What do you do the entire day?

I thought this was the patented question meant for homemakers. Very misplaced and ignorant, but a popular one nevertheless. My mother has been one, and I always felt sad for her, hence decided, whatever happens, I cannot be a homemaker. Not because it's easy, lazy, or comfortable, but because it's the hardest thing to do … Continue reading What do you do the entire day?

Raw roads

घरों में झाडू, पोंछा, बर्तन का काम करती है वो, सुबह अपनी घर का सारा काम कर अपनी बड़ी बेटी को हज़ारों हिदायतें दे, दूधमुही छुटकी (ऐसा घरवाले पिछले चार साल से बता रहे हैं, औटीज़्म के बारे में कहाँ किसी ने सुना है! )को अक्सर स्मार्टफोन में व्यस्त रहने वाली बड़ी बेटी के बराबर … Continue reading Raw roads

Until we stop normalizing gender roles, gender-equality would remain a dream

And balanced sex ratio too… Recently, there was a news that UP government has proposed a 2-child policy as per which couples with more than two children would be exempted from certain benefits. The proposal was met with a mixed reaction. While a number of people welcomed this move, there was quite a large population … Continue reading Until we stop normalizing gender roles, gender-equality would remain a dream

Women like me- Two Life Lessons

Life as we know it, is never fair. If you are a woman then it is worse. This is what I have learnt in my thirty years of experience. Yes, I have learnt it the hard way. Because I am one of those “privileged” women who grow up protected from the harsh realities of the … Continue reading Women like me- Two Life Lessons

The struggles of being a feminist in a society where love and self-love are “apparently” two ends of a spectrum

I have been a loner since childhood. I was five and the youngest and poorest kid in the neighborhood. My playmates would always bully me or scare me with ghost stories. When I complained to my parents, they suggested an easy way out. Stop going out to play and read books. And the only books … Continue reading The struggles of being a feminist in a society where love and self-love are “apparently” two ends of a spectrum

Whose holiday is it? The entire family or a few privileged members?

Holiday season has always been special for me. And being in India means the last quarter of the year is full of festivities and celebrations. For me, this has been the time when my regular job becomes less hectic and I find some time to take the next step towards my dream, of becoming a … Continue reading Whose holiday is it? The entire family or a few privileged members?

Tanishq Ad Controversy: A religion issue or a gender issue?

What defines Bharat? My teacher would ask and we would scream in chorus- “Anekta me Ekta ”. In times like now, in this pandemic, when the only one thing we require is unity and compassion, when a brand comes up with a collection that is a mixture of all the traditional forms, what can be … Continue reading Tanishq Ad Controversy: A religion issue or a gender issue?

My Mother’s Curse

Crawled up in a corner, In middle of a panic attack, Comes an imaginary flashback My father tearing up the letters In more than a thousand pieces And yelling on my mother, “Now, this is your only family.” When she was about to post Some handwritten letters Scribbled on a scented paper The letters that … Continue reading My Mother’s Curse

Indian Matchmaking: Oh no, did we forget something? Oh yes, growing up!

As a part of my job, that is writing, I imagine a lot. Today, I would like you to imagine- life of a kid, not very old, about 5-7 years only. What do they do? Well, they just exist. Everything else is done by their parents. From making sure they eat on time to take … Continue reading Indian Matchmaking: Oh no, did we forget something? Oh yes, growing up!

Bulbbul: Narrating Indian misogyny through an old folklore

SPOILER ALERT!! For some reason, while writing this one, I am reminded of a dialogue from the Hindi movie Tanu Weds Manu: “Bhaiya, kya hai na, jo aadmi hota hai wo marne ke baad bhoot banta hai lekin jo aurat hoti hai wo chudail ki chudail hi rahti hai.” (A man turns into a ghost … Continue reading Bulbbul: Narrating Indian misogyny through an old folklore