N e w s w o r t h y
The Fast and the Furious
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Your September issue had a distinct festive flavour to it! I enjoyed reading it. — Laura Weidanz, Denamrk
Dear Editor, Your magazine has always caught my attention for its exquisite images and its beautifully written pieces. This edition of festivals captivated my imagination through its unique representation of every day festivals that happen across our country. Kudos to the Culturama team. — Gayathri G.K
Dear Editor, I received my free copy of Culturama last month and was most delighted. Many thanks to you. — Anusha V, Chennai
Dear Editor,
I saw the e-version of your magazine and in facebook terms, I must give it a thumbs up and use the Like buttton. — Shanti Kumar, Cochin
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culturama | october 2011
In what has been termed by many as the ‘second freedom struggle’ of the century, India recently made progress regarding its anti-corruption laws for the first time since attaining Independence. Walking in Gandhi’s footsteps, activist Anna Hazare staged an indefinite fast on August 16 demanding the passing of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament, which will give citizens the right to question corruption even up to the highest powers in the government. His cause and Nehru cap became a fad among the youth of the nation. In lesser known news, Irom Sharmila continues her fast, her demand being the amendment of the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) after the Malom massacre in which 10 civilians were killed by Assamese rifles. It is 11 years since Irom from Manipur began her fast in November 2000 with little or no consequence. Amidst repeated arrests and being force fed through a nasal tube, Irom still stands strong.
The Million Demonstration After Egypt and Libya, it was Israel’s turn to take to the streets in September when students protested against the rising prices and demanded a better standard of life. The middle class of Israel has been protesting over the high taxes and low wages. What started in July as a student sit-in turned into a March of a Million Protest in September, aimed at bringing together a million protestors. They are now demanding that the cost of living be brought down and that the promise of better education and healthcare is kept. Organisers now say that despite the underplaying of the momentum, the protest is gaining in strength – over 5,00,000 are currently participating in the march.