Reporting on Society from India Together.https://indiatogether.org/en-inhttps://indiatogether.org/arch-social-society/https://indiatogether.org/arch-social-society/A team of young architects learns that their formal learning provides only limited guidance to tackle the stark challenges faced by those living in an uplanned colony next to a major urban dumpsite. Instead, they must turn to a more social approach.Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/asur-language-society/https://indiatogether.org/asur-language-society/Hundreds of indigenous languages have vanished, and many more may be lost forever as only a few survivors who speak them remain. But as the Asur adivasis of Jharkhand are showing, it is possible to revive and preserve a language, in very pragmatic ways. Abhijit Mohanty reports.Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/history-crpark-society/https://indiatogether.org/history-crpark-society/Formal urban planning and official heritage narratives have not so far turned their attention to cultural legacies of cities. Citizens groups are often ahead of public officials in exploring this, and their success could point the way forward, writes Annabel Lopez.Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/pandemic-best-worst-society/https://indiatogether.org/pandemic-best-worst-society/For some, the plight of countless desperately poor people trapped by the lockdown was a call to action, and they rallied to help. But for others, it was a time for unscrupulous opportunism and cruel discrimination. Tanya Jairaj continues her diary of the pandemic.Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/strangers-kind-society/https://indiatogether.org/strangers-kind-society/Hundreds of millions of desperately poor people were caught off-guard by the lockdown. As the government struggled to respond, it was up to citizens to recognise the humanity of each other and do what they could. Tanya Jairaj continues her lockdown diary.Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/inclusion-benchmark-laws/https://indiatogether.org/inclusion-benchmark-laws/Apex court rules that both public and private sector are obliged to make 'reasonable accommodation' to facilitate the full participation of disabled persons in society. In doing so, the judges overturned an earlier decision of the SC itself.Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/who-public-society/https://indiatogether.org/who-public-society/There is rising interest in public policy, but much of the focus so far has been on 'policy'. But it is even more important to understand the 'public' part of this phrase, because public policy must work for and with the public, writes Harsh Shrivastava .Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/science-policy-society/https://indiatogether.org/science-policy-society/The new science and technology policy joins its predecessors in presenting a wish-list for the country, but equally it also mimics the old policies in failing to detail how these wishes will come true, notes Shambhavi Naik .Sat, 20 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/esg-social-economy/https://indiatogether.org/esg-social-economy/The social responsibility of companies is a lot more than a CSR program, which in any event is now mandated by law. It is also more than a mere Human Resources tool for employers to improve relations with employees, writes Harsh Shrivastava.Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/city-question-society/https://indiatogether.org/city-question-society/Girish Karnad's clear-eyed, unsentimental and even self-deprecatory view of the city seems rare in the Indian narrative imagination, which continues to nurse the notion of ‘the village innocent’ vs ‘the city corrupt’.Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dichotomy-rule-of-law-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/dichotomy-rule-of-law-op-ed/The rule of law guides our legislative, executive and judiciary and all other institutions yet our country is in chaos. Harish Narasappa analyses the role of reason in making the rule of law stronger and effective to bring order in the country.Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/bogus-crime-survey-society/https://indiatogether.org/bogus-crime-survey-society/Safety and criminality in society must be assessed directly from the people themselves. The government is deluding itself and citizens by conflating law enforcement statistics with crime data, writes Tara Krishnaswamy.Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-stories-of-paros-women/https://indiatogether.org/the-stories-of-paros-women/Shoma A. Chatterji brings focus to the issue of bride trafficking, a lesser known but widely prevalent practice in parts of India, through movie Paro.Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/can-the-future-be-what-we-want-it-to-be-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/can-the-future-be-what-we-want-it-to-be-reviews/Darryl D’Monte reviews the book Alternative Futures: India Unshackled edited by Ashish Kothari and K. J. Joy.Sat, 27 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/sweet-and-sour-nature-of-life-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/sweet-and-sour-nature-of-life-reviews/4 Tamarinds and Toffees is a delightful and nostalgic film on two women directed by a young and thoughtful director, writes Shoma Chatterji.Sun, 14 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/major-problems-of-our-time-are-all-interconnected-environment/https://indiatogether.org/major-problems-of-our-time-are-all-interconnected-environment/Recently Darryl D’Monte interviewed the famous physicist Fritjof Capra at the annual meet of Greenaccord international environmental journalists in Italy. Here he reports on Capra’s separate remarks about the environment, along with quotes from his books and blogs.Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/breaking-the-male-bastion-of-kumartuli-women/https://indiatogether.org/breaking-the-male-bastion-of-kumartuli-women/Women are making a mark in a profession almost entirely dominated by men. Shoma Chatterji talks to the women idol makers of Kumartuli to find out about their struggle and success.Tue, 10 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/tackling-demonetisation-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/tackling-demonetisation-reviews/Shunyota, a feature film in Bengali, has an all-India resonance that will echo across the country if and when it’s subtitled version will be screened, writes Shoma Chatterji.Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/when-children-think-abuse-is-normal-children/https://indiatogether.org/when-children-think-abuse-is-normal-children/A new child-led survey has documented the types of violence children in Maharashtra are exposed to. Alka Gadgil reports the important findings from the survey.Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/travesty-of-justice-government/https://indiatogether.org/travesty-of-justice-government/With over 2.19 crore pending cases, the Chief Justice of India pleads again to fill the numerous vacancies in the judiciary at the earliest. Ramesh Menon reports.Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/manipur-rattled-and-torn-laws/https://indiatogether.org/manipur-rattled-and-torn-laws/It has been more than nine months since a political crisis has snowballed into a battle between the tribals and the non-tribals of Manipur creating sharp divisions. Ramesh Menon surveys the fragile situation.Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/telling-tales-from-the-northeast-media/https://indiatogether.org/telling-tales-from-the-northeast-media/Shoma Chatterji writes about the challenges faced and efforts being made in the Northeastern states of India to encourage and support film making.Tue, 24 May 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/hope-in-bihar-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/hope-in-bihar-op-ed/Recently, Ashish Kothari visited some areas in Bihar where interesting things are happening. Under progressive governance and grassroots action by its citizens when these are implemented state-wise, Bihar would be well on the path of progress.Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/of-animals-and-lesser-animals-shaktimaan-and-his-brothers-society/https://indiatogether.org/of-animals-and-lesser-animals-shaktimaan-and-his-brothers-society/The shocking physical abuse inflicted on police horse Shaktimaan has rightly created a furore in society. But cruelty towards animals does not just manifest itself in stray, isolated incidents. Shoma Chatterji draws attention to the treatment of animals in film making and stresses the need for strict monitoring.Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/sheroes-upholds-the-indomitable-spirit-of-humanity-women/https://indiatogether.org/sheroes-upholds-the-indomitable-spirit-of-humanity-women/Manjari Singh reports on the opening of the Lucknow branch of Sheroes Hangout, a café run and managed by acid attack survivors under the guidance of the humanitarian organisation “Stop Acid Attacks”.Wed, 16 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/https://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/You don’t have to fear police harassment if you report or help an injured accident victim. You don’t even have to reveal personal details unless you wish to testify. Here’s a summary of the “Good Samaritan” guidelines that the apex court has now made compulsory for states to follow.Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/in-the-aftermath-of-a-hooch-tragedy-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/in-the-aftermath-of-a-hooch-tragedy-reviews/In a terrible, but not-so-rare tragedy in rural West Bengal, 170 people lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor. But what actually happens after an incident such as this? Cholai, a well-researched black comedy, reveals the moral and social degradation that cuts across spheres, writes Shoma Chatterji.Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/chennai-girls-learn-to-land-a-solid-punch-women/https://indiatogether.org/chennai-girls-learn-to-land-a-solid-punch-women/These days, select impoverished neighbourhoods in Chennai have become the nursery of future champion boxers. Girls in these neighbourhoods are receiving training in boxing, something that has given them the confidence to stand up for themselves and dream big, reveals Hema Vijay.Fri, 11 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/can-india-provide-a-new-lens-to-the-isis-challenge-in-syria-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/can-india-provide-a-new-lens-to-the-isis-challenge-in-syria-op-ed/Is military combat the only way to deal with the Islamic state and its likes? Firdaus Ahmed ponders about the role India can play in making the ongoing temporary ceasefire in the five-year old Syrian civil war a more permanent one.Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/no-matter-who-s-ruling-government/https://indiatogether.org/no-matter-who-s-ruling-government/2009 – mid 2014: UPA. Mid 2014 – present: NDA. This map will show you that irrespective of who’s at the helm, national policies and issues considered sacrosanct are not open to debate in our country.Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/towards-radical-democracy-in-india-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/towards-radical-democracy-in-india-op-ed/A multitude of grassroots movements are emerging across the country in resistance to the mainstream economy and polity. These initiatives are exploring sustainable, equitable and just paths to human well-being. Ashish Kothari and Pallav Das offer an insight into the need for such movements.Sun, 14 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/eradicating-caste-from-people-s-minds-society/https://indiatogether.org/eradicating-caste-from-people-s-minds-society/Casteism and the state of our civil society were the major issues discussed at the recently held Difficult Dialogues Conclave in Goa. It was organised by the South Asia Centre of the London School of Economics India Summit 2016 and the Television Trust for the Environment. Darryl D’Monte, who participated in one of the panel discussions, reports.Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/it-is-a-caste-issue-society/https://indiatogether.org/it-is-a-caste-issue-society/Rohith Vemula's death was the end of his dreams of becoming another Carl Sagan. But so many other dreams have perished because of caste-based persecution that has been a blight on higher education and professional practice in this country. Shahina Nafeesa's touching personal essay, translated by Renu Ramanath, brings out deeply disturbing realities.Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/shooting-nature-s-wrath-in-paradise-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/shooting-nature-s-wrath-in-paradise-reviews/In September 2014, Jammu and Kashmir was ravaged by floods and landslides. A brilliant documentary Kashmir Flood – Let the Vale Rise by Bilal A Jan captures the immediate after-effects of the worst floods in the state in a century that changed almost the entire topography of the state along with the lives of its residents. Shoma Chatterji reviews the film.Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/language-of-diversity-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/language-of-diversity-op-ed/Adivasi Academy, a learning institute set up by Bhasha Research and Publication Centre is a must visit place for one to learn the importance of language and cultural diversity of our country. Ashish Kothari writes about his experience and learnings at the Academy.Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/fighting-the-isis-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/fighting-the-isis-op-ed/The Indian defence minister’s recent interactions indicate an overt leaning towards military action against ISIS under the UN flag. While it may not be difficult to explain this stance, or even find apparent justification for it, there is a need for a more cautionary approach, says Firdaus Ahmed.Thu, 17 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/romila-thapar-interview-society/https://indiatogether.org/romila-thapar-interview-society/A one-on-one with India’s most well-known historian, Romila Thapar, who shares her thoughts on intellectuals protesting the growing communal discord, the ever-shrinking “liberal space” and the need for a dialogue that defines pluralism in the Indian context with Rashme Sehgal.Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/story-of-udavum-karangal-people/https://indiatogether.org/story-of-udavum-karangal-people/With a few more Udavum Karangals, the world would probably be an ideal place! Shoma A. Chatterji chronicles the story of the Chennai-based NGO that has, through its many units, helped thousands among the destitute and underprivileged find anew a life of dignity and purpose.Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/not-give-back-my-awards-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/not-give-back-my-awards-op-ed/Two-time national award winner, veteran journalist Shoma A Chatterji explains with disarming honesty why, despite being deeply concerned over the prevailing socio-cultural milieu in the country, she would not like to blindly follow her celebrated co-awardees in returning the awards.Sun, 08 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-seeds-of-revolution-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/the-seeds-of-revolution-op-ed/Deccan Development Society (DDS) is transforming the lives of villagers of Zaheerhabad, Telangana. Ashish Kothari visited the place recently and writes about how DDS is successfully working with Dalit farmers towards ecologically sustainable farming, women empowerment and community-led communications.Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT