2011

DOCUMENT
The following is the text of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation between the Republic of India and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, signed in New Delhi on August 9, 1971.
Desirous of expanding and consolidating the existing relations of sincere friendship between them,
Believing that the further development of friendship and co-operation meets the basic national interests of both the States as well as the interests of lasting peace in Asia and the world, (…)

FROM N.C.’S WRITINGS
India today, standing on the threshold of the twentyfifth year of Independence, is compara-tively more certain of her future steps when the world around enters a period of rapidly changing scene, domestic and international, which has shaken the nation out of a torpor, as it were. The process, started since mid-1969 of removing roadblocks in the way of social progress, has gathered a new momentum. Its own inexorable logic is pushing ahead even those who would otherwise (…)

LETTER FROM KOLKATA
There are three important political milestones for the Bengalis in the post-colonial period. The first one certainly started with the independence of the country. Bengal was divided but it was certainly saved from the catastrophe which Sarat Bose’s plan of a united independent Bengal might have brought about. The second was the coming into power of the United Front in 1967. In every respect it marked the beginning of the downslide of Bengali life. This dark age (…)

COMMUNICATION
According to the details of the first phase of the scheme for allotting flats to Delhi’s slum dwellers, only 42 per cent of the 15,713 slum households were found to be eligible. What happens to the remaining 58 per cent who will lose their slum dwellings? There is a plan to provide them temporary rental accommodation for six months only after which they have to be on their own.
Any scheme for the poor has to be based on the basic principle that the overwhelming majority (…)

When a charismatic leader unites people for a long awaited and widely celebrated election victory, conducive conditions are created for utilising the high levels of motivation for several constructive tasks. This moment should not be lost. It will not last forever. While the motivations of people are still high, some ideas and programmes with the potential to benefit greatly a very large number of people should be launched on a priority basis. These programmes should also have a strong (…)

Ms Mamata Banerjee came to power in West Bengal on the crest of a wave of popularity unprecedented in the annals of any State of India. The people of West Bengal have high expectations from her. The people of other States, too, look up to her for setting an example of corruption-free governance for a true and long-lasting upliftment of the people at the grassroots level. It is, therefore, necessary for every well-wisher to keep a watchful eye on her government’s moves—to support her (…)

A recurring feature of the Russian-Iranian relationship is that it mostly languishes on the horizon but can be trusted to move to the centre-stage whenever there is a criticality in the Middle East situation. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi made a point recently in an interview with the Russian media when he described Iran as the “most significant neighbour” of Russia, which stands in the way of the Western strategy to encircle Russia.
The message was unmistakable: “You need us (…)

BOOK REVIEW
Why Marx was Right by Terry Eagleton; Yale University Press; 2011.
The financial crisis and the Great Recession seemed to present, for many of us, a good opportunity to reconsider the current economic, political and social system and alternatives to it. However, mention the “M” word, and it’s a non-starter. No matter how apolitical a person otherwise is, they seem to have a firm opinion on Marx—he’s authoritarian, he advocates violence.... he’s passe. Professional economists (…)

It may sound strange that there are, by implication, ‘non-constructive’ Communists, but it is a fact there have not been many constructive Communists. In fact, the very concept of a ‘Communist’ has been distorted by a long period of practice of Stalinism and Maoism, emphasising destruction. Communist and Communism have been reduced to ‘destructive’ actitvities only: destroy this and that, ‘overthrow’ capitalism, ‘smash’ imperialism, and this, that and the other, and then only you will begin (…)

by BISHWAJIT SEN
It is surprising that the community which was the prime mover behind setting up of modern educational institutions in Patna, is today gripped by a deep identity crisis. R.M.R. Seminary at Khazanchi Road, was established by the great social reformer Shivnath Shastri, who belonged to the Brahmo Samaj. “Aghore Prakash Shishu Sadan” bears the memories of late Dr B.C. Roy’s (the second Chief Minister of West Bengal) parents who brought enlightenment to Bihar, by propa-gating (…)