Mainstream Weekly

Kashmir: Retrieve the Magic

Karuna Thakur — 2010-03-27T10:53:24Z

The mood in Kashmir, after the Indira-Sheikh Accord of 1975, was upbeat. A surge of emotions over the leader's homecoming had apparently overshadowed the bitterness of the fifties. The Valley had turned into a nerve-centre of activity and played host to an influx of visitors including leaders, writers, journalists and film-makers. Globetrotting yogis too descended on the scene to unwind, while some like the Mahesh Yogi group held training sessions on transcendental meditation for the (…)

- 2010

J&K: Elections with a Difference

Karuna Thakur — 2009-04-12T17:47:45Z

The Assembly Elections of 2008 in J&K were one of the most intensely contested elections in the State in terms of multi-cornered contests, number of rallies and the voter turnout. They were so even when compared with the 1977 elections, known to be the first fair and compe-titive elections in the State since independence. The levels of political mobilisation became significantly evident when within a month of the announcement of poll schedule on October 19, a total of 862 political (…)

- April 2009

India 2008 : Continuing Paradox

Karuna Thakur — 2008-01-26T21:00:46Z

A Constitution for India framed by the Indians was arguably the best gift to Indians on the eve of independence. The transcendent goal of racial revolution was presented by Jawaharlal Nehru to the members of the Constituent Assembly in the following words:
The first task of this assembly is to free India through a new Constitution, to feed the starving people and to clothe the naked masses and to give every Indian the fullest opportunity to develop himself according to his capacity. (…)

- January 26, 2008

Afzal Guru's Hanging and President's Dilemma

Karuna Thakur — 2007-04-24T15:25:00Z

Ever since the announcement of the date of Afzal Guru's hanging, a nationwide debate has started on whether or not clemency should be granted to Afzal Guru. Afzal Guru was convicted by a Sessions Court and sentenced to death. The High Court confirmed the conviction and upheld the death sentence. The Supreme Court too agreed with the courts below. The offence he is charged with is not a murder committed in the heat of passion; it is not a simple murder. It is not even a dacoity which tempts a (…)

- November 11, 2006