Every year New Delhi welcomes people and their hopes. People from across the nation find themselves attracted to this city because of its prestige, politics, and power- thinking they might not become millionaires but would be able to afford bare necessities- food, clothing, and shelter.
However, that is a distant dream. These people find themselves in a vicious circle of selective development – always on the edge of losing it all. They make the Eighty Percent – and for them escaping the vicious circle is a generational challenge.
After the success of Borrowed Dreams: The Canadian Experience in 2023, Insight Media has worked on a docu-series called the Eighty Percent, presenting its first part Ashamed of My Capital in 2024. The national capital is the pinnacle as the administrative, political, and cultural nerve center of a country. The national capital’s infrastructure, institutions, and global connectivity play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s development trajectory and projecting its influence on the world stage. One of New Delhi’s major institutions is its MCD dumpsites or rather its mountains of trash, an infrastructure like none. Our team decided to investigate one of these institutions and arrived at the Bhalswa landfill in Rajiv Nagar of north Delhi.
Our documentary reflects upon the life of the people living around the Bhalswa MCD dumping site. It exposes the hardship and struggle people of Bhalswa are subjected to and have no control over. A skyline of eagles along with a rancid stench welcomed us at the hill. A local resident, Mohammad Ali recalls how their morning routine is no less than war being fought on the border. He states “We all are daily wage labourers not Beaurocrat. We have to wake up early in the morning, fill water from the tankers, get ready, drop our kids to school and also somehow reach our work at 9:00 every morning. It is not less than any war being fought on the border”. Another resident of the Bhalswa settlement talks about how the dumping site has taken away his prime years. For Ishak Ali breathing has become cumbersome to the point where he cannot walk two steps without losing his energy. A mother of a 10 month old baby shared about how she had to leave her child with her relatives as the fires, smoke, and leachate were making it impossible for her baby to stay with the mother.
The Julaha are the invisible layer of life separating the world from the hill of trash. This community is recognised as a scheduled caste under the Indian constitution and majority of them are rag pickers and people that work on the garbage hill. We got to know about their story hidden from the world, never part of the mainstream news, buried underneath the hill of trash. They are subjugated to methane which causes neurological disorder, cognitive impairment, and acute respiratory disorder. All of these lead to serious growth and development stunting in future generations, making sure leaving the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of social mobility is unfeasible.
The Bhalswa landfill is an un-engineered site lacking necessary technology to prevent the environment from degradation. Moreover, the landfill exceeds the limit of 20 meters of height for un-engineered landfills. Without the essential technology all that accumulates at the hill finds its way in the groundwater and the nearby water body. We decided to test the MCD water that is supplied by the Delhi government to the people living near the Bhalswa settlement, water that is claimed to be fit for drinking. The water sample was given to the Shree Ram Food and Pharma research centre to test for quality of drinking water.
The report revealed the water to be infested with high levels of calcium, magnesium, and total dissolved solids (TDS). These can cause health issues like kidney stones if consumed regularly. The presence of coliform bacteria, commonly found in sewage and waste, suggests serious microbial contamination. This makes the water unsafe and poses risks of waterborne diseases. High levels of heavy metals and hardness can damage kidneys, liver, and bones over time. This report was shared with Dr. Sandihya Bhargava, a public health expert. He relayed his views as “Heavy metals can cause severe damage to the liver, skin, it’s also carcinogenic in nature and coliform bacteria particularly can also result in severe diarrhea, which is also one of the leading causes of undefined mortality across India. Root cause, there are, uh, many root causes of it. First and foremost is industrial affluence going in the water bodies, then human waste going into water bodies, improper water disposal plant, and excess, at times, uh, to reduce the amount of, uh, bacteria or pollutants in the water. The government uses chlorine, they put chlorine into the water and at times is, uh, filled excessively.” To watch the documentary and doctor’s analysis find the link here.
The eagles circling above Bhalswa seem to symbolize the grim reality of its residents—waiting to claim the remains of their dreams, aspirations, and, eventually, their lives. The rancid stench is a metaphor for the false promises made to these people, promises as toxic as the environment they endure.
Insight Media’s Ashamed of My Capital sheds light on the plight of Bhalswa’s residents and the systemic neglect they face. To watch the full documentary and Dr. Bhargava’s analysis, click here.
The story of Bhalswa is not just about a landfill; it is a mirror reflecting the failures of urban development, governance, and humanity itself.
As India reels from the aftershocks of the Waqf Act-triggered violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Part 2 of our ground investigation uncovers a darker, more deliberate phase of the communal unrest.
What began as angry protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act soon turned into coordinated anti-Hindu violence, with disturbing new tactics: poisoned drinking water, homes torched with women and children inside, and crude bombs hurled by frenzied mobs. Survivors, intelligence inputs, and independent observers now point toward pre-planned ethnic targeting — not spontaneous rage.
The Murder That Sparked a Storm
The spiral into terror was cemented by a gruesome killing — the brutal murder of 55-year-old Harigobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, both respected Hindu businessmen in the Beldanga area.
Eyewitnesses allege that a mob, inflamed by radical slogans, dragged the duo out during a “peaceful protest” and hacked them to death. According to reports, the prime accused is linked to Islamist groups operating under the guise of anti-Waqf law protests. India Today has cited intelligence officials connecting this network to Bangladesh-based Islamist outfits, raising alarms about the porous border and radicalisation in Bengal’s border districts.
Bombs in Broad Daylight
As tension spread, crude bombs were hurled at police vehicles and Hindu homes. One victim told us about bombs being spotted often nowadays, which are often used in Bengal’s political violence. One police constable, on condition of anonymity, said:
“There were 3 bombs in the field. They found it today”
The Name That Keeps Coming Up: Mehboob Alam
Once again, the name of TMC councillor Mehboob Alam has surfaced. Locals allege that Alam was not only complicit but actively instigated the second wave of violence.
“On Saturday, the attack unfolded from the councillor’s place – Mehboob Alam, TMC Councillor”
Radicalisation and Illegal Migrants: The Unspoken Threat
Reports from Organiser and News18 now confirm that illegal Bangladeshi migrants played a major role in swelling the mobs. Murshidabad, which has a long-standing infiltration issue, has become a hotbed of radicalisation and parallel power structures that challenge Indian sovereignty.
Weapons caches were also recovered from abandoned madrasa premises — hinting at premeditated violence, not spontaneous outrage.
Women Targeted: NCW Raises Alarm
The National Commission for Women has issued a scathing report on the violence, stating that Hindu women were deliberately attacked and intimidated. Many faced threats of rape and molestation, with several families alleging that local police refused to even register complaints.
Central Forces Deployed, But For How Long?
In response to public outcry and a High Court directive, 17 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed. While this has stabilised the situation temporarily, local residents fear the violence will return once the spotlight fades.
Conclusion: The Bengal Borderline Has Been Breached
Murshidabad is not just a district in Bengal anymore — it’s a communal time bomb, one ticking at the intersection of vote-bank politics, demographic manipulation, Islamist radicalisation, and state complicity.
The Waqf Act may have sparked the fire, but what followed was an organised attempt to erase dissenting communities, rewrite territorial control, and instill fear through methods unseen in recent Indian memory.
“Watch our exclusive video report on the second phase of Murshidabad violence — including survivor interviews, site footage, and a breakdown of how the state looked away when people were marked for death.”
In the blistering summer of 1980s Punjab, where each sunrise threatened another ambush and every grain of soil seemed soaked in unrest, a silent battle unfolded—not with rifles, but with resolve. A battle not of soldiers alone, but of engineers, villagers, and bureaucrats who dared to challenge both nature and the enemy. This is the story of the Punjab Border Fencing Project—India’s unsung feat of steel and spirit that turned a fragile line into an unshakable wall. Watch it here.
The Blood-Stained Line
India stood on the brink of freedom, and yet, the birth of a new nation was marred by the violence of partition. A man named Cyril Radcliffe, unfamiliar with India’s land and soul, drew a line that would later bleed for decades. That line, now called the Punjab border, would soon become the epicenter of militant infiltration and ideological war.
Post-Independence, Pakistan’s strategic defeat in conventional wars gave rise to a new, more insidious approach—supporting militancy and separatist movements across the border. Smuggled weapons, narcotics, and ideological propaganda flowed freely through the porous frontier, transforming Punjab into a battleground cloaked in smoke and sorrow.
By the early 1980s, the golden fields of Punjab had turned red. Bus massacres, temple takeovers, and the infamous Operation Blue Star left scars not only on the state but on the nation’s conscience.
The Suicide Mission No One Wanted
Against this backdrop of terror and tension, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) was tasked with an almost suicidal mission—fortify the Indo-Pak border.
There were no satellites, no drones, no high-tech surveying equipment. What they had was sheer grit. Working from a make-shift office that lacked even chairs and desks, engineers under the leadership of BB Makkar carried forward an operation that had no blueprint, no precedent, and absolutely no room for error.
They didn’t just build fences; they built hope.
A Wall of Sacrifice
Villagers donated their lands willingly, fully aware they were living in the crosshairs of militants. CPWD officials worked around the clock—often staying in bomb-proof bunkers, subsisting on bare minimums. Every action had to be discreet; even casual conversations with drivers could risk lives if overheard by the wrong ears.
But what perhaps speaks volumes of the project’s success is its frugality. This grand national shield was built at a cost of merely 1,700 Rupees per meter—a marvel in both execution and economy.
Yet, tragedy was never far. In 1988, devastating floods destroyed the first phase of fencing. Critics pounced. Accusations of corruption and mismanagement flooded the headlines. But those who had bled in the sun to raise that fence stood undeterred. CPWD treated the setback not as a defeat, but as a challenge—to build again, this time stronger.
A Promise Kept in Silence
The mission never received headlines. There was no parade for the engineers, no medals for the villagers, no historic speeches in their honor. Yet the fence stood, unwavering. It became more than metal and barbed wire; it became a promise—that India’s borders may be threatened, but they will never be breached.
The fencing slowed infiltration. It throttled arms smuggling. And most importantly, it forced the enemy to rethink its strategy.
In the heart of this narrative stood leaders who rose above politics—like Atal Bihari Vajpayee—who, beyond all party lines, supported what was right for the country. His behind-the-scenes guidance was a crucial pillar in ensuring the project did not collapse under bureaucratic weight or political backlash.
The Unacknowledged Patriots
Today, we speak of a secure Punjab. Of a border that stands strong. Of a nation that sleeps safer. But we seldom remember the ones who built that strength, inch by inch, under the shadow of sniper rifles and insurgent threats.
This fence was not just steel—it was sweat, soul, and sacrifice.
It is time we remember the unnamed engineers, the tireless laborers, the fearless villagers, and the visionary leaders who made it happen. Their story isn’t just history—it’s a reminder. That sometimes, the greatest battles are fought not with weapons, but with willpower.
And perhaps, as we walk along the secure borderlines of our nation today, we owe them not just a salute—but our eternal gratitude.
Indian Comicverse: A Nostalgic Revival at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 saw a vibrant revival of Indian comics, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. Iconic publishers showcased stunning visuals and gripping narratives, marking a new golden age.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, hosted at the grand Bharat Mandapam from February 1 to February 9, was a spectacular celebration of literature, art, and storytelling. This year, the event took on a special aura as the Indian comic book industry made a resounding comeback, rekindling the magic of illustrated storytelling. The fair was an electrifying blend of nostalgia and innovation, as both legendary pioneers and fresh new creators showcased their work, proving that Indian comics are entering a new golden age.
The Return of Indian Comics: A Journey Through Time
For many, names like Suppandi, Nagraj, Bankelal, Cheeku-Meeku, and Amar Chitra Katha’s legendary epics evoke a wave of childhood nostalgia. These comics, once household favorites through the ’80s and ’90s, experienced a sharp decline with the rise of video games, internet culture, and smartphones.
“The first decline happened in the ’90s with the arrival of VCRs and cassette tapes, which offered an alternative to comics and pulp fiction novels. The second major decline came after 2010, when smartphones took over, making digital content easily accessible and changing reading habits entirely,” explained an industry expert at the event. However, the industry has been making a powerful resurgence, thanks to new-age Indian graphic novelists and initiatives like the Comics Creator Championship, Comic Con, and WAVES.
The global comic book industry, valued at $14.69 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $21.37 billion by 2029, and India is riding this wave of growth with renewed enthusiasm. At this year’s fair, the stalls featuring illustrated editions of the Hanuman Chalisa, Mahabharata retellings, and stories of Indian war heroes drew massive crowds. Publishers like Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, and Campfire Graphic Novels made a huge impact with their stunning visuals and gripping storytelling.
The Amar Chitra Katha stall was a hotspot at the fair, with its collection of religious epics, historical legends, and bestsellers like Tinkle and Suppandi. The brand has expanded into new territories, even covering contemporary stories like Mann Ki Baat—a 14-volume series available in 12 languages, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. This fusion of old and new has made Amar Chitra Katha a key player in keeping traditional stories alive for newer generations.
Founded in 1986, Raj Comics has been a staple in Indian pop culture with its iconic superheroes like Nagraj, Dhruva, and Doga. Over the years, Raj Comics has consistently evolved with technology, from digital coloring in the 2000s to the growing popularity of international comics in the 2010s. “Indian comics today can compete with Marvel when it comes to illustrations,” said a Raj Comics representative. As they transition into film adaptations, these Indian superheroes are set to reach an even larger audience.
Cinemics has made a name for itself by publishing a diverse range of comics, spanning horror, comedy, kids’ stories, suspense thrillers, murder mysteries, and even time-travel adventures. Most notably, they have brought Chandrakanta to life in a graphic format for the first time, bridging classic literature with modern storytelling.
Ektara’s approach to publishing is deeply rooted in India’s artistic heritage. Their beautifully illustrated comics and graphic novels celebrate the country’s traditional art forms. “We don’t aim to teach a language or push an agenda—we simply want people to appreciate history and literature through exquisite art and storytelling,” said an Ektara representative.
Biplob World stood out as an eco-conscious publisher, dedicated to creating engaging stories that educate children about the environment. “There’s a Biplob within each of us. The solutions to our problems don’t come from an external superhero; they lie within us,” explained co-founder Abhishek. Their comics inspire young readers to care for nature through interactive storytelling.
Ashwatha Tree’s mission is to instill a sense of pride in Indian traditions and culture among children. Their books cover Indian festivals, folklore, and historical narratives, ensuring that these cultural treasures are not lost with time. “If we introduce children to these stories at a young age, they will carry these values forward,” said the founder.
Campfire Graphic Novels has redefined illustrated literature by creating high-quality graphic novels on history, mythology, and biographies. From Indian epics like Draupadi and Karna to global figures like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, their well-researched and authentic art has gained worldwide recognition. “Our books are available in over 40 international languages, from Spanish to Arabic,” shared a Campfire spokesperson.
AAN Publications is dedicated to telling the stories of India’s real-life heroes—soldiers, warriors, and unsung defenders of the nation. “We bring forward the stories of those who have sacrificed for the country but remain unknown to most Indians,” said a passionate representative. Their publications emphasize patriotism, making them a standout presence at the fair.
A New Era for Indian Comics
The 2025 New Delhi World Book Fair proved that Indian comics are back with a vengeance. The fusion of nostalgia with cutting-edge storytelling and breathtaking artwork is breathing new life into the industry. From mythology and history to superheroes and social themes, Indian comics are more diverse and engaging than ever before.
This event was a testament to how illustrated storytelling is evolving, captivating audiences old and new. As publishers continue to innovate and adapt, the Indian comic book industry is set to soar, carving out its place on the global stage.
Did you attend NDWBF 2025? What’s your favorite Indian comic? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more exciting updates from INSIGHT!
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