Four years of bitter harvest

Friday 20 November '09

Since the seeds were first sown in their lands four years ago, farmers of Katpur village in Amravati district have been patiently waiting each season for wonders to happen.

‘There is scientific evidence to prove that GM crops have harmful effects’

Friday 23 October '09

Amid arguments for and against introducing genetically modified (GM) crops in India, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee....

Watching from the banks

Monday 19 October '09

The lone bench in the waiting room can’t hold more than half-a-dozen people and the consultation cabin can only accommodate the doctor and one more besides the patient.

In red light area, a high-risk group

Sunday 9 August '09

In the wake of swine flu spreading in Pune, over 3,000 sex workers in the city’s red light area are a worried lot.

Rains not cool and cosy for wada dwellers in Camp area

Saturday 18 July '09

Rains bring relief to a vast multitude of populace, but it’s the dreaded season for 52-year-old Shobha Kale.

Sexual minorities : A new dawn in their life

Saturday 4 July '09

The Shabaaz-Gourav Bhosle couple doesn’t think that the Delhi High Court’s repealing of the controversial Section 377 of IPC will change the lives of sexual minorities in the country overnight.

...even as verdict on Section 377 leaves others bitter

Friday 3 July '09

Even as the verdict on Section 377 is being hailed by the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in the city, dissenting voices are preparing to rise and drown out the cheers.

Such a long journey: from a confirmed addict to a much-sought-after counsellor

Friday 26 June '09

A Wanted criminal at 16 by Thane, Mumbai and Raigad police and a multi-addict, who would do anything to gather money for his fix of drug — this is how Datta Srikhande, 45...

Business shrinking, Budhwar Peth sex workers turn to part-time jobs

Thursday 25 June '09

Sasikala recalls the Budhwar Peth she was brought to nearly 30 years ago — a huge crowd of clientele and less number of sex workers...

Spotting dyslexia: teachers score poor marks

Sunday 3 May '09

The Johar family from Shrirampur, Ahmednagar, know little about the 11-year-old Delhi girl Shanno Khan, a dyslexic, who died on April 17, an alleged victim of corporal punishment.

5 decades after risky trek, they still dream of going back home

Wednesday 11 March '09

When he fled to India in 1959 during the tumult in Lhasa, Tharpo Njawang thought it would be just a brief stay here until things settled back home.....

Visually impaired ‘touch’ a bright spot

Wednesday 18 February '09

They feel and understand the world largely through their sense of touch. But six months ago, when 10 visually-impaired girl students were told that they would be trained for a career in body “massaging for women,” they were apprehensive.

A new kids’ home in red light zone, away from the bitter truth

Tuesday 3 February '09

For 42 little ones, a crèche in Budhwar Peth is home. A stone’s throw from the red light area in Budhwar Peth...

Hope of legal status leaves some gay, others cold

Tuesday 6 January '09

There are scores of LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) in Pune, like their counterparts across the country...

Studies in Pune to serve Tibet better

Saturday 13 December '08

A group of 30 Tibetan students in the city has a common ambition, to serve the cause of their motherland. That’s why, when most friends headed for Bangalore and Chennai, they chose Pune.