Society

Topics covering general social issues in India

Voting decisions. Why and How?

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 05-05-2014

This is our chance! Let’s Vote! Elections are just days away and everyone is itching for their chance to vote. Those who are still ambivalent towards it need to understand that India’s democratic rights were not a given but were earned after years of a persistent struggle for freedom and rights. There are still nations in the world who do not have a democracy and are oppressed without a voice. We are blessed that we at least have a voice, which is our vote and our voice must be heard and loud this time around. In the early 2000’s, most …continue reading

Social Media Khaps

: Society : Written by CIAdmin : 04-27-2014

If Calvin the comic character could affix a halo to the back of his head and say this ‘the season to be jolly’, then many of us who are getting ink on our fingers should proclaim that tis the season to be politically pithy. We raise banners and call ourselves nationalists without knowing what our MPs and MLAs are doing in our area. We claim ourselves politically astute because our values tend to match with those of political parties (I have no idea how that happens). We again, care for our country and want a certain political party to come …continue reading

Who is the real liberal?

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 02-16-2014

The recent controversy over Penguin India’s decision to withdraw and pulp Wendy Doniger’s book “The Hindus: An alternate history” has once again sparked the debate about freedom of expression issues in India. The decision to withdraw the book was taken by publisher following a legal battle with a group of Hindus led by President of Sanatan Dharma foundation, Dinanath Batra. The objection raised by this group relates not only to the factual inaccuracies in the content which for the most part shows shoddy research and poor translation of Hindu texts on the authors part but more importantly the author uses outlandish …continue reading

The last refuge

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 01-06-2014

In 1774, Samuel Johnson made this famous statement, “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” He wasn’t talking about patriotism in general but show of false patriotism. He was a proud British patriot and in those glory days of the mighty British empire, Patriotism was the best rallying point to get people behind one’s cause. It still is in most countries. How about India? Is patriotic fervor the best way to get popular support in India? You’d be sorely mistaken if you thought yes. In this age of single agenda parties mushrooming on regional and national scene, except BJP and its affiliates, it’s …continue reading

The sensational stories of Indian Media

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 12-23-2013

Media is often hailed as the fourth pillar of democracy. The pillar expected to play a constructive role in strengthening democratic values. If you’re a student of Indian history, you’d know a lot of Indian publications played a great role in social upliftment and freedom struggle. However, long gone are the days of reformers, thinkers and idealists heading publications with social welfare and awareness as guiding principals. Now a days media is owned by big businesses, corporate houses, politicians and shady characters. It’s the only pillar of democracy that is mostly run by private businesses and yet expected to adhere …continue reading

It’s time to hang your boots Advaniji !

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 12-19-2013

That, most of us don’t know when to stop, is a known fact. We work hard, struggle, survive, succeed and then relax hoping to reap the well deserved benefits of our struggle. Time flies and we remain cocooned refusing to sense the changing winds. The resulting conflict leads to a lot of emotional turbulence and gives birth to a sobbing and sore old man living in his past. Pictures of a weeping Advani at recent book launch function is an example of this conflict. Frankly, Advani has wept too often in public for it to be a news anymore. For …continue reading

What’s all the fuss about Supreme Court verdict on homosexuality

: Society : Written by NitinMishra : 12-12-2013

Most of you would have already seen the vociferous reactions to the SC ruling on Media. There is almost unanimous condemnation of the ruling in print, main stream and social media. Headlines ranged from why all Indians should despair to India is enraged. Is India enraged? Frankly No! Most of the Indians either remain opposed to the idea or are plainly indifferent. Before i’m labelled homophobic, let me make it clear, that’s not the case. I’m the indifferent one. To me, what transpires between two persons consensually within confines of four walls is none of my business. However, the question …continue reading