West Bengal’s recent clashes over classrooms, universities, the press and cultural institutions raise a larger question: what happens when political power enters spaces meant for independent thought? The incidents may not be connected, but together they reveal how easily institutional autonomy and dissent can come under pressure.
Dr Bushara Bano’s use of “Assalamu Alaikum”, “InshaAllah” and “Jazakallah” has sparked controversy. But can three expressions of faith overshadow an IPS officer’s qualifications, competitive achievements and professional record? The debate raises a larger question about identity, neutrality and merit in public service.
IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s suicide has revived questions about caste discrimination, merit and student rights in India’s elite institutions. As allegations of harassment and casteist abuse emerge, the larger concern is whether campuses meant to nurture talent are becoming hostile spaces for marginalised students
India’s youth have always questioned power, from the student movements of the 1970s to the Anna movement. Today, programmes in Ujjain and Indore raise a new question: is young India seeking cultural identity, political recognition or something more basic — the right to shape its future?
India’s BRICS engagement is not about choosing China over the West but protecting its strategic autonomy. As the global order turns multipolar, India must retain strong ties across competing blocs while defending its independent foreign policy and ensuring that national interests, not Western approval, shape its international choices.
Iran’s defiant missile strikes during the brief war with Israel shook regional power dynamics, exposing cracks in Israeli and US defenses. While Tehran gained prestige, Gulf Arab rulers remained passive, revealing their declining credibility. The conflict marked a turning point, shifting both hard power perceptions and soft power influence in the region.
Protests are a powerful expression of public conscience, especially in Bengal, where resistance runs deep. From independence movements to recent sit-ins, people protest to demand justice, dignity, and accountability. Despite hardships, these peaceful demonstrations reflect hope, resilience, and the constitutional right to be heard in a functioning democracy.
Strikes are not mere disruptions—they’re powerful democratic tools used when all else fails. From Kolkata’s bandh culture to nationwide protests, they reflect collective resistance against injustice. While they halt daily life, they reignite critical conversations, reminding us that democracy isn’t just about order—it’s about being heard when silence no longer works.
The Indo-Pak war after the Pahalgam attack became a global arms expo and political theatre. China showcased weapons, Pakistan secured a bailout, Turkey advertised drones, and India fused military action with nationalism. Trump sought a ceasefire for clout. As profits and power shifted hands, civilians bore the brunt—again.
Amid the Pahalgam terror attack, India witnessed unity from citizens while media and political actors pushed hate. Voices like Himanshi Narwal, Sangeeta Negi, and Rakesh Tikait showed courage and clarity. As the caste census unsettles the status quo, real patriotism lies in justice, not jingoism or communal provocation.