Latest news with #RamSetu
India.com
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Ram Setu Vs Aurangzebs Tomb: National Heritage Debate Reaches Supreme Court
A national debate has reignited over the recognition of India's ancient and culturally significant sites, with a critical question now reaching the doors of the Supreme Court: Why is Aurangzeb's tomb a protected national monument, but not the Ram Setu, a symbol of Hindu faith and ancient heritage? In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, reported that, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Government of India are now under public and judicial scrutiny, as former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking that Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) be officially declared a national monument. #RamSetu | राम धरोहर, रामसेतु राष्ट्रीय धरोहर... इतने प्रमाण, इतने निशान, फिर भी घमासान! रामसेतु को राष्ट्रीय स्मारक कब बनाएंगे?#DNAWithRahulSinha #DNA @RahulSinhaTV — Zee News (@ZeeNews) May 27, 2025 Ram Setu: A Symbol Of Faith and History Located between India and Sri Lanka, Ram Setu holds deep religious significance in Hindu mythology. Referenced in the Ramcharitmanas, it is believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama's army to reach Lanka and rescue Sita. Many historical references — including ancient Persian and Arab texts — mention the existence of a bridge-like structure in the region. Despite this, Ram Setu has not received national monument status under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The Act stipulates that any site over 100 years old with historical, cultural, or architectural importance can be declared a monument of national significance. Dr. Swamy's petition argues that Ram Setu meets all legal criteria and thus should be protected by the state. Aurangzeb's Tomb: A Protected Monument Since 1951 The controversy intensifies when compared to the status of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra, which was declared a protected monument on December 11, 1951, under the same 1958 Act. This decision was made during the tenure of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Critics now ask why a tyrant's tomb has legal protection while Ram Setu does not, despite its deep spiritual and cultural roots. Government's Stance And Legal History The demand for Ram Setu's protection is not new. In fact, it has been central to political and legal debates since the 1950s. In 2007, during the UPA regime, the government submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court arguing that Ram Setu had no historical or scientific evidence supporting its existence as a man-made structure. Senior advocate Fali S. Nariman even stated that Lord Rama himself destroyed the bridge upon his return from Lanka. However, in 2021, the Central Government authorized a study by the ASI to determine whether Ram Setu is a natural formation or human-made. The report has yet to be made public. In 2022, Union Minister Jitendra Singh acknowledged in Parliament that while conclusive proof remains elusive, there is historical and mythological evidence in favor of Ram Setu's existence. Historical Mentions • In 850 CE, Persian geographer Ibn Khordadbeh referred to Ram Setu in his book Book of Roads and Kingdoms. • In 1030 CE, Al-Biruni mentioned the bridge in Kitab-ul-Hind, calling it 'Setu Bandh'. • A Dutch cartographer in 1747 marked the area as 'Raman Kweel' in his maps. The Political And Cultural Undercurrent The issue strikes at the heart of India's ongoing cultural identity debate. Supporters argue that Ram Setu deserves preservation not just as a religious symbol but as a testament to India's ancient heritage, one that is even visible via satellite imagery. Critics of the current state policy question why a structure linked to destruction (Aurangzeb's tomb) receives protection, while one associated with construction and faith remains neglected. As the Supreme Court hears the PIL, public discourse continues to intensify. Social and political commentators assert that the decision will be a litmus test of how India balances its historical truths with modern secular governance. The Larger Question Why is a symbol of tyranny protected, but a sacred bridge of faith and legend still awaiting recognition? The nation, and the highest court, must now decide.
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Subramanian Swamy moves SC to declare Ram Setu as national monument
New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): Former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to timely decide his representation seeking to declare 'Ram Setu' as a national monument and of national importance. The petition sought national monument status for the 'Ram Setu' bridge and a survey by the Geological Survey of India and the Archaeological Survey of India in respect to 'Ram Setu' as an ancient monument of national importance. Swamy said that he had made a representation to the Centre in terms of the Supreme Court's January 2023 order; however, the same has not been decided. He further said that 'Ram Setu' fulfils all the criteria for being called an Ancient Monument, as it has historical, archaeological, or artistic interest. The plea said Ram Setu fulfils the criteria of an Ancient Monument under Section 3/4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, and the government is duty-bound to declare all ancient monuments of national importance and national monuments. He said that the Central government is duty-bound to protect 'Ram Setu' from any form of misuse, pollution or desecration. Swamy's petition stated, 'This archaeological site is a matter of faith and shradha of people treating Ram-Setu as a pilgrimage.' The central government earlier told the Supreme Court that the process to declare 'Ram Setu' a national heritage monument is currently underway in the Ministry of Culture. The Centre's response came on Swamy's plea seeking direction to the government to declare 'Ram Setu' a national monument. The apex court then asked Swamy to file a representation with the Ministry on the issue. Swamy had earlier said that the case has been pending for eight years, but the government has not been able to respond to the plea. In his plea, Swamy had urged the apex court to pass an order and direct the 'Union of India, along with National Monuments Authority (NMA), to declare 'Ram Setu' as an Ancient Monument of National Importance.' Swamy said that he had already won the first round of the litigation, in which the Centre accepted the existence of 'Ram Setu'. He added that the union minister concerned had called a meeting in 2017 to consider his demand to declare the Setu a national heritage monument, but subsequently, nothing happened. 'Ram Setu' is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. (ANI)
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Subramanian Swamy moves SC, seeks direction to Centre to decide representation on 'Ram Setu'
Subramanian Swamy has approached the Supreme Court. He wants the Centre to decide quickly on his request. He wants 'Ram Setu' to be declared a national monument. The court had previously asked the Centre to consider the matter. Swamy says no decision has been communicated yet. He argues 'Ram Setu' needs protection. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to "expeditiously" decide his representation to declare ' Ram Setu ' as a national monument . 'Ram Setu', also known as Adam's bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri his plea drawn by advocates Satya Sabharwal and Palak Bishnoi, Swamy has referred to the January 19, 2023 order passed by the apex court in the January 19, 2023, the Centre had told the top court that it was looking into the issue pertaining to declaring 'Ram Setu' as a national heritage monument The top court was then hearing Swamy's plea on the issue."The solicitor general states that the process is currently underway in the Ministry of Culture , but if the petitioner would so desire, he may also submit any additional material or communication as he may wish within a period of two weeks," the apex court had noted in its January 2023 court had asked the Centre to take a decision on the issue and granted Swamy the liberty to move before it again if he was dissatisfied and disposed of his interim application on the fresh plea filed by Swamy said no response or decision taken was conveyed either to him or to the apex court till said the Centre is duty-bound to protect 'Ram Setu' from any form of misuse, pollution or desecration."It is also important to note that this archeological site is a matter of faith and 'shradha' of people treating Ram Setu as a pilgrimage and all these archaeological studies and scientific findings are foundational evidence supplementing the existence of the man-made monument as a pilgrimage for worshippers," the plea said after the January 19, 2023 order, Swamy had made a representation to the government on January 27, 2023 with all the accompanying plea said the petitioner had again written a fresh representation to the government on May 13, has sought a direction to the Ministry of Culture "to decide the representation of the petitioner in an expeditious manner/time-bound manner in compliance of order of this court dated January 19, 2023".
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New India won't spare anyone who provokes it: Yogi
Lucknow: Commending PM Narendra Modi for instilling the country with an ethos of 'Nation First', Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that while New India does not provoke anyone, it would also not spare anyone who provoked it, as was evident in Operation Sindoor carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing a seminar organised in Lucknow to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the CM announced that Auraiya's medical college would be named after her. He said that great personalities cannot be described on the basis of caste, opinion, or religion, and criticised previous govts for attempting to do so. Giving the example of the previous SP govt, he said there was an attempt by it to change the name of the degree college established in the name of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in Auraiya. He added that before 2014, there were some who attempted to dismiss Ram and Krishna as imaginary, attempts were made to break the Ram Setu, and corruption, distrust, anarchy, and political conspiracies prevailed. Speaking about the life and contributions of Ahilyabai, the CM said that even after being married at a very young age, she continued her education and, over her 70-year lifespan from 1725 to 1795, established an exemplary system of governance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre si tienes derecho a la instalación gratuita de la alarma que arrasa en Argentina Verisure Más información Undo She made remarkable strides in empowering farmers, youth, artisans, handicraftsmen, and women. "She ventured beyond Malwa to renovate temples destroyed during the eras of Babur and Aurangzeb. She restored revered sites such as Pashupatinath, Rameshwar, Mahakal, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, and temples in Bengal. Like Banaras, the saris of Mahishmati and the grandeur of the Narmada ghats still bear testimony to her reign. She is a symbol of women's empowerment and while women globally were struggling for their rights, she was administering an ideal governance system in India," Yogi said. The CM announced that seven working women's hostels are being constructed in Holkar's name across the state. Women empowerment , inspired by her, is being promoted through initiatives like the Nari Vandan Act and other govt schemes. He added that the UP govt has also named three PAC battalions after Avanti Bai, Jhalkari Bai, and Veerangana Uda Devi, as respect for women's strength. The CM urged BJP workers to engage with the public over the next 10 days and share the life and legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar. He said that various programmes honouring Ahilyabai are being organised nationwide from May 21 to 31 under the leadership of PM Modi. "Workers should convey that India revered women's power at a time when women worldwide were still fighting for their rights," he said. During the event, the CM also highlighted the work being done in the state, from infrastructure, connectivity, railways, metro, rapid rail, and ropeways. He said that the central govt has approved UP's policy for semiconductor manufacturing, which will further boost semiconductor production in the state.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Padma Shri received by Kashi Vedic scholar Dravid Ganeshwar Shastri
1 2 Varanasi: Eminent Vedic scholar from Varanasi, Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, was honoured with Padma Shri award by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. Shastri had determined the auspicious timing (muhurta) for the groundbreaking and consecration of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor in Varanasi. Shastri is a Vedic scholar and renowned astrologer, who has been helping thousands of people worldwide for free through his deep knowledge of astrology. Born on Dec 8, 1958, Shastri does not hold a degree from any recognised college or university. He received all his education from a traditional Gurukul, operated by his father, Pandit Rajeshwar Shastri Dravid, a distinguished scholar of jurisprudence in Ramnagar, Varanasi. Besides astrology, he possesses extensive knowledge of the four Vedas, Vedanta, jurisprudence, religious scriptures, philosophy, ethics, political science, Mimamsa, Puranas, Ayurveda, and more. Dravid Shastri has endeavoured to promote Vedic knowledge and the practices of Sanatan Dharma across the country. He is the examiner of the council named Shri Girvanvagvardhini Sabha, established under Shri Vallabhram Shaligram Sangved Vidyalaya, Ramghat, Varanasi. Through his efforts, the council provides classical solutions to complex religious, astrological, social, and political questions. Previously, Dravid Shastri played a crucial role in preserving the Ram Setu (believed to be built by Lord Rama's army) by providing various pieces of evidence from ancient religious texts to the Supreme Court of India. He edited the Krishna-Yajurveda book in Madras (Chennai) 23 years ago, which is a historical work. In 2022, he was awarded 'Jyotish-Vidya-Ratnam' from Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Kanchi, Tamil Nadu, 'Manikya-Gauravam' from Shri Manikya Prabhu Sansthanam, Humnabad, Karnataka in 2021, and the title 'Tark-Vagish' by All India Shri Pandit Parishad, Varanasi in 1982.
