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 who raised concerns over the chances of increased female foeticide … Continue reading Until we stop normalizing gender roles, gender-equality would remain a dream

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 available at that time were mythology and religious books. I … 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 published author. However, this year was different. With most of … 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 a better messaging than showcasing the harmony that exists among … Continue reading Tanishq Ad Controversy: A religion issue or a gender issue?

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 care of what they wear and also who they meet … 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 after death but a woman is always a witch, dead … Continue reading Bulbbul: Narrating Indian misogyny through an old folklore