The paper-letter critically examines the Hindutva ideology’s stance on abortion, using satire and sarcasm to highlight the contradictions in its rigid, “pro-life” views. The authors argue that Hindutva selectively interprets Hindu scriptures to enforce anti-abortion and anti-women policies, undermining women’s autonomy and agency. Through references to ancient texts, the paper critiques the ideological imposition of Hindutva, showing how it manipulates religious doctrines to control women’s reproductive rights while exposing its broader patriarchal and theocratic agenda.
Category Archives: Art of Resistance
Following the dictum “Cultural revolution must precede political revolution”, we are striving to create the scope for an alternative cultural space, which can offer resistance to all forms of coercion, and can also serve as a medium for conducting non-violent, horizontal dialogical exchanges.
রাজা-রানী খান খান! (তাতেই কী হয় অবসান?)…
The article is a satirical and allegorical narrative that criticizes authoritarianism and the suppression of dissent. It tells the story of a queen who, frustrated by her subjects’ silence, administers a pill that makes everyone scream against authority. This leads to chaos, with the queen’s attempts to suppress or escape the situation backfiring. The story reflects on the futility of authoritarian control, the inevitability of resistance, and the dangers of unchecked power.
“This is what usually happens”: Rape Culture in West Bengal, India
The article discusses the disturbing rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata and critiques the West Bengal government’s response, which allegedly involved tampering with evidence and suppressing dissent. The piece also explores broader issues of rape culture in India, highlighting how sexual violence is often normalized and weaponized politically. It criticizes both the current and previous governments in West Bengal for their handling of sexual violence and urges a radical approach to dismantling patriarchal systems.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
বাবাতন্ত্রের প্রতিনিধির আন্দোলিত ও নিষিদ্ধ হলফনামা
The article discusses the concept of “Babatantra”, focusing on a critique of patriarchal authority in the context of rape culture in India and the author’s first-personal self-reflexivity on their complicity in such systems. The author uses biblical references, particularly the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman, to explore themes of confession and gendered violence such as rape. The piece also touches on political activism and the infiltration of movements by installed harmful elements. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own flaws through self-criticism and maintaining vigilance against internalized forms of dominance.
Post-Mortem of Parliamentary Democracy and What Is Still To be Done?
This article, published on June 8, 2024, conducts a critical examination of parliamentary democracy, with a likely focus on India’s post-2024 election landscape. It dissects systemic challenges, such as institutional erosion, political polarization, or governance inefficiencies, that undermine democratic processes. The analysis highlights key events or policies contributing to these issues. Proposing a path forward, the article outlines actionable reforms to strengthen democracy, including enhancing transparency, fostering inclusive dialogue, and reinforcing institutional checks. It underscores the urgency of collective action to revitalize parliamentary democracy’s efficacy and resilience.
In Defence of the Ladakh Movement: A Faint Voice of Solidarity During the Ominous Hour of Climate Emergency
The article defends the Ladakh movement as a crucial voice against environmental degradation and climate change, particularly in the face of the Himalayan region’s vulnerabilities. It highlights the importance of indigenous and local perspectives in climate activism, emphasizing Ladakh’s ecological sensitivity and the dangers posed by unchecked development. The piece also calls for solidarity with grassroots movements that prioritize sustainable and culturally sensitive practices, urging broader attention to the climate emergency’s impact on marginalized communities.
Singing in the Darkest Times: A Plea For Hope
Posted on 24/03/2024 (GMT 17:51 hrs) In the dark times, Will there also be singing? Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times. Bertolt Brecht Dear All, I, an absurd man, am indebted to you all for supporting our cause through online non-violent civil disobedience movement against the crony oligarchy, especially those fewContinue reading “Singing in the Darkest Times: A Plea For Hope”
Values of Indian Constitution Endangered: Heading Towards Hindu Rastra?
The article “Values of Indian Constitution Endangered: Heading Towards Hindu Rashtra?” from Once in a Blue Moon Academia expresses concern over actions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that may conflict with India’s constitutional principle of secularism. It highlights Modi’s frequent visits to Hindu temples and participation in religious rituals, suggesting these actions promote Hinduism over other religions, which contradicts the constitutional mandate of equal respect for all faiths. The article also references Modi’s association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and critiques his adherence to its ideologies, implying a potential threat to India’s secular framework. This perspective aligns with concerns raised in other sources. For instance, an article from Le Monde discusses the blurring lines between the executive branch and secularism in India, citing Modi’s participation in Hindu rituals alongside judiciary members as indicative of this trend. Additionally, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s remarks equating constitutional values with Sanatana Dharma and criticizing religious conversions as contrary to national values further illustrate the intertwining of religion and state affairs. Collectively, these actions and statements suggest a shift towards integrating Hindu religious principles into the functions of the state, raising concerns about the preservation of India’s secular constitutional values.
The Weapon of Syncretism: Lest We Forget…
Posted on 22/01/2024 (GMT 18:00 hrs) “The weapon of criticism cannot, of course, replace criticism of the weapon, material force must be overthrown by material force; but theory also becomes a material force as soon as it has gripped the masses.” “The weapon of criticism”, in the case of the present dreary Indian context, isContinue reading “The Weapon of Syncretism: Lest We Forget…”
In Defence of Doubting Everything: A Letter to the Chief Justice of India
Posted on 16/01/2024 (GMT 07:40 hrs) Updated on 21st October, 2024 (GMT 08:42 hrs) ABSTRACT The letter titled “In Defence of Doubting Everything” addresses the Chief Justice of India, focusing on the importance of questioning and critical thinking, particularly in light of secularism and the rise of theocratic extremism in India. Drawing inspiration from bothContinue reading “In Defence of Doubting Everything: A Letter to the Chief Justice of India”
Once in a Blue Moon Academia 