The Naval Mutiny of 1946: The Last Nail in the Coffin of British Colonial Aspirations in India
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny of February 1946—often sidelined in mainstream narratives—remains one of…
The Naval Mutiny of 1946: The Last Nail in the Coffin of British Colonial Aspirations in India
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny of February 1946—often sidelined in mainstream narratives—remains one of the most decisive yet underappreciated events that accelerated the end of British colonial rule in India. Occurring in the twilight years of the empire, the uprising demonstrated a complete collapse of loyalty within the very institutions the British relied upon…
Reimagining India’s Freedom Struggle in the Absence of Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction The achievement of Indian independence in 1947 was the result of a long, complex, and multidimensional national movement. It was shaped by diverse ideologies, mass struggles, constitutional negotiations, and revolutionary activities. Within this spectrum, Mahatma Gandhi stands out as the most influential leader, who redefined the nature, direction, and moral foundation of the movement….
Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar: Divergent Approaches, Common Goal of Uplifting the Downtrodden
Introduction The struggle for social justice in modern India is inseparable from the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Both were towering personalities who shaped India’s socio-political landscape, particularly in relation to the condition of the oppressed communities. Although their pathways, ideological foundations, and methods differed profoundly, their ultimate commitment to uplifting…
Role of Women in the Indian Freedom Struggle, Especially During the Gandhian Phase
Introduction The Indian freedom struggle was not merely a political movement; it was a vast socio-cultural transformation in which women emerged as dynamic participants. While women had participated in earlier regional uprisings—such as the Revolt of 1857 or tribal and peasant resistances—their involvement remained limited in scope and visibility. It was only during the Gandhian…
1857 as a Turning Point: Reassessing British Strategies and Rule in India
The uprising of 1857—often referred to variously as the First War of Independence, Sepoy Mutiny, Great Revolt, or Rebellion of 1857—marks one of the most defining turning points in the history of British rule in India. While the revolt itself was ultimately unsuccessful in overthrowing colonial power, its impact on the administrative, political, economic, military,…
Differences in the Approach of Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian Freedom Struggle
The Indian freedom movement was not a uniform political project. It was shaped by a wide spectrum of ideologies, strategies, and personalities. Among these, Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose stand out as two towering figures—each equally committed to India’s liberation, yet dramatically different in their methods, philosophies, and interpretations of freedom. Their contrasting approaches…
Electronic Cash Transfers: Reforming Welfare Delivery in India
Introduction One of the enduring challenges of welfare governance in India has been ensuring that public resources reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently, transparently, and without leakages. Traditional welfare delivery mechanisms—often involving physical cash, intermediaries, and manual records—have historically suffered from corruption, delays, duplication, and wastage. In response to these systemic inefficiencies, the government introduced the…
Self-Help Groups and Microfinance in India: Legitimacy, Accountability, and Sustained Impact
Introduction Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a cornerstone of India’s poverty alleviation and women empowerment strategies. By pooling resources, encouraging savings, and facilitating access to microfinance, SHGs have sought to address issues of financial exclusion, social marginalization, and grassroots development. Over the last three decades, SHGs have grown into a robust network, supported by…
Restructuring Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Vulnerable Sections: Flexibility and Accountability
Introduction India’s federal structure involves a complex interplay between the Central Government and State Governments in delivering welfare and development schemes. Despite substantial allocations and policy frameworks, the Central Government frequently expresses concerns over the inadequate performance of states in alleviating the hardships of vulnerable sections of society, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children,…
Millennium Development Goals and Health in India: Progress, Actions, and Challenges
Introduction The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2000 as a global commitment to address the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2015. Among the eight MDGs, several are directly linked to health outcomes, reflecting the intrinsic connection between health, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. India, as a…
