From someone who spends most of her free time with dogs and raised and fostered a few of them, this is not advice but conversation. I haven't pursued any course in dog behaviour except listening to professionals and chewing the brains of other dog parents.

From someone who spends most of her free time with dogs and raised and fostered a few of them, this is not advice but conversation. I haven't pursued any course in dog behaviour except listening to professionals and chewing the brains of other dog parents. My knowledge is bestowed by the best dog behaviour professors in the world - dogs themselves. Fight for them Having a dog demands ample patience not only towards dogs but hostile humans. You may have to assert your love to your neighbours, relatives and dog-forbid police and courts too. (Bad pun 1). It is vexing to deal with people who are bent on hurting animals. However, we have to be patient and walk the road less taken with our dogs. (Bad pun 2). If we don't fight for them, who will? Dogs did test my patience a few times and humans, well, every time. I mean, I am still explaining to people why I love dogs. Why? Animal abuse is a real problem and the animal rights movement is a real movement. You'll confront several people whose humanity was slain long ago by their arrogance. Don't let anybody or anything convince you that dogs are inferior living beings. Be extremely well-versed with the animal protection laws in India and your rights (they come with responsibilities) as a caretaker of animals. Take help from professionals in this sector whenever required. Your dog shouldn't have to forgo anything to appease people. Dog is different Your dog is not biologically your child. They won't adore all your relatives and prance onto their lap. They won't sleep when you do. They won't abide by your diet choices. (Biological children shouldn't be compelled to do these either but I won't digress). Recognise that your dog won't like many things you do and vice versa because we are two different lives. They get angry, sad, happy, grumpy, moody, defensive or disinterested for their own reasons. They are allowed to have feelings that don't emulate their humans. Their actions and reactions are their willing. Maybe not as sharp as ours but they have a brain as well. As much as they love you, they can't be your child and fulfil your expectations. One more time I see someone rubbing off their human expectations and standards on dogs, I am going to lose my cool. Also, isn't it fantastic that our dogs aren't like us? We certainly aren't in need of more creatures with fake laughs and hidden motives and obsession with money. (Philosophy lesson 101). Each dog is different If you are pissed off with the Sharmaji ka Beta comparison, don't expect your dog to replicate another one. Some dogs are exuberated by human presence. They keep pouncing on you until you are tired. They follow you gregariously and play fetch like a pro. They give the perfect poses. Their Instagram has lakhs of followers. They eat without fuss and sleep on the dog bed. They are good. If your dog doesn't do these, is he or she inferior to other dogs? No. They are all different just like how you and your overachiever cousin are. While expecting your dog to be something perfect, you are missing his unique personality. Let him be the dog he wants to be. Learn, understand and allow him to show you his true self. Dogs aren't xerox copies of each other. Even in the same breed or among pups of the same litter, each dog is different and so are their needs. There is no one-size-fits-all dog manual. If you genuinely want to be a better dog parent, your dog is the best guide. You'll both be much better that way than by transforming him into a completely new dog altogether. Adjusting for the dog Remember when you pestered your parents for a dog as a kid? And they said you were more than enough for them? They had a point. Getting a dog is not child's play. (Last bad pun). I assume you've planned everything meticulously and made an adult decision to bring home a dog. You may still be overwhelmed by the responsibility that dawned upon you. You ought to make changes in your lifestyle for the dog and it will be new. But you've got to pull your socks up and out of your dog's mouth. (Are you still counting bad puns?). You might face situations you weren't prepared for. But life is always uncertain, right? (Philosophy lesson 102). So be sportive and adjust for them. Remember, you got them because you wanted them. The least you can do as the most superior creature on this planet is to be kind. Raising a dog involves effort - physically and mentally. There are going to be days when you are too exhausted or sluggish to put that effort for your dog. But that shouldn't be normalised. If getting a dog was only about buying dog food and taking selfies, every house would have a dog. Personally, I never knew I could wake up at 6 or spend almost an hour in my apartment parking or jump across muddy pools or shout in the middle of the road until my dogs made me. There's a plethora of awkward stuff I did with my dogs. It'd be better for you to experience it than to read from me. Breed of the dog If I had a dollar for every time someone suggested me to get a Labrador or Golden Retriever or Pug instead of my indies, I would have bought an island away from everyone. There is nothing special about buying a purebred dog unless you consider prejudice and pomp to be special. My indies are agile, gorgeous, special, quirky, silly, frolicsome and flawless. I wouldn't take it from anyone who breeds dogs as if they were some endangered species. It would take another article to reveal the horrors of dog breeding. So if you've rescued or adopted a dog, be proud of your choice. Like you flaunted the glittery pencil box in your fourth class as if it was a diamond. The fact that our dogs had an abusive past doesn't make them shameful. It only reflects the horrifying reality for India's homeless dogs. Each time you buy or breed a dog, you deny a rescued dog's last chance at life. While actively detesting the herd mentality in your life, why would you buy a dog of the breed that your neighbors or friends showed off? While we all love a good lecture on body positivity and acceptance, it is the fluffy, furry puppers that go home while Indie dogs languish. If it is because they have less fur then please note that it is suitable for Indian climate. Indies are adapted to live in India. I never let anybody demean my dogs for not having a fancy name. Because a dog is much, much more than its market price and branding. I see you The enormity of contradicting information is making your head spin. Your dog just doesn't eat and you don't know if their diet is to be changed. You are nervous because they have a vaccine today. You are rejected by yet another cab or auto because you have a dog along. You don't know if the mess your dog made is just mischief or a sign of discomfort. You want to rush to the vet right now but it is an odd time. You feel guilty that you couldn't take care of them. You feel bad that your dog had only one person in the world and that person failed them. You feel miserable when you see them on the vet's table. I know how it feels. I understand that you are still learning and trying to be a better person. I appreciate the effort you are making to give them a better life. You may feel the opposite but believe me when I say you aren't alone. We all have been in your shoes and know that your dog chewed them. (I have a repertoire of bad jokes). Keep being amused by their goofy antics, continue with the screechy baby talk, let the treats flow in, say sorry when you step on their tail, rant to them about your day, and get anxious about what they are doing at home in your absence and gallop to the vet whenever they need it. Amidst all this, don't forget to hug them and tell them you love them. Because one day, you will miss precisely what makes you tiresome now. Dogs change your life in ways you never thought. Because love is what they want to take and what they know to give. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A letter to dog parents

An unnamed Afghan woman's blog is making waves online and being shared widely on social media. The words of the 24-years-old woman are indicative of the potential situation Afghan women face in light of Taliban takeover.

The woman was going for a university class in Kabul on Sunday when the news of Taliban fighters' entry into Kabul broke. Women students rushed to go home but it was not as easy.&nbsp;

"We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian.

Taliban are known for their hardline stance against women's rights. During their rule in late 90s Taliban had imposed harsh, oppressive restrictions on women and brutally punished, even killed those who appeared to 'violate' their diktat by slightest of margins.

There are justified fears in Afghanistan that the 'dark days' are returning.

"I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian.

The woman describes how men started teasing them as news of Taliban's entry in Kabul broke

“It is your last days of being out on the streets,” “I will marry four of you in one day,” were the words uttered by men as per the report.

Women media professionals are apprehensive about coming days in Afghanistan 
&nbsp;

An unnamed Afghan woman's blog is making waves online and being shared widely on social media. The words of the 24-years-old woman are indicative of the potential situation Afghan women face in light of Taliban takeover.

An unnamed Afghan woman's blog is making waves online and being shared widely on social media. The words of the 24-years-old woman are indicative of the potential situation Afghan women face in light of Taliban takeover. The woman was going for a university class in Kabul on Sunday when the news of Taliban fighters' entry into Kabul broke. Women students rushed to go home but it was not as easy. "We all wanted to get home, but we couldn’t use public transport. The drivers would not let us in their cars because they did not want to take responsibility for transporting a woman...," she writes as published by The Guardian. Taliban are known for their hardline stance against women's rights. During their rule in late 90s Taliban had imposed harsh, oppressive restrictions on women and brutally punished, even killed those who appeared to 'violate' their diktat by slightest of margins. There are justified fears in Afghanistan that the 'dark days' are returning. "I worked for so many days and nights to become the person I am today, and this morning when I reached home, the very first thing my sisters and I did was hide our IDs, diplomas and certificates. It was devastating. Why should we hide the things that we should be proud of? In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are," says the woman as mentioned in The Guardian. The woman describes how men started teasing them as news of Taliban's entry in Kabul broke “It is your last days of being out on the streets,” “I will marry four of you in one day,” were the words uttered by men as per the report. Women media professionals are apprehensive about coming days in Afghanistan

Afghan woman's impassioned blog makes waves online

A chef’s knife. A painter’s brush. A writer’s pen. What would artists be without their tools (And the mild obsession we have with them)?

Since time immemorial, the image of the writer has been a figure bent over paper (or parchment, depending on how far you want to go) with a quill and a pot of ink. Next to a flame. There is always a flame!&nbsp;

So romantic is this visual that every aspiring writer has at some point adopted a fancy pen when committing to putting words on paper. The more old school ones will even go for a pot of ink to dip in! But those in the business of words can tell you, when you make a living out of writing, a certain number of words a day is function over romance! Sure, the poets and lyricists can still afford to indulge. But those of us who commit to manuscripts with a lakh or more words are cursed to carry a thought cloud threatening to disappear any moment, unless hastily scribbled as notes. Not to mention the fear of a manuscript washed out by spontaneous rain! Or an unexpected pen leakage in the bag, discovered when your hand emerged from it, stained in the pen’s blue blood… (True Story.)

No sir! I belong to the tribe of scribes that swears by the humble ball point pen. Fast. Efficient. And dependable.&nbsp;

I remember when we made the transition in Class 6 from pencil to pen. That was when I stopped getting the extra mark for neatness! But it wasn’t just that. A pencil provides the scope to make a mistake. No such thing with pens! Pens do not give second chances. They demand clarity of thought and an unfaltering will. My notebooks looked like tiny insects had dipped their feet in ink and had a parade on the page. The thick strokes from the nib of fountain pens aren’t kind to those with a shy, unsure hand.&nbsp;

Then one day I made the discovery- a Cello ball point pen! It had a tiny ball at the end of a needle-like nib that made thin, precise strokes. Neat, un-smudgeable writing. And the pen would just glide over the page, oh-so-smoothly! In blue and black. I still prefer blue.

I’m often asked what I prefer to write on- laptop or on paper with a pen. To that I say- laptop for short documents, emails, etc. But for real writing that requires thought, that demands filling page after page with story, when lines are struck out and re-written on top, barely fitting in the lines, when the sides are filled with side notes, forgotten at first then hastily scribbled- it’s on paper, a sturdy notebook with a pen that can keep up with my state of frenzy. And that is a job for a hardworking pen!

For me it’s the writing that needs to be beautiful, not the pen. I did use a fancy leather-bound notebook with handmade paper while writing my first novel Urmila, The Forgotten Princess. The yellowed paper felt like parchment, and though I didn’t write next to a flame, it was the closest I could get to that classic writer visual! In the lockdown I switched to a simple school stationary notebook, with neat lines that didn’t let my sentences droop or ascend. But my choice of pen to write on both was the ball point pen. It has been since years. I buy them in bundles. I stash them in different bags, in different corners of the house for easy access, in case the thought cloud threatens to disappear. I find that it keeps up with my pace. It helps my thoughts as I twist the cap. Or tap the pen impatiently against my face. Or poke my forehead with it when a stubborn thought refuses to come out.&nbsp;

Getting 440 pages written is no easy feat. Specially of a story that has been around for thousands of years. When I was struggling to finish it, I would wonder sometimes as to how long it must have taken for the first writers of the Ramayana…&nbsp;

Who knows, they may have finished it faster if they had a ball point pen!

(Smriti Dewan is an award-winning screenwriter, director and recently turned author with her debut novel Urmila: The Forgotten Princess published by Bloomsbury)

A chef’s knife. A painter’s brush. A writer’s pen. What would artists be without their tools (And the mild obsession we have with them)? Since time immemorial, the image of the writer has been a figure bent over paper (or parchment, depending on how far you want to go) with a quill and a pot of ink.

A chef’s knife. A painter’s brush. A writer’s pen. What would artists be without their tools (And the mild obsession we have with them)? Since time immemorial, the image of the writer has been a figure bent over paper (or parchment, depending on how far you want to go) with a quill and a pot of ink. Next to a flame. There is always a flame! So romantic is this visual that every aspiring writer has at some point adopted a fancy pen when committing to putting words on paper. The more old school ones will even go for a pot of ink to dip in! But those in the business of words can tell you, when you make a living out of writing, a certain number of words a day is function over romance! Sure, the poets and lyricists can still afford to indulge. But those of us who commit to manuscripts with a lakh or more words are cursed to carry a thought cloud threatening to disappear any moment, unless hastily scribbled as notes. Not to mention the fear of a manuscript washed out by spontaneous rain! Or an unexpected pen leakage in the bag, discovered when your hand emerged from it, stained in the pen’s blue blood… (True Story.) No sir! I belong to the tribe of scribes that swears by the humble ball point pen. Fast. Efficient. And dependable. I remember when we made the transition in Class 6 from pencil to pen. That was when I stopped getting the extra mark for neatness! But it wasn’t just that. A pencil provides the scope to make a mistake. No such thing with pens! Pens do not give second chances. They demand clarity of thought and an unfaltering will. My notebooks looked like tiny insects had dipped their feet in ink and had a parade on the page. The thick strokes from the nib of fountain pens aren’t kind to those with a shy, unsure hand. Then one day I made the discovery- a Cello ball point pen! It had a tiny ball at the end of a needle-like nib that made thin, precise strokes. Neat, un-smudgeable writing. And the pen would just glide over the page, oh-so-smoothly! In blue and black. I still prefer blue. I’m often asked what I prefer to write on- laptop or on paper with a pen. To that I say- laptop for short documents, emails, etc. But for real writing that requires thought, that demands filling page after page with story, when lines are struck out and re-written on top, barely fitting in the lines, when the sides are filled with side notes, forgotten at first then hastily scribbled- it’s on paper, a sturdy notebook with a pen that can keep up with my state of frenzy. And that is a job for a hardworking pen! For me it’s the writing that needs to be beautiful, not the pen. I did use a fancy leather-bound notebook with handmade paper while writing my first novel Urmila, The Forgotten Princess. The yellowed paper felt like parchment, and though I didn’t write next to a flame, it was the closest I could get to that classic writer visual! In the lockdown I switched to a simple school stationary notebook, with neat lines that didn’t let my sentences droop or ascend. But my choice of pen to write on both was the ball point pen. It has been since years. I buy them in bundles. I stash them in different bags, in different corners of the house for easy access, in case the thought cloud threatens to disappear. I find that it keeps up with my pace. It helps my thoughts as I twist the cap. Or tap the pen impatiently against my face. Or poke my forehead with it when a stubborn thought refuses to come out. Getting 440 pages written is no easy feat. Specially of a story that has been around for thousands of years. When I was struggling to finish it, I would wonder sometimes as to how long it must have taken for the first writers of the Ramayana… Who knows, they may have finished it faster if they had a ball point pen! (Smriti Dewan is an award-winning screenwriter, director and recently turned author with her debut novel Urmila: The Forgotten Princess published by Bloomsbury)

Blog: Musings on a ballpoint pen from an author

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/read-the-full-text-of-veteran-bjp-leader-lal-krishna-advani-blog-207942">blog</a> before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6.&nbsp;

"As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog.&nbsp;

He goes on to say that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so."

Advani adds that the "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression."&nbsp;

He then goes on to say that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'."&nbsp;

Advani adds that "the party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level."

And that the "defense (sic) of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party."

Advani says that "in short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party.The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergengy rule was precisely to uphold the above values."

He begins to wind down his blog by saying that "it is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India."&nbsp;

And finally concludes with the lines that: "True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy – political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate."

Advani had at the start of his blog said that: " Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support has always overwhelmed me."&nbsp;

Advani will not be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has instead fielded party president Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6. "As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog.

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6. "As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog. He goes on to say that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so." Advani adds that the "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression." He then goes on to say that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." Advani adds that "the party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level." And that the "defense (sic) of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party." Advani says that "in short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party.The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergengy rule was precisely to uphold the above values." He begins to wind down his blog by saying that "it is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India." And finally concludes with the lines that: "True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy – political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate." Advani had at the start of his blog said that: " Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support has always overwhelmed me." Advani will not be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has instead fielded party president Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national': LK Advani

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to LK Advani's blog posted earlier on Thursday in which the veteran BJP leader had said that "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression."&nbsp;

The veteran BJP leader had added that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-never-regarded-those-who-disagree-with-us-politically-as-anti-national-lk-advani-207939">anti-national</a>'."&nbsp;

In his blog, Advani said that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so."

Modi replied on Twitter that "Advani Ji perfectly sums up the true essence of BJP, most notably the guiding Mantra of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Advani Ji perfectly sums up the true essence of BJP, most notably the guiding Mantra of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’ 
 
Proud to be a BJP Karyakarta and proud that greats like LK Advani Ji have strengthened it. <a href="https://t.co/xScWuuDuMq">https://t.co/xScWuuDuMq</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1113819567179075590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Proud to be a BJP Karyakarta and proud that greats like LK Advani Ji have strengthened it," he added.&nbsp;

Advani had written his blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6, saying it that "as one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect." &nbsp;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to LK Advani's blog posted earlier on Thursday in which the veteran BJP leader had said that "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to LK Advani's blog posted earlier on Thursday in which the veteran BJP leader had said that "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression." The veteran BJP leader had added that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." In his blog, Advani said that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so." Modi replied on Twitter that "Advani Ji perfectly sums up the true essence of BJP, most notably the guiding Mantra of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last. Advani Ji perfectly sums up the true essence of BJP, most notably the guiding Mantra of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’ Proud to be a BJP Karyakarta and proud that greats like LK Advani Ji have strengthened it. https://t.co/xScWuuDuMq — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2019 × "Proud to be a BJP Karyakarta and proud that greats like LK Advani Ji have strengthened it," he added. Advani had written his blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6, saying it that "as one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect."

After Advani writes blog, Modi says he 'perfectly sums up true essence of BJP'

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-run-by-a-dynasty-cannot-serve-the-people-amit-shah-193708">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> tweeted Wednesday.&nbsp;

"From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said.&nbsp;

In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page.&nbsp;

The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches".&nbsp;

Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics.

Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive.

India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future."&nbsp;

He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. 
 
From the press to Parliament. 
 
From soldiers to free speech. 
 
From the Constitution to the courts. 
 
Nothing is spared. 
 
Sharing some thoughts. <a href="https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e">https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108211498701254661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet.&nbsp;

On Parliament he wrote:

The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha.

On the&nbsp;Press and Expression:

Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent.

On the Constitution and Courts:&nbsp;

Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution.

On Government bodies:

In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’

This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions.

On the Armed Forces:

Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved.&nbsp;

On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement:

Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy.

If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress.

Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely:

"From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct.

As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly.

If they could do it then, they can surely do it now."&nbsp;

The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-ganga-yatra-and-triumph-of-soft-hindutva-204136">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this."

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." <a href="https://t.co/9X4JyFHnSI">pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1108232122454691840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents.&nbsp;

That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign.&nbsp;

Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has&nbsp;recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.&nbsp;

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech.

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said. In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page. The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches". Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics. Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive. India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future." He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority." The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared. Sharing some thoughts. https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2019 × He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet. On Parliament he wrote: The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha. On the Press and Expression: Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent. On the Constitution and Courts: Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution. On Government bodies: In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’ This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions. On the Armed Forces: Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved. On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement: Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy. If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress. Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely: "From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct. As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly. If they could do it then, they can surely do it now." The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2019 × What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents. That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign. Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.

Biggest casualty of dynasty is institutions: PM Modi

At last, the high mass of the global game will begin. After all the lobbying, politicking and campaigning by Morocco and the joint United 2026 bid for the World Cup in eight years time, the focus will turn to the football, with the opening game between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.

At Red Square, fans from all over the world have begun gathering. Colourful and dancing Peruvians, who are celebrating their return to the finals for the first time in 36 years, singing Colombians, who have purchased more than 60,000 tickets, Argentines with Lionel Messi shirts and Socceroos fans, who have come all the way from Australia.

As the evening progressed on Tuesday they watched the fireworks to commemorate Russia day, the national day of the hosts. Security was reinforced, but all passed without incident as World Cup fever hit Moscow. On Wednesday, more fans flooded the historical centre of the Russian capital, taking in the beautiful architecture, the historical monuments and the Lenin's tomb.

Russian fans haven't warmed up to the tournament yet. The Zbornaya return to the world stage, but with fear of humiliation. At last year's Confederations Cup Russia were very underwhelming, crashing out in the first round in a modest group with Mexico, New Zealand and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team dismantled the hosts with ease.

The worry for Russia is that they have declined since then, playing high-profile friendlies, including Brazil and France. Russia remain very fragile at the back and have little firepower up front, in spite of Fedor Smolov, a talented striker, who hasn't found the net enough.

Still, against Saudi Arabia, they have a chance. Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, was optimistic in general terms, speaking about the tournament as "a dream for Russia." He emphasised that Russia did everything to deliver a perfect world championship.

That depends, not just on how the outside world sees and experiences Russia, but also on how the tournament develops, with the football on display. Germany and Brazil are sky-high favourites to progress to the final, but there are other challenges who may disturb their dreams, such as, France and Spain.

Still, in the end, on July 15, the day of the final, the Peruvian and Colombian fans mat they be still celebrating, not in Red Square, but just as a memory and how well they did.

Russia have a chance against Saudi Arabia in the first match of FIFA World Cup 2018

At last, the high mass of the global game will begin. After all the lobbying, politicking and campaigning by Morocco and the joint United 2026 bid for the World Cup in eight years time, the focus will turn to the football, with the opening game between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. At Red Square, fans from all over the world have begun gathering. Colourful and dancing Peruvians, who are celebrating their return to the finals for the first time in 36 years, singing Colombians, who have purchased more than 60,000 tickets, Argentines with Lionel Messi shirts and Socceroos fans, who have come all the way from Australia. As the evening progressed on Tuesday they watched the fireworks to commemorate Russia day, the national day of the hosts. Security was reinforced, but all passed without incident as World Cup fever hit Moscow. On Wednesday, more fans flooded the historical centre of the Russian capital, taking in the beautiful architecture, the historical monuments and the Lenin's tomb. Russian fans haven't warmed up to the tournament yet. The Zbornaya return to the world stage, but with fear of humiliation. At last year's Confederations Cup Russia were very underwhelming, crashing out in the first round in a modest group with Mexico, New Zealand and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team dismantled the hosts with ease. The worry for Russia is that they have declined since then, playing high-profile friendlies, including Brazil and France. Russia remain very fragile at the back and have little firepower up front, in spite of Fedor Smolov, a talented striker, who hasn't found the net enough. Still, against Saudi Arabia, they have a chance. Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, was optimistic in general terms, speaking about the tournament as "a dream for Russia." He emphasised that Russia did everything to deliver a perfect world championship. That depends, not just on how the outside world sees and experiences Russia, but also on how the tournament develops, with the football on display. Germany and Brazil are sky-high favourites to progress to the final, but there are other challenges who may disturb their dreams, such as, France and Spain. Still, in the end, on July 15, the day of the final, the Peruvian and Colombian fans mat they be still celebrating, not in Red Square, but just as a memory and how well they did.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia eye winning start against Saudi Arabia

In the wake of a blogger getting arrested for mocking Islam on Facebook in India, here is a list of some active netizens around the world who came at the crossroads with law of their country:&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Asif Mohiuddin</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/asif-20160921071630.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Blogger Asif Mohiuddin
</div>
The 29-year-old blogger from Bangladesh was arrested on charges of defaming Islam. As part of a police crackdown on elements that use religion as a violence-incitement tool, &nbsp;Asif was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiment through his writings on blogs and Facebook. Several others have been detained under the same law in the country.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Ismail &lsquo;Hilath&rsquo; Rasheed</li>
</ul>
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_hkg7553039-20160921072542.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Ismail &lsquo;Hilath&rsquo; Rasheed from Maldives
</div>
The blogger from Maldives was arrested for his involvement in a silent protest for religious tolerance. The protest took an ugly turn where several individuals attacked the group with stones and Rasheed was rushed to the hospital. 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Raif Badawi</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_arp4358158-20160921073013.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Ensaf Haidar holds a picture of her husband Raif Badawi after accepting the European Parliament&#39;s Sakharov Human Rights Prize on behalf of her husband
</div>
The blogger from Saudi Arabia was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for setting up a website that championed free speech in the kingdom. His blog was subsequently shut down after his arrest.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Avijit Roy</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del6397707-20160921073410.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
A Bangladeshi social activist pays his last respects to slain US blogger of Bangladeshi origin, Avijit Roy
</div>
The US blogger of Bangladeshi origin was hacked to death by a mob in Bangladesh for his controversial writings on religion and science. Before the incident, he had been getting several death threats from Islamists.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Ruslan Kotsaba</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ruslan-20160921073930.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Ruslan Kotsaba from Ukraine
</div>
The Ukrainian blogger has been detained since February 2015 on charges of treason and obstructing the work of armed forces in Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Tran Huynh Duy Thuc</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_par3002035-20160921074154.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Blogger Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, stands during his trial at Ho Chi Minh City People&#39;s Court House
</div>
Tran is a Vietnamese blogger who is currently serving a 16 year prison sentence for promoting anti-Socialist, anti-government propaganda and undertaking activities &lsquo;aimed at subverting the people&rsquo;s government&rsquo;. &nbsp;He is jailed, along with three other activists, after a trial lasting one day.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Yang Kaiheng</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_8k1lt-20160921074616.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Ai Takagi and her husband Yang Kaiheng arrive at the court in Singapore
</div>
The 27-year-old blogger from Singapore ran a website called The Real Singapore, a site that was getting about 13 million views a month and was generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising revenue. The government ordered a shutdown and arrested the blogger for provoking hatred against foreigners in Singapore and &#39;milking that hatred for profit&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
Curbing of freedom of expression for bloggers has become an issue globally.&nbsp;Let us know your views on this.&nbsp; 
 
 
(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Freedom of expression is not so 'free' and these writers paid for it

In the wake of a blogger getting arrested for mocking Islam on Facebook in India, here is a list of some active netizens around the world who came at the crossroads with law of their country: Asif Mohiuddin Blogger Asif Mohiuddin The 29-year-old blogger from Bangladesh was arrested on charges of defaming Islam. As part of a police crackdown on elements that use religion as a violence-incitement tool, Asif was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiment through his writings on blogs and Facebook. Several others have been detained under the same law in the country. Ismail ‘Hilath’ Rasheed Ismail ‘Hilath’ Rasheed from Maldives The blogger from Maldives was arrested for his involvement in a silent protest for religious tolerance. The protest took an ugly turn where several individuals attacked the group with stones and Rasheed was rushed to the hospital. Raif Badawi Ensaf Haidar holds a picture of her husband Raif Badawi after accepting the European Parliament's Sakharov Human Rights Prize on behalf of her husband The blogger from Saudi Arabia was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for setting up a website that championed free speech in the kingdom. His blog was subsequently shut down after his arrest. Avijit Roy A Bangladeshi social activist pays his last respects to slain US blogger of Bangladeshi origin, Avijit Roy The US blogger of Bangladeshi origin was hacked to death by a mob in Bangladesh for his controversial writings on religion and science. Before the incident, he had been getting several death threats from Islamists. Ruslan Kotsaba Ruslan Kotsaba from Ukraine The Ukrainian blogger has been detained since February 2015 on charges of treason and obstructing the work of armed forces in Ukraine. Tran Huynh Duy Thuc Blogger Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, stands during his trial at Ho Chi Minh City People's Court House Tran is a Vietnamese blogger who is currently serving a 16 year prison sentence for promoting anti-Socialist, anti-government propaganda and undertaking activities ‘aimed at subverting the people’s government’. He is jailed, along with three other activists, after a trial lasting one day. Yang Kaiheng Ai Takagi and her husband Yang Kaiheng arrive at the court in Singapore The 27-year-old blogger from Singapore ran a website called The Real Singapore, a site that was getting about 13 million views a month and was generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising revenue. The government ordered a shutdown and arrested the blogger for provoking hatred against foreigners in Singapore and 'milking that hatred for profit'. Curbing of freedom of expression for bloggers has become an issue globally. Let us know your views on this. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

7 international bloggers who got arrested for crossing the line

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