On January 3, 2025, India commemorates the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, a trailblazing woman who defied societal norms to promote female education and fight against caste and gender discrimination. She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, established India's first school for girls in 1848 and went on to establish numerous educational institutions that impacted the lives of women and marginalized communities. Let's remember and honor this remarkable reformer and her enduring legacy on her 194th birth anniversary.
In the recent expansion of the Shiv Sena cabinet, party chief and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde carefully balanced regional and caste considerations, as well as the upcoming civic polls. With a strong message to his party members, Shinde retained five ministers and dropped three, while also including six new faces, following a rotation policy for ministers. Despite controversy surrounding some of the dropped ministers, Shinde's focus was on expanding the party's reach across all five regions of the state.
During a discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India in the Lok Sabha, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out the BJP's contradictory stance on the Constitution and its ideology. He quoted Veer Savarkar, a key figure in the RSS and BJP's ideology, who had stated that there is nothing Indian about the Constitution and that it should be superseded by the Manusmriti. Gandhi also highlighted the BJP's questionable actions, such as handing over Dharavi and other national assets to Adani, which goes against the principles of economic and social equality outlined in the Constitution. He also announced plans for a Caste Census to shed light on the marginalized communities that have been neglected by the ruling party.
During a special debate on the Constitution, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a fiery speech, quoting Mahabharata's Eklavya and Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, in the context of caste oppression in India. Gandhi accused the BJP of going against the principles of the Constitution and raised issues like caste census, removal of quota ceiling, and the Hathras rape-murder case to highlight the party's neglect towards the lower caste and marginalized sections of society.
After a series of allegations made against former Mumbai NCB director Sameer Wankhede regarding his caste and religion, the Maharashtra government's Social Justice Department has ordered for a caste scrutiny. The committee has given Wankhede a clean chit, stating that he is indeed a member of the Mahar community, a Scheduled Caste. The ruling also dismissed objections raised by Nawab Malik and others, stating lack of evidence.
In a strong statement, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha has called on the Congress government in Telangana to fulfill its promise of implementing the Kamareddy Declaration, which aimed to provide multiple benefits to the Backward Classes (BCs). This demand comes after Kavitha submitted a comprehensive caste survey report to the Dedicated BC Commission, urging the government to fulfill the promises made during the Assembly elections. The Telangana Jagruthi report, prepared by Kavitha's organization, outlines 20 key demands for the Commission's consideration and highlights the BJP's opposition to caste census as a major hindrance in BC welfare.
Amidst controversies and legal notices, the coronation ceremony of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar as the 77th Maharana of the Mewar dynasty took place at Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan. Despite being denied permission by the trust managing the City Palace, Singh plans to attend a traditional ritual at the palace and Eklingji temple. Strong security arrangements were made to prevent any potential flare-ups as dignitaries and members of various royal families gather to honor the legacy of the Mewar dynasty. However, the event has drawn criticism from organisations like the Dr. Ambedkar Scheduled Caste Officers-Employees Association who see it as inconsistent with democratic principles.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution, which has been celebrated as Samvidhan Diwas since 2015. Led by visionary leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, the Constituent Assembly took almost three years to finalize the Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. As the country celebrates this milestone, here are 10 lesser-known facts about the Indian Constitution, compiled by B&B Associates LLP. This day is a reminder of the principles and values that guide the world's largest democracy.
As the nation gears up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution on November 26, all eyes are on the iconic leader, Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the Indian Constitution, which was the culmination of years of hard work. His contributions towards ensuring social justice and fundamental rights for all will be remembered and celebrated on this day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against Congress' tactic of pitting one caste against another for political gains and urged the people to stay united. Launching a scathing attack on the Maha Vikas Aghadi, PM Modi also made a veiled reference to Shiv Sena's leader's recent "imported maal" remarks, saying that the Opposition has resorted to "insulting women". He cautioned the nation against falling prey to Congress' agenda of dividing the SC, ST, and OBC communities, stating that unity among communities is crucial for the progress of the nation.