Latest news with #BuddhaPurnima
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Saka Dawa gets underway in Tibetan settlement
Berhampur: Tibetans settled in Gajapati district Tuesday started observing Saka Dawa that would end on Buddha Purnima on June 11. The five-colour Tibetan mantra flags flew at different places of their settlements, while around 200 lamas of different ages participated in special rituals. The major ritual along with fasting would be observed on Buddha Purnima. Buddha Purnima is considered very auspicious for Buddhists as Lord Buddha was born, received enlightenment and nirvana on that day, said Dorjee Lopon, the lama who leads the mass prayer in the monastery known as Padma Sambhav Mahavihara. During the period, they introspect and take stock of the actions by minimising negative behaviour and focusing on positive thinking, said Khenpo Tenphell, a monk. Besides the lamas, several other Tibetans joined the ritual and prayer that continued throughout the day. The significance of this year's festival was the Tibetans have performed special rituals for world peace, added Tenzin Wangyal, another lama. The festival would culminate on the morning of June 12, he said. Around 3,000 Tibetans are settled in five camps at Chandragiri, Jiranga, Takillipadar, Labarsingh and Mahendragarh.
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First Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Post-Operation Sindoor: How India reset the regional balance of power
New Delhi: 'Operation Sindoor' displayed on the screen during a press briefing by the Indian armed forces, in New Delhi, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (PTI Photo/ Shahbaz Khan) After India's spectacular 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan, some have argued that though India won the ground war, Pakistan secured the upper hand in the narrative offensive. I am not sure that this is true. Despite repeated attempts to equalise India and Pakistan, unfortunately even by 'peacemaker' US President Donald J. Trump, the decoupling of India as the new regional power from 'rogue nation' Pakistan is now a foregone conclusion. The best evidence of this is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the 'new normal' in his post-Operation Sindoor 8:00 pm speech on May 12. Widely viewed as a victory speech, major media outlets including The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC, and Japan Times, took notice of India's tough stance and grim warning to Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD First of all, going by what PM Modi said, it might be premature to call his speech 'post-Op'. Yes, there has been a pause in hostilities, but no formal cease fire has been signed. Modi said that if Pakistan violated the US-brokered cessation in the ongoing conflict, India would hit back hard. Going by the tone, tenor, and body language of India's PM, it was, in several senses, nothing short of a stern reprimand to India's rogue neighbour. PM Modi declared that this is not the age of war, but it is also not the age of terrorism either: 'Terror and talks do not go together; terror and trade also do not go together. Similarly, water and blood do not mix well.' He added, 'Let the whole world know, if India is to talk with Pakistan, it will only be to discuss terror. It will be on POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).' Invoking the Buddha, whose birth anniversary was celebrated on 'Buddha Purnima, May 12, Modi said: 'Buddha gave the world the message of peace. But peace only comes from strength.' That is why India has been cultivating strength, both economic and military. Earlier, he congratulated India's armed forces for their spirited and befitting response to the terrorist attack of April 22 on innocent tourists in Pahalgam. He said that, personally, the attack had hurt him deeply. Alluding to the name of India's Operation Sindoor, Modi said that India would not tolerate terrorists wiping the vermillion mark, a symbol of the blessed state of wedlock. 'Every terrorist now knows the price of removing 'sindoor' from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters,' he said, framing the operation as vengeance for this affront to the country's honour. Terrorists would not be spared; they would be chased to the very ends of the world to ensure that justice was delivered, Modi had said in his speech after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, he added that Pakistan, if it is to survive, would have to stop supporting terror factories and terror infrastructure. No wonder, Modi dedicated Operation Sindoor to India's 'Nari Shakti' (women's power), particularly mothers, sisters, and daughters, referencing the Pahalgam attack's brutality. The name 'Operation Sindoor' was chosen for its emotional resonance. Modi used this symbolism effectively to rally national sentiment. Modi emphasised the success of India's indigenous defence systems and capabilities. He said they showcased his 'Make in India' mission to make the country self-reliant and strong. Another terror strike itself would be considered an act of war, he thundered, thus resetting the playbook between India and Pakistan. He also said India would no longer succumb to nuclear blackmail by its belligerent neighbour. 'We struck not just the enemy's borders, but his chest too,' Modi quipped, playing on the similar sounding words, seema and seena in Hindi. Operation Sindoor as a doctrinal shift in anti-terrorism policy STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi signalled that Operation Sindoor was a 'doctrinal change', inaugurating a new policy against terrorism, emphasising proactive, decisive strikes against terror sites and structures. He stated, 'This is a new normal. India will strike at the heart of terror decisively if our citizens are attacked,' signaling a shift from reactive to preemptive measures. The operation targeted key terror hubs like Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed) and Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba), which Modi linked to global terrorism, including 9/11 and attacks in India. Modi firmly rejected Pakistan's nuclear threats, declaring, 'Nuclear blackmail will not work against India.' He warned that terror networks operating under such threats would face direct action, reinforcing India's resolve to counter terrorism regardless of Pakistan's nuclear posturing. Modi clarified that the ceasefire, initiated after Pakistan's request due to heavy losses, was a 'temporary measure' and not an end to India's operations. He stressed that India would monitor Pakistan's actions closely, with the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, and border forces—remaining on high alert. India had 'postponed retaliatory action' but was prepared to act if needed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their valour and precision, noting that India's missile and drone strikes, supported by advanced defence systems, repelled Pakistani drones and damaged their air bases. He called for national unity, stating, 'When the nation stands united with 'nation first' as its guiding principle, firm decisions are taken.' Modi criticised Pakistan for attacking India instead of cooperating against terrorism, stating, 'Instead of helping India against terror, Pakistan attacked us.' He urged the global community to isolate state-sponsored terrorism, positioning India's actions as part of a broader fight. The Prime Minister's strategic clarity, the temporary nature of the ceasefire, and counterstrikes on Pakistani military bases, not only provided a clear perspective but took India's messaging to a new level of effectiveness. Modi's speech signals a significant shift in the 'Modi Doctrine' as well as a regional reset in power relations. Operation Sindoor is a transformative moment in India's quest for an enhanced role in global affairs. It has reinforced India's tough stance against Pakistan, rejected nuclear threats, and rallied national and global support, while setting strict conditions for future engagement. Even if they do not admit it openly, the global community has taken notice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Hussain Sagar clean up integral to Musi rejuvenation: Forum for Good Governance
Forum for Good Governance (FGG), a civil society organisation, sent a letter to the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy suggesting that the cleaning of Hussain Sagar lake be made an integral part of the rejuvenation of Musi river. Tracing through the failed projects towards cleaning of the lake, the letter said, 'Any attempt to clean the Musi river without cleaning up Hussain Sagar will not give the desired results'. The letter noted that Buddha Purnima, a project with an estimated cost of ₹20 crore involved the removal of floating material such as water hyacinth and plastic waste which was also abandoned without much success. Another estimate of ₹500 crore was prepared for dredging the sediment from the lake bed, but the project did not take off as there was no plan on how to dispose of the toxic sediment. Built originally as a drinking water source, the lake has been neglected over the years, and became polluted with the entry of untreated sewerage and industrial effluents through drains such as Banjara nala, Picket nala, Balkapur nala and Kukatpally nala. The first three nalas carry sewage while the Kukatpally nala carries toxic chemical effluents from the Balanagar industrial area before it drains into the Hussain Sagar. The Hussain Sagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement Project (HCIP) was taken up by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority in 2006 with a loan of ₹310 crore from the Japan International Co-operative Agency (JICA) and state government's grant of ₹60 crore, totalling to ₹370 crore. The envisaged goals were to improve the lake's water quality, maintain water balance round the year, removing nutrient rich sediments from the lake bed, , improving the overall environment of the lake and surroundings for biodiversity enrichment, and increasing the potential of eco-tourism. The project aimed to be completed by 2013, did not achieve any of the standard objectives though all the allocated funds had been spent. 'Good amount of money was spent for study tours of our officers to Japan and other European countries, and experts from Japan to advise our officials costed a lot,' the letter alleged. Though Kukatpally nala diversion was taken up with an estimated cost of ₹50 crore, the money was spent without much result. The nala is still flowing into the Hussain Sagar lake. In the past 20 years, despite spending over ₹500 crore to clean up the Hussain Sagar, corruption, no action and lack of proper planning has affected the project the commitment of the Chief Minister to improve and rejuvenate the Musi river, the letter by FGG signed by President M. Padmanabha Reddy said work for the Musi and Hussain Sagar project should start simultaneously for the best results.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh marks Buddha Purnima with global celebrations and spiritual invitation
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India's spiritual heritage, celebrated Buddha Purnima with a series of global and local events, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the Buddhist Circuit. From the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Shravasti to international stages in Vietnam and Bodh Gaya, the state showcased its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha. The celebrations were led by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Director General and Principal Secretary, emphasising the state's deep-rooted spiritual identity. 'Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual odyssey where the Buddha's teachings come alive. We are committed to preserving historic Buddhist sites and creating a welcoming experience for global travellers,' he said. Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of Dhih Research Journal (Buddharpan) at Sarnath in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies. The event, filled with the chanting of Pali and Tibetan mantras, was a symbolic blend of scholarship and spirituality. In Shravasti and Sankisa, devotional events such as Dhamma Yatra, Deepdaan ceremonies, and food donations brought communities together in reverence and reflection. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also extended its outreach by participating in national and international events. At Bodh Gaya's Trividh Purnima and the Mahabodhi Society event in Bengaluru, the state highlighted its Buddhist offerings. Meanwhile, the celebration of UN Vesak Day in Vietnam allowed Uttar Pradesh to showcase its spiritual destinations to a global audience, fostering international cultural collaboration. Easily accessible via international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh invites travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit — home to revered sites like Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kushinagar. These destinations offer visitors a chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk the paths once tread by the Buddha, and connect with timeless teachings in a setting of peace and historical depth. With enhanced infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and a strong focus on safety, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural exploration.
India.com
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Who was Pokhran's hero Raja Ramanna... he rejected Saddam Hussein's huge money offer of..., made India a nuclear power by...
Who was Pokhran's hero Raja Ramanna... he rejected Saddam Hussein's huge money offer of..., made India a nuclear power by... It was in 1978, when Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein invited an Indian scientist to visit his country as a personal guest. As per the schedule, this Indian scientist reached Iraq and was given a tour of the nuclear centre. Everything was going well when something happened which created a very strange situation for this Indian scientist . Actually, Saddam Hussein gave a shocking offer and asked him to head Iraq's nuclear programme. Saddam Hussein said, 'You have done a lot for your country. But, I want you to stay here now. You take over our country's nuclear programme. I am ready to give you whatever amount you want in return.' The Indian scientist was surprised to hear this offer and rejected with great respect. The scientist took a flight to India the next day and returned to his country. The name of this scientist was Dr. Raja Ramanna, who played the biggest role in making India a nuclear power. It was Ramanna who carried out India's first nuclear test Pokhran-I in the desert of Rajasthan. Born on January 28, 1925 in Tumkur, Karnataka, Raja Ramanna studied science at Madras Christian College. After this he went to London. Here he did his PhD in Physics from King's College. He returned to India in 1949. On returning to India, Homi Bhabha called him to join the Indian nuclear program. Raja Ramanna worked twice as the director of Bhabha Atomic Research Center. Ramanna was awarded Padma Vibhushan It was during Raja Ramanna's tenure that India conducted its first nuclear bomb test in 1974. For this work, he was awarded India's second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan. Later, he was also the Minister of State for Defence and a member of the Rajya Sabha. The incident that happened with Raja Ramanna in Iraq is also compared with Pakistan's scientist AQ Khan. On one hand, Ramanna had rejected Iraq's offer. On the other hand, AQ Khan had sold nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea. Why was he named Smiling Buddha? In 1972, when Indira Gandhi was visiting the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, she allowed the scientists to build and test a nuclear device. Ramanna was the director of BARC at that time. This device was called a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' and was named 'Smiling Buddha'. This is because the test was done on the day of Buddha Purnima.
