The pristine Hanafi school of Islam that prevails in the Central Asia is under severe threat of being displaced by a highly intolerant and violent version of Islam adopted by the likes of the IS. Increasingly marked by poverty and radicalization, the region has thus become a growing source of exported ‘jihadists’. While the damage is still limited, unless controlled with a heavy hand, the societal destruction in the name of Islam may reach a point of no return. This paper reviews this issue from various perspectives.

Background and Argument I have chosen to speak on a subject of contemporary interest and importance: ‘Freebies and Good Governance’. I deliberately withheld the umbrella in suggesting the title of the talk that provides both inspiration and legitimacy to ‘freebies and good governance in India’ and this is the concept of ‘welfare state’. Click here to read full paper

In 1868 or even in 1880s, Japan lagged behind even colonial India in many parameters including technical infrastructure, education, railways, etc. Neither was it a rich nation. Perhaps the corollary to it never being too early for achieving Jiritsu in defence hardware, is that it is never too late or too early to begin the journey towards ​swavalamban (self-reliance)​.

The insurgency by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has petered out over the years but peace talks with the outfit's leadership has not progressed beyond a preliminary stage. What are the prospects of these negotiations? Will a recalcitrant leader of a faction play spoil sport? This paper explores the options. Click here to read full paper