#violence in bangalore

[ideasmithy]

How We Talk About Violence: The Bengaluru PG Murder

A Bengaluru murder reveals deeper issues of gender violence, victim-blaming & cultural conflicts. We need to reconsider how we think about violence.

‘Woman from Bihar brutally murdered in Bengaluru PG’ screams the article headline while TV news anchor hosts experts who opinie on the finance minister’s statement about more women in the workforce, question the safety of PGs, articulate the lack of empathy shown by the victim’s roommates as they watch Kriti Kumari die. Look for the latest news on violence against a woman and you might miss it…

[magicaldragons]

ugramm (vs. salaar)

for @noisywolfwagonpeanut-blog

so, Ugramm takes place on a much smaller scale than Salaar, where:

Khansaar = Mughor Devaratha = Agastya Varadha = Balaa Aadhya = Nithya Krishnakanth = Prabhakar Vishwa = Bilal Shivarudra, an MLA, and his son, Dheeraj who are equivalents for Khansaar's leaders

the plot, with comparisons:

the movie starts with an animated backstory, telling us that the reason Nithya's dad is in so much trouble is because he was asked to make a shipment (since he owns a shipping company) for Shivarudra's smuggled goods, and he refuses, due to which his wife is killed

before the men can kill Nithya, who is a baby at the time, Prabhakar promises to make the shipment, but he steals most of the materials, selling them himself. He tips the police off about Shivarudra, and runs to Australia with Nithya.

this is particularly interesting because the reason that Krishnakanth is in trouble hasn't been revealed yet in Salaar, but it's the first thing we find out in ugramm i highly doubt the reason will be the same in Salaar though, since it's implied Aadhya's mother dies in Australia and never got a chance to visit India.

Twenty years later, Shivarudra is out of jail, though he has been keeping the syndicate active through his son, and he still craves vengeance on Prabhakar.

he's in a state similar to Radha Rama, which probably means that Krishnakanth is the reason that Radha Rama had to leave Khansaar, and does not really show her face anywhere, choosing to operate instead through obulamma, vedha, and the others.

In the present day, an older Nithya comes to Bangalore to visit her mother's grave (not with ashes), and is kidnapped by Dheeraj's men, but Agastya comes for her after receiving a call from a friend (Vishwa) and takes her to his home afterwards

therefore it's Agastya who saves her (without violence, specifically), and develops a rapport with Nithya, rather than how it is in Salaar, with Bilal doing most of the work, and minimal involvement from Deva.

Starting here, there's a whole series of events that bring Agastya and Nitya closer, and MANY motifs and themes that recur, as a symbol of their feelings for each other.

this is a section, that even though it gets major importance in Ugramm, is completely skipped in Salaar, with prashanth even going as far as to not show any chemistry between Aadhya and Deva whatsoever. there's also much more comedy and lightheartedness in Ugramm, which prashanth has cut out of Salaar, which really drives it home that he means for Salaar to be very dark and undeniably gritty.

some of these scenarios include:

Agastya teaching Nithya the names of various vegetables in Kannada, because she's temporarily responsible for the cooking and other housework (since Agastya is hiding her true identity from his mother).

Nithya bothered by people in the market place, which is when Agastya's mother gives him permission to save her. [he draws a line around her in the sand (with an umbrella) and says: "the line is drawn. everything in this circle belongs to me"]

a whole montage telling us that, Agasthya will be everywhere Nithya is, just a step behind her, and as long as he is there, no one will dare to touch her.

Agastya sheltering her from the rain. with an umbrella. several times

he saves her from Shivarudra's men, and finds where she's hiding based on the fruit she describes to him over a call, because she doesn't know where she is (it's a gooseberry)

he takes her to her mother's grave and when they reach she says: "do i look pretty? (for my mother)" & he's just awestruck by her beauty

basically, prashanth really builds a meaningful relationship between Agastya & Nithya and makes us root for them.

there's this scene where Agastya's tattoo is revealed to Nithya, and she has a whole phase where she's kind of scared (unlike Aadhya, who is immediately fascinated by Deva's violence), but it still serves as relationship development for the both of them.

in Salaar, on the other hand, Deva and Aadhya barely get a chance to talk, and Deva doesn't really form the best of first impressions which makes me wonder: if prashanth intends on putting Deva and Aadhya together, would he really save all of that characterization and plot, just to dump it on us in part two?

Eventually, after observing how mysterious Agastya has been at times, and hearing rumors from the neighbors, Nithya asks Vishwa about Agastya's past, which is then shown to us in a way that's not as elaborate as what we see in Salaar.

an important point to note is that throughout the course of Ugraam's flashback, we know that Agasthya is intensely loyal to Balaa due to a promise made when they were children, but we see no proper reason for that fealty. We are never told why Agastya goes so far for Balaa, so there's no emotional quotient tied to any of Agastya's actions. Balaa especially is shown to be a bit smug when people witness the power Agastya holds, which makes it feel a little like Balaa is using Agastya as a weapon, and not as if Agastya is offering it himself.

Agastya saves the women of Mughor from a man like Vishnu (but imagine without the theatrics), which gets Balaa put in jail, and the way Agastya storms the jail to get Balaa out (which takes two minutes) is extremely anticlimactic compared to what happens in Salaar.

after getting Balaa out of jail, Agastya promises to conquer Mughor for him, and there's a specific scene where he gives Balaa a map and says:

"whatever you point at, will be yours"

this is the point in the plot at which Salaar: Ceasefire ends.

Following this, Agastya goes on a rampage, capturing areas of Mughor for Balaa, which gains both him and Balaa several enemies. Politically, things become heated, and it doesn't help that some people, including Balaa's brother, want credit for some victories.

Balaa's brother is irrationally aggressive at times, and this reaches a limit when Balaa's brother threatens an innocent women, whose husband they have just killed. Agastya disagrees with hurting her, since she's not involved, and helps the woman. Balaa's brother, feeling humiliated, says something about hurting Agastya's mom, and that turns out horribly, leading to a fight. This then ends with the brother's death, when he actually attempts to find Agastya's mother.

There is a chance that Deva will be responsible for Baachi's death for different reasons (and an even smaller chance that Baachi might not die at all), especially because Amma isn't in Khansaar when Deva returns, after 25 years. He returns alone. In, Ugramm, Agastya and his mother only escape their hometown when Agastya is well into adulthood. Ugramm does not have Salaar's childhood plot whatsoever, which changes the circumstance around Deva's return to Khansaar. This means that, if Deva invokes Varadha's rage by hurting/killing Baachi, it might be for something other than Baachi threatening his mother.

Agastya decides to leave Mughor, knowing that what he has done will be unforgivable for Balaa, and Balaa stops him right before they leave, intent on killing him. Agastya's mother, worried for her son, begs Agastya to make her a promise that he will never enter Mughor again or commit violence.

Agastya makes the promise at the last moment, and Balaa decides not to hurt him, before they part ways.

Fast forward to the present, Nithya's dad comes for her from Australia, and Agastya lets her go, (due to the classic 'she's too good for me' syndrome) which disappoints her, but she is then kidnapped and taken to Mughor, compelling Agastya once more, to step foot into that place.

Agastya fights to save her, killing Dheeraj in the process, but just before leaving, Balaa finds him. Agastya refuses to fight, willing to accept whatever punishment Balaa deems necessary, as long as Nithya is spared,

but Balaa, after consideration says:

"I won't fight a man who won't fight back. Even if I win, it'll bring me shame to attack a man who is already weak from fighting."

Before Balaa lets him go, he makes it clear that he has somewhat moved on, and acknowledges their friendship once again, calling Nithya "sister-in-law".

The movie ends with Agastya and Nithya outside of Mughor's borders, where he tells her to let him go, because of the way he is. She refuses, drawing a line in the sand around him as a callback to the first time he fought for her, and tells him that "everything in the circle belongs to her," ending the movie with the both of them together, and their prospective futures ahead of them.

this is where many things can go wrong if prashanth decides to put Deva and Aadhya together in a similar way, because he has not set them up for that. with the way he's laid out the plot and characterization, it is legitimately impossible to imagine: 1. Deva choosing anyone over Varadha, even if Varadha dies by the end of part two or 2. Varadha letting Deva go after they meet again, especially if he is able to move on from whatever Deva did that hurt him

All in all, Prashanth has made many minor changes regarding detailing, for the story to flow better, and he's scaled Salaar up to seem grander than life. It's evident that he has put more care into explaining every facet of the story, so that there's no plot holes, and been able to use Ugramm as a stepping stone to make Salaar that much better.

The major differences include showing us Varadha and Deva's childhood, and taking out all of Deva & Aadhya's relationship development, along with giving many of Nithya & Agastya's parallels to Varadeva, which suggests a different ending for Salaar: Shouryaanga Parvam, than that of Ugramm.

[hindulivesmatter]

I am a proud hindu so i was angry about what happened to kashmiri hindus. but after reading up on it and the history of kashmir in general, one thing is really obvious: india failed kashmir (all of them not just hindus). It’s why I support their right to self-determination. I am based in America and I know several punjabis here who don’t consider themselves indian because their family/community was directly impacted by the 1984 anti sikh pogroms. ig i’m saying india has failed a lot of people (esp minorities) so if we are not from their ethnic group, we don’t get to selfishly claim them or impose our will on them. like i’m a kannadiga and i hate the imposition of hindi in my home state and while this is not even slightly comparable to the violence and trauma faced by kashmiris, punjabis and other groups, i would hate for a non-kannadiga (esp a hindi speaker) telling me how to feel and having the final say in the matter so kashmiri self determination just makes sense to me.

this just my two cents hope this didn’t sound rude because that’s not my intention.

I know you didn't mean to be rude here, but what you're saying is actually really out of touch.

I hope you're aware of what happened in Kashmir to Kashmiri pandits. Pakistan has dreamed of Kashmir since it was formed. That's why they wrongfully attacked India the first time, securing only POK which sadly was due to the UN, and weak Indian political power. Since then, they have infiltrated our country, and approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits are reported to have left the region due to constant persecution from the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other militant groups, like Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM). In 1989, radical Islamists initiated an insurgency, fueled by covert support from Pakistan.

The party at the time did its best to hide this, and stifle it as much as possible, this got an ounce of coverage and light when The Kashmir Files was released

Hindus have 5000 years of recorded history with the land, that Islamists claim has “always been Muslim land”. "Kashmir" is literally named after Rishi Kashyap, if you're aware. On 19, January 1990 mosques blared out the infamous "convert leave or die" and finished their mission of converting the entirety of Kashmir to an Islamic state. Our pandits were told to leave their wives and daughters behind if they wanted to escape alive.

They're still living like refugees in their country, and now thanks to the scrapping of sec 370, things have taken a turn for the better.

Many Muslims of Kashmir still retain their Hindu surname. It was a deliberate attempt to wipe Hindus out that Islamists achieved and now THAT'S the free Kashmir they want, this slogan isn't promising actual Kashmiris that were displaced from their homes back, this slogan is furthering the agenda to chew Kashmir off India's map - the one true dream.

A similar approach is taken by Khalistanis, they aren't asking for Lahore, you know, the capital of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, they're demanding INDIA to give Punjab away. They are funded by Pakistan as well that's why they can't say anything about Sikh treatment in Pakistan. That's why they can't say anything about Gurudwaras converted to garbage bins. You obviously, being far away, aren't aware of what's going beneath the surface, they have vandalized various Hindu Temples.

They take the name of their Guru who sacrificed his life for India, while they stomp on the flag of India.

In theory, I guess it sounds easy to say "Well, disagreements are flaring up, so let's just split and give them their own thing". But this isn't how it works. Compromise and collaboration is how decisions are made in a democracy. This is our motherland, the last time we split was painful as fuck. The only reason India didn't fall apart after Independence is because of the formation of linguistic states.

I lived in Bangalore for the majority of my childhood, and I left 2 years before the entire language debacle began. I don't know if you know, but now Kannadigas are getting violent if anyone speaks Hindi. They demand you to speak in Kannada even if you don't know how.

You're based in America, so I'm not holding this against you, but I'm begging you, please do more research.

[Exhibit 82]

[anhxdonia]

MAHARTH PRASAD CHANDRASEKHAR. “ i must know. ”

[ SENDHIL RAMAMURTHY, 50, CIS MAN, HE/HIM ] Welcome to Antioch, MAHARTH PRASAD CHANDRASEKHAR ! Local sources report that you’ve been in town for 2 WEEKS and are known to be CHARMING yet EVASIVE. Others have dredged up rumors that you’re involved in THE VAMPIRE OF ANTIOCH as a SUSPECT, but most know you for your work as the new PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS at ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY.

Character Name. Danish Maharth Prasad Chandrasekhar / ದಾನೀಶ ಮಹಾರ್ಥ ಪ್ರಸಾದ ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ್ Nickname(s). Danu, Som, Maha Face Claim. Sendhil Ramamurthy   Birthday.  October 27, 1974 Place of birth. Mysuru, Karnataka State, India Sexuality. Fluid Zodiac. Scorpio (Western), Tula/Libra (Vedic), Mīna (Rasi), Purva-Bhadrapada (Nakshatra) MBTI.  ESTP-A Moral Alignment. True Neutral Occupation. Professor of Comparative Religions, Adjunct Lecturer on Social Anthropology and Folklore Place of work. Antioch University Subplot affiliation. The Vampire of Antioch  3 positive traits. Affable, Passionate, Social 3 negative traits. Inquisitive, Distractable, Mercurial  Languages. Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and English in his everyday life. Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, and Koine Greek for academic studies. Love language. Expressing — gift-giving, words of affirmation; Receiving — physical touch, words of affirmation

BIOGRAPHY.

! TW: death, religious intolerance, political assassination, references to violence, discrimination.

The fifth child and youngest son of a prominent Mysuru politician and cabinet member, he was born Danish Prasad Chandrasekhar—a proud expression of his Kannadiga and Tamil heritage and his family's Muslim upbringing. Days were filled with the scent of old, well-loved books and fine tea, a quiet peace shared by the big family. The Chandrasekhars were well-off, surrounded by art and culture. They had everything, no, more than everything they needed and never looked outward. Therefore, they were, in essence, cut off from the world around them. Foolishly, Danish believed their way of living would be eternal.

Therefore, the Chandrasekhars never noticed the warning signs. Figuratively spritzed perfume over the smoke that came in the form of angry letters stuffed in mailboxes. And on a hot night in April, when Danish was away at a youth camp, his family and home were all lost to a raging fire set by a fringe group of dissidents following a contested election. Days after the tragedy, the six-year-old was taken in by an aunt on his mother's side. She was a Classics professor at Bangalore University and a practicing Hindu, and she legally changed his name to Maharth in her misguided idea of 'protection.'

Confused about the warring wills of his beloved nation and nursing a trauma he could not understand as a child, Maharth grew up in a religious household but socially became secular as he delved into learning about the various belief systems around him. He'd been gifted as a child, not only in learning languages but also in the connections of his birth, and his acceptance into the University of Oxford was all but guaranteed.

Maharth was a definite scholar, embracing academia with a matchless love that his peers, many talented beyond their years but still impetuous with youth, couldn't understand. Stranger still was Maharth's proclivities. Upon achieving his Master's in Comparative Theology at Oxford and bearing the unofficial title of an academic darling of the presses bearing the acclaimed name of his education, the newly minted professor chose fellowships in schools far from the eyes of the elite. Maybe he'd give a lecture at York or a semester at Harvard, but Maharth was more than content with setting up an office in the backwoods of America one day and the steppes of Siberia the next.

As years passed, Professor Chandrasekhar's disappearances and reappearances became part of his mystery, an appealing asterisk on the famous educator's magnetic persona. So no eyebrows were raised, and questions caught at the helm of one's throat when the eccentric intelligentsia took up a residency at Antioch University in southern Oregon. A man as odd as Maharth would be a perfect fit with a place as infamously strange as Antioch, they thought, oblivious to how correct they'd be in their assumptions.

& THE VAMPIRE OF ANTIOCH.

The victims of the case have been past and present students of Maharth's classes. This information is not public knowledge.

MISC. HEADCANONS.

enjoys fine teas and has shipped in his personal cupboard filled with porcelain teacups and mugs, has a sweet tooth but only indulges on thursdays, is a vegetarian and a half-decent cook but opts for leftovers, currently resides in a short-term rental villa at verdant hills thanks to a generous friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend-slash-benefactor, annotates all of his books with pen (and thus can never donate them to a library or give them away), and checks his astrology readings weekly.

WANTED CONNECTION. ( ASSAM. ) ANTAGONISTIC/ROMANTIC.

VIBES: Hannibal-lite, cat-and-mouse games, visitations without a warrant, pet names uttered between sips of tea.

[ Though Maharth is the supposed newcomer in town, he has a surprising wealth of knowledge about Antioch, specifically the case of the Vampire of Antioch. Though on the surface, there doesn't seem to be a connection between the professor and the case victims, upon closer inspection, there's something that doesn't add up... your muse decides to investigate — blatantly? covertly? — and Maharth is very willing to cooperate. After all, the pursuit of knowledge is key to one's self-discovery and enlightenment. ]

MID 40s+, catered to anyone interested in the vampire of antioch case. the romance angle is up to chemistry, but the underlying antagonism is the bedrock of this dynamic! — (2/2)

KANG KAI SOO; @kcngkai

ELINAM IKHLAS MANSARAY; @c1andest1ne

WANTED CONNECTION. ( DARJEELING. ) PLATONIC/MENTORSHIP.

VIBES: The Secret History, dark academia, midnight readings of sacred texts on the university lawns.

[ The new professor in town is making waves at Antioch University, with his classes reaching max capacity already in the first week of enrollment. His lectures are a hit with the youth, and some are even vying to be selected for the Professor's exclusive after-hour labs for hands-on, experiential learning. However, it is Maharth who ultimately decides, and whoever he accepts must meet some pre-requisites. ]

21+, students or auditors at Antioch University. — (0/4)

WANTED CONNECTION. ( KAHWAH. ) ANTAGONISTIC.

VIBES: The Departed (2006), sicko-to-sicko communication, laying dead flowers on the grave of your worstie, a chaste kiss on the side of a gun's barrel.

[ Whether it's a historical event or a chance encounter, both your muse and Maharth are aware of each other's secrets, which could shake up the town's status quo if revealed. However, the two are at a standstill since they are both firmly established in their roles, and their social circles only partially overlap. So even if they like to subtly hint at a revelation to the journalist or make a veiled threat, they know they won't get away with it without the other exacting swift vengeance. ]

35+, for anyone into wacky-zany toxicity of mutually assured destruction. — (0/1)

WANTED CONNECTION. ( NOON. ) FLIRTATIONSHIP.

VIBES: All of Us Strangers (2023), memories of the one who got away, finding fractions of the one in other people, tip-toeing dotted boundary lines.

[ It's said that "hurt people hurt hurt people," but can hurt people heal hurt people? Your muse and Maharth hit it off, and neither of them says why, though they know it reminds them of what love could've been. Part maladaptive coping mechanism and part feeling understood and seen for the first time, your muse and Maharth casually date and flirt, seeking escape and comfort with no strings attached. Although ignorance is bliss, and both are willfully ignorant, the town around them refuses to let them bury their heads in the sand. ]

MID 40s+, a doomed relationship considering what happens in this small town. — (1/1)

JOHN WEAVER; @godsunderfoot

WANTED CONNECTION. ( MASALA. ) PLATONIC/FAMILIAL.

VIBES: "wdyn uncle maharth is suspected of being a serial killer??? he got me tix to universal studios in orlando" :((((

[ Your muse has always known Uncle Maharth as a gregarious friend who spoiled you with gifts and praise. In town, Maharth is as friendly as ever, always there to listen to your troubles over sweets and tea. Your muse is aware of rumors going around, and while they doubt their veracity, it's hard to deny that Uncle Maharth is odd—weirder than what you remember as a child. Your muse starts to question if they truly know the man or if nostalgia is tinting their perception. ]

ANY AGE under 35, those who could be related to the Chandrasekhars, or have family in academia who are friends with Maharth. — (1/2?)

RESHIKA NIVANT DIVEKAR; @fatedghosts

PARALLELS & TROPES.

Hannibal (NBC Hannibal), Lestat de Lioncourt (Interview with a Vampire), Iago (Othello), Chase Young (Xiaolin Showdown, yes I am for real), Ryuk (Death Note). Affably Evil, Soft Spoken Sadist, The Corruptor.

MEMES.

! TW: nsfw humor, mentions of blood

[ mun note: as someone who is not of kannadiga or tamil heritage, i have relied on information from online resources. if anyone from these communities has constructive criticism for my portrayal of this character, please let me know. i am always open to learning! please note that any portrayals of dark content are not reflective of endorsements of the author. thank you! ]

[floralfantasy]

Neurodiversity in the Majority World

Online Seminar 

How do Neurodivergent Therapists Engage with Social Justice?  Anna Maria Joseph 

Anna is a public mental health researcher and writer with OCD, based in Bangalore, India. As a researcher, she is engaged with projects studying the rehospitalisation of psychiatric patients, impact of arts based interventions for gender violence prevention, and suicide prevention among young people. Through her writing, she prioritises lived experience to discuss disability, queerness, and the climate crisis. Her work has been featured on spaces like Women Enabled International, Disability Debrief, Revival Disability India, and Gaysi Family. She was awarded the SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation) Media for Mental Health Award in 2022. 

Vocabularies of inclusion: How Autistic voices in India are reframing personhood. Shubha Ranganathan

Shubha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. Her background is eclectic and interdisciplinary, having been trained in psychology but drawing on ethnographic approaches to questions around health, gender, and disability. Her research draws on a range of disciplines such as anthropology, gender studies, disability studies, and alternate paradigms within psychology such as critical and qualitative psychology. She has been engaged in qualitative explorations of local practices of healing among marginalized groups, as well as health and disability-related projects in India. Her work is framed by critical and social justice perspectives, focusing on lived experiences and the role of advocacy for social change. Currently, she is exploring questions about parenting and care in the context of autism as part of her engagement with the neurodiversity discourse in India.

The event is free of charge however, participants must register. 

Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Time: 

20.30 hours - 22.00 hours (Tokyo Time)

1700 hours - 1830 hours (Indian Standard Time)

12.30 hours - 14.00 hours (UK Time) 

13.30 hours - 15.00 hours (Johannesburg Time)

7.30 am- 9.00 am (New York Time) 

8.30 am -10.00am (Buenos AiresTime)

Registration link https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ofZoiROsL0e4mfcxbkOfQ2R-n7SIUR9Pj2px-QrEZi1UMFkzOFVUMk5aVlY4MkxVSzNPVUxWTUhUUy4u

Link to our website https://afroasiancriticalpsychology.wordpress.com/2024/06/26/neurodiversity-in-the-majority-world/

#ActuallyAutistic #Neurodiversity #AutisticRights #Autism #ADHD #SocialJustice #MajorityWorld #Inclusion #Psychology #India

[odinsson2021]

Here's the Playlist of my Tonight's Show!

I hope you liked it!

Stormwitch-Rondo ala Turca George Thorogood&The Destroyers-Bad to the Bone Rhino Bucket-Ride with yourself Kix-Blow my Fuse Bangalore Choir-Angel in Black Babylon A.D.-Bang go the Bells Maverick-Paint by Numbers Def Leppard-Rocket Aerosmith-Blind Man Meat Loaf-Rock and Roll Dreams come through The Cult-She sells Sanctuary The 69 Eyes-Brandon Lee The Sisters of Mercy-Lucretia my Reflection Leave’s Eyes-Who wants to live forever – Myths of Fate 22.03.24 Tad Morose-Sender of Thoughts Symphorce-Rage of Violence Symphony X-Seven Startovarius-The Kiss of Judas Stromzone-Fear Hotel Stranger Vision-Anthem for a Doomed Youth Stormwitch-Fallen from God Silent Force-Goodbye my Ghost ShadowQuest-Live Again Blind Guardian-Mister Sandman

[manicpixiess]

Book wrap-up!! I’ve been on an RF Kuang *spree* this week; I finished Babel and Yellowface, and am halfway through The Poppy War! I love love love how her stories are so compelling and addictively well-written; you simply cannot put the book down, even if nothing particularly thrilling is happening! 

Babel: Solid 3.5 stars out of 5. I’m not a student of either linguistics or history, so I was absolutely fascinated by the mini-lectures on etymology, and the concept of magic being harnessed from meaning lost in translation was one of the coolest premises I’ve ever come across in a book. The author’s world-building drew more on real historical events rather than attempts at reinventing history with silver magic at its core, which I honestly didn’t have a problem with (though a lot of other readers did!). This story worked perfectly well as low-fantasy for me. The historical aspects seemed well-researched, and the themes of violence, revolution and colonialism were explored in an impactful and creative (if not particularly subtle!) way. 

So why, you might ask, was it not a five star read? For me, it was the characters that did it. Robin and Letty are the only characters with any sort of, well, 3D-ness to them! The rest served only as a neat summary (a translation, if you will, and not a very good one) of the ideas, politics and culture of entire countries, or flat out caricatures, all created with the sole intent of making sure the reader Gets the point, which is that Racism is Bad. 

Ramy was a particularly disappointing character for me, because his is a story I would’ve loved to read- an Indian brought up in British-occupied India, sent to England to study. His character was instead reduced to quips and political opinions that are expressed in a jarringly modern way, with zero insight into how his culture and experiences as an Indian Muslim shaped these thoughts! We get only a brief interlude where Ramy’s history is explained in a single page, perhaps to make up for the abysmal lack of characterisation throughout the rest of the book. How hard would it have been to have these experiences be something he talks about, has feelings about, is affected by in noticeable ways?! The whole thing felt so impersonal. 

Ramy is the only POC character in the story with a surviving family (that he loves dearly and writes to!), yet these two facets of his experience (being a student at Oxford, and being brought up in India with family there) are entirely separate except when the author needs to drive a point home. I moved away from home for college- and I haven’t met a single person there who hasn’t experienced the move in a way that is fundamentally influenced by where they’re from (I’m from Bangalore, and I find the way that my uni’s city shuts down after like 10pm weird! I love the tree-lined roads, because they remind me of home! I miss my family! And these two cities are quite similar, and in the same country. I’d have wayy more to say if I’d been shipped to a new continent.) 

Victoire was the same- a single page explaining her backstory, and no characterisation besides her actions toward the end. It is hardly believable that Ramy and Victoire are so desperate to save their homes, their cultures, the parts of themselves that they have to fight to keep- without their connections to these things ever appearing organically. I suppose it just goes to show that representation is tricky business! What I wanted from Ramy’s story might not be what every South Asian wants, and his character was not written to be the main focus of the book. I still love that RF Kuang wrote a character that I can see bits of myself in!

I absolutely would recommend the book. It’s incredibly creative and beautifully written, and explores really important themes.

Yellowface: 3.5 out of 5 again! I’m still unsure if this book was intended as a serious critique of the publishing industry, or even an exploration of the question of who gets to tell which stories. Athena’s complicated relationship with the people whose stories she told (especially the whole diaspora versus resident divide on writing about a country’s history, and her family’s reaction to her books) is something I would’ve liked to see more of, but like that one tumblr post said- critique what the book did, not what it didn’t! June Hayward is incredibly hateable, and given how chronically online I am, I was nodding my head sagely the whole time she was getting put in her place on twitter. It’s an easy, compelling read but it definitely gives you something to think about.

[seavoice]

the education of yuri, jerry pinto // milk teeth, amrita mahale

too pragmatic and practical to hate...but hate growing teeth and bones anyway (wait, perhaps always there).

absolutely crushing to read these two knowing it’s written with hindsight of the last four decades and through the prism of modern day communal violence rhetoric. how many times in the past few years have we heard this said about delhi, about mumbai, about bangalore while violence still rages on and becomes increasing organised that too. [also extremely fascinating to see two strikingly similar tracks on bombay, one in the 80s (post ‘84 riots) from the pov of a school boy who’s been in many ways an orphan of religion and region raised by his anti-establishment uncle and the other in the 90s (post ‘92) of a civic beat journalist coming of age in a changing city sold on beliefs of syncretism, raised by complacent middle class parents. so different but still so so similar!]

[globalliterarycircleandpublisher]

WHO IS FIRDOUS ALAM ?

ABOUT FIRDOUS ALAM:

One of the versatile & creative writers , Clochard (also known as Firdous Alam) was born in 1998 , 11th may in the northeastern region of india. Firdous or Clochard is a famous Indo-American novelist, poet and philosopher. He is well known for his unique mixture of different literary genres and devices .

When he was a student, he won the District level story writing competition, State level essay writing competition (TWICE) and scored 100% in National level quizzes on English Literature organised by a Government College of Chattisgarh. In 2022, he secured a rank among top-100 poets organized by SUPER7 National poetry competition.

      As one of the youngest writers/novelists of the 21st century, he started his writing career early at the age of 19 and wrote almost six ebooks which are available in Kindle US, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, India, Mexico and in other Amazon market places. In 2022, he won YS INTERNATIONAL AWARD as a novelist for his adult fiction book, "Aura Of August: In Red Light Street". In the year 2023, he won STATE GEM AWARD in Bangalore in the best novelist of the year category. The ELYSIANPEN and WEBSTORYINDIA placed Clochard among TOP 30 outstanding personalities of the year 2023. In the same year, THE EXPLORING MINDS placed him in the 20th place among the Changemakers of India. In 2024, he won GEOFFREY CHAUCER AWARD for his valuable contribution towards English literature and again, ELYSIANPEN placed him among "TOP 19 MOST UNIQUE WRITERS OF 2023". In Asia's largest Book Fair or World's 3rd largest Book Fair (Kolkata Book Fair), his novel "Aura Of August' got the highest sales of all time which is a big achievement for a novelist like Clochard. In the year 2024, he won the B.R AMBEDKAR AWARD(SAMMAN) for writing the book 'FOUR WAYS TO REVERSE RAPE & SEXUAL VIOLENCE '. In fact, he is the first person who provided realistic methods to stop rape, sexual violence and other crimes using new Constitutional laws and these methods are really useful for the Presidents as well as people of all countries.

Amazon Author Page Link -

[hoonvrs]

india is a predominantly hindu country with a history of hating and abusing muslims ur point??

saint if you read the news, you would know it's not just us who are in the wrong. recently, we've had several terror attacks in just a span of few days. people of jammu and kashmir live in constant fear.

i will not defend my country and say we haven't done anything but please know that muslims haven't treated us any better. if you have time, please sit and read about the history of both the countries.

the Agartala bombings, Amarnath yatra massacre, Bangalore serial blasts, chamba massacre, chennai train bombings, infamous 26/11 the Mumbai bombings — and these are only a few out of a list of hundreds.

if you're going to talk about how hindus abuse Muslims, do mention the horrible things muslims have done to india and its citizens over the years and continue to do so.

OMFGGG WHY ARE YOU BITCHES DUMBBB OPEN UP THE SCHOOLS!!!

i never fucking said anyone if perfect i said both parties have done wrong who am i to say which is the victim and which is not

AND THEYRE NOT FUCKING MUSLIMSSSS islam is literally against violence do you bitches ever fucking read gawdddddd

[jccrmun24khalistan]

PUNJAB IN CRISIS: GYATT RAVAGES INCOMPETENT GOVERNMENT

In the span of three days, six government buildings have been bombarded with explosives by a terrorist front who term themselves the Guru Youth Army of Tiger Troops, or GYATT in short. Said buildings include the headquarters of the Punjab Police, the Punjab State Assembly building, the High Courts of Punjab and the regional office of Doordarshan. A number of post offices have also been hit, and communication lines across the state have been largely crippled.

In the blink of an eye, the central government’s authority in Punjab has witnessed a complete collapse, and a state of anarchy prevails on the streets; riots have intensified, shops are being looted by Hindus and Sikhs alike, and women and children are confined to their homes in fear of the violence that runs rampant outside. 

While the situation in Punjab cannot be accurately assessed due to safety concerns, there remains not a shadow of a doubt that GYATT forces had planned this operation for months, and strategically taken advantage of the central government authorities’ moments of weakness during which the Lok Sabha and Indian Police Service were plagued by petty infighting. Disagreements between various branches of government, as well as the authorities’ general inability to coordinate swift and decisive action against militant groups fighting for the Khalistan Movement, have been cited as reasons for agencies’ inability to predict and prevent said attack.

News of havoc in Punjab has reached the ears of many an Indian across the country, inciting public furore; Hindus from Bangalore to New Delhi are questioning how the government enabled the movement to develop and flourish, despite the Sikhs having had the odds stacked against them from the very beginning. According to an exclusive interview with Doordarshan, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is set to announce the resignation of her entire cabinet, and intends to step down herself.

[jccrmun24central]

PUNJAB IN CRISIS: GYATT RAVAGES INCOMPETENT GOVERNMENT

In the span of three days, six government buildings have been bombarded with explosives by a terrorist front who term themselves the Guru Youth Army of Tiger Troops, or GYATT in short. Said buildings include the headquarters of the Punjab Police, the Punjab State Assembly building, the High Courts of Punjab and the regional office of Doordarshan. A number of post offices have also been hit, and communication lines across the state have been largely crippled.

In the blink of an eye, the central government’s authority in Punjab has witnessed a complete collapse, and a state of anarchy prevails on the streets; riots have intensified, shops are being looted by Hindus and Sikhs alike, and women and children are confined to their homes in fear of the violence that runs rampant outside. 

While the situation in Punjab cannot be accurately assessed due to safety concerns, there remains not a shadow of a doubt that GYATT forces had planned this operation for months, and strategically taken advantage of the central government authorities’ moments of weakness during which the Lok Sabha and Indian Police Service were plagued by petty infighting. Disagreements between various branches of government, as well as the authorities’ general inability to coordinate swift and decisive action against militant groups fighting for the Khalistan Movement, have been cited as reasons for agencies’ inability to predict and prevent said attack.

News of havoc in Punjab has reached the ears of many an Indian across the country, inciting public furore; Hindus from Bangalore to New Delhi are questioning how the government enabled the movement to develop and flourish, despite the Sikhs having had the odds stacked against them from the very beginning. According to an exclusive interview with Doordarshan, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is set to announce the resignation of her entire cabinet, and intends to step down herself.

[arisedetective]

Pre Marriage Background Check Bangalore — Dating & Marriage Partner Research — Background Verification

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining trust and integrity in relationships has become paramount. When considering marriage or embarking on a serious dating relationship, it is crucial to conduct a thorough background check on your partner to ensure the safety and well-being of both parties involved. This document outlines the importance of pre marriage background check in Bangalore and outlines the key aspects to consider when conducting such research.

Importance of Pre Marriage Background Check in Bangalore

There are several reasons why conducting a background check prior to marriage or dating is advisable:

1. Personal Safety: By understanding your partner’s background, you can make informed decisions about their safety. This includes verifying their identity, criminal records, and any potential red flags such as a history of violence or financial instability.

2. Financial Stability: Conducting a background check can help you determine if your partner is financially stable and responsible. This is particularly important when entering into a long-term relationship, as shared finances can be a significant source of stress.

3. Compatibility: Understanding your partner’s background can help you gauge their compatibility with you. This could include cultural, religious, or social background, which can impact your future as a couple.

4. Family History: Conducting a background check can provide valuable insights into your partner’s family history. This could include genetic disorders, medical conditions, or past family issues that may impact your future together.

Key Aspects to Consider in Pre Marriage Background Check in Bangalore

When conducting pre marriage background checks in Bangalore, there are several aspects to consider:

1. Identity Verification: It is essential to verify the identity of your partner by checking their birth certificate, driver’s license, or any other official identification documents. This can help establish their authenticity and prevent any fraudulent activities.

2. Criminal Records: Checking your partner’s criminal records is crucial to ensure their suitability for marriage or a serious dating relationship. This includes any past offenses, pending court cases, or criminal records in other geographical locations.

3. Financial Stability: Researching your partner’s financial stability involves reviewing their financial records, such as bank statements, tax returns, and credit reports. This can help identify any potential financial discrepancies or red flags.

4. Family History: Investigating your partner’s family history can provide valuable insights into their genetic background, health conditions, and any family issues or concerns. This can help both partners make informed decisions about their future.

5. Social Media Background: In today’s digital age, it is essential to review your partner’s social media accounts. This can include examining their posts, comments, and interactions with others, as this information can provide insights into their personality, values, and beliefs. Are You Looking Detective agency in Bangalore Contact Us with Aris Detective Agency.

6. Previous Relationships: Examining your partner’s past relationships can provide insights into their communication style, conflict resolution skills, and overall compatibility with you. It can also help identify any potential red flags or warning signs.

Conclusion

Conducting a pre marriage background check in Bangalore is an essential step in establishing trust and safeguarding your future. By carefully considering key aspects such as identity verification, criminal records, financial stability, family history, and social media background, you can make an informed decision about your partner’s suitability for marriage or a serious dating relationship. Remember, trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and a thorough background check can help you build a solid foundation for your future together.

Source:- https://arisdetectives.com/pre-marriage-background-check-bangalore-dating-marriage-partner-research-background-verfication/

[sampark25]

Sampark is a Best NGOs in Bangalore Helping the Poor

Sampark’s mission is to help vulnerable and poor people, especially women, to gain direct control over and improve their lives. This is achieved through educational interventions primarily aimed at increasing people’s income earning ability. Sampark is a Best NGOs in Bangalore helping the poor.

 Can We Deliver Justice to the Devadasis? Laws and Current Policy Landscape in India

The devadasi practice was first abolished during the British Raj under Lord Reading in 1925. Since then, many laws and policies have been proposed and passed to protect the rights of Devadasis. However, despite legal sanctions to combat the existence of the system, the Devadasi practice still prevails in different parts of modern India. 

Let us take a look at the laws and policies that are currently functioning at the central and state level in India.

National Legislation

As the Devadasi dedication is largely limited regionally, most of the legislation and policy action is undertaken at the State Government level. However, many national legislative instruments directly criminalise certain aspects of the practice, while several other instruments address other aspects.

Legislation

How Does it Address the Issue?

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1935

The minimum age for a valid marriage of a woman is 18 years, and a breach can lead to penalties including imprisonment and fines.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

In 2015, the dedication of “a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe woman to a deity, idol, object of worship, temple, or other religious institution as a devadasi or any other similar practice” was added to the list of prohibited practices and made punishable. Penalties include a minimum imprisonment of six months and may extend up to five years with a fine. 

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

Criminalisation of trafficking for sexual exploitation and a punishment of imprisonment up to 7 years with a fine. Penalties for different activities involving prostitution.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Under Section 2(f), the Act covers not only relationships arising out of marriage but also relationships between persons who live or have lived (at any point of time) together. The relationships between Devadasis and their partners often assume this character

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

Penalization of offenders where the bride or bridegroom are below the statutory age. The Act also sets up a Child Marriage Prohibition Officer to undertake activities that prevent child marriages from occurring, including sensitization, counselling, and awareness building. 

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

Protection of children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography and establishment of Special Courts for prosecution of offences under it. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015

The Act defines ‘child’ as one “who has been or is being or is likely to be abused, tortured or exploited for the purpose of sexual abuse or illegal acts”, thus applicable to Devadasis.

List of National Legislation that criminalizes many aspects of the Devadasi system

State Legislation

Several state governments, in the regions where the practice is prevalent, have enacted laws to abolish the Devadasi practice. These are: 

The Madras Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Act, 1947, which is also referred to as the Tamil Nadu Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Act

The Andhra Pradesh Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act, 1947, and amended in 1988

The Karnataka State (Prevention of Dedication) Act, 1982, and amended in 2010 

Goa Children’s Act of 2003 (which contains a chapter on Devadasis)

The Maharashtra Devadasi System Abolition Act, 2005

In terms of objective, the laws are largely similar, in that they focus on preventing child sexual abuse or prohibiting dedication and caste based atrocities. However, few NGOs have been able to use the legal route to stop the practice as laws are poorly implemented and many families dedicate their daughters in secret (deeply.thenewhumanitarian). Smita Premchanger, Secretary, Sampark strongly advocates economic empowerment and social support as the best ways to tackle the problem at its root cause – poverty, caste and oppression. 

View  more.. https://sampark.org/

[nextlegal]

The Ultimate Guide to Matrimonial Lawyers in Bangalore: NextLegal

Are you facing a difficult situation in your marriage and considering seeking legal advice? Or perhaps you are already in the process of a divorce and need a reliable and experienced lawyer to represent you. Whatever your situation may be, finding the right matrimonial lawyer in Bangalore is crucial to ensure a smooth and fair resolution.

In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to NextLegal, a leading law firm in Bangalore specializing in matrimonial law. We will also discuss the importance of hiring a matrimonial lawyer and the services they offer.

Why Hire a Matrimonial Lawyer?

Expertise in Matrimonial Law

Matrimonial law is a complex and ever-evolving area of law that deals with marriage, divorce, and related issues such as child custody, alimony, and property division. A matrimonial lawyer has specialized knowledge and experience in this field, making them the best person to handle your case.

They are well-versed in the legal procedures and requirements for marriage and divorce, and can provide you with valuable advice and guidance throughout the process.

Objective and Unbiased Advice

Divorce and other matrimonial issues can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It is easy to make impulsive decisions that may not be in your best interest in the long run. A matrimonial lawyer can provide you with objective and unbiased advice, helping you make informed decisions that are in your best interest.

Legal Representation and Protection

In a divorce or other matrimonial dispute, it is important to have a lawyer who can represent and protect your rights and interests. They can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are not violated. In case of a court trial, they can present a strong case and fight for a fair outcome.

Services Offered by NextLegal

NextLegal is a full-service law firm in Bangalore that offers a wide range of services in the field of matrimonial law. Here are some of the services they offer:

Marriage Registration

In India, it is mandatory to register your marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954. NextLegal can assist you with the entire process of marriage registration, from obtaining the necessary documents to submitting the application and obtaining the marriage certificate.

Divorce Proceedings

If you are considering filing for divorce, NextLegal can provide you with expert legal advice and representation. They can handle all aspects of the divorce proceedings, including filing the petition, negotiating with the other party, and representing you in court if necessary.

Child Custody and Maintenance

Child custody and maintenance are often the most contentious issues in a divorce. NextLegal can help you navigate these issues and ensure that your child's best interests are protected. They can also assist with obtaining or modifying child support and maintenance orders.

Property Division

In a divorce, the division of property can be a complex and contentious issue. NextLegal can help you understand your rights and entitlements and negotiate a fair division of assets and liabilities. They can also assist with drafting and reviewing property settlement agreements.

Domestic Violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence, NextLegal can help you obtain a protection order to ensure your safety. They can also assist with filing criminal charges against the abuser and seeking compensation for any physical or emotional harm caused.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

A pre-nuptial agreement is a legal document that outlines the division of assets and liabilities in case of a divorce. NextLegal can help you draft a pre-nuptial agreement that is fair and legally binding. They can also assist with post-nuptial agreements, which are similar documents signed after marriage.

Why Choose NextLegal?

NextLegal is a trusted and reputable law firm in Bangalore with a team of experienced and dedicated matrimonial lawyers. Here are some reasons why you should choose NextLegal for your matrimonial legal needs:

Expertise and Experience

NextLegal has a team of highly qualified and experienced lawyers who specialize in matrimonial law. They have a deep understanding of the legal system and can provide you with the best possible legal representation.

Personalized Approach

At NextLegal, they understand that every case is unique and requires a personalized approach. They take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns and tailor their services accordingly.

Transparent and Affordable Fees

NextLegal believes in transparency and ensures that their clients are fully aware of the fees and charges involved in their case. They offer competitive and affordable rates, making their services accessible to all.

Client Satisfaction

NextLegal has a proven track record of client satisfaction, with many satisfied clients who have successfully resolved their matrimonial issues with their help. They prioritize their clients' needs and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for them.

How to Get Started with NextLegal

If you are in need of a matrimonial lawyer in Bangalore, getting started with NextLegal is easy. Here's what you need to do:

Contact NextLegal through their website or by phone to schedule a consultation.

During the consultation, discuss your case and concerns with the lawyer and get a clear understanding of the services they offer and the fees involved.

If you decide to proceed with NextLegal, they will guide you through the necessary steps and handle your case with utmost professionalism and care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring a matrimonial lawyer is crucial when dealing with marriage and divorce-related issues. NextLegal is a leading law firm in Bangalore that offers a wide range of services in the field of matrimonial law. With their expertise, experience, and personalized approach, they can help you navigate the legal system and achieve a fair and satisfactory resolution to your case. Contact NextLegal today to schedule a consultation and get the legal support you need.

[cooldivorcelaw]

New Rules for Divorce in India in 2023 | Lead India Law Firm

If the parties believe they cannot continue the marriage, they will not hesitate to file for divorce. The courts develop laws to settle divorce disputes and offer best divorce lawyer bangalore fairness to both parties. It’s important to emphasize that these revisions are part of the 2023 update to the Hindu Marriage Act, which exclusively applies to Hindus. Other religious organizations have their own marital rules and may have distinct reasons for divorce.

New Rules Waiving the Mandatory 6 Months Period for Rehabilitation According to Section 13B (2), when spouses file for divorce with mutual consent, the court gives them a statutory six-month interval to contemplate any changes to their choice. The court grants this time to salvage the marriage.

After six months, the couple might choose to reconcile or divorce. A six-month recovery time was required. However, under the new regulation, it is no longer required and is left to the discretion of the court. The court may determine, based on the facts and circumstances of the given case, whether a six-month rehabilitation period is necessary or if the couple should be permitted to divorce immediately.

This was found in the Supreme Court judgment in the Akanksha versus Anupam Mathur case. The court was persuaded that the couple had made a conscious choice to divorce, and there was no purpose in asking the parties to wait another six months for divorce. The court decided to waive the six-month limit and ordered the marriage to be annulled.

Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage When a couple decides that they can no longer live together as married partners, this is referred to as separation or the collapse of the marriage. The partners may or may not live under the same roof, but they are not married. In divorce law, there are no special regulations regarding this subject. The Supreme Court ruled in Sangamitra Ghose vs. Kajal Kumar Ghosh that the couple’s marriage was irretrievably destroyed and that there was no way to mend the relationship. As a result, the Supreme Court ruled that the couple can divorce based on the irreversible disintegration of their marriage.

Law of Maintenance Extended for Live-in Relationships According to the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, the court may impose the payment of maintenance. This is to assist women in maintaining the same quality of life following divorce. If the marriage is not legal under Hindu law, the wife may seek support under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

From the perspective of the law, a live-in partnership is considered a marriage. As a result, under the Code of Criminal Procedure, a woman who was in a live-in relationship can likewise seek maintenance from her live-in spouse. Furthermore, if the couples have been in a live-in relationship for a long period, there is no need to give stringent proof of marriage.

According to the new divorce regulations in India 2022, the victim, i.e. the wife or live-in partner, can seek remedy under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, even if she is not entitled to a claim under the Criminal Procedure Code. The victim may seek more remedies under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act than is provided under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Adultery Is Not Punishable According to the new guidelines, adultery might be deemed a reason for divorce in India, although it is not penalized. The court stated that penalizing the spouse and his or her lover with whom he or she committed adultery cannot be used to preserve the marriage. The couples can divorce based on adultery, but there is no punishment for adultery.