INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 31 No: 4• WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • January 27, 2023 Mulayam Singh Yadav awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously; SM Krishna, Zakir Hussain, Sudha Murty among Padma awardees New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Dilip Mahalanabis, who pioneered the wide wide Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS), and noted architect Balkrishna Doshi have been named for Padma Vibhushan posthumously with the government announcing Padma awards for 2023 on the eve of the 74th Republic Day. The list comprises six Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri awards. Nineteen of the awardees are women. There are seven posthumous awardees. Other Padma Vibhushan awardees are former External Affairs Minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna (Public Affairs), tabla maestro Zakir Hussain (Art) and Srinivas Vardhan (Science and Engineering). Former Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav has been honored posthumously for his services in Public Affairs), Dilip Mahalanabis (Medicine) and Balkrishna Doshi (Architecture). The nine Padma Bhushan awardees include PADMA AWARDS SEE PAGE 10 Aruna Miller Sworn in as the Lt. Governor of Maryland Ms. Miller creates history for being the first person of Asian Indian Descent to take the oath as the Lt. Governor of any State in the state of Maryland and even in the entire United States Lt. Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller taking the oath of office with Bhagavad Gita in the presence of her family on January 18, 2023, in Annapolis, Maryland. By Elisha Pulivarti A n n a p o l i s/ Baltimore, Maryland: On a beautiful day with clear blue skies, Jan. 18, 2023, with her left hand on the sacred Bhagavad Gita, and right hand raised, Aruna Miller became the first ever IndianAmerican in the nation’s history to be sworn in as the Lt. Governor of Maryland. “I, Aruna Katragadda Miller, do swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland,” Miller said before the Chief Justice of Maryland Supreme Court Matthew J. Fader, as the state achieved another milestone welcoming its first Black Governor in Wes Moore. Both have pledged to “leave no one behind,” and to deal with challenges such as equity imbalance, rise in violent crimes, and lack of access to basis necessities. “It wasn’t just the first day of school where I felt I didn’t belong. In fact, I would say I spent most of my life trying to fit into a space that didn’t have me in mind,” Miller recalled as she talked about challenges growing up as an immigrant. “As an immigrant growing up in a new country, or as a female engineer in a male dominated field, as an Indian-American legislator in a legislature that looked nothing like me, it took me a long time to realize that it was never about needing to fit into a space created by others. It was always about having the courage to be my authentic self in every space.” About struggles endured by minority communities and how opportunities are denied to them over the years, ARUNA MILLER SEE PAGE 6
January 27, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK US mission in India announces new initiative to cut visa wait time New Delhi [India], January 22 (ANI): The United States on Sunday announced new visa initiatives for Indians including special interviews for first-time applicants and greater strength of visa staff across the country to reduce wait times for first-time visa applicants. As part of this initiative, the United States opened consular operations across the country to accommodate applicants who require in-person visa interviews. “On January 21, the U.S. Mission in India launched the first in a series of special Saturday interview days, as part of a larger effort to reduce wait times for firsttime visa applicants. The United States Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad all opened consular operations on Saturday to accommodate applicants who require inperson visa interviews,” the US embassy said in a statement. “In the coming months, the Mission will continue to open additional slots for appointments to take place on select Saturdays,” the statement added. The embassy said that the US government has implemented remote processing of interview waiver cases for applicants with previous U.S. visas. “Between January and March 2023, dozens of temporary consular officers from Washington and other embassies will arrive in India to increase processing capacity,” the statement added. It also said the US State Department is also increasing the number of consular officers permanently assigned to the Embassy and Consulates. “The U.S. Mission in India released more than 250,000 additional B1/B2 appointments. Consulate General Mumbai also extended its weekday operating hours to make space for additional appointments,” the statement added. Consulate General Mumbai currently adjudicates the most visa applications in India and is one of the largest visa operations in the world, the embassy said. “Our consular teams across India are putting in the extra hours to meet the needs of international travelers and bring down wait times,” said Mumbai Consular Chief John Ballard. “This is part of a Mission wide effort to find innovative solutions to facilitate travel to the United States.” The COVID19 pandemic resulted in profound reductions in the Department’svisaprocessing capacity, and many of its embassies and consulates were at times only able to offer emergency services. “As travel restrictions have been lifted, the U.S. Mission to India has made it a priority to facilitate legitimate travel and adjudicated over 800,000 nonimmigrant visas in 2022, including record numbers of both student and employment visas. In every other visa category, interview wait times in India are at pre-pandemic levels or lower,” the US embassy said. “By this summer, the U.S. Mission in India will be at full staffing, and we expect to be processing visas at levels from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the embassy added. (ANI)
FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2023 3
January 27, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK 1,000 monuments to be taken over by private sector under Monument Mitra Scheme, says Union Culture Secretary New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): About 1,000 monuments under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be taken over by the private sector as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, said Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture on Wednesday. The amenities in those monuments will be revamped by the private sector under Monument Mitra Scheme. Addressing a press conference, Union Culture Secretary said, “This Monument Mitra Scheme had been started some years back under the Ministry of Tourism. Now the Ministry of Tourism has transferred the scheme to the Ministry of Culture in respect of the monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India, the ASI.” He further said, “We will be now offering about 1000 such monuments to the private sector to take up under the Corporate Social Responsibility vertical and revamp them in terms of amenities, in terms of experiences like sound and light shows and projection mapping, in terms of other tourism, amenities, like souvenir shops, etc.” Mohan said the target is to have MoUs signed with partners for 500 sites under the revamped Monument Mitra scheme by August 15 when the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav ends. “Our objective is that by August 15, 2023, by the time the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ comes to a close, we should sign about 500 MOU with the private sector for the upkeep of these monuments. So, this is our objective towards which we are working,” he said. Union Culture Secretary said that under the G20, the country wants to showcase the Indian culture to all the senior dignitaries and VVIPs who will come here from all over the world. “We are working on a digital museum, on a G20 Orchestra, on a book of poems, on exhibitions and all of this will showcase India’s 5000 years old culture,” he added. Talking about the tableau of the Ministry of Culture, he said, for that first is the tableau has been based on the theme of ‘Shakti Rupen Sansthita’ and since the data which comes from the worship of the goddess of the Devi, which is a tradition that is observed in all parts of the country. “I would like to apprise you of some of the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture. First and foremost, around the Republic Day celebration this year. The Ministry of Culture has two big events that have been planned. The first is the tableau of the Ministry of Culture, which has been based on the theme of ‘Shakti Rupen Sansthita’ and since the data which comes from the worship of the goddess of the Devi, which is a tradition that is observed in all parts of the Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com country,” he said. He further said that the tableau will display various forms in which the Devi is worshipped in India, different dance forms based on this form of the Devis worship will be displayed and different costumes and masks in very, very colourful formats will be displayed in our Tableau. “We also will be presenting the second edition of Vande Bharatam. As you know, last year, we had done the first edition of Vande Bharatam, where we had held competitions across the country and selected 500 dancers, which had performed at the theme of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’,” he said. Union Culture Secretary said this year 500 dancers have again been selected through intense competition and through rigorous training who will be performing on the theme of Nari Shakti and the Nari Shakti theme will encompass the Indian conception of the environment, which is based on ‘Paanch Bhoot’ “This year we have gone deeper, we have covered the untouched areas of this country like Ladakh, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli, the Northeastern states and about 500 dancers have again been selected through intense competition and through rigorous training, who will be performing on the theme of Nari Shakti and the Nari Shakti theme will encompass the Indian conception of the environment, which is based on ‘Paanch Bhoot’. The five elements of earth, water, air, space and fire. And, the music, the lyrics the narration of this dance has been done by very famous and very capable people from the world of art and music. And this again will be a show which we feel will meet the expectations of the people and also tell them about the different art forms from various parts of the country,” he added. (ANI) Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2023 Nina Aanchal Jewelers Boutique Exclusive 22 Kt. Gold, Gems and Diamond Jewelry 301-434-3029 Largest Collection Tel: 301 431 7430 of All varieties of Japanese Sarees Latest Fashions in Designers Collections The Choice Of Millions... Huge Varieties of 110/220V Appliances & Electronics Available Convert your Old Jewelr y to New We Sell 24 Kt. Gold Coins & Bars We Repair broken Jewelr y Now Open At Priti’s Fashion & Jewelery 1157 HAMPSHIRE LANGLEY SHOPPING CENTER, UNIVERSITY BLVD.E. TAKOMA PARK, MD 20912 - 7444 (SAME MALL AS WACHOVIA BANK, CAPITAL ONE BANK & STARBUCKS) Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 8:00 Sunday 11:00 - 6:00; Monday Closed 5
January 27, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Aruna Miller Sworn in as the Lt. Governor of Maryland ARUNA MILLLER FROM PAGE 1 Miller noted, “Too many people have been left behind from our black and brown communities seeking to feel safe in their own skin, from women who are fighting for their autonomy over their own bodies,” while highlighting the struggles these families cope with to gain access to basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare. During his inaugural address, Moore while thanking Maryland for his resounding victory, talked about his mom, and Miller’s mom who were present at the inauguration. “There are two people who embody that spirit sitting right here, in the front row. Two extraordinary women named Hema and Joy. Hema came to this country from India; Joy from Jamaica. They immigrated to America with hope in their hearts, not just for themselves, but for future generations.” “Today, they are sitting here at the inauguration of their children as the From left, Dawn Moore, Wes Moore, Aruna Miller, and David Miller at the press conference on January 18, 2023, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Governor and Lieutenant Convention Center prior Governor of the State that to the People’s Inaugural helped to welcome them,” Ball where, responding to Moore added. “To Aruna’s a question from India This mother, Hema... and to my Week about her historic mom, Joy... you epitomize election, Miller said, “It’s everything special about a great sense of joy and this state; You are proof that pride,” and added, “And in Maryland, anything is again, this moment isn’t possible.” about me. It really speaks Both Moore and volumes about the people Miller addressed a press of Maryland. The people conference at the Baltimore who voted, the people who From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 20, 2023 Proverbs by King Solomon A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. came and supported us. You know, whether they were volunteers, donors, whoever they were, they believed in a future that can be bright. And really that’s what it really symbolizes...” From left, Dawn Moore, Wes Moore, Aruna Miller, and David Miller at the press conference on January 18, 2023, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She encouraged Indian-American women, and all other women and people in general to consider a life of public service. She also explained why she chose to swear on the Bhagavad Gita. “This is an ancient Hindu script. And essentially growing up as a child I grew up in an interfaith home, where Hinduism and Christianity were practiced... We are seekers of peace and making sure that good things happen in the world to others as well. And that’s really the primary purpose of the Gita if you read the whole book. That’s what it talks about. INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online And so it’s very symbolic to myself...” Miller spoke of her priorities as Lt. Governor. “[I will] focus on transit, in particular public transit, to make that more dependable and reliable, because when we can do that, we make it more equitable for people... Again, given my STEM background, I want to see more people of color, more women getting into this space...” On mental health, Miller said everyone experiences it either personally or through loved ones. “And I know in my own case, my father suffered from it. And I want to make sure that going forward other people don’t suffer the way my father did.” Speaking at the People’s Inaugural Ball that was attended by over 11,000 people, and featured performances from Chris Tucker, D-Nice and others, Moore said “To my partner in this work and the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland — Aruna Miller — I am so grateful that together we will face the challenges ahead as we fight for Maryland that leaves no one behind.” At the inauguration, Miller’s daughters Meena, Chole, and Sasha introduced their mother, shared a few anecdotes, and proudly welcomed her to the stage. Meena, referred to Miller as her hero because of her “commitment to public service” and credited her as the reason for becoming a public-school teacher. “I move through the world the way that I do because of her. She leads with values. She will say yes, when it matters most and that is how she will serve the people. Today feels like a dream. And it was only possible because of all of you that chose to say yes,” said Meena. “So thank you Maryland for saying yes to Wes Moore. Thank you for saying yes to my mom, Aruna Miller, and for saying yes to a better future for our Remember: State. It is my honor to share my hero with Maryland.” Oprah Winfrey who introduced Moore recalled she met the incoming Governor in 2010 for an interview, and was impressed by his integrity and wisdom. “It is my honor to introduce you as my friend, to introduce you as someone who I believe in, as a man I truly respect, and a man I show trust. I trust you. I trust your vision. I trust your leadership. And I want you (the audience) to know you can trust too in your new Governor Wes Moore.” Former firstdaughter Chelsea Clinton, State Senator Susan Lee, who is nominated as the first Asian-American to the post of Secretary of State of Maryland, Maryland Governors Larry Hogan and Martin O’Malley, US Senators from Maryland Chris Van Hollen, and Ben Cardin, first woman Comptroller of Maryland, Brooke Lierman, Miller’s sister Lakshmi Katragadda, brother Sathya Katragadda, and sister-in-law Neelima Katragadda were also among other invited guests at the inauguration. “It’s a matter of enormous pride for all Indian-Americans. Gov. Moore is a role model for having picked an immigrant to serve as Lt. Governor – it proves that he’s an optimist and not opportunistic,” former Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland, Rajan Natarajan who was present at the inauguration told India This Week. Sudhakar Gande, Chairman of USIndia SME Council said, “Both Moore and Miller will be of great support to minority and women owned small businesses.” And SMEs are pillars and backbone of our Nation’s economy and innovation and job growth. Elisha Pulivarti is Special Business Correspondent for India This Week and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. India SME Council, Inc “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2023 7
January 27, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK BBC Documentary on Prime Minister Modi: Lord Rami Ranger slams BBC over new series attacking PM Modi London [UK], (ANI): Lord Rami Ranger, a member of House of Lords of UK Parliament on Wednesday slammed BBC over new series attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Condemning the biased reporting of BBC, he tweeted, “@BBCNews You have caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians. It insults a democratically elected@PMOIndia Indian Police & the Indian judiciary. We condemn the riots and loss of life & also condemn your biased reporting.” Lord Rami Ranger, a member of House of Lords of UK Parliament The British broadcaster came under fire over its two-part series “India: The Modi Question” on BBC Two. It stated, “A look at the tensions between Indian PM Narendra Modi and India’s Muslim minority, investigating claims about his role in 2002 riots that left over a thousand dead.” The series will examine how “Narendra Modi’s premiership has been dogged by persistent allegations about the attitude of his government towards India’s Muslim population” and “a series of controversial policies” implemented by Modi following his 2019 re-election, including “the removal of Kashmir’s special status guaranteed under Article 370” and “a citizenship law that many said treated Muslims unfairly”, which “has been accompanied by reports of violent attacks on Muslims by Hindus,” the BBC stated. Taking a potshot at the biased reporting, many people of Indian origin suggested BBC run a series on the 1943 Bengal famine, which resulted in the deaths of some three million people due to malnutrition or disease. One of them on Twitter suggested BBC run a series on the Bengal Famine called “UK: The Churchill Question.” Then UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as part of the western war effort, ordered the diversion of food from starving Indians to already wellsupplied British soldiers and stockpiles in Britain and Europe. Meanwhile, another Twitter user advised BBC to focus on UK problems given Britain has fallen behind India on almost parameters. Recently, India became the fifth-largest economy in the world beating the United Kingdom and is set to be the thirdlargest economy by the end of the decade. Now India is just behind four countries in terms of the size of the economy in terms of dollar terms. The countries whose economy size is bigger than India are – the United States, China, Japan and Germany. The UK is now behind India in the sixth position. Earlier, PM Modi said that the government aims to take the country to the list of top three world economies. Govt blocks YouTube videos, tweets sharing BBC documentary on PM Modi M u l t i p l e YouTube videos sharing the first episode of the BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” have been blocked as per the directions issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, sources said on Saturday. Along with YouTube videos, the Centre has also directed Twitter to block over 50 tweets containing links to the concerned YouTube videos. Both YouTube and Twitter complied with the government after directions were reportedly issued by Secretary, Information and Broadcasting on Friday using the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021. UK’s National broadcaster British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired a two-part series attacking PM Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms. On Thursday, India denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative. “We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias and the lack of objectivity and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during a weekly media briefing. Even though the documentary was not made available in India by BBC in India, some YouTube channels appear to have uploaded it to promote an anti-India agenda. Sources said that YouTube has also been instructed to block the video if it is again uploaded on its platform. They added Twitter has also been directed to identify and block the tweets containing the link to the video on other platforms. This decision was made after top government officials from across several ministries examined the documentary and found it to be an attempt to cast aspersions on the authority and credibility of the Supreme Court of India and sow divisions among various Indian communities. The sources added that the documentary was accordingly found to be undermining sovereignty and integrity of India, and having the potential to adversely impact India’s friendly relations with foreign States. “Propaganda piece to push discredited narrative” India on BBC documentary on PM Modi India on Thursday denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative. Addressing a weekly media briefing External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said this documentary show, based on some internal UK report, shows the colonial mindset. “We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias and the lack of objectivity and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible,” Bagchi said in response to the question on the PM documentary series. UK’s National broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms. Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the “BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians.” The MEA spokesperson said the documentary is a reflection of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. He even raised questions on “the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it.” “The documentary is a reflection of the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it; frankly, we do wish to dignify these efforts,” he added. Referring to apparent remarks made by former UK Secretary Jack Straw in the documentary series, Bagchi said “He (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It’s a 20-year-old report. Why would we jump on it now? Just because Jack says it how do they lend it that much legitimacy.” “I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don’t use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there...investigation, are they ruling the country? Bagchi asked. Eminent Indians slam BBC documentary on PM Modi, say it’s visibly motivated charge sheet against a patriot In a strong rebuttal to the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 300 eminent Indians including retired judges, retired bureaucrats, and retired armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the British national broadcaster for showing “unrelenting prejudice” toward India and its leader. Eminent Indians signed the letter which lambasted the BBC series which the signatories say “is based on delusional and evidently lopsided reporting” that presumes to question the very basis of the 75-year-old edifice of India’s existence as an independent, democratic nation. “Yet again, the staple, dyed-in-the-wool negativity and unrelenting prejudice of the BBC toward India has resurfaced as a documentary, ‘India: The Modi Question‘. This production, the BBC claims, has been rigorously researched according to the highest editorial standards, and examines the tensions between India’s Hindu majority and Muslim minority and explores the politics of India’s PM Narendra Modi in relation to those tensions” and a series of controversial policies” implemented by him,” the letter read. The eminent Indians said this documentary is “a visibly motivated charge sheet against our leader, a fellow Indian and a patriot,” adding that they cannot allow just about anyone to run amok with their deliberate bias. “Regardless of whom you, as an individual Indian, might have voted for, the Prime Minister of India is the Prime Minister of your country, our country. We cannot allow just about anyone to run amok with their deliberate bias, their vacuous reasoning hiding behind phrases like ‘it was widely reported’ or that ‘there were pretty credible reports,” they said. Eminent Indians pointed out that the glaring factual errors apart, the documentary reeks of motivated distortion that is as mind-numbingly unsubstantiated as it is nefarious. “This is demonstrated most vividly by its completely sidelining the core fact: that the apex judicial institution of India, the Supreme Court of India, has unambiguously ruled out any role of Shri. Modi in the Gujarat violence of 2002, while firmly rejecting allegations of complicity and inaction by the then Gujarat State government headed by Chief Minister Modi,” the letter read. Questioning a key source of the BBC documentary, the signatories said, “there is nothing in the so-called British Foreign Office document – said to be based on a report from their High Commission in New Delhi, which was, in turn, said to be based on a report by their diplomat who visited Gujarat in 2002 that had not been earlier alleged by any number of media reports and commentaries in India in the years following 2002, apart from the allegations made by Sreekumar, Bhatt and Pandya.”(ANI)
FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2023 9 Leading Democracy to the Digital Age; BallotNow Intelligent Voting System New Delhi [India], January 23 (ANI/PNN): In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From making payments to landing on the moon, we trust technology to do it all. However, when it comes to conducting elections, we still rely on traditional methods. This is where BallotNow comes in. BallotNow is the world’s first Intelligent Voting System(IVS), created by Aman Rishu and his team to revolutionize the way we conduct elections. With the busy lives we lead, many of us are unable to vote due to work, travel, and time constraints. Aman and his team recognized this problem and decided to provide an alternative solution. IVS allows voters to cast their vote in an election regardless of their geographical location using smart devices. This means that people who are unable to be physically present at polling stations can still participate in the election process. Additionally, Election Management bodies can save costs by conducting their votings on BallotNow Intelligent Voting System. The system is built with intelligence, advanced technologies, configurations, and highlevel security to ensure unbiased and transprant voting. It is a foolproof system and can conduct elections online by cutting election costs upto 34 per cent. BlockchainTechnology allows BallotNow IVS to be secure and hack-proof where as AI & ML allows the system to conduct fraud analysis. Instead of voting on intuition or being influenced by friends, family, or fake news; IVS assists you to make data-driven decisions based on public opinion, government policies and their governance. BallotNow is offering a Next Generation Voting System; friendly ecosystem with a blend of secure and systematic approach to connect, communicate, create election & cast vote. So, take charge of your vote and let technology bring revolution in the Indian voting industry. In the past, putting forward their efforts, the company has worked with various organisations from different domains involving universities, NGOs, corporates and the Government such as Rotary International NGO, Delhi University Student Union Election, Indraprastha University, Bihar Assembly Election 2020, Punjab Assembly Election 2022 and Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election 2022. For their dedicated efforts, the company has been awarded by many esteemed colleges, incubators, award forums, government programs, NGOs from all over India some of them are: IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay, FMS Delhi, Ashoka University, Delhi University, IP University; Start Up India, Seed Fund India; Atal Innovation Center, Indian Innovation Council; Voting System Pioneer Award, Top Global Business of the year 2022, India 500 Startup Award 2021 and more. BallotNow has served and assisted more than 500,000 people including government and private elections & surveys. The company has provided the government and regulatory authorities with valuable analysis on public opinions and feedbacks on their constituency or area. Having believed in his notion Aman even went ahead and pitched his idea on the first season of Shark Tank India and went on to become one of the finalists. The unique objective of the company has impressed the government and has secured a government grant under StartupIndia. They have also secured investments and resources from Indian HNIs and multinational corporations such as Amazon, Google, Zoho & more. They have recently announced a merger with a top leading global SaaS company at a valuation of more than 10 crores. The founder of BallotNow, Aman Rishu, believes that BallotNow can be a channel allowing people to share their opinion with the government to frame better policies and better governance. Overall, BallotNow can be a gamechanger in the way we conduct elections, making it more accessible and efficient for everyone. To Learn More: www.BallotNow.com To Connect: mail@ballotnow. com, https://www.linkedin. com/in/amanrishu This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Fleepit Digital © 2021