Self-defeating arguments
The CPI(M) and its politbureau-centric leaders some of whom are nearly out of job within the party itself like comrade Prakash Karat have recently wished that the Indian army ‘suffer irreparable damage’ in its operation against terrorists in the Valley and against those whose work is to facilitate, aid, abet …
ANIL MADHAV DAVE: A PERSONAL REFLECTION
Just as he was gearing up to play the most crucial innings of his life, Dave suddenly decided to ‘get off the track’, leaving behind for those he inspired and touched, bewilderment and silence of the Narmada Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a friend and described him as a …
Modi’s compelling narrative
So dominant, so focused, and so compelling has been the India narrative that Narendra Modi has succeeded in generating, in the last three years, that it is continuously and ceaselessly occupying centre stage in all our debates and discussions. The Indian dream, the Indian growth story, the Indian civilisational dimensions, …
INTELLECTUALS, YES, BUT WITH CLOSED MINDS
Historian Ramchandra Guha’s academic capacities may be considerable, but they are severely compromised by the biases he holds, and which colour his opinions Cricket historian Ramchandra Guha recently called Professor BB Kumar, the newly appointed Chairman of the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), a “semi-literate Sanghi”. These words …
Unaware of reality, communists see politics behind triple talaq
When asked what advice would he give the Left-wing writers, leading British conservative philosopher and writer Roger Scruton replied “acknowledge the legitimacy of disagreement”. Scruton’s description of the Left and Communist intelligentsia, and his analysis of their methods of political and intellectual impositions are applicable in the Indian context as …
New India – Reflections
As one increasingly heard and followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially from November, when he made one of his most “disruptionist” announcements of demonetisation, one could not but help recall the words of deep prescience that Dr S Radhakrishnan, philosopher, statesman and former President of India, spoke in the Constituent …
Renewing ancient links
On a recent visit to Myanmar, I called on Daw Than Than Nu, daughter of the first Prime Minister of Myanmar, the legendary U Nu. I had carried along with me a collage of photographs of U Nu with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, from the time when Dr. Mookerjee, as …
BJP’S JOURNEY TO SCALE NEW HEIGHTS HAS BEGUN
Observers and political practitioners have spoken of the organisational restructuring of the BJP as a challenge that needs to be addressed. But the party has already initiated the process ever since Amit Shah took over While inaugurating the second BJP State library named after the Jana Sangh stalwart and social reformer Nanaji Deshmukh, in …
Radiating a powerful message
On April 25, BJP national president Amit Shah started his fifteen days ‘vistarak’ sojourn from the non-descript but historic Naxalbari village in north Bengal. Shah declared that he was one among 3 lakh 68 thousand workers who have pledged to dedicate 15 full days for the party. There were two …
Looking back into history
While honouring the descendants of those who had participated in the Paika Revolt of 1817 in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a very pertinent observation. He said that the narrative built around the struggle for India’s freedom had been limited to a few episodes and a few families while …
NO SILENCE OF LAMBS IN MAMATA’S BENGAL
This Ram Navami was a sure sign that West Bengal was trying to emerge out of the cycle of degeneration it has been consigned to. The response to a call for celebrating the occasion was a re-assertion of Hindu right In the first week of April, Ram Navami was celebrated …
Reflections on “A New India”
The successful articulation of a political and governance narrative is indicative of the positive health of a political party and movement. The BJP, in the last two years or so, is in a constant process of self-renewal – which is multi-directional and ideologically re-invigorating. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s narrative has …
Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’ fires the imagination of youth
The BJP completes its 37th year this month and continues to exude a robust index of growth and self-renewal. It has succeeded in building and articulating a narrative which is getting increasing acceptance across the spectrum. The successful articulation of a political and governance account is indicative of the positive …
Pillar of strength & stability
The recent terror crackdown in Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s dispensation continues to demonstrate her determination to cleanse the system of the poison that has long plagued Bangladeshi society and polity and had become especially acute in the last few years. Hasina’s persistence with the War Crime Trials, despite …