"Nanna Arivina Pravadi" book by Yogesh Master launched in Bengaluru
Yogesh Master's book, "Nanna Arivina Pravadi” was launched during an event at the BIFT Auditorium in Bengaluru on Thursday. This event was organized by Shanti Prakashana Mangalore, in association with the "Seerat-ul-Nabi (PBUH) campaign on the theme 'Architect of Human Equality - Prophet Mohammed' under the auspices of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka.
Chiranjeevi Singh, Retired Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka, released the book. Singh highlighted that the book deviated from the conventional biographical approach, choosing instead to explore the realm of emotions and experiences. He underscored the book's purpose, which sought to deepen the comprehension of the teachings of various prophets and the universal message of unity transcending religious boundaries.
Singh also accentuated the pivotal theme of "Sarva Janangada Shantiya Tota" (Peace for All Humanity) that resonates throughout the book.
Acknowledging the waning interest in reading in contemporary society, Charan Jeevi Singh advocated for the digital dissemination of the book and proposed its translation into multiple languages to ensure its accessibility to a wider global audience.
Raghunath Cha.Ha, the Executive Editor of Sudha and Mayura Kannada Monthly, contributed insightful commentary on the book. He praised on its pertinence in conveying vital lessons for the construction of an upright and wholesome society. He commended its role in nurturing brotherhood and dispelling prevailing myths surrounding Islam and Islamophobia. The book, in his perspective, served as a testament to the peaceful and integrative essence of Islam.
Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi, former President of Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara, delivered her insights on the book's contribution to fostering peace and serenity in society.
Author Yogesh Master shared his insights, depicting Prophets as guiding lights during periods marked by discrimination and violence. He portrayed Prophet Muhammad not merely as a spiritual leader but as a multifaceted figure - a social engineer, scientist, and psychologist. Master accentuated the harmonious confluence of devotion exhibited by adherents of different faiths.
Mohammad Kunhi, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, introduced the mission of Shanti Prakashna - educating Kannada speakers about Islam while dispelling misconceptions. The unwavering commitment of Shanti Prakashna to publishing books that foster harmony among diverse communities was notably emphasized.
Dr. Muhammad Saad Balgami, President of Shanti Prakashana and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, delivered the presidential address. He underscored the transformative potential of the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) teachings in engendering peace and tranquility in society, making life more beautiful and navigable. Dr. Balgami urged the audience to engage in an in-depth study of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The event commenced with a recitation and translation by Muhammad Abdul Wajid Hussain, while Mohammed Danish served as the convener, and Nawaz of Shanti Prakashana extended the vote of thanks.
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UK Professor Nitasha Kaul's Overseas Citizenship of India cancelled
Academician decries move as "transnational repression"
London/New Delhi: Professor Nitasha Kaul, a London-based academic, announced on May 18, 2025, via a social media post that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card has been cancelled by the Indian government. She described the move as a "bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of transnational repression" intended to punish her for her scholarly work critical of the Modi government's policies concerning minorities and democracy.
The cancellation follows an incident in February 2024 when Professor Kaul, who holds a British passport and held an OCI card, was denied entry into India upon arrival at Bengaluru airport. She had been invited by the then Congress-led Karnataka state government to speak at a conference on "The Constitution and Unity in India."
According to an image of the letter shared by Professor Kaul, the Indian government stated that it had been "brought to the notice of the Government of India that you have been found indulging in anti-India activities, motivated by malice and complete disregard for facts or history." The letter further accused her of regularly targeting India and its institutions on matters of India's sovereignty through "numerous inimical writings, speeches and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms."
Professor Kaul, who is a Professor of Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies and the Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the University of Westminster, London, vehemently rejects these accusations. She stated she had provided a 20,000-word response to what she termed the government's "ridiculous inanity about ‘anti-India’," but the OCI was cancelled through a "rigged process."
In her social media posts, Professor Kaul lamented the decision, questioning how the "mother of democracy" could deny her access to her mother in India. She characterized the action as stemming from "thin-skinned, petty insecurity with no respect for well-intentioned dissent."
The February 2024 denial of entry had already sparked controversy. At the time, immigration officials reportedly cited "orders from Delhi" without providing formal reasons, though Professor Kaul mentioned informal references to her past criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Ministry of External Affairs had then responded by stating that the entry of foreign nationals into India is a "sovereign decision." Unofficial government sources had indicated that a "preventive lookout circular" was issued against her due to her alleged "pro-separatist" and "anti-India" stance on Kashmir.
The BJP in Karnataka had criticised the state government for inviting her, labelling her an "anti-India element." Conversely, the then-Karnataka government and various international human rights organizations and academic bodies had condemned the denial of entry.
Professor Kaul has been an outspoken commentator on Indian politics, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and has testified before international bodies such as the US Congress on human rights in the region. She maintains her work is academic and pro-democracy, not anti-India.
The cancellation of her OCI card effectively bars her from entering India, a country to which she has personal and academic ties. This incident adds to a growing list of academics, journalists, and activists of Indian origin whose OCI status has been revoked or who have been denied entry to India in recent years, raising concerns about freedom of speech and dissent. Reports indicate that over 100 OCI cards were cancelled by the Indian government between 2014 and May 2023. Furthermore, in 2021, new rules were introduced requiring OCI cardholders to obtain special permission for activities such as research and journalism.
