๐ Strengthening Indo-Nepal Collaboration Through Ayurveda ๐ฟ
I had the honor of hosting Dr. Arjun Karki, former Nepalese Ambassador to the US and President of Nepal’s Central Ayurveda University, during his visit to Varanasi. Together, we explored Ayurveda’s transformative potential as a bridge between nations, connecting cultural heritage and modern innovation.
This journey reaffirmed the power of perseverance, shared values, and collective action in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let’s continue working toward stronger Indo-Nepal ties and global harmony through Ayurveda!
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi: A Voice for Peace and Justice in Turbulent Times
In a world often marred by division and conflict, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A celebrated human rights activist, Dr. Lenin is the founder of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), an organization headquartered in the historic city of Varanasi. Over the years, PVCHR has become synonymous with empowering marginalized communities and advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity.
Dr. Lenin’s extraordinary contributions to the field of human rights have earned him widespread recognition, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His relentless efforts to bridge societal divides and foster understanding have made him a pivotal figure in India's human rights landscape.
A Unique Perspective on the Crisis
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Dr. Lenin delves deep into the complexities of the present-day crisis affecting the valley and the city. Drawing from his experiences of working alongside Irom Sharmila in Manipur, he offers a unique perspective on the internal divisions that fuel unrest and hinder progress. His work in the conflict-ridden northeastern region of India has given him a profound understanding of the socio-political dynamics at play, and he skillfully connects these insights to the challenges faced by communities across the country today.
Establishing Peace: Dr. Lenin’s Vision
Dr. Lenin’s analysis goes beyond diagnosing the problem—he also provides actionable solutions for establishing peace and harmony between diverse groups. His approach emphasizes the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and addressing the root causes of inequality and disenfranchisement. By advocating for inclusive development and grassroots empowerment, Dr. Lenin paints a hopeful picture of how communities can rebuild trust and work towards a shared future.
Listen to the Full Podcast
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deeper issues behind societal conflicts and discovering pathways to peace. Dr. Lenin’s expertise, coupled with his compassionate and pragmatic outlook, makes this conversation both insightful and inspiring.
Join us as we explore the vision of a man who has dedicated his life to creating a just and equitable society. Through his work and words, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi reminds us that peace is not just an ideal—it is a collective responsibility and a tangible goal we can achieve together.
About Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
Dr. Lenin is an advocate for marginalized communities, an anti-caste crusader, and a staunch supporter of women's and children's rights. His journey, shaped by tireless activism and deep empathy, continues to inspire countless individuals around the globe. Through PVCHR and his partnerships with changemakers like Irom Sharmila, he has demonstrated that meaningful change begins at the grassroots and requires unwavering commitment.
๐✨ Leonardo Verzaro: An Anthropologist’s Journey into Transformation and Humanity ✨๐
From the lens of Leonardo Verzaro, a passionate anthropologist from Italy, comes a powerful exploration of resilience, transformation, and the role of storytelling in humanitarian action. His fieldwork in Varanasi, India, from October to December 2023, sheds light on the intersection of personal pain and collective action.
Leonardo’s immersive study focused on the Dalit community, documenting their stories of suffering, particularly police brutality and social exclusion. Through these poignant narratives, he witnessed how storytelling can heal, empower, and catalyze societal change.
At the heart of his research is Lenin Raghuvanshi, founder of PVCHR, whose life and work exemplify “resistant vitality.” Lenin’s journey, from overcoming adversity to becoming an advocate for human rights, serves as a testament to the transformative power of activism.
๐ Leonardo’s Thesis: "Constructions and Transformations of the Self in Varanasi: Ethnography of a Humanitarian Experience" (2023) is a deep dive into how the Dalit community's pain, when shared, can drive empathy, change, and collective action.
๐ธ Leonardo’s Reflection: He shared a heartwarming post on Facebook with the title “Fresh Doctor in Anthropology, yo!! ๐ค๐๐๐,” capturing the joy of completing his thesis and his deep bond with family. He also expressed his gratitude to Lenin for inspiring his research and for being a friend and guide throughout this journey.
This is just the beginning of a remarkable academic career that blends scholarly rigor with compassion, all while amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
Lenin Raghuvanshi, human rights activist and founding member of PVCHR, told Newslaundry that not having permanent chairpersons was a reflection of the state’s priorities. “Human rights are not on the agenda of many state governments, so they don’t prioritise appointing chairpersons,” he said. “Labour laws and rights of the poor and marginalised get compromised because of this. The system in state commissions is also very opaque, and it is almost impossible to get to know about the cases pending before the court.”
“Human rights violations as well as awareness of rights are increasing, so people are filing more cases. But without a full strength in commission, the burden increases on the remaining members,” he said. “Human rights commissions work as courts of the poor and can provide immediate relief to those in need of justice.”
An Evening of Creative Convergence in Varanasi: Exploring Art, Culture, and Humanity ๐๐จ
On December 3, 2024, Varanasi became the stage for a profound gathering of artistic minds and cultural visionaries. Hosted by the renowned artist and Fulbright scholar Chawky Frenn, this evening brought together a diverse group of individuals, including theatre legend Parnab Mukherjee and Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Ashutosh Singh, for a discussion on creativity, culture, and humanity.
The evening, which unfolded at Roma’s Cafรฉ Diner, was not just about sharing a meal, but about exploring art, activism, and ancient wisdom in the heart of one of India’s most spiritual cities. Together, the participants delved into profound topics, from the legacy of Mirza Ghalib to the power of art to challenge injustice and inspire change.
One of the evening's highlights was the discussion on the connection between Ghalib’s vision of Varanasi as the “Kaba of Hindustan” and the city's ongoing influence on art and culture. Frenn’s artwork, featuring the symbolism of Gandhi Ji and Martin Luther King, encapsulated the evening’s message of hope and the collective commitment to creating a better world.
✨ The evening was a powerful reminder that creativity—whether through art, theatre, or healing—has the potential to transform society.
We are a couple for fighting against unjust caste and patriarchal system.We are living with our friendly contradiction. Now, we are partner in personal and community life, but we are two different identities in human rights struggle.
