In my views 2023
by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani
December 29, 2023
Pro-people leadership
This year, I had the honor to visit Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where an impressive ceremony was organized in connection with the 16th martyrdom anniversary of Ms Benazir Bhutto, the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and the Islamic world.
December 22, 2023
Election astrology
The ancient Vedic astrology, also known as knowledge of light, analyses the forecasting of possible events through the observation of the stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. Traditionally, various kings, maharajas, and rulers of the subcontinent used to value the advice given by astrologists in their cabinets to perform state matters daily.
December 15, 2023
Pakistan’s blue economy
I recently attended the week-long maritime security workshop (MARSEW-6) organized at PN War College under the auspices of the Pakistan Navy.
The session concluded yesterday (Dec 14), and I now intend to share my thoughts on the stability of our national economy in the context of the defence services of the Pakistan Navy.
December 08, 2023
A peaceful life
December 8 holds immense significance for the followers of Gautama Buddha, the messenger of peace, around the world. Historically, Bodhi Day commemorates the day when Prince Siddhartha, who grew up in a royal family in a Himalayan state, departed from his palace to discover the harsh realities of life, 2,500 years ago.
December 01, 2023
Unbreakable leader
The day is November 30, 1967: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his trusted colleagues are present at the residence of Dr Mubasher Hasan in Lahore, negotiations are ongoing in the context of president Ayub’s dictatorship. During this meeting, an historic decision is taken: to found a new political party called the Pakistan People’s Party.
November 24 , 2023
What’s next in Gaza?
The Gaza conflict has currently divided the international community. I believe that human society has witnessed – and continues to face – horrific conflicts over various issues.
November 10, 2023
Poets for all times
The Gaza conflict has currently divided the international community. I believe that human society has witnessed – and continues to face – horrific conflicts over various issues.
November 03, 2023
Right way to celebrate
Today, Friday, November 3, will be a special day for those living in the United Arab Emirates when, on the call of the Emirati prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the national flag will be hoisted simultaneously on various public and private buildings at eleven o’clock in the morning to demonstrate national unity.
October 27, 2023
Resolving conflicts
The Gaza conflict has currently divided the international community. I believe that human society has witnessed – and continues to face – horrific conflicts over various issues.
October 20, 2023
Terrible catastrophe
For the past few days, the Palestine issue has been covered intensively in the world media. The brutal use of air force on the vulnerable residents of Gaza has shocked and saddened everyone.
October 13, 2023
Human genius
In recent days, the situation in the Middle East has reached the worst level in the history of the region. There is no precedent for such militant attacks, inside the border of Israel, from the Palestinian territories. Reportedly, due to ongoing horrific airstrikes on Gaza, the total number of casualties on both sides has exceeded three thousand.
October 06, 2023
Earthquake horror
Eighteen years ago, on October 8, Pakistan faced a natural disaster in the form of a terrible earthquake that shook many parts of the country, including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Balakot, and various surrounding areas.
September 29, 2023
Right to information
The International Day for Universal Access to Information, also recognized as the Access to Information Day and Right to Know Day, was observed on September 28 across the world, including Pakistan. The decision to dedicate a global day for raising awareness about the significance of access to information in the promotion of human rights, democratic values and social justice was announced during the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations held in October 2019.
September 22, 2023
Culture of peace
On September 21, the International Day of Peace (IDP) was marked by the United Nations across the world under the theme: ‘Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals’ in order to recognize efforts at individual and collective level for fostering world peace. According to the UN, the year 2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed to ensure peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive societies.
September 15, 2023
Skardu tourism
It is well said that mountain tourism changes a person’s life. Once you go for a trip to the mountainous valleys, you are not the same. You end up feeling positive changes in your personality. There is a saying that if world leaders spent a few days climbing a mountain together, then surely all the long-standing issues and problems of the world would be resolved forever.
September 11, 2023
The meaning of sacrifice
The ‘chehlum’ of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his devoted companions was observed on Thursday (Sep 7) where thousands of people participated in the processions held in different parts of the country.
September 1, 2023
Ethiopia overview
The inclusion of Ethiopia in BRICS, an informal group of emerging world economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is a pleasant surprise because the African country’s extreme backwardness, poverty, famine, lack of food and humanitarian appeals were once reported in our media in the past.
August 25, 2023
Gandhara corridor
A few years ago, when the government of Pakistan announced the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor, I clearly expressed my hope that this corridor would pave the way for opening more corridors in Pakistan and the region.
August 18, 2023
August in history
Being a student of history, whenever I get some free time in my daily socio-political activities, I try to study various important events that have played a key role in changing the course of human history. One of the major events of the previous century is the Second World War. The massive casualties, huge destruction and other horrific losses have not yet been accurately estimated
August 11, 2023
The joys of freedom
Every year in the month of August, all patriotic Pakistani citizens feel a sense of joy and pride when they see national flags everywhere – on roads and waving from cars and homes. A national flag is a country’s identity, and nations struggle hard to keep their flag high.
August 04, 2023
Decade of success
I had the honour of participating at the special ceremony held in Islamabad on the completion of ten years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On the occasion, Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Federal Minister for Planning Professor Ahsan Iqbal, other members of the cabinet, senior officials of various ministries and heads of commercial organizations were present. Vice Premier of China He Lifeng also graced the ceremony as the chief guest.
July 28, 2023
Responsible tourism
A video clip of a family that went on a tour to the northern regions of the country has gone viral on social media. In the middle of the night, these travellers faced massive landslides for many hours and were desperately struggling to save themselves.
July 21, 2023
How to be happy
The three-day International Gandhara Symposium held in Islamabad on July 11 under the auspices of the prime minister’s task force on Gandhara Tourism can be termed as historic in all respects.
July 15, 2023
Gandhara dreams
Today, I can count myself among the few luckiest people in the world who have seen their dream come true in their own lifetime. Honourable Buddhist monks from Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and other Buddhist majority countries have been with me for the last few days when their flights landed at Islamabad International Airport to join the first-ever international Gandhara Symposium, organized by the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism with the collaboration of like-minded think tanks, organizations and individuals.
July 07, 2023
Ticket to Paradise
Under the auspices of the prime minister’s task force on Gandhara tourism, it was indeed an honour for me to chair a round table conference on Wednesday (July 5), which was attended by 20 diplomats from various countries, including Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sudan, Malaysia, Norway, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan and Spain.
July 03, 2023
Divine Decisions
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to those lucky people from all over the world who celebrated Eidul Azha in the holy land of Hijaz. Although it is the wish of every Muslim to perform Haj, the opportunity is given to only those lucky ones who are selected by Allah Almighty to appear before Him. I believe that when the decision is made in the skies, the paths are made for its spontaneous implementation on the ground.
June 23, 2023
Exploring Gandhara
On the occasion of completing one month of taking charge as chairperson of the prime minister’s taskforce on Gandhara Tourism with the status of minister of state – on Wednesday (June 21), I decided to lead a delegation – comprising the Kenyan high commissioner, researchers, students and journalists – to the 2,500–year-old Manikyala Stupa, located near Rawat, an area adjacent to the federal capital Islamabad.
June 16, 2023
Marvellous Swat
It is wonderful to write my weekly article while being present in the beautiful valley of Swat, which is also called the Switzerland of Pakistan. Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), it has always been the centre of attraction for tourists across the globe due to its natural beauty and scenic views.
June 10, 2023
Ruins of Takht-e-Bahi
The prime minister’s taskforce on Gandhara tourism has decided to dedicate every Wednesday to gain knowledge about the sacred historical sites related to the Gandhara era.In this regard, an educational trip was organized to the ruins of Takht-e-Bahi, the cradle of the world’s ancient civilization and the most significant centre of Buddhism, which remained hidden from the public eye for a long time.
June 02, 2023
The Buddha caves
Being the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, I have visited the historical Buddha ‘s Caves located at the Shah Allah Ditta town of Islamabad as my top priority. I am grateful to the ambassadors of Thailand and Indonesia, civil society and media representatives who accompanied the task force on this commemorative occasion
May 26, 2023
Tourism for peace
Being the chairperson of the task force on Gandhara tourism formed by the prime minister of Pakistan, I have decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha today (May 26) at the Islamabad Museum.
May 19, 2023
Gandhara tourism
The northern territories of Pakistan were once an integral part of Buddhist-dominated ancient Gandhara civilization, which extended from the 1st century to the 7th century. Many historical monuments and holy places of worship are located in different parts of the country including Taxila, Takht-e-Bahi, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
May 12, 2023
King Charles’s coronation
The colourful ceremony of the coronation of King Charles III, the seventh British monarch, has been described as one of the biggest celebrations of the modern era. On this occasion, the coronation of Queen Camila was also held. Several heads of state and world leaders, particularly from former British colonies, including Pakistan and Commonwealth realms, were also present.
May 05, 2023
Exploring careers
May 4 – Thursday – turned into a most memorable day in my life as one of my big dreams came true in the form of Pakistan’s largest job fair held at the Karachi Expo Centre with the aim to connect job seekers with potential employers across the country. I am highly grateful to Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar and Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmed, who have whole-heartedly supported the Pakistan Hindu Council for this noble cause.
April 28, 2023
Brain drain
Internationally, the immigration of intelligent people from their native country is known as brain drain whereas for the country where they move to serve gets a brain gain. The main reason the US became a superpower is that it welcomed intelligent people from all over the world and provided them with the best environment to express their talents. Today, mostly developed countries are also following the US to attract the best of the best brains.
April 21, 2023
The greatest gift
“You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”
April 14, 2023
In search of lost dreams
My column last week (‘The Pakistani dream’, April 7) has received some valuable feedback. Readers endorse my viewpoint that every nation needs a dream for prosperity and then struggle collectively to fulfil this national dream. Some say that in the last seven decades, every Pakistani government has shown unrealistic dreams to the people, which never come true.
April 07, 2023
The Pakistani dream
Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Chinese dream to his nation after becoming the secretary general of the Chinese Communist Party in 2012.
March 31, 2023
The spirit of Ramzan
This year’s Ramazan has started at a time when the Hindu community is also observing the holy festival of Navratri. During nine days of fasting, Hindu followers seek the blessings of God Almighty to become good humans and contribute something positive in the best interest of humanity.
March 24, 2023
Well done, China
Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his significant visit to Russia, had a three-hour long meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. In recent days, China has played a leading role in restoring diplomatic relations between two staunchly opposed countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
March 17, 2023
Charity auction
People around the world have always exchanged gifts to promote cordial relations with each other, but the case of gifts given to states differs in the sense that the gifts presented to the head of state are not in a personal capacity but at a diplomatic level.
March 10, 2023
Colours of Peace
First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone on Holi, the festival of colours and joy. This important festival of Hinduism reminds us that the real victory is always of goodness and truth.
March 03, 2023
One year of war
Last year on February 24, the war between Russia and Ukraine started. One year on, Ukraine is facing the worst kind of destruction, reportedly the casualties of tens of thousands of people and the exile of around five million. A large number of innocent children are also victimized. country, including the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Balakot and the surrounding areas.
February 24, 2023
Remembering Bhagwan Das
On February 23 eight years ago, the first Hindu chief justice of Pakistan, Rana Bhagwan Das, passed away. Bhagwan Das was my mentor and taught me to knock on the door of the judiciary to protect the rights of the minority community suffering from various problems. There was a time when we used to walk together in the evening and discuss various issues.
February 17, 2023
Disaster diplomacy
Eighteen years ago, on October 5, 2005 Pakistan faced a natural disaster in the form of a terrible earthquake that shook many parts of the country, including the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Balakot and the surrounding areas.
February 10, 2023
Dollar smuggling
New York-based media outlet ‘Bloomberg’ has revealed in its latest report that around $5 million are being smuggled from Pakistan to Afghanistan on a daily basis. It says that the smuggling of dollars provides “some support for the squeezed economy after the US and Europe denied the Taliban regime access to billions in foreign reserves.”
February 03, 2023
The legendary Khushwant Singh
February 2 marks the birth anniversary of Khushwant Singh, a literary personality of our region, who was born 108 years ago in the village of Hadali, Punjab in present-day Pakistan. During his 99 years of rich life, he had remarkable achievements in the fields of journalism, advocacy, politics and diplomacy. purchasing power is steadily decreasing due to the rising inflation rate.
January 27, 2023 Instability in the region
In my last article, I called the current situation of Pakistan critical, which is getting complicated day by day. I still believe that no country seems to be involved in destabilizing Pakistan and we should be realistic and not blame others for our problems.
January 20, 2023Combating the perfect storm
The current situation of Pakistan is getting complicated day by day. On the one hand, there is uncertainty over the country’s political future and on the other, people’s purchasing power is steadily decreasing due to the rising inflation rate.
January 13, 2023Search for the truth
I recently watched a video on social media whose heart-touching message made me think that just because we cannot see something it does not mean it is not there. Our eyes cannot see the signals of cellular phones or WiFi, but the functionality of these devices is the undeniable evidence of their presence.
January 06, 2023A beautiful gift
During a phone call with my US-based friend, I came to know that the US observes National Bird Day on January 5. Many bird enthusiasts celebrate the day by adopting birds. The occasion also sees several awareness campaigns that include activities relating to bird care – how to feed them and keep them protected.