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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Review: The Wild Adventures of Women in Anthropology (opinion)
Today the stereotypical anthropologist sits all day philosophizing about the most basic human interactions while waiting for layers of ethics committees to approve any contact with real people. But anthropology was once a swashbuckling, adventurous field, built around freewheeling interactions with alien peoples in far-flung lands. Ursula Graham Bower was one such early anthropologist—and boy did she swashbuckle. In 1937, she left Britain to visit a friend in the colonial government of India. Instead of finding a husband, as she was expected to do, Bower fell in love with Nagaland, a hilly and unruly frontier zone where her friend was stationed. She spent a decade doing full-time anthropological research there. Although Nagas had a strict gender hierarchy, Bower became an "honorary man" to them by showing off her rifle skills on the hunt. Then Japan invaded the British Empire in 1942. Bower partnered with a Naga leader named Namkiabuing to form "V Force," a special operations unit that battled Japanese infiltrators. Everyone involved expected to die. The men of V Force went into battle wearing their funeral beads, and the Japanese army put a bounty on Bower's head. But she survived the war and became a celebrated author in Britain. Intrepid Women: Adventures in Anthropology, a coffee table book published jointly by Oxford's Bodleian Libraries and Pitt Rivers Museum, is filled with characters like Bower. Mākareti was a Māori noblewoman who built up New Zealand's tourist industry and became a high-society celebrity in the 1900s before beginning serious academic work on Polynesian culture. Elsie McDougall was a widow who, with no academic training, became a world-class expert in indigenous Central American textiles and survived a 1935 shipwreck. These stories of a more adventurous time are illustrated with photos of strange and beautiful artifacts from the museum. The post Review: The Wild Adventures of Women in Anthropology appeared first on
The Wire
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
An Open Letter: ‘I Have Small Eyes, Mr Prime Minister'
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Society An Open Letter: 'I Have Small Eyes, Mr Prime Minister' Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty 35 minutes ago It doesn't behove the stature of an Indian prime minister to deploy such racist language about any community, whether Indian or not. Why you could consider a course correction. Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Dear Mr Prime Minister, I saw a video from a public speech delivered by you in your home state of Gujarat on Tuesday, May 27. To say the least, I, as a person from Northeast India, am still numb at your references to 'small eyes' and with 'eyes that don't even open'. Before I come to why, let me take this opportunity to convey to you that far from Gujarat, in my family home in Assam, ever since my school days, I have seen a sizeable photo of a certain Gujarati hanging on a wall of the drawing room. Every godhuli (dusk), an incense stick is stuck on to the photo frame by my father, just after he finishes the same ritual on all the frames containing various gods and goddesses hung across the house, while reciting his evening mantras. I am proud to say here, that the Gujarati prayed in my family is none other than the Mahatma – Mahatma Gandhi. My father, now 93, still continues the daily ritual; also never forgets to tell any first-time visitor with a tinge of pride that the Mahatma, during his maiden trip to Assam in 1921, had also paid a short visit to his now over-a-century-old family house. My grandfather was one of the first in that upper Assam town to have signed up for Congress membership at the call of the Mahatma then to fight the foreign powers; yes, to refuse the foreign goods too. Prime Minister, I am sure you are aware of the great Naga freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu. When there was no advocate to fight the case mounted against her by the British, my grandfather had traveled a challenging path all the way to the Rangoon high court with a set of fellow Nagas to fight for her release from jail. In a country under foreign powers then, it was no surprise that the advocate was also jailed along with Gaidinliu, a young accused then who had the gumption to stand up to the colonial powers for converting fellow Nagas to Christianity from their religion, Heraka. That fight, by the way, had made our first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru bestow Gaidinliu the prefix to her name, Rani (queen), as we know her today, and call her a freedom fighter. These references, particularly to the Father of the Nation here, are only to underline that such connections that we form with powerful leaders and change-makers who may belong to another region or community, just keeps alive the unity and solidarity of the people of this huge country that we are all part of, and so proud of. Tiny, daily rituals carried out in houses like mine also acknowledge that we may know little about a region that the leader/the change-maker comes from or their people, but, as the constitution says, we are the same people – no matter how large or small the size of our eyes are (irrespective of race and creed, remember?). Prime Minister, like several from the Northeast, I too had lived on those lines; happen to choose a partner from outside the region. I never looked at the size of his eyes, and am sure, he didn't either. Let me tell you, what we saw in each other's eyes was the same – love and respect. * In your May 27 speech, even if you had made an indirectly referred to the Chinese when you had referred to Ganesha with 'small eyes' and 'eyes that don't even open', the remark cannot be overlooked; cannot be not seen to apply to 'small-eyed' Indians like me; those who come from the region I call home. Prime Minister, even in the national capital, many from the Northeast (that includes me too) face racism and discrimination on the streets almost every day. Often in central Delhi, I am stopped by random strangers while walking, to ask in English which country I belong to; whether I am looking for a currency exchange booth; a cheaper hotel room, a taxi for sightseeing. For those who may ask, what clothes were you wearing then: Well, no 'Indian' dress has been able to help me ward off such casual street racism in Delhi yet. I am sure this must be the case in various other cities. Also, I speak for many northeastern women living in mainstream cities if I say that I never step out of my house without using kajal on my eyes, just because we don't want to be on the streets with 'small eyes'; eyes that are seen by others as 'barely open'. Sir, I am not sure if you are aware, it is also well documented in the report of the Bezbaruah Committee, set up by the central government after the tragic death of an Arunachali youth, Nido Tania, in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, that the racist terms used on people from the Northeast in mainstream cities includes words like 'Chinky' and 'Chinese'. 'Small eyes' too is a term used for us. At times, no words are needed but finger tips are used to press the corners of the attacker's eyes to send us the message that we have 'small eyes'; 'eyes that barely open' – the same gesture you used in your speech. Exactly like that China-made Ganesha idol you had referred to in your speech. * Prime Minister, it is also well documented that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many from my region were thrown out of stores and rented accommodations, some even attacked physically and spat at, just because they looked 'Chinese' and the epidemic had stemmed from China. In such a dark reality, if you, as the prime minister, lampoon 'small eyes' publicly, in our eyes, you are seen backing those nameless people in many mainstream cities who call us 'Chinky' and Chinese'. Anyway, it doesn't behove the stature of an Indian prime minister to deploy such racist language about any community or set of people, whether Indian or not. What I understood also from your speech is that India's contest is economic and versus China, and rightly so. In such a fight, there should be no space for the size of the eyes. Like it didn't matter in diplomacy, when you set your big eyes on the 'small-eyed' Chinese premier Xi Xingping while sitting on a swing and chuckling together by the Sabarmati some years ago. Prime Minister, let me remind you here, that even in your own cabinet, there are ministers with 'small eyes'. I am referring to Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju. In 2018, when your government, reportedly due to Chinese insistence, kept Rijiju out of an official function in New Delhi, many in my region were upset and sad that New Delhi didn't stand up to the Chinese pressure. Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju's home state, is an Indian state, and shall remain so. Also, doesn't at least one of your important cabinet ministers, who is in the CCS, have a partner whose eyes are 'small' due to her race? Personal preferences aside, racist outbursts by the country's top leader should have no space in a public speech in today's day and time; they are bad for both domestic and international optics. Remember how US president Donald Trump was chided by the world for having questioned the attire of Ukrainian president V Zelenskyy. * Prime Minister, here is something about Lord Ganesha having 'small eyes'. If you take into account the fact that Ganesha is also a Buddhist deity, revered across South Asia where people have 'small eyes'. Even in several Indian monasteries, say, Alchi, said to be the oldest monastery in Ladakh, Ganesha exists in miniature paintings on its walls – and yes, with small eyes! The Vinayaka or the Ganapati cult within various sects of Buddhism exists beyond India, across the South and South-East Asia's geography. Finding a Ganesha sculpture in a museum, therefore, in these countries where Buddhism has been a strong religious influence, is not a rarity. By the way, Ganesha is the only Hindu god regarded as Boddhistava. Even in China, there have been Ganapati rituals. French Buddhism expert Robert Duquenne in his publication, 'Ganapathi Rituals in Chinese', had pointed out that 'Not less than twelve texts in the Chinese Buddhist Canon are dedicated to Vinayaka or Ganapati.' The author had noted, 'The alternative and more usual name Ganesa never occurs here.' Here, let me also inform you that some of our goddesses may in all likelihood have 'small eyes'. Assam's revered goddess Kesaikhati is a tribal goddess. We don't often draw Ma Kamakhya, but as per new research, she too might have a tribal (Khasi) origin. In Assam, we also celebrate the annual arrival of the monsoons, no less than that of a goddess. We call her Bordoisila. Every monsoon, we keep out a small mirror, a bottle of hair oil and a comb, for her to look at; the belief is, the rains are strong because she is rushing home to see her mother. Since the name Bordoisila has been drawn from the Bodo community, of Tibeto Burman origin, that goddess also, racially speaking, should have 'small eyes'. * Prime Minister, I fully agree with you that a country which is aspiring to become a developed nation by 2047, must start its self-sufficiency journey on a war footing. You had implied China in your speech and I agree that we must stay away from using not just cheaper Chinese goods like Diwali lights and Holi colours and Lakshmi and Ganesha idols, but also all foreign goods that have a decent equivalent which is Made in India. This country had seen a time when people had booked their HMT watches and waited for months to be delivered; same with India-made cars and scooters. But should that journey not start with you? Like it did with Gandhi when he gave a call to quit using foreign goods? Therefore, if you still wear that Movado watch; that pair of Mayback sunglasses; that Mont Blanc pen, etc., which several media reports speak of regularly, please replace them with Made in India equivalents. Show the path. * And that western hat you wear while visiting a wildlife park? I have a suggestion for its replacement too. In the Northeast, each community has its own hat; you can truly promote indigenous traditions and Made in India products if you choose to replace that cowboy-like hat with one from my region. The choices are too many, I promise. Before I end, I must also say why I took the liberty to write an open letter to you. This is in keeping with my understanding of what you often say, India is not just the world's largest democracy but the mother of all democracies. In such a democracy, a common citizen must then have the right to question her elected Prime Minister. So have I here, just as a common citizen who comes from the Northeast. I have questioned you about a sensitivity that you clearly overlooked in your May 27 public speech, and as a 'small eyed' Indian, I am offended. I hope you ponder over it and course correct, because India's prime minister must not be seen just talking about the need for fellow Indians to treat people from the Northeast without discrimination; but must be seen doing so too, both in his words and deeds so that he becomes an example for others to emulate. With best regards, Yours Sincerely, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty A humble citizen of India who is never allowed to forget that she has 'small eyes', but she manages to keep them open and look clearly ahead. (Post script: Sir, looking at the times that we are in, I hope I don't get arrested for writing an open letter to you; getting trolled on social media would anyway follow, and who knows, fellow north-easterners belonging to your party may also be sent after me for taking umbrage at your comment, and I may eventually end up being called a 'China sympathiser'.) Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News 'Nation's Army Bowing at Modi's Feet': BJP Leader Sparks Row With Remarks on Operation Sindoor Stalin Urges Non-BJP CMs to Oppose Reference Sought by the President Before the Supreme Court Modi is Maun: How the Sudden Ceasefire Marred the Prime Minister's PR Script 'Army Bowing at Modi ji's Feet': Why a Deputy CM's Gaffe Doesn't Bode Well Modi Says 'Not Blood, Hot Sindoor' Flows In His Veins In First Public Address Since Op Sindoor Postponement of Election of the New BJP chief: A Breather For Modi-Shah Gandhi's and Modi's Reflections on 'Sindoor' Are Poles Apart From Flowers to Sarees, A Story of PM Modi's Communication Imagery Post-Operation Sindoor Modi's Search for Global Solidarity Rings Hollow Amid Rising Domestic Intolerance in India About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Arambai Tenggol flag hoisted on Manipur's Shirui peak, Nagas angry
GUWAHATI: The Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, has angered the Nagas by allegedly hoisting its flag on the Shirui peak in Manipur's Ukhrul district during the five-day Shirui Lily Festival that ends May 25. The Tangkhul Naga community considers the 9,304 ft Shirui peak sacred as many rivers and streams originate from it. The endemic and seasonal Shirui lily (Lilium mackliniae), celebrated through an annual festival organised by Manipur Tourism, derives its name from this peak. Midway through the Shirui Lily Festival, which was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on May 21, a group of people claiming to be members of the Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team – Unit 58 put up a 'seven-coloured Meitei flag' on the peak. The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), an apex student body, condemned the hoisting of the flag and said it was a 'deliberate political provocation' and 'an insult' to the identity, culture, and territorial sanctity of Tangkhul Nagas. 'The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people. To carry out this kind of symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform,' the TKS said in a statement. The organisation said any repetition of such 'reckless and inflammatory' action will not go unchallenged. 'While the Tangkhul people have traditionally welcomed all visitors to the Shirui Lily Festival with open arms, their hospitality must not be mistaken for weakness,' it added. The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex social body of the Tangkhuls, also slammed the 'utterly disgraceful and despicable attempt by the Arambai Tenggol to tarnish and obfuscate the spirit and meaning of the Shirui Lily Festival for petty and dirty political gains at the wrong place and time'. 'Do you even care to know that the Shirui Lily Festival is a celebration dedicated to the truth of the inexplicable wonders of God's creations? The tiny flower, Shirui lily, blooming on a picturesque hilltop evokes an aura and excitement, requiring us to maintain humanity's dignity,' TNL president Sword Vashum said. He said the Nagas and Meiteis, brought within the same geographical boundaries by the British rulers in 1891, do not have a common history or heritage. 'Therefore, we should settle for good neighbourliness,' he said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lord Hanuman inspiration behind New India: Yogi
1 2 3 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said Ayodhya's Hanumangarhi is not just a temple but a symbol of a warrior to protect Sanatan Dharma. Yogi, who was on a daylong visit to Ayodhya, said nothing would be tolerated against Sanatan Dharma, which was now ready to lead the world. Urging seers and Nagas to enhance the scale and impact of Sanatan Dharma's programmes, the CM said those obstructing Sanatan Dharma's path should be identified and reported to govt and administration. He added that Lord Hanuman is the inspiration behind New India, where the country doesn't trouble anyone but will also not shy away from taking action if someone attacks it. Describing Hanumangarhi as a confluence of devotion, power, intelligence, and strategy, Yogi referred to it as an unwavering stronghold of Sanatan Dharma. Inaugurating the newly constructed Sri Hanuman Katha Mandapam at Hanumangarhi, the CM said Ayodhya was ignored by previous govts but was developed by BJP, which also fulfilled the promise of building the Ram temple. He paid tribute to Baba Abhayram Das Ji Maharaj, crediting his vision and the dedication of Hanumangarhi's saints and Nagas for bringing the grand Mandapam to life. He hailed the project as a future spiritual hub that will propagate Sanatan values. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Desfrute do melhor na Fogo de Chão Fogo de Chão Clique aqui Undo Calling Sanatan Dharma as the core of India's identity and asserting that it must be protected at all costs, the CM warned those who oppose Sanatan values, saying that the country needs to recognise its true allies and adversaries. Speaking about the Pahalgam terror attack and India's response to it in the form of Operation Sindoor, Yogi said Pakistan was nearing its end as terrorism would become its downfall. He issued a stern warning against terrorism, particularly Pakistan-sponsored extremism. He narrated how Lord Hanuman conveyed a message in the court of Ravan, which was that when provoked, one would respond. "Pakistan is destroying itself by harbouring terrorism. Our armed forces have neutralised more than 124 terrorists. This is Pakistan's doing, it shelters those who threaten peace. Terrorism will be its downfall, and its days are numbered. A nation without spiritual identity has a limited existence, its end is inevitable," the CM said. Calling the construction of Ram temple a landmark achievement in the history of Sanatan Dharma, he credited PM Narendra Modi for its construction. Positioning Ayodhya as the global epicentre of Sanatan Dharma, the CM said that there wasn't a follower of Sanatan Dharma anywhere in the world who wouldn't feel drawn to Ayodhya. Speaking about the transformation of Ayodhya, the CM criticised previous govts for neglecting the city, where before 2014 it suffered from broken roads, power shortages, and neglected ghats. In contrast, the double engine govt post-2017 ushered in rapid development. The CM shared information about the tradition of visiting Hanumangarhi before proceeding to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, explaining: "Just as in Kashi, devotees first visit Kaal Bhairav before darshan of Baba Vishwanath, in Ayodhya, one first pays respects at Hanumangarhi before seeking blessings from Shri Ram. This is the enduring expression of Sanatan Dharma's faith and tradition." He described the Sri Hanuman Katha Mandapam as a vibrant centre for Satsang, storytelling, and spiritual gatherings, adding that it would elevate the grandeur of Hanumangarhi by providing accommodation for special guests and dignitaries. Highlighting the historical connection between Gorakshapeeth and Ayodhya, the CM recalled the pivotal roles played by his guru Mahant Avaidyanath Ji Maharaj, VHP leader Ashok Singhal, and Digambar Akhara's Mahant Ramchandra Ji Maharaj in strengthening the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. "Their relentless efforts culminated in the magnificent Shri Ram Lalla temple we see today. The commitment of Hanumangarhi continues this legacy, with the new Mandapam serving as a living symbol of this enduring resolve," Yogi Adityanath said. CM gives Rs 50L ex gratia to Ayodhya's martyr kin Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, a martyr who hailed from Ayodhya. The CM announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for his family, a govt job for a family member, and a memorial in his name. Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari lost his life in Sikkim while saving a fellow soldier from drowning. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
No affront to dignity of Sanatan Dharma will be tolerated: Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of India's identity and existence and any affront to its dignity and honour will not be tolerated. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed Sri Hanuman Katha Mandapam at the Hanumangarhi Temple in Ayodhya, the CM stressed the importance of 'distinguishing between true friends and adversaries' and called upon the sadhus and saints to enhance the scope and impact of the activities related to Sanatan Dharma. 'Sanatan Dharma forms the core of India's identity and must be protected at all costs. Those obstructing the path of Sanatan Dharma should be identified and reported to the government and administration. I urge the saints and Nagas of Hanumangarhi to preserve their warrior spirit and remain vigilant in defending Sanatan Dharma,' he said. The Chief Minister warned against opposing 'Sanatan values', stating, 'The country must recognise its true allies and adversaries. Our armed forces neutralised at least 124 terrorists. Pakistan shelters those who threaten peace. Terrorism will be its downfall, and its days are numbered.' Criticising the previous governments for allegedly neglecting Ayodhya, Adityanath said, 'Before 2014 and 2017, the city had broken roads, neglected ghats and faced power shortage.' The Chief Minister emphasised 'Ayodhya's spiritual, cultural, and infrastructural transformation' and reaffirmed his commitment to protection and global propagation of Sanatan Dharma. Describing Hanumangarhi as a confluence of devotion, power, intelligence and strategy, he said, 'Hanumangarhi is not just a temple. It is a symbol of warrior spirit dedicated to the protection of Sanatan Dharma.' Hailing the Hanuman Katha Mandapam as a future spiritual hub for propagating Sanatan values through discourses and storytelling, Adityanath lauded the Nagas of Hanumangarhi as warriors of a time when the akharas stood strong against foreign invasions and religious persecution. The construction of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is a landmark achievement in the history of Sanatan Dharma, he said. Calling Ayodhya a global epicentre of Sanatan Dharma, the CM said a mere mention of the city evokes reverence among devotees worldwide. 'There isn't a single follower of Sanatan Dharma — be it in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand — who doesn't feel drawn to Ayodhya when they visit India,' he said.
