The Intelligence from The Economist One nation, under gods? India’s divisive temple
Aug 5, 2020
In this discussion, Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, shares insights on the Ayodhya temple's consecration as a focal point in India’s Hindu-nationalist agenda, raising concerns about the country's secularism. Alongside, Simon Long reveals how COVID-19 has worsened the plight of dementia patients but spotlights hopeful advances in early detection for Alzheimer's. The dialogue also touches on the booming e-bike market, highlighting the competition it brings to traditional transport as cycling trends shift dramatically post-pandemic.
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Temple Foundation Stone Laid
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
- This fulfills a promise he made and marks a significant moment for Hindu nationalism.
Contested Holy Site
- The site of the Ram temple was formerly a mosque, destroyed by Hindu activists in 1992.
- After decades of legal battles, the Supreme Court granted the land to Hindus for temple construction.
A Capstone, Not a Foundation
- The temple's construction is a victory for Modi's Hindu nationalist agenda, but it's also a culmination of a long-standing movement.
- Modi needs new rallying points to address India's economic challenges.