By Shamsul Islam  If we trust the glorification of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by the RSS-BJP rulers on his birth anniversary, it would seem as if there have never been more loyal followers of him than them. According to PM Modi, he was the “architect of the Constitution of India” and “Messiah of Scheduled Castes.” The UP government has announced a grand celebration of ‘Ambedkar Jayanti,’ beginning with a series of programmes from the morning of April 13 (2025), leading up to the main celebrations on April 14 in Lucknow, which will be attended by Hindutva icon CM Adityanath. These programmes “aim to acquaint the younger generation with Dr Ambedkar’s remarkable life, visionary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and social reform.”

By Dr. Kapilendra Das*  Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and revered as Baba Saheb, stands as a towering figure in the history of modern India. He was a true nationalist, an eminent scholar, jurist, philosopher, economist, historian, politician, anthropologist, orator, prolific writer, and, above all, a profound social reformer. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, his legacy is etched into the foundation of Indian democracy and its pursuit of justice and equality.

By Shamsul Islam  Today, India has become a grazing field for all kinds of religious bigots, led by the Hindutva brigade. Even the Prime Minister—who took an oath to uphold a democratic and secular polity—openly identifies as a Hindu nationalist, as if his office exists to serve the cause of Hindutva. The RSS/BJP rulers openly declare their intention to turn India into a Hindu Rashtra, where the Brahmanical Codes of Manu—which reduce women and Dalits to sub-human status—would become the law of the land. For them, India is the Fatherland and Holyland only for Hindus.

By Rosamma Thomas*  In recent days, the news from the University of Mumbai has been far from inspiring – clumps of plaster have fallen off the ceiling at the CD Deshmukh Bhavan, and it was good fortune that no one was injured; creepy crawlies were found in the water dispenser that students use to collect drinking water, and timely warning videos circulated by vigilant students have kept people safe so far.

By A Representative  The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Gujarat chapter, has submitted a strongly worded letter to Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee, raising serious concerns over the proposed implementation of a UCC in the state. The organization warns that a top-down, uniform legal framework risks violating fundamental rights, eroding cultural diversity, and deepening social divides.

By A Representative   In a powerful call for electoral reform and transparency, over 80 eminent citizens, experts, and activists have submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI), raising concerns over the autonomy, accountability, and technological integrity of India's election process.

By A Representative  A groundbreaking report released today by The Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health warns that a global misunderstanding and politicisation of gender is severely undermining health outcomes worldwide. Unveiled at a high-level event in Delhi, the report brings together voices from over 100 global leaders in academia, policy, and civil society.

By Vikas Meshram*  Several new national and international research surveys have warned that hazardous microplastics are present in our breath, drinking water, and crops. Various research journals worldwide continuously publish alarming findings from studies on this issue.

By Bishwarupa Sahu*  Life offers each of us a unique journey, shaped by challenges, choices, and the spirit to persevere. In the remote village of Jhadsemla, nestled in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha, a powerful story of resilience and determination quietly unfolds. This is the story of Dhani—a young woman whose unwavering resolve has not only transformed her own life but also ignited change in her entire community.

By Harsh Thakor*  On March 31, 2025, Gummadivelli Renuka, also known by her pen name Midko, was killed in Chhattisgarh during an alleged exchange of fire with police forces. Aged 55, she had been active in the Maoist insurgency for over three decades and was widely known within revolutionary circles as both a writer and a guerrilla. Police stated that she was killed during a gunfight near the villages of Nelgoda, Ikeli, and Belnar, on the border of Dantewada and Bijapur districts. They reported recovering an INSAS rifle, ammunition, a laptop, and Maoist literature from the site. However, the CPI (Maoist) claimed she was arrested and executed in custody after being interrogated. The publication Andhra Jyothi cited allegations that she was tortured.