Historian Ramachandra Guha called Shashi Tharoor’s article for ThePrint ‘deeply disappointing’, but MP’s position was backed by ex-foreign secy Nirupama Rao.
The Congress MP was responding to a question about his recent remark that no good Hindu would want a temple at the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site.
India cannot be blasé about change in any important capital in the world. Let's look at five key areas where US policy matters for India and how it may vary between Harris and Trump.
In Episode 1544 of CutTheClutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at some top economists pointing to the pitfalls of ‘currency nationalism’ with data from 1991 to 2004.
Troops patrolled up to Patrolling Point (PP) 10 on Monday. Though there are PP 10, 11, 12, 12A & 13 in Depsang Plains, it was decided that only one or two PPs would be patrolled.
While we talk much about our military, we don’t put our national wallet where our mouth is. Nobody is saying we should double our defence spending, but current declining trend must be reversed.
Modern India very badly needs Brahmins, not chaiwala type. Knowledge, elitism will get you to Isreal level. Chawalas will get you to Andaman Nicobar. It has nothing to with caste. If it hurts, perhaps a similar world which implies the same can be used.
The domination of the Brahmins rested on their knowledge of the scriptures, later on their education and excelling in the professions. They have generally not been dominant landowners. In business, it is the new economy – firms like Infosys – where they have made their mark, else this domain has belonged to the mercantile classes. In politics, in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, they faced a backlash early on. In important states like UP and Bihar, the Mandal revolution has marginalised them. Barring the RSS, being a Brahmin does not open many doors in public life. Being a Thakur / Rajput is a better deal in today’s BJP than a janeudhari. With the scope of reservations threatening to breach the 50% ceiling, avenues open to Brahmins have only narrowed. It is this push factor that has sent so many intelligent Indians to the United States. 2. I hold no brief for the Brahmins, don’t believe in the caste system, but if India is to progress, the pendulum between merit and identity needs to move back to a more neutral stance.
An excellent analysis, Mr Gupta. There is just ONE word for the manner of this behaviour by Congressmen ( including Rahul, its worst practitioner): “SNOBBERY”. But this silliness from them has helped, and will help, Modi and the BJP in the 2019 elections too. So, ALL strength to them. PS: You have omitted the impish Divya Spandana, who continues to be a big asset to the BJP.
Modern India very badly needs Brahmins, not chaiwala type. Knowledge, elitism will get you to Isreal level. Chawalas will get you to Andaman Nicobar. It has nothing to with caste. If it hurts, perhaps a similar world which implies the same can be used.
The domination of the Brahmins rested on their knowledge of the scriptures, later on their education and excelling in the professions. They have generally not been dominant landowners. In business, it is the new economy – firms like Infosys – where they have made their mark, else this domain has belonged to the mercantile classes. In politics, in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, they faced a backlash early on. In important states like UP and Bihar, the Mandal revolution has marginalised them. Barring the RSS, being a Brahmin does not open many doors in public life. Being a Thakur / Rajput is a better deal in today’s BJP than a janeudhari. With the scope of reservations threatening to breach the 50% ceiling, avenues open to Brahmins have only narrowed. It is this push factor that has sent so many intelligent Indians to the United States. 2. I hold no brief for the Brahmins, don’t believe in the caste system, but if India is to progress, the pendulum between merit and identity needs to move back to a more neutral stance.
An excellent analysis, Mr Gupta. There is just ONE word for the manner of this behaviour by Congressmen ( including Rahul, its worst practitioner): “SNOBBERY”. But this silliness from them has helped, and will help, Modi and the BJP in the 2019 elections too. So, ALL strength to them. PS: You have omitted the impish Divya Spandana, who continues to be a big asset to the BJP.