Where suicide is a crime, but not murder | No, I will not give back my awards!

CURRENT AFFAIRS

IROM SHARMILA’S 15-YEAR HUNGER STRIKE Where suicide is a crime, but not murder For the last 15 years, India has been unable to deal with a fasting, frail poet! Anjuman Ara Begum writes how Irom Sharmila has been waging a protest against the cruel Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, enforced in her home state of Manipur and other parts of northeast India.

OPINION No, I will not give back my awards Two-time national award winner, veteran journalist Shoma A Chatterji explains with disarming honesty why, despite being deeply concerned over the prevailing socio-cultural milieu in the country, she would not like to blindly follow her celebrated co-awardees in returning the awards.

TRADE

WTO IMPACT The long arms of trade As the countdown for the tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO to be held in Nairobi, Kenya through 15-18 December commences, Shalini Bhutani emphasises the need for a cautious deliberation on how trade rules affect key sectors and all stakeholders.

RIGHTS

BASIC RIGHTS Rallying for people’s rights Jan Adhikar Yatra, a ten-day long march took place across the state of Jharkhand last month. The yatra was to mobilise people against the growing attacks on their basic rights like employment guarantee, food security, social security, and right to their forest and land. Ankita Aggarwal reports about her experience in the Yatra.

ELECTION COMMISSION

MONEY POWER IN ELECTIONS Cash inside pens and gift cards: Challenges before the Election Commission There is a lot that happens in the background to make sure that every Indian election - like the just concluded Bihar assembly election - is conducted fairly, freely and peacefully. Smarak Swain , who was on election duty in Bihar reports on the challenges faced by the Election Commission of India and how it is overcoming them effectively.

NGO PROFILE

FEATURE Udavum Karangal: A story of love and compassion With a few more Udavum Karangals, the world would probably be an ideal place! Shoma A. Chatterji chronicles the story of the Chennai-based NGO that has, through its many units, helped thousands among the destitute and underprivileged find anew a life of dignity and purpose.