POV Archives

Sabarimala Protests: Are You a “True Devotee” If You Continue to Attack Women?

A mob protesting against women entering the Sabarimala Temple attacked a cameraperson who was covering the story. In the past too, stones have been pelted at women. Who are these “real devotees” of Ayyappa, who believe in their religious rights without considering the constitutional rights of others?

Kahini Iyer June 3, 2016

POV

CM Vasundhara Raje, Padmavat Should Be the Least of Your Worries

Vasundhara Raje’s government has a serious law-and-order situation. And the refusal to release Padmavat is only further proof of that.

Poulomi Das June 3, 2016

POV

Living Between Cities: A Search for This Feeling Called Home

Modern life is all about migration and being on the move for work. But living between cities, while fetishized has exacted a toll on me that I did not see coming. I can call two cities my home, but rarely feel homely in either.

Jagruti Verma June 2, 2016

POV

Why Do Indians Love Giving Free Advice?

We are born completely useless and need to be taught everything. Unless you’re Indian. Then the art of giving free advice is one of those skills that comes naturally to you. But why do Indians love giving advice so much? And how many really follow their own?

Ramjaane June 2, 2016

POV

How I Have Shamefully Benefitted from Patriarchy

Patriarchy benefits me in the tiny ways that it can benefit only upper-class, upper-caste Hindu women in India. I hate that most workplaces won’t treat me as equal, but I have to admit that it’s a relief to have the freedom to fail professionally, or even choose to have a career at all.

Sonali Kokra June 2, 2016

POV

A Question for Those Offended by the Amazon Toilet Covers: Do You Need to Defend the Divine?

#BoycottAmazon is trending in India, after the online retailer's international platform featured Hindu deities on toilet covers. But do all-powerful, all-knowing deities really require human protection?

Dushyant Shekhawat June 2, 2016

POV

Can You Be a Feminist and an Old-Fashioned Romantic?

As a feminist, I strive for equality in every sphere, but it also leaves me in a grey area when it comes to “traditional” relationships. I want to be whisked away to a private table at the beach and dine under the stars. But I also know that if I have an ideal date in mind, I’m as capable of making it happen as he is.

Arnaz Irani June 2, 2016

POV

How to Find Inner Peace: Lessons from the New-Age Dhongi Babas

It’s become quite common to bump into a wannabe guru spouting gibberish disguised as deep insights about the universe. Inspired by the phenomenal success of holistic healers like Sadhguru and Baba Ramdev, they’re trying their luck at turning spirituality into a business.

Ashwina Garg June 2, 2016

POV

Did Kendrick Lamar Just Pimp the Pulitzer?

There was a time when mainstream rap involved guys named “Lil” talking about sex and drugs. Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer prize is an indicator that mainstream rap can be meaningful. It could one day be considered classical music.

#VALUE! June 2, 2016

POV

Why Ronaldo Should Follow Messi into Retirement

Far from being the solution, bona fide superstars are the problem. If you are a true fan of the Portuguese team, you might find yourself praying that Ronaldo goes the Messi way.

Utkarsh Srivastava June 2, 2016