THE first national students’ parliament on the theme ‘Higher Education: Emerging Issues and Challenges’, was held from October 9-11, 2015 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It attempted to address the critical domain of higher education bearing on the present and future of our democratic republic and chart out a blue print for future action and deliberations.  It has given a new vigour and was an enriching experience to the leaders of student community for combating centralisation, commercialisation and communalisation policies of the governments.

THE Pattom ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has a story to tell. Here a friendly contest has been taking place between the Congress candidate and Kerala Congress (Mani) nominee.  KPCC president VM Sudheeran resides and has a vote in this ward itself. This shows the bad predicament that the Congress led UDF has been facing in the state in the local body election scheduled to be held on November 2 and 5.  During the seat sharing discussion, the district Congress committee had set aside the ward for KC(M).

PROTESTS were held across Karnataka against the attack on a young dalit writer and journalism student Uchangi Prasad at Davangere in central Karnataka on October 22. Protests were held at Bangalore, Mangalore, Davangere, Tumakuru, Gajendragada and other places since the incident. Prominent writers, speakers were present at the protest meetings. Speaking at the Bangalore protest meeting, Prof K M Marulasiddappa said that “Drona's trying to cut fingers of 'Ekalavya’ in modern times” too.

A HIGH-Level Expert Group set up by the Planning Commission under the Chairmanship of Dr Srinath Reddy had, in a report submitted in November 2011, outlined a scheme of universal health coverage for the Indian population.

THE 10th Maharashtra state conference of the DYFI held in Aurangabad City – the centre of the Marathwada region –  on October 9-11, 2015, resolved to rapidly expand the youth movement and organisation to meet the challenges posed by the murderous rightwing offensive. In connection with the conference, a massive youth rally and public meeting were organised on October 9 evening. Hundreds of DYFI activists from Aurangabad and nearby districts participated in the colourful rally.