Column & Essay 

By- Vivek Arya

Once again, the peace between India and Pakistan has been broken — and this time, the reason is serious and painful. On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 innocent Hindu tourists. India says the attackers were trained and sent from across the border — from Pakistan. And sadly, this is not the first time such violence has come from that side.

Pakistan has a long history of using terrorism as a tool against India. Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have carried out deadly attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Pulwama in 2019. Every time, Pakistan denies involvement, but the world is slowly seeing through its lies.

This time, India responded with strength. Under “Operation Sindoor,” Indian forces struck back at terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These were not random attacks. They were aimed at those responsible for killing Indian civilians. But instead of accepting responsibility and taking action against these terrorists, Pakistan chose to attack Indian areas using drones and missiles.

It is sad and dangerous that instead of punishing the terrorists, Pakistan is protecting them and increasing the war-like situation. It even shot down Indian fighter jets and targeted civilian areas. This is not the action of a peaceful nation. It is the act of a country that refuses to control its own terror groups and instead allows them to spread fear and bloodshed.

The biggest victims of this conflict are innocent people on both sides of the border. Children, families, and farmers are being forced to leave their homes. Schools are closed. The Indian Premier League had to be suspended. And the fear of a larger war — even a nuclear one — is hanging over the region.

India has shown great patience over the years. It has tried diplomacy many times. It has respected peace agreements. But how long can a nation stay silent when its citizens are being killed again and again?

The international community must open its eyes and see the truth. Pakistan must stop supporting terrorism. It must take action against those who harm peace. And if it continues to provoke India, it must be ready to face the consequences.

Peace is possible — but only when both countries are honest. And right now, Pakistan is not being honest.

09/05/2025

 By- Vivek Arya

Communalism means putting one's religion above everything else — even above the unity and harmony of the country. In India, communalism has been a big problem for a long time. It has led to riots, hatred, and division among people of different religions, especially between Hindus and Muslims. Communalism in India grew during British rule. The British followed a "divide and rule" policy. They tried to break the unity of Indians by creating religious divisions. In 1909, they gave separate voting rights to Muslims. Later, in 1932, Dalits were also given separate electorates. These actions made different communities think more about their religious identity than about being Indians. The partition of India in 1947 was one of the biggest results of communalism. India was divided into two nations — India and Pakistan — based mainly on religion. This caused terrible violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. Lakhs of people were killed, and many had to leave their homes forever. Even after India became independent, communalism didn’t go away. Several riots broke out in places like Ahmedabad, Bhagalpur, Mumbai, and Delhi. Political parties and leaders have sometimes used religion to gain votes, which makes the situation worse. Fake news and hate messages on social media also spread communal feelings nowadays. Communalism is harmful because it divides people who should live together in peace. It weakens our society, democracy, and the idea of unity in diversity. It stops progress and creates fear and mistrust among communities.

What Can Be Done? To fight communalism, we need to: Teach children the value of peace and respect for all religions. Punish those who spread hatred and violence. Encourage people of different religions to live and work together. Stop political use of religion. India is a country of many religions, but we are all Indians first. Our strength lies in our unity, not in our differences. Let us stand together against communalism and work for a peaceful and united India.

12/05/2025

By- Vivek Arya

In recent years, India—the world's largest democracy—has found itself at a critical crossroads. While democratic institutions remain visibly intact, the foundational principles of democracy are under increasing strain. From the erosion of civil liberties to the weakening of institutional independence, signs of democratic backsliding are too evident to ignore. The question before us is not whether Indian democracy is declining, but how deep the damage runs—and what we, as citizens, can do to restore it.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms

Democracy is not just about holding elections. It thrives on accountability, transparency, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. While elections in India remain largely free, the playing field is becoming increasingly uneven. Allegations of media manipulation, misuse of investigative agencies against political rivals, and suppression of dissenting voices are disturbing indicators of a system being skewed in favour of the ruling elite.

Journalists and academics who question the government often face harassment, arrests, or loss of employment. Independent media is shrinking, replaced by loud, polarized newsrooms that echo government narratives. When criticism becomes a punishable offence, democracy begins to hollow out.

Judiciary and Institutions Under Pressure

A robust democracy depends on the independence of its institutions, particularly the judiciary. Yet, concerns are growing about the increasing politicization of appointments and the reluctance of courts to stand up to executive overreach. Delayed justice in critical cases, selective intervention, and the silence of courts on issues of fundamental rights have raised eyebrows among legal experts and civil society.

Other autonomous institutions—like the Election Commission and the Enforcement Directorate—have faced similar allegations. Their perceived bias or inaction during crucial moments has deepened public mistrust.

Majoritarianism and the Decline of Pluralism

India’s strength lies in its diversity. However, recent years have seen the rise of majoritarian politics that undermine this pluralistic ethos. Policies and public discourse increasingly target minority communities, fuelling fear and social division. Citizenship laws, communal rhetoric, and hate crimes have fractured the social fabric and challenged the idea of India as an inclusive democracy.

This shift not only affects marginalized communities but also endangers the spirit of equality enshrined in the Constitution. When identity becomes a tool for political mobilization, democratic values suffer.

Democratic Decay Is Not Always Dramatic

One of the dangers of democratic decline is that it rarely announces itself with a bang. It unfolds quietly—through legislative tweaks, institutional co-opting, and cultural shifts. Citizens often become accustomed to a "new normal" where freedoms are curtailed and critical thinking is discouraged.

What makes this moment particularly alarming is the growing normalization of authoritarian tendencies under the guise of nationalism, development, or law and order.

The Way Forward: Resisting Through Participation

Despite these challenges, India’s democratic spirit is not beyond revival. It lies in the hands of its citizens, civil society, and youth. The Constitution provides the tools for change—but they must be wielded courageously.

Strengthening democracy means demanding transparency, holding leaders accountable, defending the freedom of press and speech, and above all, voting with awareness. It also means protecting dissent, engaging in meaningful debate, and fostering inclusiveness—not division.

Democracy, after all, is not self-sustaining. It is a living system that must be nurtured every day by informed, active citizens. As India moves ahead, it must decide whether it will remain a democracy in name—or reclaim the true spirit of democratic governance.

22/05/2025

Over the past few years, the landscape of history education in India has been quietly, yet significantly, reshaped by a series of syllabus revisions introduced by the government. These changes, often framed as attempts to decolonize the curriculum or promote an “Indian perspective,” have sparked intense debate among educators, historians, and students alike. The question isn’t just what is being taught — but what is being omitted, emphasized, or reinterpreted in the classroom.

The NCERT, India’s national textbook authority, has rolled out multiple rounds of textbook rationalizations since 2020. While the official justification has often included reducing content load post-COVID and eliminating repetitions, a closer look reveals a pattern: chapters on Mughal history have been abridged or removed; detailed discussions on the 2002 Gujarat riots and Emergency have been dropped; and the focus has shifted more heavily towards ancient Indian glory — particularly Vedic civilization and indigenous political systems.

These revisions may reflect a genuine effort to highlight long-neglected aspects of Indian history — such as regional empires, indigenous knowledge systems, or resistance movements. However, the worry lies in the selective nature of this retelling. History is not merely a sequence of glorious events. It includes conflicts, failures, diversity, dissent, and dialogue. By trimming the complex edges of our past, we risk presenting a flattened version of history — one that may be comforting, but not complete.

Moreover, changes in history textbooks should ideally be led by historians, not only policymakers. When curriculum decisions are driven by ideology rather than scholarship, students lose the opportunity to think critically, challenge narratives, or engage with primary sources. A democratic society must empower learners to ask: Whose history is this? Whose voices are missing?

At its best, history education should be a tool for building informed citizens — not obedient followers. It should open windows to other perspectives, challenge bias, and encourage students to make evidence-based arguments. When syllabi become tools of identity politics or nationalism, that purpose is lost.

As a history educator, I believe that curriculum must evolve — but not at the cost of complexity, inclusivity, or critical inquiry. Instead of erasing chapters, why not add new ones? Instead of deleting difficult debates, why not contextualize them? Our students are capable of understanding nuance — if we trust them with it.

The role of a teacher becomes even more vital now: to supplement, question, and critically engage with textbooks. It’s our responsibility to help students read between the lines — not just memorize them.

-30/05/2025

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, traditional teaching methods alone are no longer enough. With students exposed to vast amounts of information online and attention spans shrinking, teachers must adapt their methods to remain effective, engaging, and relevant. The role of a teacher has shifted from being a source of knowledge to a facilitator of learning—and this change calls for a modern approach to education.

One of the most powerful tools available to teachers today is technology. From smartboards and YouTube videos to learning apps and interactive quizzes, digital tools help make abstract concepts visual and engaging. But effective teaching goes beyond just using gadgets. It involves promoting conceptual clarity, where students truly understand what they’re learning rather than just memorizing for exams. Real-life examples, storytelling, and interactive discussions can make even the most complex topics meaningful and memorable.

Another essential strategy is to embrace student diversity. Every learner is unique—some grasp ideas visually, others through discussion or hands-on activities. A mix of teaching techniques can cater to different learning styles and ensure no student is left behind. Additionally, the modern classroom should nurture critical thinking by encouraging open-ended questions, debates, and projects that require analysis and creativity.

Building a positive classroom environment is also key. When students feel safe, respected, and heard, they participate more actively and learn with confidence. Teachers should also use formative assessments like quick quizzes or feedback sessions to check understanding and adjust their teaching methods as needed.

Finally, education in the 21st century must go beyond academics. It should include life skills, values, and emotional intelligence. A teacher’s ability to connect lessons to real-world problems, instill empathy, and encourage responsibility is more important than ever.

In this evolving educational landscape, the most effective teachers are those who remain lifelong learners themselves—constantly reflecting, upgrading, and innovating. In blending the timeless values of teaching with modern methods, we can prepare students not just for exams, but for life.

-31/05/2025

The Indian media, often called the fourth pillar of democracy, is facing a crisis that undermines its role in fostering informed public discourse. While India boasts a vibrant media landscape with over 900 TV channels, 20,000 newspapers, and a growing digital presence, its credibility is eroding due to corporate control, political bias, and a focus on sensationalism over substance. This critique explores how these issues challenge Gandhi’s principles of truth and public service, which remain vital for a democratic media.

Corporate and Political Influence: Many media outlets are owned by conglomerates with ties to political parties or corporate interests. For instance, major players like Reliance Industries and Adani Group control significant media assets, raising concerns about editorial independence. The term “Godi media” (lapdog media) has emerged to describe outlets that align with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), often amplifying government narratives while sidelining critical issues like unemployment or minority rights. This contradicts Gandhi’s emphasis on truth (Satya) as a cornerstone of public life, as media houses prioritize profit and power over honest reporting.

Sensationalism Over Substance: The media often focuses on trivial stories—celebrity gossip or divisive debates—while ignoring pressing issues like poverty or climate change. This echoes Gandhi’s warning against distractions that divert attention from real societal needs. During the 2024 elections, coverage leaned heavily on political spectacle, with less focus on policy analysis, leaving voters poorly informed. The rise of “paid news” further erodes trust, as outlets publish biased content for financial gain, betraying Gandhi’s call for integrity.

Censorship and Safety Concerns: India ranks 159th out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a decline in media freedom. Journalists face harassment, legal threats, and violence, especially when critiquing the government. Laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act grant authorities broad powers to regulate content, chilling free speech. This environment clashes with Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha), which relied on open dialogue to challenge injustice.

Digital Media and Misinformation: While platforms like YouTube offer space for independent voices, they also spread misinformation and hate speech, often unchecked. Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa (nonviolence) is violated when media fuels division, such as anti-minority narratives. Mainstream media’s failure to counter these trends deepens public distrust.

A Path Forward: To align with Gandhi’s ideals, the media must prioritize truth, public welfare, and fearless reporting. Independent outlets like The Wire and Newslaundry show promise, but they lack the reach of corporate giants. Strengthening self-regulation, protecting journalists, and promoting media literacy can help restore credibility. Gandhi’s vision of a just society demands a media that informs, not manipulates.

Mahatma Gandhi, India’s leader of nonviolent freedom, left ideas that still guide us today. His focus on truth, peace, and simplicity speaks to our world’s problems like fights, inequality, and climate change. In just a few ways, Gandhi’s thoughts show us how to live better now.

Peace Over Violence: Gandhi’s idea of Ahimsa, or nonviolence, means solving problems without hurting others. Today, with wars, protests, and online arguments, his way of talking and understanding each other can calm tensions. Movements like climate marches or equality protests use Gandhi’s peaceful approach to push for change without violence. His ideas teach us to listen and find solutions together.

Simple Living for the Planet: Gandhi lived simply, using only what he needed. He said the Earth can support everyone’s needs, not greed. This fits today’s fight against climate change. By reducing waste, supporting local goods, or using clean energy, we follow Gandhi’s path. His idea of Swadeshi, or self-reliance, inspires things like community gardens or recycling, helping save the planet.

Fairness for All: Gandhi fought for the poor and against unfair treatment, like caste bias. His belief that everyone deserves respect connects to today’s push for equal rights, fair pay, and education for all. His courage to stand up for the weak inspires us to support justice in our communities.

Though Gandhi’s ideas can feel hard to apply in our fast, tech-heavy world, they still work. We can use social media to spread peace or support ethical businesses. Gandhi’s wisdom shows us how to build a kinder, greener, and fairer world with truth and compassion.