Author: Bhakti Narayanan

By Krishna Kumar This book provides context, analyzes, and narrates the events of 1942, which shook British Rule of India and eventually led to the collapse of the British Empire. 1942: Japanese armies reached the Northeast Borders of India after taking over Burma (Myanmar). Then, the Japanese bombed Madras, Vizag, and Calcutta. Ports on India’s East Coast were closed. Almost 100,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army and 400,000 civilians- disease-ridden and demoralized- came to India from Burma, making a tortuous journey with nearly 50-100,000 perishing while trekking through the mosquito-infested jungles. Earlier, The Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor and…

The consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol in Ayodhya has had a profound and everlasting impact on the city, the state, and the nation. Additionally, Sanatan Mandirs were not mere temples but served as focal points for the holistic development of individuals and humanity. There is a significant economic aspect to why Islamic countries are advocating for the establishment of Hindu temples within their borders. Furthermore, a verse from the Ayodhya Kanda in Valmiki Ramayan highlights Lord Ram’s prowess in discerning righteousness and administering justice, as well as his understanding of fiscal matters outlined in ancient scriptures. Ayodhya, once revered as…

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is devising a plan to upgrade all current single-lane national highways to double lanes, introducing a new standard where highways must have two lanes with paved shoulders to qualify as National Highways (NH) going forward. This forthcoming criterion is expected to be incorporated into the regulations governing national highway construction, as reported by Livemint. Paved shoulders, which are sections of a highway adjacent to the main traveled area and at the same elevation, will be a requisite feature under this new guideline. Exceptions to this mandate may be made for single-lane national highways…

Ayurveda, an ancient health system originating from India, has a longstanding history rooted in utilizing plants and herbs for maintaining health and preventing illnesses. It encompasses not only medicinal practices but also a holistic lifestyle approach, aligning individuals with the natural rhythms of existence. Amidst the complexity of modern healthcare, Ayurveda stands out for its simplicity and eco-friendliness, deeply ingrained in Indian households and passed down through generations. Its effectiveness extends locally and globally, transcending time with its contemporary relevance. In today’s fast-paced world marked by stress and a growing emphasis on holistic well-being, Ayurveda offers timeless guidance for achieving…

In the annals of history, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar stands as a formidable figure, reigning as the Holkar Queen over the Maratha Malwa kingdom in India. Born in the quaint village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, she later shifted the seat of power to Maheshwar, nestled along the Narmada River, south of Indore. Ahilyabai’s ascension to power was marked by tragedy, with the demise of her husband, Khanderao Holkar, in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Subsequently, the passing of her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, thrust her into the throne as the queen of the Malwa kingdom. Undeterred by adversity,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated the new Agaléga Islands airstrip in Mauritius and unveiled six community development projects, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations. Mr. Modi reaffirmed Mauritius’s significance as a crucial partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, underscoring the deepening cooperation between the two countries. The newly inaugurated projects aim to enhance connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security, and promote socio-economic development, emphasizing the longstanding development partnership between India and Mauritius. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth expressed gratitude for India’s continuous support, acknowledging the special consideration given to Mauritius.…

Guests at the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are greeted with an array of sweet and savory delicacies, including ‘saffron penda’, ‘mohanthal’, and refreshing drinks like ‘aam panna’. Luxury convoys filled with eminent personalities and celebrities have been arriving at Jamnagar airport for the three-day pre-wedding festivities. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, is set to marry Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare, and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant. A green room adorned with various flowers has been prepared for guests, with tight security measures in…

According to the Internet in India Report 2023 by IAMAI and Kantar, India has amassed an impressive internet user base exceeding 800 million, with 86% utilizing over-the-top (OTT) audio and video services, indicating the predominant use of technology in the country. Despite daily internet usage surpassing 90%, the growth rate of the user base has decelerated, reaching 55% of the population in 2023, with rural India contributing 53%. Communication and social media emerge as the second and third most popular services, boasting 621 million and 575 million users, respectively. The proliferation of digital entertainment is driven by a substantial 58%…

Dr. Johnson Varkey, a Texas-based Indian American biology professor, has been reinstated to his position a year after being terminated for teaching fundamental human biology and reproduction concepts to his students. St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, where he taught, discharged him for instructing that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes, aligning with his scientific study. The college, known as a historically Black and Hispanic-serving institution, faced legal action from First Liberty Institute, which advocated for Varkey’s case. After First Liberty Institute filed a discrimination charge at the EEOC against St. Philip’s and the Alamo Community College District,…

Salil Parekh, the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, and Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, have recently joined the Board of Directors of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), a dedicated institution aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. Parekh, renowned for his expertise in the IT services industry, brings valuable experience from his tenure at Infosys, which includes involvement in business turnarounds and acquisitions. Expressing his delight, Parekh emphasized the deepening bilateral ties between India and the US and extended wishes for the continued success of USISPF in fostering collaboration between the two nations. Mukesh Aghi, President…