Twist in the tale - Hindustan Times:
Enjoy this piece for New Year
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Societal morality to constitutional morality
Societal morality to constitutional morality:
Kalpana Kannabiran's Tools of Justice: Non Discrimination and the Indian Constitution is reviewed by Z M Yacoob, a Justice of the Constitutional Court in South Africa. Yacoob in his review examines Kalpana's thesis in the context of his own experiences in South Africa. Though I have not gone through the book it appears from the Review that Kalpana thinks that non-discrimination is not equality. In fact, non-discrimination and equality are the two sides of the same coin. Non-discrimination is a facet of Equality and gels well other rights like Liberty, Religious Freedom etc.
Kalpana Kannabiran's Tools of Justice: Non Discrimination and the Indian Constitution is reviewed by Z M Yacoob, a Justice of the Constitutional Court in South Africa. Yacoob in his review examines Kalpana's thesis in the context of his own experiences in South Africa. Though I have not gone through the book it appears from the Review that Kalpana thinks that non-discrimination is not equality. In fact, non-discrimination and equality are the two sides of the same coin. Non-discrimination is a facet of Equality and gels well other rights like Liberty, Religious Freedom etc.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
The C in Congress - Indian Express
The C in Congress - Indian Express:
Four Cs were used to describe the nature of India's Congress Party -- corrupt, casteist, communalist & criminal. Now PB Mehata has added a new C - cynical. In fact, the INC is responsible for most of the ills bedeviling Indian polity.
Four Cs were used to describe the nature of India's Congress Party -- corrupt, casteist, communalist & criminal. Now PB Mehata has added a new C - cynical. In fact, the INC is responsible for most of the ills bedeviling Indian polity.
Lokpal and Constitution Amendment Bills
The Hindu : News / Resources : Lokpal and Constitution Amendment Bills:
A Lokpal( Ombudsman) bill was first introduced in India in 1968. Nothing happened. Many more Bills were brought, nothing happened. In 2011 after the disclosure of several scams a movement led by Anna Hazare, India Against Corruption, engulfed India demanding Jan Lokpal( People's Ombudsman). The Govt.'s bill is not what what Anna has been asking for. In conformity with Third World Countries' penchant for form over substance Govt of India is proposing to amend the Const. to give constitutional status to Lokpal.
A Lokpal( Ombudsman) bill was first introduced in India in 1968. Nothing happened. Many more Bills were brought, nothing happened. In 2011 after the disclosure of several scams a movement led by Anna Hazare, India Against Corruption, engulfed India demanding Jan Lokpal( People's Ombudsman). The Govt.'s bill is not what what Anna has been asking for. In conformity with Third World Countries' penchant for form over substance Govt of India is proposing to amend the Const. to give constitutional status to Lokpal.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Václav Havel: in memoriam: Václav Havel, playwright and president | The Economist
Václav Havel: in memoriam: Václav Havel, playwright and president | The Economist:
A practicing political theorist and author of " The Power of the Powerless " Valcav Havel
A practicing political theorist and author of " The Power of the Powerless " Valcav Havel
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Future of History | Foreign Affairs
The Future of History | Foreign Affairs: Francis Fukuyama
After predicting the End of History Francis Fukuyama is now anxious to know the Future of History. The future of history is as good or bad as the future of mankind. In fact in this article Fukuyama is examining the impact of the weakening/ strengthening of middle class on the future of democracy. Since the time of Aristotle Political Theorists have argued that it is the Middle Class which imparts stability to the political system. The broadening of Middle Class is co-terminus with the spread of democracy. However, in countries like India in order to broaden their vote bank some political parties are targeting the Middle Class which may prove counter productive in the long run.
After predicting the End of History Francis Fukuyama is now anxious to know the Future of History. The future of history is as good or bad as the future of mankind. In fact in this article Fukuyama is examining the impact of the weakening/ strengthening of middle class on the future of democracy. Since the time of Aristotle Political Theorists have argued that it is the Middle Class which imparts stability to the political system. The broadening of Middle Class is co-terminus with the spread of democracy. However, in countries like India in order to broaden their vote bank some political parties are targeting the Middle Class which may prove counter productive in the long run.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
debt by david graeber - bookforum.com / daily review
debt by david graeber - bookforum.com / daily review:
David Graeber should have confined himself to the problem of Debt in present times only. In trying to show his erudition in going back to " original ... moral and cosmological notion" of debt in Axial Age civilizations ( Karl Jaspers' label to describe the period between 800BC and 600 CE of China, India and Greece ) Graeber has exhibited only his ignorance. Graeber writes that in India it was about our debt to gods, in China it was about debt to our parents and in Greece "and sometimes in India" it was about our debt to the cosmos. In fact in India we talk about three debts which must be repaid: Dev rina (debt to gods), Rishi rina ( debt to the sages) andPitri rina ( debt to forefathers) . We repay Dev rina by performing Yagnas, Rishi rina by spreading their noble ideas, imparting knowledge to others and doing good work, and Pitri rina by producing children so that the family cycle goes on.
David Graeber should have confined himself to the problem of Debt in present times only. In trying to show his erudition in going back to " original ... moral and cosmological notion" of debt in Axial Age civilizations ( Karl Jaspers' label to describe the period between 800BC and 600 CE of China, India and Greece ) Graeber has exhibited only his ignorance. Graeber writes that in India it was about our debt to gods, in China it was about debt to our parents and in Greece "and sometimes in India" it was about our debt to the cosmos. In fact in India we talk about three debts which must be repaid: Dev rina (debt to gods), Rishi rina ( debt to the sages) andPitri rina ( debt to forefathers) . We repay Dev rina by performing Yagnas, Rishi rina by spreading their noble ideas, imparting knowledge to others and doing good work, and Pitri rina by producing children so that the family cycle goes on.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Occupy This: Is It Comeback Time for Herbert Marcuse? - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education
Occupy This: Is It Comeback Time for Herbert Marcuse? - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education:
The writer claims that merican Universities are exemplars of pluralism, but Harvard's treatment of Subramanian Swamy exposes the American double standard.
The writer claims that merican Universities are exemplars of pluralism, but Harvard's treatment of Subramanian Swamy exposes the American double standard.
The Hindu : Arts / History & Culture : Landmark - Delhi redefined
The Hindu : Arts / History & Culture : Landmark - Delhi redefined:
New Delhi completes 100 years of its existence
New Delhi completes 100 years of its existence
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Republic in Dire Straits: How to Put It Back on the Rails
The Republic in Dire Straits: How to Put It Back on the Rails:
P S Appu, a retired and distinguished bureaucrat but intellectually not objective, analyses the condition of Indian polity.
P S Appu, a retired and distinguished bureaucrat but intellectually not objective, analyses the condition of Indian polity.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Against abuse of the contempt power
Against abuse of the contempt power: V R KRISHNA IYER
Although the Courts themselves have realized the anachronism inherent in the power of contempt, Justice Iyer's opinion is always valuable.
Trust the people, Madam
Trust the people, Madam:
Why has the Family Brand / Dynasty been distrustful of the people of India? A masterly analysis by Nalapat.
Why has the Family Brand / Dynasty been distrustful of the people of India? A masterly analysis by Nalapat.
Friday, December 2, 2011
India's youth hates Sharad Pawar the most: India Today opinion poll : North News - India Today
India's youth hates Sharad Pawar the most: India Today opinion poll : North News - India Today:
This type of listing bears the US stamp and serves no purpose. Yet in line with human nature we find such listings interesting.
This type of listing bears the US stamp and serves no purpose. Yet in line with human nature we find such listings interesting.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
HUMANITIES Magazine: November/December 2011: The Islamic Scholar Who Gave Us Modern Philosophy
HUMANITIES Magazine: November/December 2011: The Islamic Scholar Who Gave Us Modern Philosophy: IBNA RASHD
It is very distressing to know the limited knowledge of Western scholars. They think that philosophy began with the Greeks like Plato & Aristotle. Who will tell them that Philosophy like Algebra, Arithmetic and Zero began in India?
It is very distressing to know the limited knowledge of Western scholars. They think that philosophy began with the Greeks like Plato & Aristotle. Who will tell them that Philosophy like Algebra, Arithmetic and Zero began in India?
The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers | Foreign Policy
The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers | Foreign Policy:
Do these listings serve any purpose? Are they objective? In this diverse world is it possible to choose global thinkers ?
Do these listings serve any purpose? Are they objective? In this diverse world is it possible to choose global thinkers ?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Animosity between PC, Swamy spans decades
Animosity between PC, Swamy spans decades:
Pathan vs Sicilian
A brilliant analysis of the reasons behind the acrimony between Swamy and Chidambaram by M D Nalapat, one of the impartial journalists of India. Nalapat reveals that Chidambaram boasted about his association with Swamy at Harvard. Nalapat interestingly says that while Chidambaram acts like a Pathan, Swamy acts like a Sicilian.
Pathan vs Sicilian
A brilliant analysis of the reasons behind the acrimony between Swamy and Chidambaram by M D Nalapat, one of the impartial journalists of India. Nalapat reveals that Chidambaram boasted about his association with Swamy at Harvard. Nalapat interestingly says that while Chidambaram acts like a Pathan, Swamy acts like a Sicilian.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Most people in India are of 'very low intellectual level': Katju - Indian Express
Most people in India are of 'very low intellectual level': Katju - Indian Express:
Discretion is not the forte of every ex-judges and other celebrities.
Discretion is not the forte of every ex-judges and other celebrities.
Don't bring judiciary to disrepute because of few erring judges: CJI - Indian Express
Don't bring judiciary to disrepute because of few erring judges: CJI - Indian Express:
CJI S H Kapadia is one of the most honest and admired CJIs . His call to name corrupt judges is admirable, but unworkable because ordinary citizens can't collect evidences against powerful persons like the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Taking a big gamble - Seema Sirohi
Taking a big gamble - The Times of India:
History is replete with instances when leaders in their naivete compromised the national interest of their countries and ultimately harmed the cause of international system and world peace. Man Mohan Singh's utterances and policy towards Pakistan prove his naivete in matters of foreign policy.
History is replete with instances when leaders in their naivete compromised the national interest of their countries and ultimately harmed the cause of international system and world peace. Man Mohan Singh's utterances and policy towards Pakistan prove his naivete in matters of foreign policy.
Corey Robin for Democracy Journal: The Politics of Fear
Corey Robin for Democracy Journal: The Politics of Fear:
When will the day come when terrorists will not be focus of our life but simply a nuisance?
When will the day come when terrorists will not be focus of our life but simply a nuisance?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Who guards the guardians? Follow the Leveson Inquiry in the UK « INTERESTING READS
Who guards the guardians? Follow the Leveson Inquiry in the UK « INTERESTING READS:
It is relevant for all those who are concerned with the proper role of media in an Open Society.
It is relevant for all those who are concerned with the proper role of media in an Open Society.
LOS ANGELES REVIEW OF BOOKS | The Educational Lottery
LOS ANGELES REVIEW OF BOOKS | The Educational Lottery:
Does/can education solve our social/cultural problems?
Does/can education solve our social/cultural problems?
Monday, November 14, 2011
I Was Wrong, and So Are You - Magazine - The Atlantic
I Was Wrong, and So Are You - Magazine - The Atlantic:
Our political leanings leave us more biased and affect our reasoning.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Triumphalist | The New Republic
The Triumphalist | The New Republic:
The Origins of Political Order: From Pre Human Times to the French Revolution --- Francis Fukuyama--- A Review
The Origins of Political Order: From Pre Human Times to the French Revolution --- Francis Fukuyama--- A Review
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
A Woman Burning in the Distance: Contemporary Mithila Art - 50 Watts
A Woman Burning in the Distance: Contemporary Mithila Art - 50 Watts:
SATI PRATHA ( Burning of the woman on husband's funeral pyre ) was not practiced in Mithila.
SATI PRATHA ( Burning of the woman on husband's funeral pyre ) was not practiced in Mithila.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Theory and Practice
Theory and Practice: Ramchandra Guha is a historian with a cause and Prakash Karat is a practicing politician and General Secretary of CPM of India. Here is a debate between the two on the past, present and future of Communism in India.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
देवोत्थान एकादशी
ॐ ब्रह्मेन्द्ररुद्रैरभिवन्द्यमानो भवानृषिर्वन्दितवन्दनीयः!
प्राप्ता तवेयं किल कौमुदाख्या जागृष्व जागृष्व च लोकनाथ !!
ॐ मेधा गता निर्मलपूर्णचन्द्रः शारद्यपुष्पाणि मनोहराणि !
अहं ददानीति च पुण्यहेतोर्जागृष्व जागृष्व च लोकनाथ !!
ॐ उत्तिष्ठोतिष्ठ गोविन्द त्यज निद्रां जगत्पते !
त्वया चोत्थीयमानेन, उत्थितं भुवनत्रयम् !!
Today, the eleventh day of the bright phase of Kartik, is the day when according to Hindu belief the Lord, Bhagavan Vishnu, rises from his sleep and auspicious works of Hindus begin to be performed. The hymn mentioned above is an entreaty to the Lord to rise and let the three worlds -- earth, heaven and the nether world -- rise with Him.
ॐ ब्रह्मेन्द्ररुद्रैरभिवन्द्यमानो भवानृषिर्वन्दितवन्दनीयः!
प्राप्ता तवेयं किल कौमुदाख्या जागृष्व जागृष्व च लोकनाथ !!
ॐ मेधा गता निर्मलपूर्णचन्द्रः शारद्यपुष्पाणि मनोहराणि !
अहं ददानीति च पुण्यहेतोर्जागृष्व जागृष्व च लोकनाथ !!
ॐ उत्तिष्ठोतिष्ठ गोविन्द त्यज निद्रां जगत्पते !
त्वया चोत्थीयमानेन, उत्थितं भुवनत्रयम् !!
Today, the eleventh day of the bright phase of Kartik, is the day when according to Hindu belief the Lord, Bhagavan Vishnu, rises from his sleep and auspicious works of Hindus begin to be performed. The hymn mentioned above is an entreaty to the Lord to rise and let the three worlds -- earth, heaven and the nether world -- rise with Him.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
beta.epw.in/static_media/PDF/archives_pdf/2011/10/SA_XLVI_4445_051111_Ramachandra_Guha.pdf
beta.epw.in/static_media/PDF/archives_pdf/2011/10/SA_XLVI_4445_051111_Ramachandra_Guha.pdf
Clash of Civilizations in the Asian Context -- Sino- Indian War of 1962 Revisited
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Buckley: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Rise of Am... - The Barnes & Noble Review
Buckley: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Rise of American Conservatism... - The Barnes & Noble Review:
William F. Buckley Jr.'s infectious amiability won him friends from all sides of the divide. He was a conservative publicist, not a simple publicist, but a publicist of genius.
William F. Buckley Jr.'s infectious amiability won him friends from all sides of the divide. He was a conservative publicist, not a simple publicist, but a publicist of genius.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wars They Have Seen - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education
Wars They Have Seen - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education:
Gertrude Stein suggested in 1934 that Nobel Prize be awarded to Adolf Hitler.
Gertrude Stein suggested in 1934 that Nobel Prize be awarded to Adolf Hitler.
AN UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE | More Intelligent Life
AN UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE | More Intelligent Life: The two intellectual giants - Groucho Marx and TS Eliot take on each other in the strangest of epistles.
Kone Nakshatra › Dharma & Lean
Kone Nakshatra › Dharma & Lean: Lean Management and the concept of Dharma. An interesting read on Dharmic take on Management.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Three nations, one voice
Three nations, one voice: कलौ: संघे शक्ति: In Kaliyug power vests in associations. IBSA -- India, Brazil and South Africa's grouping -- provides the members clout which individually none would have.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Hindu : Opinion / Interview : The richness of the Ramayana, the poverty of a University
The Hindu : Opinion / Interview : The richness of the Ramayana, the poverty of a University:
There is no harm in debates and discussions provided there are no ulterior motives.
There is no harm in debates and discussions provided there are no ulterior motives.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Love and Anarchy - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education
Love and Anarchy - The Chronicle Review : Emma Goldman, born in 1869, admired Michael Bakunin immensely but did not agree with his view that a revolutionary should not have any other passion. Emma supported sexual liberation, birth control etc.She did not like revolutionaries to be monomaniacal.
www.international.ucla.edu/cms/files/JamesGelvin.pdf
www.international.ucla.edu/cms/files/JamesGelvin.pdf Jihadi Terrorism or what has been called as Islamo-Fascism is different from Anarcho-Terrorism. How are they different? See for yourself.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Right & Wrong : Swapan Dasgupta's blog-The Times Of India
Right & Wrong : Swapan Dasgupta: Controversy about Three Hundred Ramayans
Getting to know the abc of CAG
Getting to know the abc of CAG: Is the CAG only the guardian of national purse or something more?
Monday, October 24, 2011
THE MYTH OF ARYAN INVASION
THE MYTH OF ARYAN INVASION: Aryan invasion of India is a myth, given currency by those who have not taken pains to understand the mainstream Indian view on this matter. Had the Aryans come from outside India they would also have their holy places outside India. All our scriptures describe only the places which fall within the idea of a greater India.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The Hindu : News / Resources : Justice Katju interacts with mediapersons
Justice Katju interacts with mediapersons:
Justice Katju seeks guidance from the very people who are accused of bias, misdemeanor and are responsible for much of the defects that is bedeviling Indian polity and society. Hannah Arendt said that access to true information is the sine qua non of democracy, but the media gives us views wrapped as news.
Justice Katju seeks guidance from the very people who are accused of bias, misdemeanor and are responsible for much of the defects that is bedeviling Indian polity and society. Hannah Arendt said that access to true information is the sine qua non of democracy, but the media gives us views wrapped as news.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Gandhi and South Africa | The Nation
Gandhi and South Africa | The Nation: Martha C Nussbaum is not burdened with truth, objectivity and fair play in describing the unfortunate incidents of Godhara and retaliatory actions.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Raymond Tallis Takes Out the 'Neurotrash' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education
Raymond Tallis Takes Out the 'Neurotrash' - The Chronicle Review - Raymond Tallis claims to have the Socratic wisdom of knowing that he did not know, yet rubbishes neuroscience and Darwinism.
1) If you are to provide for a year plant paddy, if you are to provide for a decade plant trees and if you are to provide for life educate. 2)If you invite a person to share fish, he will eat once; if you give him fish he will eat fish the whole day, but if you teach him fishing he will eat whole life. 3) Faintest of ink is more reliable than the sharpest of memory. 4) If you can't help being raped lie down and enjoy it. Chinese Proverbs
Monday, October 17, 2011
Why Anna Hazare may fail
Why Anna Hazare may fail: Rajinder Puri, a great cartoonist, shares his views about Anna movement.
Top babus back CAG audit of government policies - The Times of India
Top babus back CAG audit of government policies - The Times of India: Had the Constitution been worked well, institutions been manned by persons of integrity and institutions allowed to perform their assigned functions there would not have been much need for institution like Ombudsman/Lokpal.
Book extracts: Sonia’s story « readiscover
Book extracts: Sonia’s story « readiscover: " When Sonia got angry with a friend she put a hot spaghetti on his head." Can't she control her anger?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Prisoner's Dilemma - By Alex Fattal | Foreign Policy
Prisoner's Dilemma - By Alex Fattal | Foreign Policy: Only if we had known the other party's move!
As It Happens: MY FREEDOM, I HAVE BETRAYED YOU FOR THE LOVE OF A ...
As It Happens: MY FREEDOM, I HAVE BETRAYED YOU FOR THE LOVE OF A ...: MY FREEDOM GEORGES MOUSTAKI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-fs6VBPTxc My freedom I cared for you for a long time Like a rare pearl. My f...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A New Pakistan Policy - Containment - NYTimes.com
A New Pakistan Policy - Containment - NYTimes.com:
During the Cold War era the USA, in order to advance its short term national interest, created a monster and now when the monster has turned into a Frankenstein, the USA is worried about steps to contain it.
During the Cold War era the USA, in order to advance its short term national interest, created a monster and now when the monster has turned into a Frankenstein, the USA is worried about steps to contain it.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
God's soldiers: Pakistan army's ideology
God's soldiers: Pakistan army's ideology: Pakistan was created due to a hate - India mentality. Pakistan is not yet reconciled to the fact that out of the whole India, over which its ancestors have ruled, only a moth-eaten Pakistan was created. Pakistan still considers the business of partition of 1947 as unfinished. People outside Pakistan still do not understand as to who rules Pakistan -- the govt , the Army, the ISI ! The green Book compiled by the Army contains the doctrines, thinking, strategies or what Praveen Sami calls ideology of Pak Army regarding India . The Army believes that there are many vulnerabilities of India and if Pakistan works on those vulnerabilities India is bound to totter and collapse . Praveen Sami in The Hindu has made a brilliant analysis .
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : To put the Republic back on the rails
To put the Republic back on the rails: We had known A S Appu as an efficient and honest IAS officer . But his contribution in The Hindu raises serious doubts about our own ability to assess people . Appu is not only economical with truth in his description of the present political situation in the country but appears to be heavily biased against the BJP . Appu says that in 1967 non-Congress parties came together only to grab power and make pecuniary gains . He has overlooked the anti-Congressism of the day . The Bharateeya Jan Sangh , CPI , CPM , SSP of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia did not come together only to grab power . Giving such colour to the events of 1967 is to deprive the present generation an opportunity to learn about the period and the turning points of our post independence history . Similarly , Appu says that L K Advani's first Rath Yatra was only to advance his communal agenda . This is far from truth . Advani took the Yatra to foil VP Singh's attempt to divide the Hindu society on caste lines , to stress the need for cultural nationalism and to rouse public opinion against pseudo secularism . Instead of pleading for a two - party system Appu advises the Left to join hands with the Congress to queer the pitch for BJP .
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Working In The Dark | The New Republic
Working In The Dark | The New Republic:
The public and private lives of some key figures in Economics .
The public and private lives of some key figures in Economics .
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The judicial system: The feeblest branch | The Economist
The judicial system: The feeblest branch | The Economist Contrary to popular perception that the US Judiciary is the strongest branch of its government , the author argues that it is the weakest .
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A History Of Violence Edge Master Class 2011 | Conversation | Edge
A History Of Violence Edge Master Class 2011 | Conversation | Edge:
One has to be astonishing to be considered a scholar . Steven Pinker has claimed that violence has in fact decreased and human nature has changed for the better .
One has to be astonishing to be considered a scholar . Steven Pinker has claimed that violence has in fact decreased and human nature has changed for the better .
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Textual Corruption in Vedas — Self-Help | Motivation | Spiritualism | Rationalism | Behavioral Repatterning | Vedas | Hinduism | Anti-Casteism | Women Rights - Agniveer
Monday, September 26, 2011
The collapse of neoliberal capitalism - War Room - Salon.com
The collapse of neoliberal capitalism : It is a bit premature to talk of collapse of neo -liberalism . Rolling back the state is , after all , not such a bad idea . Minimum government and maximum governance is the need of the day .
Letter to NAC on Proposed Communalism Prevention Bill | Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
Letter to NAC on Proposed Communalism Prevention Bill | Hindu American Foundation (HAF): A Response to the Proposed Obnoxious Bill by educated and proud Hindus living outside India
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A divisive Communal Bill | | | The New Indian Express
A divisive Communal Bill | | | The New Indian Express : Ram Jethmalani --- The Bill is not only divisive and unjust , but heavily loaded against the majority community .
Saturday, September 24, 2011
How the two-party duopoly operates - David Sirota - Salon.com
How the two-party duopoly operates - David Sirota : Students of Political Science have been knowing since their sophomore days that American political parties are like two empty bottles with different labels .
Friday, September 23, 2011
Jonathan Rée - Varieties of irreligious experience | New Humanist
Jonathan Rée - Varieties of irreligious experience | New Humanist:
Can we afford to be atheist with so many mysteries around us ?
Can we afford to be atheist with so many mysteries around us ?
A game of chicken: The US & Pakistan
A game of chicken: The US & Pakistan : For long the US kept its eyes shut at the misdeeds and barbaric acts of Pakistan . But now , when the Frankenstein has come to haunt the USA , America is realizing the danger posed by a rogue state .
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Richard Dawkins, an Original Thinker Who Bashes Orthodoxy - NYTimes.com
Richard Dawkins, an Original Thinker Who Bashes Orthodoxy - NYTimes.com: The Hindu saints , sages and philosophers have been asking questions like who we are , from where have we come , where shall we go , what is the purpose of life , etc ? History seems to have come to a circle as Richard Dawkins raises these questions .
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Dalai Lama's War | The National Interest
The Dalai Lama's War | The National Interest:
Ram Chandra Guha is a historian with an ideologically coloured view . In describing Neville Maxwell's India's China War of 1962 (without an acknowledgement) and Nehru's role in this Guha shows his bias . He talks about Hindu Right's criticism of Nehru . Here Guha sounds so absurd that it is impossible to believe that such absurdities have come from the pen of a historian of such eminence .
Ram Chandra Guha is a historian with an ideologically coloured view . In describing Neville Maxwell's India's China War of 1962 (without an acknowledgement) and Nehru's role in this Guha shows his bias . He talks about Hindu Right's criticism of Nehru . Here Guha sounds so absurd that it is impossible to believe that such absurdities have come from the pen of a historian of such eminence .
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Broken Morning: OPEN LETTER TO A DELHI BOY
Broken Morning: OPEN LETTER TO A DELHI BOY: An open letter from a girl / lady of South India to boys of North India , written partly in anger , partly in jest , but always interesting .
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Indian Media’s Anna Moment
Indian Media’s Anna Moment What is the proper role of media ? Only an onlooker ? An activist ? It is ironical that the very persons who advocated activist role for the media during Gujarat riots are now criticising the role of media during Anna Hazare movement .
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Company Man
Company Man: East India Company, which once colonized India , is now owned by an Indian .
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Brief History of Corruption in India
A Brief History of Corruption in India Dr Gould has presented a more or less accurate and objective account of corruption in modern India . Had Dr Gould as a historian widened his canvas to include ancient and medieval India the study would have been more useful . In his study what Dr Gould could not understand was the fact that the present conflagration against corruption was the people's way of showing its disenchantment with and distrust of the present ruling regime .
Culture wars over London riots
Culture wars over London riots: There was definitely a cultural dimension to British street violence
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Jan Lokpal Bill and Parliament
Jan Lokpal Bill and Parliament: Parliament has power to legislate over any matter which is not enumerated in the State List .
Thinker's Pad: Apolitical!
Thinker's Pad: Apolitical!: In ancient Greece a person who did not take part / interest in politics was considered an Idiot as politics concerns the life of every citizen .
Monday, September 5, 2011
The perils of prediction: Adventures in punditry | The Economist
Prophecy is strictly forbidden in politics . --- Ernest Barker The perils of prediction: Adventures in punditry | The Economist:
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Sunday, September 4, 2011
Fraud to bribes: CAG quietly buries report on corruption and rot within - Indian Express
Fraud to bribes: CAG quietly buries report on corruption and rot within - Indian Express:
Is this a case of" paropdeshe pandityam " (Wise in giving sermon to others ) ?
Is this a case of" paropdeshe pandityam " (Wise in giving sermon to others ) ?
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
What's wrong with our universities? by James Piereson - The New Criterion
What's wrong with our universities? by James Piereson - The New Criterion: Democratizing and spreading higher education is taking its toll . The points raised in the book need serious consideration .
Hannah Arendt's challenge to Adolf Eichmann | Judith Butler | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
Hannah Arendt's challenge to Adolf Eichmann | Judith Butler Hannah Arendt , one of the most original political philosopher of the 20th Century coined the phrase " banality of evil " to describe the holocaust . Is " banality of evil " confined to a particular society ?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
New Statesman - India's assault on democracy
New Statesman - India's assault on democracy:
This is one point of view , the point of view of a minuscule minority .
This is one point of view , the point of view of a minuscule minority .
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Anti-Corruption Crusade
The Left _ Liberals weltanschauung is different from us ordinary mortals . They take pride in thinking differently . This editorial of The Economic and Political Weekly sees Anna's movement as affording an opportunity to the Right political space . The Anti-Corruption Crusade:
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Trial of a Thousand Years | Hoover Institution
Trial of a Thousand Years | Hoover Institution Is it simply a fight between Islamism and Nation State or more ?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital by Catherine Hakim – review | Books | The Guardian
Along with monetary capital , human capital and social capital, erotic capital is considered by many sociologists as a form of asset Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital by Catherine Hakim – review | Books | The Guardian
Desire for a Techtopia -- The Billionaire King of Techtopia: Critical Eye : Details
Can this Techtopia ever be materialized ?The Billionaire King of Techtopia: Critical Eye : Details
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Is UPA Surging or Crumbling? Two Polls, Two Projections
Psephology has not yet arrived in India .India Today had predicted the 1984 poll results correctly , but since then no poll survey has been that correct .Is UPA Surging or Crumbling? Two Polls, Two Projections
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Supreme Court will get one more woman judge
Supreme Court will get one more woman judge The Supreme Court collegium has approved the elevation of Justice Ranjana Desai to the apex court . Justice Desai along with others who have been cleared for elevation are distinguished judges . However The Hindu headline said that another woman judge has been elevated to the apex court . Appointment as a Supreme Court judge should be made only on the basis of ability , not on the baes of gender , class , caste , religion or region .
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sentimentality or Honesty? On Charles Taylor | The Nation
Sentimentality or Honesty? On Charles Taylor | The Nation Charles Taylor , a pupil of Isaiah Berlin and a rare breed of philosopher statesman tries to blend liberal democracy , multiculturalism and ethnic chauvinism . Our intelligentsia and chatterati need to go through this brilliant piece .
Thursday, August 11, 2011
World Affairs Journal - Iggy Pops: The Michael Ignatieff Experiment
Plato's ideal of Philosopher Kings cannot be realized simply because theoreticians cannot stoop to the level practitioners of politics stoop to without blinking an eyelid .World Affairs Journal - Iggy Pops: The Michael Ignatieff Experiment
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
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Saturday, July 30, 2011
TV news: all talk, little news : Medium Term
TV news: all talk, little news : Medium Term These days TV news channels are in fact no news channels , they are rather views and opinion channels , where favourite guests are called to shout at each other and the anchor is plaintiff , jury and the judge .
Friday, July 29, 2011
Political lethargy tarnishes India’s lustre - FT.com
Political lethargy tarnishes India’s lustre - FT.com Rahul Jacob is not fair in his assessment of legislative logjam in the Indian Parliament . It is not simply political point-scoring as alleged by Mr Jacob . It is more about the functioning of our political system .Similarly , giving credit for liberalisation solely to Dr Man Mohan Singh is not fair . As Finance Minister he was merely implementing the policies of P V Narsimharao .
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Indo-African gene admixture
India's People's Genetic Profile Indo-African gene admixture
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Hindu : News / National : Norwegian mass killer's manifesto hails Hindutva
Norwegian mass killer's manifesto hails Hindutva This Manifesto would touch the right chord in many Hindu hearts .
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Pioneer :: Home : >> Why Modi magic continues
The Pioneer : Why Modi magic continues Before he became the CM of Gujarat I had the opportunity to listen to Narendra Modi on a TV show . He didn't impress me as a man of imagination , not to talk of vision . He spoke like a local level politician . But , now as he has completed ten years as the CM of Gujarat , it is incumbent upon us to try to find out how has he managed to face the combined onslaught of the liberals , the left , the secularists , the Hindu baiters , the BJP baiters and sometimes the India baiters .
The Spirit Is Willing, and So Is the Flesh - PageView - The Chronicle of Higher Education
The Spirit Is Willing, and So Is the Flesh - PageView - The Chronicle of Higher Education The title of the book does not convey the seriousness of the subject discussed in the book . From Indian sages to Plato thinkers have been seized of the matter and there has been a consensus that the control of libido is necessary to uplift one's spirit .
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Neo-illiberalism is India’s bane : World : SA Aiyar : TOI Blogs
Neo-illiberalism is India’s bane : World : SA Aiyar : TOI Blogs What the judges say is neo-liberalism is in fact classical illiberalism .
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Lens on News
Lens on News The Indian Un- National Congress has been playing the communal card since its inception . The division of India and the creation of Pakistan were the consequences of the Congress's communal card . In order to sustain its vote bank the Congress goes to any extent , but its latest move could boomrang on it .
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Hindu : News / National : Civil society's comments outrageous: Left parties
The Hindu : News / National : Civil society's comments outrageous: Left parties What is left of the Left , only some fossilized ideas and notions . They hate to keep up with time and love to back the wrong horse .
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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Friday, June 17, 2011
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Jan Lokpal Bill: Good intentions and the road to hell - Yahoo! News
The Jan Lokpal Bill: Good intentions and the road to hell - Yahoo! News The Jan Lokpal Bill has thrilled the common Indians . The corrupts have made the life of people miserable and any voice against corruption sooths the Indian mind , but there are issues which may pose problems for the country if the PM isalso brought under the ambit of the proposed bill .
Monday, April 4, 2011
Book Review: Great Soul - WSJ.com
Book Review: Great Soul - WSJ.com Andrew Roberts , in his review of Lelyveld's Great Soul , has been very unkind both to Gandhi and History . No doubt , many of the actions of the Mahatma appeared to be weird both to his admirers and detractors , but to accuse Gandhi of racism is a bit too much .
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Joe Lelyvelds of this world don't lie
The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Joe Lelyvelds of this world don't lie We must forsake our habit of reacting without knowing the whole truth , in this case condemning Joe Lelyveld without reading his The Great Soul and knowing his point of view .
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Letters suggest Gandhi was bisexual: Pulitzer Prize author
Letters suggest Gandhi was bisexual: Pulitzer Prize author The truth behind Gandhijee's sexual orientation will never come out .The writers try to publicise their works with such controversial descriptions . The book is bound to generate enough controversy to serve the purpose of the writer .
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Pioneer :: Home : >> India shrinking
The Pioneer :: Home : >> India shrinking In this review it has been pointed out that India has not only lost its territory in the last so many years but has also lost its most valued gift to the world -- the ability to guide the world .
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Opinion | Delusions of grandeur
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Opinion | Delusions of grandeur Ramchandra Guha , a historian , talks of the delusions of grandeur of Narendra Modi . But when we go through the article , it appears that the writer himself is suffering from the delusions of grandeur and passes judgments on leaders like L K Advani and Narendra Modi . A scholar is respected for his objectivity , but when the scholar dons the mantle of an opponent and a pamphleteer , he only draws the derision of his readers. His Makers of Modern India shows his bias and this article only reinforces it . Please see The Curious Case of Ramchandra Guha , posted on this blog for further proof of Guha's bias .
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Manmohan Singh is misleading country: Assange
Manmohan Singh is misleading country: Assange Lying in politics is not uncommon , but when the liar is an honest person in popular perception ,the damage he can do to the system is catastrophic. In the US, a President had to resign when it was found out that he has been lying to his people . This episode inspired a great mind of the twentieth century , Hannah Arendt , to examine the issue of lying in politics . A weak person resorts to lying in order to hide his/her failings . But by lying about "cash for vote" and questioning the veracity of Wikileaks , Manmohan Singh has not only outdone himself , but has brought ridicule for himself and the country he is ruling , even by proxy .
Monday, March 21, 2011
Condemned to Joy by Pascal Bruckner - City Journal
Condemned to Joy by Pascal Bruckner - City Journal The western concept of happiness and the Indian concept of Anand are very different . The Indians aspired for SAT+CHIT+ANAND = SACCHIDANAND . This is the state of pure bliss .
YOGA BODY by Mark Singleton reviewed by Wendy Doniger - TLS
YOGA BODY by Mark Singleton reviewed by Wendy Doniger - TLS For the Indians Yoga is not only an instrument of remaining fit and alert but the means to unite with the Almighty . The Yoga that is being popularized in the West is not the real Yoga , but a caricature of it .
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
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Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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