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News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
The Selective Amnesia On Partition
Last Updated: Does the Left shun Partition talk because it shatters the 'both sides equally guilty' myth? On August 14, Pakistan celebrates its birth. Since 2021, the Narendra Modi government has chosen to mark that date as a stigma on humanity, declaring it 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day"—an evocative tribute to the excesses that claimed millions of lives. The initiative is not unlike the West's 'Holocaust Memorial Day", which honours victims and survivors while warning of the dangers of antisemitism. Similarly, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day not only pays tribute to victims but reminds the world that Pakistan was born not of a hope-filled progressive impulse but of a medieval separatist whim—an exclusive homeland for Muslims, where they would be the chosen people. But why pass up a chance to expose Pakistan's nihilistic outlook—one its army chief, General Asim Munir, recently exalted in his defence of the two-nation theory, days before Islamist supremacists struck in Pahalgam? Does the Left shun Partition talk because it shatters the 'both sides equally guilty" myth? Is history being secularised to bury the roots of Muslim separatism for political ends? About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Opinion: India Has Got The Balance Right In West Asia
Last Updated: In the Israel-Iran fight to the brink of cataclysm, neutrality is not a byword for indecisiveness Is not picking a side also counted as taking a stand? Diplomatic mandarins in New Delhi certainly think so. That's why they have goaded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to say nothing more than call for 'de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy" after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to step into the Israel-Iran war. Beyond the ionic column-lined corridors of their fief in Raisina Hill, the government's foreign policy wonks are having a terrible time convincing India's irate Opposition that India's neutrality is not a moral compromise. That in the Israel-Iran fight to the brink of cataclysm, neutrality is not a byword for indecisiveness. The Congress party should know better. It pioneered the art of sitting on the fence when it institutionalised Non-Alignment during the Cold War years. The doctrine was simple – India must not be drawn into any one camp. If strategic autonomy was considered a tactical virtue to navigate a bipolar Cold War world then it should be considered a sacrosanct precept in today's fluid multipolar world. Indeed, the global tectonic plates of entente and détente straddle the most fluctuous diplomatic terrain in recent history. Nowhere is this slipperiness more apparent than in West Asia. Here, Iran's own neighbors – sworn to Islamic solidarity – aren't ready to give it unconditional support. In fact, they have, it could be argued, betrayed Iran. Consider the facts. Lebanon has blocked the depleted Iranian jihadist proxy Hezbollah from acting against Israel. Syria's current potentate Ahmed Al-Sharaa, after toppling the pro-Iran Assad regime, has been negotiating a peace deal to recognise Israel. Jordan directly intercepts Iranian missiles. The Saudis provided key intelligence against Iran and overflight rights to U.S. warplanes. And last but by no means the least, Pakistan, in the ultimate show of doctrinal elasticity, recommended Trump for Nobel Prize and offered the U.S. use of airbase and actionable intelligence. The only reason for listing this litany of betrayals is to demonstrate that in a landscape pockmarked by chicanery, not picking a side is not an abdication. It is strategic self-preservation. And in diplomacy, that, too, can be an elevated position. About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Shukla's Liftoff Ends India's Once Self-Imposed Moratorium On Thinking Big
Last Updated: Nations that stop innovating, regenerating, and reimagining themselves fade into history. This is true for even civilisations The moment when the countdown clock struck 'T-0" will be forever remembered as the day when India renewed its pledge to expand its influence beyond the earthly realm of human habitation. This epochal moment has been a long time in the making. 41 years, to be precise, since an Indian soared into space. The hiatus, never explained, can only be described as a shocking abdication of collective self-belief. Nations that stop innovating, regenerating, and reimagining themselves fade into history. This is true for even civilisations. But Shubhanshu Shukla's liftoff has the potential to change the way India views itself. His surge into space gives wings to a renewed national quest for an unearthly, pun intended, pace of advancement needed for world domination. One hopes the inheritors of India's present will feel inspired to succumb to the tug of awe-inspiring science that makes the impossible possible. And just in case someone didn't get the message hardcoded into the symbolism, Shukla has taken the additional precaution of scripting a message to leave no room for any ambiguity about the reasons for the mission. From space, Shukla called upon all Indians, particularly the young, to take up the challenge of joining him in pushing the boundaries of human intellectual and physical endeavour. Symbolism aside, Shukla's mission has important practical uses. The first-hand experience he gains will be needed to help India build its own manned spaceflight. Every scrap of lived experience is immeasurably more valuable than a line in an instruction manual. It's this gold dust of first-hand knowledge that convinced the minds at ISRO to fund Shukla's ride into space aboard the Axiom mission rocket. Shukla's stint on the ISS is just as important. While he will have the time to soak in the view and make friends, every nook and cranny of the ISS mapped by his mind's eye will offer valuable design insights to ISRO. Remember that the Indian space agency is not just wanting to send a crewed mission to space, but it also wants to set up Indian bases in low orbit and, most critically, on the Moon and beyond. The establishment of living quarters is a crucial motive, as the next quantum leap in national advancement will be powered by metals and elements rare on Earth but abundant in space. India cannot afford to be left behind in the race to plant flags on the scape of extraterrestrial colonies that promise to yield the materials needed by aspiring powers to grow beyond their dreams. About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Indian Express
‘Absolutely deplorable': Bengaluru Rapido biker slaps woman who complained of rash driving; viral video sparks backlash
A video of a Rapido bike driver assaulting a woman passenger in Bengaluru's Jayanagar area has triggered massive outrage on social media. The incident unfolded when the woman allegedly confronted the rider over rash driving, which prompted her to get off the vehicle before her destination. Shared by journalist Rahul Shivshankar, the viral video shows the woman, who reportedly works at a jewellery store, schooling the Rapido rider over his reckless driving. As the argument escalates, the driver slaps the woman, causing her to fall to the ground. According to an NDTV report, the woman and the Rapido driver were unable to communicate as she spoke only English and he Kannada. The woman allegedly refused to pay and return the helmet, following which he slapped her. 'She kept asking me to stop while I was in the middle of the road. I explained that someone would hit us from behind if we stopped there,' Suhas, the driver, said. He also admitted to asking the woman to 'go back to her country', alleging that she had abused him and grabbed him by his collar. The report also stated that the police urged the woman to lodge a complaint, which she has refused to. Watch the viral video here: BENGALURU: Rapido bike rider slaps customer as she allegedly questions him over rash driving and jumping signal. Incident occurred on June 14th in Jayanagar area of Bengaluru. Jayanagar police are looking into the case. INPUT: @Harishup — Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 16, 2025 The video quickly took over social media, sparking outrage against the Rapido biker. 'This incident is another reminder of the growing safety concerns around app-based transport services especially for solo passengers,' a user wrote. 'It's really bad. Not because it's female. Passenger have rights to ask for driving control, stop rash driving , security of passenger,' another user commented. 'Absolutely deplorable. This is why we hesitate to let our daughters go out alone,' a third user reacted. Recently, a Bengaluru woman shared harrowing details of an unpleasant auto ride she booked through Rapido. In a video, the woman was seen confronting the autorickshaw driver who was caught red-handed attempting to steal money from her handbag.
The Print
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
End the obscenity called Wagah-Attari parade. Right-wing, liberals, retd officers—all agree
This unlikely unity stems from a ceremony whose relevance has long been questioned. The right-wing bristles at the equivalence with Pakistan. As Rahul Shivshankar of Times Now , thundering from a comfortable studio, let us know , Operation Sindoor had already been chalked up as a resounding victory in the annals of India's history. The operation had 'exposed the true face of Pakistan's military: a morally dissolute, bumbling band of brigands that cowered behind a civilian shield. And when they mustered enough courage to retaliate, they did so by targeting unarmed civilians in India.' To even attempt an equivalence between the two countries' militaries, he suggested, would be 'an act of criminal dereliction.' The ceremony was suspended following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, as India implemented broader retaliation against Pakistan. But a few days ago, the BSF resumed a 'scaled down' version of the spectacle. This time, the traditional handshakes with Pakistani Rangers were eliminated, and the border gates remained firmly shut. What's left is a truncated shadow of the original circus, with reduced crowds and muted fanfare. Now critics—across the political spectrum—are demanding permanent abolition, arguing that even this scaled-down version normalises relations with Pakistan too quickly after a terror attack that claimed Indian lives. A miracle has emerged from the haze left behind by India and Pakistan's recent brush with war: the Indian right-wing and liberals have finally found something they can agree on. It's not about our divergent opinions on the government or caste—let's not get ahead of ourselves. Instead, this rare moment of political communion is centred on the absurd Attari-Wagah border ceremony. Both camps agree that the parade should be scrapped. I'm not certain if dereliction applies to regular Indian citizens, but Shivshankar sums up the right-wing response: they see no dignity in matching Pakistan's theatrical aggression lunge for lunge, moustache-twirl for moustache-twirl. For them, India's strength shouldn't require daily validation through synchronised yodels and chest-thumping—certainly not with our bête noire. This is broadly where the liberal view also lands. In addition to the indignity, they watch thousands of spectators erupt in jingoistic fervour at the function. They see citizens being fed a daily dose of performative hatred disguised as patriotism. Almost a decade ago, Sushant Singh, a military affairs expert, had argued for the ceremony to be cancelled because it promotes anti-Pakistan sentiment among regular people. 'It makes no sense,' Singh said in an interview. 'You could have film actors doing it.' Also read: What Attari-Wagah border looked like today—children split from parents, patients straight from hospital Everyone is on the same page Both factions arrive at the same devastating conclusion: it is painful to watch our professional soldiers—who undergo gruelling training for years to actually defend the nation—reduced to peacocking in the extreme. When ideological opposites unite in calling something an embarrassment to the armed forces, you know the lines of decency have been crossed. The Attari-Wagah ceremony once served a purpose, but now it only leads to bipartisan shame. A new petition has called for it to be completely scrapped. A small illustration of this is how comically the international media views the ceremony. The Guardian once labelled it 'a cross between circus ringmasters and John Cleese in Monty Python's ministry of silly walks.' The New York Times wrote about it in an article headlined 'Peacocks at Sunset.' Even the popular TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia caricatured the ceremony in an episode. But the most damning indictment comes from those who've actually worn the uniform. Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (retired) didn't mince words when he said, 'This 'nautanki' must stop. This is not a military parade. Beating the Retreat is a very solemn ceremony. Let's not call this drama the Beating Retreat.' Colonel Dr Anil Athale (retired) was even sharper 15 years ago, writing that those with armed forces backgrounds were 'aghast at the goose-stepping, aggressive staring match' and warned that 'by participating in this mindless display of 'jingoism' (not confident nationalism), we Indians descend to the level of Pakistan.' The colonel pointed out that a few years prior, 'the Chinese used to broadcast anti-India abuse in Hindi at Nathu La. But we never retaliated. Eventually, the Chinese stopped their mischief.' Earlier this year, when we were far from any murmurs of war, Colonel NN Bhatia (retd) called it 'hostile and vulgar, with troops twitching their moustaches on both ends… It's time we stop such theatrical, aggressive, and fruitless ceremonies and devote our meagre resources to optimising our security.' A solemn Attari-Wagah ceremony? It's now clear that the only argument for continuing the ceremony in its present form has little to do with military or strategic necessity. Instead, it's driven by a need to sustain the tourist economy that it supports. Local businesses thrive at the border, where vendors hawk trinkets and offer to paint your face in the colours of the national flag. Loud Bollywood music pervades the bleachers; visitors cheer and clap back with chants of their own. And the tragic essence of the border—the heartbreak it represents for millions of Indian families—is lost in the obscenity. A 40-minute drive from Attari lies the haunting Partition Museum in Amritsar, a modern space that also feels like a time capsule. It holds the weight of one of the cruellest chapters in India's history, with appropriate gravity. There are artefacts and testimonies of trauma, and you encounter them in silence. Grief reverberates through the museum, and I remember exiting it, surrounded by tearful faces. The museum understands that some wounds require reverence, not a carnival. Why have we not found a way to bring that solemnity to the Attari-Wagah ceremony? Not because Pakistan forces our hand to do it, but because our own history does. Journalist and author Man Aman Singh Chhina has written about visiting the grave of Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who earned the Param Vir Chakra in the battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Hamid disabled four Pakistani Patton tanks from near-point blank range but was eventually shot by a nearby tank. 'Why can't the Punjab Govt promote Asal Uttar as a tourist destination?' Chhina asks. Our military history is filled with similar acts of sacrifice. And that's the kind of remembrance this sacred ground should inspire, not synchronised goose-stepping. The Attari-Wagah ceremony has outlived any purpose it once served. The border that witnessed the 'ujaada'—displacement—history's greatest human tragedy, deserves better than this theatrical degradation. Some spectacles are just too undignified to survive, even if they are part of tradition. Karanjeet Kaur is a journalist, former editor of Arré, and a partner at TWO Design. She tweets @Kaju_Katri. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
