From tribal communities to sophisticated urbanites, Indians have always sought grace and blessings from our goddesses.
NEWS AND WRITINGS in international publications about Hindu gods and temples are always amusing to read. The Western gaze provides a great deal of entertainment with its ignorant observations about our tradition and culture. Aren’t we all tired of reading about the Western tourist’s visit to the “pagodas of the elephant god” or “monkey god” and other such stale meaningless similes? Travel guides to India are full of such writings.
When the National Geographic TV channel bombarded viewers with an ad campaign for a documentary on Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, it went viral. The expectations were high because it was Nat Geo, after all. When the documentary was finally aired, it turned out to be a total joke. Not only was it reeking of a pedestrian colonial hangover but also filled with information culled out from Wikipedia and other such unreliable and ignorant sources. Recently, Nat Geo magazine carried a report on the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple in Madurai. The writer, obviously someone who hasn’t travelled enough or never visited South India, wrote a laughable report. There was a lot of anger on social media about the falling standards of a brand like Nat Geo.
In the beginning of the article, the writer says: “Dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi — the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati, this temple is one of the few religious monuments in India devoted to a female deity. Known as the fish-eyed goddess because of her perfectly shaped eyes, Meenakshi represents fertility and love.” Really?! Do they even know what they are publishing? First of all, the temple is not a “religious monument”. It is a sacred space, thriving with regular worship for hundreds of years.
Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Swarajya Mag.
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Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Swarajya Mag.
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The Hesitant Orbit
In order to march boldly ahead into the deep space, New Delhi must work towards building a station, boost its techno-economic planning and use the Indian Space Research Organisation smartly.
Nudges And Narratives
The debate surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati brings India a complex network of portraits within a cultural world-system.
The Spell Of Specialisation
THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE NEEDS AN URGENT REJIG. THE KEY TO SPEED AND EFFICIENCY LIES IN PUTTING AN END TO A GENERALIST APPROACH AND IN GOING FOR A NEW SERVICE.
The Great Gamble
With demonetisation, the prime minister has taken a huge risk— both economic and political. He must succeed, because this move could transform both our economy and our society.
The Lies And The Truth
The government must be bold enough to up-end the activists who are coming in the way of the nation’s agricultural progress.
Figuring Out China
China’s economic footprint is being followed by its military footprint. To know that is not be belligerent but to prepare oneself adequately.
Management 108
The Upanishads Have A Lot To Teach Today’s Executives When Outcomes Are Unpredictable, Relationships Complex, And Change Is The Name Of The Game.
Sunny Days Ahead
THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR TAXI SERVICES ARE SENSIBLE, RATIONAL, AND MORE THAN WELCOME.
The Cultural World-System
Despite much talk of “soft power”, the fact is that whichever way you slice it, Indian culture fares poorly at seeking or exercising it
The Hard Way Forward
India has been focused on software, but there are large opportunities to be seized in hardware. A primer, and some busting of myths.
