Exploring 2024's defining moments—intersections of politics, culture, and societal evolution—as captured by The Daily Eye’s critical debates, bold narratives, and impactful reflections. The #Newsdesk reports…

Cover Picture Photography: Vinta Nanda

As 2024 ends, The Daily Eye revisits key events and debates shaping politics, culture, and societal evolution. From masculinity in Indian cinema and political vendettas to wealth disparities and grassroots activism, this year, we showcased the complexities of governance, leadership, and community action. Insightful retrospectives on cinema’s golden decades, compelling theatre, and the rise of OTT platforms highlighted evolving cultural landscapes. Stories addressing inequalities and the urgent need for change emphasised the enduring power of thoughtful storytelling. Discover the year’s transformative narratives that informed, inspired, and provoked. Explore the most trending debates of 2024. 

Politics, Governance, and Social Justice

Masculinity emerged as a dominant theme in Indian cinema, with Satyabrata Ghosh highlighting how films, once vehicles of entertainment and cultural reflection, are increasingly becoming tools for disseminating targeted hatred. This disturbing trend reflects broader societal struggles with gender and power dynamics, showcasing the deep influence of cinema on public consciousness.

Humra Quraishi’s piece on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest marked a turning point in India’s political discourse, spotlighting how governance and justice are intertwined with political vendettas. Meanwhile, her exploration of Brinda Karat’s book discussed violence against women under the BJP-RSS regime, offering a stark critique of political and cultural propaganda. Sharad Raj further critiqued Mumbai’s redevelopment, illustrating how urban transformation is exacerbating class divides and fostering socio-economic inequities.

Vinta Nanda called for a clear separation of religion and politics, emphasizing the need to protect India’s pluralistic democracy. In a similar vein, the Population Foundation of India urged media outlets to responsibly report on demographic studies, arguing against the sensationalism that creates fear and division among communities.

Cinema, Culture, and Leadership

Monojit Lahiri explored the rise of OTT platforms, showcasing how they have democratized storytelling and empowered actors to step out of the shadows of traditional stardom. This shift marks a new chapter in Indian entertainment, one that prioritizes diverse narratives and authentic performances. Vinta Nanda’s retrospective on the 1970s—a defining decade for Indian cinema—and interview with the authors, offered rich insights into its cultural and cinematic legacy, drawing from the anthology The Swinging Seventies, curated and edited by Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri and Nirupama Kotru.

The stage also offered compelling stories this year. Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s play Farida and Purva Naresh’s OK Tata Bye Bye resonated with audiences, showcasing how theatre continues to be a powerful medium for storytelling. Both works were celebrated for their ability to address societal issues with nuance and sensitivity.

In leadership, Shifa Maitra shared life lessons from Ratan Tata, emphasizing the timeless values of humility, curiosity, and work-life balance. Gajra Kottary’s journey as a screenwriter and author highlighted her ability to balance the demands of Indian television with profound literary contributions, offering layered characters and challenging social norms.

Pluralism, Inequalities, and Community Action

The Ambani wedding, a symbol of opulence, sparked heated debates on social media about India’s wealth disparity. Vinta Nanda’s critique of this event emphasised the urgent need to address the growing inequalities in Indian society. Similarly, Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful protest for Ladakh’s autonomy drew attention to the region’s fragile ecosystem and the importance of sustainable development.

Humra Quraishi’s call to action on Children’s Day reminded readers of the dire state of India’s missing children and the need for systemic changes to protect their futures. Vinta Nanda’s heartfelt tribute to her lifelong friend in Epistles from Lolab Valley captured the essence of friendship, interweaving personal memories with broader cultural reflections.

Through these narratives, The Daily Eye captured the essence of a transformative year, offering a lens through which readers can better understand the complexities and contradictions of contemporary society. From calls for accountability and justice to celebrations of culture and leadership, these stories remind us of the enduring power of thoughtful storytelling to inspire and provoke change.

Here’s the link to all you can read about the discussions mentioned above.