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Archive for 'Politics'

Embrace Diversity – Abide with Me and Ae Mere Vatan Ke Log Posted by on Jan 28, 2022

  Republic Day celebrates जश्न the day India adopted the constitution in 1950. But,  Republic Day ceremonies समारोह will be different this year. This is because the powers that be, changed the song normally played during the Beating of the Retreat. But, why would a change in song cause it to be different विभिन्न, you…

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How America Celebrated Diwali 2021 Posted by on Nov 10, 2021

Little Girl with a lamp

Last week, Hindus in America celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival त्यौहार of lights. At one time this would have seemed far-fetched. But, this year I was surprised विस्मित to read a Target ad on Diwali! Then, as the week went by I saw more and more news समाचार about the festival on television. I also…

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Hindi and Urdu – Siblings in Crisis Posted by on Oct 21, 2021

This week Urdu caused an uproar कोलाहल on social media. She was in an ad that called for the celebration कोलाहल of Diwali using the phrase, Jashn-e-Riwaaz, which means ‘celebration of rituals and traditions’.  The ad written in English was for a clothing and housewares brand called Fabindia. The retailer खुदरा withdrew the advertisement in…

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Hindi, English and Hindutva Posted by on Jul 14, 2021

Did you know that it was a Christian missionary प्रचारक, William Carey, who innovated the Hindi language with technology in India? He created printing मुद्रण fonts and the Hindi bible, the first prose work in print in India. The contribution योगदान of Christian missionaries like Carey are the most underreported stories in the history of…

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When Language Hurts – Gharwapsi Posted by on Jul 13, 2021

Yard Sign

A few years ago, someone posted a sign at Nagpur Airport, with the words, “Your Christianity is a Samasya समस्या (problem), So our mission is Gharwapsi”. It went on to read, ” No Christianity, Only Hindutva, No Bible, Only Bhagvad Gita. Either convert धर्मांतरित or else leave our Hindurashtra (Hindu State) soon. Will erase Christianity…

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Father Stan, Dalits and Caste Posted by on Jul 8, 2021

Two tribal women

This week India lost a freedom fighter स्वतंत्रता सेनानी Father Stan Swamy fought for the rights of the Dalits दलितों. He was jailed at 83 years old with frail health. His spirit survives even though his body gave up. Who are the Dalits? Who are the Dalits that Father Stan Swamy fought so passionately for?…

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