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Articles by T Navin
“Arajakta Hatao, Loktantra Bachao”: Is It Really About Protecting Democracy?
The BJP has launched what it calls a campaign to remove anarchy and save democracy, titled “Arajakta Hatao, Loktantra Bachao” (Remove Anarchy, Save Democracy). The campaign presents itself as a defence of democracy against the alleged anarchy created by the Opposition and protesters questioning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Peace Bond as a Silencing Tool: When the State Demands Silence in the Name of Peace
Peace is essential to democracy. But what happens when institutions responsible for maintaining peace use it to restrict peaceful dissent? When citizens protesting against disenfranchisement are asked to sign bonds promising not to disturb peace, while those allegedly engaging in actual violence escape similar scrutiny, the meaning of peace itself demands scrutiny. The recent anti-SIR protests have brought this contradiction into sharp focus.
Misrepresenting Regime Change: How Democratic Protests Are Recast as Conspiracy
The phrase “regime change” has acquired a new political significance in the debate surrounding India’s recent youth-led protests. Demonstrations that began with demands for accountability over examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have expanded into protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
10 October: When Delhi Was Turned into a Prison to Stop a March for Democracy
The government claimed victory over a protest it went to extraordinary lengths to prevent. But the significance of 10 October lies not in how many people reached Jantar Mantar, but in what happened to prevent them from getting there. A call was given to gather at Jantar Mantar on 10 October 2026 to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stop SIR and save Indian democracy.
Neha Bora: A Symbol of Courage and Change
You raise your voice for students, For their rights, their dignity, their future. You refuse to remain a silent spectator When injustice demands resistance. They try to silence you, To confine your voice, To make you retreat from the struggle. But you refuse to surrender. From campus to campus, Across the length and breadth of the country, You travel to educate, agitate and enlighten, To awaken young minds To the struggles for rights and justice.
Campaign for “PROTECT VOTER”: Beyond “Resign Gyanesh Kumar”
For the last several years, concerns over vote chori, the addition of questionable or allegedly fake voters, deletions from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and their possible implications for election results have remained in the public domain. Political parties, civil society organisations and social activists have repeatedly questioned the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
When a Birthday Becomes a Festival of Power-Modi at 76, State Resources, and the Politics of Hero Worship
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik presents a sand sculpture featuring the message ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya – 25 Years of Seva – Happy Birthday Modi Ji’ on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday, at Puri Beach, Odisha on Wednesday. (PTI) A prime minister turning 76 should ordinarily be a personal occasion. Supporters may wish him well, party workers may distribute sweets, and political organizations may organize programs to mark his achievements. There is nothing undemocratic about that.
Two Citizens, Two Speeds of Justice
In September 2026, Swatantra Bharadwaj was arrested in connection with the alleged assault of the father of a student protester during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The case had attracted considerable attention after a video surfaced in which Bharadwaj reportedly admitted to the attack. He was taken into custody, but within a little over ten days, a Delhi court granted him three weeks of interim bail.
Swatantra Bharadwaj: The Foot Soldier When Useful, the Outsider When Not
Swatantra Bharadwaj Swatantra Bharadwaj has finally been arrested. The 21-year-old self-styled Hindutva influencer was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Azad, during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The case became particularly disturbing after Bharadwaj appeared on a podcast and spoke proudly about the alleged assault.
When Development Defeats the Mountains: What the Nepal Floods Tell Us
The death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal has crossed 1,250, with nearly 4,000 people reportedly missing. The numbers may rise further as rescue operations continue and the full scale of destruction becomes clear. The tragedy is immense, but it should not be seen simply as a natural disaster.
From Gen Z to Gen Alpha: A New Awakening for India’s Public Education
Inspired by Gen Z protests in Delhi, students of the Sarvodaya Inter College in Fatehpur district staged a sit-in protest against the lack of basic facilities in their school, forcing the administration to accept most of their demands It was Gen Z earlier. Now it is Gen Alpha that is beginning to rise. The Gen Z awakening in India was largely associated with examinations, unemployment, recruitment, corruption and political accountability.
Why Is the Government Afraid of Those Who Use Their Dimag?
In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new category of threat to the nation — the “Dimagi Naxal” (Intellectual Naxals). The expression is striking because it does not describe people in terms of what they do, but in terms of how they think. It suggests that there is something politically dangerous about a particular kind of mind: one that questions, scrutinises and refuses to accept claims without examination.
Delegitimising Dissent: From “Dimaagi Naxal” to the “Andha Dimaagi” Citizen
Just a day after the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address, the phrase “Dimaagi Naxal” is already generating debate—and for good reason. In yesterday’s speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of “dimaagi naxals” (intellectual Naxals) and called for them to be identified and isolated, referring to those opposed to it.
When a Nation Found Its Voice: How Gen Z Reawakened Indian Democracy
Yesterday, the government finally conceded to one of the central demands of the nationwide student movement—the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Along with accepting his resignation, it also agreed to several other key demands, including compensation for families who had lost children to examination-related suicides and the withdrawal of police cases against thousands of peaceful protesters.
Parliamentary March, Police Brutality, and Hope for the Future
When the call came to march to Parliament, thousands of students and young people answered it with a kind of faith that cannot be manufactured. By the time they gathered in and around Jantar Mantar, they were no longer just a crowd, but a trembling force of conscience—nearly two lakh voices carrying the weight of disappointment, anger, and hope. It was believed that if Sonam Wangchuk were removed from the centre of the movement in the name of food or healthcare, the fire would dim.
The Assault on Vijayaviharam Ramanamurthy: When Debate Within Hinduism Becomes Intolerable for the Saffron Hindutva forces
The ideological ecosystem surrounding Hindutva has long projected itself as the authentic defender of Hinduism. Yet one of its defining characteristics has been its discomfort with alternative interpretations of the religion—not merely those coming from outside Hinduism, but also those emerging from within the Hindu tradition itself.
The Weight of Silence
Every morning he wakes a little lighter A few more grams gone and muscle lost With reduced strength to stand A little less blood flowing through tired veins A little less sugar to feed a body That has chosen hunger over indifference And every morning the silence grows heavier He does not throw stones He does not burn buses He does not shout through loudspeakers He speaks through an empty plate A weakening heartbeat And a body slowly disappearing before an entre nation Still the silence grows...
Sonam Wangchuk, the Fast and the Government Response: A Government That Doesn’t Care
As Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite fast enters its third week, reports indicate a steady deterioration in his health. His weight has fallen, his blood pressure has dropped, and his blood sugar levels continue to decline. Every passing day takes a visible toll on his body. Yet, despite the seriousness of the situation, the response from the Government has been one of remarkable silence. Silence, at times, speaks louder than words. This is not an ordinary protest.
‘Satluj’ Movie: Human Rights Abuses in Conflict Situations
Conflicts are often narrated through the language of national security, patriotism, and the fight against terrorism. Governments celebrate successful counterinsurgency operations, security personnel are decorated for bravery, and militants are portrayed as enemies of the nation. Yet beneath these official narratives lies another story—one of ordinary civilians caught between the gun of the insurgent and the gun of the state. It is this neglected story that Satluj seeks to tell.
Power Without Accountability: The BJP Story
Democracies rarely collapse overnight. They erode gradually—one unanswered question, one unaccepted responsibility, one weakened institution at a time. The danger is not that governments make mistakes. Every government does. The danger begins when mistakes no longer produce accountability, when institutions cease to ask difficult questions, and when those who exercise power no longer feel obliged to answer.
I am Mr. Khan. I Am Not a Criminal
More than a decade ago, the Bollywood film My Name Is Khan gave voice to a painful truth experienced by millions of Muslims across the world. Its unforgettable line—”My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist”—was not just a dialogue. It was a plea against prejudice, a reminder that a name, a faith, or an identity should not become grounds for suspicion. The film emerged in the shadow of a world where Muslims often found themselves viewed through the lens of fear rather than humanity.
The Rise of the Cockroach Janata Party: India’s Gen Z Finds Its Voice
A single statement was enough to unleash years of buried anger. When Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant Kumar reportedly referred to sections of youth as “cockroaches” and “parasites,” what may have been intended as a passing judicial observation quickly exploded into a nationwide social media storm. Within hours, outrage spread across Instagram, X, YouTube, and WhatsApp groups. But what emerged afterward was something far more significant than online criticism.
Bengal Between Tagore and Majoritarianism: The Battle Between Universal Humanism and Communal Nationalism
On 9th May, Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on the very day Bengal commemorated the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Both the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister paid homage to Tagore, invoking the memory of Bengal’s greatest cultural icon. Yet the coincidence carried a deeper political and moral irony. On one side stood Tagore’s vision of universal humanism rooted in coexistence, plurality, and ethical compassion.
The Saffron Storm Over Bengal’s Syncretic Soul
The violence that has unfolded in West Bengal after the BJP’s sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections has left behind more than burnt shops, broken walls and frightened neighbourhoods. It has opened an unsettling chapter in Bengal’s political and social history — one that carries the shadow of communal polarisation over a state long associated with pluralism, intellectual dissent and progressive imagination. Post-poll violence is not new to Bengal.
Lives of the Homeless in India’s Cities
The plight of homeless people in India remains one of the least discussed and least understood dimensions of urban poverty. While the Census of India 2011 recorded around 1.77 million houseless persons nationally, several civil society organisations, including the Housing and Land Rights Network, have argued that the real numbers are significantly higher and estimate at 3 million.
War Monger or Peace Lover?
Donald Trump, the “Global Lord” is always on the move—restless, declarative, and eager to define the world in his own image. Not long ago, he projected himself as the ultimate peacemaker, claiming credit for ending a series of major international conflicts. From long-standing regional disputes to volatile geopolitical flashpoints, he positioned himself as the singular force capable of imposing order on chaos.
Not like Every Other Day at Minab School
We were not soldiers. We were no one’s enemies. We were just girls— students who woke up early, like every other day, to finish our unfinished homework, to gather our bags, and walk together towards our school. The day had just begun. The early morning sun welcomed us as it always did. The sky was still kind. Our mothers called after us, “Come back early.” We said, “Yes.” Our fathers watched us walk away, with quiet hope in their eyes, certain they would see us again by evening— like every other day.
From Silence to Solidarity: Citizens Rise as States Falter on Gaza
The state of Israel has been on a killing spree in Gaza since October 2023 in the name of countering Hamas. The casualties range from 57,000 as per Gaza health Ministry to 64,000 by Lancet and 75,200 by DW analysis. The deaths are not limited to bombing alone but there are also indirect tolls associated with famine, disease and collapse of services. Even the aid distribution points meant to provide relief to the victims have been converted into points to carry out the killing spree.
Acts Of Compassion By Kashmiris| Countercurrents
The Pahalgam attack on 22nd April 2025 was a tragic incident which claimed 26 lives, mostly Hindu tourists, in Baiwaran valley of Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorists from the group Resistance Front inquired about the identity of the tourists and based on their identity, targeted the men in the families.
Stop Curtailing Media Freedom, Says DUJ
The Delhi Union of Journalists is deeply concerned at recent developments in the media space that seek to curtail our right to free expression and our right to earn our livelihoods, whether through the print media or digital platforms like You Tube.
A Culture Shaped By Contempt| Countercurrents
What began as disruptive digital play—a meme here, a sarcastic tweet there—has hardened into a toxic cultural force. In India, online trolling is no longer a fringe nuisance. It has evolved into a form of social control, emotional coercion, and public intimidation. Far from being spontaneous or random, trolling has developed alongside shifts in media, technology, and public discourse.
The Radicalised Hindu Youth Of India| Countercurrents
The Radicalised Hindu youth of India march ahead. Out there to protect their Hindu Dharma. Swords and Hockey Bats in Hand. Wearing saffron head scarfs on their head and holding saffron flags. Making loud sounds and dancing to hateful songs. Shouting at the peak of their voice ‘Jai Shriram’. Climbing the mosques and placing saffron flags. Convinced that they have achieved a big victory and conquered Mount Everest by doing so. The youth of Vikshit Bharat to look forward to.
Empuraan Needs To Be Watched?| Countercurrents
Ever since the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan was released, it has been in the news. While it has been appreciated for its bold depiction of 2002 Gujarat riots and portrayal of characters such as Baba Bajrangi, similar to Babu Bajrangi convicted for his role in Gujarat riots, the right-wing groups have alleged that there is a negative portrayal of Hindu community. The RSS-affiliated magazine Organiser has accused the film of promoting an “anti-Hindu and anti-BJP narrative.
Freedom Of Speech: Not So Free – Kunal Kamra’s Joke Sparks Shiv Sena Backlash| Countercurrents
Introduction Freedom of speech in India has always been a contested issue. The recent controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical song targeting former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has once again highlighted the fragile state of free expression in the country. The response- Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers went on a rampage, ransacking a Mumbai-based hotel studio that had organized Kamra’s show.
How Foot-Marches Can Achieve Durable Development Gains
India has a great tradition of organizing foot marches, including some which become historically very important, the most obvious example being the Dandi Salt March under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi which is a very important chapter in the freedom movement of India. In the post-independence days various social and environmental movements have made good and effective use of foot marches. The Chipko movement in Himalayan region was particularly good at this.
Kunal Kamra Satire And Shinde Shiv Sena Reaction| Countercurrents
The recent controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra’s YouTube video and the subsequent vandalism of Mumbai Habitat’s Comedy Club by members of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has reignited debates on freedom of expression in India. The parody of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai—allegedly referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) for his split from Shiv Sena—angered Shiv Sainiks, leading to the backlash.
Citizens Unite To Condemn Urban Terrorism Attack On Kunal Kamra| Countercurrents
We, the Citizens of India, strongly condemn the terror tactics and vandalism being displayed by Party ‘Leaders’ of the ruling alliance in the Maharashtra. We accept that these people lack the intellectual ability to engage in dialogue and discussion with opposing views and opinions and also lack the ability and appreciation of humour and satire, we sympathise with their limitations and volunteer to educate them if they have the ability and will.
Fiendish Experiments: Trump’s Guantánamo Bay Migrant Detentions
Guantánamo Bay has been a fiendish experiment in US law for decades. The fiendishness lies in the subversion. Operating as a naval base in Cuba, this contentious facility has been the site and location for the cruelties of paranoia and empire, a place where such laws as due process are subverted, and the presumption to innocence soiled.
After Mr Modi’s Speech,Tara Bhawalkar Spoke Eloquently On Freedom On The Same Platform| Countercurrents
Soon after Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 98th Marathi sahitya sammelan in New Delhi last week, the sammelan president Tara Bhawalkar delivered an eloquent speech stressing the importance of freedom of expression. Reminded me of the speech of another eminent woman writer, Durga bai Bhagwat, in support of freedom of expression during the emergency in Karad at the sahitya sammelan which I had attended in 1975. It was memorable, later she was arrested as she continued her campaign.
PUCL Condemns Handcuffed Deportation Of Indians From USA| Countercurrents
PUCL demands that The Indian Government must · Apologise to the migrants for the complicity of the Indian government in this inhumane treatment; and · Compensate the migrants for their physical and mental suffering. · Must make public the terms of the 2012 protocol with the U.S. regarding deportation procedures; and initiate its revision if it is not in conformity with international human rights law as well as Indian Constitutional law.
This Tattoo Could Land You In Guantanamo | Countercurrents
Imagine being forced to leave everything behind, your home, your family, your dreams, because US sanctions have devastated your country’s economy, making day-to-day living increasingly unbearable. You endure a treacherous journey, risking everything for a chance at stability and to help your family back home, only to be met with handcuffs and an indefinite sentence in one of the world’s most infamous prisons.
Guantánamo, Donald Trump’s “Immigrant Problem,” And The Rest Of Us| Countercurrents
President Donald Trump has made no secret of his disdain for immigrants, particularly the non-white variety from south of our border. His statements that immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of our country,” coupled with Fox News reports on Hispanic-appearing migrants who commit crimes, leave little doubt about what he and his allies think of (non-white) immigrants and their contributions to this country.
Social Conditions That Lead To Donkey Route Migrations From India| Countercurrents
Recently as several illegal immigrants from India have been deported back to India in US military aircraft, often in handcuffs, this has led to a lot of discussion on dangerous ‘donkey routes’ , involving many treacherous stretches across several countries, to desired destinations like the USA and Canada. Several angry voices have rightly protested against the handcuffing of deportees and the inflicting of other indignities on them by the USA military staff.
Gig Economy And Mental Health| Countercurrents
After the visitors had finished their dinner at around 10.30 pm, one of them suddenly realized that he had forgotten to bring some essential medications. At this point, an app that distributes medications at unusual hours was suggested by someone. He further boasted that he seldom goes to the market since he finds several applications to be highly dependable and hassle-free for getting his daily needs done.
Writers And Book Lovers Protest Against The Fascist Attack On Books In Tirupati| Countercurrents
Various types of books fluttered like flags in the hands of poets, writers, and book-lovers in protest against the attack on a book exhibition in Tirupati by religious extremists. The temple town on February 11 echoed with slogans condemning the attacks on books. Hindutva religious extremists attacked the Tirupati book exhibition on February 8 Saturday evening.
Deportation Of Indians And The Indian Response| Countercurrents
The recent deportation of Indian immigrants from the United States in a manner that involved shackling them in chains—binding their hands and feet—before transporting them on an American military flight is deeply disturbing. While it is true that these individuals may have attempted to enter the U.S. through unauthorized means, their actions were likely driven by desperation and hope for a better future.
Towards Communal Consensus?| Countercurrents
While outrightly opposing the hard-line Hindutva of the RSS/BJP, scholars of the secular camp refer to the soft Hindutva of secular parties, as if the use of soft Hindutva to grab political power is a constitutional secular practice. They, without hesitation, place their bets on the soft Hindutva political parties/leaders who, in their view, can prevent the hard-line Hindutva RSS/BJP from coming into power in the elections.
Communal (mis)Appropriation Of Ambedkar| Countercurrents
Ambedkar as an idea of religious liberation and social equality still wields considerable sway in the political imaginations of Dalit people. This permanence of memory makes political appropriation of Ambedkar indispensable for BJP to vertically consolidate Hindu votes. And till date, new BJP under Modi-Amit Shah has been successful in this feat, while wider ideological incongruities are disguised under communal rhetoric.
Does Babasaheb’s Ideology Match With The Hindu Nationalist Politics?| Countercurrents
As the insult hurled on Babasaheb by Amit Shah in Lok Sabha is coming under heavy criticism from all over the country, the right wing Hindu Nationalist ideologues are trying to create a narrative that Babsaheb was on same page as the politics of those from Savarkar- RSS- and BJP in particular.
What Did Har Bilas Sarda Really Say In His Book On Ajmer? The Big Question Mark| Countercurrents
The frivolous petition brought by Vishnu Gupta asserting that there was a Sankat Mochan Mahadev temple within the premises of the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti cites Har Bilas Sarda’s 1911 published book Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive. A close reading of the book reveals that Sarda’s observations are purely conjectural and based on hearsay and assumptions. He doesn’t offer any textual evidence to support his claims.
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