By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ  On Sunday, 1 June, the Catholic Church will observe the 59th World Day of Social Communications. The day is significant because ‘communication’ is an important and integral dimension of the Church. ‘Communications Day’ is one of the oldest ‘special days’ observed by the Church. The message for this year was written by the late Pope Francis on the theme: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15-16).

By Dr Kapilendra Das*  In the pantheon of India’s social reformers, Savitribai Phule stands tall as a beacon of education, empowerment and resistance. Often called the “Mother of Modern Education in India,” Savitribai was not only the country’s first female teacher but also a fearless feminist and a relentless social reformer who dared to question the oppressive norms of her time. Her life’s mission was clear: to educate the uneducated, uplift the downtrodden, and liberate women from the shackles of patriarchy and caste.

By Dr. Prem Singh*  This article was originally written in response to the tragic terrorist attack on security forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on 14 February 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 soldiers. Six years later, on 22 April 2025, another horrific attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left 26 civilians dead in broad daylight. I pay my heartfelt tribute to those lost in this tragedy and extend my deepest condolences to their families. Beyond this, I have little to add amidst the clamor that follows such incidents.

By Bharat Dogra  In 2005 India created a widely acclaimed law for providing 100 days employment guarantee in villages. At a time when the state was withdrawing from such responsibilities in many countries, this was seen as a hopeful sign of the continuing commitment to take up important roles and responsibilities for the cause of justice and for reducing rural poverty and unemployment.

By A Representative  The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) announced the recipients of the 2025 AANA Awards during its Annual Retreat held from May 23–26, 2025, at Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. The AANA Annual Retreat brought together over 200 participants from North America and India for four days of Dhamma-centered learning, meditation, panel discussions, cultural events, outdoor activities, and the "Run for Equality."

By Rajiv Shah  Recently, I wrote a blog on retired Gujarat cadre IAS bureaucrat RP Gupta, with whom I used to interact during my Gandhinagar Sachivalaya days as the Times of India man. Written in the backdrop of the Government of India controversially easing him out of his position as CMD of the PSU Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a special purpose vehicle to promote solar energy, the title of the  blog  — "RP Gupta a scapegoat to help Govt of India manage fallout of Adani case in US court?" — is self-explanatory about the blog’s contents.

By Dr Amitav Banerjee, MD*   The USA was the bellwether of the world during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Anthony Fauci, who headed the USA’s Covid-19 task force, became a medical dictator whom the world followed blindly. He even went to the extent of saying that “he is the science,” and attacks on him were attacks on science. He was instrumental in recommending most of the Covid-19 protocols, such as masking, social distancing, lockdowns, and mass vaccinations—including for those who had recovered from natural infections and children. Most of these measures had no scientific evidence and caused immense collateral harm without any benefit. He had to admit during Senate hearings in the USA that there was no evidence for measures like social distancing , and that they just made them up!

By Ram Puniyani*  The Pahalgam terrorist attack has left a deep imprint on the people of India. While Prime Minister Modi resorted to bravado in his public statements, the Godi media echoed his claims, asserting that India had intruded into Pakistani territory. Pakistan, in turn, claimed to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft. U.S. President Donald Trump was the first to announce that he had brokered a ceasefire. Modi took credit for this, while the Indian Army spokesperson elaborated that Pakistan had requested a cessation of hostilities and that India responded affirmatively to prevent further bloodshed among both military personnel and civilians.

By A Representative  The government of Pakistan is facing urgent calls from international organisations to immediately halt the ongoing mass expulsion of Afghan nationals, amid mounting concerns that the policy endangers the lives of thousands, including writers, journalists, artists and human rights defenders who are at risk of persecution by the Taliban. The move, known officially as the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’, was first announced on 3 October 2023 and has since triggered widespread alarm among human rights bodies and UN agencies.

By Bharat Dogra  Along with growing realization of the various adverse consequences of climate change, there is increasing concern regarding the communities that are more vulnerable and are likely to be more severely impacted by climate change.

By Harsh Thakor*  Carl Hooper was among the most refined strikers of the cricket ball in the modern era. Raised in a region known for producing batsmen with flair, he embodied the quintessential Caribbean style. Yet his talent, though remarkable, was never fully realized. Hooper had the makings of a great. Had he harnessed his ability with more consistency, he might have joined the ranks of Viv Richards and Brian Lara. He was a complete package—his effective bowling and superb slip catching made him the first cricketer to achieve the 5,000 run-100 wicket-100 catch treble in both Tests and ODIs. To this day, only Jacques Kallis has matched this feat. In the field, few approached Hooper at his best. His strokes were effortless, blending power with artistry. Whether facing spinners or fast bowlers, he played with ease and composure. His batting combined the aggression of Clive Lloyd with the grace of Frank Worrell. On his day, he turned cricket into an exhibition of sublime craftsmans...

By A Representative  In a strong and unequivocal statement, the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), comprising 79 retired civil servants , has condemned the arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad of Ashoka University under India’s new criminal code for his social media commentary on Operation Sindoor.

By Avyaan Sharma  Serious concerns have emerged over the safety and whereabouts of Advocate Ebo Mili, a prominent indigenous rights defender and member of the Idu Mishmi tribal community, who has gone missing since the evening of May 26, 2025. Mili, known for his unwavering advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental protection, had been leading a peaceful protest against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) under the banner of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF).

By A Representative   In a major legislative breakthrough for gig and platform-based workers, the Government of Karnataka has officially notified the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025, following the Governor’s assent on May 7, 2025. This progressive move makes Karnataka the second Indian state, after Rajasthan, to enact a dedicated law for the social security and welfare of gig workers, with provisions that go significantly further in protecting workers' rights.

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  Water sources such as ponds, rivers, and reservoirs are essential parts of our water wealth. These water bodies host a variety of fish species that ensure food security for millio and provide a livelihood for fishing communities. To secure the rights of local fishers over water and its resources, governmental support is essential. Today, however, human-made disruptions outweigh natural ones, adversely affecting communities dependent on water resources.

By A Representative   In a strong statement echoing international concern, the People's Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS) has condemned the Indian government's ongoing militarization and brutal operations in Central India, comparing the situation to the siege of Palestine. The coalition asserts that the Indian state is waging a full-blown war against its own people—particularly the Indigenous Adivasi communities—in order to facilitate corporate exploitation of mineral-rich lands.

By A Representative   Top academic and Magsaysay Award-winning activist Sandeep Pandey has offered a bold reimagining of India’s foreign policy, rooted in peace, regional cooperation, and dismantling hostility with Pakistan. Writing in his capacity as General Secretary of the Socialist Party (India), Pandey argues that if his party were in power, it would chart a drastically different course from the BJP-led government under Narendra Modi.

By Gajanan Khergamker*  The Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the construction of the Colaba passenger jetty and terminal near the Gateway of India is a decision firmly anchored in legal precedent, pragmatic reasoning, and a nuanced balance of competing interests.

By Bharat Dogra  Various tribal communities constitute about 8.6 per cent of the population of India. Nearly 700 tribal communities with a total population of over 110 million are spread all over the country with their more dense habitation on about 15% of the land area. 

By A Representative  The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has strongly condemned what it described as the extrajudicial killing of Nambala Keshava Rao, General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist), and 26 others in a reported encounter by security forces in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh. PUCL stated that many of the deceased were Adivasi residents and accused the state of bypassing due process under the guise of counterinsurgency.

By Harsh Thakor*  The last rites of Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju—General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist)—and seven other Maoist cadres killed in an encounter on May 21 were conducted by police in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on May 26. This decision has sparked controversy, with family members and human rights advocates alleging denial of due rights to claim and perform the final rites of their relatives.

By Atul Chandra  In a region too often consumed by the drums of war, particularly between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, the importance of a sustained ceasefire cannot be overstated. While military skirmishes and nationalistic posturing capture headlines, they divert critical attention and resources from the real battles against poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and public health crises. A nation’s greatness lies not in its arsenal but in the well-being of its people. The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in May 2025 offers an opportunity to reimagine national priorities, shifting focus from border conflicts to building equitable and just societies. In this context, Kerala’s groundbreaking strides in poverty eradication underscore what becomes possible when governments choose welfare over warfare, social investment over military expenditure.

By Mohan Guruswamy  Jawaharlal Nehru died on May 27, 1964. A major event such as this inevitably gives rise to “where were you?” questions. Where were you when Kennedy was assassinated? Where were you when Indira Gandhi was killed? Where were you when the World Trade Centre was brought down? The shock of the event magnifies the immediate around you and imprints it in your mind.

By Sanjeev Kumar*  More than a hundred participants gathered at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on 24th May 2025 for a landmark workshop titled “Underground Voices: Empowering the Backbone of Our Cities”. Organised by the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM) along with a coalition of unions and civil society organisations, the workshop brought together sewer and septic workers, union representatives, researchers, lawyers, academics, journalists and activists to raise a unified and urgent call for ending sewer deaths and ensuring dignified working conditions for sanitation workers in India.

By A Representative  Bhramcahari Sudhanand Ji and Karan Rawat have been honoured with the sixth Ankit Junaid Social Harmony Award at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. The award, initiated by Khudai Khidmatgar in 2018, commemorates Hafiz Junaid and Ankit Saxena, both victims of communal violence, and aims to foster communal harmony among youth. The award includes a memento, certificate, shawl, and a cash prize.  

By Harasankar Adhikari  India has long been recognized as a land of religious diversity. People from multiple religious backgrounds have coexisted for centuries, making “unity in diversity” a foundational idea of the Indian identity. Among these communities, followers of Sanatan Dharma, or Hindus, constitute the majority.

By A Representative   A civil rights group, Coordination Committee for Peace, has expressed serious concern over the continued withholding of the bodies of individuals killed in a security operation conducted on May 21, 2025, in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmarh region. The deceased, believed to be Maoists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have not yet been released to their families, despite assurances made before the Andhra Pradesh High Court by the Advocate General of Chhattisgarh on May 24 that post-mortem formalities would be completed and the bodies handed over.

By A Representative  On the birth anniversary of social reformer Raja Rammohan Roy, the All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) unveiled the Draft People’s Education Policy 2025 (PEP 2025), presenting it as a comprehensive and democratic alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Framed after extensive consultations with educators, students, parents, and civil society groups, the draft aims to revive the vision of India’s freedom fighters for an education system that is truly universal, secular, scientific, democratic, and inclusive.

By Bharat Dogra  With about 18 per cent of the world population living in India, the welfare of the people of India has a significant impact on the well-being of the world.   However with 18 percent of the world population India has only 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area. In terms of the natural resources now considered to be the most precious in world economy, India is not endowed very favorably. 

By A Representative  Two U.S.-based diaspora advocacy groups, the Indian American Muslim Council and Hindus for Human Rights, have issued a joint statement urging the Indian government to immediately drop all charges against Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. They also called for the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience detained for exercising their democratic rights.

By Harsh Thakor*  Aslam Kader stood as a symbol of relentless determination and exceptional finishing prowess—perhaps unmatched by any jockey in Indian horse racing history. Charismatic, fiercely competitive, and immensely popular, Aslam captivated racing fans across the country with his tenacity and skill.

By A Representative  The beloved clownfish, famously recognized from Disney's "Finding Nemo," has revealed a remarkable survival strategy in the face of escalating marine heatwaves: they can shrink. New research led by Newcastle University, in collaboration with the Universities of Leeds and Boston (USA), and the Mahonia Na Dari Conservation and Research Centre in Papua New Guinea, has uncovered that these vibrant coral reef inhabitants significantly reduce their body length to cope with heat stress and navigate social dynamics.

By Rajiv Shah  For senior citizens — especially those without a family support system — ordering medicines online can be a great relief. Shruti and I have been doing this for the last couple of years, and with considerable success. We upload a prescription, receive a verification call from a doctor, and within two or three days, the medicines are delivered to our doorstep.

By Rajiv Shah  RP Gupta, a retired 1987-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, has found himself at the center of a growing controversy. During my tenure as the Times of India correspondent in Gandhinagar (1997–2012), I often interacted with him. He struck me as a straightforward officer, though I never quite understood why he was never appointed to what are supposed to be top-tier departments like industries, energy and petrochemicals, finance, or revenue.

By Rajkumar Sinha*   In 2010, the United Progressive Alliance government under Dr. Manmohan Singh introduced the nuclear energy law, which caused significant upheaval. This law, allegedly drafted at the instigation of American industrial groups, exempted the profit-making manufacturing company from all responsibility in the event of an accident. Due to strong opposition at the time, this law was softened, but it is now being reintroduced. 

By Ram Puniyani*  The New Education Policy (2020) is being implemented gradually. Among other things, it has focused on Indian knowledge systems and Indian traditions. The changes related to history have deleted the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule from textbooks. A significant seven centuries of history have been relegated to obscurity — a considerable period by any standard.

By N.S. Venkataraman* Reducing import dependence on crude oil and promoting an eco-friendly strategy, the Government of India is implementing plans to blend ethanol with petrol—an appropriate strategy that has achieved a 17.98% ethanol blending rate as of February 28, 2025, under the ongoing ethanol supply year (2024-25), moving towards the 20% blending target. 

By Harsh Thakor*  A state-level convention and protest was held in Sangrur, Punjab, on May 22, in response to the recent killing of 27 individuals, including Keshav Rao, General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist), during an encounter in Bastar. The event was organized by the Democratic Front Against Operation Green Hunt and aimed to oppose Operation Kagaar and other security operations in Adivasi-dominated regions.

By Vikas Meshram  After years of relative normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, new reports of rising infections have raised concerns globally. Countries across Southeast Asia, particularly Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, have reported a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. In India, new cases have been recorded in several states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

By A Representative   In a dramatic escalation of long-standing opposition to mega hydro projects in Northeast India, the Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum (SIFF) has begun qn indefinite dharna and peaceful protest at the Beging Dam Survey Site. The protest comes in response to the recent deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in several parts of the Siang Valley, including Beging, Geku, Jengging, and district headquarters Pasighat, Boleng, and Yingkiong.

By Harsh Thakor*  On May 19, the world commemorated the centenary of Malcolm X, who remains a towering figure among the 20th-century revolutionaries that fought to dismantle systems of repression and degradation. His contributions to the struggle against racist oppression, his advocacy for the right to self-defense, and his unwavering demand for self-determination for the Black diaspora have left an indelible mark on the history of liberation movements.

By A Representative  On May 20, 2025, members of Karnataka's Jenu Kuruba Adivasi community in Karadikallu Attur Koli Haadi organized a Gram Sabha to deliberate on issues related to their forest rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The meeting was attended by over 100 individuals, including members of the Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) from neighboring villages, community leaders, and local officials.

By Bharat Dogra  When you study history, you realize how much has gone wrong with the world, so much so that the glass has often been almost full to the brim. When you study present times, however, you realize that the glass is overflowing.

By Harasankar Adhikari When we think of a "bank," our minds instinctively go to institutions of finance—safe vaults that regulate and safeguard the wealth of a nation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for instance, stands as the apex financial authority, guiding monetary policy and ensuring economic stability through various public and private banking mechanisms. But in India’s democracy, there exists another form of bank—less tangible, yet profoundly powerful: the vote bank. Unlike financial banks that deal in currency, this bank deals in citizens' votes. And just as monetary deposits accumulate interest, votes accumulate political influence. In India, every citizen aged 18 and above constitutes this vote bank, and collectively, they are the cornerstone of the democratic process. The Indian Constitution declares the country a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic, committed to justice, equality, and liberty. In this framework, the vote is sacred. It is the inst...

By Adam Rizvi*  Syed Ali Mujtaba's new book  Indian Muslims’ Tryst with Democracy  presents a detailed exploration of the socio-political challenges faced by Indian Muslims within the country’s democratic framework. The book examines their position, responses, and strategies for navigating contemporary political and societal dynamics.

By Dr Amitav Banerjee, MD*  For more than the past three years, the WHO has been trying its best to push the Pandemic Treaty and amendments to the International Health Regulations in unholy haste, instead of conducting a proper appraisal of the impact of the measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic—a routine exercise after any pandemic to guide future strategies.  This raises questions about whether the WHO, under China’s influence, is trying to conceal its acts of omission and commission during the pandemic, including obstructing investigations into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The WHO recently faced a setback when the USA decided to cut all ties with the organization. 

By Raj Kumar Sinha*   The theme for this year's International Biodiversity Day, which fell on May 22, was "Living in Harmony with Nature for Sustainable Development." Since ancient times, Indian sages had deep knowledge of nature conservation and human tendencies. They understood that humans, in pursuit of short-term benefits, could make grave mistakes, leading to severe losses. Thus, they established relationships between humans and nature to prevent significant damage. In India, various aspects of nature—trees, rivers, mountains, planets, fire, and wind—have been connected to human relationships. Trees are compared to offspring, while rivers are revered as mothers.

By A Representative  Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns over the alleged mistreatment and deportation of individuals identified as Bangladeshi nationals, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India, Kirity Roy, Secretary of Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), has urged immediate intervention to halt unlawful deportations and investigate human rights violations. 

By A Representative  One month after the tragic terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen at Baisaran meadow, the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has issued a detailed statement condemning the violence and calling for accountability and peace. The attack, executed by armed terrorists in a popular tourist destination, has left the nation grappling with unresolved questions about significant security lapses in one of the world’s most militarized regions.

By Harsh Thakor*  Namballa Keshava Rao, also known as Basav Raj, General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist), was killed in an encounter in which 27 Maoist cadre died during a security operation in the Abujhmad forest, Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, on the morning of May 21. This marks the first time in the history of the CPI (Maoist) that its General Secretary has been killed in an encounter. Rao is the second General Secretary after Charu Mazumdar to be killed by security forces.