The author, Sreeram Chaulia, begins the book with an introduction that details the 2023 G20 conference in India and the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi proclamation. Someone reading a few pages from the book’s initial section would find that Narendra Modi’s accomplishments are somewhat overemphasised. In light of the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the author claims that the United States and its European allies intended the G20 joint communique as a tool for exerting coordin...
Opinions
Patterns of Domestic Violence and Deteriorating Mental Health among Women in Kargil
By: Aamina Banoo
“All Violence is the illustration of a pathetic stereotype”. Barbara Kruger.
We all have heard about Domestic Violence and its various forms but nobody really sits and talk about it. Kargil is a small beautiful town/District in the union territory of Ladakh with a total population of 1.4 lacs people. It is specially known for its beautiful landscapes, Himalayan mountains and beautiful valleys surrounded by simple and content people.
Most of the people have the p...
The Untold Sacrifices of Education: A Journey from Zanskar to Distant Dreams
It was never a choice for us coming from a remote village in Zanskar valley (Padum) but rather a compulsory option to go away from home at such a young age just to get an education. I wouldn’t say “just” when we sacrifice all and everything we have for education. All the sacrifices our families made to make sure we have sufficient education – that’s how much value education holds in this generation.
We all are aware that Ladakh is known for its harsh winter, where the temperature reaches ...
Ladakh’s New Districts: A Path to Progress or a Strategic Shift?
“Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to create five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The five new districts will be Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, Changthang”.
As I came across this news, so many thoughts started running around in my brain. Ladakh – newly appeared Union Territory on the map of India has been an integral part of India from long time. Known for its harsh climate, tough terrain, high altitude, unique culture,...
The Need for Investigative Journalism in Ladakh’s Media Landscape
In Ladakh, where the local media landscape is rapidly evolving, there is a noticeable gap when it comes to investigative journalism. They often fall short when it comes to the crucial task of tracing cases of crime and corruption, following up with authorities, and maintaining the pressure needed to ensure accountability. This lack of professional investigative reporting is a missed opportunity, especially as the region navigates changes with its newly formed police force and developing gove...
Ladakh’s Movement for Statehood and Cultural Preservation Amid Environmental Concerns
Ladakh has struggled for administrative autonomy for many years. This struggle has transformed into a significant vehicle for ordinary people’s participation in public politics through the Ladakh Hill Development Council, established under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act of 1995. The first election for this council took place on August 28, 1995, marking a direct engagement of the people at the grassroots level.
Following the abrogation of Article 370, the state of Jamm...
A Ladakhi Youth’s Alienation from Self, Soul and Homeland
After years of studies and residing outside Ladakh, this summer break, I returned to homeland, Ladakh. What should have been a joyous homecoming turned out to be a disheartening experience as one felt like a stranger in one’s own homeland.
My journey began when, as a small child, I was sent from Ladakh to a boarding school in Srinagar. These were formative years spent away from my house, which really shaped so much of who I am today, but coming back to Ladakh allowed me to realize how muc...
Raising Legal Age For Marriage
Child marriage is a marriage or domestic partnership, formal or informal, between a child and an adult, or between a child and another child. It is estimated that there are around 24 million child brides in India. The states with the highest rates of child marriage include Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka (50 per cent or more).
Ladakh’s District Expansion: A Welcome Development or a Political Diversion?
On August 26, the Home Minister announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, a move that has generated both appreciation and skepticism among the region’s residents. This decision coincided with the announcement of the peaceful march to Delhi by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The march aims to address four long-standing demands: The four point agenda includes full-fledged statehood for Ladakh; constitutional safeguards under the 6th...
What are the prospects for Sankoo becoming a district?
On August 26, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Home Minister Amit Shah announced on social media platform X that five new districts — Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang — would be created in Ladakh.
As soon as the news was shared, celebrations began across Ladakh. The people in these areas, who had been asking for district status for a long time, were very happy, hoping this decision would bring them relief.
Ladakh had been divided into two districts, Leh and Kargil, in 1979, mainly based o...