Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya Citizen Matters

Opinion: This Diwali, let’s just be selfish!

November 13, 2020 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

The issue around firecrackers is not a religious, cultural or legal one. It is one that concerns every one of us individually, our health and that of our children.

When will we love our cities as much as we love Donald Trump?

February 24, 2020 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

A lot has been done to get our cities and landmarks ready for the visit of the US President, but would any of it have been necessary if there were better systems and governance in place?

Have cities really made it easier for women to report crimes against them?

January 15, 2020 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

As India strives to ensure faster delivery of justice in cases involving crimes against women, several steps have been taken to improve ease of initial reporting. Here are some reports from different cities that indicate how these are functioning on the ground.

Elections, Kashmir, environment and citizens: 12 stories from the 12 months gone by

December 31, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

As we come to the end of the year, a look at some of the most topical, important and appreciated stories of 2019.

Climate Strike comes to India — three things to keep in mind

September 28, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Over the last one week, thousands of Indian students and youth across India, inspired by the Global Climate Strike organised by ‘Fridays for Future’, came together to demand immediate and appropriate action to mitigate local and global climate risks. What should be the way forward?

“If it’s affordable, it’s not a fine”: Why many are opposed to lowering penalties under new traffic law

September 17, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Outrage over the imposition of exorbitantly high penalties for traffic rule violations has dominated much of the conversation around the new road safety law. Yet, there are countless survivors and families who recall their trauma and loss as they support the new fines.

When will Delhi see electric buses on its regular routes?

April 1, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

In a detailed interview with Citizen Matters, Jasmine Shah, Vice Chairperson of the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), throws light on the exact goals with regard to induction of e-buses in the capital and the journey towards that over the last one year.

When Kolkata loses old world charm and the Pujo isn’t the same anymore…

October 15, 2018 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Walk past the stretches where towering billboards loom over you on both sides, advertising everything from paan masala to entertainment apps, and you are sure to feel claustrophobic. The quintessential azure sky with white cottony clouds is now invisible.

What do smart cities mean for the 99%? Nothing!

September 11, 2018 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

What do the commonest among the common men in our country really want? And what kind of space and acceptance do they find in the cities to which they migrate? A chance conversation with a young director of a National Award-winning film, who has filmed such people extensively, reveals stark urban realities that we often overlook.

Labelled, bullied, humiliated: What LGBT students in our schools go through

June 11, 2018 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

A young researcher in Mumbai asked high school students from the LGBT community to share their experience in their schools. Close to 200 people from across cities responded and their tales are alarming.

Why is IIT Kharagpur training driving instructors from Kolkata and around?

March 21, 2018 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Close to 450 driving school trainers from Kolkata and other districts have been trained under a programme piloted by the premier institute under the ‘Safe Drive Save Life’ campaign of the state government. The mission: to promote a culture of safe driving by training the trainer.