Deportees Share Harrowing Experiences After Returning from the US

Following executive orders signed by former US President Donald Trump aimed at tightening immigration, many Indians are turning to Hindu temples to pray for successful US visa approvals. The Chamatkari Hanuman temple, known as "Visa Hanuman," located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has seen a surge in visitors who place their passports before the deity and recite hymns in hopes of divine intervention. According to priest Vijay Bhatt, he has witnessed visa approvals happen swiftly for devotees following rituals. Many believe that obtaining a US visa is critical for upward mobility, as approximately two-thirds of H-1B visa recipients are Indian nationals. However, Trump’s stricter vetting processes have created uncertainty for many aspiring emigrants. At Hyderabad's Chilkur Balaji temple, dubbed the "Visa God" shrine, visitors perform rituals, including barefoot circumambulations, while some even adopt strict dietary restrictions to enhance their chances of receiving a visa. Temple priests assert that they often find that the wishes of distressed applicants indeed come true.

In a touching reunion, Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, an IAS officer, officiated the wedding of Meena, a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan, who rescued Meena from the debris as a district collector in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, has remained a significant figure in her life. The couple exchanged vows at the Sri Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple, attended by fellow survivors from the children's home where Meena lived after being rescued. Radhakrishnan provided Meena with support throughout her education, guiding her to become a nurse. Sharing photos from the ceremony on Instagram, Radhakrishnan expressed his joy, stating, "Our post-tsunami journey with the children of Nagai has always been one of hope." His heartfelt commitment and care have not gone unnoticed, with many online praising him as a "true hero" and a source of inspiration. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in Meena’s life, demonstrating resilience and the profound connections formed in the wake of tragedy.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently presented the Union Budget for 2025, which has been hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant win for middle-class families. According to the budget announcement, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh (approximately $14,500) will not be liable for income tax, a move aimed at providing financial relief amid rising living costs. In addition to tax exemptions, the budget outlines investments in infrastructure and various social programs, which officials claim will boost economic growth and create jobs. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government's commitment to fostering an inclusive economy that supports all citizens. The budget has sparked discussions among political leaders, with some opposition figures, such as Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, expressing concerns over fiscal priorities and the potential impact on public services. The budget proposal has received mixed reactions, with many in the middle class praising the tax benefits, while critics call for a more balanced approach that addresses inequality and public sector needs.