By Harsh Thakor*  Zhang Chunqiao, a prominent Chinese communist theoretician and political leader, died of throat cancer on April 21, 2005, at the age of 88. Next month marks the 20th anniversary of his death, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his notable 1975 document, On Exercising the All-Around Dictatorship of the Proletariat.

By Bharat Dogra   As consciousness regarding the many-sided adverse impacts and high hazards and risks of GM crops have grown, some promoters allied to the same big business interests and multinational companies directly and indirectly have instead started trying to push for gene editing technologies but as these too have similar adverse impacts and risks to a large extent therefore these too must be rejected. This is supported by scientific research as well as court decisions. 

By A Representative  In a detailed communication addressed to the Secretaries of the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Mr. Shankar Sharma, a veteran power sector professional and climate policy analyst, has raised serious concerns over the Union Government’s continued emphasis on large-scale Pumped Storage Power Plants (PSPs), particularly the proposed 2,000 MW PSP across the Sharavathi River in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat  Kanshiram,  whose 89th birth anniversary fell on March 15 , was indeed one of the greatest political leaders of our time. Whatever he did was for the greater good of the Bahujan Samaj. In modern times, I can say with complete honesty that he was the person who popularized the term Bahujan among the Indian masses. Though the word originated during the time of Buddha and was later used by the revolutionary Jyotirao Phule, it was Kanshiram, in the pure political sense, who brought it into the lives of millions demanding their rights with dignity.

By Harsh Thakor*  In the history of cricket, no pair of twin brothers has ever asserted as much influence on the game as Steve and Mark Waugh. They had completely contrasting styles of play, yet together they played an instrumental role in Australia’s resurgence as a superpower in international cricket. The twin brothers turn 60 later in June this year. Mark was born just four minutes after Steve. Steve Waugh Steve Waugh was the ultimate epitome of sporting temperament, mental tenacity, consistency, and solidity. In a crisis, or when resurrecting a team from the grave, Steve Waugh was possibly the best batsman of his day. I can never forget the innumerable occasions he revived a sinking ship or conquered difficult wickets. He mastered all types of conditions—from the turning tracks of the subcontinent to the seaming English pitches, and the bouncy surfaces of Australia, the Caribbean, and South Africa. Steve began his career as an all-rounder against India in 1985-86, playing a pre...

By Bharat Dogra  Often we pay a high price for neglecting our heritage. In the context of indigenous breeds of cattle a recent report in The Indian Express (7 March 2025) with the tell-tale title “World’s costliest cow—booming in Brazil but dwindling in India’ says it all. This report tells that while a purebred Ongole cow was sold for INR 400 million in Brazil some time back, this species—one of 53 indigenous cattle varieties in India-- has been recording fast decreasing numbers in the country of its origin (India) where its number has declined at a fast pace despite well-recognized qualities of suitability to local climate conditions, strength, ability to survive on low level of fodder supply and disease resistance.  The livestock research station at Guntur has been carrying out a lonely battle to maintain the purity of the breed. There are only a few such efforts in the country. Despite all the claims regarding dairy development in India, the protection of indigenous spe...

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  From the World Wide Web to generative artificial intelligence, the ever-changing landscape of digitalization defines this century.  From the 16-megabyte floppy disk, CDs and DVDs to multi-terabyte digital storage devices and online storage drives, the rapid evolution of innovative products and processes in digitalization is evident. These advancements are constantly accelerating due to ongoing research and developments in science and technology.  The pace of change is so rapid that one must be a continuous learner to keep up with daily digital advancements. Digitalization has enhanced human welfare and social progress with the rise of information technology and communication. It has increased the speed of information, accessibility of goods and services to people with purchasing power and digital links. Digitalization has also increased the productive power of labour.  However, digitalization is not necessarily leading to increased productiv...

By A Representative  Raghu Midiyami, a prominent Adivasi activist and former president of the Moolvasi Bachao Manch (MBM), was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on February 27, 2025. His detention has sparked concern among rights groups, who allege that it is part of a broader crackdown on indigenous movements in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. According to the Campaign for Peace and Justice in Chhattisgarh (CPJC), Midiyami has been an outspoken critic of land dispossession and militarization in the region. At the age of 24, he rose to prominence for documenting alleged rights violations, filing complaints, and mobilizing peaceful protests against government policies impacting Adivasi communities. CPJC claims that Midiyami’s arrest under anti-terror laws is an attempt to criminalize Adivasi resistance. The organization has released a statement demanding his immediate release and calling for an end to what it describes as state repression. The arrest comes amid reports of in...

By A Representative  The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment.  The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents.   The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

- પ્રો. હેમંતકુમાર શાહ  ગુજરાતમાં સમાન નાગરિક ધારો (UCC) માટેની કવાયત શરૂ થઈ છે. કોઈ પણ ધાર્મિક કે જાતિગત સમુદાય સમાન નાગરિક ધારામાંથી બાકાત રહેવા જોઈએ નહીં. એ બધાને સમાન રીતે લાગુ પડવો જોઈએ.

By Sudhansu R Das  Slogans, posters and narratives can qualify for patriotism if those audio visuals are backed by concrete actions.  Living patriotism needs sacrifice and without sacrifice patriotism is a loud noise only.  Lord Rama had sacrificed the Bhog Vilas of his palace to establish Ram Rajya; he had set an example of the finest form of patriotism.  What followed after that was the continuation of good governance for several hundred years. The existence of Hindu temples in Asia and in many parts of the world are proof of the outreach of the Ram Rajya. 

By Harsh Thakor*  Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

By A Representative  A serious allegation of human rights violations has been brought to light by Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), highlighting the plight of residents in Seuti-II village, located in Gram Panchayat Sukarukuthi under Dinhata-II Block, Cooch Behar district, West Bengal. The village, comprising 16 families, reportedly faces severe restrictions on movement and basic freedoms, allegedly imposed by the Border Security Force (BSF).

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  In Odisha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Narendra Modi, came to power with a focus on promoting 'Odia Asmita' (pride in Odia identity) and addressing the socio-economic needs of the state's population. The party’s 2024 manifesto, titled Modi’s Guarantee for Odisha 2024, outlined a vision of inclusive development aimed at achieving prosperity by 2036. Key promises included reforms to liberate the agricultural sector from bureaucratic constraints, strengthening infrastructure, improving health and education services, and implementing the New Education Policy to empower youth. The BJP’s stated objective was to contribute to building a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) and "Viksit Odisha" (developed Odisha).

By Harsh Thakor*  Late Bollywood star Vinod Khanna ranks amongst the most dynamic, handsome, and exuberant actors to have flashed across the Bollywood screen. Sadly, he left us in 2017, after suffering from cancer. Vinod Khanna’s spectacular transition from villain to hero in the mid-1970s was pathbreaking, as he posed the sole challenge to superstar Amitabh Bachchan for the top spot.

By Ram Puniyani*   As communal hate rises through the misuse of history on political battlegrounds, new dimensions have been added to this phenomenon in recent years. Apart from propaganda and indoctrination through RSS Shakhas, social media, the BJP's IT cell, and mainstream media—particularly many TV channels—films have now become a tool to perpetuate misconceptions within society.   In the recent past, films like "The Kerala Story" and "The Kashmir Files" have gripped society in a frenzy of hate. Other, less successful films such as "Swatantraveer Savarkar", "72 Hoorain", and "Samrat Prithviraj" have also contributed to this trend. Now, "Chhava", a film running to packed houses in Maharashtra and across the country, is taking this hate to new heights.

By Achita Varyani, Mansee Bal Bhargava* Across India, the Chambal region usually brings a flashy and feary notion for the place and people as rugged. The Chambal’s infamous ravines, gullies and badlands dominate the imagination of most Indians. The region was once known for its infamous dacoits, including Phoolan Devi, Paan Singh Tomar, Man Singh, Madho Singh, Nirbhay Singh Gujjar, and more. Burdened by the infamous narratives of the region, several good stories are also buried. For example, the Chambal region is rich with its wildlife, temples, and history. This story however, is among the good stories of the Water Warriors as Chambal Chronicles.

By A Representative  The Karnataka government’s plan to construct a 2,000 MW pumped storage project (PSP) within the Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque (LTM) Sanctuary has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, power sector professionals, and civil society groups. The project, which aims to address peak electricity demand, involves submerging 350 acres of pristine tropical rainforest in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot. Critics argue the move threatens endangered species, including the endemic Lion-Tailed Macaque and Deccan Mahseer fish, while ignoring viable alternatives like battery storage systems.  

By NS Venkataraman   In recent times, the Chinese Foreign Minister has repeatedly asserted on various occasions that China is a peace-loving country and that it would do its utmost to maintain global peace, even in the present chaotic conditions. According to him, China vows to uphold stability amidst geopolitical turbulence. At one time, it offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and now it has offered to mediate between Russia and the USA! Those who have been observing China’s various actions over the last several decades would find it extremely difficult to believe that the Chinese government is truly peace-loving. No one can forget the onslaught made by China against peaceful Tibet several decades ago, when thousands of innocent, protesting Tibetans were massacred. China has since governed the Tibetan region with a vice-like grip. It has thoroughly uprooted traditional Tibetan culture and practices, and Tibet is now no longer what it was several decades ago. China waged ...

By A Representative   The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC), Gujarat, has launched a statewide campaign opposing the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law by the Gujarat government, terming it unconstitutional and unnecessary. Addressing the media in Ahmedabad, Mujahid Nafees, Convenor of the MCC, strongly criticized the proposed UCC. "As an Indian citizen, I firmly believe in the fundamental rights provided by our Constitution," he said. "Our religious customs and family laws are safeguarded under the Constitution, and any changes imposed upon them are unacceptable."

By Rosamma Thomas*  On March 11, Dainik Bhaskar journalist Tushar Rai posted a video on social media site X of a couple from Agra in Uttar Pradesh emptying a plastic packet filled with documents – they were at the police station at Kheragarh, and they were attempting to draw the attention of the police to their plight – their young daughter had been raped, their son, a witness, had been murdered, and the men responsible for the crime were also attempting to implicate another son in a false case.

By Prem Singh  On 5 March 2025, one hundred days passed since Jagjit Singh Dallewal began his protest fast. Discussions continue on issues such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, other demands put forth under the aegis of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, negotiations with the government, and coordination with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). Dallewal’s protest fast, too, continues. But if it stretches on much longer, there is a serious fear that it may turn into a maran vrat (fast unto death).

By Harsh Thakor*  Balwant Singh Bagha Purana passed away recently, on January 6th. His death was an irreparable loss to the democratic revolutionary movement of Punjab. He was robbed of his life by the incurable disease of cancer at the age of 70. Balwant Singh contributed to the people's movement for a considerable time, with his journey deeply imbued with revolutionary consciousness.

By Sudhansu R Das  The Sangh Parivar with its 74 affiliated organisations have been working to protect the Hindu culture, economic activities and social life in the country. Their leaders have been telling people that the series of foreign invasions, western culture and the lack of unity among the Hindus etc. are the main reasons for their long and painful sufferings. Since 1925, RSS has been nurturing its affiliated organizations to work for the Hindus; their ideologues explained there is a need for organizing the Hindus for unity, self-defense and survival which will ultimately build a strong and prosperous country for all. The unity among other Indian religious communities like the Sikh, Buddhist, Muslim and the Jain is also required; but the unity of all religious communities should build over one India feeling and respect for all religions; without which India which is the home to all will not survive with self respect.  The RSS ideologues also explain uniting the Hindus ...

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  On March 11, 2025, an incident occurred in the Odisha State Legislative Assembly where Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in a physical altercation with opposition party members. This event took place within the Assembly, often described as the temple of democracy.

By Harsh Thakor  Twelve-year-old Tanay Tushar Lad from Parel made ripples in the world of open water swimming by completing a swim from the Gateway of India to Atal Setu in a record time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 37 seconds. While Indian swimmers may not yet be making waves at the Olympics, this young powerhouse of talent has demonstrated the potential for excellence in international open water swimming. The power and grace with which he glided through the ocean waters showcased the budding talent for ocean water swimming in India—a perfect blend of speed and endurance.  

By Ram Puniyani*  The RSS combine’s agenda of establishing a Hindu Rashtra has been advanced through various mechanisms, including the strategic use of religious festivals. These occasions have increasingly become platforms for promoting its ideology. Certain deities are also being highlighted for political messaging, which has become a significant trend in recent times.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Hindutva politics claims to be rooted in integral humanism and Gandhian socialism as its foundational principles. The BJP has incorporated these principles into its party constitution and regards them as its core pillars of its politics. However, in practice, it follows a politics of othering minorities and depriving marginalized communities while accelerating the crony capitalism established by the Congress Party. The promises of "Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Vishwas, Sab Ka Prayas" (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, and efforts from all) remain mere populist slogans of the Hindutva poster boy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite coining these slogans, he has also referred to minorities as Ghuspeti (intruders or infiltrators) in India. The gap between Hindutva’s ideological claims and its real-world political practice conceals the fascist strategies underlying its exclusionary politics.

By Vikas Meshram   Economists and government lawyers, who secure funding from international institutions and corporate lenders, deliberately spread confusion by claiming that a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law is financially disastrous and unfeasible. They argue that the government would need to spend over ₹17 lakh crore annually because it would be legally bound to purchase the entire production of 24 MSP crops.

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ   Many years ago, there was a popular American song which one gustily sang at camps, picnics and other get-togethers. Thanks to its very catchy tune, it was always a hit. The chorus of the lyrics went thus: “This land is your land, and this land is my land From California to the New York island From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me” A special stanza of the song was: “There was a big, high wall there that tried to stop me A sign was painted said ‘Private Property’ But on the backside, it didn't say nothing This land was made for you and me.”

By Vikas  Meshram   Climate change has now become the biggest threat to the entire world. The reckless exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, increasing materialistic desires, and pollution in various sectors have further intensified this crisis. Rising global temperatures and unpredictable climate changes are affecting every aspect of life, severely impacting the environment, livelihoods, lifestyle, food, water, and health. No aspect of life remains untouched by its consequences.

By Harsh Thakor*  American actor Gene Hackman, one of the most articulate, realistic, versatile, and sensitive Hollywood actors to grace the silver screen, died in February at the age of 95. According to news reports, officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, determined that Hackman’s second wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at their home in mid-February. Her actor-husband passed away several days later from cardiovascular disease. Investigations into the circumstances of their deaths are ongoing.

By Bharat Dogra  The book under review here, very simply titled ‘Mingas+Solidarity’ is a rare and invaluable book. It is rare because such books are seldom seen in print. It is invaluable because it provides an inspiring testimony of the spirit and action of voluntary community work—something that has been precious for the progress of humanity and yet has been getting eroded in most places.

By A Representative  On the occasion of International Working Women’s Day, the Federation Against Corporatization And Militarization (FACAM) extended what it called revolutionary greetings to women worldwide. In a statement, the organization emphasized the resilience of working women and highlighted what it described as ongoing struggles faced by women in India, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as Bastar.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat  The sudden and untimely demise of author and activist Frank Huzur has shocked everyone who knew him. He reportedly passed away at a hospital in Delhi due to cardiac failure on the intervening night of March 5th and 6th. While there was no clarity initially about his whereabouts, it was confirmed that his last meeting was with Mr. Rahul Gandhi on March 4th, alongside other activists. Frank shared a group photo of this meeting with me on the same day.   Frank was an acclaimed author, and his biography of Imran Khan, titled "Imran vs Imran", was highly appreciated by critics. However, he could not continue his tradition of internationalism. A die-hard secularist, Frank was born as Manoj Kumar Yadav in Buxar district, Bihar. He received his education at St. Xavier’s in Ranchi and later at Hindu College in Delhi. From an early age, he participated in cultural events, particularly theater, under the name Manoj Kumar, as he sought to distance himself from...

- राम पुनियानी   संघ परिवार का हिंदू राष्ट्र का एजेंडा तरह-तरह के नैरेटिव्स को अलग-अलग तरह से बुनने और उन्हें अलग-अलग मंचों से प्रस्तुत करने पर आधारित है. संघ परिवार के लिए धार्मिक त्यौहार अपने एजेंडा को आगे बढ़ाने के अवसर होते हैं. वह देवी-देवताओं का इस्तेमाल भी अपने लिए लाभकारी सामाजिक-राजनैतिक सन्देश देने के लिए करता है.

By Vikas Meshram*  Today, the reality is that the entire world stands on a heap of gunpowder. A global arms race is underway. The United States, which prides itself on democracy, is the world's largest arms exporter, followed by Russia. France, China, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea, and Israel are also leading arms exporters. In fact, the global arms trade is a massive industry that has existed for centuries. Every year, weapons worth billions of dollars are bought and sold worldwide. Data shows that in 2021, the global arms trade amounted to $127 billion.

By Bharat Dogra  Due to a combination of factors there has been sharp increase in alcoholism in several rural areas from time to time. While this can be a serious problem for health and family life anywhere, the problems can be particularly serious for those rural communities in which most people are already living close to subsistence level and in such conditions daily expenditure on alcohol can imply further reduction in the nutrition of children and increasing difficulties in meeting their essential educational and other expenses. Mothers are bound to protest against this sooner or later, and when they do so this often results in increased violence against them.

By A Representative  Growing call for accountability marks this year’s International Women’s Day and the global intergovernmental UN meeting which is taking stock of promises made in Beijing Declaration 30 years ago.

By A Representative  As one celebrates the International Women's Day, the debate about the representation of women in Indian films remains as vital as ever. It wasn't without reason that in a special episode of the “What India Needs!” podcast, award-winning music composer Alokananda Dasgupta—known for her work in Sacred Games, Jubilee, and Trapped —joined media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul to discuss gender prejudice in film music, systemic challenges in the industry, and how to insist on actual change. 

By Syed Ali Mujtaba*  Taiyba Afroz created history by becoming a commercial pilot. The Muslim girl hails from a modest family.  Her father   Motiul Haq runs a ration shop in the Madhoura locality in the Saran district of Bihar and her mother Samsun Nisha is a homemaker.

By Bharat Dogra  One of the most important means of improving the livelihood base of tribal communities is to increase the income they can derive on sustainable basis from non-timber forest produce, also called NTFP and minor forest produce. Unfortunately, however, generally the collectors of minor forest produce, which often include a significant number of women, are not able to get a fair price while traders at various levels manage to earn high profit margins. Various efforts have been made over the years to improve this situation, and an ongoing effort in parts of Pali and Udaipur districts, in Rajasthan, has brought a lot of hope to hundreds of tribal community (Garasia) households here.