Economist Podcasts One nation, under gods? India’s divisive temple
Aug 5, 2020
Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, and Simon Long, deputy digital editor, dive into India's contentious political landscape. They discuss Prime Minister Modi's temple inauguration in Ayodhya, its implications for secularism, and rising Hindu nationalism. The conversation shifts to the pandemic's harsh impact on dementia patients, highlighting innovative research for early detection. On a lighter note, they explore the booming e-bike market and its transformation of transportation 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 follows the controversial demolition of a mosque in 1992.
Ayodhya: India's Most Contested Site
- The site of the former mosque has been the most controversial acre in India.
- After decades of legal battles, the Supreme Court decided to give the land to Hindus to build the temple.
Muted Muslim Reaction
- Muslims and those who value secularism are unhappy with the temple construction.
- Despite this, there haven't been widespread protests, suggesting a shift in the political climate.