Miffed's Scribblings

What’s happening at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points is not just a local issue—it's a litmus test for the health of our democracy, the strength of our economy, and the integrity of our society. It's a call to action for all of us to stand up for justice, fairness, and the rights of every citizen, regardless of their background or occupation. The Backdrop The ongoing saga at the Shambhu and Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab paints a grim picture of the state's disregard for the fundamental rights of its citizens. Since February 13th, when the farmers from Punjab embarked on their "Delhi Chalo" march to demand fair treatment and basic guarantees for their livelihoods, the response from Haryana authorities has been nothing short of brutal. Reports of tear gas shells raining down on peaceful protesters, accompanied by the sound of gunfire and the cries of injured farmers, have shocked the nation. The use of force by the Haryana Police against unarme...

The son of actor-director Raj Kapoor, the grandson of actor Prithviraj Kapoor, brother to Randhir Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor and nephew of paternal uncles, Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor; and father of actor Ranbir Kapoor— Rishi Kapoor was born into the first family of Indian cinema, with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. Anyone who loved Rishi Kapoor would agree with Karan Johar when he tweeted a tribute after hearing of the actor’s passing away: ‘…He was my hero! The very handsome, the exceptionally charming, the eternally romantic Rishi Kapoor…my childhood was dedicated to watching him sing his songs with abandon, wearing his printed sweaters and dancing in my bedroom…. doing the dafliwalle routine with a dinner plate in front of my school friends…’ A man who was vocal on his Twitter timeline, be it asking for the ‘thekas’ selling liquor to open during lockdown to shutting trolls who tried to take him on for food choices or political matters, he didn’t shy away from sayin...

A Maverick actor of modern classics, Irrfan Khan was a personality par extraordinaire and an actor of indomitable spirit. His passion for the art and his resilience towards life made him an inspiration for many. Known for his best performances in classics like Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Namesake, Lunchbox, and many more, Khan was globally admired for his versatility and ability to mold in any character which came his way. There is not a shred of a doubt that Irrfan was a versatile actor, constantly trying to break the mould. He played the villain in films like  Maqbool , intense and complex characters such as Lafcadia in  The Warrior  and in  Paan Singh Tomar,  romantic leads in  Life in a Metro ,  Piku  and  The Lunchbox,  and comic characters in  Karwaan, Hindi Medium  and  Blackmail. However, beyond his acting, Irrfan Khan stands out in the film industry at large because he didn't stick to roles, he was c...

Coronavirus and Lockdown: What Crisis awaits Indian Politics

As we approach the end of the first 21 day nationwide total lock-down, wondering whether it will be extended, and if so in what shape or form. There is a question at the back of all our minds that needs to be articulated. So, what is the likely impact of Corona virus crisis on India's politics? To contain the corona virus, the Indian government has chosen to confine all of its 1.3 billion residents. The success of this lock down varies from city to city and state to state, some areas airily empty with few people venturing out. But for the millions living below the poverty line confinement isn’t an option. Poverty is pushing millions of desperate people to defy India’s lock-down order. This pandemic has dried up work and caused a mass exodus. But while the poor flee, they could potentially spread the virus throughout the country, making the fight against the COVID-19 even tougher to win. While the number of COVID-19 deaths and infections in India has so far remai...

Follow the links to my Bi lines published at Northeast Today's Web portal   Vocational Teachers Association contributes to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Guwahati Refinery’s Afforestation drive through “Akira Miyawaki Model”

Follow the link to an article of mine published on  Jul 5, 2019 @ Northeast Today Magazine A Kargil War Veteran’s Homecoming

Today at a time when free speech and independent thinking are disappearing in India, certain media persons face hate, insult and repeated often daily death threats. Despite the traumas they continue to fight back. In 2011, the United Nations named journalism as one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Since 1992, 47 journalists have been killed in India alone, according to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a non-profit organisation that campaigns for the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. The alarming frequency with which journalists are being attacked gives rise to a number of disturbing questions. Why do attackers —politically motivated or otherwise —believe they can get away with attacking journalists? One reason could be the absence of a deterrent and a lackadaisical justice system.  According to international non-profit Committee to Protect Journalists, not a single journalist’s murder in India had been solved over...

There is no force more powerful than a woman who is determined to rise. Glass ceilings, Patriarchy, Gender pay gap, Sexist workplace policies, and just male privilege — a lot of challenges dot a woman’s path to success, but many have taken on the mantle to power through them all and succeed against all odds. Here’s a success story of women empowerment, led by a distinguished father of the Jesuit province that changed the lives of many in the rural areas of Sonitpur. Father Oscar Pereira belongs to the Jesuits of the Bombay province, he came chiefly to start social work for the whole of the northeast through the Jesuit organisation.  The initial start began with promoting the Self Help Groups (SHGs). Within a year the organisation was recognised by the Government. Currently, it is funded by Caring Friends, Mumbai (Through Action North East Trust, Bongaigaon ), and Assam Investment Advisory Society. ) Oscar Pereira’s journey to Balipara and the subsequent steps taken to establi...