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Check FAQAbout Soma
Ms Soma Basu is a senior journalist based out of New Delhi, India. She is an investigative reporter and specializes in development stories. In 2011, she won the Young Environment Journalist Award instituted by Centre for Media Studies and Panos South Asia for her stories on effect of climate change on Sunderbans and coverage of cyclone Aila. In 2012, she won the competition on best published articles on “Reporting on the fate of victims of armed violence” organized by the Press Institute of India and the International Committee of the Red Cross in 2012 for her stories from Maoists areas of Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura in West Bengal. In 2013, she was awarded the Prince Albert II of Monaco and UNCA Global Prize for coverage of Climate Change by the United Nations general secretary Ban Ki Moon for her coverage of floods that ravaged the state of Uttarakhand and claimed more than 10,000 lives. In 2015, she was shortlisted for Kurt Schork Memorial Award for her investigative piece on how the forensic evidences collected during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy were destroyed. She also received fellowships from national and international organizations to research and write on Forest Rights Act, Hunger and Malnutrition, Maoist issues in West Bengal and state of the rivers in our country. She has written screenplays for documentaries and also co-authored a book.
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Portfolio
Decoding the legacy and complex politics of Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in India's freedom movement, is the subject of various biographies that explore his life, beliefs, and political activities. Notable works by family members and historians such as Krishna Bose, Sugata Bose, and Leonard A. Gordon provide detailed insights into Bose's life from his childhood to his mysterious death. These biographies cover his role in the Indian National Army, his political strategies, and his efforts to unite India's diverse communities. The books also delve into Bose's relationships, his intellectual influences, and his controversial alliance with the Axis powers during World War II. Bose's legacy continues to inspire and provoke debate on his role in India's struggle against British rule.
The curious connection between poetry and diplomacy: Indian diplomat Abhay Kumar on his new book Celestial
Indian diplomat Abhay Kumar, inspired by the clear night skies in Madagascar, wrote 'Celestial: A Love Poem', a book of 100 rhyming couplets dedicated to star constellations. The book includes illustrations from 'The Book of the Fixed Stars' by 10th-century astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi. Abhay, a recipient of the SAARC Literary Award and KLF Poetry Book of the Year Award, draws parallels between poetry and diplomacy, emphasizing the role of both in cultural connection and communication. He has served in various countries and is currently the Deputy Director General of ICCR.
Keeping traditions alive for seven decades
The Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra's Ramlila in Delhi, a tradition for 67 years, concluded with audience reverence and enthusiasm for selfies and autographs with the cast. The annual event, attracting attendees from beyond the city, is produced and directed by Shobha Deepak Singh, who took over from her mother, Sumitra Charat Ram, in 1969. The production has evolved over the years, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of performers Swapan Majumdar and Raj Kumar Sharma's collaboration as Rama and Ravana.
Revisiting history on rocky hills of Madurai
Ahil Rishi Rajasekaran, a student from The American College, discovered rock art in Madurai while birdwatching in Usilampatti before the pandemic. Along with friends, he documented 16 rock art sites, leading to the publication of their findings by the Nerunji Literary Movement. Despite the challenging terrain, they explored various locations, photographing and recording ancient motifs. Their research suggests the rock art could be over 5,000 years old, with some motifs showing similarities to Indus signs. Ahil Rishi emphasizes the importance of protecting these sites from quarrying and mining and raising local awareness, as many residents of Madurai are unaware of this cultural heritage.
The journey of Bengal art
The exhibition 'Bengal Beyond Boundaries' opens at Bikaner House in Delhi, showcasing over 300 artworks by 100 artists from the Bengal School, spanning two centuries. Curated by Uma Nair and featuring pieces from private collections and Kolkata's Aakriti Art Gallery, the exhibition explores the evolution of artistic practices in Bengal, documenting historic events and shaping India's art scene. It includes works by Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and other notable artists, highlighting their contributions to Indian art and offering a narrative of social consciousness, cultural identity, and the human spirit.
How PRADAN’s Development Apprenticeship Programmes seeks to transform rural lives
PRADAN's Development Apprenticeship Programme (DAP) has trained 5,000 students over four decades to support the rural poor in earning better livelihoods. The program, started by Deep Joshi and Vijay Mahajan in 1983, has impacted 9,63,324 families across 9,127 villages in India. It aims to empower educated youngsters to work with marginalized communities, providing them with information and skills to improve their lives. PRADAN has been instrumental in developing government programs like NRLM and has inspired many to work on rural issues. Participants like Barsha Mishra and Arnab Mitra share their experiences of growth and the impact they've made through PRADAN.
The challenge of dressing without knowing where to go
Journalists often face the challenge of dressing appropriately for unpredictable assignments. The author reflects on personal experiences where attire impacted their reporting, such as feeling out of place at a mourning site due to bright clothing, or being uncomfortable when questioned about marital status by a political party member while wearing casual attire. The article emphasizes the importance of blending in and not letting one's attire overshadow their work as a reporter.
‘I want to showcase my talent pan-India’: Rituparna Sengupta
Rituparna Sengupta discusses her upcoming film 'Mahisasur Mardini', directed by Ranjan Ghosh, which is inspired by the Nirbhaya incident and serves as an apology to abused women. The film uses the metaphor of Ma Durga to address women's challenges in society. Sengupta also talks about her focus on Bollywood, with several Hindi films in the pipeline, including 'Bansuri' with Anurag Kashyap and 'Good Morning Sunshine' with Revathy. She comments on the shift towards content-rich films in Bollywood and the unfortunate trend of public boycotts of films. Sengupta reflects on her 30-year career in Tollywood, attributing her relevance to constant reinvention and her connection with the audience through both commercial and serious films.
Ponniyin Selvan: A book, a movie, and the mighty Cholas
Kalki Krishnamurthy's historic novel Ponniyin Selvan, written in the 1950s, has been adapted into a two-part movie by Maniratnam, sparking renewed interest in the Chola dynasty, their role in South Indian history, and Tamil culture. The adaptation has stirred debates on book versus cinema adaptations and the portrayal of the Cholas' religious identity, contributing to the North versus South discourse. Despite controversies, the Cholas' legacy endures as a historical landmark.
The literary trail of independence
The article discusses various literary works that document and capture the essence of India's freedom struggle and the country's transition to independence. It highlights the contributions of authors such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Dominique Lapierre, Larry Collins, and others who have written about different aspects of India's history, culture, and the events leading up to and following the Partition. The narratives range from historical accounts to fictional stories, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities and impacts of India's fight for freedom.
Read well, live well
The Hindu features reviews of five books that address various social and health issues. 'A World on Hold' is a collection of narratives about resilience during the pandemic, 'Period Matters' discusses menstruation in South Asia, 'At The Limits Of Cure' explores the history of tuberculosis treatment in India, 'The Unlikely Friendship' is a children's book on Down Syndrome, and 'INSIDE OUT' delves into achieving peak performance by focusing on the inner self. The books are presented as insightful resources for understanding diverse experiences and challenges.
Gujarat government eyes limestone underneath land cultivated by Sikh farmers, curbs their ownership rights
From the night of June 16 till June 18, 2013, Uttarakhand suffered one of the deadliest disasters in recent history. 5,500 lives were lost and government suffered infrastructural damage worth Rs 50,000 crore. Down to Earth revisited the state after 1 year to see what steps have been taken by the government to rehabilitate the people who lost their home and hearth in the disaster.
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