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Reflections on August 15 On Independence Day, I wonder whether we are truly free. We broke the chains of colonialism, yet we forged new ones: corruption that has seeped into the system making it rotten; injustice that spares the powerful; the divisions of caste and religion, and the silent suffering of the poor. Women still … Read more
Every monsoon, a quiet menace surges across India’s waterways, turning glistening rivers, backwaters and lakes into green deserts. This threat is the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an innocuous-looking aquatic plant which has delicate lilac flowers that belies its destructive power. Nowhere is its impact more pervasive than in Kerala — a State renowned for its … Read more
The Supreme Court of India’s strong censure of Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi in April seems to have done little to slow down the collision course that many Governors have been on with the respective State governments. Not only did the Court rule against the Governor casting a de-facto veto on 10 Bills relating to … Read more
Every year, we celebrate our nation’s attainment of political freedom from British imperialism and reiterate our loyalty to the ideals that our founding fathers fought for. In that sense, August 15 stands as a strong reminder of the long journey that shaped our nation: a heroic struggle that united millions from diverse social, linguistic and … Read more
Police in several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled States are trying to identify undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants by their language: Bengali. This approach has led to some comical errors, such as the Delhi police listing “Bangladeshi” as a language — a massive leap in linguistics. However, in most cases, this has become a tragic and farcical exercise. … Read more
Over the past two decades, China has entrenched itself as a dominant actor in Africa’s mining sector. But signs are mounting that the tide is beginning to turn. A new wave of resistance, driven by increased scrutiny from African governments as well as civil society activism, is starting to challenge China’s long-standing dominance in Africa’s … Read more
A beneficiary after receiving ration goods under the Thayumanavar Scheme at Gopal Nagar in Chennai on August 12, 2025. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam On August 12, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched Thayumanavar Thittam, a scheme to provide ration products at the doorsteps of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This … Read more
Everyone engaged in higher education recognises that academic freedom is primary because universities are the places for raising doubts and asking questions about everything. Exploring ideas, debating issues and thinking independently are essential in the quest for excellence. After all, knowledge develops only if we question existing knowledge. This means that students must have the … Read more
Today, I am angry. I am disappointed. I write because my children are dying. Your children are dying. Our children are dying in Gaza. I can hear their cries. I can feel their pain. Why can’t you? Every day, around 30 children are killed — by bombs, missiles, and deliberate, systemic deprivation. Only two days … Read more
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ assertion to the J&K High Court that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) can nominate five Assembly members without the “aid and advice” of the elected government overrides democratic accountability. Consequential decisions such as nominating members who have voting rights in an elected assembly must flow from democratic mandate, not administrative … Read more