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Avatans Kumar

Avatans Kumar

Columnist

avatanskumar@gmail.com

A graduate of JNU and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Avatans writes on the Indic knowledge tradition, culture, history and current affairs.

By Avatans Kumar

Why is it always Delhi? PM Modi should end Lal Qila’s monopoly as the Independence Day speech site

Delhi's Lal Qila doesn't evoke good memories, nor does it possess civilisational significance for Indians, compared to Kashi or Hampi. Why should our I-Day speech not be delivered from here?

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Indian-Pakistani bhai-bhai? No. There are deep cracks in the South Asian diaspora abroad too

Ties between Indian and Pakistani diaspora abroad stood the test of time. But following Pakistan's support to terrorism, hurting both India and the West, this relationship is showing deep cracks.

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'Dishonouring the Dead': Who can beat the Congress in this dept?

From Sardar Patel to PV Narasimha Rao, the list of illustrious leaders reportedly scorned by the Congress, even in their final journeys, is a long one.

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Christchurch vs Pulwama: Why the world's reaction towards the two terrorist attacks must be questioned

Both Christchurch and Pulwama were terrorist attacks, one against Muslims, the other against Hindus. Yet, why are both received so differently by the world in terms of reportage, analysis and emotional outpouring?

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The Pulwama attack has ushered in a new India, conscious of dharma and unafraid

The attack that saw India lose 40 of its CRPF personnel was the final tipping point. India will no longer remain in a slumber-like policy of 'strategic restraint' when faced with brutal terror assaults.

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Terror calls for a hard martial response. And that should entail no guilt

A misguided interpretation of Hinduism has idolised non-violent retaliation or ahimsa. There is a far greater tradition of martial valour to protect the nation and fight for the just cause.

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How Tulsi Gabbard is prepping for the US presidential election in 2020

The first Hindu to run for the top job in the US is totally at ease with handshakes and namastes and floats around crowds, equally comfortable with hi, hello and Aloha!

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MISA, Emergency, forced sterilisations: Why is Priyanka Gandhi resembling Indira Gandhi a good thing?

For many, the memory of Indira Gandhi is associated with a chaotic, violent, horror-filled time. Not something that would make them want to vote for her granddaughter.

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Tulsi Gabbard first Hindu woman to run for US president: What this can mean for Hindus across the world

A vegetarian and a Hare Krishna follower, Gabbard had taken her Congressional oath on the Bhagwad Gita. She also presented the Gita to PM Modi in 2014. And she carried the Gita into the war in Iraq where she served her country, the USA.

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Why hate crimes are rising against Hindus in the US

India's 'cow vigilantism' is much highlighted in US media. The other side of this story has been completely ignored in this process.

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Sardar Patel got a raw deal from the Congress, his Statue of Unity will set things right

Be it real political power or receiving the Bharat Ratna, Sardar Patel always came second for the Congress. The resentment over his statue shows this again.

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Lots in a name: The real significance of renaming Allahabad to Prayagraj

The name 'Prayag' evokes a centuries-old Hindu civilisation with all its rites, rituals and sacred geographies. 'Allahabad' didn't erase those memories, but the original name makes sense

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Why Kavanaugh Vs Ford has deepened the American chasm

Whether Judge Kavanaugh makes it to the highest court of the land remains to be seen. But the questions raised in this process will haunt America.

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A case for Bharatiya Bhasha Diwas, a celebration of the Hindi language

Despite Hindi’s Constitutional status in India, there is plenty of loathing towards Hindi and its speaker.

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Elitist, arrogant and exclusionary: A former JNU student laments what the esteemed university has turned into

One of India's premiere liberal institutions of learning, JNU now runs the risk of closing its mind rather than widening it.

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The success of World Hindu Congress shows Hindu unity is a reality. Anti-Hindu forces can go eat crow

The alternative narrative that emerged is based on dharma and is as modern as it is scientific, progressive and liberal, but firmly rooted in Indian culture.

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Why the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, to be the largest gathering of Hindu leaders to date, is important

The Conference seeks to understand the challenges facing Hindus globally and collaborate on possible solutions to those challenges.

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India's Trump Card: Why inviting the US President to Republic Day is a good idea

This is simply a move to smooth India-US relations. And no, it has nothing to do with India's 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

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Why liberals are so quick to mock ancient India's 'test tube babies' or 'plastic surgery'

Indians created great science well before the West. Mocking inventions by sages, philosophers and physicians only shows the ignorance of liberals.

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