T.M. Krishna: On Rediscovering Asoka Through His Edicts
A musical rendition of Asokan edicts rekindles interest in the ethical values ingrained in them and the Mauryan emperor’s vision of a humane society. Also: an interview with T.M. Krishna.
The History of ‘Love Jihad’: How Sangh Parivar Spread a Dangerous, Imaginary Idea
From moral policing in Dakshina Kannada to stoking riots in Muzaffarnagar, the ‘love jihad’ bogey has served many purposes for the Hindu right wing.
Only 36 Countries Have Not Criminalised Marital Rape, India Is One of Them
An exception to Section 375 of IPC (that defines rape) specifically excludes acts of sexual violence in marriage from the ambit of rape. This exception is violative of the fundamental rights of equality, dignity and privacy of women.
When it Comes to Manual Scavenging, Enacted Laws Have Persistently Failed
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 continues to tread the same flawed path as its previous versions of 1993 and 2013 with little to no effect on providing succour to sanitation workers.
The Complicity of the SC Is Manifest in its Recent Actions and Orders
The Court has deliberately refused to act in defence of citizens and groups who have been victimised for their protest and dissent, or who are only exercising their fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
The World Turned Upside Down: Rodney’s 1972 Masterpiece
Walter Rodney’s masterpiece How Europe Underdeveloped Africa examined four hundred years of European intervention and occupation in Africa. An examination of the context and approach Rodney took in his 1972 book.
Túpac Amaru’s Rebellion Lives On
In November 1780, Túpac Amaru led an indigenous uprising against Spanish control of Peru. Centuries on, he and his wife and co-organiser Micaela Bastidas are still potent symbols of liberation in the Andes.
Batukeshwar Dutt: A Working Class Revolutionary’s Life
Remembering Batukeshwar Dutt’s revolutionary career, most of which was either spent in jail or hospitals, on his birth anniversary.
Remembering Engels’ Thoughts on Science and Socialism on His Bicentenary
While studying capitalism, Engels studied science and history of science.
Soumitra Chatterjee (1935-2020): Acting Legend, Principled Lodestar, Utterly Decent Human Being
He died on November 15 from Covid-19 complications in Kolkata. He was 85. A tribute.