To Abort or Not to Abort

Firoze Hirjikaka

So, Alabama has fired the opening salvo in the campaign against abortion and, if the Republicans prevail, the epidemic will spread to many more states. 

Is India Developing or Regressing?

Firoze Hirjikaka

According to a news report, a mob of MNS “activists” broke into the residence of a Ghatkopar (Mumbai north) citizen and thrashed him in front of his family. His crime? He posted an online opinion about Raj Thackeray that the MNS stalwarts deemed to be offensive. To compound the comedy of errors, the police arrested – get this – not the perpetrators of the violence, but the victim of their aggression. 

Dr. R. Srinivasan (1929-2019)

It was the auspicious day of Pongal, a popular harvest festival of South India when we received the sad news of the passing away of Dr. R. Srinivasan, Associate Editor of Freedom First.  He was 90, had been ailing for some time and breathed his last in the early hours of that beautiful morning of January 15 with his family by his side.  The liberal fraternity has lost one more of its stalwarts.

National Policy on Education – A Missed Opportunity

Amit Chandra

Just a few months remaining to the five-year tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government. What has this government achieved? While it introduced reforms in several sectors, it largely failed to bring about any major change in the education segment. The government has missed a wonderful opportunity.  The National Policy on Education (NPE) is still in limbo! 

The Humane Face of Meera Sanyal (1961-2019)

Meera Sanyal, banker by profession and liberal by conviction passed away on January 11 following an unsuccessful struggle with a terminal illness.  She entered her 58^th birthday in October last year – retirement age in several offices – she took permanent retirement leaving a void in the world of banking and the liberal fraternity. 

The Changing Face of Narendra Modi

Firoze Hirjikaka

They say: Scratch a politician and you will uncover a warren’s nest of self-serving lies. Scratch an Indian politician and you are kept guessing about what will emerge from his/her mouth. The only certainty is political expediency. Narendra Modi is, of course, a master at this art, but his recent transformation has left many scratching their heads in befuddlement.  

The Politics of Religion

N. S. Venkataraman

“Is Hindu religion discriminated in India?”

It is strange that in a country where around 80% of the population follows the Hindu religion, many Hindus still feel that their religion is discriminated in various ways by successive governments in India.  Although the BJP, described as “the Hindu nationalist party” by the western media, has been in power for more than four years, such a feeling of discrimination persists.

The following few instances highlight this discrimination.

A Third Front?

Kusum Choppra

Kashmir and Doklam were enough to keep the Forces on their toes. Perhaps the Defence Minister too?  Then, add one more front, and …?

Naozer Aga (1941-2018) : A Tribute

“Our time on this earth is sacred, and we should celebrate every moment.” Paulo Coelho

Naozer Aga speaking at Swatantra Party meeting, August 1, 2009 to commemorate the 50th year of its founding.

The above quote aptly describes the life of Naozer Aga, first-generation entrepreneur, dear friend of Freedom First and former Hon. General Secretary of the Indian Liberal Group (ILG) who the liberal fraternity lost to a tragic road accident on February 19, 2018.

Has India Done Enough for Tibet’s Cause

Tibetan Uprising Day, March 10 moves into its 60^th year today.  It was in 1959 on this day that the people of Tibet revolted against communist China’s illegal occupation of their motherland.