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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
In India, the ‘Lost Generation' was actually a generation that found its voice
The defining event of the Lost Generation in Europe and the Americas was the Great War. It is harder to pinpoint a single event that served the same function for that cohort in India. Most of the giants who led the freedom movement — Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Sarojini Naidu — belonged to previous generations. But their influence on those who followed saw the struggle for independence become truly national, with the Indian equivalent of the Lost Generation eventually becoming the architects of a new, independent nation. The battles of this younger cohort were different from those that shaped Ernest Hemingway, JRR Tolkien and Ezra Pound in the West. Was the new political awareness in India the result of George Curzon's Partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi movement that began in 1905, partly as a result of it? Was it furthered when India's dead soldiers and wounded veterans were met with the thanks of the Rowlatt Act of 1919, which gave the police the continued right to arrest without warrants, hold detainees indefinitely and imprison without trial or judicial review? Was it shaped by the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh (also 1919)? Or the rise of Gandhi as a national leader, after his return to India in 1915? As these events, one after another, reinforced the idea of a new 'India', a generation of young leaders emerged: BR Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, Mahadev Desai, Acharya Kripalani, Subhas Chandra Bose and, vitally, Jawaharlal Nehru. In India, this wasn't a Lost Generation at all. It was a generation finding its voice. In the words of the freedom fighter Rambriksh Benipuri, no stranger to the pen: 'When I recall Non-Cooperation era of 1921, the image of a storm confronts my eyes… no other movement upturned the foundations of Indian society to the extent… From the most humble huts to the high places, from villages to cities, everywhere there was a ferment, a loud echo.' When Independence was won, it was this storm of young people that began the business of building the nation. In the fields and hospitals, the offices and transport systems. In the courts beginning to uphold a new Constitution. It was at the hands of this generation that an India as old as the Indus Valley and the Vedas was reborn as a new country, and emerged blinking from the shadow of the Raj and the bloody birthing of Partition. Look at free India's first cabinet and you see them. With the exceptions of Patel and C Rajagopalachari, every minister, starting with Nehru, came from the generation born between 1883 and 1900. A generation, in India, of pathfinders. Dreamers. Doers of the impossible. Looking back, it can be hard to believe what they pulled off. In their gentle way, they shook the world. (K Narayanan writes on films, videogames, books and occasionally technology)
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
PM Modi Pays Tribute To Veer Savarkar On His Birth Anniversary
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to revolutionary freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, on his birth anniversary, describing him as a "true son of Mother India" whose unshakable courage and sacrifices continue to inspire the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. Posting on X, PM Modi wrote, "Respectful tributes to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland." भारत माता के सच्चे सपूत वीर सावरकर जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। विदेशी हुकूमत की कठोर से कठोर यातनाएं भी मातृभूमि के प्रति उनके समर्पण भाव को डिगा नहीं पाईं। आजादी के आंदोलन में उनके अदम्य साहस और संघर्ष की गाथा को कृतज्ञ राष्ट्र कभी भुला नहीं सकता। देश के लिए… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2025 "The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. His sacrifice and dedication to the country will continue to guide the creation of a Viksit Bharat," he added. Born on May 28, 1883, Veer Savarkar launched his political journey early in life, championing causes such as the Swadeshi movement, boycott of foreign goods, and nationalist education. He urged Indians to embrace revolution to achieve independence and is remembered as one of the most influential voices in India's freedom struggle. An accomplished lawyer, writer, and activist, Veer Savarkar gained prominence for his ideological works, particularly his book 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?'. He remains a deeply influential figure in Indian political thought, especially for his articulation of cultural nationalism. PM Modi also shared a video tribute, reflecting on Veer Savarkar's multifaceted persona. "Savarkar means brilliance, Savarkar means sacrifice, Savarkar means penance, Savarkar means logic, Savarkar means elements, Savarkar means sword," he said. In the video, the Prime Minister described Veer Savarkar as a unique blend of intellectual depth and revolutionary courage -- a poet and a warrior who drew strength from both the pen and the sword. He reflected on Veer Savarkar's imprisonment at the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, to which he was sentenced in 1911 for his opposition to the Morley-Minto reforms. Veer Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years but was released in 1924. After his release, he worked extensively to eradicate untouchability, particularly in Ratnagiri. PM Modi shared one of his past speeches, in which he stated, "The moment one steps into the premises of the Cellular Jail, a profound emotion takes over. Everything we've read and heard about Veer Savarkar seems to come alive before our eyes. This was the place where hundreds of brave revolutionaries, including Savarkar, endured unimaginable torture. The cell where he spent countless years feels no less than a temple to us -- a sacred space of sacrifice and patriotism." Later, Veer Savarkar stood against the Congress Party's acceptance of the partition of India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid rich tributes to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary. "Veer Savarkar ji, who crossed the pinnacle of courage and restraint for the freedom of the motherland, made an unforgettable contribution in making national interest an all-India consciousness. Savarkar ji, who made the freedom struggle of 1857 historic with his writings, could not be shaken by the harsh tortures of the British," Mr Shah posted on X. मातृभूमि की स्वाधीनता के लिए साहस और संयम की पराकाष्ठा पार करने वाले स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर जी ने राष्ट्रहित को अखिल भारतीय चेतना बनाने में अविस्मरणीय योगदान दिया। 1857 के स्वतंत्रता संग्राम को अपनी लेखनी से ऐतिहासिक बनाने वाले सावरकर जी की मातृभूमि के प्रति निष्ठा और समर्पण को… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 28, 2025 "On his birth anniversary, on behalf of the grateful nation, we offer our heartfelt tributes to Veer Savarkar Ji, who devoted his whole life to freeing the Indian society from the scourge of untouchability and binding it in a strong thread of unity," he added. BJP National President JP Nadda also paid his respects, posting, "I pay my heartfelt tributes to the devoted son of Mother India, a true patriot and a great thinker, freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar ji on his birth anniversary." "Veer Savarkar was a strong guard of India's independence and national renaissance. Despite facing the cruel tortures of Kalapani, he continued to struggle for the independence of the nation with unwavering determination throughout his life. Even the unbearable torture of the British rule could not shake his resolve to liberate the country," he said. "His immortal sacrifice and his struggle-filled life philosophy will continue to inspire every patriot for ages," Mr Nadda added.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Baba Ramdev backs PM Modi's 'Swadeshi' push, urges boycott of foreign goods
Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], May 27 (ANI): Backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for locally made products, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has called on citizens to wholeheartedly adopt 'Swadeshi' (indigenous) goods and services to help build a stronger and self-reliant India. Highlighting the economic dimension of the Swadeshi movement, Ramdev urged citizens to boycott products from China, the United States, and Europe. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Ramdev said, 'The people should support PM Modi's call for 'swadeshi' products because the PM wants to achieve the aim of the 'Viksit Bharat' and wants to make the country an economic and spiritual superpower. To achieve this, we need to boycott products from China, the US, and Europe. The day India starts using 'swadeshi', our economy will get stronger, and the Indian rupee will also become stronger against the Dollar, Pound, and Euro.' He also emphasised the importance of embracing traditional Indian practices in healthcare. 'In the health sector, we should opt for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,' he said. Ramdev also appealed to Indians to reconsider travel to foreign countries, particularly those he claimed are involved in anti-India activities. 'We should avoid making trips to foreign nations, specifically to countries like Turkey.' Earlier in the day, addressing the public in Gujarat, PM Modi urged citizens to prioritise Made in India products and reduce dependence on imported goods. 'To truly contribute to our economy, we must set a clear and collective goal: by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, we will become a fully developed nation -- and we will do so without relying on foreign products,' he said. 'No matter how profitable foreign goods may seem, our priority must be to support and promote products made in India. If you take a closer look at the items we use daily, you'll be surprised to see how many are still imported -- even something as sacred as our Ganesh idols is often manufactured abroad,' he said further. (ANI)
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What made Dant Kanti a sought-after choice for oral health? Consumers weigh In!
The Indian consumer landscape is evolving, and there is growing inclination toward natural and Ayurvedic products. This trend is clearly visible in the oral care segment, where Patanjali 's Dant Kanti toothpaste has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional brands. Backed by a Indian first identity and traditional herbal ingredients, Dant Kanti has notably changed and shifted consumer preferences. A research paper titled 'A Study on Consumer Behavior Between Patanjali's Dant Kanti and Other Company's Toothpaste: Special Reference to Banswara District' by Ashwin Chouhan and Dr. Rajiv Gandhi explores this change in consumer behaviour . The study compares the buying patterns and satisfaction levels of toothpaste users in Banswara, Rajasthan, and provides insights into why people are choosing herbal options over established names. For many, Dant Kanti is more than just a toothpaste. It is a representation of Ayurvedic wellness and national pride, and is formulated with herbs like neem, clove, turmeric, and babool. It is also marketed as a holistic dental solution because the ingredients, rooted in ancient Indian medicine, are believed to help with gum health, oral hygiene, and give fresh breath without the use of harmful chemicals. Unlike mainstream brands that emphasise cosmetic benefits like whitening or minty freshness, Dant Kanti appeals to consumers looking for health-first options. The brand's identity is strongly tied to Baba Ramdev 's image and Patanjali's mission of reviving India's traditional knowledge systems. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo The study and consumer response The research conducted in Banswara surveyed 300 people to understand their toothpaste preferences. And while the number of users was comparatively less, the Dant Kanti users displayed a higher level of satisfaction and brand loyalty compared to others. One key takeaway from the study was the motivation behind choosing Dant Kanti. Among its users, 41% preferred it due to its Ayurvedic composition, indicating that natural ingredients played a major role in the buying decision. In contrast, users of other brands prioritised traits like whitening and germ protection. Another interesting observation was how family influences purchases. Around 34% of Dant Kanti users were influenced by their parents when selecting toothpaste, while a significant portion made independent choices. Plus, a lot of consumers showed brand loyalty to Dant Kanti, and they also expressed how they were eager to buy Dant Kanti owing to Baba Ramdev's association with it. This showed that personal trust in the endorser can deeply impact consumer confidence, particularly in health-related products. The road ahead for Dant Kanti As herbal and Swadeshi products continue gaining traction, there's strong potential for Dant Kanti to expand its reach, especially in rural markets where trust in traditional medicine is already high. The study suggests that improving distribution, offering better discounts, and enhancing awareness in underpenetrated regions could help Patanjali capture a larger share of the oral care market. To grow further, Patanjali may also consider investing in scientific validation of its products. This would not only appeal to urban and health-conscious consumers but also help counter criticism regarding its efficacy. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
CAIT conference to deliberate on safeguarding India's Rs 140 lakh crore retail trade
New Delhi: In view of the growing attempts by e-commerce and quick commerce companies to capture India's vibrant retail trade worth over Rs 140 lakh crore annually, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday said it is organising a national conference next week. More than 100 leading trade leaders from across the country will participate in the event on May 16, where former Union Minister Smriti Irani is expected to be the key speaker. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal stated that the conference will not only include trade leaders but also proponents of Swadeshi products, representatives from transport, small industries, MSMEs, consumer organisations, women entrepreneurs, farmers, startups, employees, and other stakeholders of trade. Together, they will formulate a unified strategy to expose the malicious agenda of foreign-funded companies and launch a nationwide campaign against them. According to CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia, various sectors of trade and industry are coming together under one platform to challenge these companies head-on. He pointed out that these companies have already caused massive damage to several major sectors such as mobiles and accessories, FMCG, consumer durables, kirana, electronics, toys, garments, apparel, footwear, food items, restaurants, and hotels, and are now attempting to capture more segments of the Indian market. Bhartia further stated that the time has come to resist the unethical business practices of these companies tooth and nail in order to protect the integrity and independence of India's retail trade. According to CAIT, the conference is expected to be a decisive step towards launching a nationwide awareness and protest campaign based on the strategies outlined during the deliberations. CAIT, which claims to represent over 90 million small businesses across the country, said it aims to strategise and mobilise a nationwide movement against the alleged unethical and unlawful practices of these e-commerce companies.
