By Bharat Dogra   Many talented children with a strong enthusiasm for learning are unable to continue their education due to the economic hardships faced by their families. Others somehow manage to stay in school, but their performance is seriously affected by these financial constraints.

By A Representative   Political analyst and retired Delhi University professor Shamsul Islam has raised serious concerns over the ongoing targeting and detention of Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. In a public statement, Islam described the situation as "brutal repression" and accused law enforcement agencies of detaining migrants arbitrarily under the pretext of verifying their citizenship.

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  Every individual in every country on every continent will, in some way, be affected by climate change. A climate catastrophe is looming, and we are not fully prepared for its potential consequences.

By Sunil Kumar  For a while, I had withdrawn into a quieter life, seeking solace in nature. But the rising tide of state-sponsored violence and recurring conflict across India has compelled deeper reflection. The recent incidents of killings in central India—particularly in Chhattisgarh—are not isolated acts. They point to a larger and ongoing crisis that concerns the health of democracy and the treatment of marginalised communities.

By Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra*   Given the increasing demand for new skills across public and private sectors and the lackluster performance of existing vocational training programs, reforming the mainstream education system became essential. The goal was to align academic curricula with the evolving needs of industries and other players. This push led to the National Education Policy, 2020, which aims to integrate vocational training and skill development into mainstream education, ultimately equipping students with practical, job-ready skills.

By Harasankar Adhikari  Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the 19th-century mystic of Bengal, remains one of the most remarkable spiritual figures of India—not only for his profound devotion and teachings but for the depth and breadth of his human friendships. He forged emotional and spiritual bonds that transcended caste, class, gender, education, and religious dogma. His life was a living message of unity, compassion, and inclusivity—qualities painfully absent in today’s fragmented society. Despite being an unlettered temple priest from humble origins, Ramakrishna drew into his circle thinkers, scholars, elites, and reformers of all stripes. One of the most well-known friendships was with Keshab Chandra Sen, a Western-educated, affluent leader of the Brahmo Samaj. The bond between a God-intoxicated temple priest and a rational, modernist reformer was not only unique—it was transformative. Keshab, who initially emphasized a formless God, came to deeply revere the Kali-worshipping mystic. Thi...

By Bharat Dogra  Dheera Ram Kapaya grew up in such poverty that, unable to attend school himself, he would carry another boy’s heavy school bag for five kilometers just to get a scoop of daliya (porridge). When he was finally able to attend school, he had to leave after class five to join other adolescent workers. However, as soon as opportunities arose, he involved himself in community efforts—promoting forest protection, adult literacy, and other constructive initiatives. His hidden talent for writing emerged during this time, and he became known for the songs and street play scripts he created to promote forest conservation, discourage child marriages, and support other social reforms.

By N.S. Venkataraman  Visual impairment is one of the most severe forms of physical disability that afflicts humanity, and its impact is even more acute when it affects women. The burden becomes overwhelming when visually impaired women also belong to economically weaker sections of society, with little or no financial or institutional support. Their struggle for dignity, survival, and identity is often invisible—hidden in plain sight across cities and rural corners alike. And yet, these women form a large, neglected segment of society not just in India, but around the world. In India, governmental assistance to visually impaired persons exists but remains minimal. While policies are framed with good intent, they often fall short in implementation. More importantly, no real distinction is made between the unique challenges faced by visually impaired men and women. This gender-blind approach to disability support overlooks the compounded social vulnerabilities that women face due to...

By Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra*  The tragic death of Miss Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, who reportedly self-immolated due to harassment, shocked the conscience of Odisha. Even before the public could process this horrifying event, another harrowing case emerged—a 15-year-old girl from Balanga, Puri, was allegedly set ablaze by miscreants. These incidents are not isolated; they highlight a disturbing pattern of rising gender-based violence across the state and the country.