By Akhil Kumar:
2014 was quite an eventful year, and we saw a varied spectrum of opinions coming in from our readers and writers on the events that transpired during the year. It was a challenge to select 10 stories among the many powerful pieces that we published. Here, we bring to you 10 powerful stories that were the highlight of the year that went by.
Section 377: How Natural Is Normal?
On December 11, 2013, the Supreme Court set aside the Delhi High Court’s verdict, and upheld the constitutionality of Section 377, leaving the decision to amend or repeal it to the Indian Parliament. In this post, prominent feminist author and academician Nivedita Menon delves into the nuances of Section 377 and the myths surrounding it.
Section 377: How Natural Is Normal?
Afzal Guru’s Secretive Hanging Lays Bare The Truth Of ‘Collective Conscience’
In a highly controversial move, terror accused Afzal Guru was hanged to satisfy the ‘collective conscience of the nation’. In this post, Saem Hashmi writes why he sympathises with Afzal Guru for being treated as an icon of suppression by the powerful.
Afzal Guru’s Secretive Hanging Lays Bare The Truth Of ‘Collective Conscience’
The Doctor You Didn’t Show And The Saint You Didn’t See: A Reply To Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s much acclaimed ‘The Doctor and the Saint’ came out this year, and kicked up quite a controversy on the question of appropriation and representation. In this post, Abir Misra articulates his differences with Roy.
The Doctor You Didn”t Show And The Saint You Didn”t See: A Reply To Arundhati Roy
This World Cup, Some Sick Men Are Travelling to Brazil For Sex With Children
The Brazil World Cup was one of the most popular events of the year. While there was a lot of reporting on the various aspects of the sports saga, not much was written about the dark underbelly of Brazil. Here, Bala Sai writes about a horrific practice that went on along side in the name of tourism.
This World Cup, Some Sick Men Are Travelling to Brazil For Sex With Children
FULL BROADCAST: Exclusive Election 2014 Google Hangout By Youth Ki Awaaz And ADR
Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, we organised a Google Hangout with prominent faces like journalist Ravish Kumar to talk about the election. Here is the full video of the hour long hangout.
FULL BROADCAST: Exclusive Election 2014 Google Hangout By Youth Ki Awaaz And ADR
This Powerful Performance By Kalki Koechlin Is A Refreshing Look At Disability And Sexuality
Veda Nadendla writes about a film showcasing the coming of age journey of a young girl with cerebral palsy, played by our very own “Girl in Yellow Boots”, Kalki Koechlin.
This Powerful Performance By Kalki Koechlin Is A Refreshing Look At Disability And Sexuality
In Pictures: Jadavpur University Shows The Power Of Solidarity, Over 1 Lakh March For Justice!
This year also saw massive protests in Jadavpur University regarding administrative inaction on a case of molestation. The students took to the streets and raised slogans of ‘Hokkolorob’, which reverberated throughout the country.
In Pictures: Jadavpur University Shows The Power Of Solidarity, Over 1 Lakh March For Justice!
IIT Non-Veg Food Issue: Why The Demand For ‘Veg Only’ Spaces Is Dangerous
In October, there was controversy surrounding the issue of separate spaces for veg and non-veg food in IIT. In this post, Abul Kalam Azad writes about the politics of what he calls ‘food fascism’.
IIT Non-Veg Food Issue: Why The Demand For ‘Veg Only’ Spaces Is Dangerous
The Nithari Case: Should A Mentally Ill Convict Be Hanged Based On A Torture Confession?
Amidst popular demands of death penalty for Surender Koli, Veda Nadendla explains why she believe Koli shouldn’t be hanged.
The Nithari Case: Should A Mentally Ill Convict Be Hanged Based On A Torture Confession?
Dear Shenaz Treasurywala, “A Collective Thirst For Blood” Isn’t The Solution, “It’s Our Shame Too”
The popular MTV VJ wrote an open letter to some of the most prominent public faces in our country addressing the issue of safety and security of women. The letter instantly went viral on social media. Guneet Kaur, in this post, points out what she thinks was problematic in the letter.
Dear Shenaz Treasurywala, “A Collective Thirst For Blood” Isn’t The Solution, “It’s Our Shame Too”
Also Read: The Year That Was: 10 Youth Ki Awaaz Stories That Grabbed Your Attention In 2014