We Have Always Been Consumers, But We Once Chose How
The digital landscape has transformed consumption from intentional choices into an algorithm-driven marketplace where preferences are dictated by social media. Creators now prioritize performance over authenticity, and privilege influences visibility. This shift undermines self-determination, reducing diverse voices into a commercial system that prioritizes profit over genuine engagement and exploration.
The Crab-Basket of Gods: How Sundarbans’ Myths Tell a Story of Survival and Subjugation
This month I travelled through the Sundarbans—Bhatir Desh, the land of ebb and tide—and on every island I stepped into, one name was whispered before anyone dared cross the mangrove’s shadow: Bonobibi. She is the Lady of the Forest, invoked by Hindus and Muslims alike, protector of the poor against the tiger-king Dakshin Rai. Her…
Good isn’t a thing you are, it is a thing you do!
“I’m trying to be a good person. I’m trying to do good things. Why do I still mess things up?” “Because good isn’t a thing you are, Kamala. It’s a thing you do.” — Ms. Marvel (TV Series) This line felt like comfort when I first heard it. Years later, it feels like instruction. We…
When Privileged Conversations Create Real-World Consequences
The blog discusses a new form of inequality rooted in narrative control and discourse. It highlights how privileged voices dominate conversations on social media, perpetuating harmful ideologies, particularly around class, gender, and caste. The author calls for a critical examination of shared content, urging readers to prioritize clarity and context over rapid sharing.
Romanticizing Mumbai Was Easy, Living Wasn’t
The author reflects on their complex relationship with Mumbai, transitioning from a fascinated traveler to a resident facing the harsh realities of urban life. The city’s dreams and struggles intertwine, revealing connections between privilege and hardship. Mumbai serves as a mirror, shaping identities and forcing introspection amid its chaos and beauty.
India’s Language War Isn’t New—But It’s Getting Uglier
India’s landscape has once again become a battleground—and this time, it’s a fight we’ve been having for more than a hundred years. The multilingual fabric of every state and the country as a whole is under scrutiny. The debates around language policy, cultural preservation, and national identity have resurfaced not by accident, but because there’s…
From Conflict to Coexistence: The Real Dharma Yuddha
This article examines the Hindu-Muslim divide in India through historical narratives, ideological conflicts, and modern political influences. It argues that Hinduism’s strength lies in intellectual inquiry rather than rigid dogma or reactionary violence. While coexistence is ideal, survival demands long-term strategies—political, ideological, and cultural—rather than impulsive aggression. True dharma is upheld through wisdom, resilience, and…
What the Non-Profit Sector Should Learn from Modi – Not His Rivals
Leave your political ideology behind to understand the key to relevance from Modi’s PR
Bandish Bandits: A Heartfelt Tribute to Indian Classical Music
A Story That Breaks the Mold and Stays True to Its Roots In a time when most Indian OTT platforms are overflowing with crime thrillers and fast-paced action dramas, Bandish Bandits stands out as something completely different. It’s a story that doesn’t follow trends but instead creates its own unique space by focusing on the…
Micchami Dukkhadam: Embracing Forgiveness in our Daily Lives
“Micchami Dukkhadam”—a phrase rooted in the ancient Prakrit language, reverberates in the hearts of those who understand its depth. Translated, it means, “I seek forgiveness for any pain I may have caused, knowingly or unknowingly.” This sentiment is deeply intertwined with Jain philosophy, and as I reflect on its meaning today, I see how it…
Consumerism and the Illusion of Choice
In 2018, I visited Jaipur, immersing myself in its rich history and local culture, focusing on historical sites rather than trendy spots. By 2024, my visit to Mcleodganj shifted towards seeking popular cafes from social media, highlighting a dramatic change in travel influenced by consumerism. This shift has turned us into perpetual consumers, manipulated by…
Bongs, Dharma and the Letters that never Arrived
The first trip I wanted to take after COVID-19 had to be extraordinary. Narrowing down the destination was surprisingly easy. Since the beginning of time, there has been a mental picture of the Key Monastery in the valley of the Spiti River, with snow-clad mountains and lush greenery. I aspired to stand there, to behold…
28 – Feels like a free fall
The writer reflects on the impact of having older friends and the realization that life is full of struggle and confusion. Embracing realism and accepting life’s truths becomes important in one’s late 20s. The goal is to be kind to oneself and to embrace the uncertainties of life with courage and acceptance.
Laapata Ladies – What an Indian Film feels like
“Laapataa Ladies” breaks the mold, focusing on the charm of village life instead of urban or rural hardships. With relatable characters and a simple yet impactful storyline, the film celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Through genuine dialogue and authentic portrayals, it offers a refreshing perspective on the richness found within rural communities.
The convergence of Mahashivaratri and Women’s Day – Lessons from Shiva and Shakti
“There is no point in defining what Shiva is because a) The concept of Shiva is indescribable; it is what is beyond our understanding, one that originates from nothing and goes into nothing. b) We all have a version of him in our mind, and with Hinduism scriptures, I feel it is ok to have…
Label-less – A Journey into Understanding and Appreciating Differences
Why do we label? Humans simplify and understand the world by giving names to things, forming the basis for the labels we use today. Labels serve as quick summaries, aiding our comprehension of situations and behaviors. In the modern world, especially in gender and sexuality, the original purpose of labels – to understand and appreciate…
Homecoming to Dussehra
It’s been over five long years since I left the cozy embrace of my hometown in 2018. It feels like since then I have embarked on an adventure, first residing in Odisha for three years and then in the bustling heart of Mumbai for the subsequent two. Pre-COVID, I was living life to the fullest,…
Book Review: The Dalai Lama’s Cat
A Book Review on The Dalai Lama’s Cat Trilogy Books by Snehanshu Shome
Rahagir’s Recommendation – Ghar Waapsi on Hotstar
I have missed content like Gullak and Yeh Meri Family for quite some time. I mean it hasn’t been that long since the last season but in the midst of the bulk of crime shows produced I secretly was longing for an excellent homely show like Ghar Wapsi. The last show I remember that had…
Rahagir – The Concept
Amor Fati: The love of one’s fate. Rahagir: Wayfarer, a passerby There is a certain power in taking control and losing control in your lives. Taking control over our own lives is doable, but do we have control over our fate? The whole topic of fate sounds so unscientific right! It is! I would not…
Non Profits and their Social Media
MY EXPERTISE 5 years back, during my summer vacation, I was inducted into a fellowship organized by Yes Foundation Fellowship. The fellowship was to provide young people exposure to the development sector. A batch of 80 of us from mixed backgrounds was placed in different NGOs for a period of two months where we would…
Book Review: Factfulness
Factfulness isn’t just any book, it’s a way of life. I have been struggling with accepting news from media for long now. It makes me uncomfortable knowing that we haven’t developed at all, or that there is sadness and misery everywhere. The positivity in my head refuses to accept that everything is so negative. Factfulness…
Book Review : Babu Bangladesh
I took Babu Bangladesh to honestly just read about Bangladesh and its history. Every bong has a soft corner for the country, I have it too. It’s not love, just fascination of how it looks like when you have so many Bengalis in a country. I am a Bengali out of Bengal and hence the…
Rahagir 