Satyam imbroglio: Surprised? Shocked? Stunned?

Symbols are very crucial in nation-building. As a national symbol of a secular country, the adoption of Emperor Ashoka as a role model and adopting some of the symbols established by him, is inexplicable to say the least.

Readers may recall that Ashoka converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga war. Contrary to the popular belief, this conversion was not merely a private affair but had far-reaching implications.

In the process, he established the first (and unarguably till date, the last) theocratic government in India by which a religion was officially linked, practiced and propagated by a government throughout the country. Further, Ashoka carried out this unparalleled propaganda not only in India but exported Buddhism beyond the country's border.