This paper interrogates the normalization of corruption in contemporary India through the theoretical frameworks of Michel Foucault and Theodor Adorno. Rejecting the moralistic and legalistic definitions of corruption as insufficient, it argues that corruption functions not as a deviation from institutional norms but as the normative logic of governance itself. Employing the metaphor of the Procrustean bed, the paper explores how disciplinary power, media capture, and cultural internalization enable the institutional reproduction of corruption. Empirical data from Transparency International and the Global Economic Freedom Index further substantiate the entrenchment of corruption across sectors. The study concludes with a call to dismantle the ideological apparatus sustaining this disciplinary regime.
Category Archives: Journal
CONVERGENCE TO PRAXIS
This journal tries to demolish the administrative boundaries of academic disciplinary technology by amalgamating all the so-called “subjects” by condemning the objectification, subjectification and subjection.
It strives to reach the vanishing point of theory and praxis. Thus, instead of so-called “inter-disciplinary studies”, it emphasizes on the convergence of earthian knowledges and praxiologies. The journal attempts to achieve this end by means of dialogue without manipulation in the context of a participatory, local-resource based, low-energy efficient, small-scale, self-reliant, partyless, moneyless, decentralized democracy. As this journal is against the academiocratic elitism and patron-client relationship, it maintains the Copyleft Writers’ Movement and follows the Creative Commons License.
Metrics of Denial: A Critical Reading of Indian Indices in the Age of Climate Capitalism
This study interrogates India’s position across major global indices—Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Nature Conservation Index (NCI), Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), ESG fund performance, and climate displacement data—revealing deep contradictions between policy rhetoric and ecological realities. With India ranking near the bottom in EPI and NCI, and topping charts in climate displacement, the report juxtaposes these failures against the optimistic ranking in CCPI and the proliferation of ESG funds. Through a chaosophic lens, the study critiques the reductionism of market-led green capitalism and underscores the need to rethink ecological metrics beyond their statistical form. A comparative global–Indian framework highlights shared vulnerabilities and region-specific crises, especially around resource depletion and climate-induced migration, while resisting technocratic fixes and econometric illusions.
Mr. Ajay Piramal: Grand Philanthropism or Profiteering Facade?
The article critically examines the philanthropic image of Ajay Piramal, chairman of the Piramal Group. While reflecting on his supposedly projected contributions through the Piramal Foundation in areas like healthcare, education, and clean water initiatives, the article raises concerns about alleged financial misconduct and environmental extortion issues associated with his business practices over the years that seem to posit a crony collusion. It questions whether his philanthropic endeavours serve as a genuine commitment to social welfare or as a means to obscure less ethical corporate activities. The piece encourages readers to scrutinize the alignment between Piramal’s professed values and his business operations, suggesting a need for greater genunity in viewing a philanthro-capitalist!
Unveiling the Venom: A Lament Against Orchestrated Hate and Simulated “Truths” about Pahalgam and Abhaya
In a fiery lament dripping with anguish and defiance following the Abhaya incident in West Bengal and the Pehelgam Massacre in Kashmir, Unveiling the Venom shreds apart the orchestrated hatred and manufactured truths nurtured by India’s ruling regime. The author mourns martyrs of free thought, blasts the cynical use of religious fundamentalism to mask corporate greed, and calls out the leaders’ war-mongering hypocrisy, corruption, and simulated hyper-nationalism. Wielding history, philosophy, and satire like a blade, the piece demands accountability, exposes state-sponsored deceit, and reminds readers that real resistance is forged in questioning, not blind allegiance. A stormy anthem against an empire of lies.
EVMs and/or Ballots: Binary Dead-Ends?
The article critiques the polarized debate in India surrounding electronic voting machines (EVMs) versus paper ballots. It contends that framing the issue as a binary choice oversimplifies the complexities of electoral integrity. The authors highlight that both EVMs and paper ballots possess their unique vulnerabilities, urging the need for robust, transparent, and verifiable electoral processes rather than a fixation on the medium of voting. The piece advocates for a more nuanced discussion that transcends partisan positions to confront the genuine challenges of ensuring free and fair elections in a more decentralized, participatory, and partyless manner.
The “Waqf” Controversy and the Silence on “Debutter” Property: A Case of Majoritarianism?
The article critiques the asymmetrical treatment of religious endowments in India, highlighting how Waqf properties—Muslim charitable endowments used for mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and other community purposes—have faced intense scrutiny, legal reforms, and public debates, while Hindu Debutter (or Devottara) properties, which serve similar religious functions and are fraught with similar disputes as Waqf, remain largely untouched. The article discusses the recent Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025, renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UWMEED) Act, which supposedly seeks to modernize and centralize the administration of over 870,000 Waqf properties under state-level Waqf Boards. Although issues like mismanagement, encroachments, and undervaluation plague both Waqf and Debutter assets, legislative attention has been disproportionately focused on Waqf properties. This selective focus raises concerns about majoritarian bias, as it appears to shield Hindu institutions from equivalent scrutiny. The article ultimately argues for equitable and secular governance that holds all religious endowments to the same standards of transparency, accountability, and reform, warning that the current approach may be influenced more by communal politics than by genuine administrative concerns.
অর্থনীতির অতিমারী, অর্থের-নেতির বি-কল্প-না
নিম্নবর্গের প্রতিদিনের রোটি-কপড়া-মকান-এর লড়াই সঙ্গে তাল মেলাতে পারে না প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক অর্থনীতি। তাই এই বইয়ে দেবপ্রসাদ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় সেই অর্থনীতিকে নেতিকৃত করেছেন। কথ্য ভাষায় লেখা ‘অর্থনেতি’ – তে উঠে এসেছে বাজার থেকে শুরু করে নিসর্গের সমস্যা। জিডিপির হার কি সকল শ্রেণির সুখে বেঁচে থাকার কথা আদৌ বলে? প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক অর্থনীতির সঙ্গে কি আদৌ যোগ আছে খেটে খাওয়া মানুষের প্রাত্যহিকতার? নিসর্গের বিপদের সঙ্গে পুঁজির বিকাশের সম্পর্ক ঠিক কী? এই সবটাই আলোচিত হয়েছে দেবপ্রসাদ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের “অর্থ-নী-নেতি” বিষয়ক কিতাব নিয়ে এক সংলাপে, যাতে যুক্ত হয়েছেন লেখক-পুত্র আখর বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়। এ সংলাপ অনুষ্ঠিত হয় ২৮শে মার্চ, ২০২৫, “মান্দাস” প্রকাশনার বইঠেকে।
সংখ্যা-শরীর-শৃঙ্গার-রাজনীতি (Numbers-Corporeal-Sexuality-Politics)
This book explores the coherence of relationships among various historical aprioris: mathematics (including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry), śṛṅgāra (creative self-cultivation), imagination, literature, philosophy, sexuality, musicking, politics and democracy, sculpture and fine arts, as well as themes of violence and madness. It does so through the deployment of anekānta, utilizing a plurimethod approach.
প্রাক্তন বাউনের Woke তথা সদাই Politically Correct হওয়ার ক্রমবর্ধমান অসুবিধে: এক পৈতেছেঁড়া বাউনের ক্লেদ, গ্লানি, অপরাধবোধ
Posted on 15th March, 2025 (GMT 16:18 hrs) Updated on 16th March, 2025 (GMT 06:29 hrs) দেবপ্রসাদ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় ⤡ বিশেষ কৃতজ্ঞতাঃ আখর বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়⤡ এই লেখাটি বনে উঠেছে সাম্প্রতিক সাহিত্য অকাদেমির বাংলা বিভাগে সদস্যদের মধ্যে এক বিশেষ সদস্যের পদত্যাগ নিয়ে। সেই শিরদাঁড়াযুক্ত মানুষটিকে কুর্নিশ জানাই। আরো সমস্যা পেকেছে সাহিত্য অকাদেমির বাংলা বিভাগের মতুয়া সম্প্রদায়ভুক্ত কল্যাণী ঠাকুরContinue reading “প্রাক্তন বাউনের Woke তথা সদাই Politically Correct হওয়ার ক্রমবর্ধমান অসুবিধে: এক পৈতেছেঁড়া বাউনের ক্লেদ, গ্লানি, অপরাধবোধ”
Hitting the Economic Hitmen At the Time of Global Heating
The article discusses the role of economic hitmen, as outlined by John Perkins, Eric Toussaint and other theorists, in manipulating developing nations for financial gain. These individuals exploit countries through excessive loans, leading to debt traps and policies favoring multinational corporations. The piece connects these actions to global economic institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO, highlighting their influence in shaping neo-colonial economic systems. It also examines India’s neoliberal policies since the 1990s, citing key figures who facilitated these strategies.
Once in a Blue Moon Academia 