Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' - Central News Hub

First in the series author Geetha Balsara takes a closer look at the myriad contributions India has gifted to the world.

‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ or ‘The Golden Sparrow’ is an endearing term Bharat, aka India, goes by. Famed for her rich culture, traditions, and heritage, alongside the spectacular art and architecture, ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ is a befitting nomenclature for this country, that never ceases to surprise. History speaks of her association with trading in luxury goods, textiles, spices, accepting in return only gold. This unique practice prompted the Roman empire to then label India as ‘The Golden Sparrow’. The idiom ‘Like attracts Like’ was the basis for this exchange, as Indians believed that gold would in turn attract more gold, leading to prosperity and peace.

As India celebrates her ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ signifying 75 glorious years of Independence, ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ pays a tribute to this fascinating land effusing a hint of mysticism, overflowing with philosophy, showcasing a tapestry of multi-culturalism, and glowing with the luminescence of scriptural knowledge. Yoga, Vedanta, Mantras, Bhagwad Geeta have become household terms world-over. Indian cuisine has tickled palates across the globe, while many words from Indian regional languages have found their way into the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.

A closer look at the myriad contributions India has gifted to the world are a matter of pride. Be it the numeral Zero, the game of Chess, the world’s first university – Takshashila University, ornamental buttons used in the Indus Valley civilization, the Snakes & Ladders board game, it is indeed a long list.

‘The Golden Sparrow’ series of articles shall endeavour to glorify not just the past, but will also touch on the present. Learnings from the Vedanta, the evolution of Indian Classical Music & Dance over the years, the dynamism of Spiritual practices ensuring wellness, the richness of Indian textiles, demystifying temple architecture, and many other subjects of interest shall be honoured through this weekly column.

We look forward to an enriching interaction, making this beautiful journey even more meaningful.

Geetha Balsara

(Geetha Balsara is a spiritual seeker with a keen interest in Indian Culture and Performing Arts. Currently she is also the Festival Ambassador at the SAJDA FESTIVAL UK. She can be reached at gsb.vedanta@gmail.com | www.geethabalsara.com )

‘India has transformed to modern economy, vibrant democracy’

“Our 75th year as a free nation is also the starting point to envision where we will be on our centenary,” said EAM S Jaishankar, reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the last 75 years, people of India have displayed collective commitment to create a vibrant democracy and a modern economy.

The EAM said this while inaugurating ”Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” on Friday ahead of India’s 75th Independence Day, organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR) in Delhi.

“As the tricolour unfolds at the Red Fort this 15th August, we will be marking a historic milestone in the journey of a civilizational state towards a contemporary nation. This is certainly a moment for celebration; but equally one for introspection and renewed resolve,” Jaishankar said.

“In the 75 years that have passed, we, the people of India, have displayed a huge collective commitment to creating a vibrant democracy, a modern economy and an energetic civil society. To that end, we have drawn on the efforts of untold and often unknown freedom fighters, as also masses of citizens who nurtured their spirit. We, therefore, pay homage to those whose sacrifices make our tomorrow possible,” he added.

The EAM further noted that in this period, along with India, the world has changed profoundly. Significant shifts – starting with the economy and extending to politics, to culture and to other domains – have driven a rebalancing process that is creating a multi-polar world, he said.

“In such a reality, the capabilities, the influence, in fact, the very personality of our nation has a growing impact on the world order. This ability to shape global developments through an optimal mix of hard and soft power constitutes the essence of our diplomacy today. And, we can embark on that now with much greater confidence than ever before,” the EAM said.

The EAM said that it was inevitable that once democracy struck deeper roots in India, that the authentic voices of our society would find expression.

“We see that every day at home in a variety of ways. As a result, our heritage, traditions and practices are once again getting the recognition that they have long deserved. The celebration of the International Day of Yoga is symbolic of that development. This anniversary, of course, offers us an opportunity to present to the world many other facets of our rich and diverse culture,” he said.

The EAM pointed out that as we approached this momentous anniversary, India too was severely tested by the Covid pandemic. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our people responded courageously not only at home, but stood with others abroad as well.

While concluding the address, Jaishankar said, “Our 75th year as a free nation is also the starting point to envision where we will be on our centenary. The bold transformations at home will give us an increasingly salient role in the international system.”

“As a democratic polity, a pluralistic society, an innovative economy and as a culture of unmatched diversity, our contributions have a real weight and value. Our ability to harmonize tradition and modernity stands out in particular. Already, India is perceived as a first responder, a climate action leader, the pharmacy of the world, a reservoir of talent and as a reliable development partner,” he added. (India News Network)

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