Exploring the context and issues behind the episode Picture from: https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-32005320080218, February 18, 2008 This is a slightly revised piece of writing that I originally produced on 27 July 2014 for a Facebook posting, which was then published on 4 August 2014 in Alochonaa (Dialogue). I have now revised it slightly to get across the message that […]
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On recent demographic issues in the Indian sub-continent
The picture (above) taken from this article in The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Muslim-population-growth-slows/article10336665.ece) Some of the assertions, allegations and implications made by Hindu nationalists about demographic shifts in India and Bangladesh do not make any sense. For example, it is claimed that as, when Bangladesh was created as the eastern wing of Pakistan in 1947, the proportion […]
Being critical should be separated from nationalistic hatred
There is a danger that when criticising the British Empire for all its exploitation and evils – like the violent takeover of large territories around the world; displacement of people from their ancestral lands; genocide of countless groups, tribes and ethnicities; complete extinctions of some groups, such as the Aboriginal of Tasmania – some people […]
When I was attacked in Green Street at 1.30 am in 1977
The picture is from 1977 and on the day of the attack I was wearing these exact shirt and jumper (This article is reproduced from a 2017 Facebook post) I was part of a group of extended groups of friends who played an important part in keeping Newham and parts of Redbridge and Barking/Dagenham safe […]
Remembering the racist murder of Akhtar Ali Baig in East Ham in 1980
Akhtar Ali Baig (right). On the left is a guy who joined the demonstration on Saturday 19 July 1980 was one of my friends and we used to call him Robin. I do no remember his full name. This image and those below are taken from http://www.e7-nowandthen.org/2018/06/racism-in-forest-gate-in-1970s-and_12.html Does anyone remember the racist murder of Akhtar […]
The idea of ‘Bangla Town’ in Brick Lane was ridiculous
Photo of Brick Lane Bangla Town (2010) The idea of Bangla Town in Brick Lane and the design quality of the arch and streetlamps established to physically signify this were both ridiculous. For many Bangladeshi Londoners, the establishment of Bangla Town in the Brick Lane area represents an important achievement. They feel proud of the […]
What will happen to Kashmir, I know not!
But I know one thing for sure – things will not go according to the fantasies of the Hindu nationalists! (Originally posted on Facebook on 11 August 2019, reproduced in my blog for the first anniversary of the change of status of Kashmir on 5 August 2019. The picture on the left taken from The […]
Why Nobody Should Use the Terms ‘Islamism’ and ‘Islamist’
Also, BAME is an absurd term! BAME is an absurd term! I thought the term BAME was absurd and inappropriate. I am glad that it is in the process of being ditched. ‘Islamists’ and ‘Islamism’ are also absurd terms! Similarly, I consider the terms ‘Islamists’ and ‘Islamism’ to also be absurd and inappropriate. Hope to […]
Bali Bombing 2002, Tri Hita Karana and the Kuta Karnival
An incredible response to a massive terrorist bombing tragedy Kuta Karnival parade launch (27 Sept. 2009) by Miss Indonesia 2009 A Celebration of Life The Kuta Karnival, which ran for several years, was an annual festival in October held in and around Kuta Beach. Although the event was called ‘A Celebration of Life’, its origin […]
Why I oppose ‘reconverting’ Hagia Sophia into a mosque
A decree was signed by Erdogan on 10 July 2020 to ‘re-convert’ the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, following the ruling by a Turkish court to annul the decision made by Kemal’s Ataturk’s cabinet in 1935 to convert the building, which was a mosque for nearly five hundred years, since around 1453 when Constantinople was […]