Student life in higher education institutions is ideally meant to revolve around learning, intellectual exploration, personal growth, and preparation for meaningful careers. Universities are expected to function as spaces insulated from societal chaos and political turbulence—spaces where academic pursuits take precedence over every other concern. Yet, in India, university campuses have increasingly become hotbeds of…

In the realm of self-assessment, human nature often leans toward optimism and self-preservation. Imagine a classroom scenario where a student is tasked with grading their own exam paper and ranking themselves among peers. Invariably, the student would inflate their scores, downplay errors, and position themselves at the top, avoiding any admission of shortcomings. No one…

India, a country renowned for its rich culture, history, and scientific achievements, also grapples with the darker side of tradition: a deeply ingrained superstitious culture. From small towns to bustling metropolises, beliefs in omens, rituals, and self-styled godmen or “babas” continue to exert a significant influence on Indian society. While cultural practices and faith are…

“Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao” as a Voting Slogan, Not a Moral Commitment India proudly claims ancient wisdom, spiritual depth, and moral superiority. We repeatedly tell ourselves—and the world—that ours is a civilisation that worships women as goddesses, that reveres motherhood, that believes “where women are respected, gods reside.” We celebrate slogans like Beti Padhao, Beti…

In India, cricket is not merely a sport. It has grown into something far larger than any festival, national celebration, or cultural event. For millions of Indians, both within the country and abroad, cricket is treated almost like a religion. Stadiums become temples, players become gods, and matches become sacred rituals. Especially during World Cups,…

The Indian democratic experiment is often heralded as a modern miracle—a vibrant, chaotic, and massive exercise in universal suffrage. At the heart of this system lies the Indian Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the republic. However, as we have astutely pointed out, the relentless pursuit of an “extreme majority” by political parties raises a…

Introduction: The Fundamental Role of the State in Education The foundational contract between a government and its citizens rests on the premise of the welfare state—the idea that the administration exists to facilitate the well-being of the populace, with education serving as the cornerstone of national progress. In a truly progressive society, the government functions…

In an ideal society, education is supposed to be the great equalizer. People pursue schooling, higher education, and specialized training so that they may build meaningful careers, contribute to national development, and live lives of dignity. For generations, middle-class families in India have believed wholeheartedly in this promise. They have sacrificed their savings, sold land,…

Democracy is often celebrated as the highest form of governance, a system in which people rule themselves through elected representatives. Elections are portrayed as festivals of democracy, moments when citizens exercise their power, shape their future, and hold leaders accountable. In theory, democracy empowers the people. In practice, however, many modern democracies—particularly in developing nations—have…

Why So Much Criticism Yet No Change? India is a nation where public criticism of politicians, bureaucrats, and the governing system flows endlessly. Every day, in tea stalls, living rooms, social media platforms, and even academic discussions, corruption is cited as the nation’s biggest curse. People question the unexplained rise in wealth of political leaders,…