WORLD HISTORY, RELIGION, CIVILIZATION,CULTURAL ENQUIRY
Author: nitinsingh
Postgraduate in International relations. Experience in writing in various journals, from BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE to India's one of the oldest hindi daily. I like to write on international relations, religion, religious conflict. Social media has bridged the distance between writing and reading. Now writing is not just the expression of one's own thought, but also knowing the expression of people on various subject.
A Divine Beginning: The Birth of Swami Vivekananda in Connection with Varanasi
BIRESWAR SHIVA or Brijeshwar Mahadev
A MotherтАЩs Faith and the Blessing of Bireshwar Temple
Swami VivekanandaтАЩs mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a deeply religious woman living in Kolkata. She longed for a son and believed in the power of prayer.
A relative suggested she seek blessings from the Vireshwar (or Bireshwar) Temple in Varanasi, a sacred temple known for granting the wish of a son to devoted mothers.
Since she was unable to travel during pregnancy, her relative in Varanasi performed the rituals and prayers on her behalf at the Bireshwar Temple.
A Divine Answer to a MotherтАЩs Prayer
Soon after these rituals, on January 12, 1863, which was Makar Sankranti, Bhuvaneshwari Devi gave birth to a baby boy. Seeing this as a blessing from Lord Shiva of the Bireshwar Temple, she named him Bireshwar, meaning тАЬLord of Heroes.тАЭ
At home, the child was lovingly called Biley, a simple name that showed affection and joy. Later, during his Annaprashan (first rice-feeding ceremony), he was given his formal name: Narendranath Dutta.
This Vivekananda birth story reminds us of how faith and devotion can shape destiny. From the very beginning, his life was linked to Varanasi, the city of Shiva.
As a mark of reverence for that sacred grace, a replica of the Shiva Linga from the Brijeshwar Mahadev Temple has been enshrined in Swami VivekanandaтАЩs ancestral home in Kolkata.
This symbolic presence of Lord Shiva is not merely a relic of faithтАФit is a living reminder that the spiritual energy of Varanasi never left Vivekananda.
It journeyed with him through his lifeтАЩs mission, illuminating hearts, awakening courage, and spreading the divine message of fearlessness and self-realization across India and the world.
The Making of a Saint: From Biley to Swami Vivekananda
As young Biley grew, he showed unusual curiosity, energy, and courage. His sharp mind and questioning spirit amazed everyone around him. His mother would often say, тАЬThis boy is not ordinaryтАФhe has come for a great purpose.тАЭ
Years later, Biley became Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who taught him about the unity of all religions and the power of service to humanity.
But before he became world-famous, Varanasi once again became an important chapter in his life.
Swami Vivekananda in Varanasi: The Bengali Deodhi Connection
Bangali Deodhii
A Meeting Place of Great Minds
During his travels, Swami Vivekananda visited Varanasi several times, and one of his favorite places was the Bengali Deodhi, the home of Pramadadas Mitra.
Pramadadas Mitra
Pramadadas Mitra was a brilliant scholar who was well-versed in both Indian and Western traditions. He had translated the British National Anthem into Sanskrit and the Bhagavad Gita into EnglishтАФa rare combination of East and West.
The Bengali Deodhi became a meeting ground for great minds and spiritual discussions. Here, Swami Vivekananda spent hours talking about IndiaтАЩs future, religion, and education.
Swami VivekanandaтАЩs Visits to Bengali Deodhi
In 1888, Swami Vivekananda penned this thoughtful letter to Babu Pramadadas Mitra, reflecting his early spiritual ideas.
Swami Vivekananda first stayed at Bengali Deodhi in 1888. During this visit, he developed a close friendship with Pramadadas Mitra. They discussed the Vedas, philosophy, and IndiaтАЩs role in the modern world.
He returned in 1890, accompanied by Swami Akhandananda, another devoted monk. Once again, Bengali Deodhi became a center of thought, courage, and inspiration.
VivekanandaтАЩs Fiery Words in Varanasi
One famous moment from his stay still echoes through time. When Vivekananda saw rich people ignoring social problems, he spoke with passion:
тАЬI shall not return until I burst on society like a bombshell, and it will follow me like a dog.тАЭ
The Life-Changing Lesson at Durgakund Varanasi
Durgakund Temple Varanasi
An Unexpected Encounter with Fear
One of the most famous incidents from Swami VivekanandaтАЩs life in Varanasi took place at the Durgakund Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga.
One day, while returning from the temple, young Vivekananda was suddenly chased by a group of monkeys. The monkeys were loud and aggressive, and he began to run away in fear.
But the more he ran, the more the monkeys chased him!
A MonkтАЩs Simple Advice: тАЬFace Them!тАЭ
Just then, a monk standing nearby called out to him, тАЬStop running! Face them!тАЭ
Swami Vivekananda stopped, turned around, and stood firm. The monkeys, seeing his courage, slowly backed away and left him alone.
This simple moment taught him one of the most powerful lessons of his life: Never run away from fear. Face it boldly.
тАЬFace FearтАЭ тАУ A Universal Teaching
Later, Swami Vivekananda often told this story in his lectures to teach people how to overcome fear and difficulties.
He said that fear grows stronger when we run from it, but it disappears when we face it.
The incident at Durgakund Varanasi became a lifelong lesson that shaped his courage and his teachings to the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DURGA-KUND TEMPLE, PLEASE VISIT
Swami VivekanandaтАЩs Final Days in Varanasi: The Gopal Lal Villa
The Return of the Saint
Gopal Lal Vila
In 1902, just a few months before his death, Swami Vivekananda returned once again to Varanasi. Although he was very weak and ill, he continued to serve others with his usual energy and kindness.
He stayed at the Gopal Lal Villa, a beautiful garden house belonging to King Kali Krishna Thakur. The calm environment of this villa gave him some rest, but his heart remained focused on helping others.
Service Beyond Suffering
Even during his illness, Vivekananda met visitors, shared knowledge, and encouraged everyone to work for the nation. He truly lived by his own teaching of Karma YogaтАФthe path of selfless action.
He believed that true spirituality means serving others without expecting anything in return.
A Peaceful Farewell
A few days after his stay at Gopal Lal Villa, Swami Vivekananda left Varanasi and returned to Belur Math, near Kolkata.
On July 4, 1902, at the young age of 39, he passed away peacefully while meditating. His death was not an end, but the completion of a great spiritual journey that began with faith, devotion, and the blessings of Lord Shiva in Varanasi.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GOPAL-LAL VILA, PLEASE VISIT :
The Eternal Light of Swami Vivekananda in Varanasi
The story of Swami Vivekananda and Varanasi is like a shining river of faith flowing through time. From the Bireshwar Temple, where his birth was blessed, to the Gopal Lal Villa, where he spent his last days, the holy city was his spiritual anchor.
Each visit, each experience in Varanasi, added a new chapter to his growthтАФfrom a child called Biley to a monk who awakened the world.
Swami VivekanandaтАЩs legacy continues to guide millions. His teachings from Varanasi remind us to live with courage, compassion, and faith. He proved that true strength lies not in wealth or power, but in character and service to humanity.
Varanasi, the city of Shiva, witnessed his journey from birth to enlightenment to peace. And even today, as the bells of its temples ring and the Ganga flows silently by, one can almost hear his words echo through the ghats:
тАЬArise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.тАЭ
ISRO: Laying the Foundation of Scientific Thinking in India
As the world watches ISROтАЩs progress, many people are eagerly waiting for the Orbiter to join Vikram on the Moon. But I want to share something different from the usual excitement.
Famous Hindi poet Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan once said, тАЬHot iron needs to be beaten, cold iron has a long time to beat.тАЭ This means success doesnтАЩt come overnight, and it’s the continuous effort that brings results.
Success in any major work is achieved over time, in small steps. Each failure should be welcomed, as it helps us grow.
A Leader Leads by Example
Look at the example of Pullela Gopichand, who pledged his home to set up a badminton academy. Today, players like Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, and many others represent India on the international stage.
Similarly, cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar inspired players like Sachin Tendulkar, who not only became a global icon but also motivated many young children to follow in his footsteps. Similarly, in wrestling and boxing, there are countless success stories rooted in hard work and dedication.
Science and India’s Progress
Today, weтАЩre all excited about waving the tricolor on the Moon, but letтАЩs not forget that IndiaтАЩs journey in science began with simple tools like bicycles and bullock carts.
Success should be determined by our scientists, not by others. Many in the West have praised ISROтАЩs mission, while some media outlets try to downplay it. But as Shakespeare once said, тАЬMan, proud man, dressed in a little brief authority, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven.тАЭ
Science, like sports, can bring people together. As India moves forward, itтАЩs more important to focus on fostering a scientific mindset than just the success of one mission.
The Importance of Scientific Thinking
IтАЩm seeing a change in my own home. My son, who was once addicted to his mobile, now spends his time reading Stephen HawkingтАЩs A Brief History of Time. While he may not fully understand the book, he enjoys it like a storybook. This is a sign of a growing interest in science across India.
Science is not just about reading books. ItтАЩs about experimenting, creating, and exploring. Today, rockets are being built at home with aluminum foil and plastic pipes. This shift shows the future of IndiaтАФone where scientific thinking is deeply embedded in everyday life.
Thanks to ISRO, India is developing a scientific temper, and this will help us shape a brighter future.
“Quranic philosophy on the application of military force, within the context of the totality that is jihad. The professional soldier in a Muslim army, pursuing the goals of a Muslim state, CANNOT become professional if in all his activities he does not take the color of Allah.”
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
ONE OF[ THE MOST] TERRIBLE HUMANITARIAN CRISES OF THE HUMAN HISTORY.
The 1947 Exodus: Tragedy, Sacrifice, and Heroism”
In 1947, one of the largest exodus in human history took place, marked by the massacre of Hindus and Sikhs, forced conversions, and the rape of countless women. Amidst this horror, there are also stories of women’s incredible bravery, sacrifice, and courage.
The Statesman newspaper on April 15, 1947, reported an event from the village of Thoha Khalsa in Rawalpindi District.
The Muslim League’s attack on Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab in 1947 was ruthless. The Hindu and Sikh residents of the small village were attacked by a 3000-strong Muslim mob. The villagers, outnumbered and outarmed, were forced to surrender.
But in an act of bravery, 90 women in the village chose to jump into a well to avoid dishonor and save their dignity, following the example of women from ancient India. Tragically, only three women survived, as there was not enough water in the well to drown them all.
1971
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it”
(Famous warning of Santayana)
The 1971 Tragedy: Repeating the Mistakes of 1947″
We seem to have learned nothing from history, as the horrors of 1947 were repeated in 1971, only this time, the scale of violenceтАФHindu exodus, massacres, and rapesтАФwas even worse.
In the book The Blood Telegram: India’s Secret War in East Pakistanby Gary J. Bass, based on declassified documents and white house tapes, the true extent of the violence in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) is revealed.
The book uncovers that there were written orders to kill Hindus during the conflict. Senior Pakistani officers admitted to the targeting of Hindus in a postwar inquiry.
One of the chilling testimonies from the Hamoodur Rehman Commission reports that senior Pakistani officers, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of General Staff (CGS), were seen joking about how many Hindus had been killed.
The order to eliminate Hindus was given in May, with one brigadier confirming it in writing. Though Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi denied issuing the orders, many soldiers and officers confessed to a deep hatred against Bengalis, which led to verbal instructions to target Hindus.
This genocide was downplayed in India due to vote-bank politics. Political parties referred to it as an atrocity against Bengalis, as the term “Bengali” doesn’t distinguish between Hindus and Muslims. Indian media played a part in supporting this propaganda, masking the true extent of the atrocities.
South Asian Terrorism Portal– The most authoritative and comprehensive source of information about terrorism in our region. http://www.satp.org.
Learning Nothing from History: Pakistan’s Proxy War Against India”
While we failed to learn from history, Pakistan took a lesson from it. Realizing that it couldnтАЩt defeat India in direct war, Pakistan began a proxy war against India.
Pakistan supported the Khalistan movement and continued its efforts in Kashmir, where once again, crowds chanting “Allah O Akbar” carried out massacres, raped women, and forced four lakh Hindus to flee as refugees to their own country.
Terrorism became a daily occurrence, with bomb blasts and countless innocent lives lost. This violence has continued for over forty years. The list of incidents and places involved would take days to mention, as the pain and suffering persist today.
2014
The Modi government, since coming into power in 2014, has taken a firm stance against Islamic terrorism and groups with pro-Pakistan leanings, reflecting a heightened national security agenda. However, it’s equally important to remember the historical context and the legacy of past events.
India has faced numerous incidents involving terrorism, some of which go back decades, that have deeply influenced the national security landscape. The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the earlier insurgency in Kashmir in the late 80s and early 90s are just a few of the key events that shaped India’s approach to terrorism and counterinsurgency. These incidents and their aftermaths have led to shifts in policy, including military responses, intelligence-sharing, and international diplomacy.
While the Modi governmentтАЩs policies have been scrutinized for both their successes and failures, it’s essential to understand the complex, ongoing nature of counterterrorism, which requires balancing security measures with respect for civil rights. The focus on certain groups and individuals can sometimes overshadow the broader historical context of past incidents and the long-term struggles that preceded them.
By revisiting these past events, we gain a fuller understanding of the evolution of India’s national security concerns and the ongoing challenges in combating terrorism.
The people selling their country(INDIA) had no respect in K.G.B. Yuri Bezmenov used the term “useful idiots” and “political prostitution” for them.
Indira is India and India is Indira
In India, countless schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, government buildings, and schemes are named after one family. It could be an interesting subject for research to find out if Indians use “hello” or “Gandhi” more frequently in daily life.
Glimpses of world history: ———– тАЬSome old inscriptions from south India tell us how the members of the panchayats were elected, their qualifications and disqualifications.
If any member did not render accounts of public funds he was disqualified. Another very interesting rule seems to have been that near relative of members were disqualified from office.
How excellent if this could be enforced now in all our councils and assemblies and municipalities.тАЭ (Jawaharlal Nehru).
It’s easier to preach than really act (PER UPDESH KUSHAL BAHUTEREY)
But this “divine knowledge” did not apply to the family itself; it was meant for others. Continuing his familyтАЩs tradition, Rahul Gandhi stated at Berkeley University in America in 2017 that the history of his family is the identity of India.
Has the History of this family become the History of India?
India seems to be moving forward in this way. According to the needs of this family, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vivekananda, Arvind Ghosh, Sardar Patel, and Lal Bahadur Shastri are sometimes considered Great and, at other times, even labeled as terrorists.
There is an old incident where Nehru had a debate with the famous historian Dr. Ishwari Prasad about a historical date. Firaq (Raghupathi Sahay Firaq) jokingly commented, “Sit down, Ishwari, you are a student of history, and he (Nehru) is a maker of history.” Who knows, perhaps this could be true for India.
How the Family Shaped India’s Narrative Using a Russian Model
The family (pariwar) created a new theory, similar to Russia’s DAHL dictionary, which was designed to include specific words catering to the needs of the communists, all under the guise of political reform.
Dedicated journalists, bureaucrats, writers, and artists aligned with the family played a significant role in promoting this agenda. In return, the family ensured special treatment for these loyal supporters, including traitor journalists, bureaucrats, writers, and artists, for their cooperation in this effort.
This strategy and collaboration went on for years, shaping the narrative according to the family’s interests.
Yuri Bezmenov, a Russian spy and KGB agent, worked as a journalist for R.I.A. Novosti, Russia’s international news agency. While in India, his main job was to lure traitors by offering them money and free trips to Russia.
This strategy made his work easy, as he quickly built a network of left-wing journalists, writers, artists, wealthy filmmakers, university teachers, and intellectuals. In this context, “intellectuals” often referred to leftists or those seen as traitors.
Yuri Bezmenov, a Russian spy and KGB agent, worked as a journalist for R.I.A. Novosti, Russia’s international news agency. In India, his primary task was to attract traitors by offering them money and free trips to Russia.
Using these tactics, he easily formed a group of left-wing journalists, writers, artists, wealthy filmmakers, university teachers, and intellectuals (a term often equated with traitors or leftists in this context).
While living in India, Bezmenov revealed details about his work and the KGB’s methods, as well as the roles played by some of these collaborators.
The KGB had no respect for those who sold out their own country. Yuri Bezmenov referred to such individuals as “useful idiots” and described their actions as “political prostitution.”
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the decline of Marxist ideology, it became increasingly difficult to hide the truth.
Marxists were eradicated in the Soviet Union (Russia), and their dark history came to light. During this period, the West obtained crucial documents and intelligence through Vasili Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist.
Mitrokhin’s revelations contained detailed information about traitors working for Russia across the globe. Between 1992 and 1999, this information underwent thorough investigation and proved to be invaluable. These findings were later published in the Mitrokhin Archive.
The UK Parliamentary Committee, which examined MitrokhinтАЩs evidence, stated:
“During the investigation, the committee had the opportunity to meet Vasili Mitrokhin. The Committee considers him a person of remarkable courage and commitment, who risked imprisonment or death to reveal the true nature and activities of the KGB. He believed these individuals were betraying their own countryтАЩs interests, and they succeeded in doing so. We commend him for his achievement.”
However, in India, these revelations were largely ignored or suppressed. The significance of this evidence was undermined, and efforts were made to downplay the incident.
Mitrokhin raised serious questions about Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi regarding financial transactions and the KGB’s role in influencing Indian politics.
This inquiry revealed a web of collusion involving the family (a reference to the Gandhi family), and a network of individuals described by Yuri Bezmenov as “useful idiots” or “political prostitutes.” These included Congress members, communist leaders, leftist journalists, bureaucrats, writers, artists, and media organizations, all allegedly complicit in selling IndiaтАЩs interests to foreign powers such as the USSR, UK, and USA.
The proverb тАЬHamam mey sabhi nangeyтАЭ (In a public bath, everyone is nude) aptly described the situation, as the betrayal became visible to all.
In 1994, Yevgenia Albats, a world-renowned journalist and expert on the KGB, published her thesis as a book titled The State Within a State: The KGB and Its Hold on Russia тАУ Past, Present, and Future.
This book, based on KGB files, revealed astonishing details about the agencyтАЩs influence. Albats referred to a letter signed by Viktor Chebrikov, the KGB chief who succeeded
Yuri Andropov in 1982, stated:
“The USSR KGB maintains contact with the son of the Prime Minister [Rajiv Gandhi].”
This revelation exposed the depth of foreign influence and the extent of betrayal by individuals who prioritized personal and political gain over national interest.
R.Gandhi expresses deep gratitude for benefits accruing to the prime minister’s family from the commercial dealings of an Indian firm he controls in corporations with Soviet foreign trade organizations.
R.Gandhi reports confidentially that a substantial portion of the funds obtained through this channel are used to support the party of.
Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai and the Web of Betrayal: Unveiling the Network of Traitors
In 2011, Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, an Indian Muslim and U.S. citizen, was arrested by the FBI in America. He was found guilty of accepting illegal funds from PakistanтАЩs Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to lobby for Kashmir in the United States. His arrest uncovered a deep nexus of traitorous activities tied to India, funded and orchestrated by Pakistan.
The Role of Traitors in India
FaiтАЩs operation revealed that the ISI had mobilized a network of Indian collaborators who supported separatist causes like “Azad Kashmir” and were aligned with Islamist terrorist objectives. These so-called “useful idiots” and “political prostitutes” became tools in the hands of their new paymasters.
Notable Names in the Network:
Dileep Padgaonkar: Formerly with The Times of India, controversially appointed as a negotiator on Kashmir by the Manmohan Singh government.
Praful Bidwai: Marxist journalist known for anti-India narratives, often published in Pakistan-supported outlets.
Rajinder Sachar: Former judge, involved in minority affairs advocacy.
Kuldeep Nayar: A Marxist journalist and Pakistani-sympathetic social worker.
Harish Khare: Media advisor to Manmohan Singh and contributor to The Hindu.
Rita Manchanda & Ved Bhasin: Associated with Kashmir Times.
Harinder Baweja: Journalist with India Today.
Gautam Navlakha: Arrested in 2018 for allegedly conspiring to assassinate the Indian Prime Minister.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq & Yasin Malik: Known separatist leaders in Kashmir.
Kamal A. Mitra Chenoy: Leftist thinker, associated with CPI and Aam Aadmi Party.
Swami Agnivesh: Controversial activist.
Sandeep Pandey: Magsaysay Award recipient, known for his left-leaning activism.
Angana Chatterjee: Vocal critic of Indian policies, linked to anti-India narratives.
Award Wapsi and Tukde-Tukde Gangs
The Award Wapsi and Tukde-Tukde groups played a key role in propagating divisive ideologies under the guise of intellectual dissent. These groups often returned their awards only symbolically, fueling media narratives while retaining the monetary rewards.
MediaтАЩs Complicity and Decline in Credibility
T
The rise of free information has disrupted the monopoly of traditional media, exposing their biases and diminishing their influence. In India, much like the U.S., trust in mainstream media has plummeted, with an overwhelming majority of Americans (77%) expressing distrust in traditional outlets.
A Systemic Betrayal
This network of collaborators, backed by ISI funding, represents a betrayal of national interests, leveraging media, academia, and activism to serve foreign agendas. It underscores the urgent need for vigilance in preserving IndiaтАЩs sovereignty and countering narratives that undermine the nation.
тАЬWe should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our life there тАЬCharles. F.Kettering (American inventor & businessman)
Glimpses of world history:———–┬а тАЬSome old inscriptions from south India tell us how the members of the panchayats were elected, their qualifications and disqualifications. if any member did not render accounts of public funds he was disqualified. ┬аAnother very interesting rule seems to have been that near relative of members were disqualified from office. How excellent if this could be enforced now in all our councils and assemblies and municipalities .тАЭ (Jawahar lal Nehru)
1994 рдореЗрдВ рд╡рд┐рд╢реНрд╡-рдкреНрд░рд╕рд┐рджреНрдз рдкрддреНрд░рдХрд╛рд░ рдФрд░ тАЬK.G.B ARCHIVEтАЭ рдкрд░ рд╢реЛрдз (research)рдФрд░ рдереАрд╕рд┐рд╕(Thesis) рд▓рд┐рдЦрдиреЗ рд╡рд╛рд▓реА тАЬYEVGENIA ALBATSтАЭ тАЬрдпреЗрд╡рдЬреЗрдирд┐рдпрд╛-рдПрд▓реНрдмреЗрдЯреНрд╕тАЭ(рдЗрдирдХреА рдереАрд╕рд┐рд╕ рдПрдХ рдХрд┐рддрд╛рдм) тАЬThe State With in a state:The k.g.b and its hold on Russia-Past,Present,and FutureтАЭ рдХреЗ рдирд╛рдо рд╕реЗ рдкреНрд░рдХрд╛рд╢рд┐рдд рд╣реБрдИ рдореЗ рднреА рдРрд╕реА рд╣реА рдмрд╛рддреЛрдВ рдХрд╛ рдЬрд┐рдХреНрд░ рдХрд░рддреЗ рд╣реБрдП K.G.B рдХреА рдлрд╛рдЗрд▓реЛрдВ рдХрд╛ рд╣рд╡рд╛рд▓рд╛ рджрд┐рдпрд╛.
A letter signed by viktor chebrikov who replaced andropov as head of the K.G.B┬а in 1982 noted: the U.S.SR┬а K.G.B maintains contact with the son of prime minister [Rajiv Gandhi]
image resource: wikipedia (R. Gandhi, Rajeev Gandhi)
тАЬ R.Gandhi expresses deep gratitude for benefits accruing to the prime minister’s family from the commercial dealings of an indian firm he controls in corporations with soviet foreign trade organizations. R.Gandhi reports confidentially that a substantial portion of the funds obtained through this channel are used to support the party of R GandhiтАЭ (K.G.B archive,f.5,OP.6, por.no.12,d.i3i,t.i,1,d. 103-104)
