Snippets of the mind by Gagansvaid

Written by Ritika  Sarraf Freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of speech are some of the rights that the Constitution of India guarantees us. Every constituent of our 1.2 billion population is well versed with their fundamental rights but how many know about fundamental duties, let alone disposing them? Shouldn’t our freedom be limited by our duties? Can we, in the name of freedom of expression, malign the very soil which has nurtured us?  Stretching the limits of their freedom indefinitely, some JNUites raised slogans like – “ Bharat teri barbadi tak jang rahegi, jang rahegi ” , which effectively translates to- “We will fight till India is destroyed”. Studying in one of the prestigious educational institutes of the country, centrally funded through the Indian taxpayers' money, these students who the nation sees as its future torchbearers are sloganeering against the very spirit of this idea called India. The same country which has given them all the ...

I met you four years back. The day was as usual, While you entered the class. Tutions we took together! From school, we reached college. You invited me to your fests, Came to mine in glee and vibrance. We came as strangers, we became friends. But this dream we follow will be as long, as our existence. I met the artist, the creator in you. The Mathematician, an academician in you. In you I saw a person, who is a friend, Who is an idol, whom I follow and look up to. We learn while we talk, and interact; Discussing many secrets of life, And endless philosophies which I say, And never have you confessed- You were bored when you were going to sleep amidst my talks. You gave me acceptance of being, Telling me, it was alright; To not get the best, But at the same time, Keeping the spirits and wilness- As strong and as warm as your presence. You gave a blog named Artist Address- It's form, it's identity. Sometimes, few people complete us- You're one of th...

Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. ~Albert Einstein

Image: Source Prostitution has been around since time immemorial. It is sometimes referred to as the world’s oldest profession with brothels dating back to mughal era. As Google defines it, Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual relations for exchange of payment or other benefits. With women and children being increasingly forced into this business, it has become one of the most sensitive issues demanding immediate legal action. A recent proposal by the National Commission for Women chief, Lalitha Kumaramangalam to legalise prostitution in India has once again spurred the debate whether legalising prostitution can actually help curb the menace of human trafficking or will it only lead to increase in this sector? There are two schools of thought on this issue- those like Ms. Kumaramangalam in the favour of legalising and those opposing her stance.  Ms. Kumaramangalam and the likes emphasise that legalisation of prostitution in India would ensu...