काउंटरव्यू

By Bharat Dogra  Every voice for peace is relevant, every voice for peace is needed. Even if it is only a child carrying a placard in a gathering for peace, even if it is an elderly woman struggling to keep up with a procession for peace, all are important at a time when every word, every gesture for peace, and more particularly for justice based peace, has become very important.

By NS Venkataraman*  Ever since Hamas launched war against Israel and in the process killing hundreds of innocent citizens of Israel by catching the Israel government by surprise, many pledged supporters of Hamas and Palestinian cause vociferously have supported the action of Hamas.

By Harsh Thakor  In an era where national liberation movements and organized class struggle overall are suffering merciless repression, the magnifying of Palestinian people’s national liberation war with Israel resurrects the faith in class struggle and national liberation as essential to complete the democratization of various societies.

By Prof. Sudhanshu Tripathi*  Once again the India’s foreign policy finds itself placed into a dilemma over Hamas attack upon Israel. And that pertains to choosing a side between the US led NATO powers assisted by several western nations and the consolidating Russia-China-Iran-North Korea alliance accompanied by many of the Arab states in West Asia. Evidently, the sudden terror attack by Hamas on Israel and Israeli counter-attack on Hamas have indeed created an unprecedented situation not only in and around Gaza but in the entire West Asian region by polarizing the aforesaid two power blocs.

By Bharat Dogra*  The anti-imperialism movement is a very important movement with a very noble role—that of protecting the majority of the world’s people as well as its environment from the highly aggressive and inherently destructive tendencies of those powerful forces that are willing to endanger and sacrifice all else (safety and welfare of common people, protection of environment) in their overwhelming quest for dominance and very narrowly perceived self-interests.

By Harsh Thakor*  This month on October 23rd we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the decision by the Communist International to launch an armed rebellion in Germany. The uprising, which took place in October that year, was a landmark event. Looking back at the “German October” one hundred years later, it must be seen as a valiant bid by the Bolsheviks to escalate the spirit of revolution. The tragic reversal of this rebellion paved the road for the victory of Hitler and the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War.

By Bharat Dogra  One of the biggest programs of installing water pipelines and taps in villages is under way in India. There is a lot of enthusiasm regarding this and a big sense of achievement. Statistics relating to progress which often appear in media are impressive.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Mrs Balbir Kaur Balley came to United Kingdom in 1975 at the age of 20. Born in a Dalit family in Punjab, her father was a soldier in the army but still they had to face caste discrimination particularly when she had to go to another village for her school. She dropped out after 9th standard and her father arranged a marriage for her with D R Balley who was working in a foundry in Birmingham. From Punjab, she travelled to London all alone and the flight got delayed for one day as it was the month of December and there was heavy snow everywhere. She stayed a night at the airport in Germany.

By Citizen Perera  Who says Sri Lanka is our Motherland, the country of our forefathers, the country of our birth, the country where we married, the country where our children were born and grew up, the country where our parents died and are buried, the country whose soil would one day lie comfortably over us, the country we lovingly call home?

By Harsh Thakor  Several notable actions of the People’s War in the Philippines have recently undertaken by the New People’s Army (NPA), giving a striking blow to military battalions, and winning adulation of the people.

By Sudhansu R Das   Calling oneself a Hindu does not make one Hindu unless the person develops the essence of Hinduism or the true Hindutva. True Hindutva is universal love which transcends a person beyond region, religion, caste, sects and languages; the practitioner of true Hindutva will naturally love and respect other human beings; the Hindu scriptures say each soul is God’s particle so all are linked to one another. His mantra is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the entire world is one family. But, living beyond the narrow human border does not mean one should become weak and meek. In order to protect and preserve the essence of Hinduism, the Hindus should necessarily develop immense courage, intellectual and physical strength for Atma Rakhya (self defense) which is defined as the greatest Dharma; it will help them survive amid a world which is infested with greed, cruelty, corruption, war and narrow fanaticism.

By Bharat Dogra*  With the onset of winter construction workers in Delhi begin to worry about the likely ban on construction work which has been imposed generally during the winter in recent years, related to efforts to reduce the level and adverse impact of pollution and smog. Although several workers feel that smaller-scale construction work does not really lead to so much dust and the dust level can be reduced further by efforts, their views are hardly ever considered by the decision takers and they have reconciled themselves with such decisions.

By Harsh Thakor  Comrade Dionisio Micabalo, was better known by the masses as Ka Toto, Ka Jeff or Ka Delong. All Marxists and revolutionary democrats bow down to pay its highest tribute to Ka Toto, for his relentless selfless service to the Filipino people and unflinching devotion in his entire life to advancing the national-democratic revolution.

By Bharat Dogra  We all know that homicides and suicides are a huge cause of human distress, so it may surprise know that in an average year the number of deaths caused by accidents is almost thrice that of these two causes combined. According to WHO data 3.2 million deaths annually are caused by non-intentional injuries or accidents. (WHO—Injuries and Violence, 2021).

Candlelight Vigil against the War in Gaza: A civil society note: *** To protest against the war in Gaza and to appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities, over 100 citizens of Ahmedabad gathered together for a candlelight vigil near the Jhansi ki Rani statue on Satellite Road, Ahmedabad, on Monday, 23 October 2023 from 6:15 – 7:15 pm. Participants from all walks of life, and from college students to retired persons, participated in the event. They held up placards against the war in Gaza and against the attack on civilians and the targeting of hospitals, schools and places of worship. A petition was circulated demanding that all parties to the war should facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the resumption of electricity and internet to Gaza, to free all civilian hostages, to allow for safe passage of humanitarian and medical staff, and to allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals, and health fac

By Harsh Thakor  The International Marxist and anti-imperialist contingent should salute with revolutionary greetings the 15 Communist Parties of 14 countries that held Unified Maoist International Conference (UMIC) few months ago and formed the International Communist League (ICL). However Marxists must diagnose and highlight its fundamental flaws.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*   Though stopped following cricket since the 1990s, I was an avid follower of the game prior to that and our only source to information was running commentry on the all India Radio and the detailed analysis or news in newspapers and magazines.  Bishan Singh Bedi was the product of that age when cricket was getting noticed and being popularised, but by the time we grew to understand cricket, Bedi's career was sliding down but stories about  his greatness, as a bowler and as a captain were talk in the circles of those who loved cricket.

By Rahul Sejwal  One of the building blocks of ocean life can adapt to cope with the effects of climate change, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The discovery holds promises for biotechnology developments that could counter the negative effects of changing environmental conditions, such as ocean warming and even the reduction in the productivity of crops.

By Bharat Dogra  It had been a tiring day for the dalit labourers in the farms and now they were getting some much-needed rest in their huts. The pots with modest servings of pulse and some hot rotis were almost ready, much awaited by their empty stomachs.

By Harsh Thakor  The advent of the cricket world cup in 1975 carved out new era in the cricket world. It filled the void of test cricket which could not have a world cup. Cricketing spectacles or glory reached a new height with tussles in intensity almost unbelievable and cricketing performance reaching superlative heights. Sensational twists and turns have been a continuous feature.

By Raqif Makhdoomi*  This time the elections aren’t going to be a cake walk for the BJP, as have been for some past years. BJP had created smoke around itself which is slowly fading away. By-elections have to a large extent have asked BJP to do something else than Hindi Muslim issues. The Barat Jodo Yatra has done enough good to the Congress and has helped Congress to make a come back which it needed the most. Having a non-Gandhian President is also giving BJP tough times as they have to find something new to attack Congress which no more looks ancestral party. The BJP has lot more to do to find something to attract people.

Censorship alert - IAMC Urgently Demands Restoration of X Account Access in India: Statement by Indian American Muslim Council: *** The Indian American Muslim Council, the U.S. oldest and largest advocacy organization committed to promoting justice, pluralism, and the civil rights of Indian Americans, is gravely concerned by the censorship of its account on X, formerly known as Twitter, in India.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Maulana Hasrat Mohani was a member of the Constituent Assembly and an extremely important leader of our freedom movement. Born in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, Hasrat Mohani's relationship with nearby district of Fatehpur is interesting and not explored much by biographers and historians. Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri has written a book on Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Fatehpur. The book is in Urdu.  He has just come out with another important book, 'Hindi kee Pratham Rachna: Chandayan' authored by Mulla Daud Dalmai.' During my recent visit to Fatehpur town, I had an opportunity to meet Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri and recorded a conversation with him on issues of history, culture and literature of Fatehpur. Sharing this conversation here with you. Kindly click this link. --- *Human rights defender. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vbrawat , X @freetohumanity, Skype @vbrawat

By Harsh Thakor  Revolutionary Workers' Party of India (RWPI) and various mass organisations such as Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Disha Students' Organisation, Stree Mukti League, along with Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine had given a countrywide call for protest demonstrations against the ongoing genocide of innocent Palestinians in the Gaza by the Zionist Israeli state on 13th October. The protests were conducted at various places in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Allahabad, Patna, Banaras, Vizag, Chandigarh, Haryana.

By NS Venkataraman*  It is not clear whether United Nations Organisation, which is supposed to be the world body to ensure a peaceful world climate without war and violence and terrorism, has defined as to which group or which individuals should be viewed as terrorists.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 'Ruled based' hypocrisy openly visible in 'liberal' democratic' 'spaces' of western media. How long this rule based destruction be allowed in #Gaza ? When will #Israel be made accountable for the horrific crime against humanity in #Palestine ? This is an unprecedented crisis purely created by the western world and it's hypocrisy in defining and building narrative about Palestine. A historic issue was kept deliberately boiling so to control puppet authoritarian regimes in the middle east. Even a resolution Regarding #Israel is opposed vehemently by the 'rule based ' colonial democracies.

Kamal Uddin Mazumder*  Bangladesh is a shining example of religious freedom and communal harmony; where people of all religion-caste-tribe-community have long been living peacefully. In this process, groups of people believing in various religious doctrines have shared the uniform culture of Bengal. A bond of brotherhood has developed among all. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, all of whom fought for liberation, forgetting all the differences between religions, castes, and communities, waded through a sea of blood intending to live together in harmony. The entire liberation struggle of the Bengalis under the Pakistan state was solely focused on creating a secular and democratic nation where there would be no place for fanaticism, fundamentalism and violent extremism. But the most unfortunate thing is that even after fifty-plus years of independence, we observe the vested communal quarters attacking the non-communal state.

By Bharat Dogra  Business interests deprive citizens of safety, footpath and road hear frequent reports of poor hawkers being hastily removed from footpaths and roads in front of residential areas with or without any complaint being made against them by residents of the colony, even though they may be occupying a very small space. 

By Harsh Thakor  The Handala Center for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs notified that the Israeli Occupation Government transferred the Secretary-General of the Marxist-Leninist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmad Sa’adat, as well as several other political prisoners, from “Ramon” Prison to Nafha Prison. It is an integral part of the fascist ploy of the blood thirsty Israeli state.

By Sudhansu R Das  Freebies in the election have become the single most potential threat to the economy, society, culture, politics and democracy. Freebies help the inefficient persons to rule the educated and the efficient people for decades. Once a leader grabs power with freebies he continues giving freebies to remain in power; it ruins the country beyond repair. When a building cracks it can be repaired; if a road has potholes it can be re-laid. If the human mind gets addicted to freebies it is difficult to repair. The result is a massive idle energy based vote bank which adversely affects people’s creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship. Freebies can weaken the nation from within as the core strength of the nation gets eroded. Ultimately it leads to loss of independence of minds and control over economic assets and natural resources.

By Benjamin Abelow  There are two competing narratives about the origins of the Ukraine War. According to one narrative, Vladimir Putin is a Hitler-like aggressor. He wants to reestablish the Soviet empire by swallowing Ukraine and threatening the Baltic countries, Poland, and the nations further west. This narrative was created by Washington and Brussels. It has been repeated by European leaders and echoed endlessly in the media. If you accept this narrative, you will be lauded as a humanitarian, a virtuous citizen of Europe, the West, and the world.

By Bharat Dogra  Within three days of the violence that has erupted recently in Gaza, reports from there were speaking about the big rush for staple food like bread and yet people having to return disappointed from bakeries and basic provision shops. Hungry people and children were then asked to be part of a mass evacuation. As people got busy with evacuation or thinking about any places of shelter, this distracted them and their limited resources further away from the basic need of finding, sharing and eating food.

  By Harsh Thakor  Naujawan Bharat Sabha organized its second national conference at Ambedkar Bhawan, on September 30th in New Delhi. More than 400 representatives from 11 states of the country assembled for this event. Positive and praiseworthy that NBS could turn itself from a regional group into an All-India body.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat  Are we witnessing a new holocaust approved by the hypocritical west? So much of 'human rights', 'right to resistance' , 'rule based order'. Well in the last twenty years, we have seen these leadership getting completely exposed. The rule based order is nothing but clever manipulations of things to protect their interests.

Stop the Airstrikes! End the Zionist Occupation of Palestine!: Global unity statement by Silenced Suffering campaign signed by several rights groups*:  *** We, the organizations engaged in the Silenced Suffering campaign, condemn the indiscriminate airstrikes of the US-backed Israeli forces that are currently decimating the besieged Palestinian city of Gaza. Each of our organizations is united against the bombings and indiscriminate shelling of rural communities around the world, and the blatant destruction of civilian life and infrastructure in Gaza, the area known around the world as the “largest open air prison,” is no different.

By Harsh Thakor  Adam Gilchrist was arguably the greatest match-winner amongst cricketers in his era and amongst the ten best cricketers of all time. Without doubt, the best ever 5 down batsmen, in the history of the game, and best ever wicketkeeper batsmen. With the exception of Virendra Sehwag, no batsman was as explosive in his time, and no batsmen could so rapidly, single handedly turn game, making the impact of a blitzkrieg or dynamite exploding.

Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director, ActionAid Association on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction:  *** On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we should recognise how resilience building is the more forward-thinking and proactive strategy. Enhancing resilience focuses on creating more robust, more adaptable communities and systems, ultimately reducing the impact of disasters and promoting sustainable development. The greater vulnerability of marginalised populations to disasters has been a long-standing issue, but today, several factors exacerbate the risk they face. Poverty and economic inequality remain pervasive, and the poor often lack the resources necessary to prepare for or recover from disasters.

By Shankar Sharma*  Yet another study report on the man made disasters in Himalayas has made serious observations on the kind of developmental paradigm being adopted in the region. It should not take any rocket science for anyone to take a stand that it is not just Himalayas which need a diligent and careful review of the kind of developmental paradigm being pursued, but the entire country is in dire need of it; especially in eco-sensitive regions such as Western Ghats, other forested areas, coastal areas, river basins, fertile agricultural lands etc. A high GDP growth rate paradigm as being pursued by the state and central governments can only bring more of such disasters all over the country sooner or later.

By Harsh Thakor  A most lively and impactful Seminar and conference was organized by 'Krantikari Mazdoor Morcha' (hereinafter referred to as 'Organization') on 2nd October, at the community hall in the labour colony 'Azad Nagar', in Faridabad, with the slogan 'A cure for fascism - end the secret of capital', ' Deepening 'Fascist Darkness and Our Duty ' The seminar and first ever conference of the Revolutionary labour front were completed with great pomp. The premises of the meeting place and the road leading to it bloomed with fluttering red flags and banners with revolutionary slogans. An atmosphere was given of a festival of the masses. A contingent of around 1000 persons participated.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  I met Amarjit, president of Bhim Army, District Banda in Uttar Pradesh. Actually, we were travelling to the confluence of River Ken with River Yamuna, which is about 50 kilometers from Fatehpur town. The place is called Chilla Ghat and the Fatehpur Banda road is bumpy and extremely dangerous as big trucks carrying sand and moraine from both Ken and Yamuna play havoc with the road as well the environment.

The International Commission for Dalit Rights (ICDR) statement condemning California Governor’s veto of historic bill combating caste-based discrimination: *** The International Commission for Dalit Rights (ICDR) is deeply disappointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Oct 7 decision to veto SB403, a historic bill that would have explicitly clarified that caste-based discrimination is illegal in the state of California. Authored by State Senator Aisha Wahab, the bill was easily passed in both houses of the California State Legislature.

By Gautam Mody*  The Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on 7 October 2023 tweeted: “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.” The  New Trade Union Initiative condemn this statement in the strongest terms as it clearly indicates the one-sided position of government against the Palestine peoples struggle for nationhood for close to eight decades.

By Raqif Makhdoomi*  The Government has lost the difference between terrorism and journalism. They define the two terms in the same way , but both Terrorism and journalism are entirely different entities but this Government defines everything the way they want to. The way they have done with activism during Shaheen Bagh, CAA and NRC protests.

By Sudhansu R Das  It was the volunteers of the Congress’ Sevadal who were in the forefront of India’s freedom movement. They faced British atrocities with patience and courage. They were on the path of non violence which did not reduce the cruelty of the British who showered lathis and bullets on the peace loving volunteers who came in the way of British hunger for wealth. That time, the Sevadal was doing more Seva and less politics. Their honesty, simple lifestyle and patriotism popularized the congress party; it strengthened the Congress party from within. 

By Dae-Han Song  Recently, in Taiwan, the government unveiled its first home-built submarine . In Japan, the government will upgrade civilian airports and seaports to dual military use in preparation for conflict in Taiwan. The U.S. and allies maneuver to contain China, Russia, and North Korea, while the latter band together against the former’s economic sanctions and military threats. Both blocs test the strength and resilience of the region’s stability. And while North Korea has been the regional bogeyman for decades, if war breaks out, it will likely be in Taiwan.

By Harsh Thakor  The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip on October 6th unleashed an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters penetrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday.

By NS Venkataraman*  Sudden and unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas, who are viewed as Islamic terrorists by several countries, has caught the world by shock and surprise. This is not the first time that Islamic terrorists have struck in the world causing death and destruction. Of course, the most tragic attack was the September 11 attack on twin tower in New York that killed thousands of innocent Americans. The next brutal attack of the Islamic terrorists was 26/11 attack in Mumbai in India in 2008 when 175 people were killed and later on another brutal attack on Easter day in Churches in Sri Lanka took place, when more than 250 people were killed. In between, there were so many other brutal attacks, particularly in Europe and India.

By Harsh Thakor  Democratic revolutionary spirit touched soaring heights in a conference organised by the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Commitee on 28th September, in village Shadihari in Sangrur district of Punjab, with around 10,000 dalit agricultural labourers converging from all round Punjab. Spirit of resistance soared at towering heights, written on the faces of the participants. In no uncertain terms, the speakers condemned the non implementation of the land ceilings act, and summed up how it was related to the anti-people agenda of the ruling classes as a whole. It was culmination of meticulous preparations at grassroots level by ZPSC.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  One of the biggest contribution to 'strengthen' our democracy was made by P Chidambaram in the form of UAPA. Today, this law is threatening the very edifice of our democratic structure and free speech. Nobody is above the law whether Netas or patrakars or owners of media houses and investigation should be free and fair but  unfortunately agencies too use the opportunity with selective leakages. The Brahmin-Bania media then jump on Deshbhakti and is now the extended arms of the security agencies.

Investigation needed into interference by far-right Hindu American groups in US Political Processes, say civil rights leaders: An Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) note *** The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) organized a special event to unveil a groundbreaking report that sheds light on the involvement of US-based Hindu far-right organizations in blocking a proposed resolution by the Chicago City Council in support of Indian Muslims. The report reveals their tactics, including employing hired lobbyists, collaborating with anti-Muslim entities, disseminating misinformation to influence council members, targeting an elected official, and concealing their activities behind a bogus secular front organization. The report delves into the details exposed during a Facebook live conversation between Bharat Barai, a Hindu far-right leader based in Illinois, and Amitabh Mittal, the General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad America (VHPA), the American offshoot of the India-based Hind

By NS Venkataraman*  For over 70 years now, brahmin community in Tamil Nadu have been abused, insulted and even physically attacked on some occasions by those who claimed that they were part of the so called dravidian movement. However, brahmin community silently and helplessly ducked under pressure and showed no signs of resistance or fight back.