Counterview

By Kirity Roy*  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been urged to address the alleged assault and harassment of Mr. Anowar Mondal, a 20-year-old fisherman from Parashpur village in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Mr. Mondal, who belongs to a family of impoverished fishermen, relies on river fishing for his livelihood. The incident highlights issues of human rights violations, abuse of power, and its impact on the livelihood and dignity of vulnerable communities.

By Ram Puniyani*  Tavleen Singh, a prominent columnist, recently expressed her dismay over the Taliban’s decision to bar women from studying medicine in Afghanistan (Indian Express, December 8, 2024). Rightly appalled by this regressive move, Singh also criticized left-leaning liberals, accusing them of being empathetic towards the Taliban, as few have openly condemned this action. However, this assertion about left-liberal attitudes toward the Taliban or regimes like Iran’s might not fully capture the reality. She further takes issue with comparisons between Hindu nationalist policies and those of the Taliban, suggesting that such parallels are misplaced. While the degree of intensity between the two is indeed different, a closer examination reveals fundamental similarities in their political ideologies. Taliban policies toward women and similar attitudes in countries like Iran and parts of the Gulf share a common thread, even if expressed differently.

By Bharat Dogra  A significant number of residents of Bhaggupurva hamlet in Nagnedi panchayat (Banda district) of Uttar Pradesh) migrate regularly from the village as they cannot earn their subsistence in the village. While some of them leave with their children, others leave their small children with their grandparents.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  There are thousands of self-help books, articles, and social media pages that promise to reveal the secrets to luring different types of people—whether it's a romantic partner, employees, employers, or individuals in positions of power and wealth. Additionally, there are thousands of consultancies cater to corporations and politicians, offering strategies to lure the masses based on their fraudulent propaganda. These resources claim to unveil strategies, techniques, and mindsets that supposedly unlock the keys to successful luring in personal, political, and professional relationships. From tips on effective communication to mastering body language, eye contact, sweet talk and confidence, the vast range of advice often suggests methods to manipulate, persuade, or influence and lure others in ways that appear to promise instant gratification. 

By NS Venkataraman*  Observers of India, both domestic and international, often note the nation’s deep political divisions and contentious debates. Media coverage, particularly in India and parts of the West, frequently focuses on political confrontations and inflammatory statements by politicians, overshadowing significant developments in economic, industrial, social, and cultural domains. This disproportionate focus contributes to a skewed perception of the country's progress, despite substantial advancements occurring across various sectors.

By Bharat Dogra*  In a hamlet of Mahuari village, in Hussainabad block, several woman had collected around a small contractor who had been assigned the work for constructing several toilets in their village (located in Palamau district of Jharkhand). They had heard complaints that the toilets were being constructed in a very hurried and poor way. They knew what poor construction meant, as they had seen elsewhere—the toilet work was declared to be completed but the toilet could not be used or its use lasted for only a short time.

By Harsh Thakor*  James Baldwin stands as a towering figure in the struggle against racism and the fight for the emancipation of Black people. Born on August 2, 1924, amidst the rising tide of racial injustice in America, Baldwin’s life and work remain a beacon of hope and defiance. As the world celebrates his birth centenary year, Baldwin continues to inspire as a global symbol in the battle for justice, a literary genius, and one of the most profound voices of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

By A Representative  Sustainable urban development was in focus on the latest episode of the "What India Needs!" podcast. Dr TV Ramachandra, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and an authority on environmental sustainability, joined media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul to discuss the pressing issues related to industrialisation, its impact on India's green cover, and the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and resilient systems to combat climate change.

Counterview Desk  JNUTA statement on 'continuing brazenness of the JNU administration':  *** The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) notes that the Honourable High Court of Delhi, in an order dated 10.12.2024 on the contempt petition CONT.CAS(C) 626/2024, has observed that, in its prima facie view, JNU has violated the Court’s order dated 26.08.2019 in W.P.(C) 9185/2019. This matter pertains to the appointment of Chairpersons without adhering to the principle of rotation in the order of seniority. Accordingly, the Court has issued a notice to the University to show cause as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.

By A Representative  The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued a strong condemnation of recent raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the residences of labor rights, student rights, and anti-displacement activists across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The raids took place early on the morning of December 20, reportedly targeting individuals associated with trade unions and social justice movements.