There’s been a spate of films that glorify sexism and misogyny, and reinforce gender stereotypes. The problem is that popular cinema often defines what’s cool, so stalking, harassment and even violence against women are seen as permissible or even macho.
Gender activists have pointed to the link between such cinematic portrayals and real-life crimes. While popular cinema may be a reflection of existing social norms, filmmakers must get more responsible about gender portrayals. And audiences must get more discerning.
Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
As our dependence on digital technology for virtually every aspect of life – from work to financial transactions – rises, so does our vulnerability to cyber fraud. Over the past few years, there has been a quantum leap in such crimes. Are you doing enough to protect yourself?
Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
India’s Constitution and Constitutional values are under attack and our institutions are being captured to further an ideology antithetical to the idea of India. How did such a situation come to pass and what lies ahead?
All Indians Matter speaks to Pushparaj Deshpande, managing trustee and director of Samruddha Bharat, who has co-edited ‘The Great Indian Manthan’, a collection of essays on the state, statecraft and the republic.
India, along with the rest of the world, is witnessing a wave of layoffs. Over the past two years, an estimated 100,000 people have been laid off by tech firms alone in India and other sectors have not been immune to the contagion either. Blame it on choppy revenue figures, falling valuation, supply chain disruptions and other factors.
The job losses come at a time when unemployment is high and prospects seem bleak. Also, other than the economic cost of job losses, there are social and emotional implications. India, therefore, needs some sort of safety net.
Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
Farmers in India have been on the march demanding greater procurement prices and financial support from the government, among other things. Meanwhile, farmers across Europe are up in arms because of falling prices for their harvest, access to credit, pesticide regulations and food import policies. Globally, agriculture is in turmoil and this doesn’t bode well for food security and farm incomes. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
Trust in the Supreme Court and the wider judiciary is eroding fast. This comes on the back of disappointing rulings over the past few years, inaction in some cases and what seem to be contradictory utterances. In a constitutional democracy, courts play an important counter-majoritarian function and are a check on the executive. Many think the Supreme Court is failing in these functions.
If the judiciary doesn’t take corrective measures soon, there goes our democracy. Nandini Sundar, Professor of Sociology at the Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University, speaks to All Indians Matter.
Last week’s episode was on Indian syncretism through the lens of Muslim poets writing in Urdu on Hindu epics. This week, I’ve attempted a broader perspective. The dictionary definition of syncretism is: “The amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.” This may as well be the definition of India itself. What do you think? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
You may not know it but Muslim poets writing in Urdu about Hindu epics have had a great impact on popular culture. There exists a vast body of shayari on Lord Ram, the Mahabarata was brought alive on the screen through the writing of Dr Rahi Masoom Raza, there are Ram Leelas performed in Urdu and even qawwali often refers to Hindu deities and epics. This is just one embodiment of India’s syncretic culture, a vast confluence of faith and traditions. This episode was more personal and emotional than usual, a somewhat late reaction to the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Do listen and share the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
Main Samay Hoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A-9Rwt8iMI_
Krishna Aayega, from Yugandhar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hc2OiCGUhw
Mukhtiyar Ali’s Man Kunto Maula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9Zmx5diVY
Hate has found a new vehicle to ride on – music and poetry. These forms of popular culture are being used to create social fissures and strengthen Hindutva’s roots, which has been detailed in a great new book, ‘H-Pop - The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars’, by Kunal Purohit. The book dives deep into the lives of musicians and poets whose artistic expression is used to popularise and intensify hate. Kunal speaks to All Indians Matter.
30% of the soil in India is degraded. This means that the quality of food grown on it is nutrient-deficient. Also, for a country that must feed the world’s largest population, sustainably, this is a serious issue but it’s attracting very little attention.
Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
From predictive analytics to crop monitoring equipment, soil analysis sensors and financial platforms, technology could be the great enabler for Indian farmers. However, agritech needs sound regulation and concerns over security and privacy need to be addressed. If this happens, agritech could raise farm incomes by 35% and add $95 billion to India’s economy. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
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