POV Archives

Cricket is Rigged in India’s Favour. But Does the Desi Fan Really Care?

Last week, comedian Hasan Minhaj exposed our cynical commercialisation of cricket on his Netflix show Patriot Act. He explains how most “world” tournaments are now planned to suit India’s participation. The one question Minhaj, however, did not ask is whether the Indian cricket fan even cares.

Manik Sharma April 28, 2016

POV

Why We Indians Are Nothing Like Our National Animal

Is the tiger the correct choice for our national animal? Maybe not. Because we are nothing like the tiger. A lazy panda is what we should’ve picked.

Ramjaane April 27, 2016

POV

Learn to Do Your Finances and Get Used to Loneliness: Lessons From a Full-Time Freelancer

You don’t need to win the lottery to quit your job. All you need to do is ask yourself if it’s worth giving up 10 percent of your salary to have 10 percent more free time. And congratulations, you are now ready to be a freelancer.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan April 27, 2016

POV

Howdy Dhokla! Enough with the Outrage Over the Snack-Stealing Woman at Modi’s Houston Event

A woman was caught slipping dhoklas into her bag at the Howdy Modi event and of course, Indians on the internet are angry. But aren’t we all guilty of acting more than a little entitled and greedy? Demanding free chakna with our beers and not paying the guy who cleans the car windshield at the petrol pump?

Dushyant Shekhawat April 27, 2016

POV

Independence Day: Is Poetry the Oppressed Soul’s Ticket to Freedom?

Freedom, to most of us, still dates back to the political independence of 1947. But like poetry, freedom too is defined by its individual interpretations. To be free would be to accept everyone’s claim to the same poem, and by extension, the same freedoms.

Manik Sharma April 26, 2016

POV

What Will It Take For Us to Avoid Train Tragedies Like the Bihar Derailment?

For a country that aspires to build Smart Cities everywhere, turn its financial capital into Shanghai, and wishes to be at the forefront of global innovation and technology, incidents like the Seemanchal Express derailment are inconvenient reminders of just how far we have to go.

Dushyant Shekhawat April 26, 2016

POV

What My Stuttering Taught Me About Disabilities and Arranged Marriage

I grew up receiving the best of education, surrounded by the most loving friends and family and never being treated as “different” because of my speech impediment. But ever since I entered the “shaadi ki umar ho gaye hai” phase, my stammering has been viewed as an imperfection.

Umaima Saeed April 26, 2016

POV

“Papa Nahin Aane Denge”: Why I Miss the Excuse that Saved Me from New Year’s Eve Disasters

I am in Mumbai without parental guidance and am expected to have a banger New Year’s scene. The only problem is that I am a Parvati who was never Poo to begin with. In fact, I am that next-level accha baccha who sits at home enthusiastically watching year-end award shows.

Abha Mehra April 26, 2016

POV

One Post to Mourn Them All

With due respect to Muhammad Ali, it is unbelievable that he “deeply moved” so many on my friend list. These are the six kinds of social-media mourners you should watch out for.

Devaiah Bopanna April 26, 2016

POV

An Open Letter to the Father of the Nation

Dear Bapu, 71 years after your assassination, I find people questioning your legacy. We’ve lost the plot on ahimsa, but at least we still observe dry days in your name.

Dushyant Shekhawat April 26, 2016