Latest news with #Basu
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
West Bengal denies Centre's outreach on common board, calls move unnecessary for high-performing state
KOLKATA: West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Thursday said he is yet to receive any communication from the Union Ministry of Education, which has recommended seven states to adopt a common board for classes 10 and 12 after an analysis flagged that they accounted for 66 per cent of student failures last year. Speaking to reporters, Basu said students of the West Bengal boards always perform well, and the class 10 and 12 final examinations conducted by them record a high pass percentage. "We are yet to hear anything about this from the Centre. However, whatever I read in the press, the issue is not relevant to our state. Except for the COVID period, the pass percentage of candidates appearing in both secondary and higher secondary exams in West Bengal has been high," he said. The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education conducts the Madhyamik examination for class 10, while the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education conducts the class 12 final examinations. This year, 86.56 per cent out of the total 9,69,425 candidates cleared the Madhaymik examination, while 90.79 per cent of 4,82,948 candidates cleared the class 12 exams. PTI had reported on Wednesday that the Ministry of Education has recommended seven states to adopt a common board for classes 10 and 12 after an analysis by the School Education Department found they accounted for 66 per cent of student failures last year. The seven states are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Manipur, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal. There are a total of 66 school examination boards in the country -- three national-level boards and 63 state-level boards (54 regular and 12 open boards). While the top 33 boards cover 97 per cent of students, the remaining 33 boards cover just 3 per cent of students. "Common board for classes 10 and 12 is the way forward for ease of schooling. Not having a common board leads to poor academic outcomes. We have recommended these states to adopt a common board," School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
West Bengal's new UG admission 2025: Portal to cover 460 colleges across 17 universities launched
KOLKATA: West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Tuesday launched the centralised admission portal for enrolment in higher educational institutions for undergraduate courses. The higher secondary examination results of the state board were published on May 7. Altogether 460 state-run and state-aided colleges under 17 universities will be included in the portal and students can apply through it from 10 am on June 18, Basu said. The last day of the first phase will be on July 1. A student can make a maximum of 25 choices priority-wise for college and subject categories, and can change both institue and subject till July 1, a senior education department official said. Basu said if the required number of seats is not filled up in a college chosen by a student, he might get a second chance for enrollment in the same institution. "We wish to keep the entire process simple, transparent and seamless," the minister said. A newly launched chatbot 'Veena' will assist candidates in filling up the details. "We have named it 'Veena' symbolising the instrument of art associated with the Goddess of Learning Saraswati," Basu told reporters. Students will be intimated about the process of admission individually through mail and SMS. Basu said in the year 2024-25, an estimated 4,44,190 students got admitted to 461 colleges in 16 universities and he hoped the number would be equally encouraging this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Asked if the OBC issues being heard in the Supreme Court will have any bearing on the admission system, Basu said, "The present arrangement has been made in accordance with court directives. Hence, that will not be a problem." The minister said if there is any order from the apex court or the Calcutta High Court, steps will be taken according to their directives. "We had introduced the online admission portal last year for total transparency in the system and to avoid any allegation or role of a third party in the entire process. We will continue with the system," he said. Previously there had been allegations of irregularities in the admission procedure and reports of involvement of third parties including student leaders depriving many deserving candidates. The minister said autonomous colleges, minority higher educational institutions and Jadavpur University and Presidency University will not be under the purview of the centralised admission portal. Last year the online portal opened on June 19. And, the higher secondary exam results were announced on May 8. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
UG admission portal opens at 10 am today to fill 9 lakh seats
Kolkata: The centralised undergraduate admission portal, inaugurated by education minister Bratya Basu on Tuesday, will start receiving applications from 10 am on Wednesday for nine lakh seats across 460 colleges and 17 universities in Bengal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Minority and autonomous institutes as well as unitary universities, such as Presidency University and Jadavpur University, are not under the centralised portal. BEd and fine and performing arts courses at Rabindra Bharati University are excluded, too. Hours before the Calcutta High Court stayed a gazette notification on OBC, including 140 subgroups, 80 among which are Muslims, till July 31, Basu told reporters the OBC-related case at the HC would not affect admissions. "There will be no impact. Should agricultural work stop because of predictions of drought or heavy rain? We will continue our work. If there is any instruction, we will take emergency measures," he said. Another official, too, urged students to go ahead with admissions. Each candidate can apply for 25 programmes or courses at one or multiple institutes in the state. The last date for applications is July 1, the first merit list will be published on July 6, and the first round of admissions will be held between July 6 and July 12. No application fee will be required, and students from any part of the country can apply. Basu said, "Last year, more than 4.4 lakh students took admission through this portal. The system ensures a transparent, systematic and easy-to-access process. Candidates can opt for courses and institutes of their choice on this single-window platform. It stops students from taking multiple admissions at the same time. A chatbot, 'Bina', will help candidates navigate through the process." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once the merit list is published, students can book a seat, which can be upgraded in the next round, subject to seat vacancy and merit position. Applicants can keep tabs on their status on a dashboard. Candidates will pay once through the portal while taking provisional admission. "But they may have to pay extra if they go in for a seat upgrade, depending on the institute fee," said an official. "Eligible applicants will be notified via SMS and email. " On the delay in the opening of the admission portal and apprehensions about filling seats, Basu said, "Admissions were stalled due to the OBC-reservation issue. But once the backward classes welfare department published the gazette notification, we opened the portal in seven days. We are on a par with the UGC timeline. We plan to rationalise seats—increase seats for subjects in demand and at colleges, where the rush is more. "
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ali Fazal comes full circle: From Joy Lobo in 3 Idiots to lead musician in Metro... In Dino
Ali Fazal is revisiting his musical roots in Anurag Basu's upcoming film, Metro... In Dino, a spiritual successor to Life in a... Metro. Fazal, who debuted as a guitar-playing student in 3 Idiots, now plays Akash, a musician navigating modern relationships. He describes the role as deeply personal and praises director Basu and co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh. Ali Fazal , known for his wide-ranging performances in Indian and international cinema, is set to return to his musical roots with his upcoming film Metro... In Dino , directed by Anurag Basu . The film, a spiritual successor to Basu's acclaimed Life in a... Metro (2007). Fazal plays Akash, a musician navigating life and relationships in the chaos of urban India. This marks a nostalgic return for the actor, who began his Bollywood journey with a brief but memorable role as Joy Lobo, the guitar-playing student in 3 Idiots (2009). Reflecting on the symmetry in his career, Fazal shared, 'It feels like life has come full circle. Joy Lobo was my first break and now, years later, I get to play another musician—this time as a leading man. It's a beautiful, poetic return.' Over the years, Fazal has built a diverse portfolio—from historical dramas like Victoria & Abdul to gritty series like Mirzapur . Yet, he describes this role as 'deeply personal,' crediting Basu for creating an emotionally rich world. He also praised co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh and called the collaboration 'rewarding.' With an ensemble cast and Basu's signature storytelling, Metro... In Dino promises to be a soulful exploration of modern relationships. For Fazal, it's more than just a role—it's a reminder that 'no matter where life takes you, the music never really stops.'
Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Not colonial constitution but Hindu majority sustains India's secular demoracy
India stands as the world's largest democracy, a beacon of resilience amidst a region marked by political volatility. India sustains a vibrant secular democracy despite its staggering diversity—linguistic, cultural, religious, and social. Unlike its neighbours, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have succumbed to military coups, authoritarianism, and democratic erosion, India's democratic experiment endures. This article argues that India's secular democratic character stems not from its constitution, a document derived from the colonial Government of India Act of 1935, but from the cultural ethos of its Hindu majority. This civilisational framework, with its emphasis on pluralism, dialogue, and coexistence, forms the bedrock of India's democratic success. The argument challenges two narratives: the left-liberal view of secularism, which often sidelines Hindu identity, and the Sangh Parivar's politicised Hindutva, which distorts Sanatana Dharma into a divisive ideology. Both misrepresent the Hindu Majority's inclusive ethos, obscuring its role as a unifying force in India's democracy. We will examine how the Hindu majority's cultural values—philosophical flexibility and acceptance of diversity—sustain India's secular democratic framework. Defining Hindutva-A pluralistic foundation: The term 'Hindutva,' coined by Chandranath Basu in 1892 for his eponymous book, encapsulates the essence of Sanatana Dharma, India's ancient spiritual tradition, distinct from the colonial label 'Hinduism.' This article adopts Basu's definition, emphasising Hindutva's inclusivity and pluralism, unlike Savarkar's 1923 nationalist interpretation, which some view as exclusionary. Hindutva, the new name of Sanatana Dharma, embraces diverse indigenous traditions, as articulated in the Rigveda's maxim, 'ekam sat vipraa bahudhaa vadanti' (Truth is one, but the wise express it in many ways). This ethos fosters a democratic temperament by encouraging dialogue, coexistence, and adaptability. Hindu majority's cultural ethos: The bedrock of democracy: India's Hindu majority, comprising over 70% of the population, is shaped by Hindutva's principles of flexibility and diversity. Unlike systems like Christianity, Islam, or Communism, which often emphasise conformity, Hindutva embraces diverse practices and philosophies. This pluralism extends to intellectual and social spheres, fostering a culture of dialogue and coexistence that aligns with democratic principles. The Hindu tradition of shastrartha (scholarly debates) exemplifies this ethos. Scholars from diverse schools engaged in respectful exchanges, mirroring democratic practices of negotiation and consensus-building. The concept of dharma, emphasising duty, justice, and harmony, further supports democratic values. These cultural traits enable India to manage its diversity, ensuring free elections, peaceful power transitions, and robust free expression within a secular framework. In contrast, Islamic Pakistan and Bangladesh have struggled to sustain democracy. Pakistan, founded as an Islamic state, has faced military coups (1958, 1977 and 1999) and authoritarianism, while Bangladesh, despite an initially secular framework, adopted Islam as its state religion in 1988, experiencing military rule (1975–1990) and democratic backsliding. Their exclusionary politics have marginalised and persecuted minority Hindus, including the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, where over 30 lakhs were killed. India's Hindu majority, by contrast, has fostered a pluralistic environment, integrating diverse communities into the democratic process. While India's constitution provides a legal framework, it is the Hindu majority's cultural ethos—rooted in Hindutva's pluralism—that sustains secular democracy. The constitution, largely a derivative of colonial legislation, lacks the cultural depth to fully explain India's democratic resilience. Instead, it is the Hindu majority's tolerance and adaptability that have prevented India from succumbing to the authoritarian tendencies seen in its neighbours. Historical evidence: Hindutva's democratic roots: India's ancient history reflects practices aligned with democratic values. The ganasanghas (6th–4th century BCE) such as the Licchavis, involved collective decision-making, hereby suggesting openness to participatory governance. While limited to elites, these systems laid the groundwork for inclusivity. Chanakya's Arthashastra emphasises consultation, justice, and ethical governance, resonating with modern democratic ideals. The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism from the Hindu cultural matrix reinforced democratic values. The Buddhist sangha employed consensus-based decision-making, influencing societal norms, while the Bhakti movement (7th–17th centuries CE) transcended social and sectarian boundaries, promoting egalitarianism. These traditions shaped a cultural ethos conducive to dialogue and coexistence, evident in India's post-independence ability to manage diversity. The Hindu majority has historically supported persecuted communities. Jewish settlements thrived in Kerala and Mumbai since the 2nd century BCE. Zoroastrians (Parsis) found refuge in Gujarat after fleeing Islamic conquests in the 7th–8th centuries. Tibetans escaping Chinese oppression in the 20th century preserved their culture in India. This openness, without requiring conversion, reflects Hindutva's pluralistic ethos. Constituent Assembly's flawed framework: India's Constituent Assembly, predominantly Hindu, instinctively enshrined secular democracy, reflecting the Hindu civilisational pluralistic ethos. However, influenced by a colonial, Abrahamic lens, it crafted a constitution that denied Hindus equal rights. Articles 25–30 grant minorities special privileges while subjecting Hindu temples to state control, creating an imbalance that marginalises Hindu identity under the guise of secularism. This pseudo-secularism ignores the lesson of India's 1947 partition, driven by Muslim demands for a separate state, which underscored the Hindu majority's role as a shield against divisive forces, ensuring India's unity and democratic resilience. Misrepresentations of Hindutva: Two ideological streams undermine the contributions of India's Hindu majority: pseudo-secularism and pseudo-Hindutva. The left-liberal establishment, rooted in the Constituent Assembly's flawed pseudo-secular framework, misinterprets secularism as suppressing Hindu identity. It dismisses Hindutva's pluralistic ethos as divisive, distorts history by downplaying Islamic atrocities and temple destruction, and blames Hindus for the partition. This alienates the majority, fostering cultural dispossession and weakening India's secular democratic cohesion. Conversely, the Sangh Parivar claims to champion Hindu identity but distorts Hindutva's inclusive essence for political gain. Labelled as pseudo-Hindutva, their approach manipulates Hindu symbols and rhetoric to mobilise support while sidelining Hindutva's philosophical core. By focusing on socio-religious divides rather than addressing key Hindu grievances—such as constitutional inequalities, state control over temples, and legal disadvantages—it deepens polarisation and undermines India's democratic framework. Preserving Hindu majority: India's secular democracy relies on its Hindu majority to sustain its pluralistic ethos. However, aggressive conversion campaigns by Christianity and Islam threaten this foundation. The 1956 Niyogi Committee Report exposed predatory conversion tactics and recommended a constitutional amendment to ban it. Yet, Article 25's inclusion of the right to "propagate" religion enables demographic and cultural subversion under the guise of religious freedom. Religious freedom, though a democratic cornerstone, is not absolute. Just as the state criminalises suicide to protect life, it cannot allow the erosion of millennia-old traditions through conversion. To address this, India should amend Article 25 to remove "propagate," curbing conversions while preserving the right to practice faith. By safeguarding its Hindu majority, India can protect the cultural ethos that anchors its secular democracy and ensure its civilisational legacy endures. Strengthening democracy through Hindutva: To bolster its secular democracy, India must integrate Hindutva's universal values: Education Reform: Revise textbooks to reflect historical accuracy, highlighting Hindutva's democratic roots while avoiding exclusionary nationalism. Constitutional equality: Amend Articles 25–30 to grant Hindus equal rights, freeing temples from state control, ensuring fairness. Dharma-based policy: Develop policies rooted in dharma, promoting justice and harmony through community-driven interfaith dialogues. Interfaith coexistence: Leverage Hindutva's historical inclusivity to foster dialogue among religious communities, strengthening democratic resilience. Conclusion Critics may argue that emphasising India's Hindu majority risks promoting majoritarianism. However, recognising the Hindu civilisational ethos is not about privileging Hindus but acknowledging the cultural framework that has historically enabled pluralism. Secularism, in this context, does not reject religion or civilisational identity but ensures equal treatment for all. India's secular democracy thrives not because of its colonial constitution but due to the Hindu majority's cultural ethos, deeply rooted in Hindutva's pluralistic values. Unlike its neighbours, India's Hindu foundation has fostered inclusivity, contributing to its democratic resilience. By integrating Hindutva's universal principles through education, constitutional reforms, and inclusive policies, India can strengthen its secular democracy. This approach offers a model of governance that harmonises cultural heritage with secular principles, providing a balanced framework for a polarised world. (The writer is a retired IPS officer, and a former Director of CBI. Views are personal)
