Author: Raj Shah

As India embarks on another monumental electoral journey, the air is thick with anticipation and speculation. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears poised for another victory, a testament to Modi’s enduring popularity and the vision he embodies. Contrastingly, the Congress party and other opposition factions seem to be grappling with a lack of coherent strategy and vision for the nation’s future, leaving them at a distinct disadvantage in the electoral arena. Since assuming office in 2014, Modi’s leadership has been characterized by bold reforms and a strong emphasis on nationalistic policies. His…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his commitment to the people of India for an unprecedented third term, is not just targeting another electoral win but envisioning a transformative leap towards making India a developed nation by 2047. This ambition, articulated through the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, promises a future where the previous terms serve merely as a prelude to an era of “unprecedented development.” The BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ emerges not as a mere political document but as a blueprint for India’s journey over the next two decades. Modi’s confident rhetoric in a recent…

By Raj Shah In the sprawling tapestry of global politics and economic dynamics, India stands out not only as a burgeoning superpower but also as a pivotal player shaping the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. Central to India’s ascendancy on the world stage is Narendra Modi, whose leadership since 2014 has been both polarizing and transformative. As India looks towards 2024 and beyond, understanding the “Modi factor” involves dissecting his policies, the economic trajectory under his governance, and the broader implications of his leadership for India and its global interactions. Economic Reforms and Growth Since taking office, Modi has introduced significant economic…

By Raj Shah After US President Joe Biden labeled several countries, including India, as “xenophobic” for not welcoming immigrants, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar promptly dismissed the remarks. Speaking with The Economic Times, Jaishankar emphasized India’s longstanding openness and economic growth, noting that it is the fastest-growing major economy and recently became the fifth-largest globally. In his remarks, President Biden also suggested that the Indian economy was underperforming compared to the thriving US economy. Mr. Jaishankar countered these claims by affirming, “First of all, our economy is not faltering.” He supported his rebuttal with evidence of India’s economic achievements,…

You’ve probably heard the expression “half-full” or “half-empty” used to describe how people tend to focus on either the positive or negative aspects of a situation. Extrapolating this comparison, I regret to state that most Indian-American journalists and American media outlets’ coverage of reporting on India not only sees the glass half empty but also sees fingerprints all over the glass. Not only do they cover mostly negative news about India, but they also cover half the truth Amol Parth recently undertook an in-depth review of more than 3,000 India-related articles carried by The New York Times, The…

By Raj Shah As India gears up for the 2024 general elections, the nation stands at a pivotal juncture, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising an economic leap to become the third-largest economy. This election is underscored by the critical involvement of youth and women voters, whose preferences and participation will significantly shape the outcome. Modi’s ambitious vision extends beyond this electoral milestone, aiming to transform India into a developed country by 2047, the centennial of its independence. This vision encapsulates a comprehensive strategy focusing on economic growth, technological innovation, and social inclusivity, aligning immediate political objectives with long-term national…

Talking about a film on Swami Vivekananda on his birthday would be not only most appropriate but also symbolic and impactful. Swami ji’s birthday, which falls on January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day in India, reflecting his enduring influence on the youth and his teachings on strength, vigor, and spirituality. In 1893, Vivekananda, an Indian spiritual guru, attended a conference hosted by the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago and gave a historical speech. His opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” won him a standing ovation. It would delve into his teachings, his interactions with other religious…

We celebrated Father’s Day last month. The time is right to be grateful for all the knowledge and advice my father has imparted to me over the years. Growing up, my father taught me many important life lessons that have shaped the person I am today. He has always been a pillar of wisdom and guidance. From how to handle difficult situations to how to be kind to others, my dad showed me the value of these lessons through his own actions and words. He has consistently taught me important life lessons that have served me well into adulthood. From…

Today, July 4, 2023, marks the 121st death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. On this day, many followers and admirers of Swami Vivekananda around the world commemorate his life and teachings. Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in the introduction of Indian and specifically Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His powerful speeches, deep spiritual insights, and transformative work in the field of education have left an indelible impact. His teachings, which emphasized human development through service, love, and purity, continue to inspire millions around the globe. Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk, a major figure in…

On June 21, 2023, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the International Yoga Day celebration. Prior to the 9th International Yoga Day ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in New York, PM Modi spoke to the crowd. He expressed gratitude to the public for attending the Yoga Day event in great numbers and commended the city administration for making all the necessary preparations to ensure the event’s “huge” success. The event was held on the big North Lawn of the intergovernmental organization. Excerpt from Prime Minister Modi’s Speech:  “Yoga…