Professional Documents
Culture Documents
All English Editorials 2008
All English Editorials 2008
advisable? dispute? How will fruitful discussions have a bearing on the G20 summit in Delhi next month?
Will Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the meeting?
represent the Global South for sessions on the
sidelines of the summit. The message from the
invitations is a clear pitch for the developing
world to come together on economic issues. In
Is there a risk of liver injury? What do addition, many of the countries that are seeking
Suhasini Haidar On the importance. This is the first inperson summit to join the increasingly important grouping will
studies on curcumin show? Does it have
agenda is since the military standoff with China at the Line be represented at leadership levels.
antioxidant properties? The story so far: BRICS’ of Actual Control began in 2020, and Prime
ll eyes this week are on Johannesburg, Minister Narendra Modi will come face to face What’s the big item on the agenda?
A
expansion,
as leaders of the Brazil, Russia, India, with President Xi Jinping at the BRICS meet. During the summit, the leaders of BRICS will
Jacob Koshy China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping
with While they have attended the Shanghai confer among themselves, and also take part in
are hosted by South African President consensus Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the BRICSAfrica Outreach and BRICS Plus
The story so far: Cyril Ramaphosa. BRICS is essentially a growing Samarkand, and had a brief meeting at the G20 Dialogue. A major item on the agenda is on the
ustralia’s Therapeutic Goods movement of “emerging economies”, and thus about the in Bali last year; at the BRICS summit they will expansion of BRICS. Conceived of in the early
D
and
extension curcumin is that very little of it is patriarchal overtones”, particularly affected by sexual violence may identify as are irrational”) or seemingly benign (“women
absorbed, or made ‘bioavailable’, by the body. while describing women and their
discrimi either a “survivor” or “victim”. are nurturing”), perpetuate inequalities. For
Much scientific effort has been expended over issues, the Supreme Court of India nation at Stressing on consent, the guidelines point out example, it says, the traditional view of women
the decades to improve its bioavailability. A has released a set of new words and phrases to the that the clothing or attire of a woman must be as care givers means that child care
popular approach is to use piperine, the major be used by both lawyers and judges in court. In workplace, independent of questions of sexual relations. “A responsibilities often fall exclusively on women.
active component of black pepper, which his foreword, Chief Justice of India D.Y. educational man who touches a woman without her consent The Supreme Court has taken care of it with
improves bioavailability by 2000%, says a 2017 Chandrachud writes that ‘The Handbook on institutions must not be permitted to take the defence that these directives: “A person’s gender does not
review in the peerreviewed journal Foods. Combating Gender Stereotypes’ aims to assist and in the woman invited his touch by dressing in a determine or influence their capacity for
However, whether increasing the bioavailability the legal community in “identifying, particular way.” There are a host of dos and rational thought,” and “People of all genders are
of curcumin and packaging them in understanding and combating stereotypes about
public don’ts on how to handle issues of rape and equally suited to the task of caring for others.”
supplements makes them effective and safe for women. It contains a glossary of genderunjust places’ assault. The Court shatters the stereotype that
use in medicines is still being debated with no terms and suggests alternative words or phrases women who are sexually assaulted or raped file Has the Supreme Court taken up stereotypes
conclusive evidence emerging from trials. which may be used while drafting pleadings as a complaint about the injustice immediately and in its verdicts?
well as orders and judgments.” if they complain after a time, they are lying. “It The Supreme Court has highlighted verdicts that
Is Australia the only country to warn about takes courage and strength to report a sexual have rejected stereotypes and which can be
turmeric supplements? What are some of the changes? offence because of the stigma attached to it,” the utilised by judges to shun gender stereotypes.
The Australian TGA cites reports of 20 hepatitis To avoid the use of harmful gender stereotypes handbook says, adding, “women may therefore For instance, in Joseph Shine versus Union of
cases in France and an investigation by ANSES, in judicial decisionmaking and writing, the register a complaint after a lapse of some time, India, a Constitution Bench struck down the
the French Agency for Food, Environmental and handbook identifies language that promotes when she thinks she is able to.” offence of “adultery” under Section 497 of the
Occupational Health & Safety, into 100 reports of such stereotypes, and offers new words. For Indian Penal Code. Observing that the law on
adverse effects, including 15 reports of hepatitis, example, under the guidelines, it will be Why are stereotypes harmful? adultery was but a codified rule of patriarchy, it
potentially related to the consumption of food incorrect to say “adulteress”; instead, the On a microlevel, the handbook states that said, “Society ascribes impossible virtues to a
supplements containing turmeric or curcumin. following words have to be used: “Woman who stereotypes lead to exclusion and discrimination woman and confines her to a narrow sphere of
The ANSES report underlines that turmeric has has engaged in sexual relations outside of at the workplace, educational institutions and in behaviour by an expectation of conformity.” In
“choleretic” properties, which means it marriage.” It is no longer proper to prefix public places. It cites the example of a State of Jharkhand versus Shailendra Kumar Rai,
stimulates the secretion of bile to improve “chaste” or “obedient” before woman and wife; stereotype that individuals from oppressed the Court reiterated its categorical ban on the
digestion, and therefore, it is advisable that castes are not as accomplished in school or “two finger test” and said it was irrelevant to
those with bile duct disease should avoid university in comparison to individuals from determination of rape and that it violated the
turmeric. Curcumin could also interact with oppressor castes. This, it says, may cause dignity of rape survivors or victims. In State of
medications such as anticoagulants, cancer members of oppressed castes to face additional Punjab versus Gurmit Singh, it held that a
drugs and immunosuppressants, reducing their mental pressure when writing an examination. testimony of a rape survivor or victim is
safety and effectiveness, they note. “A student from an oppressed caste who is “inherently credible.” The delay in lodging an
aware of the stereotype about their community FIR can be due to a variety of reasons, it said.
Is there a ‘safe limit’ on the amount of will not only have to worry about doing well in
turmeric that can be consumed? the examination, but also be burdened with the Will it have an impact on the ground?
The European Food Safety Authority has set an additional worry that if they perform badly in For Uma MahadevanDasgupta, who is in the
acceptable daily intake of 180 mg of curcumin the examination, it will reinforce the stereotype IAS, it’s a great first step. The table in the
per day for a 60 kg adult as the safe level of concerning their community. This added handbook, which lays down the stereotype and
consumption. A World Health pressure may have an adverse impact on their the reality in two columns side by side, is an
Organization/Food and Agricultural performance in the examination.” Compare this important takeaway for her, because it removes
Organisation advisory recommends 3 mg/kg of to what the Minister of State for Education so many qualifiers that judge women. “The
body weight. India’s Food Safety and Standards Subhas Sarkar informed Parliament recently. He handbook, by the highest court of the land, is
Authority of India has standards that packaged provided data that over 25,000 reserved going to have an impact. However slow, it will
turmeric must comply with but nothing on the category students from Scheduled Castes, lead to a mindset change, because language is a
recommended dietary allowance. GETTY IMAGES Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and powerful tool.”
CM M ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
12 Sunday, August 20, 2023
PROFILES
Delhi
C
irca 1941, seven years before New York Times that in his first year of The Burma Independence
Myanmar (then Burma) was training, he was shown a film that Army (BIA) collaborated with
liberated from the British portrayed the 1988 democracy activists Japan against the British and
colonial rule, a ceremony as “frenzied animals slicing off was joined by other
was afoot in Bangkok. It featured the soldiers’ heads”. anticolonial militia that
Thirty Comrades, a revolutionary Since its formation, the Tatmadaw shaped the contours of
group that spearheaded Burma’s are fighting on multiple fronts, modernday Tatmadaw
Independence movement. The men including roughly 250 local defence
drew each other’s blood with a single groups and ethnic armed 쑽
syringe, mixed it in a silver bowl with organisations. Gwen Robinson, a Myanmar got freedom in 1948,
alcohol and quaffed the potion. Myanmar expert, told the BBC that this but descended soon into
A drop of blood to seal a vow of degree of resistance has accustomed ethnic factions due to internal
loyalty to the nation, and the them to using lethal force and violence conflict. In 1962, the military
Tatmadaw — Burmese for “army” — within their own borders. “It’s shaped staged the first of its four
was born. the Tatmadaw into this ruthless coups to take control from an
The protagonists have ruled fighting machine that will just follow elected government
Myanmar for most of its existence, orders robotically.”
courting the label of a ‘killing 쑽
machine’, designed to eliminate any Moment of crisis They rewrote the citizenship
threat — internal or global, real or The Tatmadaw’s mythmaking is law in 1982 to automatically
contrived. They claim to have a showing signs of leakage post the 2021 grant citizenship to different
standing force of 5,00,000 men, a military coup, observers say. There are ethnic groups, excluding
rank of fighters who have unleashed reports of low morale, defections and minorities such as the
some of the most terrible horrors, desertions; some estimates put the size Rohingya Muslims
including mass rape, torture and of Myanmar’s military as low as
genocidal crimes against ethnic 95,000. Recruitment levels have
minorities. In 2021, they ruthlessly dropped, combat units are poorly
consolidated power by ousting the trained amid rumours about a
democratically elected leader, Daw widening gulf between the privileged
Aung San Suu Kyi, jailing her on elected government. They rewrote the of a ‘liberalisation’ policy. They were in ethnic minorities, with Buddhist elite and the ranks. A report found the
corruption charges and declaring a citizenship law in 1982 to automatically a powersharing agreement with Ms. Bamars forming the majority. Many Tatmadaw exerts real control in only
state of emergency. grant citizenship to different ethnic Suu Kyi’s government for five years, Bamars serve in the upper echelons of 30%40% of the territory. The
Bloodshed soaks their history, and groups, excluding minorities such as before the 2021 coup. the military. armybacked Union Solidarity and
that of Myanmar, which is the site of the Rohingya Muslims. The 8888 The Tatmadaw owns banks, Development party plans to replace
the longestrunning armed conflict in uprising (on August 8, 1988) marked Political institution hospitals, schools, farms; they run the current head with a loyalist to
the world. . The Tatmadaw has built a the first prodemocracy revolt led by Understanding the Tatmadaw raises publishing houses, stations, a film Tatmadaw’s chief Senior Gen. Min
‘state within the state’, insulated from student activists, but it was brutally three challenges, scholar Andrew Selth industry which produces tales Aung Hlaing, a reshuffle “aimed at
‘enemies’ beyond, observers note. put down in which about 5,000 people argued. How do you measure a valorising the army. The Tatmadaw, adding more military hardliners”,
were killed. The Tatmadaw set out to country’s military capability? What is the 15th largest military in the world, Chetan Rana wrote in The Hindu.
A violent history ‘reconsolidate’ Myanmar “to create the context of modern Myanmar? Is it accounts for 44% of the government’s There’s a crisis of belief too among
“The modern state of Burma was born conditions for passing authority to a possible to objectively articulate expenditure. majoritarian groups who have
as a military occupation,” historian constitutional government”, analyst Tatmadaw’s role? Unlike other military juntas, the witnessed the military killing its own
Thant MyintU writes. The Burma Robert Taylor observed. Researchers note the military came Tatmadaw are less politicians in people in the aftermath of the 2021
Independence Army (BIA) Ms. Suu Kyi’s National League for to be a desirable career and a site of uniforms than ‘war fighters’, adhering coup. Some have ceased calling
collaborated with Japan against the Democracy (NLD) fizzed into social mobility, in the context of to a script of ultranationalism, as Mary General Aung Hlaing’s army (charged
British and was joined by other existence, but she was placed on a corruption, a flailing economy and Callahan wrote in her book Making with perpetrating the Rohingya
anticolonial militias that shaped the 15yearlong house arrest. The ethnic factions. “The killers in Enemies. genocide and leading the coup) the
contours of modernday Tatmadaw. Tatmadaw’s political foothold uniforms [learn] that they are virtuous The military tells many stories ‘Tatmadaw’, a reverential term coined
Among the ranks of the BIA was Aung simultaneously strengthened, curbing defenders of the country, of the race about itself, to itself: In the constricted for Burma’s ‘Royal’ Army. They prefer
San, the architect of Myanmar’s resistance such as the 2007 Saffron and of Buddhism,” human rights world of the Tatmadaw, an enemy is ‘Sit-tat’ instead, avoiding any reference
independence and Ms. Suu Kyi’s revolution. The regime in 2008 activist Dr. Maung Zarni told The always lurking about. Ms. Suu Kyi’s to glory. Some also use the cruder
father. adopted a Constitution which ensured Diplomat. “Never hesitating, always November 2020 victory was portrayed ‘Sit-kew’. Dog soldiers. Scholar Tun
Myanmar limped to freedom in the military never falls prey to civilian ready to sacrifice blood and sweat is as electoral fraud; American Myint argued that the military was
1948, but descended soon into ethnic control. In 2011, the Tatmadaw the Tatmadaw,” display lofty banners philanthropist George Soros is accused once seen as a feared entity (kjau zaja),
factions due to internal conflict. In uncharacteristically agreed to hold on the streets. In 1989, they changed of funding prodemocracy activists and but their image today is closer to jun
1962, the military staged the first of its parliamentary elections and the country’s official name to politicians; a ‘rapacious’ Muslim zaja, Burmese for a feeling that goes
four coups to take control from an implement democratic reforms as part Myanmar. Myanmar is made up of 130 organisation is attempting to destroy beyond hate.
L
ast Wednesday, a controversial book on the
I
ndianAmerican Con between the messianic fan
mob attacked a Prophet led to the assassi gressman Ro Khanna, tasies of tech billionaires
Christian colony in nation of publisher Rajpal 46, led a bipartisan and federal regulators, but
Pakistan’s Jaranwala and Malhotra or Mahashey Raj congressional delegation also between the libertar
burned 22 churches and pal in Lahore 1929. It is said to India last week. During ian impulses of IT em
looted a large number of that the publication was a the visit, he attended the ployers and the social
houses forcing hundreds of titfortat act against the Independence Day cele needs of their employees.
citizens of the minority publication of a book tar brations at the Red Fort His branding as a pro
community to flee to geting a Hindu figure. and met Prime Minister gressive Democrat con
neighbouring areas. The Current political links Narendra Modi and Exter cerned with human rights
mob demanded that the between the extremist foot nal Affairs Minister S. Jaish issues, though a bit frayed,
police hand over two men soldiers of Pakistan and ankar, among others. Me stands for now. But civil
who they claimed had political parties are there dia reports suggested that rights groups in the U.S.
committed blasphemy. him from the mob. But the and executed later, but his fore not new and from human rights and the gress party. lion, are the second largest have been vocal in their
Like previous incidents, case against the attackers grave became a place of time to time, such groups treatment of minorities In 2019, in the days fol immigrant group in the criticism of his proactive
the police and other law hasn’t reached anywhere. worship for those who sup have emerged to stoke ten were the major agenda of lowing India’s dilution of U.S, after Mexicans. The lobbying — which involved
enforcement forces stood In Pakistan, blasphemy port the law. sions over blasphemy. Fo his visit. While he did meet Article 370, Mr. Khanna constituency Mr. Khanna orchestrating a bipartisan
as mute witnesses for days is punishable by death. remost among such con with victims of the recent had tweeted, “It’s the duty represents, California’s letter to Speaker Kevin
before swinging into These incidents showed Political links temporary forces is the communal violence in Ha of every American politi 17th congressional district, McCarthy — for Prime Mi
action. how the blasphemy laws Pakistan’s Supreme Court TehreekeLabbaik Pakis ryana, as well as represen cian of Hindu faith to stand is remarkable for two rea nister Narendra Modi to
This was not an isolated have become an excuse for overturned the death sen tan, which had supported tatives from the Kuki com for pluralism, reject Hin sons. It roughly overlaps address a joint session of
incident. In December vigilantism in the era of so tence for Asiya Bibi who death for Asiya Bibi. munity from Manipur, the dutva, and speak for equal with what the world likes the U.S. Congress.
2021, in the industrial town cial media. was given asylum in Cana Latest reports on the Ja delegation’s agenda also in rights for Hindus, Muslims, to call ‘Silicon Valley’, and Mr. Khanna has res
of Sialkot, nearly 50 km In 2011, Governor of da in 2019. The case that ranwala violence have cluded trade ties, technol Sikhs, Buddhists and it is a district where Asian ponded to this criticism in
from Jaranwala, a Sri Lan Punjab Salman Taseer was shook Pakistan showed shown that a few locals ogy transfer, and defence Christians. That is the vi Americans are in the ma two ways: first, by pointing
kan Buddhist, Priyantha gunned down outside a that the legal system could who were displaced on cooperation. sion of India my grandfath jority. Mr. Khanna has to India’s strategic impor
Diyanwada, was lynched pizza outlet in Islamabad’s be moved to defend the life Wednesday have returned Mr. Khanna is a member er Amarnath Vidyalankar been effective in leveraging tance, both as a geopoliti
by hundreds at a factory picturesque Kohsar mar of a person falsely accused to the neighbourhood and of the progressive wing of fought for.” both these constituencies cal ally, and for the U.S.’s
where he worked as a man ket, which is known for its of blasphemy, but it is far authorities are trying to the Democratic Party, His statement sparked for his political advances. economic ‘decoupling’
ager for nearly seven years. cuisine and book stores. more difficult to deal with restore normalcy. The lo alongside the likes of Alex an immediate and vicious from China; second, by ar
Diyanwada was accused of Taseer had boldly taken elements that have made cals have said the rioters andria OcasioCortez, Pra backlash from the Hindut The interlocutor guing that it is better to en
removing a poster with re on the supporters of the blasphemy a case for gen did not belong to Jaranwala mila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar va ecosystem. In the four Mr. Khanna is a second gage with regimes accused
ligious remarks. blasphemy laws and de erating political fortune. and appeared to have and Rashida Tlaib. He is years since, political obser generation immigrant. of human rights violations
Pakistan brought terro fended Christian farm This difficulty is rooted come from outside. The re the cochair of the U.S. vers have noted a distinct Born in Philadelphia, Mr. rather than lecture them
rism charges against 900 worker Asiya Bibi, who in the history of Pakistan, ports prompted Karamat Congressional Caucus on softening of his stance to Khanna studied economics from a moralistic pulpit.
individuals and arrested was convicted of blasphe stretching back to the Zia Ali, executive director of India and IndianAmeri ward Hindutva, and his from the University of Chi Having started out as a
several persons who were my by a court in 2010 and ulhaq years when the Hu the Pakistan Institute of La cans. progressive credentials cago before graduating progressive idealist in the
part of the mob. Diyanwa sentenced to death. The dood ordinances were bour Education and Re He likes to highlight his have begun to attract grea from Yale Law School. He Bernie Sanders mould, Mr.
da’s remains were sent to sentencing triggered an brought in 1979 as Gen. Zia search in Karachi, to argue connection with India, es ter scrutiny. Many attribute subsequently worked as an Khanna’s progressivism
his family in Sri Lanka. outcry among liberal Pakis wanted to make Pakistani that the incident shows pecially the fact that his this subtle shift to the in intellectual property la seems to be settling — some
Prime Minister Imran tanis which drew Taseer laws in sync with Sharia. that elements within the grandfather Amarnath Vi creasing clout of Hindu na wyer, with clients from the might say ‘maturing’ — into
Khan bestowed Tamghae into the issue. Mumtaz Qa The region also has a histo Pakistani state might be in dyalankar was a freedom tionalists, both among the tech industry. As a Con a Clintonlike pragmatist
Shujaat, a bravery award, dri, who fired the shots at ry of religious polarisation volved in creating it as a di fighter who went to jail Indian disapora in the U.S., gressman elected from Sili mode as he masters the dif
on Malik Adnan, a col him, was Taseer’s body going back to the days of versionary event to steer with Mahatma Gandhi and and in American politics. con Valley, he has fash ficult art of juggling the
league of Diyanwada who guard. He was given death the Khilafat movement and people’s attention from later became a Member of IndianAmericans, who ioned himself as a contradictory expectations
tried initially to protect sentence by a court in 2016 the HinduMuslim politics other issues. Parliament from the Con number around four mil ‘progressive capitalist’ — of political constituencies.
CM M ND-NDE
YK
12 NEW DELHI
SUNDAY
AUGUST 20, 2023
Reflections
{ THE BIG PICTURE }
John Zubrzycki
A little-known facet of
India’s independence
on whether to support the democratic aspi- view that the princely states were “portals to
The integration of the princely rations of the states’ peoples and how to deal a pure, ancient past”, and even “the founda-
states remains a pivotal but with recalcitrants such as Travancore, tion on which the future nation” could be
Hyderabad, Bhopal and, later on, Junagadh launched. Typically for Mahatma Gandhi,
insufficiently understood and Kashmir. his opinions changed to suit the times. “My
aspect of India’s birth. But the Gandhi blasted Travancore’s bid as “tanta- ideal of Indian states is Ram Rajya,” he
mount to a declaration of war on the free declared in 1925 — a condition he believed
tapestry of perspectives and millions of India”. Jawaharlal Nehru warned the princes could achieve and should make
conflicts, in the kingdoms and that the state “would be starved out”. Their their goal. He was an admirer of Mysore’s
threats were based on the fear that if more ruler Krishnaraja Wadiyar, a pious and pro-
among the country’s leaders, states exercised their right to independence, gressive Hindu whom he referred to as a Founded in 1921, the Chamber of Princes brought the rulers of the leading states together for the first time JUGGERNAUT BOOKS
India would be balkanised, undermining the rajarshi, or saintly king.
holds crucial lessons unity of the new Union and decades of Patel took a middle road. Although he ple of the states should get full backing in the between Nehru and Patel as they clashed ticularly after Indira Gandhi derecognised
nationalist struggle. Closely watching the once described the rulers as “worthless … freedom struggle, he was opposed by Patel. over how to respond to threats to India’s ter- the princes in 1971.
W
hen CP Ramaswami developments was Muhammad Ali Jinnah sycophants”, who their slave-like subjects For there to be constitutional progress, the ritorial integrity thrown up by Junagadh’s To get the princes to accede they were
Aiyar, the dewan of Trav- who wired Aiyar on June 20, promising that had “a right to dethrone”, he was careful to cooperation of the people of the states would accession to Pakistan, the tribal invasion of promised complete autonomy aside from
ancore, stunned the Con- a future Pakistan would be “ready to estab- cultivate close links with the rulers of influ- be required, Patel argued. Alienating them Kashmir and Hyderabad’s declaration of surrendering their rights over defence, for-
gress by declaring on lish a relationship with Travancore which ential states such as Patiala and Gwalior would, therefore, run counter to Congress independence. Nehru’s reluctance to use eign affairs and communications. This
June 11, 1947, that it would will be of mutual advantage”. while appealing to the princes’ proud, glori- interests. force would infuriate Patel, who in turn, promise was broken in the months after
become an independent Aiyar would eventually back down, but ous past, when their ancestors “had played The involvement of Hindu nationalist would be branded communalist for his Independence when their control over their
state, he received backing from an unex- not before VP Menon, the secretary of the highly patriotic roles in the defence of their organisations in the states drew rulers such insistence on sending in the Army to internal affairs was taken away from them
pected quarter. The father of Hindutva, states department, reminded him that Trav- family honour and the freedom of their as Bhopal’s Hamidullah Khan closer to the dethrone Hyderabad’s nizam. and even so-called viable states were merged
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, praised Aiyar ancore was the main breeding ground for land.” Muslim League. For him, it was a matter of Despite his antipathy towards the princes, into new units or neighbouring provinces.
for his “courageous and far-sighted determi- communism in India and if there was a com- The official policy of the Indian National survival. A Muslim ruling over a Hindu-ma- Patel was determined to honour his prom- Those that resisted were sometimes threat-
nation” to seek independence. “The Nizam, munist uprising after August 15, there would Congress towards the states, adopted at Nag- jority state, he had grown increasingly aware ises to them by enshrining their privy purses, ened with armed intervention — the most
Muslim ruler of Hyderabad, has already pro- be no aid from Delhi. Vallabhbhai Patel, the pur in 1920, was one of non-intervention. It of the communal orientation of the other privileges and dignities in the Constitution, extreme example being Hyderabad where at
claimed his independence and other Muslim powerful states minister, reminded him that said the Congress could form committees in princes who were receiving funds from declaring that this was a small price to pay least 25,000 lives were lost.
states are likely to do so. Hindu states are wealthy industrialist Seth Dalmia had given the states but not indulge in political activi- groups such as the Hindu Mahasabha for for the sacrifices they had made. A socialist For decades, the last word on the princes
bold enough to assert they have the same the local Congress party Rs 5 lakh to stir up ties. This stand was a rational one. The running schools and for office space and to the core, Nehru baulked at the expendi- was Menon’s The Story of the Integration of
rights,” he wrote. trouble. If Aiyar did not give up his idea of princely states enjoyed considerable auton- propaganda work. In 1946, Hamidullah ture of public money on privy purses in per- the Indian States and its contentions, as sum-
That Savarkar’s views were not shared independence, his “life could be in danger”. omy. Involving itself in the affairs of the became the chancellor of the Chamber of petuity while millions of Indians were starv- marised by Patel’s claim that he had engi-
among other freedom fighters highlights the While there was unanimity among India’s states would leave the Congress fighting bat- Princes and used his influence to try and ing. Patel eventually got his way. neered a bloodless revolution. The time for
contestations that characterised the very real nationalists that there was no place in a free tles on two fronts — with the British and with draw the rulers of states such as Jodhpur and The outline of today’s map of India owes reappraisal is long overdue.
problem of what to do about the 562 princely India for islands of autocracy, there were dif- the princes — for which it was ill prepared. Indore into Pakistan’s orbit. In June 1947, he much to Patel and Menon’s success at arm
states in the lead-up to Independence. As my ferences in how this could be avoided. The When the prominent Left-wing Congress- joined Travancore and Hyderabad in declar- twisting the states into acceding and then John Zubrzycki’s latest book Dethroned: Patel,
book Dethroned: Patel, Nehru and the Integra- views ranged from Nehru’s utter contempt man NV Gadgil used the Jabalpur session of ing his state would become independent on integrating them into viable units. But the Menon and the Integration of Princely India is
tion of Princely India shows, there were acute for the princes who he derided as “sinks of the All India Congress Committee in 1935 to the transfer of power. cries of betrayal would echo through the published by Juggernaut.
divisions within the nationalist movement reaction and incompetence”, to Savarkar’s move a resolution demanding that the peo- The end of the Raj would widen the rift empty darbar halls for decades to come, par- The views expressed are personal
A delightful chronicle
It’s Rao’s relationship with Atal Bihari
Vajpayee that transfixed my attention.
“They went back a long way — and had
come to each other’s rescue at critical
HISTORY AND
BIOGRAPHY. IT IS ALSO
FILLED WITH ANECDOTES
needs more debate
moments in their careers.” never thought I would question the ally been abolished. Take the HM’s claim of
Lessons from the legacy with the bills. As they cover wide criminal Unfortunately, these figures may not reduce
activities and carry serious penalties, it much by introducing community service as
seems peculiar that the HM should intro- a possible punishment. If the government is
duce them in Parliament right at the end of seriously concerned about India’s prison
of a scientific stalwart the session. Though he said the bills would population, the HM should persuade his col-
be sent to a parliamentary committee, it league, the Union law minister, to introduce
would surely have been more appropriate to radical reforms to the antiquated legal sys-
introduce them when there was some time tem. An obvious required reform is acceler-
his week, India lost one of its great- or unimportant. He treated everyone with for discussion. The bills represent a com- ating the hearing of cases.
T est technologists, with the passing not just formal respect but genuine inter-
of VS Arunachalam. His scientific est and supportiveness. He empowered his
accomplishments and institution- juniors to think big, take risks, but, like
building efforts are well known — Defence Robert Oppenheimer, he also was there,
Research and Development Organisation hands on, in all the work. A skilful man-
plete overhaul of criminal laws. However, The proposed pieces of legislation have
the old laws were not set in stone and were been sent to a parliamentary committee for
amended from time to time. An obvious discussion. In theory, the bills may still not
example is the decriminalisation of homo- be in their final form. But with the BJP’s
sexuality and the recent demands for mar- clear majority in Parliament, and this gov-
(DRDO), Carnegie Mellon University’s ager, he was always accessible for helping riage equality. Might it not have been wiser ernment’s record of passing bills with little
India programmes, and the think tank with everything — from the big picture to to discuss amending the existing laws in a or no discussion, it would seem unlikely that
Centre for Study of Science, Technology, minute details. Even when I was in my progressive manner, rather than abolishing there will be major changes to the commit-
and Policy (CSTEP) — but his range, tem- early twenties, as a fresh PhD student, he them in their entirety? tee’s discussions.
perament, and focus on human develop- would take me along to the highest-level VS Arunachalam was a lifelong scholar, including in the social sciences HT ARCHIVE The contents of the bills also raise ques-
ment and betterment are also meetings and have me present on tions about how far the old acts have actu- The views expressed are personal
part of his legacy. our joint work. asked “What is that flower?”, Arun ing about getting credit. There are a wide
I was his first PhD student at
Carnegie Mellon University in
1995, and saw, first-hand, over
There are myriad stories of his
simplicity and humility, such as
how he tried for long to decline
promptly replied “Red”.
For the last few decades, Arun worked
on big problems with no known solutions
range of topics he was instrumental in that
aren’t as recognised as his DRDO achieve-
ments or efforts towards an Atmanirbhar
A
l
decades of collaboration, how he Z-level security or special facilities or easy direction, such as sustainable Bharat (self-reliant India) such as opening { SUNDAY LETTERS }
was a Renaissance man. Modern Rahul (cycling around Delhi in the 80s energy and the climate crisis. This up India’s nuclear power sector to global
skilling talks of the need for peo- when he was a Union secretary). required an openness and curiosity that I collaboration.
ple to become T-people — to Tongia He embodied a warmth and open- don’t often find in people, even those start- What I take away most from his skills Focus on India- Promote gender sensitivity at young ages
have depth and breadth such as ness towards new ideas and new ing their education or careers. We need to and vision is the need to blend a scientific Norway ties This is with reference to Lalita Panicker’s ‘Educate men
the shape of the letter T — but people that is still spoken of fondly encourage that in our students and the temperament (which even non-scientists This is with reference to and boys on gender sensitivity’ (Aug 13). For achieving
Arun, as he was called, had more of a by people decades later. He would always next generation. Arun did that by example. should have) with a deep focus that never Hans Jacob Frydenlund’s gender sensitivity in society, sex education must be
π-shaped or even multi-pronged personal- have visitors (often luminaries) from After a distinguished career in govern- loses sight of the end objective, especially ‘India-Norway ties are imparted from a tender age and must be reinforced with
ity. He had breadth for sure, but many around the country and around the world, ment service and research – he served five sustainable human development. India looking at the future’ (Aug positive practices, where social media can be useful.
areas of depth. He wrote some of the earli- and his wife, Meena’s, hospitality and cui- prime ministers — Arun spent over a dec- and the whole world needs sustainable 13). Thanks to Mr
est computer code for Fourier Transforms sine are still legendary. There is a philoso- ade at Carnegie Mellon University before development. Done right, technology Frydenlund for shedding Ritvik Sharma
used in India (and even exported). Early phy of keeping one’s work and personal returning to India to then set up a leading remains one of the most powerful tools for light on an international
on, he recognised policy as important, and life separate. In contrast, Arun blended the technology and policy think tank, CSTEP. achieving it. Arun believed in it, and relationship of such
was instrumental in many areas outside two artfully, and made us remember we How did he achieve this? Other than his worked tirelessly towards it. consequence for India. Youngsters are the future of Indian chess
strategic studies, including telecom — aren’t two or more separate people — we brilliance and focus, he also embodied a Rest in power, Arun. Om Shanti. The government must This is with reference to Viswanathan Anand’s ‘India
from getting optical fibres laid throughout are the same person even when we are in useful philosophy that we should spread continue to bolster these stands on the cusp of a revolution in chess’ (Aug 13). It is
India to opening up the telecom sector. different environments. our retirement out throughout our lives. Rahul Tongia was a student of Dr VS Arunacha- ties going ahead. heartening that young prodigies like Gukesh and Pragg
Arun was a lifelong scholar, including in He was also unafraid to try something Have hobbies, other passions, and time for lam at Carnegie Mellon University and long- are making the country proud on the global stage.
the social sciences. Domains or labels again, or state what he didn’t know. And family. This way, work remains fun and time collaborator on a range of projects. He is
Swati Gupta Rohan Mahajan
didn’t matter — as he would observe, we he would keep his sense of humour at all you don’t have to stop working to have fun. presently a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social
need it all. He also embodied a deep times. When his PhD adviser, Prof. Robert Arun worked extensively behind the and Economic Progress (CSEP).
respect for all work; no task was too small Cahn, was out walking with him, and he scenes, not seeking the limelight or bother- The views expressed are personal Write to us at: letters@hindustantimes.com
R. N. I. No. DELENG/2002/07317 ● Postal Reg. No. DL(ND)-11/6059/2018-19-20 ‘Licensed to post without prepayment’ LICENCE No. U(C)-249/2012-14 AIR SURCHARGE: Raipur and beyond by Rail or Road - Re 5/-, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and beyond by Rail or Road - Rs. 10/
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A wise man
proportions his belief David
to the evidence Hume
INDIA’S ECONOMY
behalf of all Keralites from the shelves tised Hindi names to reflect the BJP’s ing changes to official English spellings
of the Dravidian library and found a enthusiasm for Bharatiyata. This pre- of local names, proposals to realigning
new label. The resolution moved by Vi- election re-naming is being justifiably the official name with alternate local
I
jayan and supported by all parties, in- seen as a politically polarising ploy to names are in vogue. According to offi-
NDIA, a flurry of global and Indian studies informs us, is in cluding the Congress, has proposed that grab votes along linguistic, cultural and cial documents, the names of over 500
the Goldilocks moment. In 2023 India is the fastest-growing the state, founded in 1956, be called Ker- religious lines. Tamil Nadu Chief Min- cities and a dozen states have been re-
large economy ranked fifth globally. As this column has ob- alam. Its official language will be ‘Ker- ister M K Stalin excoriated the Centre placed with new handles since 1947,
served, India is also driving the domino effect of cost com- POWER & POLITICS alam’ instead of ‘Malayalam’, including for linguistic imperialism, which he with South India in the lead. Every new
petitiveness. Demography and demand are expected to propel PRABHU CHAWLA in all other languages and central gov- vowed to oppose inside and outside the regional leader or party which comes to
growth, and its middle class is estimated to touch 61 per cent prabhuchawla@newindianexpress.com ernment records. ‘Keralam’ comprises state. Coincidentally, it was his eminent power in any state follows the re-nam-
of the population with an average income of Rs 20 lakh. By 2031 Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla two words – “Kera” (coconut) and father, K Karunanidhi, who changed the ing policy to earn name and fame. Eth-
India is forecast to be the third largest economy, its GDP rising “Alam” (land), which becomes the name of Madras city to Chennai. The nically and political sensitivities were
from $3.5 trillion to cross the $10 trillion mark. “Land of Coconut Trees”; the state ac- Madras state was also changed to Tamil behind redesignating Baroda to Vado-
The path to prosperity rests on the efficacy of the sum of counts for 45 per cent of India’s coconut Nadu by the government led by his own dara, Bombay to Mumbai, Calcutta to
W
pieces thesis. Momentum, the laws of physics stipulate, is mass HAT’S in a re-name? If you production. This isn’t the first time the party’s Chief Minister, C N Annadurai. Kolkata, Bangalore to Bengaluru, Mys-
into velocity. Effectively India’s GDP is the sum total of the can’t find a better adjective, state has gone nuts over sobriquets. In Other TN cities have been rebranded ore to Mysuru, Gurgaon to Gurugram,
growth of all the states. Growth is and has been uneven, tem- then change the noun. If you a bout of decolonisation fever, its capi- during the five-decade rule of the Dra- Allahabad to Prayagraj, Mughalsarai to
porally and spatially. Ergo, it will be instructive to assess the can’t change the verb, re- tal’s name was changed from Trivan- vidian parties; the former French colo- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar,
potential upside for improvement and which states are drag- place it with another noun to drum to Thiru- ny Pondicherry Gauhati to Guwahati, Poona to Pune
ging the national average lower. give the old identity a fresh vananthapuram. got a new Tamil and Banaras to Varanasi.
One measure of improved economic condition is per capita take. India is in the grip of a The LDF and the name, Puduch- Sadly, a vibrant India on its way to
income. In rupee terms, India’s per capita income as of April re-naming frenzy. Cities, airports, uni- U D F h av e r e - erry. Name change becoming a $5 trillion economy before
2023 is Rs 196,983 – up from Rs 90,688 in 2013. Averages are just versities, sarkari bhawans, railway sta- named over a doz- is generally a by- the decade ends has taken a poisonous
as close to the bottom as to the top. tions, roads, hospitals et al. have been en towns and cities product of the path to manipulate multiple identity
And as Nobel laureate Angus Dea- bestowed with novel monikers. More by leveraging local death of old em- conflicts that affect regional, linguistic,
ton observed in his seminal work time is spent poring over the Thesaurus history and cultur- pires and the communal, caste and community vec-
The Great Escape, “Averages are no of Historical Handles in the chambers al connotations. promise of a na- tors. Everything from a government job
consolation to those who have been of power than on cleaning the monsoon However, each ac- tion’s rebirth: an to the name of a residential or commer-
left behind.” History, geography and waters which inundate the roads, sew- tion was politically allegorical renew- cial complex is chosen by analysing its
politics influence outcomes. So how ers and drains in every big city. In some motivated to cap- al of bygone old social impact on the relevant state or
are states across India’s political ge- states, the number of files proposing ture targeted vote empires. Soon af- region. Innovative branding based on
THE THIRD EYE ography doing?
There are two ways to illuminate
new names exceeds that of better gov-
ernance. Hardly a month passes with-
banks in specific
areas. The deci-
ter Independence,
all the states
history or communal lineage enjoys a
premium in the marketplace of mala-
SHANKKAR AIYAR the picture. One is the distance be- out a state or Central government con- sion to re-name the changed their propisms. The British left India in 1947.
Author of The Gated Republic, Aadhaar: tween the national average and the juring up new epithets to rechristen state and its offi- SOUMYADIP SINHA
names and cities But they left behind their well-tested
A Biometric History of India’s 12 Digit state average, and another is the gap existing institutions and legislations. cial language has come just a few from English to local languages. Old policy of divide and rule for its future
Revolution, and Accidental India
between states. In July 2023, of the The only guiding principle behind cos- months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elec- states got new aliases: Orissa became seneschals irrespective of ideology,
(shankkar.aiyar@gmail.com)
33 states and UTs, only 16 shared metic or phonetic alterations is to tions. There was no provocation or pub- Odisha, Mysore state became Karnata- creed, or community. Appeasement has
data for 2022-23; data for the others project change in the name of cultural lic pressure other than the 2024 elec- ka. Recently, urged by West Bengal been the rule than the exception. In its
might trickle in! Telangana at Rs 308,732, Karnataka at Rs and regional pride. So far, the saffron tions to give a new textual identity to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the 77th year of Independence, India doesn’t
301,673 and Haryana at Rs 296,685 top the rankings. establishment has led from the front in God’s Own Country. state assembly passed a resolution to need new nameplates on a railway sta-
Consider the wide chasm between the toppers and the lag- the new nomenclature segment. Even India’s only red state alone can’t be call West Bengal just Bengal. Her re- tion or a new entry in official records to
gards. The per capita GSDP of Bihar is Rs 54,383; that of Uttar as their detractors savage them for re- blamed for the appellative appetite for quest is pending with the Centre since become a New India. It needs new cities
Pradesh is Rs 79,396 and that of Jharkhand is Rs 86,060. The per writing history and erasing the past Indianised names to replace ones given it involves the sensitivities of sovereign instead of new names, while its old cit-
capita income of Bihar is less than roughly a sixth of Telan- with stilted historical present tense, by the British or the Mughals. The BJP Bangladesh next door. In South India, ies must become cleaner and livable. It
gana and one-fourth of the national average. Per capita in- changing names and calling names is is the best wordsmith in coining new English names were replaced with local needs rising numbers of healthier and
comes in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand hover at 26 per cent of the New Mantra chosen by all the politi- names, most of which are ideologically labels drawn from history. In the north more prosperous Indians to rise from
Telangana and 40 per cent of the national average. Within Bi- cal parties to expand political markets aligned. During the last Parliament ses- and the west, English and Mughal the bottom to the top of the develop-
har the picture worsens – per capita income is Rs 18,682 in She- with high yields at public cost. sion, Home Minister Amit Shah intro- names were junked to honour local cul- ment pyramid. In the language of iden-
har, Rs 19,527 in Araria and Rs 20,631 in Sitamarhi. Don’t blame the BJP alone for the duced a series of Bills to reform the In- tural, historical, and political icons. For tity politics, heedless and needless
What about the pace of transition, and is there a correlation current excessive rebranding zeal. dian criminal justice system. Dropping example, Cawnpore in Uttar Pradesh be- change is causing Amrit Kaal an unin-
between the nature of politics and outcomes? Bihar has had a Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala’s original British names like Indian Pe- came Kanpur and Jubbulpore in Madya tended collateral damage.
flip-flop series of regimes. As per the RBI and the state eco-
nomic survey, between 2013 and 2023, Bihar’s per capita income
rose from Rs 26,948 to Rs 54,383. Uttar Pradesh, with a double
engine sarkar since 2017, rose from Rs 40,124 to Rs 79,396 and
Jharkhand, which has had BJP and JMM-led regimes, from Rs
50,006 to Rs 80,060.
How would these states with large populations rank globally
in dollar terms? For reference, India’s per capita income at $
END THE SARPANCH PATI MENACE
2,600 in 2023, as per the IMF, places it at 141st out of 191 coun- these systems hinders g enuine health, education, and sanitation issues, ates harmful gender norms that rein-
tries. Arguably the size of the population drags down the aver- progress. which are crucial for community devel- force male dominance and control over
age. Equally, the scale of the population – even with a low me- The concept of sarpanch patism en- opment. Most importantly, this produc- women. This has a trickle-down effect
dian age as is the case with the northern states -- has the tails a scenario in which men, predomi- es the role model effect. When women on the larger society, normalising such
potential to deliver a demographic dividend. nantly husbands, exercise control over occupy leadership positions in panchay- behaviour and making it difficult
Bihar’s population of 126 million is roughly that of Mexico, the panchayats by using their elected ats, they serve as role models for other to challenge and change prevailing so-
which has a per capita income of $ 12,673. Bihar’s per capita wives as figureheads. This dynamic re- women and girls. Increased representa- cial conditions.
income is roughly $680 (at USD @INR 80), ranking it 180 next sults in women possessing nominal tion can encourage women to take lead- Patriarchal practices restricting
to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uttar Pradesh’s popula- OPINION power on paper, while the true authority ership roles in various spheres. women’s agency and participation in
tion of 220 million is comparable to Brazil, with a per capita AASHISH GUPTA & ANSHULA SINHA and capacity to make decisions lie with Though extremely beneficial, the im- panchayats impede social progress and
income of $9,673. UP’s per capita income is under $1000, rank- National Law University, Jodhpur their husbands. These unelected men plementation of the law is facing prob- reinforce gender inequality. The UN
ing it 170 next to Uganda. wielding decision-making power on be- lems as, in numerous places, the actual General Assembly resolution on wom-
The comparisons illuminate the gap between possibilities half of their elected wives are a pro- beneficiary is not the women but their en’s political participation stated that
I
and reality, even if only partially. Performance rests on policy. found setback for Indian democracy and “women in every part of the world con-
India must shift a major chunk of its population from low-pro- N a recent and intriguing oc- the governance structure. Such a cir- tinue to be largely marginalised from
ductivity segments such as agriculture to high-income do- currence, the Supreme Court cumstance directly undermines the es- the political sphere, often as a result of
mains. On August 1, the government informed Parliament that directed a petitioner NGO to sence of the 73rd and 74th constitutional discriminatory laws, practices, attitudes
the average monthly household income of agricultural house- refer the issue of sarpanch amendments of 1992 and makes a fla- and gender stereotypes, low levels of
holds across India is Rs 10,218 – it is Rs 4,895 in Jharkhand, Rs patism in India’s lowest level grant mockery of the principles and ob- When husbands dictate decisions on education, lack of access to health
7,542 in Bihar and Rs 8,061 in UP. The deficit in per capita in- of governance, namely the jectives they set forth. behalf of their wives in panchayats, it care, and the disproportionate effect of
come is located in the nature of economic engagement – nearly Panchayati system, to the Min- The law mandates reserving a third poverty on women.”
half of India’s workforce is dependent on agriculture which istry of Panchayati Raj. The court em- of all seats for women in the panchay-
reinforces the existing gender inequality There can be two approaches to tack-
accounts for about a sixth of the national income. phasised that no judicial institution can ats, to be allotted by rotation to different ling the menace. One is to enforce strict
India also has the lowest percentage of women employed in resolve this problem definitively. constituencies in a Panchayat. In 2006, penalties for men involved in such prac-
the workforce. In contrast, as per World Bank, the participation The instances of sarpanch patis are Bihar became the first state to reserve tices. However, that would be a less pre-
rate of women is 56 per cent in the United States, 61 per cent in not few and spread across the country. 50% of the total seats for women, fol- husbands. The law was implemented in ferred way as it is difficult to prove their
China, 54 per cent in Japan and 56 per cent in Germany. India, There is this Madhya Pradesh man with lowed by 20 more states, including Ra- states where women’s participation was complicity and may cause further hard-
in contrast, has barely 24 per cent of women in the workforce. ‘power of attorney’ from his elected sar- jasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and abysmally low, but the problem of sar- ships for the women. The other way, the
The exact figure may be disputed, but no economy has achieved panch wife in lieu of him paying her Chhatisgarh. panch patis has turned women’s repre- preferred one, involves empowering
developed status, with less than half the women participating election expenses. Or the Odisha wom- The primary advantage of reserving sentation into a namesake phenomenon. women through education. Educated
in the workforce. an authorising her husband to carry out seats for women is that it promotes gen- When husbands dictate decisions on be- and aware women can enhance their
The list of necessary interventions is long. India needs to Panchayat duties because of her alleged der equality in decision-making proc- half of their wives in panchayats, it re- role in local governance and stand up to
substantially ramp up investment in human infrastructure, domestic responsibilities. There is am- esses. Ensuring that women have repre- inforces the existing gender inequality. societal pressures. Additionally, initiat-
enable agriculture with AI for forward and backward linkages, ple evidence of campaign posters quali- sentation at the grassroots level helps It reinforces the notion of women being ing training and capacity-building pro-
induct climate resilience in energy management, liberate land fying women candidates solely regard- address the historical marginalisation the property of men and working ac- grammes for women and making them
and labour which are the principal factors of productivity, in- ing their marital relationship---as the and their exclusion from political par- cording to their whims and fancies. By aware of their rights is necessary. By
troduce planned urbanisation which is a force multiplier and wife of ‘so and so’. ticipation. Research by the India policy silencing women’s voices, this practice adopting these measures and challeng-
more. To paraphrase Keynes the pace at which we can reach Panchayats, the local self-governing forum suggests that women’s participa- marginalises their perspectives and ing the prevalent norm, we can trans-
our destination of economic bliss will be determined by the bodies in rural India, are crucial demo- tion as decision-makers increases re- experiences. for m panchayats into inclusive
ability to manage the economic consequences of short-term cratic institutions. However, the pres- sponsiveness to female policy concerns. Allowing husbands to rule on behalf s p a c e s t h at va l u e a n d re s p e c t
politics on long-term prosperity. ence of patriarchal influences within Women often prioritise social welfare, of their wives in panchayats perpetu- women’s contributions.
is a blow to the judiciary. Remember, people in In- Water Bell solution to the spate of suicides taking place in
dia still trust judiciary. With the deluge of information bombarding us Kota by ordering the hostels to install a spring de-
If old performances mattered, even Simon Biles P Victor Selvaraj, Palayamkottai from every side, children as well as adults forget to vice on ceiling fans. We feel this is not the right
Gender equality drink enough water to keep them hydrated. Schools solution to arrest suicides by students. It is the
wouldn’t have had to prove herself in trials. Current Moody’s rating
With reference to the editorial Stereotypes That in Kerala have found an innovative idea of ringing responsibility of college authorities, especially
performance is what matters… I am still hopeful Define Glass Ceiling Or Gloss Over Them Again’ Ref: Dissent risk to rating: Moody’s (Aug 19). periodic water bells to remind students to drink professors, to counsel weak students and give spe-
that the government will be on my side. What if (Aug 19). Charity begins at home. So does gender Moody’s Investors Service flagging the shrinking sufficient water. Elders too can keep water alarm cial coaching. Similar is the case with regard to
juniors, who have never played a competition, want to equality. The way women are treated at home lays space for civil society and political dissent, and ris- bells in offices/mobiles to remind them water is competitive exams. We feel all state governments
participate in the Commonwealth Games or Asian Games? the foundation for learning the virtues of gender ing sectarian tensions in India, is unlikely to make the best medicine. should provide better coaching for all students ap-
Would the country not send them if they perform in trials? equality and respect for women by the younger much impression as they doggedly believe what T S Karthik, Chennai pearing in competitive examinations in order to
generation. they do and say is always ‘more right and more pa- avert tragedies that take a huge toll on hapless
Dipa Karmakar, Indian gymnast No bias
N Rama Rao, Chennai triotic’. The maxim goes “The greater the ignorance, families.
the greater the dogmatism”. Apropos ‘Treat hate speech from this side or that Capt N Viswanathan, Coimbatore
Good verdict C G Kuriakose, Chengamanadan alike: SC’, the SC directive to state governments to
“The defendant’s (Trump) desire to conduct a campaign, to respond to Rapists’ remission
With reference to the news “ SC reverses acquittal shun bias when it comes to dealing with hate
political opponents, has to yield …. The need for this criminal case to proceed of former RJD MP in double murder case” (Aug 19). Power purchase speech and treat all cases alike irrespective of the The SC has rightly pulled up selective remission
in the normal order and protect witnesses and the integrity of the process The timely order of Supreme Court to produce for- By keeping faith in weather god, our KSEB has can- community to which the hate mongers belong. Op- of sentences of eleven accused concerned in the
means that there are going to be limits on the defendant’s speech mer RJD MP before the top court for pronouncing celled the existing power purchase agreements vio- position parties often accuse BJP-ruled states of Bilkis Bano case of 2002 .While the inhuman and
quantum of sentence after being acquitted by both lating the guidelines of Union power ministry. Now, adopting double standards not just in hate speech- gruesome crime shocked the conscience of the en-
Judge Tanya Chutkan, overseeing Trump’s prosecution in a federal trial
the trial court and Patna High Court in a double due to the shortage of rain, the state reservoirs are es but also participation in rioting and arson. The tire nation, remission of sentences of the accused
murder case is a welcome step especially to the starving for want of water and consumption shoots law of the land should apply equally to all. raised nationwide protests .The incorrect and un-
It’s already become clear that we will not be able to defend Ukraine with families of Rajendra Rai and Daroga Rai who were up day by day. The remedy is power cut or purchas- C V Aravind, Bengaluru just order of the Gujarat government based on
murdered in 1995.The criticism of the Supreme ing the power for higher rates or both. Whatever it political and communal considerations, needs to
F-16s this fall and winter Court about the trial court, Bihar High Court and is, the common person is likely to be hit hard. Student suicides be set right by the Supreme Court.
Yurii Ihnat, Ukranian Air Force spokesperson the public prosecutor for not conducting a fair trial P P Sahadevan, Nileshwar This refers to the Rajasthan government’s quick-fix S V Venkatakrishnan, Bengaluru
T
other day. The latest I see are parts of written in Hindi and now translated touch with the state and its present cir- tional acting, choric intervention, third-per-
dedicated civil Punjab taking a hit, after Himachal into English. The discussion was one of cumstances apart from what I gather HE fourth wall is a term that son narratives, choreographed movement,
servants who entered and Uttarakhand have been battered
relentlessly. Since I’ve already written
the best I’ve heard in a long time but
the highlight of the evening was an ani-
from articles and books, so I cannot
speak of what it is like now. What I
refers to an imaginary wall sepa-
rating the audience from the per-
and the use of music, songs and percussion.
Despite not being aware of Brecht’s formu-
the service not to about the human errors that have com- mated reading by the famed dastangoi hear and learn is disturbing, to say the former. This invisible wall makes lations, Indian performers unknowingly
pounded the fury of nature and several artistes, Mahmood Farooqui and least, and the kind of politicians that the actors alert to the presence of articulated similar concepts and ideas dur-
wield power but to do experts have pointed this out already, Darain Shahidi. Mahmood and Darain are now in charge speak a language the audience. In this, the audience ing their performances as part of their col-
good and serve the there is little point in repeating those
lessons that we never learn. However,
have revived this medieval genre to
bring the magic of Urdu storytelling to
that I can no longer decipher. How
much is truth and how much hype to
becomes a voyeur, a sort of Peeping Tom
watching life unfold on the stage but invis-
lective inherited legacy. Brecht was also
deeply influenced by the values contained
people that you realise these natural disasters can no longer modern audiences. They play to build an individual leader is difficult to iblising himself/herself in the process. This
be ignored. Wildfires raging across oth- packed houses whenever they present discern. This is as true of my own notion was flipped around by playwright
how far away we have er parts of the developed world have a new dastan and have now inspired home state and the government in Del- Bertolt Brecht, who used it to challenge
drifted from the not spared even those countries where
the monsoon is not responsible for
others, such as Sunil Mehra, to do their
magic. If you ever get a chance to
hi, so I cannot say that Punjab is worse
than the others. However, when I look
western theatre conventions by appealing
to the audiences’ reasoning power rather
idealism of that time. human and economic loss. attend a performance, don’t let it slip back at the deep attachment that we than their emotions. He dismantled the
Independence Day celebrations are away. Persian literature is full of tales still have for the state and its people, illusion created in theatre by revealing the
The earlier generation regarded as official torture by those that were narrated by accomplished the earlier generation of civil servants technical and dramaturgical mechanisms
of civil servants and who are compelled to attend them, sit-
ting in the heat in front of the Red Fort
professional storytellers to those who
could not read the classics. It is said
and politicians must have done some-
thing good.
behind the scenes, such as the source of
light that was previously hidden by black
politicians must have ramparts and later, attending the Pres- that ‘Arabian Nights’, that fascinating This was brought out by all the pan- curtains. The actors spoke in the third per-
ident’s At Home, in formal dress. The cycle of stories and adventures, is a elists, each of whom rose to the highest son, sometimes directly to the audience,
done something good military top brass is the most pitiable compilation of such stories. Akbar, a echelons of power. From the aftermath emphasising the constructed nature of the
lot in their starched uniforms and dyslexic who could not read, was lulled of Partition, to the division of Punjab performance. Brecht sought to always be
headgear. The others, in their formal to sleep by a dastango each night, I into three states and the creation of a alert to the presence of an audience. He
bandgalas or suits with a mandatory gather. The art of animated narration new city, to the dark days of separatism would show the multiple ways of revealing
necktie, are no better. Someone will has never lost its magic and whether a and its handling — all these were vivid- reality, challenging established facts and
have to think about this yearly punish- fractious, cranky child or an insomniac ly remembered and analysed. It is questioning constantly.
A plaque and flowers on the wall of the house
ment and perhaps have just flag-hoist- adult, a bedtime story soothes all rest- when you hear dedicated civil servants I first heard of Bertolt Brecht when I saw
where Bertolt Brecht was born in Germany. ISTOCK
ing in the morning and the celebration less people who find it difficult to relax. who entered the service not to wield his famous play, ‘The Threepenny Opera’.
at another time. I know this will never The other book event was a panel dis- power but to do good and serve the peo- The main character was called Mac the
be acceptable but it’s my concern for cussion on Rajan Kashyap’s memoir ple that you realise how far away we Knife, who fancied himself as the king of the Brecht’s ideas resonated
the audience who cannot sit at home to
watch it on their TVs that makes me
‘Beyond the Trappings of Power’,
which had an impressive panel of
have drifted from the idealism of that
time. It is my fervent prayer that that
underworld. All the petty thieves and
whores of London were under his control.
with the Indian folk narrative
suggest this. After all, the late Queen speakers: NN Vohra, Tejendra Khanna, spirit of service remains inviolate. The plot revolves around Mac’s wedding, tradition, which involved
which takes place in a warehouse with no
celebratory trappings. The ceremony is presentational acting, choric
interrupted by the police, but Mac remains
intervention, third-person
Bindeshwar Pathak, ‘Toilet Man’
confident that his connections will save him
from arrest. While the plot may seem thin, narratives, choreographed
the play is actually a scathing critique of mid-
movement, the use of music,
I
dle-class values and the unjust social system
HAD heard of Sulabh Shauchalayas country clean is remarkable. that benefits the wealthy and keeps others in
before I got to know of Bindeshwar His work was very humanistic. By fear. Brecht presents this amoral world of
song and percussion. Though
Pathak. These toilets were already meeting manual scavengers and talking Mac and his gang in contrast to the bour- not aware of Brecht, Indian
very popular in India in the 1970s to them, he started bridging the gap. geois society, allowing the audience to assess
and ’80s. It was much later that I got These things mattered. He also began and decide for themselves. He doesn’t force performers unknowingly
to know about the man from Bihar carrying human waste on his head. He any viewpoint, but gives them space to think
who was behind the novel concept. I once showed me a photo of his carrying and engage with the characters.
articulated these ideas as part
BEZWADA WILSON have ever since been an admirer of
Bindeshwarji and his mission.
a load. I told him that he didn’t have to
do that, but ensure that nobody did that.
His plays aimed to stimulate critical think-
ing and observation in the audience. In
of their collective legacy
In the early 1990s, an article chroni- He said he wanted to feel the pain of many of his works, he included an invited
Sulabh Shauchalaya cling our work had appeared in a news- those doing manual scavenging. That jury on stage that provided suggestions on in traditional Asian performing systems, a
paper in Karnataka. It was titled was his way of trying to understand. politics and history, creating a parallel text fact that becomes integral to our under-
is now synonymous ‘India’s shame: Manual scavenging We did have some ideological differ- and adding complexity to the viewing expe- standing of Brecht. Who borrowed from
with community still continues in Independent India’. I
went to the market to get a copy for
ences but despite those, he was always
very friendly. There was a certain mag-
rience. He believed that observation, contra-
dictions and comparison were essential
which source is not the point. Similarity of
vision can exist despite distance, differences
toilets in India. And myself but found that there was none. nanimity in his personality, this large- qualities and embraced the idea that one in sensibility and motivational reasons
All 200 to 300 copies with the vendor heartedness. question leads to another, fostering an ongo- behind the performance.
Bindeshwar Pathak, had been bought by the Sulabh His work brought him many honours ing dialogue with the audience. He entered Directors and actors in India found his
who passed away staffers. I wondered why they would be
interested in our news. It is then that I
like the Padma Bhushan, but that nev-
er affected him. He remained down to
the German theatre world as a writer but
eventually became a practitioner, actively
ideas accessible, especially those familiar
with folk performances, where narratives
recently, took one to came to know that the organisation was earth. He was not at all aggressive and involved in the production of his own plays. were transformed by breaking the rules of
also working on sanitation. BINDESHWAR PATHAK (1943-2023) worked with governments and mis- In the 1920s, while Germany was going realism. For example, in the love legend of
every nook and I was keen on meeting Bindeshwarji sions silently. He was an able strategis- through terrible political upheavals and Sohni-Mahiwal, the earthen pot that Sohni
corner of the country and once when I happened to be in Pat-
na, I went to the Sulabh office. Howev-
made the facility of toilets available to the
people in India and so rapidly at that —
er. And whether you agree upon certain
things or not, what mattered at the end
economic decline, he recognised the need
for a new kind of dramatic writing that chal-
uses to cross the Chenab river suddenly ani-
mates itself and continues the narrative.
er, I was told that he lived in Delhi. I something where the governments have of the day is that he touched lives. lenged the bourgeois theatre’s emphasis This unconventional theatrical device may
could only meet him several years lat- completely failed. The need to answer He had been in an advisory role at on rhetorical and declamatory acting, with not fit any known grammar of performance
er at a UNICEF programme. There, nature’s call and to bathe is a necessity Sulabh for many years now and had heavy doses of realism. Theatre should be but is completely acceptable to the audience.
everybody was speaking very highly of and he extended dignity to those who developed a second line of leadership. a tool for social change, instructing and Breaking the fourth wall in theatre, a
Bindeshwarji and he was meeting couldn’t afford constructing toilets. With him gone, his work will continue entertaining the audience simultaneously. Brechtian intervention has had a significant
everybody with a smile, exuding gen- Sulabh is now synonymous with com- and his legacy will live on. If Brecht didn’t find joy in his creations, he impact on the way stories are told and per-
uine warmth. I introduced myself and munity toilets. We don’t ask around What needs to be celebrated at this would immediately change the text to ceived. How tradition and modernity dove-
spoke about my work in the field of where is a public toilet, we ask for a Sula- moment is his lifelong dedication and ensure it was engaging and entertaining. tailed, claiming conventions from a differ-
manual scavenging and sanitation. He bh Shauchalaya. And he took it to every determination towards his mission and Indian theatre was significantly impacted ent world, a different context and varied
told me that we must sit and talk. And nook and corner of the country. Whether the way he focused on it. This is some- by Brecht’s style and methods. In 1970, references, making them segue seamlessly.
talk we did, so many times over the a small town of Punjab, Haryana or thing that one has to learn from him. I Ebrahim Alkazi invited Fritz Bennewitz to When modern creative material is made to
years. We also invited him to our Bihar, wherever there is a bus stand, am happy that he fulfilled his life mis- direct Brecht’s ‘The Threepenny Opera’ at resonate with the traditional by reshuffling
‘Action 2010’ meeting which was there is a Sulabh Shauchalaya. That sion. We must recognise his contribu- the National School of Drama. Bennewitz’s and reorganising it, creative ways emerge to
attended by our founder SR Sankaran. kind of branding of an organisation is tion to the country. experience of working with Indian actors dissolve differences and celebrate similari-
He contributed a lot towards sanitisa- unheard of. He took the issue of sanita- — The writer is national convenor had a profound impact on him, changing ties, enriching us in the process.
tion in the country and for the welfare of tion to many national and international of Safai Karamchari Andolan both him and the Indian theatre practition- — The writer is an acclaimed
the marginalised. Most importantly, he forums. His contribution to making the (As told to Sarika Sharma) ers. From 1970s until 1994, he directed 30 pro- theatre director
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nal BMC Public
Health, the study, led
by Alexander Obeng,
a doctoral student in
Department
Environmental
Occupational Health at the
of
and H
ydrotherapy, a thera-
peutic approach that
involves water
immersion, is given to babies
Texas A&M University School in a special tub with neck
of Public Health, analyzed data tubes that support the baby
on blood lead levels and and help them stay afloat. It
second-hand smoke exposure is gaining popularity in India
in children and adolescents as in the western countries.
aged 6 to 19. The study was The gentle nature of water
supervised by faculty members creates an ideal environment
Dr Genny Carrillo and Dr for babies to enhance their
Taehyun Roh. motor skills, muscle strength,
The researchers used data and overall physical well- 3A??A0B70=C76
6>F30
from two cycles of the National being, says
Health and Nutrition Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Reduction of Colic
Examination Sur vey Paediatrician and Director Hydrotherapy has been
(NHANES), one for 2015-2016 of DYU Healthcare. found to be an effective
and one for 2017-2018. method for reducing colic in
NHANES is a large-scale, According to him major infants. The warm water and
nationally representative and benefits are: gentle movements create a
well-regarded health survey. Enhances Motor Skills soothing environment that
The researchers analyzed data Water provides a sup- can alleviate discomfort and
on 2,815 children and adoles- portive medium for babies to promote relaxation in babies
cents, looking at levels of lead explore and develop their with colic. The buoyancy of
and a metabolite of nicotine motor skills. The buoyancy of water also helps to relieve
known as cotinine. water reduces the effects of pressure on the digestive sys-
Levels of cotinine act as an gravity on their bodies, allow- tem, easing symptoms asso-
indicator of exposure to tobac- ing them to move more freely ciated with colic. By incorpo-
co smoke. The researchers cat- and with less resistance. This rating hydrotherapy into the
egorized participants by blood freedom of movement care routine of infants with
cotinine levels and age, with encourages babies to practice colic, parents and caregivers
groups for ages 6 to 10, 11 to adults absorb only about 1% of various motor skills, such as can offer a natural and calm-
15 and 16 to 19, and low, inter-
mediate and heavy cotinine
WHAT'S IN BTR^]SWP]Sb\^ZTRP]RPdbTPaP]VT^UWTP[cW the lead in food or water. But
for babies and children, the
kicking, reaching, and grasp-
ing. Through regular
ing solution to alleviate colic-
related discomfort and pro-
level categories. They also col- SECOND- _a^Q[T\bX]RWX[SaT] absorption rate is about 50% of hydrotherapy sessions, babies mote overall well-being.
lected data on age, gender,
race and ethnicity, household
HAND ● Children who are exposed to second-hand
the lead in water and food
products.
can improve their coordina-
tion, balance, and spatial Better Sleep
education level and obesity. SMOKE? smoke are at an increased risk for acute res- Breastfeeding decreases the awareness. Hydrotherapy plays a
The analysis found that piratory infections such as pneumonia and exposure of toxic metals to a significant role in promoting
blood lead levels correlated ● According to the Centers bronchitis, middle ear disease, more fre- baby, including lead. Strengthens Muscles better sleep for infants. The
with cotinine levels. Lead lev- for Disease Control and quent and severe asthma, respiratory Complementary foods usually The resistance provided warm water during
els were 18 percent higher in Prevention (CDC), symptoms, and slowed lung growth. are introduced at six months in by water during hydrothera- hydrotherapy mimics the
participants in the intermedi- smoke emitted from ● Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of an exclusively breastfed baby. py sessions helps in strength- sensations experienced in
ate cotinine group and 29 per- tobacco contains about breath are more common in children For other babies, foods typical- ening the muscles of babies the womb. This calming
cent higher in the heavy group 7,000 toxic chemicals. exposed to second-hand smoke. ly are introduced at about four and infants. As they move effect helps to reduce stress
compared to those with low Of these, hundreds are ● Children whose parents smoke around months. As with an adult, lead their arms and legs against and anxiety, allowing infants
blood cotinine. They also known toxins and them get more ear infections. They also exposure from food can be the water, they experience a to unwind and prepare for a
found that male and non- approximately 70 are have fluid in their ears more often and have decreased with a diverse diet. gentle resistance that engages restful sleep. Additionally,
Hispanic Black participants known to be linked to more operations to put in ear tubes for Because some baby foods and tones their muscles. This hydrotherapy aids in regulat-
had higher blood lead levels cancer (carcinogenic). drainage. have higher levels of heavy resistance aids in building ing the nervous system and
than the median, while ● Chemicals such as ben- ● Second-hand smoke can trigger an asth- metals, including lead, parents muscle strength, which is promoting overall relaxation,
Hispanic participants had the zene, formaldehyde, ma attack in a child. Children with asth- should consider feeding their crucial for their overall phys- which can contribute to
lowest average blood lead lev- vinyl chloride, arsenic ma who are around second-hand smoke babies a variety of foods to ical development. Strong improved sleep patterns.
els. These findings seem to ammonia, hydrogen have more severe and frequent asthma decrease their lead exposure. muscles provide a solid foun- Thus, Hydrotherapy
align with research showing cyanide, and carbon attacks. A severe asthma attack can put a For example, rather than just dation for future milestones offers a wealth of benefits for
that non-Hispanic Black adults monoxide are released child’s life in danger. using rice cereal, which may like crawling, standing, and the physical development of
are more likely to smoke than into the air as a result of have a higher amount of lead, walking. babies and infants. As with
Hispanic adults. second-hand smoke. consider feeding a variety of any form of therapy, it is
The researchers also found While smokers inhale second-hand smoke may be a decrease lead exposure in chil- level and getting checked for grains, including oat, barley Improves Range of Motion important to consult with a
that the 6-to-10 age cohort had these poisonous sub- source of lead exposure in dren and further build on the anemia during prenatal care. and multigrains. Read the food Hydrotherapy allows qualified professional experi-
the highest percentage of par- stances directly, non- children and adolescents. successes of past lead removal Prenatal vitamins contain iron labels for information and rec- babies to experience a wider enced in hydrotherapy to
ticipants whose blood lead smokers nearby do so in “Further research will like- initiatives.” supplements. ommendations based on age range of motion than they ensure safe and effective ses-
levels were over the median, an indirect manner due ly paint a clearer picture of this The lead menance does Pregnant or breastfeeding and possible allergens. typically do on land. The sions for babies and infants.
with a decreasing trend in to the chemicals. exposure route, especially in not end here. Yet another study women also should avoid being Babies and adults have buoyancy and reduced grav- By incorporating
older groups. This could be younger children, but the find- has pointed out that lead expo- around renovations to a home less exposure to lead now itational pull in water enable hydrotherapy into their early
because of behavioral differ- adults. The researchers also ings here can inform current sure during pregnancy can be built before 1978 since dust and than 30 years ago. Lead is babies to move their limbs developmental stages, parents
ences in younger children, found that obese children and efforts to eliminate low-level lethal. Doctors say that a preg- particles from paint that is dis- measured more precisely, and more freely and with less and caregivers can provide
such as placing hands and adolescents had notably lower lead exposure in children,” nant woman, can pass her lead rupted during construction food and environmental stan- effort. This increased range of their little ones with a nurtur-
other objects in the mouth lead levels than non-obese Carrillo said. “For example, exposure to the fetus in her can pose a risk for lead expo- dards continue to increase. motion aids in joint flexibil- ing environment that pro-
more often, or in how younger participants. education of parents about womb through the placenta. sure. Pipes in homes also may Talk with your health care ity, promotes muscle relax- motes physical growth,
children tend to absorb more The findings of this study second-hand smoke as a source One can mitigate this exposure be a source of lead exposure. team if you have concerns ation, and improves overall movement exploration, and
lead than adolescents and provide evidence that of lead exposure could help by maintaining a good iron According to the doctors, about lead exposure. body coordination. a positive sensory experience.
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What is OMPT? compressions and facet joint How OMPT works in
rthopaedic Manual 7867;867CB impingement), Thoracic Outlet orthopaedic conditions?
O Physiotherapy (OMPT)
is a specialty in physio-
therapy which primarily focus-
OMPT is uniquely based on scientific evidence for efficacy
and on bio-psychosocial structure of every single patient thus
Syndrome (TOS),ribcage dys-
functions, pelvic girdle pain, tail
bone pain, bone stress injuries
OMPT practitioners pro-
vide patient management on
neuromusculoskeletal condi-
es on diagnosis and manage- ensuring a tailored therapeutic treatment (BSI) and etc. Nearly 250 neuro- tions ranging from simple to
ment of neuro-musculoskeletal musculoskeletal problems from complex, and provide recom-
problems. One of the advan- DISORDERS TREATED mechanical origin can be treat- mendations and interventions in
tages of OMPT is that it is non- a) Functional spine disorders ed with OMPT. the area of health and wellness.
invasive and does not involve b) Acute and chronic low back pain Also, when someone suffers
medication, injections or c) hysical dysfunctions of peripheral nervous system What is its status in India? from a neuromusculoskeletal
surgery, thus making it a safe The OMPT practice and disorder, an exercise and move-
and effective treatment option d) Tension headache, migraine, cervicogenic headache, dizzi- practioners are in India for ment re-education program
for many patients. ness, ocular disorders, Stiff neck, cervical pain, cervico- past two decades, at the may be sufficient to restore full
<B??0F0=:
:D<0A brachialgia etc
Additionally, OMPT can beginning physiotherapists pain-free movement, function,
be used in conjunction with e) Appendicular skeleton functional disorders went abroad for pursuing and return to full activity.
other forms of therapy, such as emphasized Osteopathic f) Articular hypomobility after immobility, trauma and OMPT education. But now However, in some cases, soft-tis-
exercise and electrotherapy, to Manipulative Treatment (OMT). What about diagnosis and therapy release for myofascial surgery few universities and insti- sue and joint restrictions are pre-
provide a comprehensive treat- David Palmer in 1895 found chi- treatment in OMPT? trigger points deactivation. g) Painful shoulder, shoulder instability, adhesive capsulitis tutes in India are offering full sent, resulting in these same
ment approach. ropractic which focuses on The diagnosis in OMPT is Mobilization with thrust h) Muscle lesions and contusions, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosyn- time and part time OMPT interventions being painful or,
manipulation exclusively. based on utilizing best research (manipulation) and without ovitis, overuse syndrome, osteoarthrosis, fractures and dis- educational programs. worse, aggravating to the condi-
Please share its history Orthopaedic physicians Menell evidence in clinical diagnosis thrust for spinal, jaw, upper and locations Currently, the awareness tion. In these instances, an
The practice of manual ther- and Cyriax in 19th century prac- and treatment includes skillful lower limbs joint restriction about OMPT among general OMPT therapist can provide
apy existed since ancient times, ticed and taught manual thera- application of manual physio- and mal-alignment. Neural i) Foot and ankle pathological alterations population is fairly less com- hands-on techniques to improve
Hippocrates and Galen had prac- py for physiotherapists. In 19th therapy techniques for spine, mobilization for peripheral J) Distorsive trauma due to car accidents or work accidents) pared to countries like USA, mobility, reduce pain, and
ticed it. In the middle age, the century, physiotherapists Stanley jaw, upper & lower limbs, and nerve entrapment and restric- Canada, Australia and New restore normal function of soft
traction and manipulation of V Paris, Freddy Kaltenborn , exercise prescription with clin- tion. Muscle stretching, Zealand. If the people in tissues and joints.
spine was in use. Bone setters Geoffrey Maitland, Robbin ical reasoning. The OMPT treat- strengthening and propriocep- that can be effectively treated by compressions (extra spinal), India are made aware about (Pawan Kumar is
used manual therapy in form of Mckenzie, Brian mulligan and ment includes Soft Tissue tive training. using OMPT are: Frozen shoul- TMD (jaw pain), headaches, OMPT, a lot of neuromuscu- Director, International
manipulation. Andrew Taylor, others developed their own Mobilization (STM) for dys- What orthopaedic conditions der, osteoarthritis, impinge- dizziness, neck and low back lar problems can be treated Institute of Digital Teachings
still an American physician in school of thoughts in orthopaedic functional muscles, tendon, lig- can be treated with OMPT ? ments, tendinitis, bursitis, mus- pains (due to spondylosis, disc conservatively without med- and Vice- President at
1874 found osteopathy and manual physiotherapy. aments and fascia. Trigger point The orthopaedic conditions cle strain, ligament sprain, nerve bulge/herniation , nerve root ications and surgeries. Physio Plus Tech
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ven after two decades of mining, witnessed robust per cent to 52.2 per cent dur-
E rapid economic expansion,
India continues to rely heavi-
growth in formal sector
employment. Between 2004-05
ing the period 2004-05 to
2019-20. The share of informal
ly on the informal economy,
which employs more than 80
and 2019-20, formal sector
employment increased across
employment increased signif-
icantly in the formal sectors of 8]SXPWTPeX[haT[XTb
per cent of the workforce. Both
the traditional informal econ-
construction, services, and
manufacturing. Consequently,
education, health, and com-
munity services. The overall
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omy and the growing infor- the percentage of workers with- rate of informal employment in TR^]^\h
mality within the formal sector in the formal sector rose from the (formal) service sector
exemplify this phenomenon. 11.6 percent in 2004-2005 to increased quickly. T\_[^hX]V^eTa'
Due to the limited job oppor- 16.3 percent in 2011-2012, fur- A big informal sector also
tunities within the formal ther increasing to 18.1 percent has an impact on the govern- _TaRT]c^UXcb
economy, many individuals are
compelled to seek employ-
in 2019-2020.
More particular, the share
ment in terms of lost revenue
because the entities operating f^aZU^aRTSTb_XcT
ment in the informal sector.
The increasing utilisation of
of informal employment
increased across practically all
in the informal sector do not
figure toward the government’s
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contract labour and production industries in the formal sector, fiscal revenue net. As a result, Va^fcW8]Q^cW
outsourcing serves as the pri- where one would anticipate the informal sector hurts the
mary catalyst for the rising increasing employment to be interests of the working class, caPSXcX^]P[P]S
prevalence of informal employ-
ment within the formal sector.
linked to an improvement in
employment quality and the
the government, and finally
evens the employer. Informal U^a\P[bTRc^a
This signifies that merely
encouraging the informal sec-
formal/informal status of work.
If we consider the two termi-
markets are socially governed
rather than by the govern-
X]U^a\P[Xch_TabXbcb
tor to transition to formalisa-
tion through a combination of
nal years for which we have the
pertinent statistics, the share of
ment.
Many business associa-
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social security measures to even as the structure of
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workers lack written contracts, high persistence of informali-
paid time off, and other bene- ty in the economy is caused by
fits. The prevalence of out- the low levels of formal edu-
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workers within the formal sec- low wages as well as low pro-
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The employment structure uted to a decrease in agricul- employment increased across ther increasing to 18.1 per formal sector employment. non-wage workers in the for-
reveals a decline in the pro- tural employment, while all construction, services, and cent in 2019-2020. This shift was primarily attrib- mal sector increased also. The (The writer is associated
portion of informal sector industry categories, except manufacturing. Consequently, The employment structure uted to a decrease in agricul- percentage of non-formal with Union Ministry of Labour
workers over time, accompa- mining, witnessed robust the percentage of workers with- reveals a decline in the pro- tural employment, while all employment in the real estate and Employment. The views
nied by notable expansion in growth in formal sector in the formal sector rose from portion of informal sector industry categories, except industry increased from 28.3 expressed here are his own)
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fter three indictments of who also did so. because of the automatic 14th broader set of actions by ballot; and
A former US President
Donald Trump, the fourth one
Legal scholars William
Baude and Michael Stokes
Amendment disqualification.
Trump would certainly
Trump and his allies to subvert
the Constitution — the Georgia
6. These officials’ testimo-
ny, and related evidence, is at
in Georgia came not as a sur- Paulsen, conservatives them- challenge the move in federal vote count and fake elector the heart of the proof of the
prise but as a powerful expo- selves and members of the court. But the recent disquali- scheme included — as part of Georgia racketeering case
sition of the scope of Trump’s conservative Federalist Society, fication proceedings against a political coup d’etat. It was a against Trump.
efforts to remain in power have recently published a paper former North Carolina rebellion. In other words, the evi-
despite losing the 2020 presi- declaring that under the 14th Congressman Madison dence to convict Trump in the
dential election. Amendment, Trump’s actions Cawthorn provides a road map Georgia as a bellwether Georgia racketeering case is the
New conservative legal render him ineligible to hold and binding legal precedent So what makes the Georgia same evidence, coming from
scholarship spells out how and office. affirming the 14th scheme and indictment com- the same Georgia officials,
why those actions — which We believe the Georgia Amendment as a valid legal pelling for purposes of dis- who will be involved in deter-
were observed by the public indictment provides even more ground for disqualification of qualifying Trump from the mining whether, under the
over many months — disqual- detail than the earlier federal a candidate for federal office. 2024 Georgia ballot? 14th Amendment, Trump is
ify Trump from serving in the one about how Trump’s actions The Georgia indictment There are minimally six qualified to be on the 2024
presidency ever again. And have already disqualified him against Trump and allies aspects revealed in the latest presidential ballot — or not.
our read of the Georgia indict- from office, and shows a way to exhaustively details extensive indictment that we believe jus- Little if any additional evi-
ment, as longtime lawyers our- keep him off the ballot in acts of lying, manipulation and tify Georgia — under Section dence or proceedings are need-
selves, shows why and how that 2024. threats against Georgia offi- 3 of the post-Civil War ed. The Georgia officials
disqualification can be put into cials, as well as a fraudulent Fourteenth Amendment — already hold that evidence,
effect. Disqualification fake elector scheme to illegal- keeping Trump off the ballot: because much of it comes from
The key to all of this is the is automatic ly subvert the legitimate 2020 1. The racketeering scheme them. They don’t need a trial to
14th Amendment to the Trump’s supporters might Georgia presidential vote tally was a multifaceted attempt to establish what they already
Constitution, which states that argue that disqualifying him and resulting elector certifica- subvert Georgia’s own part of know.
“No person shall… hold any would be unfair without a trial tion. the 2020 electoral process; How could Trump avoid
office, under the United States and conviction on the January federal judge Michael Luttig — ciated with secession, rebellion the Constitution that the dis- Trump’s failure to accom- 2. The officials on the this happening? A quick trial
… who, having previously 6 indictment, and perhaps the who has characterised the and open war against the qualification be imposed by plish what is tantamount to a receiving end of the unsuc- date in Atlanta with an acquit-
taken an oath… to support the Georgia charges. events before, during and since United States. And most were any specific process — only coup in Georgia and other cessful racketeering scheme tal on all counts might do it, but
Constitution of the United But Baude and Paulsen, January 6 as Trump’s “declared pardoned by sweeping orders that it applies to people who swing states set the stage for the were elected and appointed this runs counter to his strat-
States, shall have engaged in using originalist interpretation war on American democracy” issued by President Andrew take certain actions against violent insurrection of January Georgia officials. egy to delay all the pending
insurrection or rebellion — the interpretive theory of — suggest an emerging bipar- Johnson. the Constitution. 6, 2021, that sought to achieve 3. Whose actions to reject criminal cases until after the
against the same, or given aid choice of the powerful tisan consensus supporting But even though they had the same result — Trump’s election subversion vindicated 2024 election. With no pre-
or comfort to the enemies Federalist Society and Trump’s Baude and Paulsen. no relevant convictions, former A path through the states fraudulent installation to a sec- their own oaths to uphold the election trial, there will likely be
thereof.” Trump took that oath conservative court appointees, Confederates were in fact For the US in 2023, we ond term. Constitution and laws of the no Trump on the 2024 Georgia
at his inauguration on January which gives full meaning to the Backed by history barred from office in the US. believe the most realistic In fact, the Georgia scheme United States as well as ballot, and no chance for him
20, 2017. actual, original text of the This is not a theoretical bit In December 1865, sever- avenue to enforce the 14th is included in Special Counsel Georgia’s; to win Georgia’s 2024 electoral
Both Trump’s Georgia Constitution — demonstrate of technical law. This provision al who had neither been con- Amendment’s ban on a second Jack Smith’s federal indictment 4. Most of these officials college votes.
indictment, and his federal that no legal proceeding is of the 14th Amendment was, in victed nor been pardoned tried Trump presidency is through as one of the methods and were and are Republicans — Once Georgia bars him,
indictment in Washington, required. They say disqualifi- fact, extensively used after the to claim seats in the US House state election authorities. That’s means in “aid” of the larger including Secretary of State other states may follow. That
DC, cite largely public infor- cation is automatic, or what’s Civil War to keep former of Representatives. But the where the Georgia indictment January 6 federal conspiracy Brad Raffensberger, Governor would leave Trump with no
mation — and some newly known in the legal world as Confederate leaders from serv- House clerk refused to swear comes in. against the United States. Brian Kemp and former Lt way to credibly appear on the
unearthed material — to spell “self-executing.” ing in the federal government, them in. It took an act of State election officials Baude and Paulsen Governor Geoff Duncan; ballot in all 50 states, giving
out exactly how he engaged in Recent public comments without being tried or con- Congress — the 1872 Amnesty could themselves, or in acknowledge that “insurrection 5. These officials will, in him no chance to win the
efforts to rebel against the from liberal constitutional victed of any crime. Act — to later restore their response to a petition of a cit- and rebellion” are traditional- 2024 as in 2020, collectively electoral votes required to
Constitution, and sought and scholar Laurence Tribe and A few former Confederates office-holding rights. izen of that state, refuse Trump ly associated with forced or vio- determine who is qualified to claim the White House.
gave aid and comfort to others conservative jurist and former were charged with crimes asso- There is no requirement in a place on the 2024 ballot lent opposition. But we see the be on Georgia’s presidential (The Conversation)