Once every 12 years, the Kumbha Mela takes place at Prayaga in Uttar Pradesh. Similarly three other Kumbha Melas take place at Haridwara, Nashik and Ujjain. Depending primarily upon the placement of Jupiter in the vedic astrological chart, the timings of these melas are determined. The mela at Prayaga is the world’s largest religious congregation... Continue Reading →
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Speech on National Education
Source: “Bal Gangadhar Tilak His Writings and Speeches” — Ganesh & Co, Madras, 1919 I shall speak here this evening on national education. We are not accustomed to this term; hence it needs a little explanation. To be able to read and write alone is no education. These are simply the means of its attainment. That which... Continue Reading →
‘Opposing’ Parties And The Freedom Of Speech and Expression
The Indian Constitution grants complete freedom of speech to Parliamentarians (and members of state legislatures). Under Article 105, nothing that is said by a Parliamentarian can be challenged in any court of law. The founders of this nation granted such a rare privilege, not bestowed on any other institution in the country, with the hope... Continue Reading →
The Extraordinary Fearlessness of Bhagat Singh
Even the bravest people tend to lose control over fear in the face of imminent death. The facade of fearlessness falls off when the reality of one’s life being cut short hits you. Life is precious to almost all. Even a 100 year old hopes he can cling on to dear life for as long... Continue Reading →
Pejawara Swamiji’s demand: Is it pro, or anti, Dalit?
A few days back, in the Dharma Sansad at Udupi, Sri Pejawara Swamiji asked for changes to the Constitution to ensure the majority community got the same constitutional benefits as the minority. Swamiji’s intention was in highlighting the lack of equal rights in running educational institutions vide Article 30(1). However, some organizations and media outlets... Continue Reading →
Constitution Day: Five Reforms We Hope to See
The 26th of November is celebrated every year, since 2015, as the ‘Constitution Day’. On this occasion, here is a short post on 5 changes that, IMHO, would make the Constitution truly secular and republic. Equality under Article 30 Expand the scope of Article 30(1) and make it applicable to all, agnostic of religious or... Continue Reading →
SC Medical Colleges Case: Reasonable Grounds for Fear of Bias?
A lot many articles have been written in the past week or so on the developments in the Supreme Court of India with regard to the petition by CJAR seeking the constitution of an SIT to monitor an investigation into a medical college scam. Two excellent articles that must be read in this regard are... Continue Reading →
Why we still need to vote for Modi in 2019
The 2019 general elections are still a while away. But the talk of whom to vote has already started — at least on social media. And many who voted for Narendra Modi and the BJP in 2014 are starting to have doubts. The disappointment of Modi not having met expectations is leading some to get disillusioned and... Continue Reading →
A Legal Case for Shared Parenting
Provisions in the Indian Constitution related to Children’s Rights There are not too many provisions in the Indian Constitution which talk explicitly about the rights of children, and the rights & duties of parents towards children. Article 39(f) briefly touches upon this topic, but only in passing reference. “Article 39(f) That children are given opportunities... Continue Reading →
SJW Laws: Designed for Misuse?
Recently, the Supreme Court of India issued some landmark directions to curb the menace of misuse of the draconian IPC 498A. It has brought in a more rigorous review process, in the form of Family Welfare Committees, to reduce the problem of false cases and consequent arrest of innocent people. Naturally, this new directive has... Continue Reading →
