Urban Expansion in Punjab: Opportunity or Overreach?
Urban growth should be a tool for social transformation and economic opportunity, not a mechanism for ecological destruction and social displacement.
Tikender Singh Panwar
Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla and Visiting Senior Fellow at IMPRI
Himachal’s Cultural Crossroads: Feudal Revival vs. Social Reform
Incidents of the past few years highlight a shift in the social and cultural milieu of Himachal Pradesh. A state that once evolved through the determination of its political leadership and the momentum of progressive social and cultural movements is witnessing a resurgence of decadent feudal values. Alongside, a rise in right-wing revivalism is reshaping the state's socio-political landscape. Evaluating this trend in the current context, particularly in light of the missed opportunities for a cultural and intellectual renaissance, is essential.
India’s Urban Development: From central control to local needs
India is on the cusp of a profound urban metamorphosis. In the forthcoming decades, India is anticipated to boast the most significant urban population globally. However, India’s urban future is shaped by blueprints drawn far from the streets where people live.
Tourism vs. Ecology: The Impact of Vehicle Caps in Ooty & Kodaikanal
Carrying capacity must serve as a tool for long-term sustainability rather than a restrictive measure that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities
Lost in the Pursuit of Profit: The Dimming of Himalayan Heritage
Norway’s Parliament issued a formal apology for its assimilation policies targeting the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn peoples. These policies, known as Norwegianisation, were implemented between the 1850s and 1960s to suppress indigenous languages and cultures. Alongside the apology, the government proposed measures to address ongoing discrimination, such as protecting indigenous languages and monitoring inclusion efforts starting in 2027.
India’s Urban Odyssey: Dreams, Struggles, and the Power of Aspirations
Whether it is a farmer from rural Bihar seeking a stable income in Delhi, or a young graduate from a small town aspiring to join Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem, the magnetism of urban centres lies in their perceived ability to transform lives.