The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union of Delhi in recent times have waged a relentless struggle against the barbaric conditions of termination enforced. It recently launched a 38 day strike embarrassing the rulers in their backyard. The Delhi police mercilessly ripped through the peaceful gathering. Anganwadi workers and helpers in Delhi waged a sustained agitation against the illegal terminations after[Read More...]
As another ‘Ninth August’ slips into history and perhaps into oblivion (as some would certainly like it to be), it is important that we bask in the significance of the day and what it holds in store for all and particularly for the journey ahead! This reflection therefore is about the past, present and future – three tenses all encapsulated[Read More...]
Fearing loss of chief ministerial berth and being pushed into political sidelines has apparently prompted Nitish Kumar to break his party (Janata Dal-United)’s alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and once again shake hands with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). His key concern has for the moment been taken care of, with his remaining Bihar’s chief minister. To a degree, his[Read More...]
The Independence Day is always a proud day for all citizens of India. This year it is all the more so as this is the 75th Independence Day. However at the same time there is growing concern about the increasing erosion of some essential precepts of the freedom movement during the last eight years or so of the NDA/BJP regime.[Read More...]
Suddenly the country is abuzz with freebies.The media resounding with high-minded denunciation of them.Experts,opinion makers,op-ed writers are homing in on them.The Supreme Court is shaking its head.Now a committee of taxpayers are to decide if parties can promise freebies before elections.That too at a time when prices of gas cylinders etc are hurtling through the roof.One question continues to[Read More...]
Sculpture mistakenly identified as a Hindu deity is originally “Buddha”, declares Madras High Court In a Writ Petition challenging the identity of the statue at Thalaivetti Muniyappan Temple, Periyeri Village, Salem, Tamil Nadu, the Madras High court after considering the detailed report of Archaeological Department declared the statue to be the depiction of “Buddha”. The Petitioners, one Mr.P.Ranganathan and a[Read More...]
Recently someone asked me to pen down a few thoughts on why I thought that the welfarist approach to development is wrong and why I advocate a Rights-based Approach to Development. The conclusion is not totally correct as I believe there is a place for welfare-oriented activities, particularly where they would otherwise be left out completely. Or when a new[Read More...]
(This is the English translation of my article in Hindi written in 2012 to mark the 70th anniversary of Quit India Movement or August Revolution. The article was published in ‘Yuva Samvad’ and ‘Hastakshep.com’. In it an attempt was made to delineate the inspiration and facts behind the movement, and the sentiments of the Indian people and leaders who participated[Read More...]
Respected Chief Minister, At the recent Niti Ayog meeting, the Prime Minister (PM) is reported to have said that “India’s federal structure and cooperative federalism emerged as a model for the world during Covid crisis” (https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-federal-structure-beca…). While the sentiment underlying the statement is commendable, it is important that it is translated into tangible action in all respects.
The Indian women cricket team was on the verge of clinching the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, but just missed out on this much coveted goal. Till the last over the result could have gone either way, but being more experienced, the Australian team could win. It does not matter. A T20 match result can go either way within[Read More...]
