Ram Mandir donation theft - "deeply painful", says RSS in first remarks since the scam ::::: "....we are all extremely pained and angered by this event"

Expect Ram Mandir Trust to fix lapses: RSS's first remarks on donation theft

"The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees; we are all extremely pained and angered by this event," read the tweet from RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale.

Calling the theft at the Ram Temple "deeply painful", the RSS urged stringent punishment for those found guilty, sought greater transparency in the temple's administration, and appealed to devotees to remain patient while the SIT investigation is underway.  

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday expressed deep concern over the theft from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, calling the incident "deeply painful" and urging strict action against those responsible while seeking greater transparency and accountability in the temple's management.

In a statement issued from New Delhi, RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale said the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had become a symbol of faith and devotion for the Hindu community through the sacrifices and dedication of generations of devotees.  

Hosabale noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations. 

He said those found guilty after the investigation should face stringent punishment.  

'TREAT IT AS AN EXCEPTIONAL MATTER'

The RSS leader also called on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the incident as an exceptional matter and address any shortcomings in the temple's management and operational systems. He said it was essential to ensure that the faith of millions of devotees in the Ayodhya temple remained intact and that the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the incident came to an end.

Hosabale expressed confidence that the Trust, through transparent administrative systems would continue to strengthen public trust in the temple.

"We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society," he added.

The RSS, meanwhile, appealing for calm, urged the Hindu community to exercise patience and restraint while the investigation is underway.  

"Display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment and thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident," concluded the statement. 

The organisation also calls upon the entire Hindu society to display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment.  

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is likely to issue show-cause notices to its General Secretary, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra, who resigned following the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, at its key meeting scheduled for July 6, sources said.

According to sources in the Trust, both office-bearers will be asked to provide written and oral explanations regarding the donation irregularities before any decision is taken on their resignations or future roles.

Sources said the move is in accordance with the Trust's bylaws, which mandate that the concerned office-bearers be given an opportunity to explain their position before any disciplinary action is initiated. The rules also stipulate that any decision on accepting their resignations or removing them from office must be approved by the requisite majority of the trustees.

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125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

 125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

India has condemned the demolition of a historic Sikh shrine in Pakistan as a deeply distressing act of vandalism. Sikh organisations and political leaders have demanded accountability and restoration of the gurdwara, and stronger protection for religious minorities.  

A nearly 125-year-old Sikh shrine in Pakistan's Punjab province was razed on Wednesday, by a local businessman without the required official approval, triggering protests from the minority Sikh community and drawing a strong diplomatic response from India.

The historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, around 70 km from Lahore, was demolished by a businessman who allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.

Responding to media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)of India described the incident as "deeply distressing" and strongly condemned what it called a "highly deplorable" and "targeted act of vandalism" against a revered Sikh place of worship.

"We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine," the MEA said

The businessman had demolished the gurdwara without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department concerned. 

The department had not taken notice of it until the Sikhs of the area protested.

The demolition sparked protests by local Sikhs, prompting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take cognisance of the matter, according to the official.

We’re marking 1,000 days, but for me it’s been an eternity" ::::: ‘We won’t give up’: Crowd marking 1,000 days since Oct. 7 vows to keep demanding state inquiry

 Thousands of people gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Thursday night to mark 1,000 days since Hamas-led terrorists invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and to demand a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the onslaught and massacre.

Israel marks 1,000 days since October 7 attack as calls grow for independent inquiry. 

The attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,221 people in Israel.

Protesters also briefly blocked the northbound Ayalon Highway at rush hour ahead of the rally. At least seven protesters were arrested, according to an anti-government volunteer lawyer group.

The rally marked a return to Hostages Square, the plaza that symbolized the struggle to free the 251 captives taken during the October 7 attack, in which terrorists killed some 1,200 people and launched the Gaza war. 

The square served as the focal point for demonstrations demanding the hostages’ release until the remains of the last slain captive, Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, were returned in January.

Rom Braslavski, one of the 20 final living hostages who were released on October 13 as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, was greeted with chants of “hero” as he took to the stage to speak.

“I was held in Gaza for two whole years. We’re marking 1,000 days, but for me it’s been an eternity,” he said. “I went through 1,000 lifetimes in 1,000 days.”  

‘Exactly 1,000 days ago, my life stopped’

Thursday’s protest was organized by the October Council, an anti-government group comprising hundreds of bereaved families, survivors and former hostages taken in the onslaught. The group organized protests at junctions nationwide throughout Thursday, starting at 6:29 a.m., the exact time that the Hamas attack began 1,000 days earlier.  

The attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,221 people in Israel, according to official Israeli figures compiled by AFP, while Hamas-led militants also took 251 hostages into Gaza.

Israel responded with a large-scale military offensive in the Palestinian territory. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 73,000 people have been killed during the conflict. While the ministry operates under Hamas, its casualty figures are regarded by the United Nations as broadly reliable.  

Although a ceasefire came into effect in October, negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the conflict have made little progress, with Israeli forces continuing to control nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip.

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High Emotions :::: More than a final !! Better team on ground Portugal prevails :::: Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey continues

 Bottles and cans thrown by furious Croatia fans as the equaliser was negated due to off side. 

Croatia played its best; took the first lead and then conceded two goals. One - penalty by the legendary Ronaldo. 

Cristiano Ronaldo speaks, showing off Jota’s number 21. (And they won 2-1.) "I was amazed because the situation of the day, it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but because of the way we did it."

On Modric:

He said:

"I played with Luka so many years. He’s still a legend of football. I just said to him so many times, congratulations for everything, I wish you all the best for the next few years of your career."

Portugal wins 2-1 and will now meet Spain on Monday at the Round of 16.  

Portugal eliminate Croatia at World Cup after dramatic late VAR call

Ronaldo initially tied things up in the 68th minute on a penalty kick to equalize and give the megastar his first knockout stage goal at the World Cup, but it was Ramos who gave Portugal the victory.

The game ended in controversy as Croatia thought it had tied things up 2-2 in the very last moments, but Mario Pasalic was called offside as VAR ruled no goal. 

Croatia fans threw bottles on the field and whistled in protest.

Croatia opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic scored in the 53rd minute off a cross from Josip Sanisic.  

Modrić led Croatia to second- and third-place finishes in 2018 and 2022 but could not come back.

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S high-risk substitution was slammed by super-fan Piers Morgan before it even happened.

The 41-year-old Portugal legend was average for most of the match, where his side let underdogs Croatia take the lead.

Random comments in media and social media :: 

First of all: what a game! 

Feel privileged to have seen it live! 

Hard to escape the feeling that Croatia were really hard done by, especially at the end. 

If I were the referee (and I have no refereeing experience whatsoever), I think the ethical decision would have been to let the goal stand and let the teams play extra time. 

That is a hugely consequential decision especially so late in the game and with such small margins, I think it is only fair to let the teams decide it the honourable way, by playing to get a proper goal. 

I think technicalities can get in the way of fairness. 

Anyway, Spain may crush Portugal anyway so maybe Croatia will get some poetic justice. But Ronaldo deserves a World Cup win too.  

Changing politics in Bangladesh ::: "BNP Govt in Feb 2026 appointed 15 people as ministers, MPs, presidents and prime ministers who had supported Pakistan’s unity", says Jamaat

 Jamaat announces month-long programmes to mark July uprising anniversary  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced a month-long programme to commemorate the second anniversary of the 'July uprising' of 2024. 

The schedule includes meetings with the families of those killed, injured and permanently disabled during the uprising, as well as remembrance events, discussions and prayer programmes at sites associated with the movement in Dhaka from July 2 to 9. 

On July 16, separate discussion meetings will be organised by the party's Dhaka north and south city units to observe July Martyrs' Day.

From July 18 to 31, similar programmes will be held across the country. 

Jamaat will also organise processions in metropolitan areas, districts and upazilas on August 1, while its labour wing will hold separate programmes from August 2 to 4. 

On August 5, the party will join and support rallies and processions to be organised by the 11-party alliance in Dhaka. In 2024, Aug 5, Sheikh Hasina had to flee to India and the administration had passed on to the hands of an interim regime - which was pro-Jamaat.  

Meanwhile, differences between Jamaat and ruling BNP is increasing by the day. Once they were allies. 

Taking part in parliament’s discussion on the national budget for the 2026-27, the BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Jamaat-e-Islami had yet to apologise for its role against Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

He said it would be easier for Jamaat to engage in politics in Bangladesh if it clearly stated its position on 1971 and acknowledged its role.  

Responding to Fakhrul’s remarks, Jamaat leader Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, “Look at yourself in the mirror. 

"Ask your father to apologise from his grave. We committed no crime, so why should we apologise? There are allegations that your father was the offender. You should therefore choose your words carefully.” 

He also said after coming to power, the BNP Govt in Feb 2026 appointed at least 14 or 15 people as ministers, MPs, presidents and prime ministers who had supported Pakistan’s unity and opposed Bangladesh’s independence.

Amid all these, the Awami League is getting ready with their political moves. Former PM, Sheikh Hasina has announced she may return 'home' in Dhaka by this calendar year 2026. 

A key minister in the BNP Govt also has said that efforts are on to ensure return of Sheikh Hasina for facing the judicial process.  

Blogger : Mujib Museum - 2017 

But the political journey of Awami League is interesting. 

The trajectory of AL, from a liberation vanguard to a dominant, heavily personalised, and autocratic political machine within a span of a few decades, is an exciting story.

Despite having a collective leadership in its formative years, AL has historically revolved around a single, dominant figure. After 2008, AL underwent a deep transformation, alienating it from its traditional roots, the middle-class. 

It has indulged in a culture of cronyism, power worship, and sycophancy. And it suffered as a result.  

Since the July uprising of 2024, AL is officially non-functional; its activities were banned last year. There are rumours that it will return from exile. 

The party may argue that the people have not rejected them electorally, and that the government, driven by political vengeance, has kept them out of that process. 

The top leaders of the party are all fugitives. The party chief, Hasina, remains practically the owner of the party. 

Nothing in her behaviour suggests she wants to democratise her party.

"However, many within AL, reportedly, believe that some external force will once again restore them to power," goes an article in 'The Daily Star'.   

It is difficult to predict AL’s fate as it reaches its 77th anniversary. Those who were successful in ousting the AL in the 2024 uprising may feel that the party has been defeated once and for all. 

However, power politics everywhere is about chances.

ends  

With friends and sympathisers among Indian political circles, intellectuals and media; it is a known fact NSCN-IM has been managing things as if they "own" the Naga insurgency

It has been done again.

All these happening at a time when NSCN-IM has expelled two rebels.

A news magazine has struggled hard and put up a Cover Story. The article essentially glorifies the NSCN-IM led by 92-year old ailing Thuingaleng Muivah as an enduring "South Asia's longest running insurgency - the Naga political struggle". 

What is cleverly not told is that the Tagkhul community of Manipur (of course of Naga areas) were late comers into Naga insurgenct or 'political struggle'. Only man to do so has been S C Jamir - 94 year old and that way two-year older than Muivah. Jamir has been telling over the years - a bitter truth - how one community outside present Nagaland state has hijacked Naga movement and the NSCN-IM along with the status quo club of Kohima is now (since 2015) playing all sorts of game to delay a final agreement. 

In January this year - he was more than frank. 

Answering a question on the issue of "delay"; Jamir told journalists n Dimapur -- "According to my reading, there is no problem from NNPG. But it is the NSCN-IM who is delaying..... Let us be frank".  

Jamir (also a former governor of Gujarat when Narendra Modi was the chief minister) said:  "You cannot keep it in cold storage because people are really suffering due to non implementation of this. UNFORTUNATELY there is always black sheep in the society....".

"There are some elements who do not like to have Peace in the land .... because for some people peace is not required for them". 

                                                      Veteran S C Jamir - a long time critic of Muivah 

"A status quo group has emerged and they are really giving lots of problem .....  but we as senior and concerned citizens have to speak out loudly, honestly .... we have to live in peace".  

Take this reference.  

NSCN (IM) leader and 'chief' Thuingaleng Muivah in Aug 2020 said: 

"The Nagas will co exist with India sharing sovereign powers as agreed in the Framework Agreement and defined in the competencies. But they will not merge with India.We are not asking for Naga national flag and constitution from the Government of India. 

Recognize them or not, we have our own flag and constitution".

In Delhi. some quarters were taken by surprise and the refrain was --- If things were so fundamental - why and how the talks lasted for last 23 years (between 1997 and 2020).

Of course, the Naga negotiations is 29-year-old and there is no sincere effort on the part of the Status quo club to change the ground reality. 

Apparently, India had made a climb down and said in the 1990s (first under PV Narasimha Rao and then under H D Deve Gowda) that talks will be held 'unconditionally'. Previously, the Government of India assertion used to be that talks can be held only under the 'parameters' of the Indian constitution.

By 2020, if some people were getting surprised by the fact that a large section of Indian media was giving 'adequate space and importance' to the NSCN(IM) and even making veiled attacks on R N Ravi, a new punching bag in the entire episode - analysts should not have been surprised.

Here, do we have another shocker in 2026, as many as three former Prime Ministers once backed Muivah in circa 2000 ?

The cover stories in a magazine are humble apologies only. 


"Three former Prime Ministers H D Deve Gowda, who first met Muivah along with Isak Chishi Swu (Late chairman of NSCN-IM) in February 1997 kicking off formal talks at Zurich,

 V P Singh and Chandrashekhar in a joint statement, requested the Thai government to release Muivah".

 (Courtesy - The Talking Guns: North East India penned by truly yours blogger Dev).

In 1997 when the Government of India had begun the peace parleys with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), it was presumed at certain quarters that slowly, the group would be persuaded to agree to the TINA factor - There is No Alternative to Peace and Solution.

But now it seems, the NSCN (IM) has been working on 'plan-B' or even plan C. 

If the talks fail, they may have to opt for a different gear or switch button. From time to time, the Govt of India also buys the 'line' that if talks fail; the NSCN-IM can put the entire north east into flames yet again.   

The latest 'cover story' amplifying Myanmar angle is only an indication of the same campaign analogy. 

We are surprised, the same BJP central leadership which worked so relentlessly against Naxals and in Jammu and Kashmir keep trusting some discredited politicians in Nagaland.  

The role of  BJP-NPF dispensation comes into play and not without good reasons.   

It lately won a simple battle when the rally for an early Solution organised by Fed Up Nagas faced flip-flop. The Rio Govt must have complimented itself yet again.

It is a fact of life that Muivah and the NSCN-IM have been adopting a mixed approach for the dialogues, tough at times threatening to call off the talks and at times going very soft willing to cooperate with New Delhi.

On its part, government of India has been committing mistakes in parleys either deliberately or by trusting wrong elements. 

Now, when we talk of these 'mistakes' -- one really cannot blame Team Modi - essentially comprising Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and likes of RN Ravi or A K Mishra for all the scenes that we have on the table since 2015.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee had appointed Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal as the first negotiator. He could not make much progress. Next came - K Padmanabhaiya, a former Home Secretary. 

He allegedly found post-retirement rehabilitation. Padmanabhaiya even reportedly declined to visit Nagaland. 

His favourite meeting place(s) with NSCN-IM eaders used to be Bangkok or even Europe - of course at government's expense.

His biggest contribution was that in 1999, the two rebel leaders Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu visited Nagaland. During that period (in 2001) Muivah had staged a sort of “Negotiated Coup”, when at Bangkok talks he could pursue the Vajpayee government to accept his long time desired goal to widen the scope of ceasefire to “all Naga inhabited areas”. 

Prior to that he applied arm-twisting, true to his style and mannerism, charging the government’s negotiator Padmanabhaiah with being in a “bureaucratic cocoon”.  But on a different plane, it was a 'cooperative Muivah', who had stayed on in the dialogue process after the government of India unilaterally withdrew from the Bangkok agreement to extend ceasefire to other Naga inhabited areas. This decision came after Manipur burnt for a few days.

The Government’s decision followed the week-long rampage in Manipur, where ethnic Meiteis feared that the ceasefire would be interpreted in future by Muivah and the Government of India to 'disintegrate the state of Manipur' to accommodate Tangkhuls “within” Nagaland.  

                                              Muivah in Bangkok prison : File snap 

It was ironic to see photographs appearing in the media about Muivah being in fetters in Bangkok. This was 2000.

He had been arrested on January 19, 2000 on the charge of carrying a false South Korean passport after he stepped off Thai Airways flight TG 508 on arrival at Bangkok from Karachi. 

The new cover stories will never have these stories even referred to. 

Muivah was released on bail but was again held on January 30 at the Hay Yai airport on possessing another false passport. His arrest, the underground camp alleged, was after the Indian intelligence Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) became “hyper sensitive”. 

The detention and the legal case pursued at Ratchadaphisek court had put a question mark on the fate of the peace talks with the Vajpayee government.

Muivah’s parleys with Pakistan and reported meeting with ISI’s Lt Gen Usmani had stunned New Delhi 

..... especially after he had been participating in the peace talks.  

In my book, I had also noted: 

"How much Muivah is romanticised could be felt only when during his passport defiance trial in Bangkok, a host of civil liberty activists and journalists from Delhi Nandita Haksar, Justice (Retd) Rajinder Sachchar and Bharat Bhushan, then Executive Editor with ‘The Hindustan Times’ had paid him a visit at the trial room". 

Bhushan even had serialised his news dispatches eulogising the rebel leader. 

The same Muivah allowed to visit his native village in Manipur in October 2025 - though seemingly sick - did not waste time to attack Govt of India. 

Blogger in Cooch Behar palace museum 

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Innovation is a way of Life !! Gujarat Govt's Unique Initiative: 'Health Passport' for every Child Up to 18 Years for a Healthy and Secure Future

Gujarat Government's Unique Initiative: 'Health Passport' for Every Child Up to 18 Years For a Healthy and Secure Future

* ' Health Passports' to be prepared for 1.89 crore children (0 to 18 years) following annual check-ups by 992 mobile health teams

* Health Passports to cover each child's complete medical history from birth to 18 years, 4D tracking, and nutritional status

Home Minister Shah and CM Bhupendra Patel  

* Primary Health Centres Medical Officer(s) to renew Health Passports for children up to 5 years of age who are not attending school, while the school principal will renew Health Passports for school-going children

Gandhinagar, 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often said that the foundation of a 'Healthy India' lies in ensuring a healthy childhood. 

Guided by this vision and advancing the goal of a Viksit Bharat, the Gujarat government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has introduced the Health Passport, a first-of-its-kind initiative to make healthcare services for children and adolescents smarter, more sustainable, and family- and child-friendly.

Under School Health - Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SHRBSK) , every child in Gujarat from birth to age 18 will receive a 'Health Passport'. 

More than just a health card, it will be a complete and authentic record of a child's health journey from birth through adolescence. 

The statewide initiative was launched on 27th June, 2026, by Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel.

1.89 Crore Children to Receive 'Health Passports'; 992 Mobile Health Teams to Support the Initiative

(While parents retain the physical Health Passport booklet, all information is seamlessly synchronized with the official SH-RBSK digital portal. 

The rollout targets around 1.89 crore children across the state, with check-ups conducted by 992 mobile health teams.

The document contains lifestyle advice, emergency helpline numbers, and vaccination alerts to ensure children receive timely care.) 

Under SH-RBSK , around 1.89 crore children in Gujarat undergo annual health check-ups conducted by 992 mobile health teams. 

While the records of these check-ups are currently maintained on a digital portal, parents and children do not have a handy document that can be readily used during routine consultations, medical treatment, or follow-up visits. 

The 'Health Passport' has been introduced to bridge this gap by providing every child with a systematic, comprehensive, and easily accessible record of their health history.

Simple and Hassle-Free Process for Health Passport; Issued at the Screening Site Without Additional Documents

The process to get a 'Health Passport' is simple and convenient. Parents do not need to provide any additional documents to get a Health Passport for their children. 

Health screenings will be conducted by SH-RBSK mobile health teams at Anganwadis, schools, madrasas, gurukuls, and special schools. 

Post-screening, once the child's details are entered into the digital platform, the Health Passport will be issued at the screening site itself. 

The renewal process is even easier. Health Passports of children up to five years of age and those not attending school will be renewed annually by the Medical Officer (MO) of the Primary Health Centre (PHC), while Health Passports of school-going children will be renewed by the school principal.

The Health Passport will be the master document containing each child's complete medical history. 

It will include the child's basic details along with a comprehensive record of age-specific health check-ups from birth to 18 years of age. 

The passport will also track the four key health categories (4Ds) under SH-RBSK: Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Childhood Diseases, Developmental Delays and Disabilities. 

Plus, it will record details of the child's physical and mental growth and development, nutritional status, referral services, nutrition and health guidance, lifestyle advice, and emergency helpline numbers. 

In essence, the Health Passport will bring together every important aspect of a child's health, providing families with a single, comprehensive record for easy reference throughout childhood.

The biggest strength of this initiative is its digital integration. While the physical Health Passport will remain with parents, all information will be synchronised with the SH-RBSK digital portal, ensuring seamless record management. 

If the physical Health Passport is lost or damaged, a new copy can be obtained from the mobile health team. 

The Gujarat government's Health Passport initiative goes beyond simply maintaining medical records. It seeks to make parents active partners in managing their children's health, strengthening the connection between children, families, and the healthcare system.

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