Reproduced with permission from Ruchi Gupta There is natural tension between the State and the public on the question of transparency. Authoritarian states by definition limit access to information. In democratic states, democracy manifests itself as elections, which reduces incentive for routine oversight (to delay judgment) and in case of ruling government’s culpability, creates a [...]
A Blackberry addict discovers grassroots enterprise in India
A greater ‘hole in the wall’ you cannot imagine. A small fading sign on the top saying “Cellphoon reapars” barely visible through the street vendors crowding the Juhu Market in Mumbai. On my way to buy a new Blackberry, my innate sense of adventure (foolishness) made me stop my car and investigate. A shop not [...]
Mr India: Mogambo Khush Hua: The creating of Mogambo
Amrish Puri immortalized the film Mr India through his pitch perfect playing of Mogambo, so much that it’s difficult to imagine the much talked about sequel to Mr India without him. What’s even more startling is the fact that when you look carefully at the film Mogambo actually does not do much in the film He talks, he threatens, he clicks his fingers on a globe on his throne, he strides, he builds missiles and threatens to blow up India.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy : The great sell out by the government of India
25 years after the greatest industrial accident in the world. 25 years after over 25,000 perished in an agonizing death on the terrible night when the deadly gas leaked out of the Union Carbide chemical factory in Bhopal, India. Or in slow torturous deaths in the few weeks following that night as people saw their [...]
Born Free – MIA’s shocking message
I am amused at how America is so confused in understanding what MIA is trying to convey through what can be referred as one of the most violent and explicit (and pretty straight forward) video song released in recent times. I am almost awe struck to read some of the comments at some sites where [...]
IIFA, Amithab to Sri Lanka’s damage control
Sri Lanka is gearing to host the International Indian Film Academy event – a prestigious film roadshow. IIFA – which organizes the roadshow event, is an effort by prominent personalities from the Indian movie industry – predominantly from the Hindi language segment with an objective of promoting Indian cinema globally. The event in Sri Lanka [...]
Sex and the Guru
With the internet raging with people wanting to search for sex video’s of the hapless Swami Nityananda having sex with a famous Tamil actress, you have to ask what this is all about ? While people express outrage all over India through acts of violence against him and his property, others desperately want to voyeur into the wanting to look at the act.
Sri Lanka’s 27 year emergency extended again
Sri Lankan president Rajapakse has extended the nations State of Emergency again today. The nation has been in a state of emergency for 27 years since 1983. The emergency laws provides exclusive powers to the President and allows the arrest and detention of suspects for long periods without trial.
India going Green or Red ?
Statistical data shows that the Himalayan glaciers are receding at the greatest rate than any other in this planet. And now about India going Red. Naxalites and Maosists. The huge rebellion against oppression and mis-governance – that has led to ambitious armed groups to take advantage of the oppressed people to rebel.
Sarath Fonseka – Resigned or Shown the door?
Precisely one week after the United States administration attempted to get a confession from Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defense Staff, Sarath Fonseka on possible war crimes by Gothabaya Rajapakse – the Defense Secretary of Sri Lanka, the Army General has submitted his resignation. The resignation letter submitted by Sarath Fonseka outlines the frustration he had to endure since the days he declared victory over the Tamil rebels.
Delhi descends into savagery
Raj has been told that most of his extended family had just died. Killed in the riots following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Not just killed, the women dragged out and forced to watch the men folk being burned alive, and then the women and children slaughtered. Raj just sat there. Non comprehending.