Counterview

Counterview Desk  In an open letter to  Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, the top advocacy group,  South Asia Peace Action Network (Sapan), has said that  the absence of an invite to Pakistan for his oath-taking ceremony is not in the spirit of the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family – which he claims to advocate.

By Shankar Sharma*  Just a few days ago, the world remembered the routinely forgotten global environment on the occasion of World Environment Day, briefly though, maybe just for the day. There were reports of a few high profile ceremonies in different parts of the country, including a few in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly asked the people of our country to plant one tree per each person as a mark of respect/ gratitude for our mothers.

By Nimisha Agarwal*  In Delhi, while the richer areas enjoy cool air from air conditioners, the people of Safeda Basti face the brutal heat of summer with very little to help them. This neighborhood is filled with hardworking laborers, street vendors, hard working women and others who are vital to the city’s economy but often overlooked. In India, approximately 461 million people reside in urban areas, with about 17 percent living in crowded, informal settlements. These areas, plagued by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, feature self-constructed homes using various traditional building methods.

Counterview Desk  Close to 3,700 signatories, including Tushar Gandhi, Tanika Sarkar, Henri Tiphagne, Major Gen (retd) Sudhir Vombatkere, Teesta Setalvad, Kavita Srivastava, Shabnam Hashmi and others have sought the urgent intervention of Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu asking him to ensure a stay on the implementation of the new criminal laws.

By Dr Vandana Sehgal, Dr Amandeep Kaur*  Sustainable development, the high time agenda, encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions, aiming for a balance between all these aspects to ensure long-term well-being and prosperity for all. One of the crucial aspects of sustainable development is consumption patterns. Consumption patterns refer to the way individuals, households, and societies use resources and goods. Sustainable consumption patterns entail using resources efficiently, minimizing waste, and considering the environmental and social impacts of consumption choices.

By Sanjeev Kumar* We extend our condolences to the family of Sher Singh who passed away on June 8 after battling for life for the last 5 years. In May 2019, Sher Singh was exposed to poisonous gases while cleaning a septic tank in Bhagya Vihar, Delhi. Two workers died on the spot while cleaning the septic tank and Sher Singh had been in a critical condition ever since. Sher Singh was a migrant worker, coming from Tundla (UP) and belonged to the Dalit community. After being unconscious in the septic tank for hours, he was exposed to poisonous toxic gases and his health has been deteriorating since then. After this incident, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and many other life threatening ailments. At 1:30 am, Sher Singh passed away after a 5 year long battle. His wife and four children have been facing the brunt of the tragic incident. Sher Singh was the sole earning member of the family and after his illness, his wife and eldest son have been working odd jobs to pay for...

By Rosamma Thomas*  The joint director of the Department of Information and Public Relations of Rajasthan has digitally signed an order approving over Rs 15 lakh for installing large flex banners as part of the outdoor publicity of Narendra Modi’s third term as prime minister. A list of firms allotted the task of putting up these hoardings, that will come up at 578 sites across the state, where such hoardings can be erected for no fees, was issued on June 10, 2024.

By Harsh Thakor*  Surjit Patar, one of Punjab’s top progressive poets, whose life journey symbolised crusade against oppression, died of cardiac arrest at his residence on Barewal Road in Ludhiana, on 11 May 2024, at the age of 79. In Barnala, on June 9th, a gathering of around 10,000 persons for all walks of life was staged in his memory, by the Gursharan Singh Lok Kala Salam Kafla. An award was presented to members of Patar’s family.

By Sudhansu R Das  A massive expenditure of Rs 1.35 lakh crore was reportedly spent to conduct the Lok Sabha election 2024. Nearly 968 million people have waited for five years to select their representatives. People have given their leaders immense power to rule and manage the country’s resources. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Democracy is not only a product of the struggles of the working classes, but its survival against all odds also depends on the unwavering commitment of the working people. Historically, the working class has played a pivotal role in the establishment, promotion and preservation of democratic processes and institutions.