Mahatma Gandhi and His Myths

Civil Disobedience, Nonviolence, and Satyagraha in the Real World http://www.markshep.com/peace/books/Myths.html General InfoReviewsSample Text I have been known as a crank, faddist, madman. Evidently the reputation is well deserved. For, wherever I go, I draw to myself cranks, faddists, and madmen.” Mahatma Gandhi is one of the least understood figures of all time—even among his admirers.… Read More Mahatma Gandhi and His Myths

Humanitarian crisis grows in Nagorno-Karabakh

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in both Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia’s capitals on Tuesday evening, demanding international intervention and support, as the Red Cross warned of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.  Protesters demanded action to support the blockaded region, which is facing critical shortages of staple goods. Shortly before the protest, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol… Read More Humanitarian crisis grows in Nagorno-Karabakh

Adivasis to hit streets on Friday to protest against atrocities against Kukis in Manipur and UCC

A forum of 26 tribal outfits of Bengal will hit the streets across the state on Friday to protest against the atrocities against countless people from the Kuki community in Manipur and the plan for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). According to the plan by the tribal outfits, large rallies and processions will be organised… Read More Adivasis to hit streets on Friday to protest against atrocities against Kukis in Manipur and UCC

Sanders demands cutting military spending amid healthcare and climate crises

Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Monday that he intends to vote against legislation authorizing $886 billion in military spending for the coming fiscal year, arguing the Pentagon budget should be cut in favor of investments in healthcare, education, housing, climate action, and other priorities. “As a nation, the time is long overdue for fundamental changes to our national… Read More Sanders demands cutting military spending amid healthcare and climate crises

Iran’s ‘morality police’ resume patrols 10 months after nationwide protests

Iranian authorities have announced a new campaign to force women to wear the Islamic headscarf, as “morality police” returned to the streets 10 months after the death of a woman in their custody sparked nationwide protests. The morality police had largely pulled back after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last September, as authorities struggled to contain… Read More Iran’s ‘morality police’ resume patrols 10 months after nationwide protests

The spirit of the university under threat

as India is fast moving towards some sort of electoral autocracy, we are witnessing a new kind of crisis emanating from the virus of ‘anti-intellectualism’. Don’t think critically. Don’t question the establishment. Accept the dominant discourse of development, nationalism and religion. Is it, therefore, surprising that even the slightest trace of dissent is criminalised? Avijit… Read More The spirit of the university under threat

The political impact of Rahul Gandhi’s legal woes

the public is increasingly sceptical about the legal processes and their outcome. The press conference by four supreme court judges about the state of the apex court in 2018, the behaviour of former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in the sexual harassment case against him, his eager acceptance of a Rajya Sabha nomination, the non-judicial rationalisations… Read More The political impact of Rahul Gandhi’s legal woes

Obituary: Blanche La Guma

Terry Bell Blanche La Guma who died on Thursday, aged 95, was one of the most unacknowledged veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle.  A nurse and midwife, principled, dedicated and intensely loyal, she gladly lived in the shadow of her writer husband Alex who died and was buried in Cuba in 1985.  One of her proudest… Read More Obituary: Blanche La Guma

From South Asian University Expulsion To Oxford Finally, I Can Tell My Story

NB: Congratulations, Bhimraj, for standing up to oppression and injustice. Human dignity can never be destroyed. Regradless of your admission to Oxford, you deserved just and fair treatment. Our university authorities need to understand that education is the awakening of the human spirit. Unfortunately they often behave as if they are aiming at the very… Read More From South Asian University Expulsion To Oxford Finally, I Can Tell My Story