John Keating's memorable lines from "Dead Poets Society"— "Medicine, law, business, and engineering are noble pursuits necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love—what we stay alive for"—eloquently highlight the stark contrast between capitalism's pragmatic pursuits and the soul-enriching essence of artistic expression. This conflict is significantly pronounced in India, where economic expansion often overshadows cultural preservation, affecting the country's rich tapestry of traditional arts. Among the most poignant examples of this conflict is the struggle of the handloom weavers in Varanasi and Kanchipuram. These artisans, the guardians of an ancient craft, painstakingly produce silk sarees renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. However, they now face the pervasive threat of industrialization, which floods the market with cheaper, machine-made alternatives. This competition undermines their traditional livelihoods a...
Despite extensive campaigns and initiatives by the ECI to boost electoral participation, major urban areas in southern India have shown surprisingly low voter turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections. This trend comes to light after the historic third-term victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance, a coalition of political parties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This victory marks the second time a prime minister has achieved a third term after Nehru. This article explores the paradox of vibrant urban centres like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi, which exhibit robust economic and cultural dynamism yet witness diminished electoral engagement. Comprehensive Voter Engagement Efforts: The Election Commission of India (ECI), with its unwavering commitment to increasing voter turnout, had implemented various campaigns and interventions. These initiatives, which were a testament to the ECI's dedication, leveraged modern communication, media...