Between Reason And Rhapsody
After over a hundred devotees died at Bhole Baba’s satsang in Hathras recently, we explored why people believe in godmen and godwomen, examining their branding and attending satsangs to witness without judgement
How ‘Baba’nomics Works
The space in which self-proclaimed godmen/women function is crowded and competitive, compelling them to adopt creative means to stand out and build their brands
Leap Of Faith: Gurus, Godmen, And Post-Secular India
In its implied collusion and complicity with gurus, the pseudo-secular Indian state detaches its moorings and deposits in the individual
Footprints Of Faith: Inside The World Of Baba Bhole Nath
Surajpal Singh Jatav alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Baba Bhole Nath’s “miracles” outnumber his many names, but behind the white facade of his “immortal” divinity and magic realism is a man mired in materialistic controversies and an empire worth crores.
Decoding The Deras: The Multifaceted Influence Of Gurus And Babas
A major attribute of deras is their capacity to provide succour to those tossed aside by the mainstream
Miracle Ministries: The Story Of Pastor Ankur Narula
Church ministries headed by charismatic and controversial figures gain a devout following in Punjab
Radhe Maa, The Lady In Red
Unafraid and unbothered about the fate of other godmen, gurus and babas, Radhe Maa says she is content with her followers
Years After Self-Styled Godman Virendra Dev Dixit Flees CBI, His Victims Contend With The Abuse They Suffered, And Inflicted
Neither light, nor outside air reaches the women trapped in Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya centres across India. Their guru is charged with human trafficking, but many remain
Of Ash And Ashirwad
The well-meaning activist effort to keep people away from pseudo holy figures might be better off if it examined its own understanding of the nature of belief found in faiths
A Contract For A Miracle!
The Kreupasanam Marian Shrine in Kerala is in the business of miracles through a ‘divine’ newspaper
Time To Act: The Cost Of Blind Faith
After the Hathras tragedy, a national anti-superstition law is the need of the hour
Shah Bano’s Ghost
Often cases involving Muslim women are framed as a fight between secular and personal laws. In doing so, we ignore larger, more interesting questions
Diary: Remembering School Days
As we celebrate 171 years of the majestic institution of St Joseph’s Convent High School, Patna, I am compelled to travel down memory lane