Gudi Padwa, a time of renewed hope and the promise of new beginnings: PM Modi

IANS | March 19, 2026 10:06 AM

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished the citizens on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, the beginning of the Marathi new year, saying that today, as India continues its journey towards progress and self-reliance, the essence of Gudi Padwa becomes even more relevant.

Religious freedom in South Asia: India's pluralist framework in troubled neighbourhood

Narender Kumar | March 17, 2026 9:44 PM

New Delhi: Freedom of religion and belief is among the most fundamental of human rights. It safeguards human dignity, allowing individuals to practice their faith without fear and enabling diverse communities to coexist peacefully. Nowhere is this principle more significant — and more contested — than in South Asia, a region that is home to some of the world’s oldest religions and an extraordinary mosaic of beliefs including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. While most South Asian nations constitutionally seem to guarantee religious freedom, the lived reality for many minorities reveals a more troubling picture shaped by politics, historical grievances, and social tensions.