Recent events at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, and the political drama that followed has divided Indians into those who identify themselves as nationalists and others who, equally proudly, proclaim themselves anti-national. The debate has pitted those who pretend to champion freedom of expression and dissent against those who will tolerate no act that may be deemed seditious or […]
Head Transplant in Humans and Some Questions that Follow
New Scientist reported earlier this week on a surgeon’s claim to have conducted a successful head transplant on a monkey, and that he (the surgeon – not the monkey) has plans to attempt the same on humans towards end of next year. Putting aside the obvious and difficult questions of whether the claims are to be believed, and […]
Curious Result of Percentage Changes in Value
This will be elementary to those who are sound in high school maths, but might easily be overlooked by others. Since it is counter-intuitive to the untrained mind, as well as relevant in many day-to-day situations, hope this discussion will be valued at least by some. Yes, value is the topic of this discussion – specifically, the […]
Juvenile Justice and Delhi Rape Case
Juvenile justice has been a hotly debated topic this week, with the juvenile delinquent in Delhi rape case set to be released tomorrow. Looks like most Indians are of the opinion that he should not be allowed to walk free. Their reasons vary, but most of them come down to one of the two main arguments […]
Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act 2015 and Supreme Court Verdict
There are many flaws in Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act 2015, and the recent Supreme Court verdict chooses to ignore them all. Before we can get into the details, it is important to understand the major changes brought in through the amendment and their supposed rationale. To read the amendment in full, refer to this barely […]
Gender Bias in Temples and other Places of Worship
“Incredible India” is home to many incredible traditions. There are several thousand different sects following different customs, having their own deities and places of worship. These include temples for Gods, animals, saints, celestial bodies, and even actresses and politicians! The rules followed at many of these are often strange, and usually, follow from local customs and […]
How Hitler Helped End Colonialism
European colonies which gained their freedom post World War II owe their freedom, in a great part, to Hitler and the Nazis. Whether or not he really meant to do so, there are at least two ways in which Hitler helped end colonialism. The first of these is more straightforward, less controversial, seldom disputed, and widely […]
Thoughts on Faridabad Immolation Tragedy
Social and conventional media are ablaze with the Faridabad immolation tragedy. If innocent people, especially children, lose their life, it is natural for people to feel sad and pained. It goes without saying that the case should be investigated impartially and if there is foul play, perpetrators should be brought to justice. In India, however, […]
History, Hinduism and Beef Eating
The debate on Hinduism and beef eating is not only old, but also one that has made a mark on Indian history time and again. This was, for example, one of the primary triggers for the First War of Independence in 1857 in which use (or rumour of use) of cartridges greased with cow and pig fat […]
The Net Neutrality Debate and an Edible Analogy
The net neutrality debate is now raging in India. In spite of the obvious simplification, this edible analogy should throw light on what each side in this debate stands for (at least from my perspective). In a vast, wide, world, there were many countries. They were at different levels of prosperity, cultivated different crops, wore different clothes, spoke different languages, but […]