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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014...

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014 interview. He stated that "there was a time when we counted waves from the shore; now the time has come to take the helm and plunge into the ocean ourselves."   In a world racing toward conflict, Modi has proven India's foreign policy ranks among the world's finest. Guided by 'Nation First' and prioritising Indian safety and interests, it steadfastly embodies  'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' , the world as one family.   Policy Shines Modi's foreign policy shines with such clarity and patience that even as war flames engulf West Asian nations, Indians studying and working there return home safe. In just 13 days, nearly 100,000 were evacuated from Gulf war zones, mostly by air, some via Armenia by road. PM Modi talked with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure Iran's airspace for the safe evacuation of Indians, a privilege denied to any other nation. Additionally, clearance was granted for Indian ships carrying crude oil and LPG to pass safely through the Hormuz Strait. No other country's vessels are navigating these waters, except for those of Iran's ally, China. The same strategy worked in the Ukraine-Russia war: talks with both presidents ensured safe corridors, repatriating over 23,000 students and businessmen. Iran, Israel, or America, all know India deems terrorism or war unjustifiable at any cost. PM Modi amplified anti-terror campaigns from UN to global platforms, earning open support from many nations.   Global Powerhouse Bolstered by robust foreign policy and economic foresight, India emerges as a global powerhouse, undeterred by tariff hurdles. Modi's adept diplomacy yields notable successes. Contrast this with Nehru's era: wedded to Non-Aligned Movement, he watched NAM member China seize vast Ladakh territory in war. Today, Modi's government signals clearly, India honors friends, spares no foes. Abandoning non-alignment, it embraces multi-alignment: respecting sovereignties while prioritizing human welfare and progress. The world shifts from unipolar or bipolar to multipolar dynamics.   Modi's policy hallmark is that India seal defense deals like the S-400 and others with Russia yet sustains US friendship. America bestows Legion of Merit; Russia, its highest civilian honor, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. India nurtures ties with Israel, Palestine, Iran via bilateral talks. Saudi Arabia stands shoulder-to-shoulder across fronts; UAE trade exceeds $80 billion. UN's top environment award, UNEP Champions of the Earth, graces India, unlike past when foreign nations campaigned against us on ecological pretexts.   This policy's triumph roots in economic empowerment. India now ranks the world's fourth-largest economy, poised for third in 1-2 years. The 2000s dubbed it 'fragile'; then-PM economist Dr. Manmohan Singh led. Yet  'Modinomics'  prevailed. As COVID crippled supply chains, recession loomed, inflation soared and growth plunged in developed countries,  Modinomics  made India the 'bright star.' Inflation stayed controlled, growth above 6.2 per cent. IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas praised it, advising the world to learn from India.

Navadurga: Nine Forms, One Divine Feminine in Every Woman

Each of Maa Durga’s nine forms reflects traits we see in women today—from warriors to nurturers, seekers to creators.

As the quiet reverence of Pitru Paksha fades—a fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors and remembering departed souls—the air turns vibrant with the arrival of Maa Durga in her nine radiant forms—each a living symbol of strength, compassion, and renewal. Navratri, celebrated across India and among the diaspora worldwide, is not just a festival of lights and colours; it is a celebration of feminine energy, courage, and spiritual awakening.


Maa Durga-- whose nine avatars mirror the many roles and powers of today's modern women. Her nine manifestations offer timeless lessons for contemporary women striving to balance grace and grit.


The divine journey

According to the Puranas, Maa Durga descends from the Himalayas to her maternal home on Earth for nine sacred days, accompanied by celestial beings and blessings. Each day honours one of her nine forms, from the gentle Shailaputri to the fierce Kaalratri, culminating in Vijaya Dashami, when the Goddess returns to the heavens after vanquishing Mahi Asura, a demon symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil.


Across India, the festival takes on regional colours: homes are decorated with flowers, devotees perform Garba and Dandiya dances, and traditional sweets are offered to the Goddess. Maa Durga’s sacred presence reminds us that her nine forms are reflected in today's modern women—each representing traits that are as relevant now as they were millennia ago.


1. Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountain): Symbolises strength, grounding, and purity.

Today’s women: Just like Shailaputri stands firm, women today balance family, career, and responsibilities with unshakeable strength, often being the “mountain” for their loved ones.


2. Brahmacharini (The Seeker of Knowledge): Embodies penance, devotion, and wisdom.

Today’s women: They reflect their dedication to education, personal growth, and the discipline they put into building their careers, dreams, and values.


3. Chandraghanta (Warrior Goddess): Represents courage and fearlessness, always ready to fight injustice.

Today’s women: LikeChandraghanta, women take bold stands—be it against workplace inequality, social injustice, or protecting their families.


4. Kushmanda (The Cosmic Creator): Known as the creator of energy and vitality.

Today’s women: She signifies the life-giving force—women nurture families, shape societies, and bring positivity and creativity wherever they go.


5. Skandamata (Mother of Kartikeya): Symbolises motherhood, compassion, and selfless love.

Today’s women: As mothers, mentors, and carers, they balance nurturing with empowering, raising children and guiding others with strength and kindness.


6. Katyayani (The Warrior Form): Known as the slayer of evil and symbol of righteous anger.

Today’s women: They embody this when they say “enough”—fighting against harassment, corruption, or any form of exploitation, and standing up for themselves and others.


7. Kalaratri (The Fierce Protector): Represents destruction of darkness, fearlessness, and inner power.

Today’s women: The modern woman faces struggles head-on—be it illness, financial crisis, or personal battles—and emerges stronger, protecting their families and values.


8. Mahagauri (The Symbol of Peace & Purity): Stands for forgiveness, calmness, and clarity.

Today’s women: In their gentleness and patience, they bring harmony—balancing chaos at home or in the workplace, radiating peace and healing.


9. Siddhidatri (Bestower of Knowledge and Powers): Represents wisdom, spiritual fulfilment, and guiding energy.

Today’s women: As teachers, leaders, and guides, they share knowledge, mentor others, and empower society to grow with their wisdom.


In essence, Navadurga is not just about the Goddess—it is about the divine feminine that every woman carries within her. Each woman today embodies all nine forms—sometimes a warrior, sometimes a nurturer, sometimes a creator, sometimes a seeker of peace.


Let us all bow down to Shakti and invoke Shakti within.


Happy Navratri to all of you. May Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all of us.


Jai Mata Di


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane.)

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