India Archives

Science, Spirituality, and the Psychobabble of Sadhguru

It would have been fine if the Sadhguru, aka Jaggi Vasudev, were spreading whatever garden-variety message of peace and brotherhood he wanted to advance. It’s when he dumbsplains science that things begin to get tricky.

Aditya Bhalla July 8, 2016

Gender

Angry Women and Indifferent Men: What India’s #MeToo Moment Says About Us

Men have responded in a variety of ways to a wave of #MeToo allegations over the last few days, from going on the defensive to resorting to mansplaining. Even now, there’s an air of separating ourselves and the culture we are an active part of, from the vile men who actually go out and harass, molest, and rape.

Himanshu Sharma July 8, 2016

People

“Ughich Kashala?” The Two Words That Kill All Maharashtrian Dreams

The attitude of most Maharashtrians can be summed up in two words: Ughich kashala? Literally translated, it means “needlessly why”? It is the reason why we Maharashtrians are diabolically lazy and spectacularly unambitious.

Ramjaane July 8, 2016

First Person

My Love Affair with Uma Parmeshwari

Vijay’s fascination with an 11th-century Goddess drives his quest to recover India’s stolen antiques. After an eight-year struggle, he fulfils his promise to bring her home.

Sharan Saikumar July 8, 2016

POV

Dear General Rawat, Homosexuality Does Not Make One a Poorer Soldier

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat today said he won’t allow gay sex in the forces – enough to win the “Outrage of the Day” contest. But expecting a woke response on sexuality from a 60-year-old army man is like looking for an auto-rickshaw outside Andheri station – you should be prepared for disappointment before you even begin.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 7, 2016

Love and Sex

Until Marriage Do Us Part

For a people big on weddings, the “no-frills, no-fuss” of live-in relationships takes some getting used to. We’d better. Living in sin is in.

Meenakshi Reddy July 7, 2016

People

Two Deaf Lovers & a Caste System: A Story from Haryana

Sushil Mahla and Neelam Rani are hearing- and speech-impaired, but are grateful for their disabilities. In Haryana, their relationship wouldn’t have transcended the fiercely defended boundaries of caste had they been “normal”.

Sat Singh July 7, 2016

Love and Sex

Love in the Times of Social Media

It’s no longer just a boy-girl thing. It’s now him, her, and social media.

Poulomi Das July 6, 2016

Pop Culture

Jab Saut Kare Karva Chauth

I work in a world where even the saut fasts for the long life of her lover on Karva Chauth, bag, baggage, and cheap stilettos in tow.

The Dire July 5, 2016

POV

Make Sachin Patriotic Again

How do we get MP Sachin Tendulkar to attend Parliament like he did today? Maybe get some netas to go “Sachinnnn, Sachin! Saachinnnn, Sachin!” instead of disrupting his speech.

Devaiah Bopanna July 4, 2016