Nobel laureate Amartya Sen criticized the Indian government upon his arrival in Kolkata, highlighting issues such as wrongful imprisonments, economic disparities, and the need for political open-mindedness and secularism. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues and promoting a more inclusive and democratic society. This statement comes amid the Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's loss to TMC candidate Yusuf Pathan in the Baharampur constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Former Vice-President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the concept of equal dharma for all and urged politicians to not disrespect dharma for their vote bank. He inaugurated the Valmiki Research Centre on Ramayana and also participated in the Sri Ramayana Sankharavam conclave. During his visit to Korukonda Sainik School, he stressed the importance of preserving mother tongue and cultural heritage and promoting national unity through learning Hindi.
In a public event in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi sparked controversy by stating that secularism is not an Indian concept but a European one. He also criticized former prime minister Indira Gandhi for introducing the concept into the Constitution in 1976. His statements have met with sharp criticism from senior Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore, who called out the governor's misconceptions and urged him to practice restraint in his statements as a constitutional functionary.
Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has taken a stand against the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddu prasadam. He has faced criticism for speaking out but he made it clear that attacks on Sanatana Dharma will not be tolerated. He also slammed actor Prakash Raj for his comments on secularism, stating that no one has the right to mock the sentiments of the people.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen spoke out against the Indian government upon his arrival in Kolkata, addressing issues such as wrongful imprisonments and economic disparities. He emphasized the need for political open-mindedness and secularism in the country. This comes as the recently held 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a major shift in power, with the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance securing more seats than the ruling NDA.
Tamil Nadu Transport Minister and DMK leader SS Sivasankar's comments questioning the existence of Lord Ram during an event celebrating the birthday anniversary of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola has sparked controversy. This comes after DMK's Law Minister Thiru Raghupathy praised Lord Ram as a champion of social justice and secularism just last week. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has called out DMK for their seemingly contradictory stances and their sudden interest in the nation's rich history and culture.
In a recent post on social media platform 'X', Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati supported Delhi University's decision to reject a proposal on teaching Manusmriti in its Department of Law. She emphasized that the Indian Constitution, written by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, upholds humanism and secularism, which is in complete contrast to the principles of Manusmriti. The BSP leader deemed any attempt to promote Manusmriti as inappropriate, as it goes against the self-respect of marginalized communities and women.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Meghalaya has reaffirmed its stance of not aligning with the saffron party, even at the state level, due to ideological differences. However, VPP leader Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit stated that the party is willing to support the INDIA bloc on issues concerning the nation and its citizens, emphasizing their dedication to secularism and respect for all religions. The VPP's decision to not formally join the INDIA bloc, while remaining open to providing support, showcases its commitment to maintaining an independent identity in Parliament.
As India marks 60 years since the passing of iconic leader Jawaharlal Nehru, his legacy continues to be invoked in the ongoing general elections. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi uses Nehru's name to criticize the Opposition, others defend his role in guiding the country towards secularism, pluralism, and democracy. However, amidst the political polemic, it is clear that Nehru remains central to the discourse and his impact continues to be felt in contemporary India.
Recent scientific research has shown a strong correlation between the spiritual wellbeing of patients and their physical and mental health. With a holistic approach to healthcare becoming increasingly popular, this study highlights the positive effects of spirituality, religiosity, faith, humanism, and secularism on patient-centric care. By reducing stress levels and promoting overall wellbeing, this study emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the spiritual dimension in healthcare.