Junior Digest

New Delhi,Oct 2,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin, which features first-ever depiction of Bharat Mata on Indian currency, to mark the centenary celebrations of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The Rs 100 coin features the national emblem on one side and on the other side it depicts a majestic image of Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra with a lion, while swayamsevaks are shown bowing before her in devotion and dedication.

“For the first time in the history of independent India the image of Bharat Mata has been featured on Indian currency which marks a moment of great pride and historical significance,” Modi said at the launch.
The coin also has the RSS moto “Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”, which translates to “Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation’s, Nothing is mine”.

The postal stamp features RSS swayamsevaks’ participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, underlining the organisation’s historic contributions.

Modi called the moment a proud tribute to Bharat Mata and the RSS’s century-long journey of service and dedication.

The centenary celebrations were organised by the Ministry of Culture and attended by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with an aim to foster cultural awareness, discipline, service and social responsibility among citizens.

Dec 26,2024: MT Vasudevan Nair, one of Malayalam literature’s most revered and celebrated writers, passed away in Kozhikode on December 25, at the age of 91. Known fondly as MT, Vasudevan Nair left an indelible and deeply profound mark on the world of Malayalam literature and cinema, earning accolades for his eloquent storytelling, poignant narratives, and deep understanding of the human condition.

Born on July 15, 1933, in the village of Kudallur in Kerala’s Palakkad district, MT’s literary works—often drawing from the rich landscapes of rural Kerala—touched upon themes of love, struggle, social change, and the complexities of human relationships. His writings, which spanned novels, short stories, plays, and screenplays, brought to life unforgettable characters and narratives that resonated deeply with generations of readers.

Some of the literary giant’s most celebrated works include his debut novel Naalukettu (Ancestral Home), which he wrote at the age of 23, winning him his first Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award; Manju (Mist); Kaalam (Time); Asuravithu (The Prodigal Son); and Randamoozham (The Second Turn). A lot of his fiction was set against the social backdrop of the matrilineal Nair tharavaadu (ancestral homes) in Kerala. His novels and stories were known for their empathy, lyricism, and the ability to weave intricate human emotions within complex social contexts. Randamoozham, a retelling of the Hindu epic Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, remains one of the most groundbreaking works in Malayalam literature, offering a new lens to view upon the literary work and reshaping the discourse around it.

In addition to his literary prowess, MT’s contributions to Malayalam cinema were also monumental. He played an instrumental role in the creation of many iconic films, both as a screenwriter and director. His collaboration with acclaimed filmmakers such as P Bhaskaran, A Vincent, KS Sethumadhavan, IV Sasi, Bharathan, Hariharan and Sibi Malayil defined an era of Malayalam cinema that was rich in intellectual creativity and thought-provoking social criticism. His partnership with legendary director Hariharan in particular paved the way to masterpieces such as Panchagni (1986), Nakhakshathangal (1986), Abhayam Thedi (1986), Amrutham Gamaya (1987), Aranyakam (1988), Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha (1989), Parinayam (1994), and Ennu Swantham Janakikutty (1998)—films still remembered by the Malayali audience for their narrative depth.

MT has also donned the cap of a director multiple times, helming much-celebrated films such as Nirmalyam (1973), Bandhanam (1978), Manju (1983) and Oru Cheru Punchiri (2000)—many of them adapted from his own classic literary works.

As significant as his literary and cinematic contributions is his legacy as a political and cultural commentator. Seamlessly intertwining art with political critique, MT’s voice resonated far beyond the realms of fiction, making him one of the most influential cultural figures in modern Kerala. His works, both in literature and cinema, were deeply reflective of the social and political realities of his time.

He was a keen observer and critic of Kerala’s evolving political climate, known for his engagement with contemporary issues, whether through interviews, essays, or public speeches.

Many prominent young writers of Malayalam literature would also recall him as a top-notch literary editor, spotting new talent and giving them the right nudge to blossom in their field.

Throughout his life, MT received numerous accolades, including the Jnanpith Award, the highest honour for a writer in India, which he was awarded in 1995 for his immense contribution to Malayalam literature. He has also received the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award in 1970 for his novel Kaalam; the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in the years 1958, 1982, and 1986; India’s third highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan in 2005; multiple national and Kerala state film awards as a director and screenplay writer; and several other honours for his multifaceted contributions to the world of art and culture.

New Delhi , August 31,2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his greetings on World Sanskrit Day and urged everyone to share one sentence in Sanskrit to celebrate this “great” language.

PM Modi posted on X, previously known as Twitter: “Greetings on World Sanskrit Day. I laud all those who are passionate about it. India has a very special relation with Sanskrit. To celebrate this great language, I urge you all to share one sentence in Sanskrit. In the post below, I will also share a sentence. Don’t forget to use #CelebratingSanskrit”.
In a follow-up, tweet, PM Modi wrote, “I laud all those who are passionate about it. India has a very special relation with Sanskrit,” tweets PM Modi
World Sanskrit Day is observed on Shravana Poornima according to the Hindu calendar. This year it falls on on August 31.

TOKYO,Aug 22,2022: Tsuneko Sasamoto, a pioneering photographer considered to be Japan’s first female photojournalist, who swore by a glass of red wine each night as one of the keys to good health, has died at the age of 107, domestic media said on Monday.

She died on Aug. 15 of old age, media added – just over two weeks before her 108th birthday.

Born in Tokyo the year World War One began, Sasamoto originally wanted to be a painter but was discouraged from it by her father. Inspired by a black-and-white film she saw with a friend, she began working as a photographer and in 1940 joined the Photographic Association of Japan.

Her subjects ranged from the famous, such as General Douglas MacArthur, who oversaw the post-World War Two U.S. occupation of Japan, to the wives of coal miners.

In an interview on the website Art and Design Inspiration after turning 107, Sasamoto said a glass of red wine every night and a piece of chocolate every day were among the keys to her longevity.

“You should never become lazy,” she said. “It’s essential to remain positive about your life and never give up.”

She added, “You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward.”-

Mar 08,2023:The Canadian government on Tuesday (March 7) expunged the historic indecency and anti-abortion laws targeting women and members of the LGBTQ community. The repealed laws had targeted women and LGBTQ individuals’ access to abortion as well as to bathhouses, nightclubs, and swinger clubs, considered to be safe spaces for the queer communities. 

The country’s Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien said that citizens deserved non-discriminatory policies that put their safety first, which is why the government “recognises that past laws and regulations were unjust and compromised the freedoms of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and women.”

“This is another crucial step in achieving the goals set out in the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan – by continuing to promote human rights and encourage the development of inclusive federal policies, programs, and laws,” Ien added. 

By repealing these laws, people with previous convictions can apply for an expungement order for free under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, which allows for the permanent destruction of historically unjust records of conviction, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday. 

There is no fee to apply for an expungement order. Applicants would be needed o provide evidence that the conviction meets certain criteria. “Given the historical nature of the offences, sworn statements/solemn declarations may be accepted as evidence if applicants have demonstrated that court and police records are not available,” the above statement read. 

In case the person is deceased, an appropriate representative, such as a family member or a trustee, can apply on their behalf.

New Delhi, Sep 30,2024: Actor Mithun Chakraborty will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday.

The announcement was made by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Information Technology and Information Broadcasting, in his post on X.

He wrote, “Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey continues to inspire generations! Honoured to announce that the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to confer this award on legendary actor Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his distinguished contribution to Indian cinema.

He further added that the award will be presented to Mithun Da by the hands of President Droupadi Murmu at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024.

Mithun has also made a significant impact in politics. He joined the Rajya Sabha in 2014 as a Trinamool Congress nominee but resigned two years later. In 2021, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls.

Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 ,2023: A National seminar on ‘The Relevance of Sri Aurobindo in Our Times’ will be inaugurated by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) Member Secretary Prof Sachchidananda Mishra here on March 9.

The two-day seminar, in connection with the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, is being organised by the Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram in association with the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The seminar, aiming to bring out the significance of Sri Aurobindo’s life and his teachings, will be attended by eminent scholars .

“The proposed seminar will focus on ttopics including Contribution of Sri Aurobindo to the national movement and the freedom struggle, Indian Renaissance and Sri Aurobindo, Sri Aurobindo’s socio- political vision, Sri Aurobindo’s vision for evolution of humanity, Sri Aurobindo’s commentaries on the ancient Indian scriptures and its contemporary relevance, Sri Aurobindo’s vision for human unity, Sri Aurobindo as a creative artist,” R Sanjayan Director, Bhartheeya Vichara Kendram, said.

“Apart from being a master craftsman in English and a poet, Sri Aurobindo was also a philosopher and a mystic. A deep study of the works of Sri Aurobindo is absolutely essential for our times to instill patriotism among the youth and create national integration,” he pointed out.

Seminar coordinator Dr R Subramony said “Sri Aurobindo contributed immensely to the national resurgence of India. He was the prophet of the Life Divine, the harbinger of a New Dawn. Sri Aurobindo had carried out an intense political propaganda in order to familiarize people with the ideas of democracy, freedom and independence.”

The two journals edited by Sri Aurobindo until 1909, Bande Mataram and Karmayogin contain valuable insights on almost every sociological/political issue which haunted India, he added.

“Sri Aurobindo was arrested in the Alipur Bomb Case in May 1908. During the hard period of confinement in Alipore jail, Sri Aurobindo used to read the Gita and the Upanishads and was immersed in his sadhana.”

“He had immense spiritual experiences in the prison. Sri Aurobindo was acquitted in 1909. On 30th May, he delivered the famous speech at Uttarapara in which he described many of his spiritual experiences.”

In 1910 he shifted to Chandranagore and finally settled in Pondicherry, then a French occupied territory and there continued his spiritual sadhana and intellectual activities.

The philosophical journal Arya was started on August 15, 1914.The serialised essays of the Arya were later compiled into separate books such as The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga, The Ideal of Human Unity, The Human Cycle, The Secret of the Vedas, Essays on the Gita, The Future Poetry. In The Life Divine he expounded his integral philosophy binding a unique synthesis of ancient and modern thought of East and West. Savitri written by Sri Aurobindo is the largest epic in English.

New Delhi, July 6,2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid glowing tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as one of India’s foremost nation-builders whose contributions to education, industry, humanitarian service and national unity continue to inspire the country’s progress towards a developed India.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Today, on the 125th Jayanti of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I bow to one of India’s most remarkable nation-builders, whose life was defined by scholarship, courage and an unwavering commitment to national service. He dedicated himself to the cause of India’s unity, dignity and progress.”

Highlighting Mookerjee’s multifaceted legacy, Modi said his contributions extended across diverse fields, including education, governance and industrial development.

“Dr Mookerjee’s contributions spanned diverse spheres. He was an outstanding thinker and educationist, who supported innovation and futuristic learning. As Industries Minister, he laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring that traditional sectors and livelihoods flourished. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine reflected his profound compassion for those in distress. Above all, his steadfast commitment to the unity and integrity of India remains an enduring source of inspiration,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the government’s vision of building a developed nation, Modi added, “As we move forward in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat, his vision continues to illuminate our path.”

In another post on X, the Prime Minister said he had written an opinion article on Mookerjee’s life and legacy, underlining his contributions in several capacities, including as an academic administrator, union Minister and political leader.

“Penned an Op-Ed on Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s life, emphasising his diverse accomplishments, be it Vice Chancellor, Minister, political leader and more. Highlighted his unparalleled efforts in boosting India’s unity. The removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 remains a fitting tribute to his efforts,” Modi said.

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, born on July 6, 1901, was a prominent educationist, parliamentarian and statesman who served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in independent India’s first Cabinet before resigning over policy differences. He later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, the political predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Mookerjee is widely remembered by the BJP for his campaign against Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status under the erstwhile Articles 370 and 35A. The Narendra Modi government revoked the provisions in August 2019, describing the move as a step towards greater national integration and fulfilment of Mookerjee’s vision of “One Nation, One Constitution.”

The Prime Minister’s tribute came as the BJP and its affiliated organisations across the country commemorated Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary through a series of events, remembering his role in shaping India’s political discourse and his enduring emphasis on national unity, self-reliance and public service.

Kohima,Dec 02,2022: Displaying traditional diverse culture and vibrant life, the 10-day-long 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival began at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Thursday.
In another development, demanding a separate state, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) despite the state government’s appeal has asked the tribes of the area not to participate in the annual Hornbill Festival.
The Hornbill Festival, named after a colourful forest bird, coincides with the 60th Nagaland statehood day celebrations.
Organised by the Nagaland government’s Tourism and Art and Culture department, the Hornbill Festival showcases Nagaland’s deep-rooted traditions and its rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity, and grandeur. The festival is also a tribute to the great Hornbill, which is an admired and revered bird by the Naga people, for its qualities of alertness and grandeur.
The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage. For the tourists and guests, it is an opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of the Naga people, their land, and their rich culture.

Kotputli-Behror (Rajasthan), September 18,2024: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that crises do not have the power to destroy India because the country has Sanatan Dharma.
“Crises do not have the power to destroy India, India is not just a piece of land, India is Sanatan, India is with Sanatan Dharma, India has Sanatan Dharma,” Bhagwat said during a visit to Balnath Ashram here on Tuesday.
Bhagwat participated in the Mahamrityunjay Mahayagya in the ashram. He spoke about the importance of uplifting the vulnerable in the society.
“We should make efforts to progress our brothers who are poor backwards in society. We should uplift them by giving them whatever we have,” Bhagwat said.
Earlier in the day, Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need to eliminate the untouchability completely from the country.
Addressing an RSS gathering at the Indira Gandhi Sports Ground in Alwar, Bhagwat said, “This (untouchability) feeling must be completely eradicated. This change must be brought about by transforming the mindset of society. Social harmony is the key to driving this transformation.”
Bhagwat called on the volunteers to embody five key areas in their lives: social harmony, environmental conservation, family awareness, a sense of self, and civic discipline. He added that when the volunteers incorporate these values into their lives, society will follow.
He noted that next year marks the 100 years of the RSS. He urged the volunteers to fully understand the ideas behind the work they do and to always keep those principles in mind while performing their duties.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the nation, “Our nation has to be made strong.”
“We said in our prayers that this is a Hindu nation because the Hindu society is responsible for it. If something good happens in this country, the glory of Hindu society increases, and if something goes wrong, Hindu society is held accountable as it is the steward of the nation,” Bhagwat added.
The RSS Chief, further stated that making the nation prosperous and powerful requires hard work and collective effort.
He explained that what we call Hinduism is, in fact, a universal human religion — a religion of humanity that seeks the welfare of all.

July 16,2023:Highly respected veteran British film critic Derek Malcolm died of heart and lung failure at his home in Deal, south-eastern England, his wife Sarah Gristwood announced on Sunday.

Malcolm served as the chief movie critic for The Guardian newspaper for more than 25 years, and was a familiar face at film festivals around the world throughout that time.

Before he settled down at the movies, he tried his hand at being a National Hunt jockey and then working as an actor. He joined The Guardian in the early 1970s and stayed there as its chief movie critic until 1999, moving to the London Evening Standard paper in the same role.

He also published a personal memoir in 2003, ‘Family Secrets,’ in which he recounted his dysfuctional family background, including the fact that his father shot dead his mother’s lover, an incident for which he was acquitted, and Malcolm’s parents stayed together afterwards.

At one time, he added to his work the artistic directorship of the London Film Festival. His 90th birthday was marked last year with a big celebration at the British Film Institute.

April 25,2023:Netflix has announced it will spend $2.5bn on South Korean content in the latest sign of Korean culture’s explosive popularity worldwide.

CEO Ted Sarandos made the announcement on Monday following a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a six-day visit to the United States.
“We were able to make this decision because we have great confidence that the Korean creative industry will continue to tell great stories,” Sarandos said in a statement.

Yoon hailed the announcement as a “great opportunity” for Korean creators and Netflix.

South Korean film and music have gained global renown in recent years amid the stunning success of K-pop acts, including BTS and Blackpink, and films such as the Oscar-winning “Parasite”.

Netflix series “Squid Game”, which tells the story of indebted contestants in a deadly competition for a cash prize, became the streaming service’s most-watched show of all time upon its release in 2021, quickly racking up more than 1.6 billion views.

More recently, Korean-produced “The Glory”, a drama about a woman seeking revenge on her bullies from school, and “Physical:100”, a reality fitness competition, have ranked among the popular shows on the site.

More than six in 10 Netflix viewers watched a South Korean-produced program on the site in 2022, according to company data.

Sarandos said the investment reflected Netflix’s confidence that South Korean creators would “continue to tell great stories”.

“It is incredible that the love towards Korean shows has led to a wider interest in Korea, thanks to the Korean creators’ compelling stories,” he said.
“Their stories are now at the heart of the global cultural zeitgeist.”

South Korea’s cultural exports, including music, video games and films, hit a record high of $12.4bn in 2021, according to government figures.

Feb 25,2024: Kumar Shahani, the pole star of the parallel cinema movement in India, passed away in Kolkata on Sunday at 83 due to age-related illness. He was always a critic’s choice. He captured the truth in every frame and his distinct portrayal of the changing human condition in Maya Darpan (1972), Tarang (1984) and Kasba (1990) has withstood the test of time.

Having resisted the temptations of popular taste, he would build half the bridge, offer his hand, and then expect his audience to embrace his unique point of view. For him, it was not just the individuality of a person that had to be respected and reflected but also that of the objects that surrounded him and the events that he was part of. He would often say self-realisation didn’t come from taking a selfie.

Born in Larkana in the Sindh region of undivided India, Shahani’s family shifted to Mumbai after Partition via Karachi. He found his voice at the Poona Film Institute under the guidance of the maverick Ritwik Ghatak and Marxist historian D.D. Kosambi, who helped shape his worldview. A strong critic of the manipulative power of capitalism, his works echoed the concerns and compromises of the working class, without being didactic.
Shahani went to Paris on a French government scholarship and assisted Robert Bresson on Une Femme Douce (1969). He experienced the student unrest of May 1968 against capitalism, consumerism, and American imperialism. Strictly against the commodification of emotions, he was inspired by the minimalism of European masters but did not shun decorative metaphors that defined the Indian tradition altogether. Having studied the epic tradition in Hindu and Buddhist mythology and iconography as part of the Homi Bhaba scholarship, the amalgam of European formalism and Indian mythology and music resulted in a unique visual signature where no ism screamed for attention. Against putting cinema into brackets of parallel and commercial, Shahani often praised the contribution of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar but maintained that popular cinema should make an effort to look beyond the image.

The connoisseurs of cinema loved to engage with his contemplative imagery, brought to life by his friend and trusted cinematographer K.K. Mahajan, that was not bound by geographical boundaries. When he emerged on the scene with Maya Darpan, his distinct voice was recognised as a breakthrough in cinematic language in the European and American circuits. Though the film that dealt with a woman’s desire caught in a feudal society won him the National Film Award, he found resistance on his home turf and it took him 12 years to mount his next film, Tarang, where he astutely examined the class struggle in a capitalist society functioning under the garb of democratic socialism.
In love with literary sources, for Maya Darpan, Shahani drew from Nirmal Verma’s short story but gave it his interpretation, which the author took time to come to terms with. In Tarang, Janaki’s character recalls the mythical Urvashi analysed by Kosambi in Myth And Reality. In Kasba, he reimagined Chekov’s In the Ravine in the Indian milieu to tell the tale of a local businessman who indulges in malpractices, and Char Adhyay was based on Rabindranath Tagore’s novel. However, the availability of funds proved to be a lifelong hurdle, as many of his ambitious ideas, including an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, could not fructify.

Another remarkable feature of his work is the seamless integration of Indian classical music, dance, and visual arts in his storytelling. In Khayal Gatha, he traces the history of the Khayal genre of Indian classical music. His seminal documentary Bhavanatarana, on the legendary Odissi exponent Kelucharan Mohapatra, continues to inspire, and so does The Bamboo Flute, his tribute to the Indian flute.

Shahani introduced talents like Rajat Kapoor and Mita Vashisht, and worked with mainstream actors Amol Palekar, Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, and Shatrughan Sinha without pandering to their star image.

When cinema is reduced to just a utilitarian device, Shahani will be missed but then his ideas will live on through his students, including Rajat Kapoor, Fareeda Mehta, Paresh Kamdar, and Gurvinder Singh.(courtesy: The Hindu)

Srinagar, June 21,2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the world is looking at yoga as a powerful agent of global good.

Modi was addressing an event while leading celebrations of International Day of Yoga at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake.

The Yoga celebration was disrupted due to rain and the event was shifted indoors at SKICC. The event was originally slated to be held in the lawns of SKICC.

“The theme of this year’s International Yoga day is ‘Yoga for Self and Society’. The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without baggage of the past,” Modi said while addressing the participant.

“Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world.”

The Prime Minister said the expansion of yoga has created employment and said the tourists across the globe were visiting India to learn authentic Yoga.

“People from all over the world are coming to India in pursuit of learning authentic yoga. And as a result of this, sectors related to hospitality, tourism, apparel, etc. are booming from the huge inflow of people. This is creating new avenues for employment opportunities for youth,” Modi said.

Modi said he proposed the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014 and the proposal was supported by 177 nations, which was a record in itself.

“Yoga is now being celebrated all over the world,” he said.

He said the attraction towards Yoga in entire Jammu and Kashmir has given a new impetus to the tourism sector.

Modi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday for his first visit to the union territory after being sworn in as Prime Minister for the third time.

New Delhi, Jan 2,2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that India is the only country in the world which is a geo-cultural nation and whose boundaries are not formed by “war or agreement” but defined by culture.

Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Through the Ages, A Visual Narrative of Continuities & Linkages’ here, he said, “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Gandhar to Odisha and Bengal to Gujarat, wherever we go, we are a country connected by culture”.

The Home Minister said that those who define a country as a “geopolitical” won’t be able to define India which is connected by culture.

He said, “There was a period of 150 years when the meaning of history was from Delhi Dariba to Balli Maran and from Lutyens to Delhi’s Gymkhana. History was confined to these places only. History cannot be written by sitting here. History can only be understood by meeting the people, understanding their languages, their lives and their cultures”.

“The time has come to free ourselves from the history which was written to please the rulers. I urge the eminent historian of the country through this programme to write our thousands of years old history with fact, confidence and present it infront of the world with proof and pride,” Shah said.

The Minister said, “To understand India, we have to understand the fact that connects our country. Same thing happened with the history of Kashmir and Ladakh. Who ruled here and who lived here, what agreements were signed and analyising this in my view is pointless. Only those historians can do who see history in a different way.”

He said that Kashmir had always been an inseparable part of India, and will always remain inseparable. It cannot separated by any law, adding that attempts were made but at the end those sections were removed and all barriers were removed.