Tag: Orwellian reminders

South Asian University Issues Notice to PhD Student Who Cited Criticism of Modi: Report

According to the Indian Express, the university also initiated a disciplinary inquiry against the student’s supervisor, who subsequently resigned. New Delhi: The citation of American linguist Noam Chomsky’s criticism of the Narendra Modi government in a doctoral research proposal has resulted in a show-cause notice for the PhD scholar and a disciplinary inquiry against his supervisor… Read More South Asian University Issues Notice to PhD Student Who Cited Criticism of Modi: Report

Dilip

Academic research on Rushdie’s literary work sabotaged by Deoband Ulema / Resist the Climate of Intimidation in Academics

First posted April 25, 2012 NB: Over the past four months, the Deoband Ulema has contributed to the climate of intolerance and religious bigotry in India. First by opposing Rushdie’s presence at the Jaipur Literature Festival, and now by sabotaging a perfectly legitimate subject for research. In the first instance they succeeded by riding on the… Read More Academic research on Rushdie’s literary work sabotaged by Deoband Ulema / Resist the Climate of Intimidation in Academics

Dilip

Burning Books and The Nazification of Literature

Heinrich Heine, arguably one of the most famous of German authors, had prophetically announced that wherever they burn books, they will one day burn humans. Pramod K. Nayar German cultural production, as is well known, in the decades leading to Nazidom set about creating a ‘national’ culture by destroying Jewish, communist, humanist and other artwork,… Read More Burning Books and The Nazification of Literature

Dilip

‘Most of Mainstream Media a Disgrace to Democracy’: Ravish Kumar at Peabody Ceremony

‘When a journalist becomes spreader of hate and lies, instigator of mob lynching, a cheerleader for the government, [they] become an instrument to kill democracy.’ Ravish and Vinay speak at award ceremony NB: Congratulations to both of you, and salaams to Ravish for his courage and commitment. DS Most of what is Indian mainstream media… Read More ‘Most of Mainstream Media a Disgrace to Democracy’: Ravish Kumar at Peabody Ceremony

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Social media bosses are ‘the largest dictators’, says Nobel peace prize winner

Journalist Maria Ressa named Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk in speech at Hay literary festival in Powys Lucy Knight “Tech bros” such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are “the largest dictators”, Maria Ressa, who won the Nobel peace prize in 2021 for her defence of media freedom, has said. The American-Filipina journalist has spent a number… Read More Social media bosses are ‘the largest dictators’, says Nobel peace prize winner

Dilip

The Grit That Makes the Pearl: An Interview With Paul Theroux

I am appalled by today’s sensitivities—how easily people take offense. It impels me to be offensive, or at least to ignore the shrinking violets. George Salis: Your latest book is Burma Sahib, a novel about a young Eric Blair (aka George Orwell) in India. What attracted you to this part of Blair’s life? Paul Theroux: A line in… Read More The Grit That Makes the Pearl: An Interview With Paul Theroux

Dilip

Professor’s Harassment by ABVP Shows Near-Complete Takeover of Universities by RSS-BJP

NB: There’s no wonder why lacs of Indian students are migrating to campuses abroad to pursue higher studies (800,000 in 2022 alone). The Headquarters of Truth based in Nagpur have taken over most public universities. At this rate, nothing will be left for Indian teachers to do except praise whatever the RSS considers to be… Read More Professor’s Harassment by ABVP Shows Near-Complete Takeover of Universities by RSS-BJP

Dilip