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India Today
16-07-2025
- General
- India Today
Rethinking Indian sculptural heritage in the modern world
India has always built for the long haul. Temples, forts, paintings, works that travel across centuries, outliving the creators, refusing to be forgotten. Something new has been rising across the subcontinent. Not just temples or memorials, but statues, and not modest ones. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat to Bhimrao Ambedkar in Maharashtra, India's recent sculpture boom seems less about sculpture, and more about memory at statues are no ordinary. Rising hundreds of feet into the air, the arts have become the symbol of inspiration. The Statue of Unity towers at 597 feet, making it the world's tallest. The Statue of Belief, a massive form of Shiva, sits at 351 feet in Rajasthan. And the Statue of Equality, honouring Ramanuja, stands 216 feet high near of bronze, steel, and alloy cores, they are designed for permanence, but also for beyond the measurements, what do these statues actually say?WHEN STONE WAS A MEDIUMIndia's sculptural history is long, rich, and precise. From the earliest Indus Valley terracotta figurines to the Yaksha and Yakshi statues of Mauryan times, the human form was never just a form, it remained a way to convey the message to the next the time the builders of Ellora and Elephanta chiselled gods out of caves, the idea had already taken root, sculpture wasn't just art, it was a way to shape belief. It taught, warned, inspired, and Chola bronzes, especially the iconic Nataraja, were not only religious icons but also expressions of movement, balance, and cosmic rhythm, ideas frozen into gigantic Gommateshwara Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola, carved in the 10th century CE, remains a marvel, standing over 57 feet tall, with no structural support, weathering monsoons and centuries Ashoka's stone pillars, scattered across the Gangetic plain, were early uses of sculpture as political broadcast, messages of morality, carved into public tools have changed. Where once hands held chisels, today artists rely on 3D scans, CNC machines, and imported bronze casting is now aided by computer modelling. This isn't a rejection of the old, but a BUILDS, WHO BENEFITS?The questions are not only artistic. They are civic. These statues cost hundreds or thousands of crores. They reshape local economies, land use, and political maps."You don't build a statue five hundred feet tall unless you're trying to shape more than stone, you're trying to shape the story." said Naresh Kumar Kumawat, an Indian builds them? Often, global firms and engineers. Who gains? Politicians claim symbolic victories. Tourists take selfies. Locals get a spike in footfall, for a often missing is the public Statue of Unity drew protests from displaced tribal communities. Others sparked debates about the cost of memory in a country still struggling with healthcare and education PROBLEM WITH SPECTACLEIn earlier times, sculptures were placed inside temples or on town crossroads. People gathered around them. Worshipped. Asked questions. Paid attention."Every monument speaks twice, once through its figure, and again through the silence around why it was built." added attention has a shorter span.A statue is unveiled, drones film it, headlines run, and then, silence. The sheer scale overwhelms the need to the risk with monumental art: it looks impressive, but what does it really mean?Will the next generation stop and feel something in front of these giants?Or just walk past them on the way to something else?India has always carved its values into stone. The question is, what values are we choosing to carve now, and are we ready to live with them?- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Kareena Kapoor was unavailable while shooting the war in 'Asoka', people producing the film asked me why do I want to make the film where...,' says Santosh Sivan as he opens up on the Shah Rukh Khan starrer
Shah Rukh Khan 's 'Asoka' was not a box office success, however over the years, the film is remembered for its iconic music and unique content. It was cinematographer Santosh Sivan 's directorial debut. While the film got its share of flak, in a recent interview, Sivan has opened up on the troubles during the making of the film. He also added that people producing it, told him why is he making such a film where nobody is winning the war. He said on a Youtube channel, 'When I was gearing up to make Asoka, I was asked by the people producing it, 'Why do you want to make a film where no one wins the war? If I am watching a war film between the Germans and the English, I would want the English to win. Someone has to be winning.' You can't make a film where no one wins, it's a draw, or there's no outcome.' He went on to say that many discouraged him from making the film, citing its lack of conventional commercial appeal. But Sivan saw something deeper in the narrative. 'I thought that the story was very interesting. I also wanted to take Asoka and split him into someone who's very romantic, especially when there's a monsoon and it's misty,' he said, painting a picture of the Emperor as both a warrior and a man of emotion. 'Kareena was not available when we were shooting the war. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo So, I had to shoot most of it in Film City. All those things happened. You have to adjust and, of course, try to work it out,' Sivan shared. In the film, Shah Rukh Khan took on the titular role of Asoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty—portrayed as a fierce warrior transformed by the horrors of war into a proponent of peace and Buddhism. Kareena Kapoor played Karuvaki, the enigmatic second queen consort of the emperor. The cast also featured a strong ensemble including Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Gerson Da Cunha, Subhashini Ali, and Umesh Mehra. Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar made a brief but notable appearance. While the film may not have reached the monumental status some expected, its artistry—guided by Sivan's own lens—left an indelible mark. With editing by A. Sreekar Prasad, music by Anu Malik, and a haunting background score from Sandeep Chowta, Asoka remains a visual and emotional artifact from early 2000s Bollywood—bold, imperfect, and unforgettable.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
How Haryana leads the way in implementing new criminal laws
Written by Dr Sumita Misra India has a long and proud tradition of justice delivery, with roots stretching back to ancient epics and empires. From the legal frameworks outlined in the Mahabharata to the administrative systems of the Mauryan period, the Indian ethos has long been built around fairness, order, and the protection of rights. Today, as India undertakes one of its most significant legal overhauls since independence, Haryana—land of the Mahabharata—has once again taken the lead in shaping the next chapter of Indian jurisprudence. With the nationwide enforcement of three transformative criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—from July 1, 2024, Haryana has emerged as the national frontrunner in comprehensive, on-ground implementation. These laws replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, ushering in a justice system that is not only modern and egalitarian but also steeped in Bharatiya values. Under the decisive leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana began early and acted decisively. A full-fledged transition plan was developed across all districts, combining administrative foresight with technological readiness. The state's proactive approach included: – Massive training programmes for police, prosecutors, and judicial officers – Workshops at the district level in partnership with academic institutions – Deployment of eSign tools, Aadhaar-authenticated workflows, and real-time crime documentation systems This robust preparedness ensured that Haryana was not just compliant with the new laws but ready to operationalize them in spirit and substance. The new criminal laws are designed to enable speedy, scientific, and tech-enabled justice delivery. Haryana has translated these principles into action through multiple pioneering initiatives: – Mandatory day-to-day hearings under Section 346 of BNSS – Introduction of 'block dates' to minimize adjournments in serious cases – Auto-FIR registration in vehicle thefts and Aadhaar-verified witness statements – Widespread use of video conferencing, with over 78% of undertrial peshis (court appearances) now held virtually – Creation of 2,117 designated spaces across districts for witness examination via electronic means—including government offices, banks, and special rooms for women and vulnerable witnesses Such measures have not only improved efficiency but also enhanced access to justice—especially for victims, witnesses, and marginalized groups. Haryana has also led the way in forensic and medico-legal modernization: – MedLEaPR (Medical Legal Examination and Post Mortem Reporting) has been used statewide for over a decade and is now being emulated by other states. Integrated with CCTNS, it ensures electronic submission of medico-legal reports within seven days, enabling over 90% of cases to be resolved within a week. – The TraKea Forensic Case Management System, now fully operational, streamlines evidence handling and ensures accountability and transparency in forensics. At the heart of this new legal regime is a commitment to victim-centric justice. Haryana's Witness Protection Scheme, 2025, notified in February this year, offers a graded protection system based on real-time threat perception: – Categorization of witnesses into A, B, and C levels – Measures such as no face-to-face encounters with the accused, relocation, identity changes, and monitoring of communications This framework ensures that victims and witnesses are shielded from intimidation and can participate in the legal process without fear. Haryana has prioritized gender-sensitive justice through: – Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula – Specialized police training and outreach campaigns to support victims – Aggressive monitoring under the Chinhit Apradh initiative, under which 1,683 heinous crimes have been fast-tracked Conviction rates have climbed in response, with some districts like Faridabad, Dabwali, and Karnal recording over 95% conviction in Chinhit Apradh cases. As of April 30, 2025, 1,764 cases have been decided under the BNS, with a conviction rate of 77.15%. From July 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, 2,038 cases were completed, resulting in 1,540 convictions. Districts like Kurukshetra (75%), Sirsa (78.57%), and Rewari (85%) are also setting benchmarks. The BNS and BNSS have introduced crucial timelines, including time-bound framing of charges, addressing the long-standing issue of delayed trials. This is already showing visible results. A rape and murder trial of a minor girl concluded in 140 days in Yamunanagar, resulting in a death sentence—with the victim's father publicly thanking the justice system for swift redress New powers, new accountability Under Section 356 of the BNSS, courts can now conduct trials in absentia, allowing them to proceed against proclaimed offenders. Haryana has already identified 193 such cases, and four have been tried under the new provision. The Directorate of Prosecution, now statutorily empowered to monitor these cases under Section 20(7) of BNSS, ensures rigorous oversight. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and through Haryana's on-ground execution, India's legal system is undergoing a transformation that is transparent, time-bound, and tech-forward. With its deep commitment to victim rights, judicial efficiency, and digital innovation, Haryana is not only implementing the BNS-BNSS-BSA triad effectively but is also providing a blueprint for other states. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Haryana's journey stands as a testament to what visionary governance and resolute execution can achieve. In this new era of justice, the state's leadership ensures that laws are not just written on paper but come alive in courtrooms, police stations, and citizens' lives—delivering the Nyaya India has long awaited. (The author is Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation & Administration of Justice Departments, Government of Haryana)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shashi Tharoor Speaks about India's Values, Democracy and Civilization at Oxford Lectures organized by O.P. Jindal Global University
OP Jindal University Oxford [UK], July 9: At a series of distinguished lectures and discourses in the UK, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India spoke about the lessons from India's history and civilization and the Indian Constitution at 75, offering a powerful reflection on the evolution of India's constitutional democracy and its enduring significance in the protection of rights and freedoms while also speaking about the challenges as India looks to 2047 and 100 years of independence. The landmark event was organised by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India's leading private university and an Institution of Eminence. The lectures were held at University College and Somerville College, Oxford and the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. At University College, Oxford, Dr. Shashi Tharoor spoke on the theme, 'An Immemorial Civilization: Lessons from India, Lessons for India' and took the distinguished audience on a journey of more than 2500 years which outlines India's history of religious tolerance and non-violence and continues to inform our modern approach to social justice. Dr Tharoor said. 'There are lessons to be drawn from India's historical and mythical figures and also from modern reformers and leaders like Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. India's secularism and egalitarianism has been shaped by its ancient wisdom. No nation can be called democratic and progressive, unless it combats the injustices faced by the marginalized and subjugated. Indian civilization, at its most luminous moments, has done exactly that and our quest for modernist inequality has always been forged through a struggle against orthodoxy, casteism, superstition and fundamentalist exclusion.' He further expounded, 'The task before us is not just to remember India, but to reimagine it, to draw from the deep wells of our immemorial inheritance, the ethical resolve to confront contemporary inequities with courage, conviction and moral clarity, thus ensuring greater rights to the disenfranchised and those on the margins of our society.' In his address, Dr. Tharoor explained how since the time of Ashoka, the Mauryan king, the idea has been not just of tolerance but of acceptance. India and its memorial civilization has lessons for the world today: that one is free to strive and seek and arrive at one's own conception of the Almighty. And the greatest truth is to acknowledge the existence of other truths! As Vivekananda said that Hinduism is a religion that taught the world not just tolerance, but acceptance.' At the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) brought India's democratic imagination with another public lecture by Dr. Shashi Tharoor who spoke on the theme: India at 2047: The Future of the World's Largest Democracy, offering deep insights into the state of Indian democracy, its achievements, and the urgent need to safeguard its institutions, values, and constitutional foundations. 'India's democratic journey has been both remarkable and resilient, but it faces serious tests in the years ahead. Institutions matter, but the spirit behind those institutions matters even more,' said Dr. Shashi Tharoor. 'I commend O.P. Jindal Global University for fostering important conversations on democracy and development at the global level.' Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, India also joined the distinguished gathering and said, 'Jindal universities stand for global citizens and socially conscious leaders. For our dreams for 2047, it is important to follow five special ideas: - Education: Especially primary education as the foundation needs to be strong. It's a drop in the ocean to have started two universities, O. P. Jindal Global University and O.P. Jindal University in Chhattisgarh, which is an engineering university. - Economy: India's economy needs to be strong, that creates jobs and wealth for the nation. There needs to be a lot of action, risks, investment and activities. - Entrepreneurship: The private sector in India is driven by very enterprising people. We need to nurture them and respect the wealth creators more. - Energy: Our future needs to be powered by more and more clean energy, renewable and sustainable energy. And empowerment here would mean affordable energy for the rich and the poor. - Equality: This is the soul of a true democracy which lies in equality of opportunity which we must be able to give our 1.4 billion citizens. Earlier, at Somerville College, Dr. Tharoor eloquently traced the historical journey of the Indian Constitution on the theme 'Indian Constitution at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms & Empowering Citizens,', emphasizing its foundational ideals and their relevance in addressing the aspirations of a diverse and complex nation. 'Our Constitution represents not only a legal framework but a social contract that has bound our diverse nation together. As we mark 75 years of its adoption, we must recommit ourselves to defending the rights and freedoms it enshrines for every citizen,' he said. Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, introduced Dr Shashi Tharoor at the events and lectures and spoke about the importance of global dialogue around constitutional values, democratic governance, and sustainability. 'This occasion at Oxford reaffirms our belief that universities must be active participants in shaping democratic societies. The Indian Constitution is a living testament to the strength of democratic ideals, and Dr. Tharoor's insights remind us of the need to protect, expand and renew those values across generations and borders,' said Professor Kumar. He outlined how Dr Tharoor is a leading public intellectual, writer, author and a beacon of the democratic process in India, having won four times from his constituency! 'This event is a celebration of intellectual engagement and institutional purpose,' said Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar. 'Dr. Tharoor's powerful lecture inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and global cooperation. As a global university, we are proud to bring together thought leaders and changemakers who shape the future of our world.' The discussion was enriched by a response from Professor (Dr.) Shailendra Raj Mehta, the O.P. Jindal Distinguished University Professor, who provided academic commentary and broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of constitutional governance. JGU's Sustainable Development Report 2025 was also presented by Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean, Office of Academic Governance at JGU at the lecture. The report outlines the university's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its teaching, research, and institutional practices. The event began with welcome remarks by Professor (Dr.) Radhika Khosla, Research Director at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Wire
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Shashi Tharoor Delivers Lectures on India's Values, Democracy & Civilization at Oxford and London organized by O.P. Jindal Global University
Oxford & London, UK, 9 July 2025: In a series of distinguished lectures and discourses held in the United Kingdom, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India, spoke about the enduring lessons from India's civilizational heritage and the evolution of the Indian Constitution at 75. His lectures offered a powerful reflection on the trajectory of India's constitutional democracy—its successes in protecting rights and freedoms, and the challenges that lie ahead as India approaches 100 years of independence in 2047. The landmark events were organized by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India's leading private university and an Institution of Eminence. The lectures were held at University College, Oxford and Somerville College, Oxford, and at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London. At University College, Oxford, Dr. Tharoor delivered a compelling lecture on the theme: 'An Immemorial Civilization: Lessons from India, Lessons for India.' He took the distinguished audience on a journey through more than 2,500 years of Indian history, emphasizing the nation's legacy of religious tolerance, non-violence, and social justice. There are lessons to be drawn from India's historical and mythical figures and also from modern reformers and leaders like Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. India's secularism and egalitarianism have been shaped by its ancient wisdom. No nation can be called democratic and progressive unless it combats the injustices faced by the marginalized and subjugated. Indian civilization, at its most luminous moments, has done exactly that, and our quest for modernist equality has always been forged through a struggle against orthodoxy, casteism, superstition and fundamentalist exclusion,' Dr. Tharoor said. He continued, 'The task before us is not just to remember India, but to reimagine it—to draw from the deep wells of our immemorial inheritance the ethical resolve to confront contemporary inequities with courage, conviction and moral clarity, thus ensuring greater rights to the disenfranchised and those on the margins of our society.' In his address, Dr. Tharoor explained how, since the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor, the Indian ethos has promoted not merely tolerance but acceptance. 'India and its memorial civilization has lessons for the world today: that one is free to strive and seek and arrive at one's own conception of the Almighty. And the greatest truth is to acknowledge the existence of other truths! As Vivekananda said, Hinduism is a religion that taught the world not just tolerance, but acceptance.' At Somerville College, Oxford, Dr. Tharoor eloquently traced the journey of the Indian Constitution in a lecture titled 'Indian Constitution at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms & Empowering Citizens.' He emphasized the enduring importance of the Constitution's foundational ideals in guiding India through complex and diverse aspirations. 'Our Constitution represents not only a legal framework but a social contract that has bound our diverse nation together. As we mark 75 years of its adoption, we must recommit ourselves to defending the rights and freedoms it enshrines for every citizen,' Dr. Tharoor remarked. Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, introduced Dr. Tharoor at the events and spoke on the significance of global dialogue on constitutional values, democratic governance, and sustainability. 'This occasion at Oxford reaffirms our belief that universities must be active participants in shaping democratic societies. The Indian Constitution is a living testament to the strength of democratic ideals, and Dr. Tharoor's insights remind us of the need to protect, expand and renew those values across generations and borders,' said Professor Kumar. He added, 'Dr. Tharoor is a leading public intellectual, writer, author and a beacon of the democratic process in India, having won four times from his constituency! This event is a celebration of intellectual engagement and institutional purpose. Dr. Tharoor's powerful lecture inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and global cooperation. As a global university, we are proud to bring together thought leaders and changemakers who shape the future of our world.' The discussions were further enriched by a response from Professor (Dr.) Shailendra Raj Mehta, O.P. Jindal Distinguished University Professor, who provided academic commentary and broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of constitutional governance. JGU's Sustainable Development Report 2025 was also presented during the event by Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of the Office of Academic Governance at JGU. The report highlights the university's steadfast commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its teaching, research, and institutional practices. The event began with welcome remarks by Professor (Dr.) Radhika Khosla, Research Director at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. At the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London, O.P. Jindal Global University hosted another public lecture by Dr. Tharoor on the theme: 'India at 2047: The Future of the World's Largest Democracy.' Offering deep insights into the current state of Indian democracy, its institutional achievements, and the need for vigilance in safeguarding its constitutional values, Dr. Tharoor said: 'India's democratic journey has been both remarkable and resilient, but it faces serious tests in the years ahead. Institutions matter, but the spirit behind those institutions matters even more.' He added, 'I commend O.P. Jindal Global University for fostering important conversations on democracy and development at the global level.' Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), India, also addressed the distinguished gathering. He emphasized the need for a forward-looking vision for India in 2047, grounded in five core values: • Education: 'Especially primary education, as the foundation needs to be strong. It's a drop in the ocean to have started two universities—O.P. Jindal Global University and O.P. Jindal University in Chhattisgarh, which is an engineering university.' • Economy: 'India's economy needs to be strong, one that creates jobs and wealth for the nation. There needs to be a lot of action, risk-taking, investment and enterprise.' • Entrepreneurship: 'The private sector in India is driven by very enterprising people. We need to nurture them and respect the wealth creators more.' • Energy: 'Our future must be powered increasingly by clean, renewable, and sustainable energy. Empowerment means access to affordable energy for both the rich and the poor.' • Equality: 'This is the soul of a true democracy, which lies in equality of opportunity—something we must ensure for all 1.4 billion of our citizens.' (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
