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Oct 14, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Dinkar Kapoor |Naveen Prasad Alex |Minal Shende |Vivek Sakpal
On 14 October 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in Nagpur due to untouchability, caste and class divisions in Hinduism. This day is as important for his followers as 14 April is his Birthday and 6 December is his Parinirvana Divas. Some people also celebrate it on Vijayadashami i.e. Dussehra day because Dussehra fell on this day in 1956.
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Jul 27, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Naveen Prasad Alex |Minal Shende |Vivek Sakpal |Ratnesh Katulkar
It was an evening in July when I set out for Chaitya Bhoomi, the memorial and final resting place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Visionary Who Gave Us the Freedom We Cherish. The day was cloaked in a serene solemnity, with a light drizzle adding to the reflective atmosphere, as if the universe itself was paying homage to a man whose life and work had profoundly impacted millions. As I approached this sacred site, located in Dadar, Mumbai, an overwhelming sense of reverence washed over me.
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Jul 27, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | G Naveen |Maya John |Manas Jena |Vivek Sakpal
In spite of a valiant fight put up by the INDIA coalition in the 2024 general elections, Prime Minister Modi ascended the throne for a historic third consecutive term. Notwithstanding the 63-seat loss, Modi’s BJP was able to cobble up the support it needed from NDA allies to get past the 272 mark.
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Jul 2, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Nilofar Suhrawardy |Hiren Gohain |Frank Huzur |Vivek Sakpal
What can be said about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi having begun new innings of his political career as Leader of the Opposition? The beginning has of course been marked by there being virtually a verbal duel between him, his party and the BJP-stalwarts over his comments on the latter’s “religious” standing. In addition, his attempt to show picture of a Hindu deity was stopped by the Speaker on ground that placards cannot be displayed.
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Jun 30, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Vivek Sakpal |Ratnesh Katulkar |Subhash Gatade |Minal Shende
Deekshabhumi a site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1956 along with his millions of his followers is now facing an existential crisis. Common persons’ entry to the upcoming Dhammachakra Pravartan Divas in October could be permanently restricted if things continue as they are. This is due to the fact that for the past few months, digging has taken place below the main stupa for the construction of a three-story parking area for vehicles.
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Jun 28, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Vivek Sakpal |Ratnesh Katulkar |Subhash Gatade |Naveen Prasad Alex
The recently viral video of opposition candidates greeting with the slogan of “Jai Bhim” or mentioning Ambedkar, the Constitution or Samvidhan, while taking oath as Member of Parliament, has clearly indicated a transition in the outlook towards Ambedkar, his followers and at large the principles and values Ambedkar stood for. These leaders also held a copy of the Indian Constitution in their hands while taking the oath.
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Jun 27, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Hiren Gohain |Frank Huzur |Vivek Sakpal |Mukhtar Ahmad
Liberals given to image-worship have gone with gusto into the question of what has changed in and for Rahul Gandhi.I believe the more important question is how the change has come about and in what respects.A lot depends now on these changes and it is well worth discussing them. It is not at all a question of changes in his character or of the image,something of consuming interest to hero-worshippers.
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Jun 6, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | George Abraham |Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor |Javed Iqbal Wani |Vivek Sakpal
After the announcement of the election results, I heard nothing but a sigh of Relief all around, especially from members of the Diaspora. It is almost as if they have been delivered from some precarious situation or a trap that had a debilitating impact on their thinking and actions. People were virtually living in fear of expressing their opinions and even stating the slightest criticism of the Modi government’s policies. Indeed, at least for now, they appear to feel liberated.
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Jun 6, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor |Javed Iqbal Wani |Vivek Sakpal |Pradeep Baisakh
Just as the ruling political party of India, Bhartiya Janata Party’s ‘Ab Ki Baar Char Su Par’ slogan has poorly been rejected by the Indian voters in the Parliamentary elections, the same way the Kashmiri voters have created an earthquake in the mainstream politics of Kashmir by defeating two former Chief Ministers who happen to be the heads of their political outfits. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto often said in her speeches that “democracy is the best revenge”.
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Jun 6, 2024 | 
countercurrents.org | Javed Iqbal Wani |Vivek Sakpal |Pradeep Baisakh |Mohd Khan
The results of the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections 2024 have reestablished political equilibrium in India. With more voices of resistance in the Lok Sabha, the full-throttle engine of BJP’s self-centred unilateral decisions will come to a screeching halt. Once again, voices of dissent will make themselves visible. Those Members of Parliament who smirked and clapped at racist, sexist, casteist and communal speeches and statements will reduce substantially.
