Articles by: Sheshu Babu

A different tale of ‘COP26’

A different tale of ‘COP26’

One day, some animals — Tigers, lions, jackals, Zebras, monkeys, camels,…. — Decided to meet and exchange Views on climate change! Tigers and lions said, ‘let us all be united In these times of crises And devise ways To stop deterioration Of our environment condition!’ Each one spoke at length With unabated breadth On the subject for long Till late[Read More…]

by 05/11/2021 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Ambedkar, Gandhi, Marx…. Some thoughts on their philosophy

Ambedkar, Gandhi, Marx…. Some thoughts on their philosophy

“True religion is a revolutionary force: it is an inveterate enemy of oppression, privilege, and injustice.” Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Justice, Diversity, Enemy) Many philosophers, writers, thinkers and critics have, over the centuries, handed down a wealth of writings and speeches on life and its existence. From Democritus, Plato, Aristotle, etc., to modern thinkers like Marx, Engels, Lenin, Rosa Luxembourg, Mao, everyone[Read More…]

by 12/10/2021 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
 Ostomy-Need for Awareness

 Ostomy-Need for Awareness

October 2, this year,is  not only observed as the birthday of Gandhi, it is also a World Ostomy Day. Ostomy is an artificial opening during operation in the organ of the body such as a colostomy, ileostomy or gastrostomy , a stoma. Ostomy surgery is a life saving procedure that allows bodily waste pass through a surgically created stoma on[Read More…]

by 26/09/2021 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
Image Credits- Ye_Jinghan, Unsplash

‘Jailed’ Children

Conditions in all spheres of life is going from bad to worse. On September 13, ‘political prisoners’day was observed. On that day, Jatin Das, friend of Bhagat Singh and member of Hindustan Republican Socialist Association, passed away after 63 days of hunger strike. He demanded ‘political prisoners’ status to those who have been jailed by the State. Even 92 years[Read More…]

by 16/09/2021 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
‘Surveillance’ Monkey

‘Surveillance’ Monkey

A monkey came to our home. It saw plenty of space to roam! Elated, it went from room to room Looking nook and corner It saw my computer … The shining screen caught it’s eyes It sat on the table, looked here and there twice! Scanned the keyboard Began to type word after word. Finding the sounds odd, It went[Read More…]

by 08/09/2021 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Hate — impact on daily life

Hate — impact on daily life

“Majorities are of two sorts: (1) communal majority and (2) political majority. A political majority is changeable in its class composition. A political majority grows. A communal majority is born. The admission to political majority is open. The door to communal majority is closed. The politics of political majority are free to all to make and unmake. The politics of[Read More…]

by 27/08/2021 1 comment India
Immortal Nightingale –an ode

Immortal Nightingale –an ode

Wandering here and there Among adivasis everywhere Singing like active Nightingale Inspiring local people She explored people’s lives Offered succor without any avarice She was a darling To the folks who were listening And applauding One day, uniformed dragons came Choked her throat without shame Mutilated her body To frighten everybody Then mercilessly draped Her with some dress readymade And[Read More…]

by 05/08/2021 1 comment Arts/Literature
Cancer…… Colostomy bag

Cancer…… Colostomy bag

Cancer Is not just a zodiac sign Like a crab its effects are not benign…. It is malign Life threatening Physical and mental taxing Deadly disease Will not leave body with ease…. It seeps into the system Like corruption in society And all the healthy cells cease To exist like virtues Demolished by vice …. Colostomy bag Hangs like a[Read More…]

by 14/07/2021 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Caste — hatred and the disabled

Caste — hatred and the disabled

“Caste is another name for control. Caste puts a limit on enjoyment. Caste does not allow a person to transgress caste limits. In pursuit of his enjoyment. That is the meaning of such caste restrictions  as inter-dining and intermarriage ….. Annihilation of Caste : The Annotated Critical Edition Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Caste violence and animosity are spreading deeper into[Read More…]

by 05/11/2020 Comments are Disabled India
The ‘Invaluable’ Bud

The ‘Invaluable’ Bud

One day, a rose bud Spoke to all the flowers In the garden ‘Let all flowers in the world blossom Let every flower live In peace and tranquility ….’ The Gardner was furious Delirious And thought ‘If this bud blossoms, It is dangerous …’ He plucked it out from the sapling Tore it apart And threw it in a heap[Read More…]

by 08/07/2020 1 comment Arts/Literature
Visually disabled and lockdown

Visually disabled and lockdown

Almost all sections of people have suffered due to lockdown. Only a few elite upper classes and rich have not suffered much. The migrant workers, street vendors and petty business persons had to endure lot of hardship. Similarly, disabled have also bore the brunt of suffering due to lockdown. The disabled constitute a small percentage of the whole population and[Read More…]

by 21/06/2020 Comments are Disabled India
The ‘invisible guards’ – Prison Guards

The ‘invisible guards’ – Prison Guards

He smiles, he laughs through the prison bars to shake me up from my early morning dreams , his morning greeting is clanking a huge bunch of keys into the cage of my life sentence. (From ‘Ode to a Prison Guard…. By Prof. G. N. Saibaba written on 1 May 2017 ‘A World of Silence is Blown into Smithereens’ ,[Read More…]

by 05/06/2020 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
Challenges faced by visually disabled women

Challenges faced by visually disabled women

Atrocities on women are increasing day -by- day and they are struggling to cope with gruesome attacks by male. Disabled women, especially visually disabled, are all the more disadvantaged and their handicap is being used as a convenient condition for assault and exploitation. Recent example In Bhopal, a 53 year old visually impaired woman was allegedly raped by an unidentified[Read More…]

by 29/05/2020 Comments are Disabled Patriarchy
‘Quarantine’ World…..!

‘Quarantine’ World…..!

Migrant workers walking home , walking … For many a kilometer No water No food No shelter No time to brood On past or future …. Economy staggering Industrial output declining Manufacture of products stopped Tools are lying untouched … Where are the workers? The ‘ real’ economic torch bearers ? Pregnant woman delivers on road  (1) And walks with[Read More…]

by 15/05/2020 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
 Child detentions and repressive regimes

 Child detentions and repressive regimes

It has become almost common that activists, dissenters, journalists, etc are being severely assaulted or imprisoned and detained for months without trial. But even children are not being spared by authoritarian regimes. They are being targeted by missiles or war weapons in many countries. Global study A report was published by The United Nations Global Study on Children Deprived of[Read More…]

by 28/04/2020 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
‘ Lock?…… Down!’

‘ Lock?…… Down!’

Years ago You imposed lockdown On our actions Aspirations Choices Voices…. You imposed lockdown On our thoughts Our minds Our movements Our expressions …. We were ‘socially’ distanced Discriminated Oppressed Repressed…. Now you are promoting ‘social’ distancing Instead of explaining ‘physical’ distancing Paving way to convince people of tradition Glorifying caste system and its logical coronation …. Your lockdown of[Read More…]

by 24/04/2020 1 comment Arts/Literature
The ‘Healing’ Touch of Nurses

The ‘Healing’ Touch of Nurses

In big hospitals – Government or private – nurses play a crucial part. While doctors look after patients till operation, nurses take care of post-operative trauma and assist in speedy recovery. They have not only to deal with in-patients and comfort them by their constant attendance, but also calm down the anxious helpers who accompany patients and eagerly wait for[Read More…]

by 25/02/2020 2 comments World
Abdul Jabbar: The victim who fought for victims

Abdul Jabbar: The victim who fought for victims

Another anniversary of Bhopal Gas tragedy will pass by next month but still many poor people are suffering the after effects of the release of poisonous gas. Many activists are still engaged in struggle for justice. One of the oldest activist Abdul Jabbar led the largest group of survivors of the Union Carbide gas leak in 1984. Activism Abdul Jabbar[Read More…]

by 16/11/2019 2 comments India
Women prison inmates – pathetic state

Women prison inmates – pathetic state

While prisons in the country in general lack basic amenities and prisoners are made to live in sub-human conditions, women in jails suffer more than their male counterparts in most states. In its own report, NCRB has acknowledged that overcrowding is one of the major problem affecting inmates which results in lack of hygiene, lack of sleep, etc and this[Read More…]

by 26/10/2019 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
Another victory for the disabled

Another victory for the disabled

Through persistent struggles, the differently abled have achieved access to crucial jobs in society. The number might be small but they have proved that ‘disability ‘ is not hindrance to performing important productive tasks in society. Significant achievement Pranjal Patil , the young woman who battled great odds to become the country’s first visually challenged woman IAS officer took over[Read More…]

by 17/10/2019 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
Justice ….. Far, far away

Justice ….. Far, far away

It seems that judicial system is moving far away from major section of society, specially dalits, marginalised sections, muslims and women. Many recent instances are ample proof of this. Some instances While the brutal killing of Tabrez Ansari has made little progress, his widowed wife is still clinging on hope. Shaista Parveen has been a widow for three months, a[Read More…]

by 26/09/2019 1 comment India
A step towards secular India

A step towards secular India

In these days of rising communal tensions, a courageous woman achieved her dream of obtaining ‘No Caste No Religion’ certificate through persistent struggle. This incident is a significant one. Some colleges in West Bengal have also introduced ‘humanity’, ‘agnostic’ , ‘secular’ or ‘non-religious’ in the application forms for online submission for students who are unwilling to disclose their faith. (West[Read More…]

by 08/09/2019 5 comments Communal Harmony
First ‘green village’ and its struggles

First ‘green village’ and its struggles

‘The soul of India lives in its villages’ Mahatma Gandhi While cosmopolitan cities and even many villages are being polluted increasingly, there are some villages which are resisting environmental pollution by the people living there. One such village is Khonoma in the North East of India. History Khonoma is Asia’s first green village in the hills of Nagaland. The village[Read More…]

by 31/08/2019 1 comment Environmental Protection
Beyond Kashmir – some thoughts

Beyond Kashmir – some thoughts

‘ Extreme violence has a way of preventing us from seeing the interests it serves’ Naomi Klein from ‘The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism’ Many analysts have presented critique of the Abrogation of Article 370 and its impact on the political and social conditions but not much has been expressed about the causes of such hasty policy decisions.[Read More…]

by 22/08/2019 Comments are Disabled India
Disabled in a capitalist society

Disabled in a capitalist society

Since the major aim of capitalists is to see that maximum production can be extracted from labor, exploitation of workers becomes a key factor. Ordinary workers, thus, face constant harassment, humiliation, misery and burden of work. Disabled, in addition, face alienation and abuse both from the employers as well as society. The Merriam Webster Dictionary offers two definitions of disability.[Read More…]

by 16/08/2019 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
Caste bias in institutions of Excellence

Caste bias in institutions of Excellence

Flaws in Indian education system have been discussed at length by various analysts and root causes have also been pointed out. Still, the situation has not improved. Marginalised sections find difficult to pursue higher study even though some of them successfully clear entrance exam and enter reputed institutes like IITs and IIMs. Drop- outs The surge in enrollment of dalits[Read More…]

by 08/08/2019 Comments are Disabled Annihilate Caste
New Education Policy and Disabled

New Education Policy and Disabled

There has been a lot of debate on the draft of new policy on education. Many analysts have exposed loopholes and contradictions in the policy. Inaccessibility Though the government has eloquently spoken of ‘Divyang’ – disabled persons possessing ‘divine limbs’ and powers,even the ‘ access’ contents, considered as ‘a key guiding principle’ by the Draft has not been made available[Read More…]

by 01/08/2019 1 comment India
Glimmer of hope? The SC verdict on encounter killings

Glimmer of hope? The SC verdict on encounter killings

In a country with poor human rights record and rampant violations of fundamental right to life of citizens, the Supreme Court ruling is a positive step towards accountability. The Supreme Court made it clear that policemen, who are part of encounters that result in deaths of individuals , have to necessarily face FIRs, trial, etc. A three judge bench of[Read More…]

by 22/07/2019 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
‘Waste ‘created by the wealthy is picked up by poor ‘waste’ pickers!

‘Waste ‘created by the wealthy is picked up by poor ‘waste’ pickers!

Much has been debated over waste disposal and waste management. But the root cause of ‘ creation’ of waste is not discussed often. To reduce waste, the problem of creating waste should be addressed. Guptas Example One of the main producer of waste is Rich who spend a lot on ceremonies. Recently, the Gupta family weddings of Gupta family created[Read More…]

by 03/07/2019 Comments are Disabled India
Authoritarianism – ‘ What is to be done?’ – The question crops up again …..!

Authoritarianism – ‘ What is to be done?’ – The question crops up again …..!

” People have always been the foolish victims of deception and self deception in politics , and they always will be until they have learnt to seek out the interest of some class or other behind all moral, religious,political and social phrases , declarations and promises . V. I. Lenin – ‘The Three Sources and Three Components Parts of Marxism’[Read More…]

by 26/06/2019 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
‘Value’ of unpaid work by women

‘Value’ of unpaid work by women

In analyzing economic data, various sectors like industry, agriculture, services, etc are taken into account. But domestic work done by women is rarely ‘measured’ by analysts. A woman getting up early to make ready food for working husbands is very valuable but it does not figure in the estimates relating to economic figures. Some estimates In an article ( Women’s[Read More…]

by 16/06/2019 1 comment Patriarchy
Heat Wave – Impact on the Poor and the Marginalised

Heat Wave – Impact on the Poor and the Marginalised

While summer is uncomfortable to most of middle class people, it takes heavy toll of the daily laborers, marginalised casual workers and industrial manual employees. The rich and most government employees take some shelter under air conditioners or coolers but large number of ‘fourth -class’ employees, the street hawkers, peddlers, beggars and daily wagers are forced to work in scorching[Read More…]

by 12/06/2019 1 comment India
Pellet injuries – Physical and Psychological trauma

Pellet injuries – Physical and Psychological trauma

Living with deformity is very difficult. The degree of difficulty varies with the intensity of disability and its impact on people. One of the vital parts of human body is the eye. So, a disease or injury to the eye or eyes has a significant impact on lives of people. The use of pellets in Kashmir has caused loss of[Read More…]

by 01/06/2019 1 comment Kashmir
‘Caste’ education in higher education

‘Caste’ education in higher education

‘That the caste system must be abolished if the Hindu society is to be reconstructed on the basis of equality, goes without saying. Untouchability has its roots in the caste system. They cannot expect the Brahmins to rise in revolt against the caste system. Also we cannot rely upon the non- Brahmins and ask them to fight our battle’ B.[Read More…]

by 28/05/2019 1 comment India
Nazrul Islam – The bard of Bengal

Nazrul Islam – The bard of Bengal

‘I sing the song Of equality : In my view gender difference is essentially a triviality. Everything that is great in the world, all the works, beneficial and good, half must be credited to woman, and to man, half only we should. (Original: ‘Nari’ ( Bengali) Translator : Mohammad Omar Farooq ) PoemHunter.com This is a reflection of Kazi Nazrul[Read More…]

by 22/05/2019 3 comments Arts/Literature
‘ Education’ of Educated Persons

‘ Education’ of Educated Persons

“The backward classes have come to realise that after all education is the greatest material benefit for which they can fight….’ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (EDUCATION: THE ONLY KEY TO DALIT PROGRESS By Bhalchandra Mungekar, , Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai www.ambedkar.org ) Past few years have seen the rise of many ‘educated’ persons supporting statements of politicians who propagate[Read More…]

by 18/05/2019 1 comment India
False charges fail before Truth

False charges fail before Truth

Prison walls or iron bars cannot hide Truth. Torture or harassment cannot detain anyone for too long. That was proved on April 3, 2019 when a brave woman Nirmalakka travelled from Sukma to Kunta for two hours with around twenty journalists after her release from jail in Chhattisgarh. After 12 years in jail, she was finally acquitted from all cases.[Read More…]

by 09/05/2019 3 comments Human Rights
Indian Education- Suicide--Madura beats

Students’ suicide – social problems | Sheshu Babu

Summer is not only ‘cruelest’ season with rising heat and water connected problems to people but also it is a ‘ testing’ time for many young students who dream of bright future and decent life. This is also a peak season for suicide- related incidents for secondary and higher secondary as well as competitive exam writing youth. Whenever results are[Read More…]

by 01/05/2019 Comments are Disabled India
Patriarchal practices deny transgender to contest as a transgender

Patriarchal practices deny transgender to contest as a transgender

Though small in number, transgender community is an integral part of the country. But when elections take place, they are not even considered by most political parties to contest. The first transgender candidate from India’s westernmost state for the Lok Sabha Jaysawal Naresh Babulal said that she would contest the elections eventhough she was forced to register as a male.[Read More…]

by 25/04/2019 Comments are Disabled Patriarchy
Sheshu Babu – Factors influencing voters

Sheshu Babu – Factors influencing voters

As election schedule has started, debates on victories and losses of political parties has picked up momentum. Among the factors which are responsible for outcome, the role of various lucrative offers to people is a topic of intense analysis by media and elite intellectuals. Common knowledge It is an open secret that huge amount of cash and liquor is distributed[Read More…]

by 15/04/2019 Comments are Disabled India
Waste pickers – Wretched lives

Waste pickers – Wretched lives

In cities and towns, one often comes across heaps of garbage on roadsides and poor – mostly slum dwellers, children – hovering around the pile. These people are mostly ignored by authorities as well as rich and middle-class elites. Waste pickers are the lowest in the hierarchy of urban informal occupation. The term ‘Waste picker’ was adopted in the First[Read More…]

by 02/04/2019 1 comment India
A manifesto for ‘ non- voters’ ….?

A manifesto for ‘ non- voters’ ….?

A child miseducated is a child lost – John F Kennedy While all the mainstream parties are busy issuing statements of promises to various sections of society, there is little concern for the children who are at present outside the electoral process. These ‘ non- voters’ are being neglected and the potential of ‘ future’ voters is not being discussed[Read More…]

by 29/03/2019 Comments are Disabled India
This ‘ Chowkidar is not ‘Chor’

This ‘ Chowkidar is not ‘Chor’

“Dekh raha hai kya kya sapna raat ko sone waala Ho sone waala Yeh na jaane aankh khule to kya hai hone waala Haa hone waala ( From ‘ yeh duniya nahi jagir kisi ki……. Lyrics by Rajender Kishan in ‘Chowkidaar’ ( 1974) (What dreams the person sleeping might have been dreaming O! That sleeping person It is unknown what[Read More…]

by 25/03/2019 Comments are Disabled India
Darryl D’Monte: A journalist of people and environment

Darryl D’Monte: A journalist of people and environment

Very few journalists stood by peoples’rights and dared to expose atrocities committed by corporates and government. One such fine committed journalist was Darryl D’Monte who inspired younger generation. He passed away on March 16 in a Mumbai hospital. Pioneering work A prominent advocate of the advanced locality management (ALM) movement, which involved citizens in care of their neighborhoods, he was[Read More…]

by 20/03/2019 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Sakshi Maharaj

Indication of Fascism….?

As the country is preparing for elections, all the politicians are trying to outsmart each other in promises and rhetoric. Amidst of the statements of leaders, some are really very disturbing. For instance, Sakshi Maharaj, MP, lok sabha said that the upcoming elections will be fought in the name of the country and there will be no elections after that.[Read More…]

by 18/03/2019 2 comments India
Social Conflicts And Sahir Ludhianvi’s Thoughts

Social Conflicts And Sahir Ludhianvi’s Thoughts

‘Khuda-e-Bartar teri zameen par zameen ki khatir yeh jung kyoon hai? Har ek fatah-o-zafar ke daaman pe khoon-e-insaan ka rang kyon hai? O Lord Almighty, on your land, why is this war raging to win a land? Why has every conqueror’s victory always been tainted with stains of human blood?) From lyrics of the film ‘ Taj Mahal(1963) Even after[Read More…]

by 06/03/2019 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Lathi- charge on hearing impaired : An act of shame

Lathi- charge on hearing impaired : An act of shame

Many excesses of the police and military forces go unreported or partially reported. A recent incident of injuring hearing impaired has not been covered widely in mainstream media. According to reports in indian express (published February 26, 2019) , Pune City Police lathicharged agitators with hearing impairment when they tried to take out a rally from the Commissionerate of Social[Read More…]

by 27/02/2019 1 comment India
Begging  – Social And Economic Problems

Begging  – Social And Economic Problems

 “They are but beggars that can count their worth ” .         William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet) Whenever  poorly- clad, dirty and expectant people gathering major road junctions, bus – stands, temples, mosques or churches, rail- stations, etc pleading for a coin or two are seen, they are either abused or evaded or some coins are thrust into their empty bowls[Read More…]

by 13/02/2019 1 comment India
‘Save Democracy’ – Present Duty of The People

‘Save Democracy’ – Present Duty of The People

Many analysts have pointed out the ‘ interim’ budget as ‘ populist’ and promising ‘sops’ to many sections of society. Most of these promises are, in actuality, the need of the hour to weaker sections which have been long overdue. But, will these promises be kept after elections? Unanswered While presenting the budget, many crucial questions remained unanswered. The rate[Read More…]

by 09/02/2019 2 comments India
Porf G N Saibaba

Rights of disabled prisoners

While the general condition of prisons and the prisoners is pathetic, those suffering disability is horrific to say the least. The basic right to life ( Article 21 of the constitution) is mostly violated in dealing with prisoners who are handicapped. Treatment The Veena Sethi case in the early 1980s brought to light the treatment of persons with mental illnesses[Read More…]

by 02/02/2019 2 comments Human Rights
Kaifi Azmi’s relevance in times of communal hatred

Kaifi Azmi’s relevance in times of communal hatred

…. ‘Jagmagate thhe jahan Ram key quadam ke nishan Piyaar kee kahkashan leti thi angdayee jahan Mod nafrat ke usee rah guzar mein ayee Dharam kya unka hae, kya zaat hae, yeh janta kaun? Ghar na jalta tau unhe raat mein pehchanta kaun , Ghar jalane ko mera, log jo ghar me ayee , Shakahari hae mere dost tumhara khanjar[Read More…]

by 28/01/2019 1 comment Communal Harmony
The marginalised lives of ‘Anganwadi’ and other workers

The marginalised lives of ‘Anganwadi’ and other workers

While major contribution to implementation of social welfare schemes is through social volunteers and anganwadis, nurses, teachers, etc .their economic and social condition remains pathetic. Their problems have not been addressed either by governments or other welfare organizations for many years. Devalued The social and economic progress depends upon providing basic services. The teachers, Anganwadi workers, nurses, panchayat secretaries or[Read More…]

by 25/01/2019 Comments are Disabled India
‘Broken extended ‘ families and their significance

‘Broken extended ‘ families and their significance

Though the trend towards ‘ nuclear’ families where the family unit is mainly parents and children is increasing, there are indications of increase in families which are neither nuclear nor joint. These may be called ‘broken extended ‘ families. Modern trends Over half of India’s households have been recorded as nuclear families since 1990s. Joint families make just 16% of[Read More…]

by 18/01/2019 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
P. K. Rosy: A dalit actress in film world

P. K. Rosy: A dalit actress in film world

Many women have struggled to come up in the tinsel world of film industry. The #Me Too movement has exposed how domination of male led many women to terminate their careers or compromise and continue in the field. Being a dalit woman makes it all the more difficult to survive. In the face of such uncomfortable conditions, P. K. Rosy[Read More…]

by 11/01/2019 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Social media and violation of human rights

Social media and violation of human rights

Advancement of technology, more than benefiting masses, is becoming dangerous in the hands of miscreants. Increase of smart – phones and computers have spread the use of social media platforms. Instead of using the platforms for messaging information or decent discussion, it is becoming a medium to spew hatred, upload incidents of human rights violations mostly by perpetrators themselves with[Read More…]

by 05/01/2019 1 comment India
Year of caste and communal tensions

Year of caste and communal tensions

As new year draws closer, there is an increase of tensions on caste and communal lines. The Naseeruddin Shah affair has not yet subsided and another instance of repression took place in Mumbai. The dashing dalit leader Chandrasekhar Azad who was invited to address a rally on December 29, wanted to use the opportunity to visit Dr. B. R. Ambedkar[Read More…]

by 30/12/2018 Comments are Disabled Annihilate Caste, Communal Harmony
Problem of ‘ e- waste’ management

Problem of ‘ e- waste’ management

Use of electronic materials has increased over the years and waste emanating from disbanding of the equipment is rising rapidly particularly in cities and towns. The city of Moradabad in U. P.( Located on the banks of Ramganga, a tributary of Ganga) is the largest e- waste hub in the country. The city air quality index had peaked at 500[Read More…]

by 28/12/2018 2 comments Environmental Protection
Fifty Years of a Revolutionary Tree

Fifty Years of a Revolutionary Tree

We still remember
The wailing of standing tree
When you were tied
And brutally murdered

by 22/12/2018 1 comment Arts/Literature
Alternate energy sources in times of scarcity

Alternate energy sources in times of scarcity

Recent ups and downs of petrol and diesel prices have made a large impact on people who depend upon them in their daily lives in most parts of the country and the world. The over- dependence on fossil fuels is not only depleting resources but also driving towards a major crisis, especially in transportation of both commodities and people. Hence,[Read More…]

by 17/12/2018 1 comment Alternative Energy
Children and climate change

Children and climate change

“We are causing the problem, but our children and grandchildren are going to suffer the consequences “ James Hansen on Climate change Voicing concerns on deteriorating climate and rising pollution levels, children have started to register their protests. Tens of thousands of school children skipped school to march on streets demanding more action on climate change as world leaders gather[Read More…]

by 15/12/2018 1 comment Climate Change
Role of women in food security

Role of women in food security

One of the major goals to be achieved in Sustainable development goals (SDG) policy by countries globally is ‘ food security.’ The UNDP made a ‘ universal call to action to end poverty , protect the planet , and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity’  in the year 2016 and India was one of the countries which agreed[Read More…]

by 11/12/2018 4 comments Patriarchy
Language – reflection of society

Language – reflection of society

One of the best form of effective and precise communication is language. It not only exposes one’ s mood and state of mind but also ability to choose words for expressing the intended meaning. While there are many effective ‘good’ words to indicate happiness and joy, there are few words which hurt certain communities or gender when anger or annoyance[Read More…]

by 03/12/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Manoranjan Byapari – A Rickshawpuller who has the ‘ will to live’

Manoranjan Byapari – A Rickshawpuller who has the ‘ will to live’

  There are many dalit writers who have tried to expose oppression through their literary works. Some of them had to change their names so that their caste could not become an obstacle in their forward journey. One of them is Manoranjan Byapari who changed his surname to conceal his identity as dalit Namashudra. In his autobiography ‘Interrogating My Chandal[Read More…]

by 26/11/2018 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
The ‘ magnanimity ‘ of Dr. Ambedkar

The ‘ magnanimity ‘ of Dr. Ambedkar

‘ A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society’ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Scholars, journalists and writers analysed and critiqued on the life and works of Dr. Ambedkar in many ways. One of his great character to appreciate others irrespective of caste or religion. Though he despised[Read More…]

by 17/11/2018 1 comment Annihilate Caste
Who is in the Tax ‘Net’ ….?

Who is in the Tax ‘Net’ ….?

There has been much debate of increasing revenues by ‘increasing tax net’ so that more people can be brought under tax bracket. As the debate on levying taxes has been going on for quite some time, it may be important to discuss who are actually paying taxes and who are responsible for ‘ running major part of the economy’. Figures[Read More…]

by 10/11/2018 Comments are Disabled India
Is Right Wing Ideology ‘really’ Winning?

Is Right Wing Ideology ‘really’ Winning?

With the far right victory in Brazil, many analysts are predicting domination of right – wing ideology in the coming years. This may sound true as elections in many countries reflect but deeper analysis might reveal the actual state. Setback to left Supporters of right point out at the outset that left ideology is on the decline. When compared to[Read More…]

by 04/11/2018 2 comments World
‘Sabarimala ‘ and ‘#MeToo – exposition of deep malice in society

‘Sabarimala ‘ and ‘#MeToo – exposition of deep malice in society

This is a rare phase in history where women are fearlessly voicing their rights despite the obstacles raised by male chauvinists. While many people are applauding the movements some are either deriding or expressing some apprehensions. The movements have not only brought out tales of exploitation of women but also exposed caste contradiction and communal discrimination to the fore. As[Read More…]

by 26/10/2018 Comments are Disabled Patriarchy
Are people really hungry? !

Are people really hungry? !

  ‘ Sujalam suphalam bharat desh mein Roti mehengi kyon rey bhai’ (In the country of Bharat where there is plenty of water and resources Why is roti very costly?) From ‘Bharat apna Mahan Bhumi’ Performed by Revolutionary Cultural Front , the song originally written by poet and singer Gaddar is translated into Hindi by revolutionary poet/ singer Villas Ghogre[Read More…]

by 21/10/2018 2 comments India
#MeToo movement: Fears of backlash are unfounded

#MeToo movement: Fears of backlash are unfounded

For the last few days, #MeToo movement has picked up momentum and many women are coming out with horrific tales of severe harassment in their past lives. They are not afraid anymore to expose famous persons including those at ministerial levels. As a senior journalist Neeraja Chowdhury opined  ( An exit, a beginning, updated October 18, 2018, indianexpress.com), ” The[Read More…]

by 19/10/2018 3 comments Patriarchy
New avenues for visually impaired women

New avenues for visually impaired women

  Women are forging ahead in many new sectors which were hitherto considered male bastions. Adding to their achievements, the visually impaired and blind women are being trained in detection of breast cancer. In a unique initiative, the women in Delhi are being trained to detect breast cancer by medical tactile examination. According to a report in Hindustan Times ([Read More…]

by 15/10/2018 2 comments India
Ganga flows ….with ‘ blood’ …?

Ganga flows ….with ‘ blood’ …?

  ‘ Naitikta nasht hui … Manavta bhrasht hui Nirlajya bhav se behti ho kyon …’ ( Morality is destroyed … Humanity has been corrupted Why do you flow in this shameless way?) From ‘ Ganga behti hai kyon’ by Pundit Narendra Sharma and lyrics rendered by Bhupen Hazarika One of the present government’s prime mission was cleaning Ganga. It[Read More…]

by 12/10/2018 Comments are Disabled Environmental Protection
Machines and labour – increase in poverty

Machines and labour – increase in poverty

  Since introduction of automated machines in factories and offices, labor force is being slowly dispensed with. For instance, before mechanization and computerization, banks used to employ clerical staff for writing ledger accounts. But after introducing computers to note transactions, many posts were removed on the pretext of ‘downsizing’ or ‘ right sizing’ . The banking industry, which was ‘labour[Read More…]

by 10/10/2018 1 comment World
Natwar Thakkar : The pioneer of North – East India

Natwar Thakkar : The pioneer of North – East India

  Many people might not know about the social activist Natwar Thakkar who was popular as Nagaland Gandhi and was awarded Padma Shree. He went to stay in Nagaland in 1955 at the age of 23 and spread the teachings of Gandhi. He set up the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram at a village Chuchuyimlang in Mokokchung district in the year 1955.[Read More…]

by 09/10/2018 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
Live Encounters! – Glorifying Murder

Live Encounters! – Glorifying Murder

In states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand , Odisha or North Eastern  states encounters are common but in Utter Pradesh, the UP government and its police have taken a step further by the ‘ filming’ of encounters live. Few journalists were asked by cops if they are interested in ‘ watching and filming a real encounter’ in Machua village under Harduagunj police[Read More…]

by 03/10/2018 1 comment Human Rights
Where will you sleep? ( A question to Mahatma )

Where will you sleep? ( A question to Mahatma )

When communal frenzy Was at its peak And hatred led to Massacres of Innocents While India celebrated It’s ‘ freedom at Midnight’, You slept with Strife – torn victims When communal frenzy Is at its peak , Caste conflicts, lynchings, Communal violence Continue unabated, While those who supported Your murderers Are ‘ celebrating ‘ your birth anniversary Where will you[Read More…]

by 02/10/2018 2 comments Arts/Literature
Construction and demolition – health hazards

Construction and demolition – health hazards

In cities and towns, houses are being rapidly demolished paving way for construction of flats/ apartments. The house owners are selling their houses for ‘ development’ with the intention of making money and the contractors are constructing flats selling each one with huge profit margin. Rubble created by demolishing structures and the spreading of dust particles in the air is[Read More…]

by 30/09/2018 1 comment Environmental Protection
Celebrating ‘ Surgical Strike’ – Celebrating ‘War’ ….?

Celebrating ‘ Surgical Strike’ – Celebrating ‘War’ ….?

” War alone brings up to their highest tension all human energies and imposes the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have the courage to make it”. Benito Mussolini (Italian Politician) There are number of instances when the present ruling party promoted ‘ nationalism’ through various programs. It is leaving no stone unturned to express its patriotic intent and[Read More…]

by 26/09/2018 2 comments India
Photo Credit -India Water Portal

Black holes

Fascinated by black holes Which do not allow even light Ray’s To pass? They are hypothetical Scientific marvel…. Look at the real holes On Earth …. They drag red blooded human ‘stars’ Squeeze their lives Leave their families In tatters! Look at the forced labor Cleaning humus and sewer Entering death traps Breathing stench with excreta …. No statistics or[Read More…]

by 21/09/2018 3 comments Arts/Literature
Murder of Dalit RTI Activist – Kedar Singh Jindan

Murder of Dalit RTI Activist – Kedar Singh Jindan

When marginalised and dalit sections of society are being hounded from almost every quarter, the brutal murder of a dalit RTI activist comes as another shock and ghastly incident. Kedar Singh Jindan was allegedly murdered on Friday, 7 September while he was on his way back home. The RTI activist was first attacked and run over by a Scorpio, the[Read More…]

by 20/09/2018 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
Jaipal Singh Munda: A constitutional expert from Adivasis

Jaipal Singh Munda: A constitutional expert from Adivasis

  ” I rise to speak on behalf of unknown hordes – yet very important – of unrecognised warriors of freedom, the original people of India who have variously been known as backward tribes, primitive tribes, criminal tribes and everything else, Sir, I am proud to be a ‘Jangli’ that is the name by which we are known in my[Read More…]

by 17/09/2018 Comments are Disabled Life/Philosophy
Women driven towards suicide

Women driven towards suicide

While many reports indicate women face immense hardships in their lives, there is one more report indicating their distress. Almost four in ten women who commit suicide are from India: 71.2% of women who commit suicide were under the group 15- 39 age group between 1990- 2016, according to the findings published in a paper titled ‘ Gender Differentials and[Read More…]

by 14/09/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Hampi, Karnataka, India, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia

Why ‘ vegetarianism ‘ is being promoted in India- Some Thoughts

Debates on vegetarian diet have increased in recent years and many analysts are coming forward to defend it as healthy diet over non vegetarian food. While everyone has a right to choose food s/he likes, some brahminical fanatics are forcing people to stop eating the food containing non- vegetarian diet. It may be worthwhile to think of the causes behind[Read More…]

by 12/09/2018 3 comments India
Teachers – modern trends

Teachers – modern trends

 ” The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves ‘ S. Radhakrishnan While ‘teachers day ‘ is being celebrated with statements about their role in society and contribution to ‘ education ‘ of students, little light is being shed on their plight as well as some dangerous tendencies. Vacancies According to data compiled by The Times of[Read More…]

by 06/09/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
The ‘ partisan ‘ attitude – Flood politics by center

The ‘ partisan ‘ attitude – Flood politics by center

Floods are a common occurrence in India as imbalance in climate every year causes lot of variation in rainfall geographically. But the floods in Kerala have not only caused havoc on unprecedented scale, but also politics has taken the upper hand over humanitarian aid to the victims. While the state needs more than 2,000 crore for relief and rehabilitation, the[Read More…]

by 24/08/2018 1 comment India
Dr. Kafeel Khan and UP government apathy towards children

Dr. Kafeel Khan and UP government apathy towards children

While speaking on Independence day, the PM announced launching of the world’s largest  Healthcare scheme  ( Ayushman Bharat Yojana) , little was mentioned about the pathetic medical facilities in hospitals in the country. Gorakhpur incidents are still fresh in peoples’ memories. BRD Hospital and Khan When children were dying of encephalitis, the doctor in charge of the ward tried his[Read More…]

by 18/08/2018 1 comment Human Rights
Spending on ads by political parties….. Isn’t it a waste of money?

Spending on ads by political parties….. Isn’t it a waste of money?

‘ Beware of false knowledge : it is more dangerous than ignorance’ George Bernard Shaw Even before official announcement of dates of elections in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh or elections to the lok sabha, campaigns, rallies and advertising have already started. Politicians are already beginning to woo voters. Parties have begun to promote fake news and disseminate[Read More…]

by 13/08/2018 1 comment India
A young revolutionary -Khudiram Bose

A young revolutionary -Khudiram Bose

Once again, the preparations for celebrating independence have begun and many martyrs are being remembered. Among those who have laid down their lives for freedom, many have been forgotten or not remembered very frequently. One such young person who fought the tyranny of colonialism was from Bengal – Khudiram Bose . According to historians, as many as 200 or more[Read More…]

by 07/08/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Mexico – A step forward towards gender parity

Mexico – A step forward towards gender parity

  Though women constitute at least half of the world’s population, their representation in political system is not in commensurate with the proportion of their numbers. Even many advanced countries like US and UK have less number of women when men in Senate and parliament. Mexico is leading the way in giving women to have more say in their politics.[Read More…]

by 02/08/2018 1 comment World
Dalit women struggle in Pakistan

Dalit women struggle in Pakistan

As election results are almost declared, Pakistan is entering new phase of governanc under a new premier. Hindus comprise about 1.85% of Pakistan population ( wikipedia.org and as of 2010, it had fifth largest hindu population in the world. Pakistan census separates scheduled castes from the main body of hindu population who constitute a further 0.25% of national population. Thus,[Read More…]

by 29/07/2018 4 comments Annihilate Caste
A country of ‘ potholes’

A country of ‘ potholes’

When terrorists attack, the media splashes news quickly and continue to discuss at length. The politicians try to use the news for boosting their political career. But deaths due to cleaning drainage holes or potholes on roads are rarely discussed by either media or politicians. Rise in numbers The deaths due to bad roads, speed breakers, potholes, in 2015 was[Read More…]

by 25/07/2018 1 comment India
It is Not Just patriarchy ….Misogyny …. Atrocity ….. It is more than that !

It is Not Just patriarchy ….Misogyny …. Atrocity ….. It is more than that !

‘I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection’ Sigmund Freud Condemning rapes and harassment of women has become a routine with increase of these cases over the years. Among the ten countries reporting incidents of rape, nations like America, Canada, Sweden and UK appear in the list ( wonderlist.com ,Ejaz Khan).[Read More…]

by 21/07/2018 2 comments Patriarchy
Sports women with a difference – women’s football

Sports women with a difference – women’s football

With the euphoria of men’s football world cup drawing to a close, there has been little discussion on ‘womens’ football’ . Sports like cricket, football or hockey are primarily dominated by men. The tournaments and world cup matches played by men are sponsored, telecast and viewed regularly while women playing these sports are rarely telecast due to less viewing and[Read More…]

by 16/07/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Lynching – ‘ Political ‘ Silence

Lynching – ‘ Political ‘ Silence

Though there is less than a year for another general elections, lynchings continue in the country unabated. Dalits and muslims are being thrashed, harassed, beaten to death and, shamelessly, most of these incidents are being uploaded and circulated on whatsApp with impunity. There is a need to discuss the continued horrors and the stony silence of ruling party and its[Read More…]

by 09/07/2018 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
Harassment of Women in workplaces – many cases go unreported

Harassment of Women in workplaces – many cases go unreported

With women entering job market, sexual abuse and harassment has increased. But, many women choose to keep ‘ silent ‘ on their exploitation by male higher authorities and management or superiors. This is mainly due to fear of job safety, undermined by their own colleagues and lack of support if they come out openly. Punam Sehgal and Aastha Dang (2017)[Read More…]

by 01/07/2018 1 comment Patriarchy
Problems of ‘single ‘ women  

Problems of ‘single ‘ women  

As atrocities on women are rising, it is becoming increasing unsafe for women to live without fear. The foindings of a global perception poll conducted by Thomson Reuters Foundation, a charity which surveyed 558 experts on women’s issues in order to  assess nations on overall safety of women found that India is the least safe country. ( Tish Sanghera, June[Read More…]

by 29/06/2018 2 comments Patriarchy
Shantanu Kamble – An Inspiring Dalit Writer

Shantanu Kamble – An Inspiring Dalit Writer

Dalit movement has produced great writers who expressed the pain of being discriminated in poignant prose and verse. Among those inspiring writers is Shahir Shantanu Kamble who was known as ‘ vidrohi kavi’ passed away.(maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com). He was only 39 years old. His passing away is a jolt to ambedkarite movement. He belongs to the tradition of ‘ vidroh shahiri’ ([Read More…]

by 24/06/2018 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature, Annihilate Caste
Science In Vernacular Languages – Beneficial?

Science In Vernacular Languages – Beneficial?

‘ To that class we may leave it to refine the vernacular dialects of the country,to enrich those dialects with terms of science borrowed from western nomenclature , and to render them by degrees fit vehicles for conveying knowledge to the great mass of the population ‘ Thomas B. Macaulay (Country, class dialect) With the increase in dogmatism and religion[Read More…]

by 19/06/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Muslims end their daily fast to observe Iftar on first day of Ramzaan at Jama Masjid in Sector 20 of Chandigarh on Friday, June 19 2015. Express photo by Sumit Malhotra

Ramadan  – An occasion of unity

The month of Ramadan is not only a time of revelry and festivity but also occasion to show brotherhood among people of various communities and religions.  One may see the people expressing ‘ Mah-e-Ramzan Mubarak’ on streets ( Greetings on the occasion of the month of Ramzan) irrespective of religion hugging their Muslim brothers and sisters and holding ‘Iftar’ parties.[Read More…]

by 10/06/2018 1 comment Communal Harmony
Himalayan glacier and climate change

Himalayan glacier and climate change

Awareness on climate change and pollution has increased over the years though very little has been done to reduce pollution and protect environment. While Indian landmass is in the grip of extreme vagaries of climate, Himalayas too are being affected by increase in temperature. According to latest scientific research that adds to data officially confirming the glacier loss of Indian[Read More…]

by 06/06/2018 1 comment Climate Change
Kartar Singh Sarabha – A Hero Who Inspired Bhagat Singh

Kartar Singh Sarabha – A Hero Who Inspired Bhagat Singh

India has produced great young persons who dared to lay their lives fighting for freedom from British. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and others are well known. But there were many others who are not remembered by many people to-day. One such young martyr is Kartar Singh who inspired Bhagat Singh in his struggle against colonialism. Life sketch Kartar Singh Sarabha ([Read More…]

by 25/05/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
‘ Legalizing ‘ Abuse

‘ Legalizing ‘ Abuse

Now – a- days, the news of rapes and other forms of atrocities have become daily routine. While the number of crimes is rising, number of arrests, let alone convictions, is not increasing. Women and girls are losing confidence in the system. They are being abused in public by male with impunity. If one goes by the ruling of Chattisgarh[Read More…]

by 24/05/2018 1 comment Patriarchy
Judges With A ‘ Vision ‘

Judges With A ‘ Vision ‘

There are few visually impaired persons working in prestigious offices. The appointment of blind or visually impaired to courts is rare. One such recent example is the 31 – year old Brahmananda Sharma who lost his vision when he was 22 ( Rajasthan – Meet the first visually impaired judge …disability.. Posted May16, 2018 kracktivist.org ). He hails from Bhilwara[Read More…]

by 18/05/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Southern California's years-long drought has resulted in one of the "most extreme" wildfires the region has ever seen. (Photo: Nick Ut/AP)

 Wild Fires, Tornadoes and Floods — Oh My!

Co-Written By Sally Dugman, Sheshu Babu and Steve Salmony Sally Dugman shares: For many years, it has been known by some people that the world or at least a huge portion of it is going literally to hell in a handbag, the place that holds money and credit cards to support shopaholic tendencies across the world. It is due to[Read More…]

by 15/05/2018 Comments are Disabled Climate Change
Marginalised Sections – Casualties on Both Sides of Struggle

Marginalised Sections – Casualties on Both Sides of Struggle

The security forces, armed police and extra – military personnel engage in attacks on so -called terrorists, militants, maoists or extremists. In all these incidents, the highest casualties belong to weaker sections, muslim communities, adivasis, dalits etc. Thus, on both sides the actual fight is between these communities killing each other. In an article, Ramachandra Guha ( The continuing tragedy[Read More…]

by 13/05/2018 2 comments Human Rights
Commercialisation Of Historic Monuments

Commercialisation Of Historic Monuments

Privatisation of many sectors has become a routine affair. Construction of roads, supply of electricity, means of transportation, etc have been handed over to contractors, firms, private individuals for maintaining and development. Recently, there has been a proposal to hand over ‘ Red Fort’ to Dalmia Bharat to upkeep and improve facilities as part of ‘ Adopt a Heritage ‘[Read More…]

by 09/05/2018 1 comment India
‘ Legalizing ‘ Abuse

‘ Legalizing ‘ Abuse

  Now – a- days, the news of rapes and other forms of atrocities have become daily routine. While the number of crimes is rising, number of arrests, let alone convictions, is not increasing. Women and girls are losing confidence in the system.  They are being abused in public by male  with impunity. If one goes by the ruling of [Read More…]

by 04/05/2018 3 comments Patriarchy
The Future Works ….

The Future Works ….

  Yes! There are atrocities Rapes Murders Lynchings ….. But Also there are protests Agitations Strikes Struggles …. Egging on the masses For future peaceful lives Though the ‘ opium’ of religion Is engulfing the world over People are coming out of intoxication To challenge the fanatic power The legacy of Marx Unites the workers To observe May day With[Read More…]

by 30/04/2018 1 comment Arts/Literature
Dalit Writers: Struggle Against Social Discrimination

Dalit Writers: Struggle Against Social Discrimination

  Dalit writers are gaining prominence in modern literature. But their beginnings was not all that easy. They had to endure social stigma and isolation from society, especially the upper castes. Poets and their sufferings According to en.m.wikipedia, dalit literature started in the 1960s in Marathi language and quickly spread to other languages like Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali and Tamil.[Read More…]

by 26/04/2018 1 comment Arts/Literature
Impact Of Hindu Caste Divisions On Other Religions

Impact Of Hindu Caste Divisions On Other Religions

  It is a well known fact that Hindu religion has deep caste divisions. This is one of the major cause of dalits and other backward caste people willing to convert into other religions like Christianity. The disgust with caste system can be assessed when Dr. Ambedkar said that though he was born a hindu, he would not die as[Read More…]

by 23/04/2018 1 comment Annihilate Caste
Extreme Atrocities – Violence On Girls

Extreme Atrocities – Violence On Girls

  Atrocities on women including rapes and murders have been discussed and debated at length. Also, violence on girls and girl- child have been highlighted many times. But, these days, girls below teen age are not only raped and tortured for days but also killed in a most grotesque way. Any word, whether ‘ terrible ‘ or ‘ horrific ‘[Read More…]

by 17/04/2018 Comments are Disabled Patriarchy
Representative Image

A Silent Statue

To Dalits, Muslims, subalterns,
To women, the poor, the marginalised sections,
You are a statue full of life
In this world of strife !!

by 14/04/2018 1 comment Arts/Literature
Rajni Tilak – A Champion Of Dalit Rights

Rajni Tilak – A Champion Of Dalit Rights

” ….it is true that the women of every community are equally suppressed by patriarchy. Patriarchy dominates caste and class everywhere. It is also true, to a great extent, Dalit women are more affected by patriarchy …..” ( Need to redefine Dalit movement : Rajni Tilak, interview with Neel Kranti Media,published 17 January 2013, https:// roundtableindia.co.in). At a time when[Read More…]

by 12/04/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Rising Crime Against Dalits And The Dilution Of The SC/ ST Act

Rising Crime Against Dalits And The Dilution Of The SC/ ST Act

  The recent verdict relating to atrocities on SC/ STs and dalits has sparked much debate and controversy. Scores of dalits and their supporters called for ‘ Bharat bandh’ to express their dismay and disappointment over the Court’s judgment. Though the Court has not reviewed its earlier stand, it should have considered facts before delivering its ruling on such sensitive[Read More…]

by 08/04/2018 Comments are Disabled Annihilate Caste
Disabled women and sexual violence

Disabled women and sexual violence

Sexual violence against women has been talked about on many occasions but the abuse meted out to disabled has not been addressed adequately. Specially, the women with intellectual disability suffer the most. They have to face male domination without even realising the dangers posed by sexual abuse by male. According to a report in theprint.in, the risk of sexual abuse[Read More…]

by 05/04/2018 2 comments Patriarchy
Education : Examination: Evaluation

Education : Examination: Evaluation

“Education is the simply the soul of society as it passes from one generation to another” G. K. Chesterton T. S. Eliot started his ‘ Wasteland ‘ saying ” April is the cruelest month…” ( 1. The burial of the dead). But, for the students from KG to PG, the ‘ cruelest month’ starts in March itself. They have to[Read More…]

by 03/04/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Positive attempts to improve communication for the disadvantaged

Positive attempts to improve communication for the disadvantaged

  Speech and hearing impaired have difficulty in communicating to the people. They use hands and other gestures. Their communication through ‘ sign language’ is a common way of expression of ideas. In an effort to remove communication bottlenecks, the country’s first of its kind sign language Dictionary with around 3,000 Hindi and English words has been released all over[Read More…]

by 31/03/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Women And Water Conservation

Women And Water Conservation

  ” Water, water, every where And all the boards did shrink Water, water, every where Nor any drop to drink. …” The Rime of the Ancient Mariner By Samuel Taylor Coleridge Since the start of celebration of World Water Day in 1993, very little has changed in respect of protecting fresh water resources and sustainable water management. The water[Read More…]

by 22/03/2018 1 comment Environmental Protection
Ved Mehta – An Exceptional Writer

Ved Mehta – An Exceptional Writer

‘ I didn’t want to be a blind writer. I wanted to be a writer who is blind’ ‘ Now we are living in an age everything has to be fast. We are living in an odd world where the written word is at a discount. To me, a book is a long journey. I don’t like short cuts. Literature[Read More…]

by 20/03/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Disabled And Unorganized Sector

Disabled And Unorganized Sector

  While the working conditions of disabled in organised sector has been addressed to some extent, the plight of unorganized sector disabled persons has not been addressed by the government. Even activists have not raised the issue to the extent it should have been raised. As per a survey carried out by National Sample Survey Organisation(NSSO) in 2009 -10 ,[Read More…]

by 16/03/2018 2 comments Human Rights
Women And Class Struggles – Time For Introspection

Women And Class Struggles – Time For Introspection

” By propagating women’s nature as non – violent they are discouraging women from becoming fighters in the struggle for their own liberation and that of society ..” Anuradha Ghandy , “Philosophical Trends in the Feminist Movement ( Part I) International women’s day is one of the many occasions to debate various pros and cons of present feminist movements and[Read More…]

by 08/03/2018 1 comment Patriarchy
Javed Abidi – A ‘ Messaiah ‘ Of Disabled Persons

Javed Abidi – A ‘ Messaiah ‘ Of Disabled Persons

  Very few persons have relentlessly fought for the rights and welfare of disabled. The services of Javed Abidi regarding providing reservations for disabled in employment and exerting pressure on government to pass laws protecting disabled are milestones in the movement for empowerment of disabled persons. His untimely demise due to chest infection has left many activists and disabled persons[Read More…]

by 06/03/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Science And Specially Abled Persons

Science And Specially Abled Persons

  National science day (February 28) once again shifts focus on ‘ scientific temper’ as envisaged in constitution. In the present situation, when all sorts of pseudo -scientific postulations, dogmatism and ‘ scientific religiosity ‘ are gaining momentum, this day assumes additional significance. Science and disabled According to indiacelebrating.com, the theme of 2017 was ‘ science and technology for specially[Read More…]

by 01/03/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
The Woman Behind Gandhi – Kasturiba

The Woman Behind Gandhi – Kasturiba

  Life of Gandhi and his contribution to human empowerment has been discussed a lot but the sufferings of his wife – Kasturiba – has not been given the same importance. She bore all the burdeeen of the house as a typical traditional housewife and her contribution towards the family and society should not be under- estimated. On the 74[Read More…]

by 23/02/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Understanding The Right Wingers

Understanding The Right Wingers

  ” Except in the desserts, at every place of human habitation, there is the left, the centre and the right. This will continue to be 10,000 years hence” Mao (22-4- 68) Last few years, the right wing atrocities have increased all over the world in general and India in particular. Many people belonging to subaltern communities suffered due to[Read More…]

by 22/02/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Why Dalit Women Die Young?

Why Dalit Women Die Young?

  While women in general face exploitation socially and economically, some of them face ‘ more’ exploitation than others. A UN report released late Wednesday night says that the average dalit women dies 14.6 years younger than women of upper castes. The risk of exposure to mortality of dalit women increases due to poor sanitation and health care ( India[Read More…]

by 17/02/2018 2 comments Annihilate Caste
Refugees ….. Are They A ‘Problem’ ?

Refugees ….. Are They A ‘Problem’ ?

We came here to find refuge They called us refugees So we hid ourselves in their language Until we sounded just like them…… J J BOLA … “Refuge” India has grappled with refugees many times in history. According to UNHCR there are about 31, 000 refugees registered with the organisation by the end of December 2014. In the 16/17 centuries[Read More…]

by 06/02/2018 1 comment Human Rights
The Budget – ‘ Divyang’ Left As ‘Viklang’

The Budget – ‘ Divyang’ Left As ‘Viklang’

  While the 2018 -19 has disappointed many and satisfied few: among those who were left dismayed are persons with disabilities. The PM named them ‘ Divyaang’ but not much has been done to uplift them socially and financially. The Nation Platform for the Rights of the Disabled persons ( NPRD) has issued a statement expressing concerns. The finance minister[Read More…]

by 03/02/2018 1 comment India
Promoting ‘Hindi ‘ ( And Hindu) Globally

Promoting ‘Hindi ‘ ( And Hindu) Globally

  India is a complex nation with varied culture and multiple languages. India has the second highest languages(780) after Papua New Gunea (839) according to wikipedia. But according to readmeindia.com , there are as many as 880 languages in 2016 (Total Languages in India – Past and Present , September 10, 2016). Article 343 deals with official language. Estimates of[Read More…]

by 28/01/2018 1 comment India
Mumbai: Ambedkar Students Association members protest outside the Bombay High Court to condemn the murder of Ryan International School student Pradyumna, in Mumbai on Wednesday. PTI Photo by Shashank Parade  (PTI9_13_2017_000142B)

The ‘ Ogre ‘ Of Violence – Rooted In Childhood

  From ancient times, violence in society has been an integral part. There were killings and brutal murders. But, now-a-days, we are witnessing extreme form of ‘sadistic’ and gruesome violence that is chilling and heart- wrenching to say the least. For instance, Haryana singer Mamta Sharma found dead with throat slit ( published 18 -1- 2018 hindustantimes.com). In another incident,[Read More…]

by 23/01/2018 2 comments Life/Philosophy
Stephen Hawking – Struggle Against Disability And Superstition

Stephen Hawking – Struggle Against Disability And Superstition

  ‘I have noticed that even people who claim that everything is predetermined and that we can do nothing to change it, lok before they cross the road ‘ From Black Holes and Baby Universes and other Essays ‘If you are disabled, it is probably not your fault , but it is no good to blame the world or expecting[Read More…]

by 12/01/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Disabled Left With ‘Nir-Aadhaar’

Disabled Left With ‘Nir-Aadhaar’

  A lot has been discussed about ‘Aadhar’ and its impact on common people. Economists, political and social scientists and many other academicians have elaborately analysed the futility of the project. One more angle of introspecting aadhar is the impact on disabled persons, especially those who have problems with their fingers or eyes or both. While the poor are facing[Read More…]

by 06/01/2018 1 comment India
The Importance Of ‘ Braille’ In The Lives Of Visually Impaired

The Importance Of ‘ Braille’ In The Lives Of Visually Impaired

  ‘Braille is knowledge , and knowledge is power’ – Louis Braille For many years, visually disabled and blind had to depend on Braille script as the main form of communication. Even now, when modern tools like cassette recordings, voice synthesizers, computer compatible speech softwares are available, braille continues to be a major form of reading and writing source for[Read More…]

by 02/01/2018 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Express photo by Praveen Khanna

Demolition Of Blind Student Hostel – Inhumanity At Its Zenith

These days, lynching of dalits, muslins and other marginalised have become common. But, regrettably, even disabled and blind persons are not being spared. According to a report in dailypioneer.com on December23, 2017, the Delhi high court has sought reply from DDA on demolition of a hostel which left atleast 20 visually impaired persons left without a roof in winter. The[Read More…]

by 27/12/2017 1 comment Human Rights
NOTA …A Potential ‘ Tool’ To Express Dissent

NOTA …A Potential ‘ Tool’ To Express Dissent

  Candidates standing for elections canvass with their symbols and seek peoples mandate by asking to vote for a particular symbol – whether party symbol or symbols for independents. But, the Supreme Court in its judgement Peoples Union of Civil liberties vs union of India, 2013, directed the EC to provide NOTA (None Of The Above) button in all EVMs/[Read More…]

by 14/12/2017 Comments are Disabled India
Persons With ‘ Different’ Abilities  – Social Discrimination

Persons With ‘ Different’ Abilities  – Social Discrimination

  Since 1992, after the end of observing a decade for disabled persons(1983 -1992) , every year, December 3 is being celebrated as ‘ international day of disabled persons’ and many events felicitating disabled persons has become common in India as in other countries. According to disability statistics, around 10% of total world population or around 650 million suffer some[Read More…]

by 02/12/2017 3 comments Life/Philosophy
Supreme Court Suggests Separate Schools For Children With Disabilities – Violation Of Equality Laws

Supreme Court Suggests Separate Schools For Children With Disabilities – Violation Of Equality Laws

  When the nation celebrated children’s day, much was discussed about the pathetic situation of education as well as malnutrition of children. But, a recent Supreme Court observation on education of disabled has raised many questions on the right of disabled children to equal education along with normal children. ( Supreme Court suggests separate schools for children with disabilities :[Read More…]

by 15/11/2017 3 comments Life/Philosophy
‘ Daayan ‘ – One Year

‘ Daayan ‘ – One Year

Daayan! Demonetisation!
Destroyer of lives both men and women!
Benefactor to corporates ‘ paytm’
And much publicised BHIM !

by 08/11/2017 3 comments Arts/Literature
Wonders!

Wonders!

Hate Taj Mahal as ‘ Muslim’ mausoleum
After visiting it applauding as India’s ‘ priceless gem’
A wonder!

by 31/10/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
Disabled Women In Male Dominated Society

Disabled Women In Male Dominated Society

  The Only Disability In Life Is A Bad Attitude Scott Hamilton In a country where most assaults, attempts of rape and humiliation of women are under – reported, the condition of disabled women is even worse. They are easily vulnerable to manipulations of men who, on the pretext of assisting them, try to achieve sadistic satisfaction by their devious[Read More…]

by 18/10/2017 1 comment Life/Philosophy
Disability Rights Activist Malini Chib Gets Award

Disability Rights Activist Malini Chib Gets Award

  Many may not know that world cerebral palsy day was celebrated on Friday October 6. It is a movement of people with ‘ cerebral palsy’ and their families, and their organisations which support them in 52 countries. It’s vision is to ensure that children and adults with CP ( cerebral palsy) have same rights, accesses and opportunities as anyone[Read More…]

by 10/10/2017 2 comments India
Wah! … Taj!

Wah! … Taj!

Removing from travel booklet
The imposing citadel bright
Cannot fool the tourist
Wah Taj!

by 09/10/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
Rational Education In Pre- Primary Schools

Rational Education In Pre- Primary Schools

  “Why do we forget our childhood? With rare exceptions we have no memory of our first four or five or six years, and yet we have to only watch the development of our own children during this period to realize that these are the most exciting, the most formative years of our life. Schachtel’ s theory is that our[Read More…]

by 02/10/2017 1 comment Life/Philosophy
The Relevance Of International Day Of Democracy

The Relevance Of International Day Of Democracy

  Few might know that UN observes international day of democracy on 15 September which was started in 2007 by a resolution in general assembly. All the UN member states are expected to observe this day. The 2017 theme of this day is ‘ Democracy and Conflict prevention’. It focusses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote[Read More…]

by 15/09/2017 2 comments World
What Are We Going To Fight Over To-day ?

What Are We Going To Fight Over To-day ?

  When pen Becomes gun Ideas flow like bullets The enemy Picks up gun Unable to withstand the ‘ fire’ of ideas And sprays bullets To eliminate ideas Still, Question remains As it did for ages and ages What are we going to fight over to-day? What is your grudge?’ The fight Never ends ‘ To- day, the deliberate increase[Read More…]

by 09/09/2017 1 comment India
Walls

Walls

Walls may stall
Movement of humans
But they cannot stop at all
Spread of thoughts and ideas

by 23/08/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Surayya Badruddin Tayyabji: The Woman Behind Indian National Flag

Surayya Badruddin Tayyabji: The Woman Behind Indian National Flag

When the people of the country hoist flag and celebrate ‘ independence ‘ they rarely think about the woman who was responsible in designing the flag. The hindutva forces rarely acknowledge the contribution of Mohd Iqbal whose famous lyric ‘ saarey Jahan sey achcha hindostan hamaara ‘ rings in the ears on every Independence and republic day. Allama Iqbal is[Read More…]

by 16/08/2017 1 comment Uncategorized
Hamid Ansari And Right To Express

Hamid Ansari And Right To Express

When the outgoing vice president Mr. Ansari expressed that Muslims feel a sense of unease  (Sense of unease among Muslims:  Hamid Ansari in his last interview as vice president www.ndtv.com posted in kracktivist.org August 10, 2017) there was a furore in the BJP circles and many leaders started to hurl jibes at him. (Shame, shame, SHAME on PM…..  www.hindustantimes.com posted[Read More…]

by 13/08/2017 2 comments India
Towards An Alternative Politics

Towards An Alternative Politics

  Gujarat assembly fiasco in electing members to Rajya Sabha is an addition to the political muddle facing India. The comment of Jairam Ramesh that Congress is in existential crisis and similar views expressed by Mani Shankar Aiyer can be broadly applied to the political system as a whole. Decay over the decades This ‘ crisis ‘ is not a[Read More…]

by 11/08/2017 3 comments India
Sounds

Sounds

Life can be killed humans murdered
Flora and fauna completely destroyed
But sounds cannot be hanged
Maimed or mutilated
Sounds cannot be dead
Though ‘ voices’ silenced

by 04/08/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Fatima Shiekh and Savitribai Phule

Heroes And Sheroes Of Plural India: Fatima Sheikh

  This article is part of a series called “Heroes And Sheroes Of Plural India” under #AnHourForCommunalHramony campaign to celebrate the Heroes and Sheroes who struggled to shape modern India in all its plurality.  Today we celebrate Fatima Sheikh  who along with Savitribai Phule pioneered girl’s education in India. All are welcome to contribute an hour of your day, in[Read More…]

by 29/07/2017 3 comments Uncategorized
Heroes And Sheroes Of Plural India: Komuram Bheem

Heroes And Sheroes Of Plural India: Komuram Bheem

This article is part of a series called #HeroesAndSheroesOfPluaralIndia under #AnHourForCommunalHramony campaign. This series will celebrate the Heroes and Sheroes who struggled to shape modern India in all its plurality. We kick off the series with the revolutionary Adivasi leader Komuram Bheem who raised the slogan ‘jal, jangal, jameen ‘ ( water, forest and land). All are welcome to contribute an hour of your day, in celebrating these Heroes and Sheroes of plural India

by 25/07/2017 1 comment Uncategorized
The Protectors Of Humanity

The Protectors Of Humanity

  Deep into the pit Surrounding dark sewage and dirt With nauseated stench And Whole body drench With human urination And defecation Manual scavengers clean Risking lives Leaving family bonds Sitting in cozy toilets And air-conditioned rooms Pass our wastage Into long winding drainage We talk of technology Development and ecology But With their bare hands, legs and misery And[Read More…]

by 18/07/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
U.S. Veterans joined the Standing Rock Sioux encampment protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Photo: Joe Brusky/Overpass Light Brigade)

Why Are You Silent?

Atmosphere polluted Food adulterated Water contaminated Earth! Why are you silent? Meandering along The strife – torn lands With people lynching River ! Why are you silent ? (1) Crops failures Farmers suicides Wailing bereaved families Conscience ! Why are you silent? Bombings and shootings Killing Innocents with drones Battles on borders Peace! Why are you silent? Rapes and murders[Read More…]

by 10/07/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
The Hangman And The Noose

The Hangman And The Noose

Sun! Don’t rise like a scaffold ..! Let the darkness engulfed like the dark cloth round the neck Of the victim clear itself …. Sun! Don’t rise till the gallows Are removed for ever From the face of the Earth Till a hangman Refuses to take the life of another person By force… For a few bucks When the person[Read More…]

by 04/07/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Disabled And The GST

Disabled And The GST

  At the midnight hour, when the whole world slept, India woke to life and freedom in the emotional words of Nehru’. But, again, in the midnight hour, India will witness one of the most radical tax reforms – GST…! The government is ready to roll out GST from July 1 despite dissatisfaction from many quarters. One of the consequences[Read More…]

by 30/06/2017 1 comment India
Sins, Rebirths And Disability

Sins, Rebirths And Disability

  ” You have committed sins in your last incarnation” From the time I gained consciousness, I have been hearing this sentence from whoever speaks to me – irrespective of the age or relation of the person. This sentence has haunted me for long and when I heard even educated people say this sentence over and over even in towns[Read More…]

by 28/06/2017 4 comments Life/Philosophy
Letter To father

Letter To father

Father, I would have loved you more Had you felt happy When I was born As you felt when at the time of my brother … Dear father, I would have cared you more Had you shared your thoughts On life and property As you did with my brother .. But oh! Father, You commanded me like a priest You[Read More…]

by 19/06/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
India: Time To Act And React

India: Time To Act And React

  In less than two years time, India might witness another general election which will be polarised more than ever. The hindutva forces have already started the required ground work. Presidential election The major show of battle will start with the election of president next month. The BJP is aware that it’s first litmus test is the election of a[Read More…]

by 13/06/2017 2 comments India
The events at Standing Rock have been transformative, and these victories are not ones that Energy Transfer Partners or even President-elect Trump can take away. (Photo: Oceti Sakowin/flickr/cc)

The ‘Truth’ Of The Matter

Lies propagated as truths
Half – truths and ‘ post truths’
Cannot, for long, hide reality
From vast humanity

by 10/06/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter

  White racists! Supremacists! Yes! We are dark!… Black! Egoistic imperialists! You are not on the right track! From Asia and Africa We were herded as slaves To serve your America From our birth to graves Without our toil and strain How can you make ‘ America great again’ ? Without our body and brain How much can America gain?[Read More…]

by 06/06/2017 Comments are Disabled Arts/Literature
Sermons

Sermons

Brothers ! Sisters ! Listen !
Unite and hasten
To counter cow vigilantes
Forced religious conversions
Voice right to dissent
And rights of women empowerment
Release of illegal detainees
Without speedy trial and justice

by 03/06/2017 1 comment Arts/Literature
Life Cycle

Life Cycle

  My life Is a ‘ fatal accident’… An unintended incident Clock starts ticking As my heart starts beating Like countdown before a satellite Exploding into the sky straight I become an identity A family’s entity Assume a name, a caste, a sanctity A religion, a member of a community I start becoming greedy Sucking milk from a dead mother’s[Read More…]

by 30/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Past And Future: Evaluating Three Years Of Modi Raj

Past And Future: Evaluating Three Years Of Modi Raj

Narendra Modi government is completing three years of its rule tomorrow. It’s time to take stock of the government and the governance. Though three years in a span of seventy years of Independent India is not much, there are some important issues that should be discussed which may provide guidelines for the future. Rise of The Right Since the first[Read More…]

by 25/05/2017 3 comments India
Reflections Of A Seed

Reflections Of A Seed

I wish I remain
In the cozy lap of mother Earth
Safe without pain
Of germination and growth …

by 23/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Ballad of People

Ballad of People

Fifty springs have passed
Number of people martyred
But, till democratic equality is not attained
Future torch – bearer is Naxalbari

by 17/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Investigation

Investigation

Your honour!
Stifling his right of expression
Punishing him with incarceration
Is nothing different from anticipation
But continued centuries of strangulation
Of justice generation after generation !

by 14/05/2017 4 comments Arts/Literature
Tributes

Tributes

Oh! Mother of civilization !
We are out to destroy
The meticulous creation
You nourished for us to enjoy

by 12/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
The Omnipotent And Omniscient

The Omnipotent And Omniscient

But if you risk life
Continue strife
Spread collective power
High over the infinite ‘ Sky’ tower
Will the big brother follow you?

by 02/05/2017 3 comments Arts/Literature
Doctor And Predator

Doctor And Predator

Welcome to the nation!
‘ Doctor President’ Erdogan!
Let dictatorship and despotism
Integrate fanaticism with fascism!

by 02/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Rays

Rays

Sun zooms into sky
Like aspirations of workers of ‘ Maruti Suzuki ‘
Toiling daily with casting and moulding
And turning and fitting
Gears, accelerators and brakes
Or cushioned seats and side glasses
In the sweltering heat
And iron rust

by 01/05/2017 2 comments Arts/Literature
Photo by mysterykatt123

Question

When life is uncertain
Death certain
How long can 1%
Live with wealth of 99% ?

by 28/04/2017 5 comments Arts/Literature
The Soothing Hand

The Soothing Hand

When I hear the degradation of nature I think of the tender touch of Helen Keller! When I hear of the inhuman bombings of warmongers I remember the odyssey of Homer …! When I read of children with hunger I console myself in the music of Stevie Wonder When there are so many suffering around me Still living with hope[Read More…]

by 25/04/2017 11 comments Arts/Literature