Secularism and State Institutions in India
Indian Secularism set out to be different from its western variant. As opposed to highly homogenous societies of the West, co-existing multitude of social groups made sure that state in India is not a mere bystander but an active interlocutor. A large number of religious minorities had to be reassured that their interests will be taken care of. While with the backdrop of a bloody partition, minorities gave up their claims for political rights in favour of cultural rights, th…
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Smaller States and the Story of Growth
The
formation of Telangana opened a Pandora’s Box. A number of demands for newer
states shook the nation. In the Northeast which is home to around 220 ethnic
groups along with an equally high number of linguistic groups, demands for
separate statehood for Koch Rajbongshis, Bodos, Karbis, Garos etc came up with
renewed vigour after Telangana.
While for many political
commentators, the decision on Telangana was driven by political expediency, the
demands in the North…
This blog is authored by Parvin Sultana. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Pramathesh Barua College, Assam, India. She regularly writes on contemporary socio-political issues.
