Shahnawaz Ahmad Ansari Shahnawaz Ahmad Ansari, National Spokesperson, All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz (AIPMM) In a nation where diversity is our strength, the struggle for social justice remains an ongoing battle. The recent landmark decision by the Supreme Court, allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), is a beacon of hope for …
“I Wish I Wasn’t Born a Hindu”: A Tale of Discrimination and Disillusionment
Leichan Ayekpam Growing up in Manipur, my childhood was steeped in the rich traditions and vibrant rituals of Manipuri Hinduism. Our festivals were a blend of joy, spirituality, and community, with each celebration deeply rooted in our unique cultural heritage. The serene temples, the rhythmic chants (Sankirtana), and the age-old customs made me proud of …
Location: Kottayam
Sreekala Sivasankaran No more insinuation No more provocation No more arguments No more slapping on the face No more pinching of the hips No more pulling of my breasts in the street No more spitting on the vagina No more forced Carols No more baptisms of captivity Put me on medicines Put me on ECT …
Religion, Ethics and Kinship: On Dr B.R Ambedkar’s Path to Conversion
Abdul Najeeb Noorul Ameen The American philosopher Abi Doukhan makes an interesting observation in her book on the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. She states that the word ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos. The ethos pertains to the customs and principles of a society. The concept of the ethical refers to those actions …
Lingayat Community’s demand for Religious Minority status
Vinay D Damodar Introduction All over India, the working of party politics bears a marked influence exercised by the caste factor. Even left parties (witness Kerala) have not escaped from the prevailing socio-political atmosphere. In Karnataka, as in several other states, the tussle for political power has evolved on clear lines. Karnataka Assembly Election is …
Hegemony of Sexual Violence
Bobby Kunhu While, sexual intercourse in dominant discourse is located foundationally within a heterosexual patriarchal paradigm and rape is a violent extension of the same. The act is deeply orchestrated by existing hegemonies that define the society in which it is enacted. This is the reason that women’s bodies and sexualities are often primary targets …
Words Of The Ordained Women
Dr Amritpal Kaur ‘What becometh a woman best, and first of all? SILENCE. What second? SILENCE. What third? SILENCE. What fourth? SILENCE. Yea, if a man should aske me till Domes daie I would still crie Silence, Silence… ‘ – Thomas Wilson, The Arte of Rhetorique, 1560. Women have long been expected to govern their …
Sanghi agenda: Religious polarisation among Adivasi communities
Chhotelal Kumar The Adivasi is frequently mistaken as a “noble savage” who leads a primitive lifestyle. His social and cultural traditions are perceived as unsophisticated and based on superstitions. In central India, tribals have their own religions, the most notable of which is Sarna, followed by Adivasis of Chotanagpur, and Koyapun, followed by Gonds …
Hands off my rights!
Nourin N K Hands off my rights! Like the damaged headlight Of my neighbour’s rickshaw, At first, My country flickered In deadly saffron, Was it a warning? Are we all dead? No! No! No! I see a living ghost, Hovering over Hopeless future. Gates closed, crowds gathered, But you are still too weak to …