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Book Excerpts

Universal adult franchise was the greatest experiment in India’s democratic history

In this excerpt, Ornit Shah explains how electoral democracy, shaped by the imagination of bureaucrats, came to life through universal adult franchise.

Justice Markandey Katju on why shoving corruption by judges under the carpet won’t help

In this excerpt from his book Whither Indian Judiciary, Justice Katju talks about his disclosures about the Madras HC corruption, the true facts and what happened.

Manmohan Singh’s critics privately said he was a ‘super-cabinet secretary’ in UPA govt

In this excerpt from 'Ballot: Ten Episodes that Have Shaped India’s Democracy' author Rasheed Kidwai writes about the various battles in the UPA government. 

VD Savarkar: The man credited with creating Hindutva didn’t want it restricted to Hindus

In this excerpt from his book 'Why I Am A Hindu', Congress MP Shashi Tharoor explains Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's vision of Hindutva and how it was closely linked with nationalism. 

Drugs, media frenzy and spirituality: When the Beatles visited Rishikesh

In 1968, the Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh for spiritual learning. They were mobbed by the Indian media when they arrived.

Understanding the renaissance of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya under Narendra Modi

Shashi Tharoor, in his latest book 'Why I Am A Hindu', has explained how Upadhyaya managed to make his brand of nationalism a more acceptable.

Sit girl, in the corner: Across the world, the many proverbs that keep sexism alive

Around the world, through the ages, there have been norms for how women should conduct themselves.

If army & ISI did not misrule Pakistan, its contribution might have rivalled India’s

In this excerpt from his book, author and journalist Steve Coll writes about how Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence has damaged Pakistan and Afghanistan.

How former RSS head M.S. Golwalkar saw India and wanted to treat minorities

In this excerpt from his new book, 'Why I Am a Hindu', Congress MP Shashi Tharoor explains nationalism as RSS leader M.S. Golwalkar saw it. 

What to expect if the Modi govt is inspired by Hindutva to revise India’s Constitution

In this excerpt from his new book, 'Why I Am a Hindu',Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lists what changes can be expected if the Constitution is revised based on Hindutva.

On Camera

No insult to Ayurveda. AIIMS an attempt to bring good standards of medical education—Amrit Kaur

On 18 February 1956, 'Rajkumari' Amrit Kaur, India's first health minister, moved the Bill in Lok Sabha for the establishment of AIIMS in Delhi. She wanted it to have the powers and functions of a university because it will 'probably make revolutionary changes in curriculum as well as in modes of teaching'.

Cash-strapped Karnataka hikes fuel tax by Rs 3/l, could earn Rs 2,500-3,000 cr more per yr

Move to bring down differences in commodity prices with neighbouring states, says government. Oppn, dealers blame it on welfare, Congress's guarantees.

With an eye on China, IAF expands taxi track at Leh airport, new shelters being built

Expanded taxi track is smaller than those meant for civilian operations, but is long enough for fighters & military transport aircraft to operate.

Sangh wants BJP to know it’s not dispensable. It’s a rap on the knuckles, nothing more

Occasional lovers’ tiffs have marked history of RSS-BJP relations. To think that Nagpur will bring about any change in leadership is a misreading of both its intent and its power.