Author: India Writes Network

Modi invokes Buddha bonding between India and China

- by India Writes Network

Buddha bonding is set to complement the burgeoning business ties between India and China. Imparting a cultural flavour to his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked Buddhism as an age-old connector between the two Asian neighbours and has highlighted Buddhist connections of his home state Gujarat.

“Buddhism is a very strong bond between China & India. In fact, Gujarat too has a very rich Buddhist heritage,” tweeted Modi on September 15.

An article was also posted on the prime minister’s website in English and Mandarin, which showcases the rich “Buddhist heritage in Gujarat”.

A day before he meets the Chinese president in Ahamedabad, Modi underlined the linkages between his hometown of Vadnagar and the famous Chinese explorer and Buddhist priest Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) who “noted the presence of Buddhist monasteries, monks in parts of Gujarat”.

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Modinama: One man, hundred days, 180 books

- by India Writes Network

The journey of a tea-seller from Vadnagar, a small village in Gujarat, to the most prized address in New Delhi – 7 Race Course Road – is the stuff of which contemporary myths and folklore is woven. Not surprisingly, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life story has launched a thousand tales about the man who evokes diverse emotions among Indians and the world at large. The publishing industry in India is on a roll, with over 180 books published on Modi within the first 100 days of his taking office.

Written mostly in Hindi and Gujarati, the books provide a melange of perspectives and insights into Modi the leader as well as Modi the person.

The authors who penned these stories include former journalists, lawyers, RSS workers and even his body guard. Presented in multifarious ways, these works range from political biographies to comics. Bookstores across the country display these books; some have even been translated in Mandarin and French.

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