Mainstream Weekly

Democracy and Self-Representation

Vivek Kumar — 2008-10-08T12:00:55Z

After intense political debate it has been decided that for the first time in the 218-year old US democracy a Black will be contesting for the prestigious presidential elections. Is it out of blue that the world's “most developed democracy”, the US, is going to choose its first Black President or is this a new stage in the evolution of US democracy? If the latter is true, then US democracy is moving up and reaching a higher level. This means it has created an atmosphere in which the excluded (…)

- October 4, 2008

Cultural Heterogeneity and Exclusion in India

Vivek Kumar — 2008-04-27T14:47:44Z

For some politicians it is difficult to understand India's diversity and appreciate it too. The lesson taught in our school days that there exists ‘unity in diversity' in Indian society is taught even today in our schools and colleges. Although the slogan emerged at a particular point in time yet it is as relevant as it used to be in the past. However, very few know the basis of this ‘unity of diversity' contained in this slogan, which was coined by British historian Vincent Smith and later (…)

- April 26, 2008

Sociology of Presidential Elections in India

Vivek Kumar — 2007-07-21T13:55:00Z

It is really painful to see how the political elite of the country is making a mockery of public sensibilities while selecting a candidate for the post of the President of India. Overtly undermining the skills and acumen needed to run the highest office of the land they are giving credence of the primordial identities and loyalties of an individual for his/her candidature. Although all the political parties, with different ideologies, are pretending that they are committed to a national (…)

- July 21, 2007