'Empowered or Oppressed?': Tracing the feminine fate across the ancient Indian ethos (IANS Book Review)

Vikas Datta | July 14, 2026 11:01 AM

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) The feminine, leaving aside the sacred feminine motif present in several religions, is not just a concept of the human condition but rather a facet of creation itself, given its role in gestation and nurturing. Even if it is viewed as half of the equation of life, it unfortunately does not reflect in the social configuration, or the infamous patriarchy, which long deprived women of their due status and agency.

Bangladesh rights groups condemn arrest of Hindu man over proposed Lord Ram statue

IANS | July 14, 2026 10:59 AM

Dhaka, July 14 (IANS) Several leading human rights organisations have strongly condemned the arrest of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, who proposed the construction of an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram within the premises of the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Palashbari upazila of Bangladesh’s Gaibandha district, describing the action as “unfortunate” and “unacceptable”.