Shashi Shekhar
Articles by Shashi Shekhar

Parliament could do with less animosity

When dealing with the BJP, the Congress must remain cool, restrained, cooperative, and strong. Rahul Gandhi would have to save himself from any unnecessary row. His followers have much higher expectations of him

Can’t our lawmakers swear to discuss every issue openly? (Hindustan Times)
Updated on Mar 19, 2023 08:44 PM IST

Women’s empowerment is a real necessity of time

PM Modi launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign when he assumed power in 2014. As a result, the BJP-ruled states were motivated to launch numerous initiatives targeting women

The rise of women in politics in the country began with Independence. Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman to become chief minister of the country’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh (HT ARCHIVE)
Updated on Mar 13, 2023 02:39 PM IST

BJP remains a dominant force in the North-East

Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya are border states. That is why strong and stable democratic governments are required in these states. It is a relief that the elections in February 2023 will serve as milestone moments in this direction.

BJP supporters celebrate Tripura Chief Minister and party candidate from Bordowali Town Manik Saha's victory in the state assembly elections (ANI)
Updated on Mar 05, 2023 07:03 PM IST

Separatism needs to be weeded out urgently

The nuisance at Ajnala police station and the character of mahapanchayats in Haryana may appear to be different on the surface, but the desire to hijack the spirit of the Constitution is the same in both cases

Amritpal Singh's supporters break barricades and enter the police station demanding the release of Amritpal Singh's close aide, in Ajnala near Amritsar on Thursday. (ANI)
Published on Feb 26, 2023 08:04 PM IST

If we do not end the Russia-Ukraine war soon, it will be our end

To date, almost 7,000 Ukrainian civilians have died in the war. The war has made the entire world more afraid, hungry, and miserable

A self-propelled artillery vehicle fires on the frontline, Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 18, 2023 (AP)
Updated on Feb 19, 2023 08:31 PM IST

Adani row: Yet another case of history repeating itself

For the past 66 years, we have witnessed some farce being repeated in politics. The debate over Adani Group and its political relations is nothing more than an episode in this never-ending series of farces

Modi appears unaffected, much like a batsman who can play the most difficult of balls with ease. That is why he made no mention of these charges in his speeches in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. (Bloomberg)
Published on Feb 12, 2023 07:51 PM IST

Water we save now will matter in times to come

According to the NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index, 600 million people are affected by the water problem. In the next eight years, our needs will more than double. How will this demand be met?

Nature is sending us warnings. We must revolutionise all aspects of our water usage, including daily use. Water is essential for survival. We must learn to value every drop of it. (Hindustan Times)
Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:16 AM IST

No matter what, Gandhi’s thoughts cannot be killed

Bapu’s thoughts are as relevant today as they were in his day. However, the greatest tragedy of our fast-paced world is that we no longer have people like Gandhi

Godse had no idea that Gandhi’s thoughts could not be killed. (HT Archive)
Updated on Jan 29, 2023 08:12 PM IST

Like netas, some players have also abused fame

It is awful if the government and society cannot protect the players’ interests, but it is an outrage if the star players abuse their fame

The government has set up a panel to investigate complaints of physical abuse, along with financial and administrative anomalies. This committee will present its report in four weeks (PTI)
Updated on Jan 22, 2023 08:42 PM IST

The time is now to avert a crisis that faces the world

Among border nations, India is the most stable. We have Pakistan on one side, and Sri Lanka on the other. Both are in poor shape and Pakistan may be on the verge of a civil war

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has established a parallel government in the border region. (Reuters)
Published on Jan 15, 2023 08:03 PM IST

The economy has come a long way since the 90s

Business organisations outside India are aware that our economy and politics have come a long way from Rao to Narendra Modi

Those who settle abroad and lose links with India after a generation or two also serve India’s interests (Shutterstock)
Updated on Jan 08, 2023 07:52 PM IST

India can help tackle the global food crisis

The United Nations has said that 48 million people in West and Central Africa could be hungry in 2023 due to the reduction in farm productivity

The United Nations has said that 48 million people in West and Central Africa could be hungry in 2023 due to the reduction in farm productivity (Shutterstock)
Updated on Jan 01, 2023 08:31 PM IST

The new year should usher in fresh optimism

Despite shocks, we also received some good news in 2022. India took over as the G20 president, and global financial institutions voiced optimism about the Indian economy’s performance this fiscal year

Several drones fly in formation to create an image of G20 symbol to mark India's presidency of G20, December 19, 2022 (AP)
Updated on Dec 25, 2022 10:00 PM IST

The Northeast elections hold huge significance

Elections in three Northeast states are important for the dreams of the BJP, Congress, and opposition unity.

During his tenure, PM Narendra Modi prioritised the Northeast. But as a new alliance is being formed to oppose the BJP juggernaut, will this association begin with these seven sisters? (ANI)
Published on Dec 18, 2022 07:21 PM IST

Message from voters: No room for complacency

These results should serve as a wake-up call to the entire Opposition that if they fight between themselves, the results in 2024 may be disappointing. If the Opposition parties desire, they can use this lesson in the upcoming elections in nine states

How could the BJP retain and grow its popularity for 27 years in Gujarat in this era of evolving technology and increased expectations? (ANISharma)
Updated on Dec 11, 2022 08:28 PM IST

A long way still for India to be the best democracy

Those who entered politics preaching alternative politics and eradicating corruption had to adopt populist measures, and, as a result, election after election, actual issues are pushed further behind

Elections are becoming pompous “events” rather than democratic festivals. (HT Photo)
Published on Dec 04, 2022 08:21 PM IST

Netas must stop using history as a weapon

It undoubtedly provides politicians with an opportunity to engage in combative behaviour

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a padayatri during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra as it enters Madhya Pradesh, November 23, 2022 (Sanjeev Gupta)
Updated on Nov 27, 2022 08:23 PM IST

Much needs to be done to bolster our defences

October 20 marked the 60th anniversary of the brutal conflict of 1962, but much work remains to be done to free our territory from Chinese occupation

It is reassuring that the country’s current leadership is engaged fully and dealing with this sensitive issue appropriately. (Shutterstock)
Updated on Nov 20, 2022 08:26 PM IST

Voters have aided the misconduct of netas

Our politics has grown dependent on accusations and counter-allegations. This also taints the positive works of the rulers

The moment has come to remind our politicians that we will vote based on their work and principles, not on hatred or spectacle (HT PHOTO)
Updated on Nov 13, 2022 08:07 PM IST

Setting a course for the country’s future politics

Gujarat has already had a huge impact on national politics twice. Please allow me to take you back 50 years to make my point.

Nobody can ever forget the devastating earthquake that hit Kutch on January 26, 2001, and its effect on the politics of the state. (Reuters)
Updated on Nov 06, 2022 07:26 PM IST

Three key lessons to be kept in mind for all times

There have been many more accomplishments in the last 38 years that we may be proud of, but these three lessons drive us to change with the times while remaining vigilant. We must keep these lessons in mind at all times

The Modi government repealed Article 370 three years ago, but today tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is breaking records. What could be a better demonstration of India’s unity, integrity, and determination to march forward indefinitely? (AFP)
Updated on Oct 30, 2022 07:28 PM IST

We will bridge the poverty gap by our own means

With the inequality gap widening in our country, it is necessary to keep an eye on this issue. The Swadeshi model may prove successful in overcoming this

According to a United Nations report released last week, 415 million people in India were lifted out of poverty between 2005-21. (Shutterstock)
Published on Oct 24, 2022 03:43 PM IST

How hatred is driving society and politics

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 973 hate crime cases were reported across the country in 2016. The number grew by leaps and bounds over the next four years

Are political hatred and religious bigotry only being seen among the majority? Definitely not. (Shutterstock)
Updated on Oct 16, 2022 08:43 PM IST

Consumer courts have to be made more effective

The time has come to increase the number and effectiveness of consumer courts. Protecting the rights of the vast consumer class is critical for the economy’s survival and long-term growth

There are currently 629 district consumer courts and 35 consumer dispute redressal commissions in the country. (Shutterstock)
Updated on Oct 09, 2022 06:02 PM IST

India greatly needs a Mahatma Gandhi

Even in present-day India, Gandhi is greatly needed. As divisive forces prevail in our country, only Gandhi and ‘Gandhism’ are the most effective counter-measures to win over these

Students pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Jammu, October 2, 2022 (PTI)
Updated on Oct 02, 2022 08:12 PM IST

Fresh stories of mutual trust may be in the making

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and three senior aides went to meet imam Ahmed Ilyasi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Imam Parishad, and talked for about an hour in a closed room

On Thursday, Bhagwat and three senior aides went to Kasturba Gandhi Marg in New Delhi to meet imam Ahmed Ilyasi. (HT Photo)
Published on Sep 25, 2022 08:37 PM IST

Weaponising nationalism poses a threat to peace

When nationalism becomes a form of propaganda and a weapon, it gnaws at the country’s internal structure. The best examples are Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Ukrainian soldiers ride a top of infantry fighting vehicles in Novoselivka, September 17, 2022 (AFP)
Published on Sep 18, 2022 08:08 PM IST

A time to wait and watch as political alignments shift

Will Nitish Kumar be able to unite the divided Opposition and defeat the BJP?

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has met with all Opposition leaders. He is scheduled to meet with more non-BJP ruled states’ CMs and Opposition leaders in the coming days. Will he be able to unite the divided Opposition and defeat the BJP? (HT Photo)
Published on Sep 12, 2022 08:37 AM IST

Why deaths by suicide are rising worldwide

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” said Eleanor Roosevelt, who was once the First Lady of the US. We must prevent our faith in the beauty of our dreams from being shaken. This is the only way to save us all

It’s no surprise that people in more affluent regions have a higher rate of suicide. Four metros — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru — alone accounted for 35% of all suicides in the country’s 53 major cities (Shutterstock)
Updated on Sep 04, 2022 09:10 PM IST

An urgent clarion call to build a global fraternity

To deal with challenging circumstances worldover, the world requires compassion, cooperation and complete solidarity, but what is happening is just the opposite.

Do the ominous clouds of impending war mean that phrases like “global village” and “global fraternity” are merely political catchphrases? (Shutterstock)
Published on Aug 28, 2022 07:46 PM IST
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