The Billava community, once considered a marginal group by the upper caste in the 19th century and deprived of access to temples, education, and social progress, has undergone remarkable transformation. Today, they are strong academically, socially, and economically. This transformation, according to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Senior Fellow and Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, is largely attributed to the influence of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, a spiritual leader and social reformer.

October 17 brings world attention to the fight against poverty and the pursuit of dignity for all humankind. Observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, this day has also become an annual reminder to world governments about one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Millions continue to suffer through it across continents. Its focus is really on collective action towards sustainable development with a probable agenda to make sure that no one is left behind.

Rampant encroaching of public property by religious institutions, corporate houses, private entities and other powers has been a major issue in all fast growing cities. Bengaluru is no exception. One particular case of encroachment of public land in erstwhile Bharatinagar constituency (currently, Sarvagnanagar) was resolved only last year.

The Caravan occupies the pride of place in Indian journalism. It popularised long-form narrative writing in India. It published many ground-breaking investigative stories on politicians, businesspersons and sports administrators. When mainstream media outlets failed to act as a corrective force, it took up the mantle and took on the powers-that-be with rigorous reporting and dogged follow-ups thanks to a team of fearless journalists. And leading them from the front for the last 15 years has been Dr Vinod K Jose, the executive editor of the magazine, who considers the story on Judge Loya’s death as the most important piece he oversaw at The Caravan so far.  “Because there was an unprecedented amount of follow up stories - about 29 or 30 stories from Caravan and this had led to public interest litigations in the Supreme Court, the press conference of four judges in the Supreme Court Collegium and some of our reported material went to the failed impeachment process of then chief justice, the Judge Loya stories is a journalism workbook in itself,” Dr. Jose said in a special interview for the 20th anniversary issue of Vartha Bharati. 

In the annals of Indian history, Swami Vivekananda stands tall as a torchbearer of the Indian freedom movement, inspiring generations of freedom fighters with his powerful speeches and teachings. Like the French Revolution, which was ignited by the ideas of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, India's own struggle for freedom was catalysed by this revered spiritual leader.

Dubai-based prominent NRI Businessman and Philanthropist  Dr. Ronald Colaco was on Friday felicitated for being awarded the certificate of excellence by the World Book of Records, London.

Book towns are part of a growing global movement. In hamlets, villages and towns around the world, like-minded booksellers, calligraphers, bookbinders, curators, publishers and architects are coming together to create this new world. This is the first book bring all of these book towns together, offering a unique history of each one. A book town is simply a small town, usually rural and scenic, full of bookshops and book related industries.