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In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14, while International Children’s Day, established by the United Nations, is observed globally on November 20. India initially marked Children’s Day on November 20, but this changed after the passing of Pandit <keyword id="6360386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-nehru" source="Orion">Jawaharlal Nehru</keyword>, the country’s first Prime Minister and a prominent leader in the freedom movement. An anti-colonial nationalist, social democrat, and author, Nehru was instrumental in India’s independence struggle and a champion of parliamentary democracy, secularism, and advancements in science and technology. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years, guiding India’s post-independence growth and development. During his leadership, India maintained a neutral stance amid Cold War tensions and made significant strides in education and other key areas, shaping the nation’s future trajectory. Nehru had a deep affection for children and placed immense trust in their potential. He saw them as invaluable treasures and the nation’s future, capable of transforming the country’s future. Because of this belief, he emphasised the importance of their education, upbringing, and development, seeing their growth as vital to the nation’s progress. Children lovingly called him "Chachaji," a name by which he is still fondly remembered as "Chacha Nehru" by both children and adults today. Children’s Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising children’s well-being, ensuring that every child—regardless of economic, social, or political background—enjoys a safe and fulfilling childhood. This includes access to basic necessities like shelter, education, healthcare, and sanitation. Beyond these essentials, safeguarding children’s human rights is crucial. It’s our collective responsibility to protect them from harmful practices such as abuse, trafficking, and child labour. Given that millions of children in India are orphans, it is essential to protect and nurture their present to secure a bright future for them and for the nation. To celebrate this day with your loved ones, here are heartfelt wishes and messages that will bring joy and positivity this Children’s Day. <h2>Children’s Day Wishes</h2><ul><li><keyword id="1451428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Happy-Childrens-Day" source="Orion">Happy Children’s Day</keyword>! May you sparkle and shine with happiness always! </li><li>To the joy-bringers, the dreamers, and the pure-hearted—Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your childhood be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Every child is a miracle. You are our little star. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May you grow up to achieve all that you dream and more! Happy Children’s Day. </li><li>Wishing you the happiest, brightest Children’s Day ever! </li><li>May your innocence and laughter light up the world. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to the magical, carefree years of childhood! Enjoy it to the fullest. </li><li>Happy Children’s Day! May you always have a reason to smile. </li><li>Childhood is precious. Live every moment and make beautiful memories. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing you oceans of joy and a sky full of dreams. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>You are the stars of tomorrow. Shine bright, little ones! Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your imagination lead you to magical places. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Happy Children’s Day to the sweetest kids who make our world so much brighter! </li><li>To the wonder-makers, the adventurers, the joyful souls—Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your life be filled with dreams, love, and laughter. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to the laughter, the smiles, and the endless joy of childhood! </li><li>May every little child feel special, cherished, and loved. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing all the happiness and joy to the little hearts of the world! </li><li>May you always have a smile on your face and a song in your heart. </li><li>You bring joy to the world just by being you. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Every child is a treasure, and you are the most precious. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your days be filled with colour, joy, and wonderful memories. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>You are the hope of tomorrow, and you bring so much joy today. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing you laughter, play, and endless joy. Have a fantastic Children’s Day! </li><li>To the world’s sweetest souls, may you always find happiness. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to a day filled with dreams, games, and smiles. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Keep shining, keep laughing, and keep being amazing! Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May you live every day with the wonder and joy of childhood. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>To the most wonderful part of life—children! Have a beautiful Children’s Day! </li></ul><h2>Messages for <keyword id="23888689" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Childrens-Day-2024" source="Orion">Children’s Day 2024</keyword></h2>On this day, let’s honour Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy and nurture the future of India—our children. Happy Children’s Day! November 14 is a reminder to cherish childhood and encourage the potential within every child. Wishing all a joyful Children’s Day! Let’s promise to protect, care for, and empower every child, giving them a happy, healthy future. Happy Children’s Day! This Children’s Day, let’s remember that every child has the right to education, love, and a life of happiness. November 14, a day to celebrate the joy of childhood and the dream of a brighter future. Happy Children’s Day! Happy Children’s Day! Let’s make every child feel safe, loved, and cherished not just today but always. Today let’s dedicate ourselves to creating a world where every child feels valued and heard. Happy Children’s Day! Celebrating the laughter and dreams of children across India on this special day, November 14. On this Children’s Day, let’s embrace the spirit of innocence, joy, and hope that every child brings to the world. Children are our tomorrow; let’s make sure they grow up with love, respect, and opportunities. Happy Children’s Day! SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/10-kid-friendly-heritage-trips-for-childrens-day-2024/slidelist/115210134.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">10 kid-friendly heritage trips for Children’s Day 2024</a>

Happy Children’s Day 2024: Messages and heartfelt wishes for kids

Meet Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first female vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University

<ul><li>In the rankings, released in London recently, <keyword id="61708" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="iit-bombay" source="Orion">IIT Bombay</keyword> was evaluated as India's top higher education institution.</li><li><keyword id="6354859" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="iit" source="Orion">IIT</keyword> Bombay was also included in the world's top 100 institutes based on the employability of its graduates.</li><li>Globally, the University of California was declared the top university.</li></ul> IIT Bombay is the best educational institution in India, as per the '<keyword id="421975" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="qs-world-university-rankings" source="Orion">QS World University Rankings</keyword>: Sustainability 2023'. In the rankings, released in London recently, IIT Bombay was evaluated as India's top higher education institution for its excellence in employability, social concern, and environment. IIT Bombay was featured in the 281-300 rank range, followed by IIT Delhi (321-340 rank) and <keyword id="58265" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jawaharlal-nehru-university" source="Orion">Jawaharlal Nehru University</keyword> (JNU) at the third rank (361-380). Apart from this, IIT Bombay was also included in the world's top 100 institutes based on the employability of its graduates. IIT Delhi was ranked for its employability and environment while Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was ranked for gender equality and removing other inequalities. In terms of competition and academic freedom, <keyword id="6360099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="delhi-university" source="Orion">Delhi University</keyword> ranked fourth in India. Globally, the University of California was declared the top university, followed by the <keyword id="127994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-toronto" source="Orion">University of Toronto</keyword> and the <keyword id="156050" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-british-columbia" source="Orion">University of British Columbia</keyword> in second and third ranks respectively. The US dominates the rankings with 135 ranked universities (19.2 per cent of the total). Of these, 30 universities are included in the top 100. Similarly, the UK was ranked second with 67 British universities being included in the rankings. After the US and the UK, Australia and Germany are at the forefront of this ranking. The students and teachers of JNU are excited by the university's performance in the rankings. JNU Vice Chancellor Professor Santishree D. Pandit said that she congratulates the students and teachers of JNU "for fulfilling the dream of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>". In the rankings, IIT Kharagpur was featured in the 551-600 rank range. IIT Kharagpur has secured the highest in continuous and regular research efforts. IIT Kharagpur has taken many special initiatives to improve lifestyle and health which are being appreciated globally. IIT Roorkee was included in the 451-500 rank range of the list. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/it-took-a-3-hour-operation-to-remove-coconut-sized-tumour-from-a-72-year-olds-thyroid-gland/articleshow/95134552.cms">It took a 3-hour operation to remove 'coconut-sized' tumour from a 72-year-old's thyroid gland</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/musk-is-now-twitter-boss-fires-indian-origin-ceo-agrawal-other-top-execs/articleshow/95134427.cms">Musk is now Twitter boss, fires Indian-origin CEO Agrawal, other top execs</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/india-needs-to-invest-12-1-trillion-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-mckinsey/articleshow/95125243.cms">India needs to invest $12.1 trillion to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050: McKinsey</a>

QS Rankings: IIT Bombay best in employability, IIT Delhi ranks second

It’s difficult to think of a world without <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Googles-self-driving-cars-just-hit-another-roadblock/articleshow/51400628.cms">Google </a>today. The search engine has an answer to every question - from the nearest Dominos Pizza store to how to tame that frizzy hair! It has made inroads into our lives so smoothly and swiftly. 
 With so much of dependence on the search engine, the need for it will only increase with a rise in internet penetration in the developing countries; at least that’s what <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> would want to believe. 
 
<a href="http://http://www.businessinsider.in/9-tough-questions-Google-Apple-Facebook-ask-in-interviews/articleshow/51454056.cms">ALSO READ: 9 tough questions Google, Apple, Facebook ask in interviews</a> 
 
We cannot speak for other countries, but Google, shocking as it may sound to you, India may not need you in future at all. That’s because we prefer human brains that work as fast as you do and well, we have got that in plenty! 
 
Meet India’s first <keyword id="1897314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Google-boy">Google boy</keyword> Kautilya. He has an academy of his own, we’re not kidding! 
 
 At an age when most children are just graduating from alphabets to words, Haryana’s <keyword id="1917328" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Kautilya-Pandit">Kautilya Pandit</keyword> could name every galaxy, reel off Australia's GDP and talk about Indonesia's politics. Kurukshetra University found his IQ to be around 130 points against 92-110 of a normal kid. He even left <a href="http://www.sonyliv.com/watch/kaun-banega-crorepati-7-kautilya-pandit-on-the-hot">Amitabh Bachhan in awe of him when he appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati</a>. 
 
Who learns periodic table at the age of 4? Meet Jaitra Sharma, the second Google Boy from Haryana after Kautilya 
 
 
A student of LKG in Gwalior, Jaitra Sharma possesses a sound knowledge of planets and solar system, names of capitals of all the countries across the world on his fingertips. Jaitra has mastered Chemistry's periodic table that is usually taught to Class 11 students at a tender age of 4. 
 
Meghali Malabika Swain’s photographic memory made her the Google girl at 7! 
 
 
Meghali, who hails from Nayapalli in Bhubaneswar, can identify 146 countries on the Atlas. She also knows their their capitals, flags, currency, major rivers, deserts or mountains. She is up-to-date on current affairs. She can remember things listening to them just once and recall them instantly from the age of 2. 
 
Up next is Ojaswi, our cute little Google Gudiya from Sonipat! 
 
 
Ojaswi, remembers the names of all the states of India and their capital cities, CMs of all Indian states, longest road, key rivers etc. She even has the knowledge about electronic devices such as computer, laptops and tabs. Not only this, she has shown her talent in several other disciplines such as singing, dance and art. 
 
Ask him the names of our PMs, 5-year-old Anmol Swami won’t disappoint you, we bet! 
 
 Anmol Swami from Meerut earned the title of a ‘Google boy’ after he was able to list down the names of the capital of every country in one breath. Interestingly, he can tell you the names of all the Prime Ministers right from <keyword id="6360386" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-Nehru">Jawaharlal Nehru</keyword> to the current PM <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>.

Google, we may not need you in future, here’s why!

The swearing-in ceremony of the 15th Indian Prime Minister, <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, was followed by another event – the 50th death anniversary of the late Prime Minister Pandit <keyword id="6360386" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-Nehru">Jawaharlal Nehru</keyword>. Interestingly, everything I read about Jawaharlal Nehru this year was less about Nehru and more about Modi. It mainly revolved around a hypothetical comparative analysis between the two personalities and the dying legacy of the <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword>. 
 
Nehru, a visionary leader, thought of India as a modern and self-reliant nation. Although his perceptions and policies are now questioned and often ridiculed by many, in order to understand the man and his vision, it is important to understand the circumstances under which he took the responsibility of building a newly formed India. 
 
Nehru, who was a practising barrister, left his career to join India’s freedom struggle. He became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1929 and along with Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s fight for independence. Later on, he went on to become the longest-serving prime minister of India. 
 
He firmly believed that religion and politics should be dealt with separately. He was strictly against defining India on the basis of religion, especially when 560 princely states were to sign the Instrument of Accession in India’s favour. 
 
He promoted education and ensured equal rights for women. He brought the Hindu Code Bill to the table, which gave women the right to inherit property and the right to divorce. He worked for the industrialisation of India as it was essential to make the country self-reliant. It was during his tenure key institutions such as DRDO and ISRO were set up. 
 
His clarity on world affairs and history was commendable. This has been exemplified through his prolific works such as Glimpses of World History and Discovery of India. It had helped him shape the policies for India once he came to power. He gave importance to agriculture but did not leave industrialisation behind. Nehru invested in public institutions with limited private interference and gave priority to parliamentary procedures. 
 
Nehru was a Socialist and a secular personality, so amply reflected by his policies. However, he was never inclined towards joining any of the blocs during the Cold War. He clearly understood the dangers of forming alliances with either of the blocs. Therefore, the Principle of Non-alignment came into existence. India was among the first colonies to get Independence, which was followed by many other Asian and African states. Hence, India’s policy of Non-alignment evolved into a non-alignment movement, featuring a group of independent states who did not want to join any power bloc. 
 
Within a short span, he managed to put India on the global map by playing a strong role in ending the Korean War and by signing the Nehru-Liaquat Pact on the treatment of minorities in India and Pakistan. He stood against racialism and stood for independence of all colonies. 
 
However, one of the blunders of Nehru’s foreign policy was the way he miscalculated China’s intentions and military capabilities. Some thinkers still believe what Nehru did was the only choice he had. However, the reason for his untimely death was primarily the humiliating defeat in 1962 for which he is flayed even today. 
 
Finally, in his Tryst with Destiny (a speech made by Nehru to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The Parliament, on the eve of India’s Independence), Nehru posed a question that is still relevant today when the power dynamics in the sphere of international relations are changing rapidly. 
 
“The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?”

In
Retrospect: Is Nehru’s Vision Still Relevant For Modi’s India?

Long before computers and the Internet started dominating our life, these handheld compact devices with wafer-thin pages transported people from one world to another in a jiffy. They were highly portable and could accompany you anywhere (<keyword id="51958" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="YES">yes</keyword>, even to the washroom), and came with all kinds of pricing. Those who embraced them underwent a metamorphosis that changed them for the better. And the effect was for life. Yes, we are talking about books here. 
 
Below are the top 10 books that every Indian should read. The list is an eclectic mix of world literature, visionary writing with Indian perspective and a historical yet contemporary chronicle of this country that is waiting to grow in leaps and bounds. But a list is a list after all, and it does not indicate or dictate the order of preference. 
 
<ol>
	<li>
		Things Fall Apart by <keyword id="1105257" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chinua-Achebe">Chinua Achebe</keyword></li>
</ol> Chinua Achebe, who died earlier this year, was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. And this book is considered his magnum opus. The path-breaking novel showcases the struggle of the <keyword id="6500558" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indigenous">indigenous</keyword> communities against the intervention of external agents. It depicts the life of Okonkwo, a leader and local wrestling champion in Umuofia – one of a fictional group of nine villages in Nigeria, inhabited by the Ibo people during the late 19th century. A novel that truly portrays life at the grassroots. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="2">
		The Old Man and the Sea by <keyword id="823294" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Ernest">Ernest</keyword> Hemmingway</li>
</ol>
With the young outnumbering the old in a country that is bursting at the seams, this book makes for excellent reading. This small, palm-sized book is the story of an epic battle between an old, experienced fisherman and a large marlin. This is the story of Santiago, an old, unlucky man, and his young apprentice Manolin. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="3">
		The Autobiography of <keyword id="144869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Malcolm-X">Malcolm X</keyword> by <keyword id="880434" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Alex-Haley">Alex Haley</keyword></li>
</ol>
Racism is raising its ugly head in all countries, including the land of opportunities called America. In this context, the story of Malcolm X, who was assassinated when he was all of 39, tells the life’s events of an extraordinary African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="4">
		Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by <keyword id="15962" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Barack-Obama">Barack Obama</keyword></li>
</ol>
A story of Race and Inheritance by second term American President Barack Obama. Published in 1995 as he was preparing to launch his political career in a campaign for an Illinois office, this book effectively upholds the trials and tribulations of a young man who went on to dream big and realise the dreams of his forefathers. 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="5">
		The Immortals of Meluha by <keyword id="182794" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Amish-Tripathi">Amish Tripathi</keyword></li>
</ol>
After a brief lull on mythological stories with contemporary perspectives, this book is something fresh and new. This is the story of Shiva (considered the Destroyer), woven to suit the modern palette. Needless to say, the book helped many return to their reading after many years. And set the stage for more such attempts to be made by young corporate writers. None like this one! 
 
<ol>
	<li value="6">
		The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni</li>
</ol>
She is a well-known name among NRI readers since long. After Irawati Karve’s classic study of Draupadi (the female protagonists of Mahabharata) in her book Yuganta (end of an epoch), Palace is another milestone. It is about reimagining the world famous Indian epic, this time told from the point of view of the amazing woman – Draupadi. It is quite relevant from today’s perspective, with a heady mix of history and mythology and rooted in Indian tradition. You will find a totally new interpretation of Panchaali’s life, manipulated by the turns of fate. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="7">
		Malgudi Days by <keyword id="1727179" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="R-K-Narayan">R. K. Narayan</keyword></li>
</ol>
This collection of 19 short stories published in 1943 continues to be the favourite of many owing to its flavoursome language. Set in a tiny village in Southern India, this book is a capturing narrative of the innocence of people against the changing values of the society. When the book was published, <keyword id="187229" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="the-New-York-Times">The New York Times</keyword> said: Everyone in the book seems to have a capacity for responding to the quality of his particular hour. It’s an art we need to study and revive. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="8">
		The Discovery of India by Pandit <keyword id="6360386" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-Nehru">Jawaharlal Nehru</keyword></li>
</ol>
Political leaders today come from a different genre altogether and intellectual mastery is not a compulsory parameter of that ecosystem. But this book written by the first Prime Minister of independent India shows the country in a new light. Starting from the Indus Valley Civilisation, it goes on to trace the arrival of the Aryans and finally the rule of the British Empire. India of the past was filled with harmony and peace, but the evils of society slowly corrupted the people. It’s an analytical take, probing deep into the life, culture and philosophy of the country. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="9">
		Imagining India: The Idea of a Renewed Nation by <keyword id="44604" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Nandan-Nilekani">Nandan Nilekani</keyword></li>
</ol>
When the corporate guru-turned-bureaucrat, who is spearheading one of the most controversial projects of disbursing a Unique Identification (UID) number to every Indian citizen, shares his insight, you better sit down and listen. In his book, Nilekani elaborates on the ideas that shaped India’s past and present. And like a true visionary, he asks the key question about the future: How will India, as a global power, avoid the mistakes of earlier development models? Read it for a better understanding of the economic success story in the making. 
 
<ol>
	<li value="10">
		The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity by <keyword id="9663" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Amartya-Sen">Amartya Sen</keyword></li>
</ol> This one comes from the most elite of all as economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen reflects on the contemporary India. In this book, he speaks of an immensely diverse country that is standing at the crossroads. In a <keyword id="678332" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Subtle">subtle</keyword> manner, the book celebrates India’s cultural achievements, success of democracy, secular politics and attempts to remove cultural and gender inequalities while pursuing peaceful existence within its sub-continent.

10 Books Every Indian Should Read

<keyword id="1575" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="Orion">Congress</keyword> president <keyword id="19897159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mallikarjun-Kharge" source="keywords">Mallikarjun Kharge</keyword> on Monday wrote an open letter to the country's bureaucracy on the eve of counting of votes for the <keyword id="19923279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-elections" source="keywords">Lok Sabha elections</keyword>, urging officers to adhere to the Constitution and serve the nation "without fear, favour and ill-will against anybody". "Do not get intimidated by anyone. Do not bow down to any unconstitutional means. Do not be afraid of anyone and discharge your duties, based on merit, on this counting day," he wrote. "We owe it to future generations, a vibrant Democracy and a long-lasting Constitution, as penned by the makers of modern India," he said. The counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections will be held on Tuesday. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Infographic"><cdata><![CDATA[]]></cdata></div> "In this hope that India remains truly Democratic in nature, I extend good wishes to each one of you, and expect that our eternal ideals of the Constitution remain untarnished," the Congress chief said. In his appeal to all civil servants and officers, he said he is writing in his capacity of the Leader of the Opposition (Rajya Sabha) and as the president of the <keyword id="19964138" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-National-Congress" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian National Congress" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Indian National Congress">Indian National Congress</keyword>. He congratulated the Election Commission of India, the Central Armed Police Forces, state police forces, civil servants, district collectors, volunteers and all in the bureaucracy who were involved in the smooth conduct of the mammoth general elections. "Our inspiration and India's First Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel famously called the civil servants as the 'Steel frame of India'. The people of India are well aware that it is the Indian National Congress which established numerous institutions, laid their solid foundation, and devised mechanisms for their independence, on the basis of the Constitution of India. "Independence of the institutions is paramount, for every civil servant takes oath of the Constitution that they 'will faithfully and conscientiously discharge their duties and will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will'," he said. "In this spirit we expect every bureaucrat and officer - from top to bottom of the hierarchy, to discharge their duties in the spirit of the Constitution, without any coercion, threat, pressure or intimidation either from the ruling party/coalition or from the opposition party/coalition," the Congress chief said in his letter. He said that the Congress, through the Constitution prepared by inspirational founding members such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Sarojini Naidu and countless others, not only created a framework of strong governance, but also ensured affirmative action through representation of the marginalised in the bureaucracy and the civil society. "The last decade has witnessed a systemic pattern to assault, undermine and suppress our autonomous institutions by the ruling party. India's Democratic ethos are being consequently damaged. There is a widespread tendency to turn India into a regimental dictatorship. "We are increasingly seeing some institutions shedding their independence and brazenly following the diktats of the ruling party. Some have completely adopted their style of communication, their way of functioning, and in some cases even their political rhetoric," Kharge said. But it is not their fault, he said. "With brute power, threat, coercive mechanisms and misuse of agencies, this tendency to bow to the powers that have become a way for their short-term survival. Even though, in this denigration, India's Constitution and Democracy have become a casualty." The Congress chief also said that the "will of the people" is supreme, and people want Indian bureaucracy to again be the same 'Steel frame of India' as envisaged by Sardar Patel. "Indian National Congress now urges the entire bureaucracy, to adhere to the Constitution, enact their duties, and serve the nation, without fear, favour and ill-will against anybody," Kharge said. Counting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would be held on Tuesday, and both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc have claimed victory. Meanwhile, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a purported letter of the Congress in which it has asked all its cadres to reach the counting centres. However, there was no confirmation of the letter from the Congress. "<keyword id="1571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress-party" source="Orion">Congress party</keyword>'s instruction to its workers' reads like a manual to riot...There is absolutely no merit in asking people to assembly in state and district offices because counting happens in a designated secure zone for each Lok Sabha, unless the idea is to unleash mobs and disrupt the process," Malviya said in a post on X while sharing the unsigned letter of the Congress.

'Follow Constitution, serve nation without fear': Congress chief Kharge writes open letter to bureaucrats

New Delhi, One of India's most creative chefs who put nawabi <keyword id="19945772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lucknow" source="keywords">Lucknow</keyword>'s <keyword id="20612438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dum-pukht" source="keywords">Dum Pukht</keyword> cuisine on the world map, and also became the first practising member of his fraternity to ever get a Padma Shri in 2016, Imtiaz <keyword id="19974186" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="qureshi" source="keywords">Qureshi</keyword>, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. An unlettered cook who started working from the age of nine, Qureshi, who was known for his trademark handlebar moustache, Santa Claus-like personality and the chaste Urdu in which he would narrate his stories from the kitchen, was famous for inventing dishes whose ideas he would pick up from conversations with his patrons and fellow professionals. His influences and inspirations extended from the empress of ghazals, Begum Akhtar, for whom he invented a dessert named Lab-e-Mahshoukh, or pista kulfi drizzled with a sour cherry sauce, to <keyword id="20612440" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="roger-moncourt" source="keywords">Roger Moncourt</keyword>, the French chef who ruled the Continental kitchens of Delhi, from whom he picked up the secrets of the sauces that give French cuisine its distinctive personality. Qureshi started out training to be a pehelwan but ended up as an apprentice to his ustads, Haji Ishtiyaq and Ghulam Rasool, and started working with a Lucknow-based catering company that was serving the Indian Army during the Chinese War in 1962. It was then that Qureshi got to serve Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was being hosted by the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, C.B. Gupta. To make the occasion special, and out of respect for Gupta's vegetarian sensibilities, Qureshi, who's best known for mutton and fish dishes, invented the Turush-e-Paneer, escalopes of cottage cheese stuffed with dried plum and oranges, quilted in a tomato plum sauce. As the fame of his culinary prowess spread, he moved up the professional totem pole, being hired by Lucknow's then go-to hotel, Clarks Avadh, and then being head-hunted by Ajit Haksar, the founder of ITC Hotels, for the group's new address in New Delhi -- Maurya Sheraton. And from there, he travelled the world, winning accolades wherever he went. At the Maurya, Qureshi became instantly famous. Diwan Gautam Anand, who was banquet manager when the chef was in his element, remembers how the nation's high and mighty would shower gifts on Qureshi in recognition of his food, which was then a novelty in the Butter Chicken-soaked national capital. According to Anand, Qureshi was indeed a self-taught powerhouse of culinary talent, but what made him stand apart was his 'milansar' personality, which enabled him to soak in whatever knowledge anyone had to offer. Anand remembers how Qureshi once came back excited from a dinner he had curated for the Afghan ambassador because he had discovered the brinjal dish known as 'badin jaan'. Overnight, he recreated it for Dum Pukht, the restaurant at the Maurya Sheraton, that became synonymous with the master chef and a standard-bearer for Indian fine dining. Dum Pukht's Badin Jaan consists of wheels of smoked brinjal with a spiced tomato topping and a smooth, creamy spiced yoghurt sauce. It was at Dum Pukht that the jugalbandi of the doyen of food writers, the late Jiggs Kalra, and Qureshi created sensations such as the Kakori Kabab (the melt-in-the-mouth version of the chunky mutton seekh kabab), with Kalra inventing the story of the toothless nawab in its honour, the signature Dum Biryani, and umami-packed gravy dishes such as the Koh-i-Awadh, the 'paya' reinvented with lamb shanks, and Mahi Dum Pukht, red snapper fillet cooked in an almond and brown onion sauce. He had created this dish first for the wedding of a Mumbai socialite's daughter in 1972 and he gave it a Bengali twist a couple of decades later with his Mahi Qaliya, where rohu fish cooked in mustard oil is the base ingredient, for a Kolkata-based news baron. With the passing of Imtiaz Qureshi, India has lost a chef who not only gave Indian fine dining a new lease of life and a personality of its own, but also, despite being unlettered, became its finest and most colourful spokespersons around the world.

Imtiaz Qureshi , the chef who put nawabi Lucknow's Dum Pukht on the map, passes away

<keyword id="6354306" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="puducherry" source="Orion">Puducherry</keyword>, The Agriculture institute in Karaikal, Puducherry has developed a new <keyword id="13726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rice" source="Orion">rice</keyword> variety that can tolerate floods. The rice variety was developed with the support of the Department of Biotechnology, Central government. The rice variety, KKL(R)2 was developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. S. Thirumeni, Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute. During samba/thalady season, the paddy crop is affected in rain and short-term submergence leads to the destruction of these crops. The institute has been working on the development of water submergence-tolerant rice varieties. Dr S. Thirumeni told IANS, "The new variety KKL(R)2 was developed by crossing ADT 46 and Swarna Sub 1 through the 'Marker Assisted Backcross Method' three times." He also said that the new rice variety matures in 135 days and is suitable for the Samba season. The scientist said that this rice variety is tolerant to flash floods and submergence for a period of 14 days during the tillering stage. Dr Thirumeni and his team told IANS that the average grain yield of KKL(R) 2 is 6,850 kg per hectare under normal circumstances but under submerged conditions, it can give a yield of 3,600 kg per hectare. KKL( R) 2 is the first rice Puducherry rice variety that is recommended for release by Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC). Scientists also said that this rice variety is moderately resistant to pets including brown plant hopper, white-backed brown hopper, and blast and brown spot. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/meta-planning-a-fresh-round-of-layoffs-in-year-of-efficiency-says-a-financial-times-report/articleshow/97802692.cms">Meta planning a fresh round of layoffs in 'year of efficiency', says FT report</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/seventh-operation-dost-flight-reaches-earthquake-hit-syria-with-over-23-tons-of-relief-material/articleshow/97835516.cms">Seventh Operation Dost flight reaches earthquake-hit Syria with over 23 tons of relief material</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/chatgpt-wrote-6-love-letters-as-the-bard-chandler-bing-an-srk-fan-more-heres-what-it-missed/articleshow/97823242.cms">ChatGPT wrote 6 love letters as the Bard, Chandler Bing, an SRK fan &amp; more – here’s what it missed</a>

Puducherry scientists develop flood-resistant rice variety

<ul><li><keyword id="255703" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bluestone" source="Orion">BlueStone</keyword> is looking forward to opening its third manufacturing unit in <keyword id="6354779" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="jaipur" source="Orion">Jaipur</keyword> and will be looking forward to hiring 400 employees over the next 3-4 months.</li><li>The <keyword id="727556" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jewellery-retailer" source="Orion">jewellery retailer</keyword> is rapidly scaling operations across the country with new warehouses and stores coming up in many cities.</li><li>Till date, the company has raised $70.1 million in external funding.</li></ul>BlueStone, a Bengaluru-based <keyword id="13123234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-jewellery-platform" source="Orion">online jewellery platform</keyword>, is planning to open its third manufacturing unit in Jaipur and will be looking forward to hiring 400 employees over the next 3-4 months. As part of the expansion plan, the jewellery retailer will be hiring across various domains like production, warehouse, logistics and design functions for their <keyword id="3386928" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-manufacturing-unit" source="Orion">new manufacturing unit</keyword> in Jaipur. The existing two other manufacturing units of the company are located in Mumbai with a total work area of 12,000 square feet (sq. ft) and with an employee count of around 500. BlueStone is rapidly scaling operations across the country with new warehouses and stores coming up in many cities, catering to the growing demand. The new manufacturing unit will help the brand meet the rising demand for its products. “With the launch of our new manufacturing unit in Jaipur, we have expanded our production capacity three-fold, which is required to meet the scale at which we operate at present, having opened 68 new stores over the last 2 years and with plans to open more in the months ahead,” said Gaurav Singh Kushwaha, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of BlueStone.com. Kushwaha further said, “We intend to double the size and capacity of the new manufacturing unit in about a year from now with the premise having an additional 20,000 sq ft of space that could be utilised. Our customers will stand to benefit from reduced production timelines and good air connectivity from Jaipur, resulting in quicker deliveries.” In 2020, the jewellery retailer raised a series E round funding of ₹14.73 crore from its existing investors Accel, IIFL Seed Ventures Fund, Kalaari Capital, Iron Pillar Fund, Ivycap Ventures and Saama Capital. Till date the company has raised $70.1 million in external funding. Founded by Vidya Nataraj and Kushwaha in 2011, BlueStone claims to ship in-house designed jewellery across 25,000 pin codes in the country and internationally to the US, Canada, UK and Australia. It also has 65 physical stores in over 22 cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/meet-santishree-dhulipudi-pandit-the-first-female-vice-chancellor-of-jawaharlal-nehru-university/slidelist/89409341.cms">Meet Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first female vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/sundar-pichai-pegs-googles-web3-ambitions-to-the-cloud/articleshow/89409184.cms">Sundar Pichai pegs Google’s Web3 ambitions to the cloud</a>

Online jewellery platform BlueStone to hire 400 people in the next 3-4 months

A massive Diwali-Dussehra celebration festival showcasing the best of Indian culture, heritage, and values in an unparalleled manner has attracted a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,000 persons from all walks of life and ethnicities here in <keyword id="15710" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="texas" source="Orion">Texas</keyword>. The 11th Grand International Diwali-Dussehra Festival, depicting the "victory of good over evil", at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, a Greater <keyword id="100821" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="houston" source="Orion">Houston</keyword> suburb, was attended by several dignitaries, including US congressmen, judges, mayors, and commissioners on Saturday. Organised by the Shri Sita Ram Foundation (SSRF), a non-profit organisation, the epic celebration from 2012 onwards has grown tremendously over the years and continues to attract more attendees across Texas and other states every year. The foundation finds innovative and unique ways to share Indian Vedic culture and values. Last year it initiated efforts to highlight Diwali's message of "Good Over Evil" by involving consul generals of 15 countries in the Dussehra parade. This year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent in a video message, with Houston Mayor <keyword id="3691420" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sylvester-turner" source="Orion">Sylvester Turner</keyword> being the Grand Marshal along with consul generals of several countries joining for the Dussehra parade. The football stadium was brilliantly transformed and decorated with millions of dazzling multi-coloured lights, lit-up main entrance gates, and colourful silk-draped vendor booths. The ceilings and walls of the concourse and field were decorated with traditional banners, flags, hangings, and pictures of several deities. The vendor booths did a brisk business in selling traditional Diwali items, including Diwali diyas, jewellery, fashion clothing, and toys. A "food bazaar" served vegetarian food from every part of <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. This festival had special attractions for children like henna booths, face painting, balloons, moonwalks, merry-go-rounds, a petting zoo, horse buggy rides, clowns, etc. Performances like folk dances, martial arts of India, and kids in costumes of the characters from the scriptures were presented on a two-tiered 60 ft. by 40 ft. stage, with professionally installed stage lights, special effects, and huge LED screens adding a wow factor for the audience. A 24-foot-tall figure of lord Hanuman and a 35-foot-tall figure of Lord Ram was installed next to the stage. A play in English depicting the life of lord Rama and his final battle to overcome evil kept the audience glued to their seats till the end, earning a standing ovation. Arun Verma, president of SSRF, said: "India is a country of festivals and Diwali being the biggest of all festivals, we try to introduce, educate, promote and showcase the rich vibrant culture and moral value to the Indian diaspora and all Americans, while celebrating the 'Victory of Good over Evil' and 'Universal Brotherhood'." "We bring the best of the best and do it on a grand scale. You name it, and we have it over here." The festival is "open to anybody" as it also includes aspects of American culture, according to Verma. "Our belief is that the entire world is one big family and we need to treat everybody like a brother and a sister. To demonstrate that, we have invited every one of them," he said. "Looking at the overwhelming response this year and the record crowd, we may have to take this festival to an even bigger location than this football field with the capacity of 10,000 spectators" as we had to stop people from entering after it crossed the maximum capacity due to city restraints, he told PTI. The Sugar Land festival, which Verma said is the biggest of its kind in Texas, combines the two Hindu holidays of Diwali and Dussehra. The festival featured a unique multi-coloured magnificent parade with 40 floats by local temples and community organisations representing scenes, stories, and characters from Indian scriptures. Mayor <keyword id="169084" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="turner" source="Orion">Turner</keyword>, who was the Grand Marshal, lead the parade alongside the Consul General of India in Houston, Aseem Mahajan, the Consulate General of France in Houston, Valerie Baraba, Indian American Fort Bend County Judge, K P George, as well as several representatives of the Texas Congressmen and other official dignitaries. The parade included representatives of the nearly 100 consul generals in Houston who represent several foreign countries. Valerie Baraban said in a tweet that she was "thrilled to participate in the Grand 11th International Diwali-Dussehra festival alongside Mayor Sylvester Turner, CG Mahajan, and other members of the consular corps. India is one of France's major partners in the Indo-pacific region". This year's festival also celebrated the 75th anniversary of India's independence "Amrit Mahotsav". Fifteen major freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chander Bose were honoured by carrying 75 Indian flags during the parade. "The entire Houston Consular Corp. joined the celebrations in the true spirit of Vasudeva Kumtumbkam, thus treating the entire world as a big family. This was depicted in the parade by 100 volunteers carrying 100 national flags of the entire Houston Consular Corp," Verma said. As November elections are around the corner, a few political candidates like Beto O'Rourke, who is running for Texas Governor position, found the stage to greet Indian Americans. Wishing everyone Diwali, he said, adding that "we celebrate this festival of lights to push out darkness and celebrate the triumph of good over evil", with each of us having a chance to "make sure we are heard in this great democracy". The Ravan Dahan, the burning of a 25-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnath, was held amongst the loud sound of crackers and spectacular fireworks to celebrate the occasion of the "Victory of Good Over Evil". SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/pvr-reports-net-loss-of-71-23-crore-in-q2-attributes-it-to-bollywood-hollywood-flops/articleshow/94917917.cms">PVR reports net loss of ₹71.23 crore in Q2, attributes it to Bollywood, Hollywood flops</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/arunachal-pradeshs-eagle-sanctuary-has-woodpeckers-flycatchers-and-more-but-no-eagles/articleshow/94916258.cms">Arunachal Pradesh's eagle sanctuary has woodpeckers, flycatchers and more - but no eagles</a>

With veg food stalls and henna booths, Houston's Dusshera-Diwali festival attracts 10,000 people

Many students in India desire to pursue their education in medicine and build their careers. Medicine in India is a thriving field that has attracted a large pool of top talents. India has some of the best medical colleges globally in terms of faculty, facilities, research infrastructure, outreach, and inclusivity. National Institute Ranking Framework, managed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government of India, lists medical colleges in the country based on several assessment parameters. This mission aims to rate them for their quality, image, and performance. Here is the list of <keyword id="7512346" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="top-10-medical-colleges-in-india">top 10 medical colleges in India</keyword> for 2020 based on the<a href="https://www.nirfindia.org/2020/MedicalRanking.html"> NIRF ranking</a>. #1 All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi NIRF has awarded 90.69 points to AIIMS – New Delhi, and has ranked it as the country's top destination for medical courses. AIIMS, New Delhi, was created in 1956 vide an act enacted in the parliament of India. It has now been recognized as an institution of national importance. The college offers UG, PG, and doctoral courses in different fields of medicine. #2 Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh – Chandigarh The points bagged by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, is 80.06, which places the institution as the second-best in the nation for pursuing medical courses. Deemed as an institution of national importance, PGIMER is consistently receiving top ranks in the NIRF assessment. The college offers courses in several disciplines of medicine as per the world’s best standards. #3 Christian Medical College, Vellore - Tamil Nadu With 73.56 points in the NIRF assessment, CMC – Vellore stands in the third topmost position among India's best medical colleges. Founded in 1918 by Dr Ida Sophia Scudder, the daughter of a medical missionary, CMC – Vellore is a Christian minority institution affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University. #4 National Institute of Mental Health &amp; Neuro Sciences, Bangalore - Karnataka The fourth-place among India's best medical colleges is reserved for the National Institute of Mental Health &amp; Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, which has scored 71.35 points in the NIRF assessment. NIMHANS – Bangalore has established itself as one of the most sought after destinations for medical courses by talented students. The institution has a very long history from colonial times as it was born from the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum, founded in 1847. #5 Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh Located in Lucknow, the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences has scored 70.21 points in the NIFR assessment. It has captured fifth place among the <keyword id="10115863" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="top-10-medical-colleges">top 10 medical colleges</keyword> in the country. Situated in the southeast of Lucknow city, SGPGIMS has one of the country's best infrastructures for medical courses. #6 Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh NIRF has awarded 64.72 points for Banaras Hindu University – Varanasi and has placed it in the sixth position among the best medical colleges offering world-class medical courses. Cherishing a long tradition founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Banaras Hindu University started its journey in 1916, growing as a reputed institution attracting top talents. #7 Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences &amp; Research, Kochi – Kerala With 64.39 points, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences &amp; Research – Kochi has bagged the seventh position among the nation's leading medical colleges. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (Amrita Hospital) has been regarded as one of the country's premier hospitals that have achieved the best medical treatments and education standards. #8 Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education &amp; Research, Puducherry – Pondicherry Standing in the eighth position in 2020 among the best medical colleges in India, the scores bagged by JIPMER – Pondicherry is 63.17. Recognized among the institutions of national importance, JIPMER – Pondicherry offers UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programs in various disciplines of medicine. The hospital attached to the college is a highly sought after destination for medical treatments. #9 Kasturba Medical College, Manipal – Karnataka NIRF awards 62.84 points for Kasturba Medical College – Manipal and has rated it in the ninth position among India's best medical colleges. Considered as one of India's leading destinations for medical courses, KMC offers an array of UG medical courses in addition to PG courses across 55 disciplines in medicine. #10 King George's Medical University, Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh Scoring 62.20 points on the NIRF listing among India's best medical colleges, King George's Medical University, Lucknow occupies the tenth position among the leading colleges for medical courses in India. KGMU is a reputed medical college in the country that was established in 1905. Present since the colonial times, the institution has achieved excellence in medical education.

Top 10 medical colleges, universities, and institutes in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Indian society was tied to the Constitution and to the country’s great values and tradition. 
 
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Modi said, “Our society should take up the responsibility of reforming itself and discarding incorrect practices of past.” 
 
He also reiterated his programme 'Ek Bharat Shreshtra Bharat', adding that there were many reasons to be divided, but Indians should look for reasons to be united. 
 
PM Modi also quoted Dr Radhakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru. 
 
“Pandit Nehru said to make our Constitution effective like any democracy there should be a mutual cooperation between both the Houses. People involved in drafting the Constitution were affiliated to the Congress, we should see this in a positive manner,” he said. 
 
Dr Radhakrishnan, said on August 14, from tomorrow we cannot blame Britishers, whatever we do we will be responsible, said Modi. 
 
“We have to introspect, look at the vision of our founding fathers and raise our level far more,” said Modi. 
 
The prime minister said Constitution should be a celebration and the message of the Constitution must reach the future generations. 
 
(Image: reuters)

Intolerance debate: PM Modi says we should look for reasons to be united

The underbelly of any country can be a subject of debate, but what holds a nation aloft is its constitution. And the Indian Constitution, right from its birth, has stood for social equality across the board. At least, that’s what it aspires to do, as we have learnt over the years. Considered as the Supreme Law of land, the Indian Constitution needs to be revisited and reinvented as the times change and generations need a deeper understanding of their historical and democratic perspectives. 
 
Right now, India is at the crossroads. The old country that only rested on its past glory and celebrated its Independence from the British, a process that tore apart its very soul, has now emerged as one of the top powers in the world. But then, secularism is being questioned now and credentials are put under the scanner by its own people. So the time is quite ripe for revisiting the Indian Constitution. 
 As we all know, Dr <keyword id="857441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bhimrao-Ramji-Ambedkar">Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar</keyword> is hailed as the <keyword id="266114" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="prime-architect">prime architect</keyword> of the Indian Constitution and he headed the <keyword id="2027910" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Constitution-Drafting-Committee">Constitution Drafting Committee</keyword>. This 448-page document is divided into 25 parts, starting with a preamble. This sacrosanct document is the lifeline of India that holds together the country’s diverse cultures and different faiths. 
 
When the time is right to take another look at a document which is as old as Independence itself, it needs a newer perspective and format to reach the people coming from different age-groups. The old and the wise may have an easy understanding of the huge and complex document, but the young people need to be clued in on what governs their life on this land. 
 <keyword id="271" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="actor">Actor</keyword> <keyword id="6355923" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Aamir-Khan">Aamir Khan</keyword> could be touching hearts with his soul-stirring show Satyamev Jayate, which is laying bare today’s realities – both positive and negative – on a private channel. 
 But what’s actually significant now is the new show on <keyword id="2170947" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rajya-Sabha-Television">Rajya Sabha Television</keyword> called Samvidhaan, made by none other than the renowned director <keyword id="29916" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Shyam-Benegal">Shyam Benegal</keyword>. In the 80s Benegal had directed Discovery of India (Bharat Ek Khoj), based on a book penned by the <keyword id="202495" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="first-prime-minister">first Prime Minister</keyword> of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The show was a huge hit in those days when Doordarshan was the only TV channel in the country. But the reason behind its success was not the absence of choice for viewers but the impeccable treatment of characters and the intriguing story-telling through every single frame that fascinated the viewers, irrespective of their age-groups. 
 
Benegal, who has created a niche for himself with his supremely well-made movies in the 70s and 80s – mostly categorised as parallel cinema – is experimenting again with his 10-part mini series titled Samvidhaan – The Story of the Making of the Constitution of India. The show, telecast every Sunday at 10 am, a ‘prime’ time slot, targets a pan-India audience with its discourse on the Indian Constitution. 
 
Enough of analyses and interpretations have come up regarding the political situations that existed around the time when the Indian Constitution was drafted. The work of drafting a constitution for India started soon after the country gained its political independence from the ruling Great Britain. 
 
The show, which tells us the story of the Indian Constitution, lays as much emphasis on the incidents that occurred around the period when this all-important document was made. The first draft of Bharat Ka Samvidhan, as it is known in Hindi, was first submitted on November 4, 1947. The <keyword id="2170946" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Draft-Committee">Draft Committee</keyword> had spent considerable time, developing a constitution that was made to suit the specific needs of India – a country which had lived through a turbulent past and was looking forward to continue on its own after remaining under the British rule for two centuries. 
 
Amendments, discussions and debates took place for about two years since the first draft was presented, leading to nearly 2,000 amendments to the original document prepared by the Drafting Committee members, headed by Dr Ambedkar. 
 
The Assembly intermittently held open sessions for the public over these two years before adopting the Constitution, which was approved by its 308 members on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the Constitution, which was federal in nature, became the Supreme Law of the land, and all the States and Union Territories of India came under its jurisdiction. 
 
The exercise during the days of putting together this crucial document was not only political, but also secular and neutral in nature – keeping in mind the welfare of all communities with special focus on the underprivileged. It was a hugely emotional moment for the leaders involved in the process and they made sure that the Constitution was accepted in the Parliament. 
 
With Samvidhaan, the show on television, Shyam Benegal tells an engaging story of a country that wrote its own fate to ensure a better socio-economic and political future, instead of being tossed around and dominated by stronger forces. The show comes at a time when India seems to be on the verge of leadership change and every poll survey shows that the secular and minority-friendly atmosphere of the country is in jeopardy. 
 
Maybe, just maybe, the country’s youth will spare a thought for what dominates their life and will come to respect it more than they respect technology. 
 
Image: ThinkStock

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