Monthly Archives: December 2017

FROM THE BOOKSHELF Excessive use of chemicals and insecticides in agriculture not only degrade land and water resources but adversely impact human health too. With inadequate attention being paid to alternatives in agriculture a book like Silent Spring continues to have its relevance even after many years of its publication. Mohammad Zafar

The recent power cut at Atlanta Airport and the major problems that it led to for both commuters and authorities is not a case...

This year the election campaign in Gujarat had an element of surprise in it. The entire process of voter mobilization was not based on Hindutva politics or the promise of development however what took centre stage was the assertion of caste politics. The rise of Patidars under the leadership of Hardik Patel was a major factor to reckon with. With the resurgence of caste politics in such a dominant manner is the political landscape of the nation a fragmented reality?

The BJP’s sweeping victory in Gujarat and Himanchal Pradesh under the leadership of Mr. Modi reminds us of the many urgent questions that a nation like ours cannot neglect despite the apparent mood of celebration and euphoria we witness around us.

EDITORIAL/ DECEMBER 2017

EXCERPT Virginia Wolf’s A Room of One’s Own (1929) is a classic feminist essay. We are reproducing a small segment of this iconic text. It makes us see and feel how difficult it was (or is) for a woman to find her space and unfold her creativity.

The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is going take place between 13th to 17th December at New Delhi’s Raman Baug ground. It is a music festival that will witness performances from both new and veteran artists in honor of the work and contributions of the legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

LIVING MEMORY Professor Avijit Pathak pays homage to his colleague and friend—a great pedagogue filled with passionate ideas, critical thinking and zeal for life.

The contemporary design of schooling concentrates on mechanical learning without taking into consideration the learner's needs. So we end up emphasizing skill over talent, memory over spontaneity.

Why is it that schools are becoming increasingly exclusionary? And why is it that nursery admissions are becoming so difficult? With her personal experiences as well as critical insights the author has touched upon a fundamental question confronting everyone bothered about childhood, schooling and education.