Protests Archives

20 Years of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani: In the Age of CAA and “Godi Media”, this SRK Film Seems Prophetic

Twenty years ago, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani that starred Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, featured a news channel that toed the government’s narrative and paid goons hired by a politician to orchestrate riots. It ends on a positive note where codes of democracy are honoured and protestors usher in a change. Today, as the entire country protests against the CAA-NRC, the film’s subtext has never been more relevant.

Manik Sharma July 7, 2016

POV

Loan-Waiver Schemes Got 99 Problems. And Implementation is One

As Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath announced loan waivers for his state's farmers, the demand across the country has only gotten louder. With the general elections a few months away, the governments might just cave in. But while farm loan waivers might make good political sense, do they make good moral and economic sense?

Hardik Rajgor July 6, 2016

Bollywood

Amar Akbar Anthony: Why We Need Manmohan Desai’s Diverse India Now More than Ever

In the world that we live in today, which is marred by discrimination toward minorities and a breathless demand for proof of citizenship, Amar Akbar Anthony’s secular universe almost seems utopian. It’s funny because Manmohan Desai’s portrait of India is actually the India that our ancestors fought for.

Runjhun Noopur June 19, 2016

First Person

Healing in the Age of Agitation: How the Constant Protests and Tension in Delhi Affected My Mental Health

For students of JNU, the past couple of months have been full of despair. The protests meant we had to give up on our routine student life. Then on Jan 5, masked goons attacked us. The horror of that day lingers on. I’ve had sleepless nights and after a point could not bear to see images of bleeding students.

Paro Tomar June 12, 2016

POV

Sabarimala Protests: Are You a “True Devotee” If You Continue to Attack Women?

A mob protesting against women entering the Sabarimala Temple attacked a cameraperson who was covering the story. In the past too, stones have been pelted at women. Who are these “real devotees” of Ayyappa, who believe in their religious rights without considering the constitutional rights of others?

Kahini Iyer June 3, 2016

Gender

Kerala HC’s Ruling Against Sexist Hostel Rules Has Shown the Way. Time for All Our Universities to Follow

The Kerala High Court recently upheld that women students have the same freedoms as men. The implications of these college rules go far beyond the campus. It goes against the understanding that the potential of young women is up for sacrifice without a second thought, as long as we can keep them in line.

Kahini Iyer May 23, 2016

POV

India Against CAA: Being a First-Time Protester Can Be Daunting, Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

I never ended up going for several stirs I could have been a part of, because of the unanswered questions. Was I expected to carry a sign? If a scuffle breaks out, can I leave or will that be deemed cowardly? To some, especially seasoned protestors, some of these questions might seem silly, but a little bit of information would help people who genuinely want to join the good fight.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan May 22, 2016

POV

Hasna Seekho: To All the Guys Who Made Us Laugh in this Time of Protests

As anti-CAA protests continue to rage on, at a time when everything seems, bleak, it’s the humour that’s kept many of us going. From tongue-in-cheek placards, stand-up routines, and internet memes, dissenters from the anti-CAA movement are finding a way to stay sane. For today, I recommend “Hum Kagaz (Filmy Version)” on Instagram.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan April 4, 2016