By Harsh Thakor*  Vijay Hazare was one of the first batsmen to place India on the map of the cricketing world, championing adversity like few ever have. His name is enshrined in cricket history in golden letters. A paragon of class, Hazare possessed a faultless technique, solid defense, and elegant strokeplay. He played a pivotal role on either side of India’s independence, elevating the country’s batsmanship to global recognition. A man of great dignity and charm, he shaped the game as much with his character as with his bat.  

- राम पुनियानी*  वक्फ अधिनियम को संशोधित कर दिया गया है. संसद के दोनों सदनों द्वारा पारित किए जाने और राष्ट्रपति का अनुमोदन हासिल होने के बाद 'यूनिफाइड वक्फ मैनेजमेंट, एम्पावरमेंट, एफिशिएंसी एंड डेवलपमेंट एक्ट 2025" लागू हो गया है.  इसके पारित होने के बाद लोकसभा में विपक्ष के नेता राहुल गाँधी ने कहा था कि अब अन्य समुदायों की धार्मिक संपत्तियों को निशाना बनाया जायेगा. ठीक यही हुआ. संसद में विधेयक के पारित होने के तुरंत बाद आरएसएस के मुखपत्र द आर्गेनाइजर ने कैथोलिक चर्च की संपत्ति के बारे में एक लेख प्रकाशित किया. यद्यपि यह लेख प्रकाशन की वेबसाइट से तुरंत हटा लिया गया मगर जो सन्देश दिया जाना था, वह दे दिया गया है.

By Syed Ali Mujtaba*  One of the most ludicrous aspects of the Waqf Act is that it appears to ask Mr. Mohammad to prove he is a Muslim. The Act explicitly requires that the donor of a waqf must demonstrate that they have been practicing Islam for at least five years.

- झारखंड जनाधिकार महासभा  अम्बेडकर जयंती पर बाबासाहब डॉ भीमराव अम्बेडकर के 1940 में दिए गए बयान को याद करने की ज़रूरत है – "अगर हिंदू राष्ट्र बन जाता है तो बेशक इस देश के लिए एक भारी ख़तरा उत्पन्न हो जाएगा. यह स्वतंत्रता, बराबरी और बंधुत्व के लिए एक ख़तरा है. इस आधार पर लोकतंत्र के अनुपयुक्त है." भारत सरकार द्वारा हाल ही में पारित वक्फ (संशोधन) कानून, 2025 के विरुद्ध झारखंड जनाधिकार महासभा कड़ा विरोध व्यक्त करती है। यह कानून, जो वक्फ अधिनियम, 1995 में व्यापक बदलाव लाता है, न केवल मुसलमानों के धार्मिक स्वायत्तता और सामुदायिक अधिकारों पर कुठाराघात करता है, बल्कि संवैधानिक सिद्धांतों और सामाजिक सौहार्द को भी कमजोर करता है।

By Vikas Meshram   As always, the entire nation once again  celebrated Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14. Almost all political parties remember him and interpret his contributions according to their ideologies. However, most of them fail to disseminate or implement Dr. Ambedkar’s true objectives in practice.

- એક પ્રતિનિધિ   ડૉ. બાબાસાહેબ આંબેડકરની ૧૩૪મી જન્મજયંતિ નિમિત્તે સુરેન્દ્રનગર ખાતે ભવ્ય ભીમ ડાયરો યોજાયો હતો. આ પ્રસંગે ૧૫૬ કિલો (સંદર્ભે ૭ મણ અને ૧૬ કિલો)ની વિશાળ કેક કાપી ઊજવણી કરવામાં આવી હતી. આ કાર્યક્રમ સમગ્ર લોકભાગીદારી અને દાતાશ્રીઓના સહકારથી યોજાયો હતો.

By Vijayan MJ  Passion week is that time of the year when Christians all over the world remind themselves about the sufferings, anguish, pain and the bloody crucifixion that Jesus Christ took on himself, as part of his mission of emancipating the people and establishing the kingdom of god. The crucifixion was not just a great symbolism of the personal sacrifice of one person, but it was a comprehensive messaging of a political journey for the liberation of the oppressed; one filled with struggle, militancy, celebration of life, rejection of temptations, betrayals, grief, the long-walk with the cross, crucifixion and ultimately resurrection as a symbol of victory over the oppressors and evil. 

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ It is Palm Sunday! As I hold the blessed palm in my hand a flood of thoughts and reflections grip my soul. It is six days before the Lord’s Passover and one cannot help but see the inter connectedness of the different dimensions that make this day a profound spiritual experience. The PALM in my hand -

By Dr Palla Trinadha Rao  In recent years, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a key player in India’s renewable energy transition, with the state government approving multiple large-scale pumped storage hydroelectric projects (PSPs) aimed at enhancing energy storage and supporting the country’s net-zero goals. However, this push for clean energy has ignited a heated debate, particularly in the Scheduled Areas of the Eastern Ghats, where tribal communities and environmental advocates are raising concerns over legal violations, displacement, and ecological degradation.

By Bharat Dogra  There are several collections available of songs from social movements and some of these are much sought after. However the collection of songs being discussed here is one of its own kind as it brings together songs from several languages and dialects and then makes them accessible to many more readers by also presenting the same in Hindi and English as well. The main theme of each song has also been presented separately. This book, titled ‘Geet aur Gatha—Voices from the Ground’ has been published by Anugya Books and brought out by the Geet Aur Gatha Collective. They also have a you tube channel. This 116 page book has 36 songs in Magahi, Bhojpuri, Angika, Chattisgarhi, Kurukh, Saadri, Bundeli, Marathi, Odiya, Ho, Santhali, Tamil, Kumauni, Avadhi, Hindi, Hadauti, Bareli and Sambalpuri—about 20 languages and dialects. The issues covered include protection of forests, protection of constitutional values, deep commitment to villages, celebration of community life and ...

By Shamsul Islam  If we trust the glorification of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by the RSS-BJP rulers on his birth anniversary, it would seem as if there have never been more loyal followers of him than them. According to PM Modi, he was the “architect of the Constitution of India” and “Messiah of Scheduled Castes.” The UP government has announced a grand celebration of ‘Ambedkar Jayanti,’ beginning with a series of programmes from the morning of April 13 (2025), leading up to the main celebrations on April 14 in Lucknow, which will be attended by Hindutva icon CM Adityanath. These programmes “aim to acquaint the younger generation with Dr Ambedkar’s remarkable life, visionary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and social reform.”

By Dr. Kapilendra Das*  Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and revered as Baba Saheb, stands as a towering figure in the history of modern India. He was a true nationalist, an eminent scholar, jurist, philosopher, economist, historian, politician, anthropologist, orator, prolific writer, and, above all, a profound social reformer. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, his legacy is etched into the foundation of Indian democracy and its pursuit of justice and equality.

By Shamsul Islam  Today, India has become a grazing field for all kinds of religious bigots, led by the Hindutva brigade. Even the Prime Minister—who took an oath to uphold a democratic and secular polity—openly identifies as a Hindu nationalist, as if his office exists to serve the cause of Hindutva. The RSS/BJP rulers openly declare their intention to turn India into a Hindu Rashtra, where the Brahmanical Codes of Manu—which reduce women and Dalits to sub-human status—would become the law of the land. For them, India is the Fatherland and Holyland only for Hindus.

By Rosamma Thomas*  In recent days, the news from the University of Mumbai has been far from inspiring – clumps of plaster have fallen off the ceiling at the CD Deshmukh Bhavan, and it was good fortune that no one was injured; creepy crawlies were found in the water dispenser that students use to collect drinking water, and timely warning videos circulated by vigilant students have kept people safe so far.

By A Representative  The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Gujarat chapter, has submitted a strongly worded letter to Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee, raising serious concerns over the proposed implementation of a UCC in the state. The organization warns that a top-down, uniform legal framework risks violating fundamental rights, eroding cultural diversity, and deepening social divides.

By A Representative   In a powerful call for electoral reform and transparency, over 80 eminent citizens, experts, and activists have submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI), raising concerns over the autonomy, accountability, and technological integrity of India's election process.

By A Representative  A groundbreaking report released today by The Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health warns that a global misunderstanding and politicisation of gender is severely undermining health outcomes worldwide. Unveiled at a high-level event in Delhi, the report brings together voices from over 100 global leaders in academia, policy, and civil society.

By Vikas Meshram*  Several new national and international research surveys have warned that hazardous microplastics are present in our breath, drinking water, and crops. Various research journals worldwide continuously publish alarming findings from studies on this issue.

By Bishwarupa Sahu*  Life offers each of us a unique journey, shaped by challenges, choices, and the spirit to persevere. In the remote village of Jhadsemla, nestled in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha, a powerful story of resilience and determination quietly unfolds. This is the story of Dhani—a young woman whose unwavering resolve has not only transformed her own life but also ignited change in her entire community.

By Harsh Thakor*  On March 31, 2025, Gummadivelli Renuka, also known by her pen name Midko, was killed in Chhattisgarh during an alleged exchange of fire with police forces. Aged 55, she had been active in the Maoist insurgency for over three decades and was widely known within revolutionary circles as both a writer and a guerrilla. Police stated that she was killed during a gunfight near the villages of Nelgoda, Ikeli, and Belnar, on the border of Dantewada and Bijapur districts. They reported recovering an INSAS rifle, ammunition, a laptop, and Maoist literature from the site. However, the CPI (Maoist) claimed she was arrested and executed in custody after being interrogated. The publication Andhra Jyothi cited allegations that she was tortured.

By A Representative  In a significant move towards ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for India’s future generations, Union Minister for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, has launched a nationwide initiative titled “Asbestos-Free Schools: A National Priority.” The initiative, which bans the use of asbestos in all new and renovated central government educational institutions, has been welcomed by the ToxicsWatch Alliance (TWA) and supported by the Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI).

By Bharat Dogra  Sunil Bhatt’s recently published book on travels and public meetings of Mahatma Gandhi in Hindi, titled 'Uttarakhand Mein Gandhi—Yatra aur Vichar’ provides a fascinating narrative on his ability to achieve very spontaneous and close intimacy with the huge number of people he met on almost daily basis, even though he travelled often in very tiring conditions. 

By Harsh Thakor*  At a recent convention organised by the Democratic Front Against Operation Greenhunt in Bathinda, Gandhian activist Himanshu Kumar expressed concerns regarding the transfer of natural resources to corporate and multinational entities.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  A film based on the life and legacy of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule was expected to release today. Instead, its release has been pushed to the last week of April. The reason? Protests by self-proclaimed guardians of caste pride—certain Brahmin groups—and forced edits demanded by a thoroughly discredited Censor Board.

By Bharat Dogra  A very important component of the progress of a country consists of democratic and peaceful social movements which seek to correct various distortions and flawed decisions, as seen from a perspective which is different from that of decision-making powerful authorities. This perspective is often based on considerations of justice and environment protection, reflected in trying to prevent avoidable displacement of a large number of people including farmers, and preventing many kinds of avoidable ecological disruptions.

By Syed Ali Mujtaba*   The recently introduced Waqf Amendment Act has stirred a hornet’s nest, not just within legal and political circles, but across India’s diverse social fabric. At its core, the Act attempts to redefine who can contribute to Waqf endowments—a move critics argue chips away at the constitutional promise of secularism.

By Shiran Illanperuma  In 1964, during the second summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cairo, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) Sirimavo Bandaranaike proposed that the Indian Ocean be turned into a ‘zone of peace’ that was free of military bases and nuclear weapons. In the context of heightened militarisation during the Cold War, this proposal was supported by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

By A Representative   In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Chairperson and Members of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a concerned citizen and seasoned power sector professional, Mr. Shankar Sharma, has expressed appreciation for recent eco-centric observations made by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, while also urging the judiciary and regulatory bodies to take more assertive and systemic actions to curb the accelerating ecological degradation in India.

By Vikas Meshram  The Supreme Court of India has once again stated that bulldozer actions against allegedly illegal constructions violate the natural principles of justice. This is not the first time such a remark has been made. Despite declaring such forced actions unconstitutional, injustice through bulldozers has been witnessed recently in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The court noted that this injustice is not just about demolishing slums and houses, but a violation of due legal process and Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of every citizen's personal liberty and life.

By Ram Puniyani*  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, where he paid homage to RSS founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar and its second Sarsanghchalak, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, has garnered significant attention. This highly publicized trip has been interpreted by many as an effort to bolster his stature within the RSS combine. Another speculation is that, as Modi turns 75 this September, he may be expected to retire, in line with BJP norms.

By Dr. Palla Trinadha Rao  Many Adivasi (tribal) families living in tribal villages outside the Scheduled Areas of Andhra Pradesh have been pleading with the government for years to resolve their land issues. For them, justice has remained elusive. Due to the apathy, inconsistent approaches, and lack of sincerity among revenue officials, tribal land issues have become more complicated.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat  Akhilesh Yadav has called for a total boycott of Dainik Jagran, a newspaper owned by the Gupta family. He also declared that the Samajwadi Party will no longer participate in any panel discussions organized by a media channel allegedly controlled by the family or relatives of the omnipresent Rajiv Shukla. Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party are well aware that Dainik Jagran has long been antagonistic to Dalit-Bahujan interests. The newspaper represents a Bania-Brahmin corporate and ideological enterprise.

By A Representative  In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Honourable Chief Justice and Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court of India, Shankar Sharma, a seasoned power and climate policy analyst from Sagara, Karnataka, has called for urgent judicial intervention to halt the escalating destruction of India’s forests.

By A Representative   Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has submitted an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), highlighting the severe restrictions and deplorable living conditions imposed on the residents of Paschim Sahebganj, a border village in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal. The Border Security Force (BSF) has subjected the villagers to continuous harassment and control, depriving them of their fundamental human rights and making their daily lives a struggle for survival. The village is enclosed within barbed wire fencing, and access is controlled through a single gate (Gate No. 7), opened only for limited hours daily. This severely hampers their access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. The villagers, primarily dependent on agriculture, face arbitrary restrictions from the BSF on farming activities. They are prohibited from transporting fertilizers and pesticides and require BSF permission to sell their harve...

By A Representative   The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued an urgent appeal for the immediate release of Bellala Padma, a 50-year-old advocate and women's rights activist from Telangana, citing her deteriorating health condition. Padma, who has been incarcerated at Jagdalpur prison since June 2023 following her arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is reportedly suffering from severe medical issues, including vomiting blood, loss of consciousness, and excruciating pain in her ribs and legs.

By A Representative   The Jharkhand High Court has issued a stern directive to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages in the state's schools. The Court ordered the Chairman of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) to provide a definitive timeline for initiating and completing the appointment of 26,000 school teachers in a “fair, transparent, and time-bound manner.”  

Counterview Desk  In a representation to Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat chief minister, Vipul Pandya, general secretary, Bandhkam Mazdoor Sangathan, has said that heatwaves should be declared as State-specific disaster, insisting on the need to undertake relief measures and provide ex-gratia to affected labourers and citizens. Text: ***

By A Representative  Private equity (PE) investments in Indian real estate continued their downward trajectory in FY25, declining to USD 3.7 billion — a 43% fall from the peak of USD 6.4 billion in FY21, according to the ANAROCK Capital FLUX FY25 report . Despite a lower number of deals, average ticket sizes rose sharply, reflecting a more concentrated and strategic capital deployment approach.

By A Representative  Business inflation expectations continued to ease in February 2025, according to the latest round of the Business Inflation Expectations Survey (BIES) od the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad.The one-year ahead inflation expectation, based on the mean probability distribution of unit cost increase, dropped by 18 basis points to 4.06%, down from 4.24% in January. Uncertainty around these expectations ticked up slightly, with the standard deviation rising to 1.84% from 1.81% in previous rounds. In a supplementary question, firms projected one-year ahead CPI headline inflation at 4.24%, a sharp decline from 4.96% in December 2024. Uncertainty in CPI projections remained low, at around 0.90%. The survey also reflected easing cost pressures. The share of firms reporting significant cost increases (over 6%) fell to 25% in February, compared to 30% in January. Moderate cost increase reports (3.1%–6%) also declined to 26% from 32%. However, concerns persisted ov...

By Harsh Thakor*  April 11, 2025, marks the 40th death anniversary of Enver Hoxha, the longtime leader of the Party of Labour of Albania (PLA). As the head of Albania’s communist movement from its inception in 1941 until his death in 1985, Hoxha played a significant role in shaping the course of Albania’s political and social development, as well as influencing the broader trajectory of the international communist movement.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Since the 1980s, there has been a consistent, rapid rise in the number of billionaires. By 2025, the combined wealth of the richest 1%—those with over $11 million—has reached $44.6 trillion. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the accumulation of wealth among millionaires and billionaires. From 2020 onward, while the global economy was devastated by the pandemic, the wealth of the top 1% grew by nearly $15 trillion—an increase of 49%. In 2024 alone, approximately 204 new billionaires emerged, adding to the 2,565 billionaires recorded in 2023. 

By Bharat Dogra   There is a widespread feeling in the villages of India that when the national rural employment guarantee scheme is implemented properly as per the provisions of its law called NREGA, it is very helpful, particularly for women. However a frequent complaint of people is that it is not being implemented properly at many places. Hence many organizations are working all over the country to try to secure better implementation of NREGA.

By Vikas Meshram*  Climate change has become the greatest global challenge of the 21st century. Its effects are being felt worldwide, but its impact is particularly severe in developing countries like India. India's rural economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, animal husbandry, and natural resources, making it highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, cyclones, droughts, and floods not only affect farmers' livelihoods but also have adverse effects on food security and water resources.

By Ram Puniyani*  Parliament recently passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it the ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995’ — UMMID, in short. In its wake, the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, stated that after this, the religious properties of other communities would be targeted. He was spot on, as immediately after the passage of the bill, the RSS mouthpiece Organiser published an article about the property of the Catholic Church. Though the article was quickly withdrawn, the message was loud and clear.

By A Representative  The Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) has issued a strong statement opposing the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, calling it "unconstitutional" and "discriminatory." In a press release dated April 7, the organization raised concerns that the new legislation infringes upon the fundamental rights of the Muslim community, particularly under Articles 14 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.

By Syed Ali Mujtaba  The talk among influential circles in Chennai is whether the BJP can “manage” the Supreme Court to defend the Waqf Act. People are citing the Apex Court’s judgment in the Ayodhya case, which placated the majority community, and now expect a repeat in the Waqf Act case, which is soon to be contested before the Supreme Court. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammad Jawed have already moved the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, just hours after it was cleared by Parliament.

By A Representative  Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), a human rights organization, has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging a severe violation of human rights by the Border Security Force (BSF) against a resident of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.

By A Representative   India is facing a growing energy crisis as projections indicate the country's power demand could surge 11-fold by 2070, raising serious concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Recent warnings from the Grid Operator of India about "high-risk" power shortages in the coming months, coupled with expert predictions of a 9-10% demand increase in 2025, highlight the urgent challenges in balancing development needs with ecological preservation.