus were tied up and their feet were burnt slowly with sulfur, and water torture techniques, victims were manacled on racks, slowly dislocating their joints, and forcing them to eat beef were the methods to name a few.
Thumb screws, leg crushers, boiling oil, sulfur, and hot wax were some of the resources used for conversion and confessions.
By 1559, more than 350 temples were destroyed in Goa, and idol worship was banned even in private. Lakhs and lakhs of Hindus were converted forcefully leading to crypto-Hinduism (secretly practising Hinduism while posing as Christians). Those accused of crypto-Hinduism were imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced to death.
Several were executed under the garb of religious crimes, and many who had already died in jail were burnt in effigy.
Offerings to deities were considered witchcraft by the barbarians. Xenddi tax, like Islamic Jizya, was imposed on Hindus. By 1548, 14 churches were built on the Goan land.
Punishment for violations of the Inquisition included public lashings, fines, banishment to Mozambique, imprisonment, execution, burning at stakes or effigy, and more.
Hindu weddings were banned, construction and reconstruction of temples were banned, Hindu rituals were forbidden, and owning idols or images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses was banned….basically everything non-Catholic and non-Christian was banned.
The widespread ethnic cleansing of Hindus involved sadistic and barbaric acts of murder. Even after the Inquisition was abolished in 1812, mass conversion of and oppression against Hindus continued.
Prohibitions on the Hindu faith
1. Hindus were forbidden from occupying any public office;
2. Hindus were forbidden from producing any Christian devotional objects or symbols;
3. Hindu children whose fathers had died were required to be handed over to the Jesuits for conversion to Christianity;
4. Hindu women who converted to Christianity could inherit all of the property of their parents;
5. Hindu clerks in all village councils were replaced with Christians;
6. Christian ganvkars (freeholders) could make village decisions without any Hindu ganvkars present, however, Hindu ganvkars could not make any village decisions unless all Christian ganvkars were present;
7. In Goan villages with Christian majorities, Hindus were forbidden from attending village assemblies;
8. Christian members were to sign first on any proceedings, Hindus later;
9. In legal proceedings, Hindus were unacceptable as witnesses, only statements from Christian witnesses were admissible;
10. Hindu priests were forbidden from entering Portuguese Goa to officiate Hindu weddings.
Present-day Goa
Today, Christians account for 25% of Goa’s population. The atrocities against Hindus under the savage Portuguese rule is a subject not often discussed by the Indian masses.
Goa today for the larger Indian youth is synonymous with rave parties. Its bloodied history followed by its awakening from slumber is not part of the daily public discourse in India.
Conversion by Christian missionaries of Hindus continues in India even today. Manipulative narratives like “the world will end soon,” “take Jesus’ refuge,” and “Christianity calls for peace and humanity,” all under the theatric garb of helping the poor and the downtrodden, are used to convert the deprived Hindu.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India achieved remarkable milestones showcasing its immense potential in various fields, Guido Maniscalco, a Tampa City Council member said on Monday and added that those achievements are a testament to the hard work, resilience and spirit of its people.
Taking to Twitter, the Indian Embassy in the US shared Maniscalco’s video message and thanked him for that. In a video message, Maniscalco said, “Prime Minister Modi, your presence here is a testament to the enduring friendship and collaboration between our two great nations. On behalf of the residents of Tampa and Hills Borough County, I offer you a warm and gracious welcome. India, under your leadership, has achieved remarkable milestones showcasing its immense potential in various fields.”
“Your nation’s achievements are a testament to the hard work, resilience and spirit of its people. As a councilman of a diverse community in Tampa, I am proud to acknowledge the striking similarities between our two democracies. The United States and India share a deep respect for individual freedoms, equality and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the power of democracy to empower our citizens and provide them with opportunities to shape their destinies,” he added. In the video message, he also stated that PM Modi’s visit to the US represents an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the two nations and deepen cooperation.
The member of Tampa City Council further stated that together, India and the US can address the pressing challenges of time, fostering economic growth and promoting global peace and security.
“Prime Minister, as you embark on this visit I encourage you to explore the warmth and hospitality of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Our doors are open and our community stands ready to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas that will further strengthen the ties between our nations. Once again, on behalf of the residents of the city of Tampa I extend a warm welcome to you, Prime Minister Modi. May this visit mark the beginning of a new chapter in the friendship and cooperation between our two nations. Together, let us work together toward a brighter future guided by the principles of liberty, justice and equality,” he added.
PM Modi is all set to visit the US today and will commence his trip with the Yoga Day celebrations at the UN headquarter.
Meanwhile, a US congressman, Andrew Garbarino from New York’s second congressional district said that he is delighted that Prime Minister Modi will make a historic state visit to the United States.
He further stated that he is looking forward to PM Modi’s speech in front of the joint session of Congress on June 22. “This truly does highlight the strong US-India partnership, and I wish him the best trip and the most success,” Garbarino said in a video message which was shared by the Indian embassy in the US.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a State Dinner in honour of the Prime Minister the same evening, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The PM will also address a Joint Sitting of the US Congress on June 22.
Another Congressman Matt Cartwright, ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s State Visit to the US, said that he is delighted that they are receiving PM Narendra Modi. “What a momentous, special occasion this is, and we welcome him to the United States. We eagerly look forward to him being hosted by the United States President, Joe Biden at the White House on June 22, 2023,” he said in the video message.
He further stated that he cherished the relationship between India and the USA as stronger than ever and really one of the most consequential relationships of the 21st century.
After his tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, “Appreciate your warm message, Congressman @RepCartwright. We deeply value the cherished #IndiaUSPartnership and look forward to PM @narendramodi’s visit.”
On June 23, the prime minister will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In addition to official engagements, the Prime Minister is scheduled to have several curated interactions with leading CEOs, professionals, and other stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian Diaspora.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
UPDATE: After the media reported that JE Amir Khan was absconding, CPRO South Eastern Railways refuted the media reports. This report, which was based on Wion News, Business Standard and others has been updated to reflect the latest information.
#WATCH | Balasore train accident | "A few media reports are coming in that a Bahanaga staff is absconding and missing. This is factually incorrect. The entire staff is present & a part of inquiry. They are appearing before agency," says Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, CPRO South Eastern… pic.twitter.com/Htc538cIFp
Balasore train accident | “A few media reports are coming in that a Bahanaga staff is absconding and missing. This is factually incorrect. The entire staff is present & a part of inquiry. They are appearing before agency,” said Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, CPROSouth Eastern Railway.
On June 19, It was reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sealed the rented house of Junior Engineer (JE) Amir Khan. As per reports, Khan is a suspect in Odisha triple train tragedy that the CBI is investigating. When a CBI team reached his house located near Annapurna Rice Mill in Soro, the house was locked. The CBI later sealed it. The June 2 triple train accident at Bahanaga took away the lives of 292 passengers and injured over a thousand.
The Business Standard report said two CBI personnel are watching the house after the JE had reportedly absconded with family after initial questioning, however, Railway authorities have now refuted claims.
Role of signal JE at the Indian Railways
The signal JE is responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing the signalling equipment, including point machines, interlocking systems and signals, etc. In short, they play a vital role in ensuring train operations run smoothly and safely.
Railway officials raised suspicion of deliberate sabotage
Notably, railway officials have insisted that the train accident was possibly a result of sabotage by “deliberate interference with the electronic interlocking system.” In a report, the Times of India quoted the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Khurda, Rinkesh Roy, saying, “You get green signal only after fulfilling all the pre-conditions such as whether the route is set and everything is right. Even if there is a minor problem, technically, there cannot be a green signal in any circumstance; it becomes red. It can’t go green unless and until someone has tampered with it, someone has physically tempered with it.”
Investigation was handed over to CBI on June 6
On June 6, the investigation into the train accident was taken over by the central investigation agency. An FIR has already been initiated in the matter. CBI was handed over the investigation after the allegations of tampering with the electronic interlocking system came to the fore following the accident.
For those who are unaware, electronic interlocking systems installed at the stations provide vital information about the status of the trains. The railway officials had raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage. The official sources quoted by WION suggested five railway employees are under CBI’s radar for the investigation.
On Monday, the 19th of June, Ex-Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) withdrew its support from the Nitish Kumar-led coalition government. The Party’s National President and Former CM Manjhi’s son Santosh Suman stated that he has sought an appointment with the Bihar Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support from the Nitish government.
Suman made these remarks while addressing a press conference, as the National Executive body of HAM had earlier authorised him to make decisions regarding the future course of action.
Suman added that later in the day, he would be visiting Delhi to “explore options”. He said that he is “willing to consider” an invitation from the NDA if it is extended by the BJP-led coalition.
HAM President Suman said, “We are also keeping the option open for setting up a third front.” However, he ducked the queries about unconfirmed reports of him having a meeting scheduled in Delhi with BJP President JP Nadda.
Last week, Suman resigned from the Nitish Kumar cabinet citing that he cannot compromise his self-respect. He alleged that the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was pressuring him to merge his party with the JD(U).
Differences between Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi over opposition parties meeting
Reportedly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated that Manjhi wanted to be a part of the opposition parties meeting scheduled to be held on 23rd June. However, CM added that Manjhi was not invited as there were apprehensions that he may leak details of the event to the BJP.
Apparently, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar had been trying to put together a common opposition front against the Modi government. He went to different states seeking support for the same. Earlier, a meeting of the opposition parties was scheduled for the 12th of June. The meeting was rescheduled for the 23rd of June as Rahul Gandhi was on a ten-day US tour. However, before the meeting, the unity faced a major setback when BRS and BJD announced their plan to skip the opposition meeting.
It is interesting to note that since its formation in 2015, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party has switched allies many times. Notably, the HAM, with its four MLAs, broke ties with NDA and joined the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ last year.
The ruling coalition, consists of JD(U), RJD, Congress, with three Left parties supporting it from outside. They hold a significant majority in the 243-member assembly with nearly 160 MLAs.
