Secularism

An investigation into how a nationwide network of right-wing organisations, with political and state patronage, is transforming a religious ritual into a campaign of hate, through public weapon worship in universities, police stations, and community spaces, it seeks to legitimise violence, indoctrinate children, and dismantle India’s constitutional secular order

‘This is Hindu Rashtra’ say mobsters in Odisha as vendors selling Santa hats are attacked; In MP churches observing Christmas celebrations are stormed by far right politicians belong to the ruling BJP, Delhi sees intimidation by the Bajrang Dal on women sporting Santa hats and similar attacks are seen in Rajasthan. All such incidents have invited widespread condemnation on social media. Delhi, the national capital also sees the free run of right wing bullies attacking those in Christmas attire; meanwhile, widespread protests have erupted over the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to deny Christmas Holidays to students. Clearly it is the BJP run states that have seen this lawlessness ahead of a much loved Indian festival.

Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi hearing the matter also directed that the case be categorised as “most important” and heard on a daily basis.

The author, brings attention to crucial issues affecting society and state through his unique brand of satire

A village panchayat in Rajasthan's Jalore district has prohibited daughters-in-law and young women from 15 villages from using phones with cameras starting January 26 which is also India’s Republic Day, the day the Indian Constitution came into force. Instead, they will only be allowed to use keypad phones instead of smartphones; explaining the rationale, Sujanaram Chaudhary said the community believes that excessive smartphone use by women leads to prolonged screen exposure for children living with them

The Editors Guild of India has unequivocally condemned the physical assaults and incidents of mob attacks, vandalism and arson against prominent media persons and media establishments in Bangladesh.

Once again, Christians are under brute and specific attack on the eve of the Christmas season

Media reports state that the state Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh alleged that the man from Chhattisgarh had been ‘attacked after being stigmatised as Bangladeshi’