2024

The 100th anniversary of the founding of the Institute for Social Research (ISR) has led to a multitude of celebrations and reflections on Frankfurt School Critical Theory by prominent Critical Theorists at Critical Theory conferences and in Critical Theory Journals in the Anglophone world. In what follows, I focus on William Scheuerman’s and Samuel Moyn’s recently published short commentaries criticizing contemporary Frankfurt School Critical Theory for not focusing on the political (…)

Covid 19 pandemic affected people almost in all countries of the world. However, the impact of the pandemic varied across regions, classes and communities. A recently published book, Pandemic and Precarity (Sampark, Kolkata, 2023), has explored the differential impact of the pandemic on the labouring people in India. The editor, Rituparna Datta, has nicely situated the twelve papers incorporated in the book: “This report on Pandemic and Precarity tries to open a canvas of ‘Pandemicscapes’ as (…)

As massive propaganda and mobilization for Ram Temple inauguration on 22nd January is on and there is a need to introspect on India’s democratic and secular ethos. We recall that soon after we got independence there was a demand from some quarters that Somanth Temple, plundered by Mahmood Gazni in the eleventh Century, be restored by the Government. Nehru writes in his book that “he and Patel also approached Mahatma Gandhi for the reconstruction of the temple, but Gandhi was of the view that (…)

January 16, 2024
South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ arrives at a pivotal moment, and Pandit played a vital part in bringing human rights discourse to this juncture
This week, South Africa brought a case before the International Court of Justice in the Hague, charging Israel with genocide for its ongoing campaign in Gaza. It is a pivotal moment in which many precarious elements of the international order hang in the balance.
South Africa’s case is based on the 1948 Genocide (…)

A Ram temple consecration ceremony is scheduled in Ayodhya on 22 January. This temple is being built, after demolition of a mosque at the same place, in the name of a Hindu deity who is described as epitome of virutes. The act of demolition, described by a Supreme Court judgement as criminal act, was carried out by political organizations believing in Hindutva ideology. The land was given by the same Supreme Court judgement for building a temple. But again political organisations have taken (…)

With intrinsic value beyond merely a life-support system, nature encompasses the physical world, including the earth, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The preservation of these resources is crucial for the survival of various species, including humans. The impact of environmental degradation, such as the destruction of the ozone layer, is evident in increased exposure to ultraviolet irradiation and higher rates of skin cancer. Conversely, exposure to natural green places has improved human (…)

Abstract
The rise of Narendra Modi to power in Delhi in 2014 and the concomitant rise of the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) to power in more states than ever have inaugurated a new phase in national politics. This phase is best conceptualized as right-wing populism. There has also been an unprecedented and open use of the incumbent government’s power to attack all kinds of opposition, not just political. Modi’s government has tactically used its position to mold institutions in its favor (…)

The forthcoming Census could be the first Digital Census in the history of India. For this monumental and milestone-marking task, I have allocated ₹ 3,768 crores in the year 2021-22. —Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, February 1, 2021, Lok Sabha
The Census 2021 and the related field activities have been postponed until further orders. The forthcoming Census is to be the first digital Census and there is a provision for self-enumeration. Mobile Apps for collection of data and a (…)

How much blood does a corpse bleed; what is the sound of a lamb that bleats as it jumps over a precipice, when shepherds turn amiss? O Lord, this year give me a balm to apply on sores, for too many have been crucified at the altar of greed and war. O Lord, grant my cupped hands clean water for the thirsty, for too many have been driven from their lands, by the river towards the salty sea, that has turned red with shame on what it has had to witness. O Lord, gently kiss the waves, turn (…)