“Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.”
Beneath Bengal’s quiet soil once lay the mineral that shaped world empires—saltpetre. This unassuming white crystal powered Europe’s guns, fueled its navies, and altered global history, even as the people who produced it remained unaware of its immense value. In a tragic twist, Bengal’s own natural wealth became the lever that enabled its colonization.
A recent article from The Independent reveals that ancient ridges and canals in Southern Iraq, previously attributed to an agricultural system, were likely built using slave labor, particularly by the enslaved Zanj. This discovery connects their construction to the 9th-century Zanj Rebellion, underscoring the significant but overlooked contributions of enslaved Africans to the region's landscape. The findings challenge existing historical narratives and bring attention to the hidden legacy of these individuals.
Khona, also known as Leelavati, was a brilliant figure in ancient Bengal whose contributions to agriculture, meteorology, and astrology became legendary through her sayings in "Khonar Bachan." Her rise as an intellectual threatened patriarchal norms, leading to tragic silencing by Varahamihira, who mutilated her tongue out of jealousy. Despite this, her wisdom endured, influencing generations and symbolizing the resilience of female intellect against oppression.
Faith provides comfort and purpose but can become a destructive force when distorted by hatred, as seen in the tragic killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. Such violence threatens communal harmony and humanity. Governments and the international community must act decisively to protect minorities, promote inclusivity, and foster a culture of peace.
The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the struggles of India's invisible migrant workforce, forcing millions to undertake perilous journeys back to their rural homes as cities ground to a halt. This human exodus highlighted systemic neglect and inequity faced by daily wage earners. As the nation reflects, there’s an urgent call for reform that prioritizes the dignity and welfare of these workers, ensuring their visibility and protection in future policies.
The 2016 Global Slavery Index, published by Perth-based Walk Free Foundation, estimates that 45.8 million people are subject to some form of modern slavery in the world today. Vulnerability to modern slavery is affected by a complex interaction of factors related to the presence or absence of protection and respect for rights, physical safety and security, access to the necessities of life such as food, water and health care, and patterns of migration, displacement and conflict.
Affirmative action, particularly India's reservation system, seeks to address historical inequalities. By providing reserved seats and jobs, it aims to break the cycle of poverty and promote social mobility. However, critics argue that it perpetuates caste divisions and overlooks individual merit. The debate underscores the challenge of promoting fairness while rectifying historical injustices. A multifaceted approach, including training programs and periodic reviews, may offer a more effective solution.
The Internet, a vital resource, should remain open and free from corporate manipulation. Net neutrality is essential to prevent telecom companies from blocking or slowing down data for profit. To protect this, individuals are taking action by sending emails and signing petitions. Preserving net neutrality is crucial for maintaining free expression and innovation and ensuring universal access to the Internet.
