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Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Naveen Chandra unveils gripping teaser of ‘Yamudu'
Breaking away from the formulaic romance and commercial action flicks, audiences are now gravitating toward concept-driven stories. Riding this wave is the upcoming mythological suspense crime-thriller Yamudu, which has stirred interest with its intriguing theme and bold execution. Directed by and starring Jagadish Amanchi, the film is bankrolled by Jagannadha Pictures, with the powerful tagline, Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah. Sravani Shetty plays the female lead opposite Amanchi. The movie first grabbed attention with its intense title and poster, and now the recently released teaser is doubling that buzz. Unveiled by popular actor Naveen Chandra, who expressed his appreciation for the teaser, the promo hints at a storyline packed with spiritual undertones and dark mysteries. The teaser unveils a city where young women are mysteriously going missing. Suspicion looms over a stage artist known for portraying Yamudu — the Hindu god of death — and the teaser implies a chilling narrative where Yamudu descends to Earth, punishing sinners in a fashion reminiscent of hellish retribution. The line, 'Dharmamthu Sakshat Bhagavath Praneetham', points toward a philosophical depth, suggesting the film draws from Hindu Dharma to weave a moral-driven thriller. The visuals by cinematographer Vishnu Reddy Vanga and the intense background score by Bhavani Rakesh amplify the teaser's gripping tone. With mythological elements blended into a suspense-filled plot, Yamudu promises to be a standout in the thriller genre. Further updates from the makers are awaited eagerly.
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mohan Bhagwat: India must use power to ‘eradicate wickedness' in neighbourhood … Hindu Rashtra is RSS's eternal thought
Anything that the RSS does, it has to do so keeping in mind that India is a Hindu Rashtra and that is the 'eternal thought' of the organisation, RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said in an interview to Organiser and Panchjanya, weeklies linked to the organisation, published on Sunday. Bhagwat also batted for using power to 'eradicate wickedness' in India's neighbourhood and using the strength of the Hindu society for their protection against persecution in certain countries. 'What is nitya in the Sangh? Balasaheb once said, 'Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra.' Apart from this, everything else in the Sangh is transient. The entire Hindu society is the accountable custodian of this nation. The nature and sanskriti of this country are Hindu. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra,' Bhagwat said. According to the RSS chief, everything has to be done while maintaining this core idea. 'Hence, the Sangh swayamsevak, while taking the oath, explicitly states: 'The all-round development of the Hindu Rashtra while protecting the sacred Hindu Dharma, Hindu Sanskriti and Hindu society,'' Bhagwat said. The RSS chief, however, said there was complete freedom to express diverse and conflicting opinions. 'The eternal is preserved; the transient evolves with time, space, and context,' he added. In the backdrop of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent response from India in Operation Sindoor, Bhagwat articulated his thoughts on national security. According to him, India must worship both virtues and strength. 'For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, should be the nature of our power. When no option is available, then wickedness has to be eradicated forcefully. We have no option but to be powerful, as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders.' Following Operation Sindoor, the RSS chief had lauded the government on the military action against terrorist bases in Pakistan and said the strikes were inevitable for India's security. The military strikes were something that had 'enhanced the self-respect and morale of the whole country', he added. Referring to alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government last year, Bhagwat said, 'Someone will worry about Hindus only when Hindus are strong enough. As Hindu society and Bharat are intertwined, the glorious nature of Hindu society will bring glory to Bharat. Such a strong Hindu society can only present a model for taking along the people of Bharat who do not consider themselves Hindus, as at one point they were also Hindus,' he said. According to the RSS chief, if India's Hindu society becomes strong, then Hindus will automatically gain strength globally. 'This work is going on, but it is not yet complete. Slowly but surely, that situation is evolving. This time, the way anguish against the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh has been expressed is unprecedented. Even Local Hindus now say, 'We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights,'' Bhagwat said. 'Now, the internal strength of the Hindu society is increasing. As the organisation grows, its impact will translate naturally. Until then, we must keep fighting,' he added. Bhagwat said the world was waiting for India to show a new path and that it was a 'divine duty'. 'The world is waiting for a new path and Bharat, meaning Hindu society, has to provide it as a divine duty. Agricultural, industrial and scientific revolutions are over. Now the world needs a dharmic revolution — I am not talking about religion, but based on human life has to be reorganised based on truth, purity, compassion, and austerity,' he said. Bhagwat's interview was conducted in the context of the RSS centenary this year. On the qualitative expansion of the organisation, he said, 'The qualitative and quantitative dimensions are not exclusive to each other; if you neglect one, the other will diminish over a period of time. That's why the Sangh from day one has decided to organise the entire society, that is, quantitative expansion encompassing all. But this 'organising' has a specific meaning and content. 'We have devised certain standards for developing a person as per his temperament and how such individuals should work collectively with the sense of 'we' to function as an organisation. We have to grow without breaking the standards or compromising with them, but that does not mean excluding people from the organisation.' The RSS chief spoke in detail about a socialist leader joining the organisation a few decades ago and struggling with his chain-smoking habit. He narrated how the organisation persuaded the leader to quit after allowing him to smoke a bit. 'Accept people as they are. We have this flexibility. At the same time, we also have the art of affection to transform him as per the need. We have such courage and strength. This is the reason we've grown while sustaining quality. We want quality in the organisation, but we also keep in mind that we have to qualitatively transform the entire society,' Bhagwat said.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ranjiv Nirghin takes the helm as president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha
South African Hindu Maha Sabha deputy president Professor Brij Maharaj (left), congratulates Advocate Ranjiv Nirghin, newly-elected South African Hindu Maha Sabha president. Image: Facebook In a unanimous decision, Advocate Ranjiv Nirghin has been elected as the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha. The election, held over the weekend, marks a pivotal moment following the passing of the late Ashwin Trikamjee, who held the position until March. Nirghin was unanimously elected as president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha in terms of its constitution at its council meeting on Saturday, the organisation announced. South African Hindu Maha Sabha Deputy President Professor Brij Maharaj said Nirghin is not new to the organisation. He has served the Maha Sabha for many years in various capacities. These include the youth coordinator, council, and executive member. 'He also brings a wealth of experience as the President of the Midlands Hindu Society in Pietermaritzburg,' Maharaj said. Maharaj stated that while it is impossible to fill Trikamjee's shoes, Nirghin is committed to upholding Hindu Dharma, the vision and mission of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, specifically promoting unity in diversity, irrespective of our linguistic and sectarian beliefs, within a multi-religious and multi-cultural society in South Africa, in keeping with the motto of the Maha Sabha – Vasudhaiv Kutumbakum – which means 'the world is one family'. Organisations and the average person congratulated Nirghin on his appointment, some also cited his abilities based on past positions. The Hindi Shiksha Sangh Midlands Region said: 'We wish you and your team victory as you embark on protecting and promoting Hindu Dharma. May the blessings of Shri Raam be your guiding light.' Merisha Lalla said: 'Sending the biggest congratulations to Advocate Ranjiv Nirghin on his election as president of the SA Hindu Maha Sabha. From first meeting him 25 years ago to our engagements over the years, I know he will do us all proud.... Well done Ranjiv Bhai.' Rishi Maharajh said: 'Congratulations. Democracy in action. Based on Advocate Nirghin's track record and commitment to Dharma, I know that the Sabha's work will progress well.' Vishal Surbun said Nirghin chaired the Hindu Students Association at the University of Natal-Durban in the late 1980s, bringing decades of leadership experience. 'I feel confident that the Sabha will flourish with him at the helm,' Surbun said. [email protected]
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India must be strong for global peace, says RSS chief Bhagwat
1 2 Jaipur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat , speaking at a memorial event in Jaipur on Saturday, emphasised that global harmony and peace can only be achieved through strength. Referring to India's recent action against Pakistan, Bhagwat remarked that while India harbours no animosity toward anyone, the language of peace and goodwill is only heard when spoken from a position of strength. "This is the nature of the world and it cannot be changed. Therefore, to ensure global welfare, we must be powerful," he stated. Emphasising that the world has already witnessed India's strength , Bhagwat said promoting global welfare is a sacred duty, especially for followers of Hindu Dharma—rooted in the ancient sage traditions that continue to be carried forward by the saintly community. Bhagwat was addressing a large gathering at the death anniversary event of Saint Ravi Ram Maharaj at Ravinath Ashram in Harmada, Jaipur. During his speech, he said that India, the world's most ancient nation, holds the position of an elder brother in the global family and is working continuously toward peace and harmony. "Global welfare is our Dharma, especially for Hindus. It is our sacred duty. This is the legacy of our Rishi tradition, upheld even today by the saintly community," Bhagwat said.
Mint
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Caste Census Twist: Has BJP punctured Congress' core election plank ahead of Bihar polls? Explained in 5 points
Caste Census Twist: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's push for caste enumeration has stirred the political pot in the country ahead of the Bihar Assembly election. The decision to conduct caste enumeration along with the upcoming census was taken in the high-level Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) meeting held after the Pahalgam terror attack. Here's what it means — broken down in five key points. Many expected the Modi government to make a decision on Pakistan during the CCPA meeting held on 1 May, a week after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The last meeting of the CCPA, also referred to as the 'super cabinet', was held in 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, which saw India respond with the Balakot airstrike on Pakistan. However, the government announced a caste census – a decision that surprised many, within and outside political circles. For long, the BJP was seen as averse to the caste census. In fact, many party leaders often targeted the Congress, accusing it of using caste to divide the society. On 29 April, a day before the announcement, senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari spoke on how caste divisions were against Hindutva's core ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) and how this has been adulterated in recent years. 'This is not Hindutva. That is not Hindu Dharma,' Gadkari said, emphasising on rejection of both jyatiyata (casteism) and rashtra-shyata (extreme nationalism) in public life." Gadkari, who is a member of the CCPA, was speaking during a book launch at New Delhi's India International Centre. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was also present on stage. On 20 July 2021, Minister of State (Home Affairs), Nityanand Rai, told the Parliament that the Modi government has decided it's a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCS and STs in the Census. In September 2024, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), however, the BJP's ideological mentor, cautioned against using caste census as a political tool while acknowledging that the government needs numbers for all welfare activities to benefit castes which are lagging behind. In slogans and on posters, the BJP has been expressing its stand against the caste census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who announced the decision, called it the reversal of the Congress's policy. He blamed the Congress party for never conducting a caste census since independence and all the years it was in power. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the consolidation of disadvantaged sections of society within the SCs, OBCs, and STs around the opposition's agenda impacted the BJP's numbers in many states and, in fact, denied it a simple majority, unlike in 2014 and 2019, according to analysts. A senior BJP leader told news agency PTI that the party's lesson from the 2024 results was the need to make constant efforts to win over the deprived sections. These sections have been voting for the party in good numbers since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advent on the national scene but are not its committed voters. "That it is a BJP government which undertook the first nationwide caste census in independent India will always go in our favour at a time of political assertion by numerous smaller backwards castes," he said. The government has yet to announce the next census, which was held in 2011. So, the timeline of the caste census and its political implications remains far from clear. The announcement comes at a time when the Opposition — with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the forefront — has adopted caste census as a key election plank. It also comes six months ahead of the assembly election in Bihar, one of the key Hindi heartland states considered a cauldron of caste politics in India. Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday welcomed the government's 'sudden' decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census after '11 years of opposing it.' Crediting the sustained campaign run by the Congress for the government's announcement on the caste census, Gandhi said his immediate suspicion is that this could go the women's bill way in terms of implementation and demanded a specific date for it. BJP's rivals, including the Congress, often turned to social justice politics, speaking about the empowerment of non-general castes, to counter its overarching plank of Hindutva. With the Modi government's decision on caste census, the BJP hopes to disarm them, at least for now. 'The Congress, especially post-2024 results, felt that Caste is the only alternative to Hindutva. Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of this larger campaign, which talked about the upliftment of the backwards classes. Two Congress-ruled states, Telangana and Karnataka, have already conducted a survey on caste. In the meantime, the BJP realised its wider political implications and decided to own a cause which was never its original idea,' said a political analyst. While the Modi government's move may have vindicated Congress and Rahul Gandhi, it also indicates the BJP's expansive intentions for larger political gains. In the 1980s, the BJP was known as a party with Hindutva at its core. The country saw a churn in political dynamics when former Prime Minister VP Singh implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations in December 1990, reserving 27 per cent of government jobs for OBCS. BJP started roping in OBC leaders like late Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti. A fresh OBC leadership started emerging. Some of the prominent among those are Narendra Modi in Gujarat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in MP, and the late Sushil Modi in Bihar. The BJP adapted to changed realities in the past, too. The saffron party adopted popular schemes powered by freebies, which were first offered by opposition parties in states like Karnataka and Delhi, after initially slamming them as ''revdi' as it realised their electoral appeal. The BJP rode on welfare schemes built on cash assistance to notch up big successes in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and outmatched the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi on populist promises. In Bihar, the cradle of social justice politics, the BJP-JD(U) alliance, has an advantage over the rival RJD-Congress-Left combine. But a decline of its biggest OBC satrap and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been a concern in its camp ahead of the assembly polls scheduled later this year. The Union government's move will boost the National Democratic Alliance's fortunes and may rally the traditional support base of numerous smaller backwards castes towards it. Bihar carried and published its own caste census in 2023 during the JDU-RJD-Congress government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Not just in Bihar, caste census is a key plank of the Congress-SP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, a state with some similarity to Bihar in terms of the influence of OBC voters. In UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance met with a setback in the Lok Sabha polls, with the rival INDIA bloc winning most of the seats. The Samajwadi Party's PDA (Pichchda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) narrative was said to have cornered the BJP in the 2024 general election. "The decision of the caste census is a 100% victory of the unity of 90% PDA. Due to the combined pressure of all of us, the BJP government has been forced to take this decision. This is a very important phase of PDA's victory in the fight for social justice," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote in X. Clearly, with the announcement, the BJP has mitigated the Congress party's recent build-up on caste; however, it does not leave the opposition without a plank. "An announcement of a caste census doesn't mean anything. To me, it is high on optics and political rhetoric. We need to wait for numbers to come out and see how parties weaponise them to seek quotas and sub-quotas in jobs and education proportional to caste representation,' author and political commentator, Rasheed Kidwai, said. The decision of the caste census is a 100% victory of the unity of 90% PDA. As the Modi government and Congress-led opposition trade barbs over credit, the run-up to the Bihar Assembly election is set to witness intense political churn around caste dynamics in India First Published: 1 May 2025, 07:48 AM IST
