The article discusses the retrieval of Indian antiquities over the last five years, primarily focusing on the period from 2020 to 2024. The key points of the report are outlined below:

• Total Antiquities Retrieved: Over the last five years, a total of 610 antiquities have been retrieved from six countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Italy, and Thailand.

• Government Report: Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat provided this information in a written reply to the Parliament on July 21, 2025.

• Annual Breakdown of Recoveries:

  • 2020: 3 artefacts from Australia, 5 from the U.K.
  • 2021: 157 from the U.S., 1 each from Canada and the U.K.
  • 2023: 105 from the U.S.
  • 2024: 297 from the U.S.

• Details from the Education Survey by ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has kept an updated record of theft cases involving protected monuments, sites, and museums under its jurisdiction, although the Minister did not specify any formal survey conducted regarding the theft of Indian artefacts.

• U.S. as a Major Source: The majority of the retrieved antiquities were from the U.S., accounting for 559 out of the total 610. Australia contributed 34 antiquities to this total.

• Historical Context of Recoveries: Since 1976, a total of 655 antiquities have been successfully retrieved from foreign countries.

• Importance of Antiquity Retrieval: The retrieval of these antiquities highlights ongoing efforts by the Indian government to address cultural heritage theft and recover India's historical and artistic artifacts.

• Parliamentary Inquiry: The information was shared in response to questions raised in Parliament about the status of antiquities and efforts to recover those that are missing or unaccounted for.

This data underscores the proactive measures by the Indian government and relevant authorities to reclaim its cultural heritage, and the importance placed on the regulation and monitoring of artefacts that are culturally significant to India.

Abirami Bhattar’s literary work, "Abirami Andadi," offers a profound exploration of Devi, the Goddess, through various forms laden with deep symbolism rooted in sacred literature. M.A. Manickavelu emphasizes the need for an in-depth understanding of Bhattar's verses, which serve as profound expressions of devotion, urging readers to go beyond superficial readings that overlook the layered meanings and significance embedded in the text.

Key highlights from the discourse include:

• Symbolism of the Goddess: The Goddess is portrayed as the embodiment of auspiciousness, indicated by Bhattar’s use of the term ‘mangalai’ in verse 21. This highlights her role as a source of blessings in various aspects of life.

• Connection to Lord Shiva: The Goddess, referred to as Mangalambigai in the Kumbeshwara temple of Kumbakonam, is recognized as the Consort of Lord Shiva, emphasizing her eternal and timeless nature alongside him. This reflects Hindu beliefs regarding divinity and the portrayal of both deities in conjunction.

• Motherhood and Agelessness: Despite being the universal mother and the origin of all creation, she retains a youthful appearance. This notion is significant in celebrating the feminine divine as eternal and nurturing, aligning with her identity as Parvathi, the beloved daughter of Parvatharaja, reinforcing maternal attributes within the divine narrative.

• Geographical Association: The term ‘Malayaal’ signifies her connection to the Himalayas as the daughter of Parvatharaja. Additionally, her association with the hills (indicated by 'Malai' which means hill) aligns with the geographic and spiritual significance of her identity in rites and worship.

• Destruction of Evil: The text references a mythological narrative where she vanquished the demon Pandasura. In recognition of her victory, the Devas called upon Viswakarma and Mayan to establish sacred sites dedicated to Lalithambika and Kameswara, indicating a divine approval of devotional spaces.

• Urban Establishments for Worship: Following the defeat of the demon, 16 cities named Srinagar were established as places of worship, some of which were on hills, while others were in the sea. This diversification of sacred geographic locations illustrates the widespread reverence and institutionalization of worship in various forms.

• Sri Chakra Representation: The work also denotes her association with Meru, conceptualized as a three-dimensional representation of the Sri Chakra, symbolizing the union of the cosmos with the divine. This linkage further encapsulates the spiritual and geometrical significance attributed to her figure in Hinduism.

Published on July 19, 2025, the discourse encourages a comprehensive engagement with Bhattar's poetry, reflecting on the multifaceted nature of the Goddess and the intricate tapestry of mythology, geography, and spirituality reflected in the "Abirami Andadi." Overall, it calls for a recognition of the richness of devotional literature, particularly in capturing the essence of divine femininity as both protective and nurturing while remaining timeless.

The news article elucidates the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, specifically focusing on Chapter II, Verse 27, which addresses the inevitability of birth and death, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one’s moral and righteous duties (dharma). Below is a comprehensive summary of the article including key points and themes discussed:

Summary:

• Core Teaching of the Bhagavad Gita:

  • The verse 2.27 states that “Death is certain for the one who is born and birth is inevitable for the one who has died; therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable.” This teaching encapsulates the reality of mortality and the necessity for moral duty amidst life’s persistent challenges.

• Contextualization of Arjuna's Dilemma:

  • The character Arjuna is depicted as being paralyzed by fear and doubt before battle, which symbolizes the broader human inclination to evade responsibility when confronted with moral dilemmas.
  • His emotional state is resonant of a more profound existential crisis faced by individuals when asked to confront harsh realities and take decisive action.

• Krishna’s Response:

  • Lord Krishna, serving as Arjuna's charioteer and divine guide, shifts the focus from sentimentality to action. He articulates that neglecting one’s dharma is graver than facing death, thereby compelling that it is essential for individuals to adhere to their moral obligations, especially when they are uncomfortable or perilous.

• Societal Implications:

  • The teachings extend beyond individual conduct to the collective spiritual health of society. A societal shift away from dharma leads to moral decay, rendering existence devoid of meaning.
  • The article stresses that the abandonment of righteous duties leads to adharma, which, when unchecked, invites divine interventions to restore balance and morality.

• Relevance Today:

  • The principles outlined in the Gita are presented as eternally pertinent, particularly when confronting modern ethical conundrums. The message suggests that moral courage and taking action in alignment with dharma is crucial for overcoming contemporary challenges.
  • A life lived according to good principles, however brief, is deemed more fulfilling than prolonged existence lacking purpose and ethical grounding.

• Historical Context and Divine Intervention:

  • Historically, divine beings in Hinduism have intervened in battles against adharma. This notion underscores that active engagement and moral fortitude are necessary to maintain righteousness.

Key Points:

• The inevitability of birth and death is a central theme in the Bhagavad Gita, as articulated by Chapter II, verse 27.
• Arjuna's struggle symbolizes a common human tendency to resist necessary actions in the face of daunting moral challenges.
• Krishna stresses the paramount importance of fulfilling one’s dharma over succumbing to fear or inaction.
• Society’s moral decay is linked to the neglect of dharma, underscoring the collective responsibility for spiritual health.
• The teachings of the Gita remain relevant today in guiding moral decisions and actions needed to confront contemporary societal issues.
• Historical precedents exist where divine interventions have necessitated action against adharma, showcasing the importance of moral courage.

This analysis of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings reinforces the notion that ethical responsibilities and moral duties must take precedence over emotional turmoil, guiding individuals toward righteous living. The teachings emphasize not just personal salvation but the collective responsibility to uphold dharma for societal well-being.