Dr. Atul R Thakare

  In the first film of Rajkumar Hirani, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. that released in 2003, Munnabhai raises dissent to ask the dean of the college, Dr Asthana. The question, “ Woh bahar casualty mein koi marne ki halat mein raha to usko form bharna zaruri hai kya? ” (If someone’s out there dying in the casualty ward, does he have to fill a form first?), asked by Munnabhai MBBS then was applauded by the youngsters. During those days, Munnabhai used to seem cool raising questions on the establishment. Even in 2011 and 2012, supporting movements or protests (aandolans?) against the corruption or asking questions against fuel price hike was considered as being responsible citizen. However, after 2014, things started changing drastically with the rise of Social Media and controlled mainstream media. Before 2014, we could debate on governance issues or raise dissent about the functioning of the government. However, any form of dissent or effort to defy the status quo today can result...

  It’s been over twelve days, my mother passed away. It was a shock for me and the whole family, as a day before she was hale and hearty and we had spoken to her over a video call, the previous day. My heart is still in denial mode and I find it impossible to believe that she is no more. I am still figuring out how to cope up with the loss of my beloved family member as a family is a constant support system of your life. Just remembering that day, brings back a lot of emotions. It was something I cannot describe in words. When I heard the news, I had a complete shutdown as I was away from her. And when I saw her dead body, I couldn’t control my tears. I sat there devastated and felt like having your happiness and support destroyed within a moment. It did get tough though when I had to console my siblings and hold my tears back. All I could think about the arrangements that had to be made for all last rites. There were people who looked at me with pity eyes and messaged me to say ...