Latest news with #Ambekar
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pak support to terrorists could lead to more attacks: Ambekar
Nagpur: Sunil Ambekar, Rashtriya Prachar Pramukh (publicity chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( ), on Saturday strongly condemned the attack carried out at Pahalgam by Pakistan-based terrorists. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This is neither the first such incident nor will it be the last as long as our neighbour continues to harbour terrorists. Unless Pakistan dismantles the infrastructure of terrorism it supports, such violent acts are bound to persist," he said. Ambekar was speaking at the launch of the Marathi book "Dr Hedgewar and Mahatma Gandhi – Ek Darshan" by Gandhian scholar Madhav Patrikar at Sevasadan High School. Ambekar reflected on the aftermath of the 1947 partition. "It was believed that partition would mark the end of religious violence and hatred. Sadly, our expectations were proven wrong by neighbouring nations. Be it the alleged hate crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh or the recent massacre in Pahalgam — these events continue to haunt us. " He emphasised the importance of historical memory: "Some say we should not dwell into history. But I believe that those who cannot look into the past cannot visualize the future. We must remember and honour the sacrifices of our ancestors, because of whom we still stand today as Hindus." Turning to pre-Independence politics, Ambekar pointed out at internal divisions within the Indian National Congress, attributing them to personal loyalties toward individual leaders. "Dr Hedgewar realised the need for a movement not based on blind loyalty to any one leader, but guided by a unified vision and innovative thought. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's how the RSS came into being." Ambekar reiterated that the RSS, founded in Nagpur, was never intended to remain confined to the city. "From its inception, the RSS has worked to unite all segments — social, economic and cultural — of Hindu society under one umbrella. It never interfered in national politics, but always stood for national unity." He stressed the importance of overcoming caste divisions among Hindus and building broader unity. "Even leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose advocated unity in the armed forces. Vinayak Savarkar, after his return from the Andaman Jail, also worked towards Hindu consolidation. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar too envisioned national and social integration." Speaking about the book, which explores the philosophies of two major ideological figures of India — Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Mahatma Gandhi — Ambekar emphasised the need for historical sensitivity and context. "It has been over eight decades since these great men left us. We have no moral or social standing to compare or judge them," Ambekar said and added, "People often talk about them as if they lived in today's world. That's not fair. We must understand them in the context of their own time and the challenges they faced." Ambekar stressed that though their methods and ideologies were distinct, each taking a strong stance on their respective beliefs, their ultimate goal was the same: uplifting the nation and eradication of suffering. "Whatever path they chose, if their intention was the betterment of the country, we must respect that. We should not confine Mahatma Gandhi to any one party or ideology. He was a national leader who dedicated his life to fighting social evils and improving the lives of millions. " He also said that Mahatma Gandhi had visited the RSS shakha twice, "once in 1934 in Sevagram, and once post-Independence in 1947 at New Delhi, where he met with Dr Hedgewar, symbolising mutual respect and a shared concern for national welfare". Ambekar urged people to study the RSS's contributions over the past 100 years with an open mind, just as we evaluate the contributions of other national figures. "Understanding our history is essential for making informed decisions about our future," he said. "There is no need to pit Gandhi and Hedgewar against each other. The question we must ask ourselves is: What direction do we want to take our nation in? That direction should not be limited by rigid ideological boundaries. " He also warned against divisive forces, urging citizens to remain vigilant. "Beware of attempts to divide the nation. Speak out against them. We have a duty to protect our nation, our dharma, and our shared heritage. That is our national responsibility," he said.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Left for dead again: Ancient Indian skeleton still waiting for permanent address
A 1,000 year-old human skeleton buried sitting cross-legged in India is still without a museum to house it because of bureaucratic wrangling, six years after it was unearthed. Archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar made the significant discovery in 2019, when he spotted what looked like the top of a human skull in western Gujarat state. As his team dug deeper, they found the well-preserved remains in a pit in what appeared to be a meditative posture. Similar remains have been found at only three other sites in India. But officials are still arguing over who should take charge of the skeleton. It remains in a makeshift shelter – not far from a new museum of local archaeology. Abhijit Ambekar says the skeleton - found in the town of Vadnagar - is likely to belong to the Solanki period. The Solanki dynasty, also known as the Chaulukya dynasty, ruled over parts of modern-day Gujarat between 940 to 1300 CE. The skeleton's right arm rested on its lap and its left arm lay suspended in the air, as if resting on a stick. "The skeleton is an extremely valuable find, not just for Vadnagar but for the whole country. It can help us understand how our ancestors lived, and reveal details about the past that are yet unknown," says Dr Ambekar, who heads the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) division in Mumbai, and led the team that found the skeleton. That it is yet to find a proper resting place, despite its archaeological significance, appears to come down to red tape. Mr Ambekar says the Gujarat government's plan for all artefacts excavated from Vadnagar was to place them in local museums. He says around 9,000 artefacts, including the skeleton, that were excavated from Vadnagar between 2016 and 2022 by the ASI and had been handed over to the Gujarat government have been placed in local museums - except for the skeleton. However, the state government says the skeleton is still in the possession of the ASI. "As proper process was not followed, it [the skeleton] was not placed in the museum," Pankaj Sharma, director of the state's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, told the BBC. Yadubir Singh Rawat, director general of the ASI, did not respond to the BBC's questions on the matter. M Thennarasan, principal secretary of the state's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department told the BBC, that authorities were working on shifting the skeleton to a museum as soon as possible. Excavating the skeleton was a time-consuming process, Mr Ambekar says, adding that it took two months to complete. Various tools were used to carefully brush the soil away and free the skeleton from its ancient grave. It is currently housed in a tarpaulin shelter in Vadnagar, unprotected by security guards and exposed to natural elements. Locals sometimes bring relatives and friends to see the skeleton - a curiosity that has put a spotlight on the town, which is also the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What's interesting is that just a short distance away is the new Archaeological Experiential Museum - inaugurated by India's home minister in January. According to a government press release, the museum has been built at a cost of $35m and is spread across 12,500 sq m. It boasts that it showcases "Vadnagar's 2,500-year-old history with over 5,000 artefacts, including ceramics, coins, tools and skeletal remains". While the museum has a massive framed photo of the skeleton, it does not house the actual remains. Vadnagar is a historically significant region in Gujarat and excavations by the ASI have found traces of human settlements dating back to more than 2,000 years ago. Mr Ambekar says that portions of an earthen rampart believed to have been built by the region's first settlers exists even today. Digs have also revealed remnants of ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas. These findings and others – such as terracotta figurines, coins, shell jewellery and stone and copper plate inscriptions - have helped archaeologists establish seven cultural sequences or phases in the area, starting from around the 2nd Century BCE and dating all the way up to the 19th Century CE. Mr Ambekar says the age of the skeleton he and his team found was estimated based on a DNA analysis of its teeth and a stratigraphic study of the excavation site. Stratigraphy involves studying rock sediments or layers of earth to determine their age. This is then used to establish the chronology of historical events or the approximate age of artefacts. "The DNA analysis tells us that the skeleton is of local ancestry and belongs to a man in his forties, but more studies need to be done to understand his diet and lifestyle, which will in turn give us a better understanding of the region as it existed 1,000 years ago," he says. It could also shed light on the phenomenon of "samadhi burials" - an ancient burial practice among Hindus where revered figures were buried instead of being cremated, Mr Ambekar says. He adds that the skeleton had managed to survive the passage of time because the soil around it had remained undisturbed and displayed characteristics that prevent skeletal decay. Extricating the skeleton from the site and moving it to its current location was not an easy task. First, a block of earth with the skeleton nestled inside was cut out from the soil surrounding it. The skeleton and soil were treated with different chemicals to consolidate their structures. The block of earth was then put into a wooden box filled with wet mud and a crane was used to move the box to its current site. The entire operation took six days to complete, says Mr Ambekar. He hopes that the skeleton will find a place in a museum soon. But he adds it will need to have mechanisms to control the temperature and humidity of the space to prevent the skeleton from decomposing. Locals the BBC spoke to expressed similar sentiments and blamed "red tapeism" for the back-and-forth over the skeleton. "We are proud of Vadnagar's ancient history but this treatment of a 1,000-year-old skeleton is deeply concerning. What is the point of building a museum if the most unique antiquity is left outside under a plastic roof?" Vadnagar resident Jesang Thakor said. Another resident, Bethaji Thakor, said that he believed the skeleton could draw tourists from around the world to Vadnagar. "Where else will you get to see something like this?"
BBC News
05-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Gujarat: Ancient Indian skeleton still waits for permanent address
A 1,000 year-old human skeleton buried sitting cross-legged in India is still without a museum to house it because of bureaucratic wrangling, six years after it was Abhijit Ambekar made the significant discovery in 2019, when he spotted what looked like the top of a human skull in western Gujarat his team dug deeper, they found the well-preserved remains in a pit in what appeared to be a meditative posture. Similar remains have been found at only three other sites in officials are still arguing over who should take charge of the skeleton. It remains in a makeshift shelter – not far from a new museum of local archaeology. Abhijit Ambekar says the skeleton - found in the town of Vadnagar - is likely to belong to the Solanki period. The Solanki dynasty, also known as the Chaulukya dynasty, ruled over parts of modern-day Gujarat between 940 to 1300 skeleton's right arm rested on its lap and its left arm lay suspended in the air, as if resting on a stick."The skeleton is an extremely valuable find, not just for Vadnagar but for the whole country. It can help us understand how our ancestors lived, and reveal details about the past that are yet unknown," says Dr Ambekar, who heads the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) division in Mumbai, and led the team that found the it is yet to find a proper resting place, despite its archaeological significance, appears to come down to red Ambekar says the Gujarat government's plan for all artefacts excavated from Vadnagar was to place them in local says around 9,000 artefacts, including the skeleton, that were excavated from Vadnagar between 2016 and 2022 by the ASI and had been handed over to the Gujarat government have been placed in local museums - except for the the state government says the skeleton is still in the possession of the ASI."As proper process was not followed, it [the skeleton] was not placed in the museum," Pankaj Sharma, director of the state's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, told the Singh Rawat, director general of the ASI, did not respond to the BBC's questions on the matter.M Thennarasan, principal secretary of the state's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department told the BBC, that authorities were working on shifting the skeleton to a museum as soon as possible. Excavating the skeleton was a time-consuming process, Mr Ambekar says, adding that it took two months to complete. Various tools were used to carefully brush the soil away and free the skeleton from its ancient is currently housed in a tarpaulin shelter in Vadnagar, unprotected by security guards and exposed to natural elements. Locals sometimes bring relatives and friends to see the skeleton - a curiosity that has put a spotlight on the town, which is also the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra interesting is that just a short distance away is the new Archaeological Experiential Museum - inaugurated by India's home minister in to a government press release, the museum has been built at a cost of $35m and is spread across 12,500 sq m. It boasts that it showcases "Vadnagar's 2,500-year-old history with over 5,000 artefacts, including ceramics, coins, tools and skeletal remains".While the museum has a massive framed photo of the skeleton, it does not house the actual is a historically significant region in Gujarat and excavations by the ASI have found traces of human settlements dating back to more than 2,000 years ago. Mr Ambekar says that portions of an earthen rampart believed to have been built by the region's first settlers exists even have also revealed remnants of ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas. These findings and others – such as terracotta figurines, coins, shell jewellery and stone and copper plate inscriptions - have helped archaeologists establish seven cultural sequences or phases in the area, starting from around the 2nd Century BCE and dating all the way up to the 19th Century Ambekar says the age of the skeleton he and his team found was estimated based on a DNA analysis of its teeth and a stratigraphic study of the excavation site. Stratigraphy involves studying rock sediments or layers of earth to determine their age. This is then used to establish the chronology of historical events or the approximate age of artefacts."The DNA analysis tells us that the skeleton is of local ancestry and belongs to a man in his forties, but more studies need to be done to understand his diet and lifestyle, which will in turn give us a better understanding of the region as it existed 1,000 years ago," he says. It could also shed light on the phenomenon of "samadhi burials" - an ancient burial practice among Hindus where revered figures were buried instead of being cremated, Mr Ambekar adds that the skeleton had managed to survive the passage of time because the soil around it had remained undisturbed and displayed characteristics that prevent skeletal the skeleton from the site and moving it to its current location was not an easy task. First, a block of earth with the skeleton nestled inside was cut out from the soil surrounding it. The skeleton and soil were treated with different chemicals to consolidate their structures. The block of earth was then put into a wooden box filled with wet mud and a crane was used to move the box to its current entire operation took six days to complete, says Mr Ambekar. He hopes that the skeleton will find a place in a museum soon. But he adds it will need to have mechanisms to control the temperature and humidity of the space to prevent the skeleton from the BBC spoke to expressed similar sentiments and blamed "red tapeism" for the back-and-forth over the skeleton."We are proud of Vadnagar's ancient history but this treatment of a 1,000-year-old skeleton is deeply concerning. What is the point of building a museum if the most unique antiquity is left outside under a plastic roof?" Vadnagar resident Jesang Thakor resident, Bethaji Thakor, said that he believed the skeleton could draw tourists from around the world to Vadnagar."Where else will you get to see something like this?"
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
RSS calls for enabling people form an 'informed opinion' on govt policies
New Delhi, Senior RSS functionary Sunil Ambekar on Tuesday underscored the need to enable people form an "informed opinion" on government policies for their success and called upon the intelligentsia of society to take the lead in such efforts. He was addressing an event, jointly organised by the Indian Council for Social Science Research and Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini here, to launch a book titled 'Integral Humanism, A Distinct Paradigm of Development', authored by Ashok Gajanan Modak. Deendayal Upadhyay, who elucidated the concept of the integral humanism, had said that people should be made aware about this country and helped them develop a proper understanding of what is right and what is wrong, Ambekar noted. Upadhyay had also said that the intelligentsia of the society has a 'very big role' to play in such efforts, he added. 'I think it's very important that there should be 'lok jagran', 'lokmat parishkar' ,' Ambekar, RSS national media and publicity department head, said. But those leading efforts to 'enlighten' the society must be 'impartial and free of self-interest', he said. 'The government has decided in its policy to promote Indian languages and if people do not have proper understanding that they can progress by them also, then they will say everybody should go after English,' Ambekar said citing the three-language formula in the National Education Policy as an example. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was present at the event, among other dignitaries. The government could take action on the issue of regulation of OTT content and against TikTok, a mobile app linked to China, as there was public opinion in its favour, Ambekar said. The RSS functionary said efforts should also be taken to make people understand the significance of the environment-friendly development. 'This is very important. If public opinion is not in its favour and there is no awakening in the society, then freebies-like things will keep happening in politics,' he added.
The Print
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Pushing forward one's agenda in name of public mandate is dictatorship: RSS leader
'If some people push forward their own agenda in the name of the people's mandate, then it becomes a dictatorship and it is wrong. Everyone should express their views with restraint and in a way that serves national interest,' he said. Addressing a public event here, RSS publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar also stressed the need for a culture of thoughtful dialogue and inclusive public discourse. Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) A top Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader on Thursday said pushing forward one's own agenda in the name of public mandate was dictatorship, and added that those who wish to practise honest politics must tell the truth to people and build a consensus. 'Those who wish to practise honest politics must tell the truth to people, shape their opinion, prepare them for good deeds in future and also try to build a consensus,' he added. Ambekar cautioned against the silence of followers of political leaders, saying that major organisations representing large communities must speak up in the larger interest. 'If the followers say they need not speak because their leaders will do so, then some will continue to push their own agenda under the guise of the mandate. But consensus cannot be built with silence,' he said. Hailing the thoughts of RSS ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Ambekar highlighted the role of good individuals and institutions in shaping public opinion. 'Every political party uses campaigns and technology to influence people. But it is good people and good institutions that can truly shape opinions in a meaningful way. Upadhyaya had also stressed this and it is vital for a healthy society,' the RSS leader said. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed, Ambekar said, 'It was an unfortunate attack. I am sure there will be firm action.' On the past narratives, he said, 'For sixty years, a campaign shaped the public mind to make them believe that Hindus cannot live in Muslim-majority areas. Secular voices defended this, and many media houses echoed it. Now, the government has taken a firm stand, and the courts have also delivered important verdicts on related issues.' PTI ND NP This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
