Articles by: Ujjawal Krishnam

Zakia Soman: We Must Fight the Men of Religion

Zakia Soman: We Must Fight the Men of Religion

ZakiaSoman, the founder of Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (an organisation of Muslim women in India), has been the wheel behind the mass movement demanding the law to criminalise the draconian practice of Triple Talaq.Soman, the epitome of pluralistic faith, remained untouched of hatred peddled in the aftermath of 2002 Gujarat violence while her activism brought together thousands of women to[Read More…]

by — 17/11/2019 — Comments are Disabled — India
Why is Mahatma’s Champaran Satyagraha still relevant?

Why is Mahatma’s Champaran Satyagraha still relevant?

The actual probity on any part cannot be achieved by revisiting historical accounts on pages of history books, what Champaran episode of Indian independence movement teaches us is the need of pragmatic approach and implementation of historical standards on current day sets. In foothills of Himalayas, on the contours of Nepal and India, Bihar’s largest district in terms of area[Read More…]

by — 18/10/2019 — Comments are Disabled — India
Sunaina has an onerous bundle of documents of grievance redressal but her sufferings remain intact.

No ex gratia, no compassionate employment: A woman’s suffering whose peon husband went missing from the polling station

Sunaina Devi, an illiterate, has knocked all the available doors after her husband disappeared eight years ago but her struggle is yet to end. “My hopes diminished with his disappearance,” says Sunaina Devi, 62, of her husband who went missing on April 28, 2011. “His paltry income was the light in our darkness, what else is there for the poor[Read More…]

by — 28/07/2019 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Why the movies like ‘Article 15’ do not jolt but solidify casteism?

Why the movies like ‘Article 15’ do not jolt but solidify casteism?

Article 15 is an attempt to glorify the ‘harmonious’ varna vyavastha. There is a deafening silence when it comes to questioning the caste structure. Article 15, a movie directed by Anubhav Sinha, faced angry protesters after the release of its trailer. Hindutva supporters felt that their old age traditions and culture were being questioned and ridiculed. Article 15 earned appreciable[Read More…]

by — 06/07/2019 — Comments are Disabled — Arts/Literature
Interview With Marius Reikerås – Human Rights Defender

Interview With Marius Reikerås – Human Rights Defender

Marius Reikerås is an internationally acclaimed Norwegian lawyer and human rights activist. He was awarded the NCHR/NKMR honorary diploma 2018 for outstanding bravery, compassion and humanitarian engagement. As a lawyer, Marius Reikerås has always battled against the Norwegian court system, to protect his Human rights. For many years, Marius Reikerås has been at the forefront of the protests and demonstrations[Read More…]

by — 22/05/2019 — 1 comment — Human Rights
What does the watering-down of UN’s rape-in-war resolution mean?

What does the watering-down of UN’s rape-in-war resolution mean?

The omission of critical clauses in the recent UNSC resolution narrates the disastrous tale of misuse-of-power by the Veto bloc to defend conservative domestic policies. Ujjawal Krishnam In 8514th meeting of Security Council, on April 23, UN passed a historic resolution [2467:2019] to adopt measures on ending sexual violence in conflict. But the resolution passed by UN omitted crucial terminologies[Read More…]

by — 15/05/2019 — 1 comment — World
Hindutva and its new dimensions

Hindutva and its new dimensions

The acquittal of Samjhauta Express blasts accused bears several connotations. On March 20, Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted the four accused in the 2007 Samjhauta Express Blast case. Among the accused, Swami Aseemanand was an influential Hindutva leader who was earlier tried and acquitted in Ajmer dargah and Mecca Masjid bombings. Under Modi regime, Indian investigation agencies have[Read More…]

by — 09/04/2019 — Comments are Disabled — India
The withdrawal of a political film highlights India’s problematic ban culture

The withdrawal of a political film highlights India’s problematic ban culture

India’s democratic values can’t sustain a simple cinema test, the episode draws attention to a wide issue of India’s discriminatory practices against artists and professional minorities. Bhobishyoter Bhoot (Ghost of the Future), Anik Dutta’s fourth film, was suddenly removed from theatres on February 16 just after running for a day. Reports suggest that Kolkata Police mentioned to the producers about the possible[Read More…]

by — 30/03/2019 — Comments are Disabled — India
JNUEE fee row: JNU Administration calling its own prospectus fake?

JNUEE fee row: JNU Administration calling its own prospectus fake?

Rude language and strong denial of atrocities define JNU Administration today. On March 14, JNU’s prospectus was allegedly leaked on social media. JNU Students’ Union called for strike against the alleged 300% fee hike. The leaked prospectus was found doing the rounds on social networks. The leaked prospectus mentioned the fees for General Category/EWS, OBC, SC/ST/PWD/BPL/Transgender to be Rs 1200,[Read More…]

by — 23/03/2019 — Comments are Disabled — India
Should higher judiciary seek the people’s mandate?

Should higher judiciary seek the people’s mandate?

The recent brouhaha over SC’s hat-trick judgements raises eyebrows, seeks some answers. Major General Mrinal Suman’s comment on Supreme Court of India has triggered the debate on the judicial domain of higher judiciary. Mrinal Suman comments, “If judiciary wants to govern the country, let it seek the people’s mandate.” He argues, “The higher judiciary is not mandated to govern the[Read More…]

by — 15/11/2018 — 1 comment — India