The Enduring Relevance of Rajendra Prasad’s Speech, Made Hours Before India’s Independence
In his speech, India’s first president speaks about the importance of non-violence and Gandhian ideals of truth and tolerance.
The Indian Republic Was an Ambitious Project of Multiple Ideas and Identities. Can It Be Salvaged?
The founders envisioned a country made up of diverse identities. This promise of equality and individuality is being replaced by a monolithic Hindu identity.
Remembering the Constitution’s Imprisoned Defenders on the Day the Constitution Came Into Effect
The saga of the 18 people slapped with ‘sedition’ and terror charges over anti-CAA protests after the Delhi riots does not sit comfortably with the belief that all Indians are equal before the law irrespective of their faith and beliefs.
The Odd Thing About the Assassins and Their Worldviews are That They Think They Have Killed Gandhi
In 1968, after the tragic killing of Martin Luther King the Chicago Sun-Times published a cartoon showing assassinated Mahatma Gandhi talking to assassinated Martin Luther King in the heavens and telling, “The odd thing about assassins, Dr. King, is that they think they’ve killed you.” That cartoon is so appropriate in today’s India …
Netaji Wasn’t a Friend of Hindutva, But its Adversary
The appropriation of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose by BJP-RSS erases the historical reality that Netaji, throughout his life, stood against the values that Hindutva propagates.
Just These Two Things, Madam Finance Minister
Recent economic events make it clear there are two Indias. Which one should the upcoming Budget speech address?
‘Abide With Me’ Will Stay Forever!
Outside the St. Michael’s Church in Mahim Mumbai is a powerful slogan. “God will always abide with me, even if I retreat!” In many ways this creative caption sums up the raging controversy on ‘Abide With Me’ that has been on prime-time news and on social media for a week now!
Chile: New Leader, Fresh Optimism, Old Obstacles; Also: Constitutional Convention Declares Chile a Plurinational State”
Now that Chile is about to inaugurate a president who is a fierce champion of human rights, it is time to memorialize victims of the Pinochet dictatorship – maybe then Kast, an ultra-right admirer of the Pinochet dictatorship, would have less support.
A Scream Against the Madness
January 27th is Holocaust Remembrance Day. A day to remember and honour those killed through systematic butchery in that brutal and sadistic era. And a day where those of us who stand as witnesses declare “never again.” And yet, it has happened again. And again. And again.
World and India Billionaire and Millionaire Wealth Tax: Revenue Estimates; ‘With Exploding Inequality, India Can’t Continue With Business As Usual’
A progressive wealth tax on the world’s richest people would raise $3.62 trillion a year – more than enough to pay for lifting 3.3 billion people out of poverty, vaccinate everyone in the world, and provide universal social protection and healthcare. Also – discussion on extent of India’s inequality and solutions for a more equal society.