What does living in a democracy mean for the poor of India? This book goes to the people to find out

The cast of characters readers will meet is staggering, and necessary, to understand the complex relationship between democracy and some the poorest people.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Sep 19, 2021 · 08:30 am

As some idolise Ram, it is time to recover Sita from her husband’s shadow

Icons could take newer forms in keeping with needs and demands of justice and equality in changing times.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Sep 12, 2020 · 07:30 am

‘The Caste of Merit’: This book examines the festering problem through the example of IIT Madras

Despite some limitations, Ajantha Subramanian’s book is one that those interested in sociology of education and meritocracy in India cannot ignore.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Aug 16, 2020 · 05:30 pm

How Jaggi Vasudev has helped strengthen fears about Muslims

The lines on which Vasudev frames culture and spirituality is rooted in elite Hindu traditions and constructs Muslims as the new mlecchas or outcastes.

Qudsiya Contractor

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Suryakant Waghmore

· Jan 13, 2020 · 09:00 am

Assembly polls: One thing is for certain – Maharashtra will continue to be Maratha-rashtra

Under BJP rule in the state, the Marathas have gained more than any other caste group.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Oct 19, 2019 · 06:30 am

Will Prakash Ambedkar be able to chart a new politics of hope for Maharashtra’s Bahujan community?

Though several Bahujan movements have flourished in the state, they do not survive the crossover to party politics.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Apr 06, 2019 · 08:00 am

By diluting SC/ST Atrocities Act, Supreme Court undermines Dalit and Adivasi struggles for dignity

In worrying about the liberty of the privileged, the judges may have forgotten that caste is anti-liberty.

Suryakant Waghmore

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Hugo Gorringe

· Apr 02, 2018 · 08:00 am

Not Hindu nationalism, the trump card of Narendra Modi’s BJP is nationalist Hinduism

In this framework, Hinduism is a civil religion and Swacch Bharat, Jan Dhan, demonetisation and GST are ‘nationalist policies’.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Mar 18, 2018 · 08:00 am

It isn’t just Kshatriyas who are brave: Why the Dalit event at Bhima Koregaon rankles upper castes

The claim that so-called untouchables can also display valour undermines the very basis of the caste system.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Jan 08, 2018 · 08:00 am

In charts: Vegetarianism in India has more to do with caste hierarchy than love for animals

Given that the majority of Hindus eat meat, how and why is the democratic state anxious over a non-vegetarian diet?

Suryakant Waghmore

· Apr 06, 2017 · 08:00 am

Never mind doomsayers, Mayawati and her party will stay relevant regardless of its performance in UP

While Uttar Pradesh is important to Dalit politics, focusing on the Bahujan Samaj Party in this state alone doesn't provide the full picture.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Mar 05, 2017 · 07:00 am

Maratha masculinity is the driving force behind the community’s demand to scrap the Atrocities Act

The massive rallies held by the community since July tell a tale of anxiety over its eroding social power.

Suryakant Waghmore

· Nov 16, 2016 · 05:30 pm