I sometimes doubt myself — am I intimidating? We recently stayed at a hotel, chosen by my wife after sieving through 50 options. Her reason was practical — it was the only one offering complimentary breakfast. So we did something completely out of character for our family: woke up early, dressed up by 8 AM, andContinue reading “The Intimidation of Not Fitting In”
Author Archives: askenni
You Can’t Tamilise Your Way Into Tamil Nadu
There’s something almost comical about watching the RSS and BJP try to culturally cosplay their way into Tamil Nadu. It’s like watching a bad stage performance where the actors keep changing costumes hoping one will get a round of applause. Spoiler alert: it never does. They tried to sell us Shri Ram. It didn’t work.Continue reading “You Can’t Tamilise Your Way Into Tamil Nadu”
Blessings in One Hand, a Weapon in the Other: The Hindu God Warning You Shouldn’t Miss
Ever noticed how almost every Hindu god is depicted with an ashirvad (blessing) in one hand and a weapon in the other? It’s not just artistic flair — it’s a coded message. And if you’re smart, you’d better mind it. In Hindu iconography, this duality isn’t a contradiction — it’s the core of cosmic balance. Gods are not justContinue reading “Blessings in One Hand, a Weapon in the Other: The Hindu God Warning You Shouldn’t Miss”
If Indians Hate Caste-Based Reservation, Let Every Indian Child Study in a Government School
Every few years, especially during exam results or job recruitment seasons, the same outrage resurfaces across urban India — “Why should caste-based reservation exist? Why should merit suffer?” But let’s take a moment to ask — what is this “merit” everyone is so protective of? And more importantly, where does it begin? The Merit Mirage A child born inContinue reading “If Indians Hate Caste-Based Reservation, Let Every Indian Child Study in a Government School”
The Death of Sanskrit: A Language Smothered by Privilege
Languages don’t die easily. They fade when people stop speaking them, when their relevance erodes, or when another language takes over as the dominant mode of communication. But Sanskrit, once one of the most refined and revered languages of human civilisation, didn’t die a natural death. It was smothered—by the very people who once claimed it asContinue reading “The Death of Sanskrit: A Language Smothered by Privilege”
The Quiet Disillusionment of the Modern Man
There was a time when chasing love, romance, and companionship gave men a sense of purpose. It was a journey — often messy, often thrilling — but one that felt worth the struggle. That was before smartphones, before the dopamine-on-demand culture, before the infinite scroll of perfection entered our lives. Then came internet porn —Continue reading “The Quiet Disillusionment of the Modern Man”
A Cup of Colonialism: The Bitter Truth Behind India’s Beloved Chai
I love meeting people who are original thinkers—those rare individuals who challenge commonly accepted ideas with refreshing perspectives. During a recent visit to Singapore, I met one such businessman. In the span of a casual conversation, he shook the very foundation of a belief I had long held sacred: that tea—our beloved chai—has been an intrinsicContinue reading “A Cup of Colonialism: The Bitter Truth Behind India’s Beloved Chai”
The Grace in Knowing, and Still Surrendering
There is something profoundly humbling in the way destiny unfolds — not in ignorance, but in full awareness. Jesus knew he would be betrayed, tortured, and crucified. He even predicted it to his disciples. Yet he did not run. He did not fight back. He walked toward the cross with open arms — not asContinue reading “The Grace in Knowing, and Still Surrendering”
A Forgotten Legacy: India’s Diverse and Inclusive Education Systems Before Colonial Rule
For many today, the word “education” evokes images of degrees, institutions, and elite access. But if we rewind to pre-colonial India, we find a rich and complex educational tapestry — one that challenges modern assumptions about access, inclusion, and caste. Contrary to popular belief, ancient India did not have a single, monolithic system of education.Continue reading “A Forgotten Legacy: India’s Diverse and Inclusive Education Systems Before Colonial Rule”
One Nation, One Religion, One Ruler — Is That Democracy?
If India ever ends up with just one religion, one God, one language, one ration card, and one election — the only ones left to rule will be the RSS and the BJP. And when that day comes, it will no longer be a democracy. It will be a cultural dictatorship in the guise ofContinue reading “One Nation, One Religion, One Ruler — Is That Democracy?”