News / Columns / Shashi Shekhar

Shashi Shekhar

Articles by Shashi Shekhar

The trolls on social media are Ravanas of present times

Social media trolls are using incidents like hate crimes to spread fear and misinformation, undermining democratic values.

Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians evacuate a wounded man following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City.(AP)

opinion

Published on Oct 23, 2023 05:27 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

West Asia’s trauma and diplomatic doublespeak

Israel-Gaza conflict raises concerns about violations of international law. Humanitarian approach urged to avoid further tragedies.

Israeli soldiers stand near their armoured vehicles stationed close to the border with the Gaza Strip on October 15.(AFP)

opinion

Published on Oct 16, 2023 11:25 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Punjab within India, India within Punjab

Sikhs are self-reliant, confident, courageous, and inclusive. That is why they are widely accepted and respected throughout the country.

The point is simple and straightforward. Some people in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other western countries are attempting to rekindle the fire of Khalistan (AFP)(HT_PRINT)

opinion

Published on Oct 09, 2023 12:35 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The enduring power of Gandhi’s ideology

Gandhi never compromised on his principles and stuck to his convictions even at the cost of his life. He continues to stay alive in our thoughts

Gandhi’s funeral procession in February 1948. (Getty Images)

opinion

Published on Oct 02, 2023 05:55 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Insulate women’s bill from party politics

The recent passage of the "Nari Shakti Vandan Bill" generates hope, but its timing raises questions about political motives

Lucknow: Women celebrate after the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, in Lucknow on Tuesday. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Sep 26, 2023 12:43 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Divide and rule is the mantra as polls near

It is certain that in the following days, not only flowers but also thorns will appear in the political sphere.

Chaos was sparked recently in Tamil Nadu at an event where Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of chief minister MK Stalin and a minister of the state cabinet, uttered such remarks for Sanatana Dharma. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Sep 18, 2023 09:25 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The road to progress and politics is always varied in a democracy

We have to understand that the road to progress, companionship, and politics cannot always be the same in a democracy

Perhaps the question in your mind is: What is the immediate benefit of the G20 meetings to India and Indians? (PTI)

opinion

Published on Sep 11, 2023 07:59 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

One-upmanship is the name of the game in national politics now

Welcome to the realm of political speculation and twists in the tale.

Opposition leaders during the INDIA meet, in Mumbai on Friday. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Sep 04, 2023 08:24 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Opposition needs to address the cracks in its ranks

Internal discord and unclear intentions of leaders are some of the obstacles to be overcome for the INDIA coalition in the upcoming Mumbai meeting

INDIA’s leaders must exercise extreme caution even before stepping out of their homes. (ANI)

opinion

Published on Aug 28, 2023 08:19 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Kashmir’s priorities are changing for the better

Kashmir sees signs of progress and confidence despite several ongoing challenges and a presence of terrorism

The people of the Valley have set their priorities afresh and are advancing towards these.(ANI Photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 21, 2023 08:07 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Bridging hearts is as important as ending the curse of poverty

India has progressed from poverty and despair to economic growth and empowerment, but social responsibilities are crucial

Workers give finishing touches to an Indian flag at a workshop ahead of the Republic Day, in Mumbai on Wednesday. (HT PHOTO)

opinion

Published on Aug 14, 2023 12:10 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

A lasting solution for Manipur is important

Manipur faces ongoing violence and political tension, hindering Parliament's work and requiring a long-term solution.

The entire country, and the people who live in Manipur, are looking forward to a long term solution.(Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:03 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Manipur’s crisis shows ethnic rivalries must be brought to an end

The fires in Manipur might spread to Mizoram and neighbouring areas. That is why it is critical to put a stop to the current storm of ethnic rivalry.

The Manipur police along with security forces have launched a series of operations across the state (File Photo)

opinion

Published on Jul 31, 2023 09:01 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

The course seems set for the upcoming polls

INDIA needs to develop a counter-narrative to BJP and PM Modi's political cocktail. The meeting in Mumbai could be decisive.

There will undoubtedly be more questions. Is the NDA vs INDIA battle being fought on values? Is it a power struggle, or a battle of ideologies?(Shrikant Singh)

opinion

Published on Jul 24, 2023 08:34 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Break the vicious cycle of violence in every poll

West Bengal poll violence has raised an old debate. Until the political establishment breaks this cycle, elections will continue to be marred by violence.

The violence during West Bengal’s panchayat elections has reignited an old debate.(HT)

opinion

Published on Jul 16, 2023 09:49 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Power struggles rage on in political families

Ajit Pawar's rebellion is a blow to Sharad Pawar, highlighting the challenges faced by political parties run by families. Future of these parties is uncertain

The events in Maharashtra are just the most recent chapter in this never-ending saga of political families(ANI)

opinion

Published on Jul 09, 2023 09:16 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Opposition has to fix stand on civil code urgently

As the BJP has already begun to set up the chess board, the Opposition will have to make a firm decision soon.

The Opposition is questioning why the PM chose this time for the UCC issue.

opinion

Published on Jul 02, 2023 08:38 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Time to breathe life into the India story

Through Indian immigrants and Indian traditions, Modi has now begun to influence the internal politics of other democracies throughout the world.

When Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi performed yoga with thousands as part of Yoga Day eight years ago, others dismissed it as a “show” by a political “showman”.

opinion

Published on Jun 26, 2023 10:14 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Ignoring natural heritage: A path to self-destruction

Why are we Indians so uncaring of our natural heritage?

A beautiful view of Khajjiar’s lake, wide meadows, and deodar trees opened before me. (HT File)

opinion

Published on Jun 19, 2023 01:10 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

When power gets to be the chief determinant of political empathy

Can we ever hope for an equanimous policy and a judicious approach from our popular politicians?

The train tragedy at Bahanaga Bazar railway station of Odisha’s Balasore district killed 275 passengers and injured over 1,200 (PTI))

opinion

Published on Jun 12, 2023 09:52 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Keep an eye on forces set to divide country

Operation Blue Star had disastrous consequences, such as a mutiny by a military unit in Ramgarh, Indira Gandhi's assassination, and deaths in the aftermath

The 40th year of Operation Blue Star begins tomorrow(HT Photo)

opinion

Published on Jun 04, 2023 09:00 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Cybercrime is a worry with a very wide reach

A cloud hangs over the digital revolution. Regrettably, no law or preventive action has helped avert such cases thus far

opinion

Updated on May 28, 2023 08:18 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

As polls draw near, a popularity test looms

Post Karnataka and a possible attempt at Opposition unity, how will PM Modi win his popularity test?

PM Modi's upcoming litmus test will be the next general election(ANI)

opinion

Published on May 21, 2023 08:05 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

What K’taka results mean for 2024 polls

This triumph has given the Congress leverage in bargaining with other Opposition allies

A polling official administers indelible ink to a voter at a polling booth during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections 2023 (ANI/PIB)

opinion

Updated on May 14, 2023 06:34 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Real worries are lost in rhetoric before elections

Election days are bound to be filled with mudslinging. Why do those involved in this forget that we are the world’s largest and youngest democracy?

This rising trend must be halted, but who will do so, when everyone commits the same sin? (ANI)

opinion

Published on May 08, 2023 04:55 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Karnataka elections: The field is wide open

In the last elections, the BJP fell nine seats short of a majority with 36.43% votes. The Congress cornered 38.6% votes, but won only 78 seats.

The Lingayats, who account for 17% of the population, have traditionally supported the BJP. Yeddyurappa is the most visible political face of this community (HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Apr 30, 2023 07:59 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Congress needs Opposition unity now, more than ever

There are few such people, like Rahul Gandhi, in today’s politics who can apply indirect pressure on people’s representatives for the public good

If Rahul Gandhi is to succeed in his efforts, he must unify his thoughts, words, and actions. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Apr 23, 2023 07:44 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

For Oppn unity, parties must find solid issues

Why do such people forget that elections are won not only via arithmetic but also through the chemistry of affection and trust?

Bihar chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar travelled to Delhi last week to pitch for Opposition unity, and he returned to Patna with some success (HT)

opinion

Updated on Apr 16, 2023 08:32 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Separated by a wall, raised solely on basis of religion

People like these believe India and Pakistan can unite. Nothing is impossible, but there are several obstacles in the way

The ghost of the shadow war Pakistan embraced has now engulfed it. The dream of Quaid-I-Azam MA Jinnah is being destroyed (HT ARCHIVE)

opinion

Updated on Apr 09, 2023 07:50 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Action is needed to restore harmony in ‘urban jungles’

From stray dogs to monkeys, from pets to wild animals, there are so many such occurrences of man-animal conflict.

Human populations are encroaching on areas surrounding forests. This leads to man-animal conflicts. This never-ending cycle violates the rules of sharing natural resources. (Shutterstock)

opinion

Published on Apr 02, 2023 08:55 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

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Shashi Shekhar

Social media trolls are using incidents like hate crimes to spread fear and misinformation, undermining democratic values.

Israel-Gaza conflict raises concerns about violations of international law. Humanitarian approach urged to avoid further tragedies.

Sikhs are self-reliant, confident, courageous, and inclusive. That is why they are widely accepted and respected throughout the country.

Gandhi never compromised on his principles and stuck to his convictions even at the cost of his life. He continues to stay alive in our thoughts

The recent passage of the "Nari Shakti Vandan Bill" generates hope, but its timing raises questions about political motives

It is certain that in the following days, not only flowers but also thorns will appear in the political sphere.

We have to understand that the road to progress, companionship, and politics cannot always be the same in a democracy

Welcome to the realm of political speculation and twists in the tale.

Internal discord and unclear intentions of leaders are some of the obstacles to be overcome for the INDIA coalition in the upcoming Mumbai meeting

Kashmir sees signs of progress and confidence despite several ongoing challenges and a presence of terrorism

India has progressed from poverty and despair to economic growth and empowerment, but social responsibilities are crucial

Manipur faces ongoing violence and political tension, hindering Parliament's work and requiring a long-term solution.

The fires in Manipur might spread to Mizoram and neighbouring areas. That is why it is critical to put a stop to the current storm of ethnic rivalry.

INDIA needs to develop a counter-narrative to BJP and PM Modi's political cocktail. The meeting in Mumbai could be decisive.

West Bengal poll violence has raised an old debate. Until the political establishment breaks this cycle, elections will continue to be marred by violence.

Ajit Pawar's rebellion is a blow to Sharad Pawar, highlighting the challenges faced by political parties run by families. Future of these parties is uncertain

As the BJP has already begun to set up the chess board, the Opposition will have to make a firm decision soon.

Through Indian immigrants and Indian traditions, Modi has now begun to influence the internal politics of other democracies throughout the world.

Why are we Indians so uncaring of our natural heritage?

Can we ever hope for an equanimous policy and a judicious approach from our popular politicians?

Operation Blue Star had disastrous consequences, such as a mutiny by a military unit in Ramgarh, Indira Gandhi's assassination, and deaths in the aftermath

A cloud hangs over the digital revolution. Regrettably, no law or preventive action has helped avert such cases thus far

Post Karnataka and a possible attempt at Opposition unity, how will PM Modi win his popularity test?

This triumph has given the Congress leverage in bargaining with other Opposition allies

Election days are bound to be filled with mudslinging. Why do those involved in this forget that we are the world’s largest and youngest democracy?

In the last elections, the BJP fell nine seats short of a majority with 36.43% votes. The Congress cornered 38.6% votes, but won only 78 seats.

There are few such people, like Rahul Gandhi, in today’s politics who can apply indirect pressure on people’s representatives for the public good

Why do such people forget that elections are won not only via arithmetic but also through the chemistry of affection and trust?

People like these believe India and Pakistan can unite. Nothing is impossible, but there are several obstacles in the way

From stray dogs to monkeys, from pets to wild animals, there are so many such occurrences of man-animal conflict.

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