Parminder Singh Bhamba

  Education Policy in Punjab During the Reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh The Sikh Empire, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was a period of significant progress and reform in many areas, including education. Despite the common misconception that pre-British Punjab lacked a formal education system, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s policies paint a different picture. Inclusive Education System   Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who himself had no formal education, recognized the importance of learning and took steps to ensure an inclusive education system.  His reign saw the establishment of numerous schools in Amritsar and Lahore, which were open to all segments of the Punjabi population 1 . These institutions were not limited by religious or social boundaries, offering education to Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities alike. Religious Freedom and Equal Access   The Maharaja’s policies promoted religious freedom and equal access to education.  Schools attached to religious e...

  Godi Media: Unraveling the Lapdog Phenomenon in Indian Journalism In recent years, the term “Godi Media” has become a buzzword in Indian discourse, evoking both criticism and controversy. Coined and popularized by veteran journalist  Ravish Kumar , this pejorative expression sheds light on the sensationalist and biased tendencies of certain Indian print and TV news outlets. Let’s delve into the origins, usage, and implications of this term. Origins and Coinage The term “Godi Media” is a play on words. In Hindi, “Godi” translates to “lap,” while “media” needs no translation. Essentially, it refers to media outlets that are perceived as being subservient to the ruling  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , led by Prime Minister  Narendra Modi .  The pun lies in the juxtaposition of “lapdog” and “media,” implying that these outlets obediently sit on the BJP’s lap, echoing its narratives and agenda 1 2 . The Godi Media Landscape 1. Bias and Allegiance Godi Media outlets ...

 The Epic Saga of Earth: From Fiery Birth to a Future Unknown In the grand theater of the cosmos, Earth’s story unfolds as a captivating epic, from its fiery formation to the silent drifting of continents and the icy grip of the Ice Age. This tale is not merely one of rocks and ice but a dynamic narrative of resilience and transformation. Act I: The Fiery Genesis Our planet’s journey began around 4.54 billion years ago, within the swirling chaos of the solar nebula—a cloud of gas and dust left over from the sun’s formation1. Through the relentless force of gravity, dust and gas coalesced into a molten sphere, marking the birth of Earth. The early Earth was a hellish world, with volcanic eruptions painting the skies with fire and a bombardment of celestial debris shaping its surface. Act II: Pangea - The World United Fast forward to about 335 million years ago, and we witness the supercontinent Pangea2. This vast landmass was a conglomeration of all Earth’s continents, nestled toget...

Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Tenure of Progressive Economic Reforms As the 14th Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant economic and social reforms that aimed to modernize India and improve the lives of its citizens. An economist and academician, Dr. Singh’s leadership was characterized by a series of notable achievements that have had a lasting impact on the nation. Economic Policy and Growth  Under Dr. Singh’s leadership, India witnessed a period of robust economic growth. The country’s GDP grew at an impressive rate, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world during that period. His government’s policies focused on liberalization and increasing foreign investment, which helped in sustaining the growth momentum. Inclusive Development and Social Welfare  One of the hallmarks of Dr. Singh’s tenure was the emphasis on inclusive development.  The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREG...

 Progressive and Secular :Maharaja Ranjit Singh.  Maharaja Ranjit Singh, born on November 13, 1780, in Gujranwala, now in Pakistan, was a leader whose impact on the history of the Indian subcontinent is indelible. Known as the Lion of Punjab, he founded and ruled the Sikh Empire from 1801 until his death.  Early Life and Rise to Power Ranjit Singh was the only child of Maha Singh, and he inherited the leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl at the tender age of 12 after his father's death. Despite his physical shortcomings, being blind in one eye and marked with smallpox scars, he was a charismatic leader with a strategic mind.  Conquests and Expansion At 21, he captured Lahore and declared himself the Maharaja of Punjab, marking the beginning of an empire that would grow under his leadership. He united the various Sikh misls and expanded his territory to include regions from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River and from Kashmir to the Thar Desert.  Military Prowess R...

Rahul Gandhi: The Emerging Hero of Indian Democracy Rahul Gandhi, the scion of India’s most famous political dynasty, has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics. Despite facing challenges and criticism, he continues to play a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Let’s delve into his journey and impact: 1. Political Royalty: Rahul Gandhi hails from a lineage steeped in political history. His great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was India’s first prime minister. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and father, Rajiv Gandhi, also held the highest office in the country. The Indian National Congress (Congress), the party associated with the Gandhi family, ruled India for over five decades. However, their dominance waned after a crushing defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi often accuses Rahul Gandhi of dynastic politics, labeling him a "spoiled prince" 1 . 2. Unexpected Entry into Politics: Rahul Gandhi’s ...