Opinion

When “Why?” Becomes a Threat: Is West Bengal’s Democratic Space Shrinking?

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.

‘Assalamu Alaikum, Inshaallah, Jazakallah’: Peace, Hope and Gratitude Don’t Cancel Out Your Merit

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.

You Can Crack IIT. Can You Crack Its Caste System?

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

What Is India’s Youth Asking For: Cultural Identity or the Right to a Future?

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?

BRICS Isn’t Beijing’s Game. It’s India’s Strategic Autonomy

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.
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Ambedkar’s Vision Betrayed: Land, Education, and Equality Replaced by Statues and Speeches

Amit Shah’s statement underscores a troubling trend of reducing Ambedkar’s transformative vision to mere political convenience. Ambedkar’s India, built on inclusivity, education, and welfare for the marginalized, is far from realized. This is why Ambedkar’s India remains an unfulfilled dream in a society still plagued by inequality

Ahmed Wali Faisal Rahmani: Legitimised by Constitution yet Caged by Choices: The Plight of Indian Muslim Leadership

Despite being legally eligible as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to lead Islamic organizations, Rahmani faced unwarranted criticism questioning his commitment to the Indian Muslim community. His tenure as Ameer-e-Shariat has been marked by visionary leadership, bridging religious values with modern needs in education, technology, and healthcare. This episode highlights the urgent need for accountable, progressive leaders to uplift Indian Muslims amidst challenges of poverty and misrepresentation.

Sambhal Sparks Alarm on Constitution Day: Is Judicial Integrity Under Siege?

The Sambhal mosque survey plea is a disturbing reminder of how political and judicial lapses fuel religious polarization. Despite the Places of Worship Act, local courts continue to entertain petitions that undermine constitutional principles. On Constitution Day, it’s imperative to reflect on Ambedkar’s warnings and uphold the values of secularism and justice

From Worship to Exploitation: Ganga’s Journey Reflects India’s Environmental Hypocrisy

A four-year journey along the Ganga reveals a civilisational ecological crisis, where dams, pollution, sand mining and policy failures threaten rivers, communities, livelihoods and India’s environmental future across regions nationwide.

From Bulldozers to Bills: How India’s State Machinery is Undermining Muslim Rights and Autonomy

As Hindutva extremism rises, India’s founding values of diversity and secularism are at risk. Civil rights groups, activists, and independent media decry the demolitions as part of a broader agenda to marginalize Muslims, further fueled by the Waqf Amendment Bill's attack on Muslim institutional autonomy

Stripped of Rights: How West Bengal’s OBC Verdict is Sparking a Movement for Justice Among Muslim Communities

A High Court ruling voiding OBC status for 77 Muslim communities has left thousands of students and job seekers in West Bengal in limbo, raising concerns about systemic neglect and fueling calls for justice across the state
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