Relocation option in mosque-temple issue may have resolved it amicably

December 20, 2024

Had supporters of Babri masjid in Ayodhya explored multiple options, Kiruna town in Sweden could have helped them resolve the vexed mosque-temple issue that resulted in thoughtless violence, disquiet and division in society. Kiruna, a Swedish town north of the Arctic Circle, is undergoing one of the most ambitious urban...

Transforming Telangana: Revanth Reddy’s long march to progress

December 17, 2024

The summer of 2024 was a busy time in India’s youngest state. Telangana was gearing up for Formation Day celebrations on June 2, and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had commissioned a new anthem to commemorate a decade of the state’s existence: Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana, written by the beloved poet-lyricist...

Sharad Pawar – a king without the kingdom now

December 9, 2024

Family members and blood relatives staging a coup are not confined to the kings and queens of the past. In the vibrant parliamentary democracies too, bloodless yet devastating takeovers by the loved ones, causing misery and emptiness have been experienced by many. Veteran Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar has joined a...

When Nehru invited a movie unit for breakfast at Teen Murti

November 21, 2024

When Indira was born on November 19, 1917, the Scottish doctor who was attending to Kamla Nehru announced to Jawaharlal Nehru: “It is a bonny lassie, Sir!” The womenfolk around Jawaharlal’s mother, Swaroop Rani, pulled long faces in sympathy. This irritated his father, Motilal, prompting him to chide his wife:...

Ahmed Patel: An asset in Congress, an enigma to outsiders

November 20, 2024

Legend has it that the exit of Nizam ul Mulk from Emperor Mohammad Shah’s court had hastened the disintegration of the Mughal empire. The Mughal ruler had earned the title “Rangeela” on account of his overindulgence in women and wine, and Mulk, a wazir [vizier], had tried to reform the...

From a city of nawabs to a modern metropolis

November 8, 2024

The politically dramatic entry of N. Chandrababu Naidu as chief minister in 1995 proved to be equally dramatic for the fledgling technology sector in Hyderabad making the then united Andhra capital ‘beat Bangalore in information technology.’ This was the time; Karnataka government had already roped in the Tata group and...

Priyanka Gandhi, a harbinger of hope for Cong

October 25, 2024

Priyanka Gandhi is confident of her victory from Wayanad. In the past, she has often leaned on Lord Krishna who had said, “The meaning of Karma is in the intention. The intention behind the action is what matters. Those who are motivated only by desire for the fruits of action...

Reflections on Life and Legacy of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — a people’s president

October 14, 2024

As a visitor to the Rashtrapati Bhavan one day, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam happened to glance through the window while chatting with his host. He was spellbound. There before his eyes was a panoramic view of the Mughal Gardens. “I wish I could walk on a full moon night in the...

Ashok Tanwar’s tryst with Cong

October 4, 2024

Ashok Tanwar’s “home coming” must be a sweet music for both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi who have had special and personal bonding with the former Haryana Congress chief. Five years ago, Tanwar’s exit had pained and rattled the Gandhis. Sonia shares an emotional bond with Tanwar’s wife Avantika, that goes...

Listening to conscience seems Rahul’s mantra

October 2, 2024

Veteran Narain Dutt Tiwari had a dictum, “Suno Sabki karo apni” [ listen to every shade of opinion and do whatever you want]. Years later, Rahul Gandhi has started practising Tiwari’s maxim. The selection of new Youth Congress chief to replace an overage B V Srinivas gave a glimpse of...