Yashraj Sharma

Southern Asia

Writer at Freelance

Journalist based in India | FPA London awardee | On Signal: yash.44

Articles

India’s language war: Why is Hindi sparking a north-south divide?

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Yashraj Sharma

Ya, No, Ya... You Wouldn't Understand, Eh Despite Canadians and Americans speaking the same language, there are plenty of expressions used north of …
India’s language war: Why is Hindi causing a north-south divide?

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Yashraj Sharma

‘What Can I Do If Someone’s Mother Tongue Is Not Indian?’ Amit Shah Comments On Language Debate, Slams CongressThe Congress, when in power at the Centre, imposed Hindi and English on students from various states whose mother tongues were different, Shah said …
Why is Hindi causing a north-south divide?

2 weeks ago | aljazeera.com | Yashraj Sharma

New Delhi, India - Addressing a rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu last weekend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked leaders from the state government of the regional Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. "These ministers from Tamil Nadu talk about pride in their language but always write letters to me and sign off in English. Why don't they use the Tamil language?" he said, adding "Where is their Tamil pride?"It was no ordinary barb.
Buddhism’s holiest site erupts in protests over Hindu ‘control’ of shrine

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Yashraj Sharma

4 hours agoIndia: 100-feet massive chariot overturns during procession at temple festival, leaving two severely injuredKarnataka, India - March 22, 2025 In an unexpected turn of events, a massive 100-feet chariot carrying devotees and deity idols toppled over during a temple fair, leaving two people severely injured. The incident took place during the Madduramma Devi Temple fair in Huskuru village, Bangalore Urban district, on the evening of March 22.
Buddhism's holiest site erupts in protests over Hindu 'control' of shrine

1 month ago | aljazeera.com | Yashraj Sharma

Bodh Gaya, India - As he stood in a queue outside a makeshift tent kitchen for breakfast, 30-year-old Abhishek Bauddh could not help but reflect on the throngs of people around him in Bodh Gaya, Buddhism's holiest site. Bauddh has been visiting the town in eastern India's Bihar state, where the Buddha gained enlightenment, since he was 15. "But I have never seen such an atmosphere. Buddhists from all over the country are gathering here," he said.
India’s ‘political iftars’ once stopped riots. Are they corrupt stunts now?

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Yashraj Sharma

Not just the South, Hindi imposition threatens all regional languagesGrowing up in Gujarat, the concept of Gujarati asmita or Gujarati pride was often invoked by the people around me. We derived this pride from so many …
Peace forays or corrupt, vote-seeking stunts?

1 month ago | aljazeera.com | Yashraj Sharma

New Delhi, India - It was the month of Ramadan in 1974, and the northern city of Lucknow, a hub of India's Shia community, was on the boil. Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, a stalwart of India's then-ruling Indian National Congress party, had taken over as the chief minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh, whose capital is Lucknow, only a few months earlier. Shia-Sunni clashes had erupted at a time on the Muslim calendar that represents peace, prayer, reflection and a sense of community.
Why 17th-century emperor Aurangzeb’s grave is India’s latest flashpoint

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Yashraj Sharma

India says concerned about situation in Gaza, essential all hostages are freed soonIndia calls for the release of all hostages in Gaza and emphasizes the need for continuous humanitarian aid to the affected population. India on …
Why 17th-century emperor Aurangzeb's grave is India's latest flashpoint

1 month ago | aljazeera.com | Yashraj Sharma

New Delhi, India - Datta Shirke has not left his home for the past two days and fears for the safety of his family. Vehicles parked in the lane where he lives have been torched in Hindu-Muslim sectarian clashes. Barely a mile (about 1.5km) away, Aslam, who requested to be identified by his first name only, is similarly terrified. He is avoiding going back home, where he lives with his wife and mother, because he fears being arrested by the police, who he says are detaining innocent Muslims.
Tesla opens in India as stock price and sales decline globally

1 month ago | restofworld.org | Yashraj Sharma

As Tesla’s existing markets give it the cold shoulder, it is turning to India after a decade of false starts. Days after Elon Musk met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, Tesla reportedly leased a sprawling showroom in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for five years, forking out $446,000 in rent for the first year. Plans for a second showroom in Delhi are in the works.