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Shashi Shekhar

Articles by Shashi Shekhar

Time for trust and unity, not division and hatred

Unaware of complexities tying the government’s hands and limiting its options, innumerable voices are babbling incessantly on social media

This is the time to stand with the government and work towards social unity and not fan hatred and provocation (Naeem Ansari)

Opinion

Published on May 04, 2025 09:53 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

A civilian duty to India after Pahalgam attack

We need to stand with the victims and show solidarity towards the Kashmiri people, as they have lost more lives and livelihoods than other parts of India

This is the time to stand by the government. This is the best homage to pay to those who laid down their lives in Pahalgam (Raminder Pal Singh)

Opinion

Published on Apr 27, 2025 08:03 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

In Murshidabad riots, rerun of an old story

Only the faces of the perpetrators and the victims change, the failure of the State and statements of the leaders are the same

The truth is that the scourge of communalism has been festering in some parts of West Bengal for years now. Now, the schism is out in the open (PTI)

Opinion

Updated on Apr 20, 2025 08:21 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Ballot: Panacea for every peril democracy faces

From Sukma to Srinagar, peaceful elections in these regions have proved that in a democracy, it is the ballot, not the bullet, that determines outcomes

Rana’s extradition isn’t just a success of our legal and security experts but also our diplomatic channels and their tireless efforts

Opinion

Published on Apr 13, 2025 07:44 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Glimpses of the RSS’s ways in ‘Kashi, Mathura’ revival

It is clear that the RSS is unleashing its cadre while retaining the option of deniability. It would help them achieve their goal without maligning their image

The controversy that broke out over the Gyanvapi mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple is still fresh in memory (AP)

Opinion

Updated on Apr 06, 2025 06:55 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Democracy is under threat from elitocracy

It’s not a coincidence that many countries are witnessing a surge in tendencies that are not conducive to democratic values

Today, the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, is hogging the limelight alongside President Trump. He heads the department of government efficiency (DOGE). This gives him the power to interfere in every government policy decision.

Opinion

Published on Mar 30, 2025 09:26 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Judiciary must stay above all suspicion

The judiciary and legislature must work together to evolve a transparent system and ensure people’s trust in the former remains intact

A special privilege was given to the collegium that if accusations are levelled against any judge, only the Supreme Court should have the power to investigate the matter. (Sanjay Sharma)

Opinion

Published on Mar 23, 2025 08:14 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

When festivals become platforms of polarisation

A disturbing trend is taking shape today where religious processions are turning into a show of force or projection of power

Is Holi as a traditional festival of love and universal kinship fast becoming a relic of a bygone golden era? (PTI)

Opinion

Updated on Mar 16, 2025 07:26 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Old world order is dying, emerging picture is scary

Zelensky’s conflict with Russia, amid changing US policies, echoes past betrayals, raising concerns over global stability and future conflicts.

It’s not a surprise that the allies who stood by the US since World War II are feeling dismayed (AFP)

Opinion

Updated on Mar 09, 2025 08:30 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Health implications of climate crisis in India

We must set ambitious goals, meticulously implement and monitor new schemes and plans, and be strict while dealing with factors that cause environmental damage.

The signal is clear, human skin is progressively unable to bear the extreme heat of the sun (Wikipedia)

Opinion

Published on Mar 02, 2025 08:52 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Delhi elections a wake-up call for Cong, INDIA bloc

After Haryana and Delhi, the bloc faces another litmus test in Bihar, where assembly elections are due in November-December.

Congress supporters may feel uncomfortable, but they should learn from the party’s arch-rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP played second fiddle in many states such as Bihar for years (PTI)

Opinion

Published on Feb 23, 2025 08:33 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Sajjan Kumar indictment and the rise of hate politics

Another court indictment of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar brought back the memories of the 1984 riots.

Peacekeepers find the going tough when people holding high office, wittingly or unwittingly, lean towards hate-mongering (PTI)

Opinion

Published on Feb 16, 2025 08:18 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Delhi debacle tells a tale of Kejriwal’s fall

The wide chasm between the AAP leader’s promises and his record in government cost the party the elections

Before making the attempt to come to power for fourth time in Delhi, Kejriwal should have put his rusty party apparatus and administration in order. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Feb 09, 2025 08:02 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Republic and Constitution: Partners in nation-building

The Constitution that India adopted was so comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of its citizens that it has endured till today

How much Indians trust their Constitution was evident during the recent general election (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) (PTI01_26_2025_000408A) (PTI)

Opinion

Published on Jan 26, 2025 08:44 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Trump 2.0: Prospects of global disruption

Donald Trump begins his second term as POTUS amid global uncertainty, facing criticism for his policies and controversial actions impacting the world.

Even his trenchant critics agree that Trump’s over-the-top behaviour is meant to hog the limelight and secure a better deal for himself from his opponents (Getty Images via AFP)

Opinion

Updated on Jan 19, 2025 07:46 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The bitter battle to gain power in Delhi

The outcome will have national implications. Hence, the big push on the ground by three national parties

New Delhi, India - Jan. 10, 2025: Delhi BJP activists being detained during a protest against AAP for allegedly making

Editorials

Updated on Jan 13, 2025 02:45 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Three challenges world has to confront in 2025

Global leaders will need to address questions arising from wars, the climate crisis, and evolution of Artificial Intelligence

New Orleans, New York, and Las Vegas have once again made it amply clear that the veneer of US invincibility can be breached from within (REUTERS)

Opinion

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 08:22 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

A prime minister who let his actions speak

Manmohan Singh was a man of few words, and he uttered those precious few words very softly. Opponents used this to paint him as weak, but there are enough instances to the contrary

FILE PHOTO: India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh walks on stage for a photo opportunity as part of the 5th East Asia Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, October 30, 2010. REUTERS/Christophe Archambault/Pool)/File Photo (REUTERS)

Opinion

Updated on Dec 29, 2024 09:21 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Disrupting the House, betraying voters’ trust

Washout of the winter session is a reflection of the decline in standards in Parliament.

Whether it is Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, any personality who can secure votes in the elections is condemned to be the target of raucous and emotionally charged debates in Parliament (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Dec 22, 2024 08:24 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

At a crossroads, Dhaka must remember lessons of history

It is up to Bangladesh to decide what kind of a future it wants. It can’t expect to grow by handing over the reins to fundamentalists

Bangladesh seems condemned to suffer from cyclic confusion. Events during the last few months have created doubts about the country’s future (AFP)

Opinion

Published on Dec 15, 2024 09:01 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The spectre of its past now haunts Punjab

Rising Khalistan sentiment is rooted in a failure of the state’s political class in maintaining the balance between politics, religion and national integrity

Amritsar, India – December 5, 2024::: Former militant Narain Singh Chaura who made attempt to assassinate former Deputy CM and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the entrance of Golden Temple on Wednesday, being produced by Punjab Police in local court. Amritsar, India. On Thursday, December 5, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Sehgal/Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Dec 08, 2024 10:16 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Banking on women's vote to beat anti-incumbency

Recent election trends suggest that Indian politicians now see women as a potential vote bank and tailor manifestoes to win their support

Women in our country approach issues differently from men. They vote for the party or the leader who looks after their families’ interests (Snehal Sontakke)

Opinion

Published on Dec 01, 2024 07:56 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

What state elections say about Indian democracy

The Maharashtra performance will add to the confidence of BJP and NDA and make INDIA bloc insecure about winning elections

These elections have made it clear that sympathy and legacy aren’t enough to ensure victory. You need to work on the ground (Nitin Lawate/ANI)

Opinion

Published on Nov 24, 2024 07:30 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The baffling silence on climate and pollution

As far as our society is concerned, there are very few who have any serious concerns regarding pollution, the climate crisis, and conservation.

Sky enveloped with smog after Delhi's air quality turns

Opinion

Published on Nov 17, 2024 09:41 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Need awareness to avoid online fraud

The harsh truth is that we need to take personal responsibility in developing awareness and remain alert against the threat of “digital arrests” and phishing.

Online frauds are growing by leaps and bounds. (Shutterstock)

Opinion

Published on Nov 10, 2024 11:04 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Is the West conspiring against a rising India?

Dragging the Union home minister into murder cases reeks of the same old dirty tricks Western nations have played in the past

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.(AP)

Opinion

Published on Nov 03, 2024 08:21 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The many shades of Indira Gandhi's political persona

Notwithstanding what people may say, Indira Gandhi’s contribution to India was significant.

You may be tempted to ask, was Indira Gandhi a hero or a villain?(HT Photo)

Opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2024 12:27 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The State and society need to fight road rage crimes

What wrong did New Delhi’s Ankur and the toddler in Bengaluru do to deserve such a fate?

How many Ankurs and toddlers will suffer or pay with their lives before the government wakes up from its slumber?. (HT File)

Opinion

Published on Oct 21, 2024 12:04 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

How BJP won Haryana with grassroots politics

The gap between social reality and data was bridgeable, and the BJP was able to march into the corridors of power in Haryana for a record third time.

BJP workers burst crackers and dance as they celebrate the party's victory in Haryana assembly polls.(PTI)

Opinion

Published on Oct 14, 2024 12:33 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

In Vietnam’s resilience, a lesson for India’s economy

Vietnam is dealing with its own maladies. But India can, nonetheless, take inspiration from Vietnam’s giant leap forward.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh has a rich and varied coffee culture, with many areas coining their own delicacies including ‘cà phê trúng’, or egg coffee. Expect to see the city’s avenues dotted with upscale coffee shops and traditional spots where locals and tourists alike sit on stools that line the streets.(Unsplash)

Opinion

Published on Oct 06, 2024 11:53 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

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Shashi Shekhar

Unaware of complexities tying the government’s hands and limiting its options, innumerable voices are babbling incessantly on social media

We need to stand with the victims and show solidarity towards the Kashmiri people, as they have lost more lives and livelihoods than other parts of India

Only the faces of the perpetrators and the victims change, the failure of the State and statements of the leaders are the same

From Sukma to Srinagar, peaceful elections in these regions have proved that in a democracy, it is the ballot, not the bullet, that determines outcomes

It is clear that the RSS is unleashing its cadre while retaining the option of deniability. It would help them achieve their goal without maligning their image

It’s not a coincidence that many countries are witnessing a surge in tendencies that are not conducive to democratic values

The judiciary and legislature must work together to evolve a transparent system and ensure people’s trust in the former remains intact

A disturbing trend is taking shape today where religious processions are turning into a show of force or projection of power

Zelensky’s conflict with Russia, amid changing US policies, echoes past betrayals, raising concerns over global stability and future conflicts.

We must set ambitious goals, meticulously implement and monitor new schemes and plans, and be strict while dealing with factors that cause environmental damage.

After Haryana and Delhi, the bloc faces another litmus test in Bihar, where assembly elections are due in November-December.

Another court indictment of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar brought back the memories of the 1984 riots.

The wide chasm between the AAP leader’s promises and his record in government cost the party the elections

The Constitution that India adopted was so comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of its citizens that it has endured till today

Donald Trump begins his second term as POTUS amid global uncertainty, facing criticism for his policies and controversial actions impacting the world.

The outcome will have national implications. Hence, the big push on the ground by three national parties

Global leaders will need to address questions arising from wars, the climate crisis, and evolution of Artificial Intelligence

Manmohan Singh was a man of few words, and he uttered those precious few words very softly. Opponents used this to paint him as weak, but there are enough instances to the contrary

Washout of the winter session is a reflection of the decline in standards in Parliament.

It is up to Bangladesh to decide what kind of a future it wants. It can’t expect to grow by handing over the reins to fundamentalists

Rising Khalistan sentiment is rooted in a failure of the state’s political class in maintaining the balance between politics, religion and national integrity

Recent election trends suggest that Indian politicians now see women as a potential vote bank and tailor manifestoes to win their support

The Maharashtra performance will add to the confidence of BJP and NDA and make INDIA bloc insecure about winning elections

As far as our society is concerned, there are very few who have any serious concerns regarding pollution, the climate crisis, and conservation.

The harsh truth is that we need to take personal responsibility in developing awareness and remain alert against the threat of “digital arrests” and phishing.

Dragging the Union home minister into murder cases reeks of the same old dirty tricks Western nations have played in the past

Notwithstanding what people may say, Indira Gandhi’s contribution to India was significant.

What wrong did New Delhi’s Ankur and the toddler in Bengaluru do to deserve such a fate?

The gap between social reality and data was bridgeable, and the BJP was able to march into the corridors of power in Haryana for a record third time.

Vietnam is dealing with its own maladies. But India can, nonetheless, take inspiration from Vietnam’s giant leap forward.

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