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Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Gandhi's Principles More Relevant Today Amid Cross-Border Terrorism: Ravi Shankar Prasad In U.K.
BJP Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence principles during a visit to London on Sunday, particularly in light of cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. Speaking as part of India's diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam terrorist incident that resulted in 26 casualties, Prasad addressed the significance of Gandhi's teachings in contemporary times. The all-party delegation began their United Kingdom visit by offering floral tributes at the memorials of both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, followed by addressing a large gathering at the Indian High Commission. At Gandhi's memorial in Tavistock Square, Prasad expressed pride in paying respects to the Mahatma in the heart of London, stating that Gandhi's principles of non-violence, truth, harmony, and goodwill hold even greater importance in today's era of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Former Minister M.J. Akbar provided historical context, referencing what he described as the first documented case of terrorism as state policy by Pakistan in October 1947, when thousands of terrorists were deployed to Kashmir. Akbar noted that while Gandhi advocated non-violence, he spoke forcefully against these raiders and terrorists, later telling a prayer meeting that Indian soldiers had a duty to defeat terrorism without retreat. The delegation also explored the Ambedkar Museum in north London, where Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi reflected on the constitutional architect's legacy. She highlighted the contrast between India's democratic progress since 1947 and Pakistan's ongoing struggles with governance, noting that while both nations gained independence simultaneously, India became a republic in 1950 while Pakistan continues to face military dominance over civilian government. At India House in London, hundreds of diaspora community leaders and members gathered, displaying national flags and chanting patriotic slogans. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami received the nine-member team, with Prasad assuring the community that India remains strong and capable of addressing Pakistani terrorism while urging them to spread India's message globally that terrorists must face consequences. The evening event, which opened with the Indian National Anthem, featured speeches from various delegation members representing different political parties. BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari emphasized their unity despite different party affiliations when it comes to national interests, while former Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran declared Operation Sindoor a complete success as per the Prime Minister's directive. High Commissioner Doraiswami stressed that terrorism should be treated as a global concern rather than an issue confined to India, calling for international recognition of this reality. The community gathering concluded with a private dinner meeting with the UK's shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel and her Conservative Party colleagues. The multi-party delegation, comprising representatives from various political parties including MPs Purandeswari, Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M. Thambidurai, along with Akbar and Ambassador Saran, has planned multiple engagements with think tanks, parliamentarians, and diaspora leaders during their three-day UK visit ending Tuesday. Following their UK visit, the delegation will proceed to the European Union and Germany for similar discussions with parliamentarians, political leaders, and diaspora communities. This delegation represents one of seven multi-party groups India has deployed to visit 33 global capitals as part of an international outreach campaign highlighting Pakistan's connections to terrorism. The diplomatic mission follows escalated tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to Indian precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during early May. Pakistan's subsequent attempts to target Indian military installations on consecutive days met with strong Indian responses, with hostilities eventually ceasing through dialogue between military operations directors from both nations on May 10.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gandhi's principles more relevant today amid cross-border terrorism: Ravi Shankar Prasad in U.K.
Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence is more relevant today given the terrorism being sponsored from across the border by Pakistan, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said in London on Sunday (June 1, 2025). Mr. Prasad, who is leading the all-party delegation in Europe as part of India's diplomatic outreach following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, marked the official start of the U.K. visit by paying floral tributes to B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi and addressing a massive community gathering at the High Commission of India. "It is a matter of great pride for us that right in the heart of London before the great statue of Mahatma Gandhi, we have come to pay our respects and offer flowers," Mr. Prasad told reporters at the Gandhi Memorial at Tavistock Square. "Mahatma Gandhi's principle is all the more relevant today, of non-violence, of truth, of amity, of sadbhav (goodwill). In this age of terrorism sponsored from across the border by Pakistan, his message is equally important," he said. Former Minister and author M.J. Akbar reflected upon the "first known instance of terrorism as state policy" by Pakistan in October 1947 when 5,000 terrorists were sent to Kashmir. "Gandhiji was an apostle of non-violence, but about these raiders and terrorists Gandhiji sounded like (Britain's war-time Prime Minister) Churchill, and later he told a prayer meeting that the duty of Indian soldiers is to defeat this terrorism and never retreat," Mr. Akbar told PTI. Earlier, the delegation explored the Ambedkar Museum in north London, where the leaders reflected upon the enduring legacy of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. "Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us a very important document through which we live by — the Constitution — which we strive for, which we have been fighting for and ensuring that the idea of inclusivity, justice and equality for all is maintained in true spirit and not just in words," said Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi. "On the other hand, we have a Pakistan which continues its terror activities. We both got divided at the same time in 1947, and in 1950, we became a Republic while Pakistan continues to struggle with having an elected government in place, and the army generals have totally taken over," she added. Their tributes to the founding fathers of the nation were followed by the nine-member team being received by Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami at India House in London, where hundreds of community leaders and members of the Indian diaspora had assembled waving tricolours and chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You have great regard for your motherland. The assurance to all of you is that India is strong, resurgent and will take care of Pakistan and terrorism, but you convey our message here and globally, too — terrorists must be made to pay the cost," said Mr. Prasad. The evening opened with a rendition of the Indian National Anthem and was interspersed with applause and chants in praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The delegation here belongs to different parties with different ideologies, but when it comes to the interest of our country, we all stand here united, not belonging to different parties but as Indians," said BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari. "Operation Sindoor was a political directive of the Indian government, of the Indian Prime Minister, and I want to share with you that it was a 100% success,' said former Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran. The High Commissioner underscored that terrorism needs to be treated as a global issue and not a problem limited to India. "It is a global reality, and to pretend that this is something that happens only occasionally that Indians have to live with is a grave mistake... the time has come for the world to take it more seriously." The community gathering was followed by a private dinner with the U.K.'s shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, and her team from the Opposition Conservative Party. "The delegation reaffirmed India's united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms," the High Commission of India in London said in a statement. "They emphasised India's readiness to decisively respond to any and all acts of terrorism, underscoring the nation's policy of zero tolerance towards such threats," the statement added. The multi-party delegation, led by Mr. Prasad and comprising MPs Purandeswari, Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M. Thambidurai besides Akbar and Ambassador Saran, is scheduled for a series of engagements with think tanks, parliamentarians and diaspora leaders during the three-day U.K. visit concluding on Tuesday (June 3. 2025). From the U.K., the delegation will head for discussions and meetings with a cross-section of parliamentarians, political leaders and diaspora groups in the European Union (EU) and Germany. The delegation is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ricky Kej Awarded Padma Shri, Shares Intriguing Protocols
Ricky Kej joins NDTV's Arun Singh for a powerful conversation about being conferred with the Padma Shri, collaborating with world leaders like PM Narendra Modi, and composing a stirring rendition of the Indian National Anthem. He opens up about the wild pivot from dentistry to global music, reveals the weirdest place he's ever recorded a sound, and even shows off his earrings that reflect his roots. Show Full
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Telangana's Heritage in the Spotlight: Miss World Contestants Visit State Secretariat in Grand Cultural Showcase
As part of the ongoing 72nd Miss World Festival, 107 contestants from across the globe visited the iconic Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat on May 18, immersing themselves in the state's rich cultural legacy and forward-looking vision. The visit was a powerful reflection of Telangana's journey from tradition to innovation and its growing stature as a global destination. The day began with a heartfelt tribute at the Telangana Thalli statue, a symbolic gesture underscoring the state's identity and aspirations. The contestants were then welcomed on the Secretariat's central lawn with an authentic Hyderabadi tea menu, offering a warm taste of local hospitality. To set the tone, the Telangana Anthem was performed, followed by a spectacular 3D projection mapping show. The projection illuminated the Secretariat's grand facade with a visual retelling of Telangana's evolution, from its formation to its rise as a technology and development hub. One of the standout moments of the day was a drone show featuring 1,000 synchronized drones, creating dynamic aerial imagery that depicted the implementation of flagship government schemes; a powerful demonstration of how technology is being used for public welfare in Telangana. The cultural experience was further enriched by live Indian instrumental music, offering the contestants a multi-sensory connection to the heritage of the region. A dedicated photo shoot session allowed the participants to capture memories against the backdrop of the Secretariat's modern architectural marvel. An event viewing gallery ensured that attendees could comfortably take in every aspect of the carefully choreographed event, which concluded with the stirring Indian National Anthem, evoking a sense of unity and pride. Julia Morley, CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, praised the event, saying: 'Telangana has beautifully showcased its heritage and progressive spirit today. The integration of cultural elements with technological innovation provides our contestants with a profound understanding of the state's identity and aspirations.' This Secretariat visit is part of a wider series of engagements hosted by the Telangana government during the 72nd Miss World Festival, being held in Hyderabad from May 7 to May 31, 2025. These events aim to highlight Telangana's leadership in public safety, cultural heritage, tourism infrastructure, and its emergence as a vibrant destination on the global stage.
Khaleej Times
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Pakistan accidentally plays Indian national anthem before England vs Australia match; fans react
Indian cricket fans were in for a surprise when they tuned in to watch the Australia vs England Champions Trophy match on Saturday, February 22. In now viral clips on social media, the Indian National Anthem can be heard erroneously playing for around 2 seconds, before the match. The ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage match is being held in Lahore, where spectators at the stadium erupted loudly as soon as they heard 'Jana Gana Mana'. This took place just ahead of the much-awaited India-Pakistan match on February 23. Watch the video below: Pakistan by mistakenly played Indian National Anthem during England Vs Australia #ChampionsTrophy2025 — hrishikesh (@hrishidev22) February 22, 2025 Fans have been flooding social media with reactions, with some calling the moment "absolute cinema". Another netizen said, "Pakistan is really missing India," making light of the situation.
