Just as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sarojini Naidu, Ashfaqulla Khan and countless other freedom fighters left an indelible mark through their courage and sacrifice, historic newspapers such as Amrita Bazar Patrika, Madras Mail, Tahzeeb-ul-Akhlaq, The Statesman, The Hindu, Swadesamitran and The Indian Express played a vital role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
During the freedom struggle, these newspapers promoted patriotism, political awareness and the aspiration for independence, while shaping public opinion against British colonial rule. Published in English and various regional languages, they helped awaken the people and preserve the history of the freedom movement. Despite strict press laws, censorship and confiscation, several newspapers continued their courageous service.
India’s freedom struggle was a great national movement that united people across regions, languages, communities and religions in the pursuit of freedom, dignity, equality and peace. The integration of more than 560 princely states was also an important step in building independent India.
To preserve the struggles, sacrifices and life histories of our freedom fighters for future generations, the Union Government should establish a dedicated national historical documentation centre, with the cooperation of leading newspapers possessing valuable records of the freedom movement.
- Z. Rafeeque Ahmed
Ambur, Tamil Nadu
India’s Pro-Israel Policy
Amnesty International’s latest report says that India exports weapons to Israel despite the risk that they can be used in the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Government of India has forged “Close & Profitable Partnership” with the Israeli defence sector and has become a significant contributor to the supply chain that supports Israel’s military operations.
It showed how Indian weapons, ammunition and components had been shipped to large Israeli firms that supply the Israeli military. Components that are directly owned by India are also identified in the report. India is manufacturing and supplying weapons transferred to Israel through its ownership and control over key supplier companies. Not only has India failed to regulate arms’ exports to Israel by private companies in line with international law and standards, it has also deepened its defence partnership with Israel. The Indian authorities cannot credibly argue that they did not know that continuing to authorise and facilitate arms transfer to Israel carries a substantial risk of contributing to serious violation of international law.
Amnesty International said that its investigators had analysed nearly 2600 shipments of weapons, ammunition and components from India to Israel since October7, 2023.
Reading the Amnesty’s report, we can ask, “Is this India of Mr. M.K. Gandhi?” Mr. Gandhi must be weeping in his grave for the gross violations of his principles of non-violence in broad daylight. The present regime’s actions do not match with his principles. There is a vast difference between the practice and preaching of this regime.
At least, we should express our thanks to the Amnesty for exposing the inhuman acts of the Indian regime. Our sympathies, love, and emotions are with the hapless people of Gaza.
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Saving Citizens from Addiction and Earning from Licencing Alcohol
The PM is on special drive to save the citizens from different types of addiction. In our county drug abuse and alcohol intoxication scenario is very terrible: 2.3 crore opioid addicted, 16 crore alcoholic,3.1 bhang addicted,1.18 takes drug pills and8.5 lakh takes injectable drugs. India is situated between golden crescent and golden triangle corridor which is major epicentre for such substance trafficking.Addiction is a heinous disease which starts from some tobacco and ends upon cannabis or injectable opioid. Furthermore, many socio-economic pressures such as economic crisis, declined family relation,unemployment,anxiety,depression continue to exacerbate the addiction demands.ThePM’s move is really a positive stepto save citizens.
But on the contrary state governments continue to earn massive revenue by licencing alcohol through excise duty, vat tax, import duty, etc. Last year the Government earned 2.25 lakh crore to 2.5 lakh crore rupees from alcoholic beverages. So how can we save our citizens from addiction when we allow them to consume alcohol? I urge the governmentto eradicate this contradiction.
Dr. Meem Alam
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh