Sunday, 22 December 2024

Soumitra Dastidar

Indian Documentary filmmaker and author
Tue, 23 Apr 24

Soumitra Dastidar: Indian Documentary filmmaker and author.

The movement that shook Mamata's stronghold

Politics and Bureaucracy

Sat, 17 Aug 24

The movement that shook Mamata's stronghold

On August 14, just before India's Independence Day, Kolkata was engulfed in a surge of protests that I had never seen in my lifetime. The call was for women to "occupy the night." Little did I expect that this call would erupt into a storm, sweeping across not just Kolkata but throughout India’s streets, alleys, known and unknown towns, and small cities. I attended a nearby gathering, and soon after, the flood of people swept me along. My wife, struggling with foot pain, and her friend pushed ahead. Today, the call was for half the sky to rise, and so they stood at the forefront.

Departure of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee during world's deep illness is sorrowful

Politics and Bureaucracy

Fri, 9 Aug 24

Departure of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee during world's deep illness is sorrowful

I've spoken with Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee face-to-face only twice. The first time was in 2006. By then, the dates for the assembly elections had already been announced. It was the first time the Left Front was contesting under the leadership of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the nephew of poet Sukanta Bhattacharjee, and a former disciple of Promode Dasgupta. After the undisputed leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Jyoti Basu, stepped down from the position of Chief Minister due to age, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was compelled by the party to take up the baton of leadership. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in West Bengal's political history. It could be said that it was a transitional moment, with many in the Left camp slightly uncertain about their new captain's performance.

Tune of on the wane in Modi's camp

Politics and Bureaucracy

Tue, 4 Jun 24

Tune of on the wane in Modi's camp

India's Lok Sabha elections started on April 19. Counting of votes started today after 47 days of election activities. Already, in the unofficial results, the ENDA coalition has secured 289 seats, the INDIA coalition has secured 235 seats, and the other 19 seats. The final result will be known by evening. Then it will be known whether BJP or Congress, NDA or India Alliance will win the Lok Sabha elections and take charge of the new government. At least 272 seats are required to get an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha.

Priyanka Gandhi versus BJP's Communal Politics

Politics and Bureaucracy

Mon, 20 May 24

Priyanka Gandhi versus BJP's Communal Politics

We, who have witnessed the assassination of Mrs. Indira and her son Rajiv Gandhi, could see another side of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi as well as their political personalities. There's no discussion about Rahul Gandhi today. On some other day, there might be an extensive discussion about Rajiv, Sonia's son. Today, Priyanka would be remaining the focal point.

Language of politics is becoming hideous in the Lok Sabha elections

লোকসভা নির্বাচনে কদর্য হয়ে উঠছে রাজনীতির ভাষা

Politics and Bureaucracy

Wed, 8 May 24

Language of politics is becoming hideous in the Lok Sabha elections

In this upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the majority of our politicians are speaking in a language that is not only indecent or unpleasent, but also extremely awful and disrespectful. Many years ago, I purchased a book from Delhi's Khan Market titled "Dictionary of Slang". The dictionary of abuses. Our leaders' harsh words are not found in that dictionary. Because as much as the yardstick of profanity measures, our policymakers surpass it by a significant margin. "Gutter language" can be found in the dictionary, the ingenious minds innovating new ideas and implementing them are using expressions not found in conventional dictionaries. These respected individuals, who are adept politicians, may use language that could perhaps be found in a slang dictionary if they were to utter profanity. However, they are all skilled politicians. Consequently, I can't recall hearing of a cocktail of profanity mixed with bigotry and sectarianism in any previous election.

Oppositions possess weakness; Yet their strength lies in synergy

Politics and Bureaucracy

Tue, 23 Apr 24

Oppositions possess weakness; Yet their strength lies in synergy

The Lok Sabha elections have begun in India, known as the world's largest democracy. The atmosphere across the country is tense, with incidents of violence already reported in various places, resulting in casualties. Despite this, in the first phase where 102 seats were up for grabs, voter turnout has averaged around 65 percent. This figure may increase further. Voters exercised their voting rights defying the scorching heat which proved that the essence of democracy in the country remains unquestionable.