August 2, 2026

Ashok Siddharth expelled from BSP again NEW DELHI: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Sunday announced the expulsion of former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddarth from the party, less than a year after re-inducting him in September 2025.Mayawati said Siddarth had been expelled with immediate effect in the interest of the party and its movement, adding that he would not be re-inducted in the future.”In the interest of the party and the movement, Ashok Siddarth has been expelled from the BSP with immediate effect and will not be taken back into the party in future,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister wrote on X. Mayawati X postExplaining the decision, Mayawati noted that Siddarth had earlier been expelled over “indiscipline” during the Maharashtra assembly elections, particularly over issues related to coordination with the party’s state unit in ticket distribution.Mayawati added that Siddharth was subsequently entrusted with organisational responsibilities in states outside Uttar Pradesh to help strengthen the party’s base. However, despite repeated warnings, complaints of indiscipline and violation of party directives continued to surface from Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal, she alleged.The BSP supremo also clarified that the ex-Rajya Sabha MP had been relieved of all party responsibilities on Saturday. She further alleged that rumours about his possible return to Uttar Pradesh were being deliberately spread to create confusion within the organisation and derail the BSP’s preparations for the next Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.Siddarth, the father-in-law of Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand, was previously expelled from the BSP in February last year over alleged “anti-party” activities.According to Mayawati, Siddharth was re-inducted after he assured the leadership that such lapses would not be repeated.The BSP chief also announced the expulsion of party coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal on charges of indiscipline and violation of party directives.According to Mayawati, Beniwal had been entrusted with organisational responsibilities in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesShe also announced that Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam, who was assigned fresh responsibilities in the party’s recent national-level organisational reshuffle, would continue as the BSP’s in-charge for Punjab, along with other states, until the Punjab assembly elections next year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2029.Mayawati further clarified that, under the BSP’s organisational policy, senior office-bearers and coordinators from Uttar Pradesh who are currently handling responsibilities in other states would not be assigned any organisational role in the state.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam AttackPM Modi Inaugurates ₹5,000 Crore Bhogapuram Airport, Launches ₹17,900 Crore Andhra Projects’Nitin Gadkari Is Scared’: Tehseen Poonawalla Claims House Arrest Before E20 Hunger Strike123PhotostoriesWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens insideFrom Golden Lancehead to Golden tree snake: 5 stunning yellow snakes found in the wild7 life lessons from Nirmal Purja, whether you’re a mountaineer or notWhy do some people put a jar of used dry coffee grounds in the fridge? The is what food science saysThese 5 common phrases can quietly damage even the strongest relationships10 vegetables that are more nutritious when cooked than raw7 things you should not discuss, even with your favorite colleagueFrom working non-stop for three days, sleeping in a vanity van during Kasturi to opening up about her late ex-husband’s alcohol addiction: Shubhangi Atre on life and career123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Ashok Siddharth expelled from BSP again NEW DELHI: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Sunday announced the expulsion of former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddarth from the party, less than a year after re-inducting him in September 2025.Mayawati said Siddarth had been expelled with immediate effect in the interest of the party and its movement, adding that he would not be re-inducted in the future.”In the interest of the party and the movement, Ashok Siddarth has been expelled from the BSP with immediate effect and will not be taken back into the party in future,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister wrote on X. Mayawati X postExplaining the decision, Mayawati noted that Siddarth had earlier been expelled over “indiscipline” during the Maharashtra assembly elections, particularly over issues related to coordination with the party’s state unit in ticket distribution.Mayawati added that Siddharth was subsequently entrusted with organisational responsibilities in states outside Uttar Pradesh to help strengthen the party’s base. However, despite repeated warnings, complaints of indiscipline and violation of party directives continued to surface from Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal, she alleged.The BSP supremo also clarified that the ex-Rajya Sabha MP had been relieved of all party responsibilities on Saturday. She further alleged that rumours about his possible return to Uttar Pradesh were being deliberately spread to create confusion within the organisation and derail the BSP’s preparations for the next Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.Siddarth, the father-in-law of Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand, was previously expelled from the BSP in February last year over alleged “anti-party” activities.According to Mayawati, Siddharth was re-inducted after he assured the leadership that such lapses would not be repeated.The BSP chief also announced the expulsion of party coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal on charges of indiscipline and violation of party directives.According to Mayawati, Beniwal had been entrusted with organisational responsibilities in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesShe also announced that Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam, who was assigned fresh responsibilities in the party’s recent national-level organisational reshuffle, would continue as the BSP’s in-charge for Punjab, along with other states, until the Punjab assembly elections next year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2029.Mayawati further clarified that, under the BSP’s organisational policy, senior office-bearers and coordinators from Uttar Pradesh who are currently handling responsibilities in other states would not be assigned any organisational role in the state.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam AttackPM Modi Inaugurates ₹5,000 Crore Bhogapuram Airport, Launches ₹17,900 Crore Andhra Projects’Nitin Gadkari Is Scared’: Tehseen Poonawalla Claims House Arrest Before E20 Hunger Strike123PhotostoriesWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens insideFrom Golden Lancehead to Golden tree snake: 5 stunning yellow snakes found in the wild7 life lessons from Nirmal Purja, whether you’re a mountaineer or notWhy do some people put a jar of used dry coffee grounds in the fridge? The is what food science saysThese 5 common phrases can quietly damage even the strongest relationships10 vegetables that are more nutritious when cooked than raw7 things you should not discuss, even with your favorite colleagueFrom working non-stop for three days, sleeping in a vanity van during Kasturi to opening up about her late ex-husband’s alcohol addiction: Shubhangi Atre on life and career123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up


'He will not be taken back': Mayawati expels former MP Ashok Siddharth from BSP again
Ashok Siddharth expelled from BSP again

NEW DELHI: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Sunday announced the expulsion of former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddarth from the party, less than a year after re-inducting him in September 2025.Mayawati said Siddarth had been expelled with immediate effect in the interest of the party and its movement, adding that he would not be re-inducted in the future.“In the interest of the party and the movement, Ashok Siddarth has been expelled from the BSP with immediate effect and will not be taken back into the party in future,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister wrote on X.

Mayawati X post

Mayawati X post

Explaining the decision, Mayawati noted that Siddarth had earlier been expelled over “indiscipline” during the Maharashtra assembly elections, particularly over issues related to coordination with the party’s state unit in ticket distribution.Mayawati added that Siddharth was subsequently entrusted with organisational responsibilities in states outside Uttar Pradesh to help strengthen the party’s base. However, despite repeated warnings, complaints of indiscipline and violation of party directives continued to surface from Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal, she alleged.The BSP supremo also clarified that the ex-Rajya Sabha MP had been relieved of all party responsibilities on Saturday. She further alleged that rumours about his possible return to Uttar Pradesh were being deliberately spread to create confusion within the organisation and derail the BSP’s preparations for the next Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.Siddarth, the father-in-law of Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand, was previously expelled from the BSP in February last year over alleged “anti-party” activities.According to Mayawati, Siddharth was re-inducted after he assured the leadership that such lapses would not be repeated.The BSP chief also announced the expulsion of party coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal on charges of indiscipline and violation of party directives.According to Mayawati, Beniwal had been entrusted with organisational responsibilities in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

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Participants in the Jain Summer Program pose for a group photograph at Jain Vishwa Bharati in Ladnun, Rajasthan, on July 29. Photo by Aman Dhage/The American Bazaar Nestled amid the arid plains of Rajasthan, about 230 miles west of Delhi, Ladnun is the kind of town many travelers might pass without a second glance. Its narrow streets, whitewashed temples, and unhurried pace stand in stark contrast to India’s bustling metropolitan centers.This summer, however, the quiet town has become an unlikely destination for seekers of one of the world’s oldest philosophies.For more than three centuries, Ladnun has been the spiritual home of the Terapanth order of Jainism, a reformist sect known for its disciplined monastic tradition and emphasis on nonviolence, self-restraint, and spiritual inquiry. Last month, those traditions welcomed an unusual group of visitors: nearly three dozen students, scholars, and faculty members from eight countries who are spending three weeks not merely studying Jainism, but living it.The immersive summer program, which began July 20 and concludes on Friday, is the result of a collaboration among Florida International University, California State University Long Beach, the Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF), Jain Visva Bharati Institute, and southern California philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi, whose support made the initiative possible.Rather than treating Jainism as an academic subject confined to classrooms and textbooks, the organizers designed a program that allows participants to experience the philosophy through daily practice.Each morning began with meditation. Students attended lectures on Jain philosophy, Prakrit — the ancient language of many Jain scriptures — and the foundational principles of “Ahimsa” (nonviolence), “Anekantavada” (the multiplicity of viewpoints), and “Aparigraha” (non-attachment to possessions). They also interacted with monks and nuns, observed their disciplined routines, and experienced a lifestyle centered on simplicity, compassion, and mindfulness.“It has been a very eventful week, and it has been a tremendous experience,” said Anne Vallely, a professor at the University of Ottawa and one of the foremost scholars of Jainism in the Western world.Describing the demanding schedule, she added, “We have our lessons from 9:00 in the morning, and they go really into 10 o’clock, 11:00 at night.”The program reflects months of planning by scholars in India and the United States.Florida International University, home to the first endowed chairs in Jain Studies in the United States, worked closely with California State University Long Beach, to develop the curriculum. The Jain Education and Research Foundation helped coordinate the academic and logistical aspects of the initiative, while Jain Visva Bharati opened its sprawling campus and monastic community to the international participants.At the heart of the effort is a broader mission: introducing Jain philosophy to a global audience at a time when its central teachings of nonviolence, environmental sustainability, restraint, and respect for diverse perspectives have taken on renewed relevance.Much of that vision has been championed by physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi, whose years of support for Jain education and higher learning have helped establish academic programs across the United States. Modi, who has contributed tens of millions of dollars to educational and religious causes in the United States, India, and globally, provided the principal financial support for this year’s summer school.“I was born in India in the Jain faith, and those principles of Ahimsa, compassion, and respect for all living beings have guided my entire life as a physician,” the La Cañada, California,-based physician entrepreneur told The American Bazaar. “⁠After my medical career, I realized philanthropy allows me to heal on a larger scale, not just one patient at a time. I contribute to Jain education because I believe America’s young students must be exposed to this ancient wisdom of tolerance, non-possessiveness, and plurality, which is so undervalued today.”The program also coincided with another milestone.This year marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Terapanth order, giving participants an opportunity to witness commemorative events while learning about one of Jainism’s most influential traditions. Established in the 18th century by Acharya Bhikshu, the Terapanth order is distinguished by its centralized leadership and disciplined monastic structure. Its monks and nuns travel extensively to spread Jain teachings rather than remaining in permanent monasteries.Throughout the three weeks, students discovered that learning extended far beyond formal lectures.Meals became lessons in mindful eating. Silence became a form of reflection. Conversations with monks and nuns often continued long after scheduled sessions ended. Participants learned not only the philosophical foundations of Jainism but also how those principles shape everyday decisions, from food and consumption to conflict resolution and environmental responsibility.For many students, the immersive setting transformed abstract ideas into lived experience.“I’m surrounded by scholars and I’ve gotten to meet with sadhvis and sadhus, and it’s just been lovely,” said Carol Rodriguez, one of the participants, who holds a Ph.D. in Jain Studies from the University of Florida.The Cuban-born scholar earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jain Studies from Florida International University in Miami, where she translated portions of the Lilavatisara, a 13th-century work by Jain monk Jinaratnasuri.The international composition of the group further enriched the discussions. Participants brought diverse academic backgrounds and cultural perspectives, creating conversations that reflected Jainism’s emphasis on dialogue and multiple viewpoints rather than absolute certainty.Organizers hope the program will serve as a model for future international collaborations in religious studies, philosophy, sustainability, and peace education.Unlike traditional study abroad programs, the Ladnun initiative invites participants to become temporary members of a living spiritual community, where learning occurs as much through observation and daily practice as through formal instruction.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs the summer school concludes on July 7, participants will return to universities and communities around the world carrying more than lecture notes and academic credits. They will leave with firsthand experience of a philosophy that has quietly endured for millennia and memories of a small Rajasthan town where, for three weeks, Jainism was not simply studied, but lived.(Aman Dhage contributed to the report.)(By arrangement with The American Bazaar)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123PhotostoriesThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens insideFrom Golden Lancehead to Golden tree snake: 5 stunning yellow snakes found in the wild123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Participants in the Jain Summer Program pose for a group photograph at Jain Vishwa Bharati in Ladnun, Rajasthan, on July 29. Photo by Aman Dhage/The American Bazaar Nestled amid the arid plains of Rajasthan, about 230 miles west of Delhi, Ladnun is the kind of town many travelers might pass without a second glance. Its narrow streets, whitewashed temples, and unhurried pace stand in stark contrast to India’s bustling metropolitan centers.This summer, however, the quiet town has become an unlikely destination for seekers of one of the world’s oldest philosophies.For more than three centuries, Ladnun has been the spiritual home of the Terapanth order of Jainism, a reformist sect known for its disciplined monastic tradition and emphasis on nonviolence, self-restraint, and spiritual inquiry. Last month, those traditions welcomed an unusual group of visitors: nearly three dozen students, scholars, and faculty members from eight countries who are spending three weeks not merely studying Jainism, but living it.The immersive summer program, which began July 20 and concludes on Friday, is the result of a collaboration among Florida International University, California State University Long Beach, the Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF), Jain Visva Bharati Institute, and southern California philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi, whose support made the initiative possible.Rather than treating Jainism as an academic subject confined to classrooms and textbooks, the organizers designed a program that allows participants to experience the philosophy through daily practice.Each morning began with meditation. Students attended lectures on Jain philosophy, Prakrit — the ancient language of many Jain scriptures — and the foundational principles of “Ahimsa” (nonviolence), “Anekantavada” (the multiplicity of viewpoints), and “Aparigraha” (non-attachment to possessions). They also interacted with monks and nuns, observed their disciplined routines, and experienced a lifestyle centered on simplicity, compassion, and mindfulness.“It has been a very eventful week, and it has been a tremendous experience,” said Anne Vallely, a professor at the University of Ottawa and one of the foremost scholars of Jainism in the Western world.Describing the demanding schedule, she added, “We have our lessons from 9:00 in the morning, and they go really into 10 o’clock, 11:00 at night.”The program reflects months of planning by scholars in India and the United States.Florida International University, home to the first endowed chairs in Jain Studies in the United States, worked closely with California State University Long Beach, to develop the curriculum. The Jain Education and Research Foundation helped coordinate the academic and logistical aspects of the initiative, while Jain Visva Bharati opened its sprawling campus and monastic community to the international participants.At the heart of the effort is a broader mission: introducing Jain philosophy to a global audience at a time when its central teachings of nonviolence, environmental sustainability, restraint, and respect for diverse perspectives have taken on renewed relevance.Much of that vision has been championed by physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi, whose years of support for Jain education and higher learning have helped establish academic programs across the United States. Modi, who has contributed tens of millions of dollars to educational and religious causes in the United States, India, and globally, provided the principal financial support for this year’s summer school.“I was born in India in the Jain faith, and those principles of Ahimsa, compassion, and respect for all living beings have guided my entire life as a physician,” the La Cañada, California,-based physician entrepreneur told The American Bazaar. “⁠After my medical career, I realized philanthropy allows me to heal on a larger scale, not just one patient at a time. I contribute to Jain education because I believe America’s young students must be exposed to this ancient wisdom of tolerance, non-possessiveness, and plurality, which is so undervalued today.”The program also coincided with another milestone.This year marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Terapanth order, giving participants an opportunity to witness commemorative events while learning about one of Jainism’s most influential traditions. Established in the 18th century by Acharya Bhikshu, the Terapanth order is distinguished by its centralized leadership and disciplined monastic structure. Its monks and nuns travel extensively to spread Jain teachings rather than remaining in permanent monasteries.Throughout the three weeks, students discovered that learning extended far beyond formal lectures.Meals became lessons in mindful eating. Silence became a form of reflection. Conversations with monks and nuns often continued long after scheduled sessions ended. Participants learned not only the philosophical foundations of Jainism but also how those principles shape everyday decisions, from food and consumption to conflict resolution and environmental responsibility.For many students, the immersive setting transformed abstract ideas into lived experience.“I’m surrounded by scholars and I’ve gotten to meet with sadhvis and sadhus, and it’s just been lovely,” said Carol Rodriguez, one of the participants, who holds a Ph.D. in Jain Studies from the University of Florida.The Cuban-born scholar earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jain Studies from Florida International University in Miami, where she translated portions of the Lilavatisara, a 13th-century work by Jain monk Jinaratnasuri.The international composition of the group further enriched the discussions. Participants brought diverse academic backgrounds and cultural perspectives, creating conversations that reflected Jainism’s emphasis on dialogue and multiple viewpoints rather than absolute certainty.Organizers hope the program will serve as a model for future international collaborations in religious studies, philosophy, sustainability, and peace education.Unlike traditional study abroad programs, the Ladnun initiative invites participants to become temporary members of a living spiritual community, where learning occurs as much through observation and daily practice as through formal instruction.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs the summer school concludes on July 7, participants will return to universities and communities around the world carrying more than lecture notes and academic credits. They will leave with firsthand experience of a philosophy that has quietly endured for millennia and memories of a small Rajasthan town where, for three weeks, Jainism was not simply studied, but lived.(Aman Dhage contributed to the report.)(By arrangement with The American Bazaar)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123PhotostoriesThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens insideFrom Golden Lancehead to Golden tree snake: 5 stunning yellow snakes found in the wild123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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A scuffle broke out during Pappu Yadav’s press conference after a man questioned him over the Ram Temple skit controversy. NEW DELHI: A scuffle broke out during Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s press conference at his house on Sunday after a man questioned him over the opposition’s Ram Temple skit.Videos from the scene showed party supporters clashing with the man as the confrontation escalated. According to visuals released by ANI, the alleged assailant was carrying a knife when the clash broke out. Further details on the incident were awaited.The altercation comes a day after Varanasi Police registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad and several other opposition leaders over a protest in Parliament that allegedly insulted Sanatan Dharma and hurt religious sentiments.The case was registered following complaints by seers, who objected to a symbolic skit staged by INDIA bloc MPs over allegations of financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations.During Friday’s protest outside Parliament, opposition MPs placed donation boxes near the stairs leading to Makar Dwar to highlight the alleged theft of temple offerings. Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were seen putting money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav, dressed as a temple priest, enacted a scene in which he appeared to slip the donations into his pockets.According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal, the FIR was registered at Kotwali police station based on a complaint by seers, who alleged that the protest “insulted” Sanatan Dharma.Seer Jagatguru Balak Das described Pappu Yadav’s actions as “unforgivable.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No follower of Sanatan Dharma can forget this act. It has hurt our religious sentiments. So we have demanded that a case be registered,” he said.The protest also raised the issue of alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 Parliament march. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji were among those who participated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

A scuffle broke out during Pappu Yadav’s press conference after a man questioned him over the Ram Temple skit controversy. NEW DELHI: A scuffle broke out during Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s press conference at his house on Sunday after a man questioned him over the opposition’s Ram Temple skit.Videos from the scene showed party supporters clashing with the man as the confrontation escalated. According to visuals released by ANI, the alleged assailant was carrying a knife when the clash broke out. Further details on the incident were awaited.The altercation comes a day after Varanasi Police registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad and several other opposition leaders over a protest in Parliament that allegedly insulted Sanatan Dharma and hurt religious sentiments.The case was registered following complaints by seers, who objected to a symbolic skit staged by INDIA bloc MPs over allegations of financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations.During Friday’s protest outside Parliament, opposition MPs placed donation boxes near the stairs leading to Makar Dwar to highlight the alleged theft of temple offerings. Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were seen putting money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav, dressed as a temple priest, enacted a scene in which he appeared to slip the donations into his pockets.According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal, the FIR was registered at Kotwali police station based on a complaint by seers, who alleged that the protest “insulted” Sanatan Dharma.Seer Jagatguru Balak Das described Pappu Yadav’s actions as “unforgivable.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No follower of Sanatan Dharma can forget this act. It has hurt our religious sentiments. So we have demanded that a case be registered,” he said.The protest also raised the issue of alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 Parliament march. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji were among those who participated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI Photo) Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, arguing that such a law was necessary to eliminate discrimination, especially against women.”All advanced countries have UCC-like laws. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India need a Uniform Civil Code. There should be equal laws for everyone. Women face a great deal of discrimination, and much of it can be removed through a UCC. It is essential,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata, where she returned after nearly two decades.Last month, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a high-level committee to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state.Nasreen left Kolkata in 2007 after protests over the publication of her book Dwikhandito (Split: A Life) forced the then Left Front government to move her out of the West Bengal capital.Talking about her native Bangladesh, the 63-year-old writer claimed that many women, particularly Hindus, continued to face discrimination in the country. Nasreen left Bangladesh in 1994 after facing protests and threats from Islamist groups over her writings.”In Bangladesh, Hindu women do not have equal rights. They cannot inherit their father’s property. If Hindu women are to enjoy freedom and equal rights, a Uniform Civil Code is necessary,” she added.Nasreen also expressed anguish over the disruption during her felicitation ceremony in the city a day earlier, saying she felt “insulted” after noted poet Joy Goswami was forced to leave the stage amid protests by a section of the audience.”Not only was Joy insulted, but I was also insulted because I had invited him,” she stated.The controversy erupted after Nasreen invited Goswami onto the stage and requested him to address the gathering. However, loud objections from a section of the audience forced the celebrated poet to step down without speaking.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRecalling the incident, she said, “In my speech, I had spoken about freedom of expression. Everyone should be allowed to speak. It is not right to stop anyone from expressing their views.”She also questioned the conduct of the protesters: “Those who appreciated my speech were the ones who did not allow him to come on the stage. Didn’t they also question me? It is contradictory. When someone speaks about freedom of expression, people support it, but when a poet is invited to speak, they do not want to hear him. That is not right.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI Photo) Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, arguing that such a law was necessary to eliminate discrimination, especially against women.”All advanced countries have UCC-like laws. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India need a Uniform Civil Code. There should be equal laws for everyone. Women face a great deal of discrimination, and much of it can be removed through a UCC. It is essential,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata, where she returned after nearly two decades.Last month, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a high-level committee to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state.Nasreen left Kolkata in 2007 after protests over the publication of her book Dwikhandito (Split: A Life) forced the then Left Front government to move her out of the West Bengal capital.Talking about her native Bangladesh, the 63-year-old writer claimed that many women, particularly Hindus, continued to face discrimination in the country. Nasreen left Bangladesh in 1994 after facing protests and threats from Islamist groups over her writings.”In Bangladesh, Hindu women do not have equal rights. They cannot inherit their father’s property. If Hindu women are to enjoy freedom and equal rights, a Uniform Civil Code is necessary,” she added.Nasreen also expressed anguish over the disruption during her felicitation ceremony in the city a day earlier, saying she felt “insulted” after noted poet Joy Goswami was forced to leave the stage amid protests by a section of the audience.”Not only was Joy insulted, but I was also insulted because I had invited him,” she stated.The controversy erupted after Nasreen invited Goswami onto the stage and requested him to address the gathering. However, loud objections from a section of the audience forced the celebrated poet to step down without speaking.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRecalling the incident, she said, “In my speech, I had spoken about freedom of expression. Everyone should be allowed to speak. It is not right to stop anyone from expressing their views.”She also questioned the conduct of the protesters: “Those who appreciated my speech were the ones who did not allow him to come on the stage. Didn’t they also question me? It is contradictory. When someone speaks about freedom of expression, people support it, but when a poet is invited to speak, they do not want to hear him. That is not right.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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