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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Unconditional Citizenship Denied: CAR, 2024 Sets a Dangerous Precedent

The Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024 (CAR, 2024) notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on March 11, 2024 is, simultaneously, a...

From Brazil to Bengal: Exploring the Similarities in Sergio Moro and Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s High-Stakes Controversies

What are the similarities between Sergio Moro and Abhijit Gangopadhyay? Like the Brazilian judge, Abhijit Gangopadhyay rose to prominence by campaigning against so-called 'corruption'....

From Number to Nobody: Are You Next for Aadhaar Deactivation?

“Chandra. How long will you finish your work?" Bishu The end of the day is not written in pen. Two days after one day, three...

Jadavpur University Ragging: A Theoretical Analysis in the Light of Gramsci and Foucault

Lately, we have learned that a tragic incident has taken place as a consequence of ragging at Jadavpur University. It's a disastrous event and...

Identity Politics and Bharat Ratna: A Deep Dive into Awardees’ Allegiances

The Bharat Ratna award to late prime ministers PV Narsimha Rao, Chaudhury Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan has been welcomed by all. I have...

Sitharaman Releases White Paper Attacking UPA, But Data Tells a Different Story

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has released a "White Paper on the Indian Economy" today, which purportedly seeks to "generate a wider, more...
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