Monday, 26 October 2026
Sunday, 25 October 2026
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Friday, 23 October 2026
The Hidden Crisis in Doctoral Research: Exploitation, Power and Academic Integrity
Professor Suspended Over Alleged Demand for ₹1 Lakh from Research Scholar
A professor in the Department of Commerce at Sarah Tucker College, Palayamkottai, has been suspended following allegations that she demanded ₹1 lakh from a research scholar in exchange for research guidance.
According to a report published in The Hindu on October 18, 2026, research scholar Aditya, from Thoothukudi, lodged a complaint against her research supervisor, Leelavathi Packiyathai. The student reportedly shared a telephone conversation with the professor on social media as supporting evidence for her allegations.
Following the complaint, the college management constituted an inquiry committee. The university also directed the college management to investigate the matter and submit a report. After the preliminary inquiry indicated grounds for further proceedings, the professor was placed under suspension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZa7sr9mjZE&list=PLsHvWYTWngjVtuggL4-2_39SqRc-hLxcY
The video examines the exploitation of PhD scholars by some research supervisors in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Triggered by allegations that a professor demanded ₹1 lakh from a research scholar for academic guidance, it highlights concerns about financial exploitation, personal errands, harassment, intimidation and the misuse of supervisory authority. Some scholars reportedly face demands for money and gifts, pressure to undertake non-academic tasks, and difficulties in refusing unreasonable requests because supervisors influence their research progress, thesis approval and academic careers. The video also discusses judicial interventions, government guidelines against harassment and concerns about the inadequate implementation of institutional safeguards. It emphasises the need for independent grievance-redressal mechanisms, protection against retaliation, transparent research procedures and accountability for supervisors. Acknowledging that many professors provide ethical and supportive mentorship, the video argues that the problem lies in the misuse of academic power rather than research supervision itself. A research supervisor should guide a scholar’s intellectual development, not control the scholar’s life. Doctoral research must be pursued in an environment of academic freedom, fairness, integrity and mutual respect.
The Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Doctoral Research
Research scholars depend on supervisors for academic guidance, thesis approval and career progression.
Allegations of supervisors demanding money in exchange for research guidance.
Research scholars being assigned unnecessary personal errands and non-academic tasks.
Financial insecurity and insufficient remuneration for doctoral researchers.
Concerns about delays in fellowship payments and alleged interference in their disbursement.
Concerns about plagiarism, ghost-writing, purchased theses and lack of originality.
Inadequate academic guidance, constructive feedback and meaningful engagement with research.
Concerns about superficial doctoral committee meetings and inadequate viva voce examinations.
Reports of inappropriate behaviour, intimidation and misuse of supervisory authority.
Scholars hesitating to report misconduct because of potential academic consequences.
The need for independent, accessible and impartial complaint-resolution systems.
Concerns about institutions failing to investigate complaints transparently.
Allegations of corruption in faculty recruitment and the need for merit-based selection.
Limited employment opportunities and inadequate financial rewards despite years of academic training.
Concerns that financial interests may take precedence over academic merit and research integrity.
Clear professional standards governing the relationship between supervisors and scholars.
Academic promotions should consider teaching quality, research integrity, mentorship and scholarly contributions.
Effective policies to safeguard scholars from exploitation, harassment and retaliation.
AI can support research, but it cannot replace ethical mentorship, critical thinking and expert academic supervision.
Reforms should address misconduct without overlooking the important contributions of dedicated and supportive research guides.
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Illness, Stigma, and Social Realities in Tamil Literature
Literature has always been a powerful medium for exploring human suffering. In Tamil literature, illness is not merely a medical condition but also a lens through which writers examine caste discrimination, gender inequalities, social stigma, and barriers to healthcare.
Tamil literary traditions have long explored health and healing through references to Siddha medicine, traditional healers, and faith. Contemporary writers, however, increasingly focus on the social realities of illness, including discrimination, isolation, and unequal access to medical care. In Mul by Muthumeenal, the experience of leprosy highlights caste discrimination and social exclusion. Such narratives demonstrate how the stigma surrounding a disease can sometimes become as painful as the illness itself.
Imayam’s Ippothu Uyirodirukkiren (I’m Alive… For Now) explores the experience of a teenager suffering from end-stage kidney disease. Through the patient’s journey involving dialysis and organ donation, the narrative connects medical treatment with family relationships and social realities. His works demonstrate how literature can move beyond clinical descriptions to capture the emotional and psychological dimensions of illness.
Gender further complicates the experience of illness. Women often face social expectations and inequalities that influence their access to healthcare and the way their suffering is perceived.In Koveru Kazhuthaigal (Beasts of Burden), Imayam examines the lives of women from the Vannar community, exploring caste, gender, labour, and social exclusion. His novel Manamurivu (Divorce) addresses infertility and the emotional pressures placed on women within marriage. These works encourage readers to question the social attitudes that shape women’s experiences and identities.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems and the psychological consequences of isolation. Imayam’s short story Government Pinam (The Government Corpse) explores the pandemic through the experience of a boy quarantined with his sick father. The story reveals how public health emergencies extend beyond medical concerns, affecting families, relationships, and everyday life.
Tamil literature offers valuable insights into the intersection of illness with caste, gender, social stigma, and healthcare. Through their narratives, writers make visible the experiences of people whose suffering is often overlooked. Medical science explains disease through diagnosis and treatment, while literature explores its human consequences. Ultimately, these literary works remind us that illness is never merely biological; it is also shaped by social inequalities, cultural attitudes, and the human need for dignity and compassion.
The Magic of a Mother’s Love: Margaret Atwood’s My Evil Mother - Review
Atwood reminds us that behind a parent’s strange stories and overprotective behaviour may lie a complicated, enduring love.
John Berger and the Art of Looking - New York Times Magazine Article Review
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/18/magazine/john-berger-attention.html
Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Sentinel Species: Nature’s Early Warning System
Sentinel species are animals, plants, or microorganisms that help detect environmental hazards before they threaten human health or ecosystems. The classic example is the canary in a coal mine, where birds were used to warn miners of toxic gases. Today, mussels help monitor water pollution, frogs indicate environmental changes, honeybees reveal potential pesticide exposure, and emperor penguins help scientists study climate change. These natural indicators remind us that the health of wildlife is closely connected to our own. Sometimes, nature warns us before we recognise the danger.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-are-sentinel-species/article70853746.ece
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Monday, 19 October 2026
Jeffrey Archer Remembered - The Survival Specialist Who Turned Trouble into Stories
The bestselling British novelist and politician sold more than 300 million books worldwide. His life, marked by literary triumphs, political ambition, scandal and imprisonment, was almost as dramatic as the stories he wrote. Jeffrey Archer, one of Britain’s most commercially successful novelists, died peacefully at his home on October 5, 2026, aged 86. According to his publisher, HarperCollins, he died between writing sessions, a day before the global release of his final novel, Adam and Eve. His death ended a writing career spanning five decades, with more than 300 million books sold across 119 countries. For millions of readers, particularly in India, Archer was a familiar name associated with gripping plots, ambitious characters, political intrigue and unexpected twists. Although critics often dismissed his writing, his popularity demonstrated his extraordinary ability to tell stories that kept readers turning pages.
From Political Ambition to Literary Success
Born in 1940, Archer entered Parliament in 1969 at the age of 29 as a Conservative MP. However, unsuccessful investments brought him close to bankruptcy in 1974, forcing him to reconsider his future. He turned to writing, drawing inspiration from his financial difficulties to produce his debut novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, published in 1975. The book established the foundations of a successful literary career built around revenge, ambition, deception and financial intrigue. His greatest success came with Kane and Abel (1979), the story of two men from contrasting backgrounds whose lives become intertwined through rivalry and ambition. The international bestseller was adapted into a television miniseries in 1985. Other notable works included The Prodigal Daughter, First Among Equals, As the Crow Flies, The Fourth Estate and The Clifton Chronicles. His short-story collections, particularly A Quiver Full of Arrows, showcased his talent for suspense, irony and surprising endings.
Politics, Scandal and Imprisonment
Archer’s success as a novelist enabled his return to politics. Margaret Thatcher appointed him deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and in 1992 he entered the House of Lords as Lord Archer of Weston-Super-Mare. However, his political ambitions unravelled in 1999 when allegations concerning an earlier libel case resurfaced. Archer had won damages from the Daily Star, but a subsequent investigation established that he had fabricated an alibi. He abandoned his campaign to become mayor of London and was later convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice. Sentenced to four years in prison, Archer was released early in 2003 after serving just over two years. He subsequently transformed his prison experience into literature through A Prison Diary, a three-volume series comprising Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. The books documented prison life and offered insights into his experiences behind bars. His conviction remained a defining part of his public identity. Nevertheless, his literary career continued, demonstrating the complicated relationship between personal conduct, public reputation and commercial success.
The Business of Storytelling
Archer’s extraordinary sales reflected his understanding of popular storytelling. His novels explored money, inheritance, family, social class, revenge and the pursuit of power. His characters were frequently driven by ambition, and their rivalries created the dramatic tension that sustained his narratives. His writing was often criticised for conventional prose and melodramatic plots. Yet his popularity demonstrated that literary acclaim and commercial success do not always coincide. Archer understood the appeal of suspense: introducing a complication, concealing crucial information and revealing it at precisely the right moment. His stories offered readers the pleasure of discovering what happened next. His career also raises questions about how readers remember writers whose achievements coexist with personal controversy. Can literary success be separated from an author’s conduct? How should public disgrace shape a writer’s legacy? Archer’s life offers no simple answers.
A Final Novel and a Lasting Legacy
Archer’s final novel, Adam and Eve, was scheduled for release on October 6, 2026, a day after his death. The story centres on an earl who wants a son to inherit his estate and a shepherd who wants a daughter because he fears a son would be sent to war. Archer described the book as the most satisfying work he had ever written. The timing of his death added poignancy to its publication. He died while still writing, having devoted five decades to storytelling. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dame Mary Archer, their two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons. Jeffrey Archer’s legacy remains complex. Some readers will remember the excitement of Kane and Abel, the ingenuity of his short stories and his gift for unexpected endings. Others will recall the political scandal, criminal conviction and imprisonment that shaped his public life. Both histories belong to the same man. Archer’s life was almost a story of his own making, filled with ambition, triumph, reversal and controversy. Yet his most enduring achievement was his ability to keep writing and to find readers across generations. Jeffrey Archer’s life reminds us that a legacy is rarely a single story. Sometimes, it is a collection of competing narratives—and the challenge of deciding how they belong together.
Sources and Further Reading
The Hindu — Jeffrey Archer dies at 86, leaving a legacy shaped by bestselling novels and political scandals. October 6, 2026.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80095q7p7jo
Reuters — UK author and politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86. October 5, 2026.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-author-politician-jeffrey-archer-dies-aged-86-2026-10-05/
Associated Press (AP) — Jeffrey Archer, bestselling British novelist, dies at 86.
The New York Times — Jeffrey Archer Dead at 86. October 5, 2026.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/06/books/review/jeffrey-archer-by-the-book.html
The New York Times Book Review — Jeffrey Archer: By the Book. October 6, 2026.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/books/jeffrey-archer-dead.html
Frontline — Jeffrey Archer and the art of turning trouble into stories. By Uma Mahadevan-Dasgupta.
A Quiver Full of Arrows: Jeffery Archer – A Review
Jeffrey Archer has always occupied an interesting space between literary storytelling and popular fiction. His stories are accessible, entertaining, and often driven by clever twists, yet they occasionally offer moments of tenderness, historical curiosity, and reflections on human relationships. After his death, I picked up his short story collection A Quiver Full of Arrows, curious to revisit his storytelling through these compact narratives. The collection takes the reader across continents, from China and Nigeria to England and the United States, exploring ambition, love, tradition, rivalry, and the occasional absurdity of everyday life.
The title itself took me in an unexpected direction. It reminded me of the biblical image of children as arrows in the hands of a warrior (parents). Replacing children with students and parents with teachers, I found a personal connection to my profession as a teacher. Teachers, like warriors, must prepare, shape, and guide their students before sending them into the world. The arrow must eventually leave the bow, but its direction depends, in part, on how it has been prepared.
Among the stories, “The First Miracle” was particularly memorable. Through the innocent eyes of a young boy, Archer approaches the birth of Jesus Christ with tenderness and wonder. The boy’s encounter with Mary and Joseph, his father’s disbelief, and the miraculous disappearance of his wounds give the story an emotional resonance that goes beyond its religious setting.
“The Hungarian Professor” offers a quieter kind of sadness. A Hungarian professor’s fascination with England, particularly London, reveals how deeply a place can occupy the imagination of someone who has never visited it. The professor’s unfulfilled dream of travelling to England becomes a poignant reminder that some of our most cherished desires remain unrealised.
In “Old Love,” rivalry becomes the foundation of an extraordinary relationship. William Hatchard and Phillippa Jameson begin as academic adversaries at Oxford, their competition gradually developing into love. Their shared wit, professional success, and affectionate sarcasm make their relationship memorable. The tragic ending, however, reveals the depth of a bond that neither character can imagine living without.
I was equally fascinated by “The Chinese Statue,” with its journey through generations, aristocratic traditions, and the world of antique collecting. The story demonstrates how an object’s historical and cultural significance can become entangled with questions of ownership, authenticity, and monetary value. Its final twist is a delightful reminder that appearances can be deceptive.
For sheer comedy, “Broken Routine” was a favourite. Septimus Horatio Cornwallis, a man whose life revolves around an unchanging routine, finds himself in an absurd confrontation on a crowded train. His attempt to teach a young hoodlum a lesson ends with an amusing discovery: he has been smoking the other man’s cigarettes all along.
I also noticed a curious resemblance between “The Coup” and “One Night Stand.” Although their circumstances differ, both stories revolve around competition: businessmen competing for a project in one, and married men competing for the attention of a widow in the other. Such parallels reveal Archer’s interest in the rivalries that drive human behaviour, whether in professional life or personal relationships.
The appeal of A Quiver Full of Arrows lies in its variety, blending humour, romance, history, and unexpected twists. Archer demonstrates that simple stories can be memorable and thought-provoking. The collection also reminds us that popular fiction, beyond its entertainment, can offer meaningful reflections on human relationships and experiences.
Sunday, 18 October 2026
Permanence: The Power of Small Daily Actions - Summary based on notes
This blog is a summary based on personal notes which I took while listening to the blink on the book - Permanence: Become the Person You Want to Be—and Stay That Way by Lisa Broderick and Marshall Goldsmith
Personal growth is not just about deciding who we want to become; it is about consistently acting in ways that bring us closer to that person. In Permanence, Lisa Broderick and Marshall Goldsmith highlight the importance of small, deliberate actions in creating lasting change. We may know what needs to be done, but real growth begins when we translate that understanding into action.
Small daily actions lead to meaningful transformation. Rather than relying on occasional motivation or ambitious plans, we need simple, repeatable practices and an honest day’s effort. Consistency builds discipline, clarity, and confidence, helping us make steady progress towards our goals.
Goals give direction to our efforts, but we must understand their meaning and take ownership of them. We are responsible for the choices we make and the efforts we put into achieving what matters most. Regularly examining our progress helps us remain focused and recognise whether our daily behaviour reflects our aspirations.
Marshall Goldsmith’s daily questions encourage us to reflect on our actions: Did I do my best to set clear goals? Did I do my best to make progress towards achieving them? Did I do my best to be fully engaged? Did I do my best to avoid angry or destructive comments about others? These questions shift our attention from blaming circumstances to taking responsibility for our actions and relationships.
Measurement turns intentions into observable behaviour. Stoic philosophers practised daily self-reflection, while Benjamin Franklin used a personal scorecard to monitor his progress. Peter Drucker’s principle, commonly expressed as “What gets measured gets managed,” reinforces the value of tracking our efforts. By evaluating specific behaviours, such as listening patiently, managing time effectively, and responding calmly, we can identify areas for improvement.
Personal transformation also depends on the choices we make in the moment. Responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively can help us reduce resentment, let go of the need to control others, and focus on what lies within our influence.
Ultimately, lasting change requires a clear purpose, consistent effort, and honest self-assessment. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to change, we can begin with small actions today. The essential question is: Did I make a sincere effort to become the person I want to be? By reflecting daily, measuring our progress, and trying again, we can turn personal growth into a sustainable practice.
Saturday, 17 October 2026
Friday, 16 October 2026
Thursday, 15 October 2026
The Frenchmen: How French Theory Changed the Way We Think - Book Update
Emily Eakin’s The Frenchmen: Or My Life in Theory explores the lives, ideas, and influence of French thinkers who transformed American intellectual life in the late twentieth century. Through the stories of Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Gilles Deleuze, and others, Eakin examines how French postmodernism challenged traditional understandings of language, identity, truth, and meaning. Combining biography, intellectual history, and personal memoir, the book presents these philosophers as complex individuals whose personal lives were often as fascinating as their theories. It also explores how their ideas gained popularity in American universities and eventually influenced contemporary culture beyond academia. The book makes complex philosophical concepts accessible while highlighting the connections between intellectual ambition, personal relationships, and academic culture. It also raises questions about the representation of women thinkers and the balance between exploring philosophers’ lives and examining their ideas.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/03/the-frenchmen-emily-eakin-book-review
When Suffering Becomes Spectacle: Media and the Jantar Mantar Protests
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| Image Credit - Google Image Search |
The image of protesters confronting police at Jantar Mantar captures a moment of tension, resistance, and human vulnerability. Yet, when such images circulate through news channels and social media, the suffering they depict can become a spectacle rather than an invitation to understand the issues behind the protest. Media coverage often prioritises dramatic visuals, confrontations, emotional reactions, and sensational headlines to attract attention. In the process, the protesters’ demands, personal experiences, and the social or political conditions that brought them to the streets may receive less attention. Suffering becomes a spectacle when the visibility of pain overshadows the meaning behind it.
From the perspective of Vulnerability Studies, this raises important ethical questions. Are protesters represented as individuals with legitimate concerns or merely as an agitated crowd? Does the camera help audiences recognise their vulnerability, or does it turn their distress into consumable content? While visual media can make injustice visible and mobilise public support, it can also reduce complex struggles to dramatic scenes of conflict.
Memory Studies offers another perspective. Images of protests can become part of collective memory, shaping how future generations remember particular movements and political struggles. However, when media repeatedly circulates images of confrontation without preserving the context behind them, public memory may become dominated by spectacle rather than the protesters’ experiences, demands, and aspirations.
From the perspective of Trauma Studies, repeated exposure to images of violence and distress can influence how audiences understand and emotionally experience suffering. For those directly involved, the circulation of protest images may also preserve painful experiences in public memory, sometimes without adequate attention to their dignity or consent. The challenge, therefore, is not simply to show suffering but to represent it responsibly. Media should move beyond displaying vulnerable bodies to explaining the conditions that make people vulnerable in the first place. By connecting images with context, testimony, and historical memory, media can help transform the spectacle of suffering into a deeper understanding of human experiences and social struggles.
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
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