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Deccan Herald
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
The dog-whistles and complicit silences of New India
As I sat down to pen my monthly column, I allowed my mind to take a brief wander. I pictured a dust-filled room with three cops huddled together staring at a screen, debating whether my use of 'articles' amounts to 'double meaning' and 'dog whistling', an egregious, unpatriotic act couched in Wren and Martin grammar. I have long argued with my copy editors over the grammatical choices of where to use an 'article'. Maybe the cops can finally resolve these tiny battles, I chuckled to myself, as I returned to reality and the task of meeting my editor's deadline. But this little diversion wasn't just an idle distraction. It is the chilling reality of New India. A consequence of the Supreme Court's failure to uphold citizens' right to free speech and set new standards for what is acceptable, as it has in Ali Khan Mahmudabad vs State of Haryana. The Court, while granting bail, has stripped Khan of his rights by issuing a gag order, confiscating his passport, and then, appointing a three-person SIT. The SIT will 'holistically understand the complexity of the phraseology employed and for proper appreciation of some of the expressions used' in the academic's online has been written in the last few days on challenging the constitutionality of these orders. These are critical interventions and central to the fight for protecting rights and our democracy. But we must also zoom out and take a hard, unvarnished, look at ourselves and ask what have we become as a polity, as a society. No dog-whistling, just plain entire episode around Khan's arrest is, sadly, an inevitable consequence of the path we have chosen. As a society, we have allowed jingoistic nationalism and bigotry in our polity to set the tone. Once any society becomes a blind participant in this game, it inevitably suspends all critical reasoning, essential to a pluralistic, democratic society. Fundamental rights become subservient to the demands of jingoistic nationalism. The consequences have been in full evidence in the last weeks. Any questions about the consequence of war, or challenging bigotry and violence against Muslims, all of which are legitimate acts in a democracy, were immediately labelled anti-national. Every State institution has played a shameful role in the events surrounding Khan's arrest and the broader undermining of rights. The court's reasoning or rather lack thereof should not be surprising – it is only a reflection of what we are as a are many reasons why we got here but the elite custodians of our key professions are among the prime culprits. From media to academia, rather than fight for the integrity of their professions and challenge the bully by upholding the principle, these custodians have been all too quick to scientists and authors of How democracies die, Levitsky and Ziblatt, point out that democracy's last bastion of defence is civil society. On the eve of Trump's re-election, they wrote in The New York Times: 'When the constitutional order is under threat, influential groups and societal leaders... must speak out, reminding citizens of the red lines that democratic societies must never cross. And when politicians cross these red lines, society's most prominent voices must publicly and forcefully repudiate them'. The only bulwark against a total authoritarian slide is societal leaders standing up to the bully. We are seeing this play out in Trumpland, most visibly in Harvard University's war with the federal government. The sad truth is that in India, elites left the battlefield. Indeed, they refused to leaders have been mostly silent and the mainstream media became a willing partner. Prominent anchors have been essential to the authoritarian project, routinely using their bully pulpit to rouse jingoistic fervour and unleash bigotry. This reached a crescendo in the days of Operation Sindoor. Academia has done no better. In the Khan case, 200 prominent vice-chancellors and former vice-chancellors of Indian universities signed a 'statement of objection' condemning Khan's post. They were well within their rights to do so. However, conspicuously absent were any statements from academic functionaries, think tank leaders, and Ashoka University leadership itself, speaking for the principle of academic freedom and Khan's right to free abdication of responsibility should worry us deeply. Once institutions stop fighting for the core principles that define their profession, they begin to lose their purpose. As a society, we must demand more of our institutions. Fear and narrow ambition are stripping institutions of their purpose and the costs to society are heavy. On the upside, we may end up with rather erudite police officers, as they pour over a good professor's writing. Perhaps they will learn and find the courage to defend the principle, where most others have failed.
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Almost half of Brit population joined in VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations smashing previous records
A RECORD 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month. Almost half the country took part in some way, by attending street parties, parades or by observing the two-minute silence. Advertisement 8 A record 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month Credit: Getty 8 Veteran George Durrant, 100, who received the Burma Star, proudly waves his flag as he receives kisses Credit: Getty 8 RAF veterans Kathleen Lawrence, 101, and husband Roy Lawrence, 100, at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire Credit: Getty 8 The Sun's Mike Ridley interviews veteran Bernard Morgan, 100 Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 8 Jim Bowes dances with a member of staff at Erskine Veterans Home in Bishopton, Scotland Credit: Getty It smashed the record set by the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, when 16.8million people took part. Brendan Cox, whose Together Coalition helped promote the commemoration, said: 'The historic levels of participation tell us there is a desire to connect with our shared history and to celebrate shared values together. 'At a time when our politics is more fragmented than ever, it's all the more welcome our country is still able to come together to celebrate what we have in common.' The events marked Advertisement Read More on UK News A military parade past Thousands of A service was held in VE Day was a 'jolly' moment but work went on, 100-year-old former Wren says 8 King Charles with veteran Harry Richardson, 107, during the anniversary Credit: AFP Advertisement 8 Prince George and Kate meet veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace Credit: PA 8 Veterans pose for a picture at the National Memorial Arboretum Credit: Getty
Metro
08-05-2025
- General
- Metro
The centuries-long Navy rum tradition the Wrens were allowed to join on VE Day
Something unheard of happened in Mabel Kidney's Navy barracks on May 8 1945 – she was given rum. The Women's Navy veteran had never had a lick of the alcohol in her life before VE Day 1945. But that all changed at the end of the Second World War, when she and her fellow Wrens participated in a renowned Navy tradition. Mabel had joined the Women's Royal Naval Service, affectionately called the Wrens, when she was just 17. 'I felt I had to do something to help the war effort,' the now 99-year-old told Metro. 'I came from a Navy family, joining the Navy is what you did.' Her life during the war had not been easy as a young teenager. Mabel's hometown of Fratton was mercilessly targeted by the Germans looking to destroy a nearby dockyard before she moved to HMS Daedalus barracks in Lee-on-the-Solent. When the whole country was going mad with celebration on May 8 1945, the vibe was different to begin with in her Navy barracks. On the day Germany formally surrendered, HMS Daedalus was 'eerily quiet'. She added: 'There was nobody out. 'We were all relieved more than anything else, because you never knew what Hitler was going to do next. Everybody felt relieved.' Mabel's role was in the canteen and it was during food service when she was allowed to do something they had never done before – drink with the men. It might seem unusual now, but sailors in the Royal Navy had a daily allowance of rum, called a 'tot' and equivalent to about two shots. But on special celebratory occasions, the order was given to 'splice the mainbrace' and extra tot of rum was handed out. And on the day of national celebrations, VE Day 1945, Wren's were allowed to get in on the fun. 'The Chief Wren put a mug on the counter for each of the sailors as they came along. 'Then the Wrens were given a tot of rum too. We had to split it between four of us. 'That was the first time I had rum, that day. We knew there was not going to be war on our land anymore.' The day did then unsurprisingly pick up after that first alcohol beverage. She remembers how 'you got drawn into a crowd wherever you were' in Portsmouth. The veteran left the Wrens soon after, but ended up marrying a Navy sailor. She now lives at Admiral Jellicoe House care home run by The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Mabel recalled to Metro how she witnessed the wild VE Day scenes from London on TV and radio. 'It was madness. Half were naked, half did not know what they were doing. 'There were sailors and servicemen with other countries, all mixed up there. Everybody was kissing and cuddling everybody.' Joining the unhinged celebrations on that day, but from half way around the world, was D-Day hero John Roberts. Now a 101-year-old Rear Admiral, the then 21 Sub-Lieutenant was in Montreal, Canada, when news of Germany's surrender in Europe spread. John had been in one of the support ships for the Normandy landings, bombarding Sword Beach before the invasion began. But he was in Canada training to be a pilot when all hell broke loose in Montreal – and when a fire engine swooped by at the perfect moment. He told Metro: 'For two or three months we could all tell the Germans were getting beaten. I knew it was going to end quite soon. 'But when it came, Montreal was just as excited as London was. 'I hopped on a fire engine and I went around the town on it. 'Thousands of people were on the streets – all pointing and laughing at us. 'The firemen were happy we were celebrating with them. It was a great day.' John and his other fellow Navy mates rode the fire engine for about 15 minutes when they were eventually kicked off. The fun did not stop there, John added: 'I think we then went to the nearest bar. 'During the week when we were flying we did not drink at all, but being from abroad we had more coupons than other people.' It might all seem like joyous celebration, but the World War Two veteran was actually very melancholy at points too. 'On VE Day I was very conscious of the numbers of people who lost their lives. Many people were sad, they could have lost a husband or a father.' John himself witnessed an Norwegian destroyer be torpedoed before his very eyes during the D-Day landings, when half the ship's crew died. He had an very close shave too: 'Soon after that we received a signal that a torpedo was approaching our ship, so we all braced ourselves, which meant that we bent our knees to absorb the shock of the impact.' But the missile missed, and John was alive to think of fallen friends at the end of the war. After the mixed emotions of that day, he was back to base shortly after to prepare to fight the Japanese. The Allies battle against the Japanese Empire lasted three more months, until they surrendered in August 1945. John stayed in the Navy until April 1978, by which time he had become Captain of the Ark Royal and had been promoted to Rear-Admiral. The 101-year-old has regularly returned to the scenes of his former battles through the work of the Royal British Legion. More Trending The charity runs countless events for veterans, and their Tea Party at the National Memorial Arboretum is likely to be the largest gathering of Second World War veterans on VE Day. Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said: 'This is one of the last chances the nation will have to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and to thank the small number of veterans still with us today. 'Victory would not have been possible without the contribution of Allied Forces from the Commonwealth and beyond. 'By bringing the nation together to celebrate the entire Second World War generation on this momentous occasion, we can hear their stories and learn more about how that diversity of contribution from Commonwealth countries led to Victory in Europe.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: VE Day 1945 live: World wakes up to victory after Germany surrenders to the Allies MORE: I lived in a post-war 'flatpack' home – prefabs were built for heroes MORE: How the royals celebrated VE Day back in 1945
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Travel + Leisure
06-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Been to At Least 15 Palm Springs, California, Hotels—This New Adults-only Retreat Is Among My Favorites
This is the only elevated hotel experience in an area otherwise limited to campsites, motels, and Airbnbs. The design, with natural hues, minimal furnishings, and lush outdoor landscaping, promotes high desert rest and relaxation. Rooms are generously sized and feature kitchenettes, allowing guests to cook with provisions from the hotel's terrific Windsong shop. Hotel Wren is just a 10-minute drive from the less-crowded north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and its visitor center, where guests can buy park tickets in advance. California's Twentynine Palms has long been known as a military town and the less-busy entryway to Joshua Tree National Park. However, this high desert community is in the midst of a rebrand, featuring a burgeoning art scene, eclectic restaurants and shops, and now, its first boutique hotel. Just a few minutes' drive from the town's main business district and the park's rugged landscape, Hotel Wren feels like a private retreat, immersed in nature. An oasis of calm for chill seekers, the former 1940s motel has been reimagined as an intimate 12-room design destination by L.A.-based Manola Studio founder Jessica Pell. 'The sound of silence is such a rarity in the city. It was about letting that and the sounds of nature come forward,' Pell told Travel + Leisure. She spent three years transforming the fire engine–red Americana-style motor lodge into a desert-modern escape, incorporating Santa Barbara-style plaster walls, textured wood and rattan accents, and a desert-inspired color scheme of sand, sage, adobe pink, and ochre. The hotel's unofficial slogan is 'no time to rush,' and from the moment my husband and I walked into the lobby living room—with its crackling fireplace and custom circular windows framing the mountains of Joshua Tree—we started to shake off the drive and let go of the week's stresses. Soon, with Madre tequila and hibiscus soda cocktails in our hands, we were embracing the laid-back desert vibe. We put on our swimsuits and settled onto loungers outside, tuning into the meditative rustling of the palms overhead. In the morning, we enjoyed our complimentary breakfast—local Canyon Coffee, 29 Loaves bagels, and steamed eggs—while listening to birdsongs, and watching the hotel's namesake wren guarding its nest. Below, my full review of Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms, California. A King Deluxe guest room interior. Hotel Wren has four King Standard rooms, two Queen Double rooms, and six King Deluxe rooms. The midcentury Wren House, a two-bedroom two-bathroom retreat with artisanal finishes, is a wonderful choice for groups of friends and can also be booked for special events and artist residencies. Furnishings are slightly different in each room, with handsome cherry wood beds and custom-made vanities, Noguchi-style pendant lights, vintage accent pieces, and Pell's own collected artworks, such as a Richard Neutra drawing of Joshua Forest. The suite-style spaces have a residential feel, enclosed patios with gas fireplaces, and integrated kitchenettes stocked with cooking necessities. L.A. ceramicist Michelle Blade hand-painted the charming tiles in the bathrooms and bathtubs, while Parachute linens, plush robes, and Wonder Valley bath products enhance the luxe experience. Some private patios open directly to the outside and have cozy built-in banquettes to catch the sunset and firepits when the weather turns chilly. Long tables set up outside for al fresco dining. While there is no bar or restaurant, a complimentary daily breakfast is served in the lobby living room. Gourmet pantry necessities are for sale at the on-site store Windsong, including frozen dumplings and pizzas, pancake mix, eggs and butter, pasta and sauce, local cheeses, and charcuterie. The mini-bar and in-room snack offerings are a treat, offering products from many local and independent brands. Lounge chairs around the salt water pool and hot tub. The hotel can arrange guided hikes with a local outfitter. We went on an easygoing but immensely photogenic park hike to Arch Rock and Heart Rock, which was recommended by the hotel's general manager, Jared. There is no on-site gym, but rooms are stocked with yoga mats and meditation blankets. Guests tend to gravitate toward the saltwater swimming pool and hot tub. The lush outdoor garden features native California plants and plenty of seating around the communal fire pit and bubbling water features, offering opportunities for quiet reflection or socializing. The exterior of a guest room. Hotel Wren has no spa, but guests can book in-room massages. Windsong also stocks wellness books, essential oils, and other beauty products by brands like Ten Thousand Waves and Mojave Desert Skin Shield. There is one ADA-compliant queen double guest room and one ADA-compliant parking space. The hotel has electric car chargers and donates a percentage of proceeds to the Mojave Desert Land Trust and other local organizations. Twentynine Palms has several spots worth visiting, including a robust Saturday farmers' market, the Old Schoolhouse Museum chronicling the area's homesteading history, and a cluster of cool stores. One evening, we ventured out for a fun dinner at the local gastropub Grnd Sqrl, where we sampled local beers and enjoyed the funky murals on the buildings around town. Also, 29 Palms Beer Co. has a solid smashburger, and Campbell Hill Bakery has people lining up for its pastries and pizzas. La Copine is a consistently dazzling daytime restaurant that's worth the wait to get in. Another converted motel, Kitchen in the Desert, is the place for Caribbean-influenced food, a sexy scene, an indoor-outdoor party, and a Desert General store selling books, locally made Mojave Mercantile tie-dyed canvas hats, and cheeky gifts. Further afield, artist Noah Purifoy's outdoor installation of 'junk art,' as he called it, is an incredible experience. Pioneertown's old Hollywood history is enchanting, where Pappy and Harriets saloon has hosted some of the best musical acts on the planet, including Paul McCartney, the Arctic Monkeys, and Andre 3000. Hotel Wren does not participate in any loyalty program. Nightly rates at Hotel Wren start at $330 a night. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish veterans to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. Cath Drummond (Image: Poppyscotland/PA Wire) As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. READ MORE: Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
