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Hegemony: Kerala’s Bharatapuzha as a political stage
Unlike the North Indian Kumbh, the Bharatapuzha by contrast has never functioned as a Pan-Hindu pilgrimage centre. It has no historical association with mass ritual bathing, no priestly networks that regulate sacred time, and no inherited mythological mandate that binds the river to cyclical purification rites. The introduction of the Maha Magha Mahotsavam is a clear cultural imposition by Hindutva
Is anyone listening? Two creative works that transform personal tragedies into powerful political statements
This article delves into the artistic narratives of dissent and personal journeys of Mari Selvaraj's 'Maamannan' and Nisha Abdulla's 'We Push the Sky'.
Artists & Intellectuals must appeal to the Good: Joy Sengupta, theatre-film actor
Culture will always be a personal struggle of communicating what is inherently essential in the hope that progressive aesthetics shared through different mediums awaken a mass, wider consciousness
Breaking silences makes civilisations heal: theatre director, Sunil Shanbag
In this thought-provoking essay, the theatre director producer of 45 years explores multiple worlds, political, artistic and personal
Art must mirror an urgent need, the personal and the political: Asmit Pathare
In this powerful essay of self-expression, theatre and film director, Asmit Pathare explores the challenging world of a young artist challenged by deep schisms in society, driven deeper by a politics that thrives on division and repression.
Lord Ram, in my sixth letter I appeal to your diverse forms
This is the sixth letter in a series: the writer's point is to emphasise the importance of diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and open discourse when portraying Lord Ram and discussing his significance in Hindu culture. The writer criticises the limited perspective in a recently released film and contrasts it with the nuanced portrayal in the Sanskrit play "Uttara Rama Charita." The writer advocates for embracing multiple interpretations of Lord Ram's character, highlighting the dangers of dogmatism and the need for inclusive dialogue to safeguard societal harmony and progress.
Skewed: A Personal View -A mathematician reflects on the powerful drama with his 11 year old son
On May 12, 2023, my son Swapnil (an 11-year...
Chokhamela’s Bhakti: the past transforms into a radical present
A poet-philosopher of an inclusive tradition, Chokhamela experienced the bitter exclusion of caste, yet persisted in his questioning spirituality, adding to the rich variety in this centuries’old tradition, the Warkari (Varkari) devotional movement of Maharashtra
Muslim bullied at Madina for his Indian Islamic practice
Noticing a thread tied around the old man’s wrist, the protagonist, Shaikh Muzaffar Madni, ridiculed the practice and said it was a “non-Muslim practice” he had imbibed
Hindu temple faces backlash for demanding removal of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s picture from dance institute’s program
After this decision backfires, an apology was issued, the chief of the temple authorities said it was a “wrong guess” on their part
Political Power & narrow vision demonising Muslims, destroying harmony & defaming Varkari tradition says Sant Suhas Maharaj Phadtare: Trimbakeshwar row
The dhoop arti tradition at the Trimbakeshwar mandir is being demonised by narrow vested political interests, a cruel Brahminical tradition that cannot tolerate social harmony and syncretic culture says the renowned Varkari saint-philosopher from Satara, Suhas Maharasj Phadtare
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India
Religious Freedom: How the USCIRF continues to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)
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Evicted, Accused, and Deleted: The shrinking space for Muslim citizenship
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Union government revokes Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under NSA after nearly six months!
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Allahabad High Court orders 24/7 armed protection for Bareilly Muslim man allegedly prevented from offering namaz at home
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Rights
35 civil society groups oppose Maharashtra’s proposed anti-conversion law, warn of threat to women’s autonomy and constitutional freedoms
Coalition, which also included CJP who is the lead petitioner on challenge to anti-conversion laws in SC, demands draft bill be made public, calls for consultations and legislative scrutiny; says existing criminal law already addresses coercion