Why Are Politicians So Obsessed With Hindu-Muslim Numbers?

I’ve never really understood why Indian politicians are so bothered about whether Hindus are 80% or 70%, or whether Muslims are 14% or 20%. Why this obsession with population percentages? At the end of the day, both Hindus and Muslims are Indian citizens. Both stand in the same queues. Both curse the same potholes. AndContinue reading “Why Are Politicians So Obsessed With Hindu-Muslim Numbers?”

Stop Transferring Guilt

I parked my car outside the temple. As expected, a beggar lady approached. “So, you’ve come to visit the temple?” she asked. ‘Of course,’ I thought. ‘Why else would I park here?’ But I smiled. No point being rude. “Yes,” my wife replied instead. “Okay, go and come,” said the beggar. Huh? Was this her temple now?Continue reading “Stop Transferring Guilt”

Biryani, Brandy, and Ballots: The Reality of Indian Democracy

I recently witnessed something that perfectly encapsulates the dark comedy of Indian democracy. A massive crowd had gathered — mostly men, each one flaunting a quarter bottle of brandy like a trophy. Chicken biryani packets had already been distributed, and the word was out: ₹500 cash would follow once the political meeting concluded. Who wereContinue reading “Biryani, Brandy, and Ballots: The Reality of Indian Democracy”

The Mughal Tyrants, The British Saviours? Rewriting History in Visa English

Babur was brutal. Aurangzeb was oppressive. Akbar? Somehow, he’s controversial too. And yet, the 165-year exploitative rule of the British is often painted in golden hues — railways, bureaucracy, and of course, the English language. Strange how the oppressor gets a statue in our minds while we tear down the memory of our own past. What went soContinue reading “The Mughal Tyrants, The British Saviours? Rewriting History in Visa English”

Why Do Indians Stand Up Before the Plane Comes to a Standstill?

The current generation of Indians is possibly the first to experience air travel on a mass scale. Their parents and grandparents mostly travelled by trains and buses — the default modes of long-distance travel in India for decades. And that legacy hasn’t just influenced their mindset — it’s practically hardwired into their DNA. In India,Continue reading “Why Do Indians Stand Up Before the Plane Comes to a Standstill?”

The Fight Between Two Minorities: Brahmins vs Muslims in India

In India, much of the noise you hear — the protests, the polarisation, the politics — is often framed as a majority-minority issue. But peel back the layers, and what emerges is a different story altogether: the real fight is between two minorities — the Brahmins, who make up barely 5% of the population, and the Muslims, who form about 15%. EveryoneContinue reading “The Fight Between Two Minorities: Brahmins vs Muslims in India”

Whose Morality Are Hindus Following Today?

The moral compass that Indian Hindus follow today is more inspired by Islam and Christianity than by Hinduism itself. This might sound outrageous to some, but let’s not confuse sentiment with scrutiny. Traditional Hinduism—rooted in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the epics, and countless philosophical schools—has always embraced a nuanced, layered, and context-driven approach to morality.Continue reading “Whose Morality Are Hindus Following Today?”

Brothels and Bharat: How Hindu, Islamic, and British Eras Shaped India’s Sex Trade

When we talk about the history of India, we often discuss empires, religions, and revolutions. But hidden in the footnotes is another story — one of brothels, courtesans, devadasis, and tawaifs. From temple towns to cantonment cities, the place of sex work in Indian society has evolved dramatically — not just socially, but spiritually andContinue reading “Brothels and Bharat: How Hindu, Islamic, and British Eras Shaped India’s Sex Trade”

An Insight for the Months of August, September, October, and November 2025

The headlines dominating the news during these months would be: • Massive forest fires • Deaths due to mass shootings • Assassination of a prominent world leader • Mass deaths caused by building fires • Fatalities resulting from bomb blasts • Mass casualties in vehicle collisions • Fire-related deaths in stadiums, theatres, and other placesContinue reading “An Insight for the Months of August, September, October, and November 2025”

From Swords to Software: India’s Long History of Submission

The Mughals came with swords. The British came with suits. The Americans came with software. One after another, they ruled. One after another, we served. India was under Mughal domination for 650 years. Then came 190 years of British colonial rule. And now, without firing a bullet, the United States has colonised our economy, our culture,Continue reading “From Swords to Software: India’s Long History of Submission”