All stories by Archana Masih
'Ceasefire will be a success only if Pak army can control jihadis'
Rediff.com2 days ago'When the Indian Army carries out anti-infiltration ops, the Pakistan army willy-nilly will get involved in some way. So, it is imperative for the Pakistan army to act against militant groups.'
'The Chinese can't be trusted'
Rediff.com4 days ago'The Chinese can't be trusted hence the need to verify and re-verify.'
'Be constantly ready for a Chinese offensive'
Rediff.com19 Feb 2021'The last ten months show that India is not going to trust China.' 'Our military commanders are not going to believe that all is well till it actually is.'
'Nothing seems to have gone China's way'
Rediff.com18 Feb 2021'We must be careful because China has not given its design in Eastern Ladakh.'
From dancing with the stars to selling soap
Rediff.com16 Feb 2021Having lost her job as a stage dancer for film award shows in the pandemic, Smita Soni learnt how to make organic bath and body products. Archana Masih/Rediff.com met her as she sold her handmade items from the boot of her car with baby on her hip.
A Salute to the Soldier at the LAC
Rediff.com10 Feb 2021Indian Army officers, serving and retired, will tell you that the one thing that makes the Indian soldier singularly unique is his josh and jazba.
'The Garhwal mountain range is perhaps the most fragile ecosystem'
Rediff.com9 Feb 2021'We need an early warning system in India.'
'Aung San Suu Kyi is like Indira Gandhi'
Rediff.com8 Feb 2021'She's not going to keel over.' 'This is the kind of difficult situation that she thrives in.'
'Every soldier who has sacrificed his life for this country is my hero'
Rediff.com4 Feb 2021'I was no one. I am here today because I am a proud soldier of the Indian Army,' says Captain Mohammed Quamrul Zaman.
'Aung San Suu Kyi isn't a revolutionary'
Rediff.com3 Feb 2021'She has never advocated people taking to the streets and calling for a revolution.' 'I don't know if that will change now.'
China: 'India is not going to blink'
Rediff.com29 Jan 2021'Neither will China -- at least for now -- because its troops are deployed in equal strength.' 'We are negotiating at equal terms right now and it's a game of patience.'
Ladakh Stand-off: 'It is a game of patience'
Rediff.com29 Jan 2021'India's challenge is status quo ante. China's challenge is a face-saving exit'
'It was amazing to salute the President'
Rediff.com27 Jan 2021'An officer had to command the regiment for the Republic Day parade -- and that officer happened to me.' 'It should not be viewed on the basis of gender,' says Captain Preeti Choudhary, the only woman officer to from the Indian Army to be part of a contingent at the Republic Day Parade 2021.
When I took the COVID-19 vaccine
Rediff.com25 Jan 2021'I want to send a positive message to people that they should not fear the Covid vaccine.'
'Vajpayee placed the country above the party'
Rediff.com22 Jan 2021'Mr Vajapyee felt that you could pray to any god or not pray at all, but the country comes first.'
'Vajpayee brought BJP to the pole position of Indian politics'
Rediff.com22 Jan 2021'When economic policies were attacked by people on his own side, he went ahead despite all the criticisms in the coalition, within the party and the Sangh Parivar.'
'Degree not sole proof of education'
Rediff.com30 Dec 2020'A mother, a farmer and cattle owner, all have valuable knowledge, but academia has failed to acknowledge their wisdom.'
'PLA is no match for Indian Army'
Rediff.com28 Dec 2020'Chinese troops are not geared to fight Indian troops who are battle hardened and acclimatised and are far more hardy.'
'Chinese are looking for a moment of weakness to teach us a lesson'
Rediff.com28 Dec 2020'They know that India is no pushover.' 'We have to be extremely vigilant, remain ready and keep strengthening our positions.' 'We have to be militarily strong, whatever be the cost.'
Astad is gone, but is more alive than ever
Rediff.com21 Dec 2020'Astad had the courage to plough a lonely furrow. He made a life of his own, on his own, and created a path-breaking dance style.' 'Only a few in the performing arts could do what he did.' 'A classical dancer can fall back on tradition, but Astad created something absolutely new.'