Tag: new delhi

Posted in Political

The DELHI DECLARATION, 2023, G20, NEW DELHI, BHARAT

Posted on by veeskitchen

updated 10th, september

Bharat is scripting history hosting and chairing the G20 summit in the capital New Delhi, attended by the top 20 powerful nations on earth: United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, Turkey, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Canada, South Africa and the European Union. Notable absentees may be Russia (reason Ukraine) and China (delhi belly 😀 )that have sent their second level teams. The venue is Bharat Mandapam whose architecture, interior and decor reflect the rich ancient heritage of the oldest and only continuously surviving civilization on earth, which is also the world’s largest democracy. India is already reverted to ‘Bharat’ as one can observe from nameplates etc. Security in Delhi is beefed up. The guest countries include the UAE and Oman from Middle east and Mauritius, Bangladesh, Spain and the Netherlands among others. India seems to be breaking the ice with Turkey. For the first time in Independent India history, India-Pakistan ties couldn’t have been better. Modi-Jaishankar brand of diplomacy is phenomenal. Together with Doval, the trio are the greatest plus for India. The G20 talks focused on climate change. The Delhi Declaration is out and the joint statement is signed by the member countries who have principally and unanimously arrived at a consensus on the state of political affairs of the world (read Ukraine-Russia war). Very bold, yet mature and restrained drafting by Bharat (India) chairing the G20.

So is India, officially ‘Bharat’ already? We are only reverting to our original name after some three centuries. G20 is a good platform to make the official global announcement. Besides, Bharat is mentioned in our constitution. This is after all the land of Bharatha, ancestor of Lord Ram. Interestingly, I get to watch Pakistan tv here in Doha. Never have I heard them mention us as India. Their Urdu news bulletins and discussions always mention India as Bharat only. Tamil/Malayalam and other vernacular news channels also refer to us as Bhaaratham. Poet and freedom fighter Subrahmanya Bharathi sang thus: Paarukkulle nalla naadu, engal Bhaaratha naadu. And of course, Bharat it has been with national/desi Hindi news channels. Nothing new. So DMK hypocrites have lost deposit already in the subject. Matter closed for further discussions. Meanwhile China can keep out of Bharat’s internal matters as the communist country does not even grant the rights for debates to the Chinese citizens. I loved Modi ji’s picture with the Bangladesh PM draped in a sari. They seem to have an understanding friendship-partnership which is crucial for bilateral ties. This third world nation could have gone the Pakistan way but they chose not to repeat the historical mistake. The conscious choices individuals/nations make decide their destiny. India’s neighbourhood concerns me more over the distant west.

By the way, impressive menu for the statesmen for dinner hosted by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu as chef Sanjeev Kapoor reveals. The daawat is a spread of finest cuisine, pan India, put forth with the millet theme, millet having been the superfood of our Hindu ancestors. Millets are making back their way into our homes now like never before and are here to stay.

The journalists got a share in the pie as well.

Here is the pretty picture! Sari goes well with the wife of the Japanese PM. She is comfortable draping the Benarasi which is commendable.

Before the closing note and wrap-up was the visit to the Raj Ghat by dignitaries led by PM Shri Narendra Modi where the leaders of G20 paid tributes to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. Good job India!

Posted in Political

The Aadheenams have their day.

Posted on by veeskitchen
Sengol/Raj Danda installed amid controversies next to speaker

The Aadheenams of the most ancient temples of Tamil Nadu that have seen the Cholas had their day when the ‘Sengol’ of Thamizh (Chozha) kings was installed by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in India’s new parliament building that was inaugurated with Sarva Dharma (all faith prayers) yesterday. Those who have grown up listening to Odhuvaar singing to Kapaleeshwara or Karpagaambal or Valleeshwara or even Abirami of Thirukadaiyur or Meenakshi of Madurai etc., may know that the Odhuvar tradition is now a dying tradition in our temples. Most temples not only in Tamil Nadu but also in all parts of INdia are controlled by the respective state governments that shamelessly use the Hindu temple fund for financing even the salaries of masjid workers for instance as we see in Kerala. Whereas the poor archakas of the temples are left high and dry with inadequate salaries, the government officials who have no connection with the temples drive latest sedans and SUVs drawing handsome pay packets. In Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, there were even Christians employed in the Devastanams who were ready to fight legal battles for retaining their jobs. This is the true cost of secularism. Temples under the Aadheenam may be free of state government clutches but how are they deploying the funds from the temples under their administration from their overflowing coffers. How many temples in Kumbakonam, Mayavaram etc., are in dire need of basic repairs? Some temple towers (gopurams) that are over 1500 years old are even on the verge of collapsing. Worst maintained and not kept clean. Bribes in the abode of god, be it temple under Tamil Nadu temple and charitable trust (govt department) or those under the aegis of the Adheenams are a dampaner but I understand that special darshans are crowd management tactics. What melted my heart was hearing Thevaram and Thiruvasagam chantings reverberating from our seat of governance in Delhi. Most ancient mantras in Thamizh, the verses have the antiquity and sanctity and aura of the ages old Sanskrit scriptures. It was especially enthralling to note the Odhuvar attached to Kapaleeshwar temple, Mylapore play a pivotal role in the ‘grihapravesh’ or the housewarming ceremony. Interestingly the new parliament of INdia is triangular shaped representing the most powerful Sri Yantra. Two inverted Triangles overlapping each other represent union of Shiva and Shakthi: the static energy and the kinetic energy that is the driving force. Shiva is latent, Shakthi is the force.