A vicious government, lack of occupational freedoms and securities, and deep socio-cultural intolerance have all contributed to the frozen silence of the Indian academic.

Professor Franson will remain a unique lighthouse in the minds of those who knew him.

The Indian secular forces need to re-think their strategy. They must be inclusive and have a clear vision to deal with communalism and polarisation.

Contrary to Rahul Gandhi's recent remark, changing its core beliefs will not help the Congress defeat authoritarian forces.

By making Onam ‘Vamana Jayanthi’ – an upper caste Hindu festival – the BJP aspires to create a Hindu vote bank in Kerala and destabilise the state's deep cultural coherence, unity and diversity.