Reflections On India

A discussion of India's colonial past as a lens of perspective on issues today.

A blog by Kisna Pande

lalleepande@gmail.com

I hope you enjoy my blog. This is my attempt to shed light on India’s rich cultural history and how challenges to that historical tapestry in the form of colonization changed India’s trajectory and what it means for today’s generation.

  • Oppenheimer and the Bhagavad Gita: Melding Science and Cosmic Wisdom

    In the scorching heat of July 16, 1945, the world changed forever. On that fateful day, amidst the fiery birth of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the orchestrator of this modern Prometheus, whispered a verse from an ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” It was…

    READ MORE →

  • The Bandit Queen

    Phoolan Devi, the infamous “Bandit Queen,” remains a character of extreme intrigue and complexity in the annals of Indian history. Her story is an amalgamation of rebellion, oppression, and a quest for justice. Yet, the layers of her narrative are so intricately woven that it leaves us grappling with questions about society, justice, and the…

    READ MORE →

  • India’s Rebirth is Threatening the Foundations of the Past

    India’s recent trajectory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has witnessed a series of drastic shifts, posing significant challenges to its democratic fabric and societal inclusivity. The political landscape is marked by a conspicuous absence of Muslim representation within the ruling party, exemplified by the lack of a single elected Muslim member of…

    READ MORE →

  • When You Don’t Have the Power to Make the Rules, Beware of Breaking Them. 

    My two countries of origin, India and the United States of America, have shared a kindred bond with not only the ideals of democracy but also their shared interests to enhance worldwide security, ensure stability, and boost economic well-being through trade, investment, and connectivity. These two nations have proudly been at the forefront of managing…

    READ MORE →

  • The History of Non-Alignment

    India’s long-standing commitment to non-alignment has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the 1950s. Rooted in the context of decolonization and the Cold War era, non-alignment emerged as a principled stance against aligning with major power blocs. However, as the world becomes more multipolar and interconnected, the relevance and effectiveness of non-alignment in…

    READ MORE →

  • India’s Green Revolution

    A green revolution feels like a very present day concept, born out of the needs stemming from climate change. In India, however, the Green Revolution was kick started in the 1960s and had a profound impact on India’s economy, food security, and agricultural practices. The Green Revolution was a series of initiatives aimed at increasing…

    READ MORE →

  • Triumph Amid Turmoil: India’s Field Hockey Glory in the 1948 London Olympics

    The year 1948 marked a pivotal moment in India’s history, both politically and athletically. Just a year after gaining independence from British rule, the nation witnessed a triumphant display of skill and determination at the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London. The Indian field hockey team emerged as the beacon of hope and pride, uniting…

    READ MORE →

  • Examining the 2002 Gujarat Riots

    The 2002 Gujarat riots remain one of the most contentious and debated incidents in modern Indian history. This tragic episode unfolded in the western state of Gujarat, India, and resulted in the loss of over a thousand lives, displacement of thousands more, and extensive property damage. The events of 2002 have elicited strong emotions, polarized…

    READ MORE →

  • The Great Indian Rebellion of 1857

    The Great Indian Rebellion of 1857, well before India’s actual independence, was a watershed moment in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. By the mid-19th century, British colonialism had firmly established its presence in India. The East India Company, which began as a trading enterprise, had gradually expanded its control over large parts of the…

    READ MORE →

  • Chanakya – the Epitome of Thought in 4th Century BCE

    Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian scholar, philosopher, teacher, and statesman who lived during the 4th century BCE. He is best known for his contributions to political thought and his role as the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, one of the most prominent and…

    READ MORE →

  • 6 Surprising Ways the Vedas Were Ahead of Their Time

    The Vedic period in ancient India, spanning from approximately 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, was a remarkable era of intellectual and philosophical growth. The Vedas, a collection of sacred texts composed during this period, not only offered profound spiritual insights but also contained ideas that were remarkably ahead of their time. In this brief blog…

    READ MORE →