Kanchan Banerjee

November heralds global leadership changes that may portend both political and economic directions for the coming years. US presidential poll and the hand-over of power in China — two different systems, but in a strange coincidence that can impact the world in a big way. The economy, food, energy, social justice, human rights, fundamentalism, global peace, climate and many more important matters will be affected by the change in leadership. The changes happening in Beijing and Washington have both domestic and global implications since both are economic super-powers. India must prepare itself to effectively deal with these changes. Perhaps, it ...

New Global Indian (NGI), the platform for networking and information-sharing, has taken a significant turn for the better this year. Since its humble launch in 2008, NGI has made far-reaching contribution to connect and share inspiring success stories of Indian diaspora at large. ...

The Independence Day of any nation invokes emotions of many kinds. After all, being able to freely live, express and contribute is the birthright of every individual. Independence day celebrates the occasion when one had acquired that fundamental right. India’s independence was historical. World War II had ended. The world, especially Europe, was in turmoil. While Adolf Hitler’s defeat was a great relief, Britain’s diminution of power had pleased many across the world as well. British colonialism had caused misery to the victim nations, which included destruction of indigenous economy, social systems and sheer discrimination and torture of its subjects. ...

When Job Charnock made his way towards the unknown world, no one could predict that he would go native in the then Bengal. He started to eat, drink and make merry like a Bengali, and even smoked from a hokum pipe like a pucca Bengali. The villages which formed Kolkata of Charnock’s times may not be there, but thousands of such hamlets can still be found throughout Bengal and India. Thanks to the East India Company, urbanization was initiated amid the lush green landscape dotted with rivers that ran like veins and arteries. Mango, berries, jackfruit along with flowers like ...

A good way to test our humanness is by checking out if we still love a flower, a child’s smile, cheer up while listening to music or when we hear or share a story: whether real or imaginary. There was a time, it seems a long time ago, when one’s childhood began with fascinating stories told by one’s elders. But slowly, that privilege of children is fading away. We, as parents, are at fault since we don’t have time. We have passed on our responsibility to technology, which means the television and the Internet. Should watching films inside halls become ...

Composed more than a century ago, the Indian national anthem epitomizes the unity in diversity of one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. There is a controversial ring to this song as well. Many still think it was written in praise of George V, the then king of England, the colonial power that ruled over the nation. History suggests that the doyen of Bengali literature Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore was asked to pen a song for George V. ...

Rajasthan, the ancient ‘land of the royals’, is today an integral part of Indian union. Rajputana’s history goes back far in Indian history. The otherwise dry and mostly arid state attracts millions of visitors every year. Majestic palaces, mouthwatering food, rich tapestry of culture and hospitable locals make it a romantic must-see destination. Thar dessert’s aridness has not touched the heart and minds of the warm Rajasthanis. ...

As Bihar celebrates 100th anniversary of its formation as a modern Indian state, it may feel like ages. But given the state’s history, 100 year is a mere speck in the sands of time. Bihar stands for ‘abode’ in Sanskrit and Pali that finds numerous allusions in Buddhist monasteries, but later it assumed the notion of ‘an educational city’ heralding the glory of the largest and best universities of that bygone era -Nalanda, Odantpura and Vikramshila. This ancient land of great emperors like Samudragupta, Vikramaditya and Ashoka, and the great Chankya were instrumental of what is called the ‘classical’ and ...

Many people of Indian origin not only made huge impact in the respective societies they adopted, but also influenced thought processes of local nationalities. History is often remembered only on occasions and needs. However, if we go by what German historian Johann Gustav Droysen (1808-1884) had to say, then our civilization, society and education system need some rethinking. He said: “History is the “know thyself” of humanity the self-consciousness of mankind.” ...

The world was talking about China’s growth story till only recently. Now, India is mentioned together with China, when it comes to future of development. This is good news when one thinks of opportunities that perception alone can yield and could be depressing when one finds the insurmountable challenges ahead of the country. Falling rupee and inflation is on everyone’s mind. But that is not the orbit where India is going to stay for long as India, one of the strongest bricks in the BRIC, is expected to be out of morass sooner. ...