Kalpana Sharma : Kalpana's Commentary
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Oct 01 2004
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Citizen Lakshmi
She lives in a six feet by eight feet hut in Mumbai and pays a whopping Rs.400 per month for electricity that lights one bulb and a table fan. She is a leader of her community, and yet some better off want her disenfranchised. Kalpana Sharma rebuts a new divisive cry in Mumbai.
Aug 01 2004
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Obscuring reality
Women's oppression will not end only with economic progress, or with education. The problem lies in a deeply disrespectful, even contemptuous, attitude towards women, says Kalpana Sharma.
Aug 01 2004
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Instant justice
Being concerned does not mean taking the law into your own hands or encouraging vigilantism. Still, there are no pat solutions, says Kalpana Sharma.
Jul 01 2004
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Don't moan, fight back
In any society, the process of change is painful, and in ours, women are being forced to pay the price for this, says Kalpana Sharma.
Jul 01 2004
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What happens to girls?
Despite quality education, the mindset of people is not changing in this country, says Kalpana Sharma.
Jun 01 2004
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Sense and nonsense
Sushma Swaraj used the most backward face of religion - its treatment of widows - to register her protest at the prospect of Sonia as PM, notes Kalpana Sharma.
Jun 01 2004
Can science be women-friendly?
: Can science be women-friendly?

In the very profession where people should innovate, should try out new things, should experiment, the work atmosphere is ossified, hierarchical, resistant to any new thinking or to any change in the rules of engagement. Kalpana Sharma urges a new turn to an old profession.

Apr 01 2004
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Perception isn't reality
Indians continue to believe that we are the moderate nation and that Pakistan is extremist. But sometimes, what we observe isn't what we expect, says Kalpana Sharma.
Mar 01 2004
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Storm in the vale
J&K's Permanent Resident (Disqualification) Bill 2004 is now in cold storage, but Mehbooba Mufti and other Kashmiri women appear to have opted for the future character of their State, than their own rights, says Kalpana Sharma.
Mar 01 2004
Time to reflect and celebrate
: Time to reflect and celebrate
Are women in India feeling more "empowered" today, asks Kalpana Sharma on International Women's day.

Kalpana Sharma is an independent journalist, columnist and media consultant. She has been, until recently, Deputy Editor and Chief of Bureau of The Hindu in Mumbai. In over three decades as a full-time journalist, she has held senior positions in Himmat Weekly, Indian Express and the Times of India. Her special areas of interest are environmental and developmental issues. She writes a fortnightly column in The Hindu's Sunday Magazine section, The Other Half, that comments on contemporary issues from a gender perspective. She has also followed and commented on urban issues, especially in the context of Mumbai's development.

Kalpana Sharma is the author of Rediscovering Dharavi: Stories from Asia's Largest Slum (Penguin 2000) and has co-edited with Ammu Joseph Whose News? The Media and Women's Issues (Sage 1994, 2006) and Terror Counter-Terror: Women Speak Out (Kali for Women, 2003)