Posts

Amit Kumar: The Quiet Strength Who Touched Many Hearts at Jamia Millia Islamia

Image
We are deeply troubled by the passing of our dear friend, classmate, and a true lover of composite culture, Amit Kumar . Late last night, I came across this heartbreaking news through a social media post shared by one of our classmates. It was difficult to process this information in the quiet of the night. I immediately reached out to friends to know more, and they shared that Amit had been unwell for some time and was facing serious health issues. After completing his M.A. in History from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2005 , Amit devoted himself to preparing for the Civil Services Examination in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi. He was deeply committed to his goal and, as far as I know, achieved considerable success, even though he could not make it to the final list. Later, I learned that he joined Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to pursue a Ph.D. in History . During my previous job, I often traveled to eastern Uttar Pradesh. Once, while visiting Varanasi, I called Amit. Though he was not in t...

ECI Briefs on Bihar Election 2025, but Questions Remain_#Electionnama1

Image
  Today, the Election Commission of India (ECI), through an extensive press conference, shared detailed updates about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and briefed the media about its preparedness for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2025. I found the information shared by the ECI somewhat confusing, especially since there is little clarity about the actual level of preparedness on the ground. How will the election ensure a level playing field for all political parties? Although the ECI appeared well-prepared for the press conference, it also seemed intent on convincing the public and institutions including the Supreme Court of India,   that everything concerning the SIR process is functioning smoothly and without fear. The Commission reiterated that there is still an opportunity for individuals whose names have not been included in the final electoral roll to get them added. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will react in its next hearing regarding the S...

"Almost Hacked on WhatsApp: My Experience and How to Protect Yourself"

Image
  A couple of days ago, I received a strange message from one of my close contacts on WhatsApp. It read: “Hi, sorry, I accidentally sent you a 6-digit code via SMS. Can you forward it to me? It’s urgent.” At first, it seemed like a normal message, but something didn’t feel right. Why would someone accidentally send me a verification code? And why was it so urgent to get it back? I quickly suspected that something was off, so instead of responding right away, I decided to call the same WhatsApp number. When I called, my contact didn’t answer but instead sent me a text saying: “Can’t talk now. Call me later?” This seemed even more suspicious, but I still didn’t want to jump to conclusions. I replied, “OK,” hoping to get a clearer sense of what was going on. Then, I got another message almost immediately: “Don’t worry, just send me my 6-digit code.” Now, alarm bells were ringing in my head. Why would anyone insist so much on a code like that? I had read about scams where hacke...

My note about the new USA administration

Image
The recently concluded US election is widely considered a historic turning point, marking significant shifts in political dynamics, changing voter priorities, the unprecedented direct involvement of corporations in the electoral process, and the transformative role of social media as a new and powerful tool in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes. On the evening of November 6th, during the final stages of election result counting, I was engaged in a conversation with a friend over the phone regarding the outcome. As our discussion concluded, my 12-year-old daughter, who had been silently observing, interrupted with an expression of confusion and disbelief. She remarked, "How could this happen? Kamala Harris Aunty lost the election, and Trump Uncle became the US President again. Oh my God!" This moment underscored the challenges of shielding children from the complexities of contemporary politics. Despite my conscious efforts to limit her exposure to the often c...

Sardar of contemporary India- Dr Manmohan Singh ( 1932-2024)

Image
Sardar of contemporary India, Dr Manmohan Singh, died on 26 th December 2024; he was born in to Panjabi Family on 26 September 1932 in the Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan). He always cherished and admired his roots and his friends cross the border. The family belongs to the Panjabi shik, they were in the business of the dry fruits. Manmohan Singh began his education at a local gurdwara, where he was first introduced to Urdu and Punjabi languages. On April 17, 1937, he joined the Government Primary School in his village, continuing his Urdu-medium studies until Class 4, at 10. When, his family moved to Peshawar, where he enrolled in the Khalsa School for upper-primary education. He completed his matriculation in the summer of 1947. Dr Singh pursued his education at Panjab University in Chandigarh before advancing to the University of Cambridge in Great Britain. He earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford. In the 1970s, he held various economic advisory roles ...

My take on the Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024

Image
  The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly election result painted a picture of optimism that stands apart from the trends seen in many state elections following the General Elections. While several post-general Election outcomes echoed national mandates or reaffirmed dominant majoritarian narratives, Jharkhand offers a refreshing deviation—a story shaped by regional priorities, grassroots issues, and a conscious electorate. Above all, I would say this is the struggle of the Indigenous community to reject the politics of religious divisiveness over self-determination through the democratic method. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc's resounding victory, which saw it win 56 of 81 seats in the State and achieve a two-third majority despite the BJP's deeply polarizing campaign, reflects the strength of a broad-based social coalition powered by a range of effective welfare initiatives. This stunning mandate has made history in Jharkhand's state elections, as it marks the firs...

Kerala lottery: story from the ground

Image
  The Kerala lottery enjoys immense popularity across the state, functioning as a well-organized and thriving industry. Throughout the year, different types of lotteries are launched, each tailored to appeal to various segments of the population. The system is deeply ingrained in Kerala's socio-economic fabric, with bumper prize schemes strategically timed to coincide with festivals, public holidays, and other major occasions, such as Onam, Christmas, Vishu, and New Year. These special lotteries often come with attractive prizes, including cash rewards that can significantly impact the winners’ lives. The government-run system is not only a source of excitement and hope for participants but also a substantial revenue generator for the state. The proceeds are channeled into public welfare projects, infrastructure development, and social services, making it a win-win situation for both the organizers and society. During my recent visit to the state, I observed, everywhere people ...