– Devendra K. Budakoti The recent announcement by the Government of Uttarakhand to establish old age homes in every district prompted me, as a sociologist, to reflect on whether such a move is truly necessary—especially in a society like the hills, where family still often transcends the modern definition of a nuclear unit. In these … Read more

Devendra Kumar Budakoti Now that the dust has settled on the Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand, the spotlight turns to the newly elected representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The expectation is that they will now engage in the serious and participatory work of rural development. In theory, this process should be deeply democratic—rooted in … Read more

By – Devendra Kumar Budakoti When Vance Packard published, ‘The Hidden Persuaders’ in 1957, it was a powerful critique of the advertising industry and the “motivation research” it employed to sell everything—from products to ideas, attitudes, candidates, goals, and even states of mind. Packard identified eight compelling needs that advertisers promise their products will fulfill: … Read more

By-Devendra Kumar Budakoti “There is so much corruption in everywhere”—a sentiment frequently voiced by Indians themselves. Typically, this critique targets the system, the bureaucracy, and officials at every level, from high offices to grassroots administration. Public discourse often emphasizes corrupt politicians, inefficient leadership, and questions the integrity of the judiciary. Media coverage, social commentary, and … Read more

By Devendra Kumar Budakoti “I prefer the slums of Bombay to the snow of Canada,” an elderly Indian once told his friend upon returning from abroad. This statement had little to do with nationalism or patriotism—it reflected deep emotional ties to people, places, and personalities back home. For him, the slums of Bombay (now Mumbai) … Read more