Banaras redevelopment, Delhi Gymkhana takeover and CBSE’s OSM fiasco | Chhota Hafta 591
.png)
1 month ago
29
#delhigymkhana #banaras #cbse Tune into the full episode: https://www.newslaundry.com/2026/05/30/hafta-591-banaras-redevelopment-delhi-gymkhana-takeover-and-cbses-osm-fiasco This week on Hafta, Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande and Shardool Katyayan are joined by senior journalist Alpana Kishore and educationist Anita Rampal to discuss heritage, development, ideology, public spaces, and the current challenges facing India’s education system. Alpana argues that the changes unfolding in Banaras are not simply about modernisation. Drawing parallels with her decades of reporting in Kashmir, she says the driving force behind such interventions is ideology. “There’s only one reason that any government would mess with anything – ecology, heritage, community, social – and that is ideology.” She describes ideology as something that “trumps faith, trumps tradition, trumps heritage, trumps cultural tradition, trumps everything.” Manisha widens the discussion by examining how governments use architecture and public spaces to create political legacies. "I've always been fascinated by how this government is reshaping public spaces and what it says about this government," she says. Referring to projects ranging from Central Vista to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, she argues that PM Modi sees monuments and public spaces as a way of leaving a permanent mark on history. “Modi does see himself as an emperor in that sense, and he wants to reshape India as his legacy.” Abhinandan approaches the debate from the perspective of public benefit. While acknowledging that redevelopment is sometimes necessary, he questions what citizens receive in return. “Destroy what you want... but give me a forest over there. Don't give me uglier structures,” he remarks. The discussion then moves to CBSE's on-screen marking (OSM) fiasco and the broader problems within India’s examination framework. Educationist Anita Rampal strongly rejects the idea that better technology automatically produces better assessment. “I don't think we should have gone into this scanning process at all for assessment. That is not how we do assessment,” she says. Describing the work of teachers evaluating answer sheets, she stresses that assessment requires judgment, context, and professional expertise. “Don't make us into machines.” Rampal recounts reports from teachers who were monitored while checking answer sheets. “One teacher told me that someone who took a little longer got a phone call asking, ‘Why is this person taking so long?’” She describes a system obsessed with speed rather than accuracy, concluding: “We are being watched. We cannot assess this way.” Shardool, meanwhile, challenges the assumption that digital systems are inherently superior. “Digital is not some separate intelligence. It is trained by humans, managed by humans and requires constant updating.” All this and more. Subscribe to Newslaundry: https://pages.razorpay.com/nlsm Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry
About Upilink News
The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens
Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.
Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.
The Need for Upilink News
In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.
Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.
Our Unique Approach
What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.
We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.
Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.
The Role of Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.
Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters
Free Access for AllAt Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.
Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism
To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.
By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.
Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability
In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.
In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.
Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.