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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From Shakespeare to Tagore: Kolkata Book Fair Celebrates a Fusion of Literary Worlds

Internationally renowned author, RK Narayan told me in 1995, that he felt a book fair well organized was a true platform for sensitive minds...

January 26th: When People Were Urged to Celebrate it as Independence Day

The roots of the celebrations on the 26th of January as our Republic Day actually go back to a very significant development in our...

Beyond ‘Temples of Modern India’: A Critical Look at Contemporary Religious Politics

When India became independent, Nehru’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech set the tone for the future course that India planned to undertake. He pledged, “The...

Congress Electoral Rollercoaster: Triumph in Telangana, Turmoil in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh

Kolkata: The mandate of four state assembly elections is out. With Congress losing in two states—Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where they were in power, winning...

Population Power Shift: BJP Grasps Control of 20 Crore Strong Territories in MP, Raj and Chhattisgarh

Bhopal: The loss in big states has come as a major setback to Congress and also affects the prospects of INDIA alliance ahead of...

Beyond Cheers: Urgent Calls for Policy Review in Aftermath of Silkyara Tunnel Rescue

The safe return of the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel near Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, is a matter of great satisfaction for the...
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