Kancha Ilaiah is an activist, writer and also the Chairman of the Political Science department at Osmania University. Recently the Deccan Chronicle published an article written by Kancha Ilaiah titled “Islam and the Concept of Equality in India”. In this article the author makes several claims about the “social role of Islam in the subcontinent” [...]
“She (Sonia Gandhi) wants to destroy Indian religion, culture and traditions. We are opposing this, since we will not let this happen. She realizes that our strength is growing, and she is scared of our power. That is why she is opposing us. We are not in any way connected to extremism. Neither the VHP, [...]
The 83rd Plenary Session of the Indian National Congress ended a few days ago. The Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi delivered the inaugural address. In this address she laid out a four step process for “intensifying the battle against corruption”. There is no doubt that Sonia Gandhi is the most powerful political figure in India [...]
In December 2008, about 60% of the eligible voters turned out to vote for the state elections in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite calls for boycott and threats of violence and intimidation by the separatists groups, the turnout was 17% more than the previous elections. 1354 candidates from 43 parties participated in [...]
Secularism is one of the most abused words in Indian politics. Secularism in a political and social context is a belief in the separation of the state (government and government agencies) and the religious beliefs of the people. To many Indians a secular state also means a state that guarantees their right to practice the [...]
Archeologists from Russia are claiming that they have identified about 20 “spiral shaped” settlements, which are believed to be 4000 years old in a remote part of Southern Siberia (bordering Kazakhstan). The Russians knew about these settlements for about 20 years. This information was revealed by historian Bettany Hughes on the BBC program “Tracking the [...]
September 30, 2010 is perhaps the most monumental day in Indian history since we gained our independence from Briton on August 15, 1947. Let it be known that on this day India finally exercised one of its major demons. The Allahabad High Court delivered the verdict on the highly controversial Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute. [...]
Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat; But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, Tho’ they come from the ends of the earth! – [...]
During my school days in India one of the routine rituals that we did as students was to stand up as the teacher entered the class room, say the appropriate salutations in unison and then sit down and get ready for the lecture. This is a small way to show our respect for the teacher. [...]
Whenever I am up late I turn on the TV and watch the “Tonight Show” hosted by comedian Jay Leno. My favorite segment of this show is called “Jaywalking”. Reporters from the Tonight Show approach pedestrians in some of the major American cities and ask them fairly basic questions. Some of the responses are hilarious. [...]
“I’ve been so spoiled with my friends and family in this life. Next time I want to be just something quiet and supporting”. Hollywood actress Julia Roberts made these comments to a magazine while promoting her latest movie Eat Pray Love. According to reports she is now a Hindu and like many Hindus she now [...]
I want you to think about these numbers for a moment. According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates the GDP of the United States is $14.26 trillion (2009). For the same period India’s GDP was $1.16 trillion. American defense spending was approximately $663 billion for 2009 which is more than half of India’s GDP. [...]
Shangri-La is a mythical Himalayan utopia. If you are a fan of rock like I am then I am sure you have listened to the song “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is one of the all time bands and Kashmir in my opinion is their best work. The song is a tribute to their [...]
Indian constitution guarantees freedom of speech just like the American constitution yet places some significant restrictions on it. According to the constitution these restrictions are in place “in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India or public order or morality”. The Indian government has used this loophole on numerous occasions to impose censorship. [...]
