'I've seen the craze for English education even among the poorest. But that is only for their sons. Parents feel thrilled when they see their sons going to school wearing a tie. They don't mind paying for their sons' private tuitions too.' 'But daughters are sent to municipal schools, madarsas, small schools where teachers with no teaching skills are paid Rs 2,000 or Rs 4,000. That's why more girls come to my class.' Syed Feroze Ashraf, who has sent 500-odd girls (and a few boys) -- all first generation learners, children of grave-diggers, hawkers, rickshaw-drivers, tailors and watchmen -- to college, speaks to Jyoti Punwani. A Rediff.com Special.
At 17, Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel laureate. She was conferred the joint Peace Prize along with India's Kailash Satyarthi at Oslo on Wednesday. Here is the full transcript of her speech.
However, the voice of the poor victims of prostitution got drowned in the loud and flashy discourses on other mundane gender issues like child marriage, maternal health, water and sanitation, economic empowerment.
India on Thursday sought strengthening of SAARC monitoring desks on terrorism and drugs, underlining that illicit funds generated from narcotics and fake currency networks are being fed into supporting terror activities
CM Manohar Lal Khattar made the announcement after meeting the family members of Pradyuman.
Ananth Mahadevan takes on the audience.
Indian-American elected officials, civil rights organisations and queers welcome the United States Supreme Court historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide for all Americans on Friday.
A public blacklist that bars you from flying for a certain period -- based on the severity of your offence -- could in fact deter others from behaving badly, says Anjuli Bhargava.
'Before the elections, fake news can create law and order hassles and that is the reason they want social media firms to follow the amended IT Act.'
In the year 2016, 8132 human trafficking cases have been reported in India.
With a small team of like-willed youngsters, Himanshu Goenka is creating opportunities for underprivileged children to dream big.
Paloma Sharma feels Insidious Chapter 2 is not for the fainthearted but seasoned horror flick fans may find it insipid.
'Today we can't confirm whether Chau is dead or not.' 'What is the guarantee that the Sentinelese killed him?'
Xi Jinping has accumulated great power, but he faces trials that are just as great, says Claude Smadja.
Modi said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was sent off for the second time in a month on Sunday as the controversial coach watched his side draw 1-1 at home to West Ham United and lose more ground in the English Premier League title race.
The top posts on social media from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
Every time a filmmaker wishes to explore history or religion on his or her terms, self-appointed experts and limelight-seeking zealots swoop in to protest, says Sukanya Verma.
Noting that oil prices had gone down after the BJP-led government came to power in May 2014, before they went up, Prasad said it is a problem whose solution is not in its hands.
Happy Birthday, Nicole Kidman!
10 Ways Bollywood has kidnapped in the movies.
Devdutt Pattanaik, who has simplified the ancient Indian scriptures for millions of readers, highlights what our scriptures have to say about homosexuals and transgenders.
One shocking finding of the investigation was the extent to which sexual violence was committed against detainees, often extremely brutally, by the Sri Lankan security forces, with men as likely to be victims as women.
Life, work and play in Drona's village.
'His past as a cricketer makes it difficult for the BJP to question his nationalism.' 'He gets away by ridiculing Modi while something similar from most Congress leaders does not resonate as much.'
'A belligerent Alok Nath refused to leave.. kept screaming shouting threatening abusing trying to grab me..'
Veteran actress, television personality and anchor, Tabassum, who has completed 67 years in the industry, shares her insights about the stars of the past.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday slammed the Centre for not enacting a law to prevent persons aged below 13 years from opening accounts in social networking sites like the Facebook or Google.
'In Carol, Cate Blanchett reminds us what a real movie star is and why we are enamored by her acting and looks.'
Carrie Fisher, who made Star Wars character Princess Leia so popular, passed into the ages on December 28
Modi denies the charges and was exonerated in an Indian Supreme Court inquiry in 2012.
'We cannot be the country that created the Kamasutra and then we show flowers kiss and a child is born.'
A look at few gurus who have attracted controversy in recent times.
'You can't go on creating division and rhetoric of hate.' 'It comes to roost. We are seeing the first glimpses of that in the state elections.'
'Assault, abuse and exploitation in the name of gender happens everywhere in any industry. This is the state of affairs. I do not believe in jumping the gun and naming people. Then, everyone will have a field day and the point would be lost. You have to go by the law. You need to evidence to name a person. We are living in a country where domestic rape is not illegal.' Intelligent words from Qarib Qarib Singlle actress Parvathy.
From dating apps to events, the shrinking community is innovating ways to encourage the young to marry within the faith.
Vir Das' commencement address to graduates of Knox College is the best advice you'll read today.
