Ramachandra Guha : A historian's view
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Apr 05 2005
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Stung by the West
The decision to deny Modi entry to the US was inspired, not by abstract ideals of justice, but by hard-nosed realpolitik. But to ensure that no foreign government makes an Indian politician the target of its hypocrisies, we must make sure that the violations that attract foreign scrutiny do not go unpunished by us, says Ramachandra Guha.
Feb 06 2005
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Not that simple
The search for a viable national alternative to the Congress goes back more than fifty years, But India is too large, and too unwieldy, to be represented by two parties alone, or even, as it now seems, by two coalitions each dominated by a single party, says Ramachandra Guha.
Oct 01 2004
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Freeing our heroes
We have been taught to remember Tagore as essentially a Bengali, Nehru as a Congressman, and Ambedkar as a Dalit. But their examples remain relevant to many others, says Ramachandra Guha.
Oct 01 2004
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Believers in free air
Where other nationalisms insisted on a homogeneity of attitudes and worldviews, this one - from Gandhi, Tagore, Ambedkar, and Nehru - respected and even celebrated the linguistic, cultural and religious diversity of its peoples. Such was their idea of India. Ramachandra Guha continues his series on the great patriots.
Oct 01 2004
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Why India survives
Contrary to many predictions a unified and democratic India still survives. Why? Ramachandra Guha continues his rememberance of the great patriots.
Sep 01 2004
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Entering the environment
The Greening of the Left parties has probably been good for them, exposing them to aspects of social deprivation that they had previously ignored. Ramachandra Guha notes the infusion of environmental thought into socialist politics, as the material aspirations of the people have risen.
Aug 01 2004
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The sociology of suicide
The rash of suicides in city and village is a qualitatively new development in our history. Ramachandra Guha notes the contours of desperation in the two Indias - urban and rural.
Jul 01 2004
New aspirations
: New aspirations
Ramachandra Guha thinks that educational aspirations - especially for Muslim girls - that have long been deferred despite the promise of independence may finally be nearer to reality.
Ramachandra Guha is a well-known historian, and a regular columnist with The Telegraph of Calcutta. His writings are republished here by arrangement.