Taberez A Neyazi

Abstract: The resurgence of Hindi newspapers has made it difficult for English newspapers to continue their dominance over social, cultural and political spheres in postcolonial India. It has also widened the political and cultural space available for the hitherto marginalised groups who could not participate in the national public sphere dominated by a certain mode of discourse and the English-speaking �national� elite. Hindi media has played a vital role in creating an alternative public discourse which has definitely changed conditions, if not by displacing the extant public sphere, then by putting regional issues on par with national issues.

Abstract: Negotiating the transformation in the larger social, political and economic landscape, Hindi newspapers have reconfigured themselves and adapted their content by appro- priating the language of modernity, once exclusively claimed by English-language newspapers. By using Western technology and adhering to indigenous cultural values and resources, Hindi newspapers are providing hybrid content to their readers in a hyper-competitive media environment. This has enabled them to present and sustain an alternative discourse in the public arena which is parallel to the elite discourse mediated through English-language news media. The study shows that local news- making practices and the people who produce them have an initiative, autonomy and presentation style � a �vernacular modernity� � that undermines any crude theory of �cultural imperialism�.

Abstract: The growing menace of terrorism can be kept in check with the help of influential religious organisations and seminaries. The recent active involvement of Darul Uloom Deoband of India at the civil-society level to build up movement against terrorism has yielded positive results across religious and sectarian divides in India. It is a strategy that can be replicated in other parts of the world. By issuing the far-reaching fatwa and launching the campaign against terrorism, Deoband had not only disapproved of terrorism but also set an example how Muslims and madrasahs in other parts of the world can play a role in checking the radicalisation of Muslim youth. In fact, the Deoband approach has been practised by many Islamic groups and movements in the Muslim world such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.