Divided we Fall, Divided We Rise

Okay, quick. What country is home to the most Muslims? Pakistan? India? Iran? Nope. It’s Indonesia. Which is kind of unique considering that no other country in the region has a strong Muslim population but Malaysia. Indonesia's diversity is remarkable. It's an archipelago with people from various islands, each having its own distinct culture and …

From Rupees to Reels

Lately, I’ve been found myself surrounded by creative people. These people have shown me how to appreciate films, content that I’ve never really watched. As I delve deeper into the world of art, it becomes increasingly clear that economics exerts a substantial influence on the creative realm I've always been curious about why Indian cinema …

Local Footsteps. Global Perspectives

I genuinely believe that the best way to explore a new city is to walk around. Walking immerses you in their way of life, offering insights into their customs, behaviours, and social norms. It can be eye-opening to discover that what we consider second nature, such as walking on the left side of the street, …

Laws and Culture: A Two-Way Street

I always find myself at home when I’m at South East Asia. Everything just seems to make sense there. But something that perpetually mystifies me is the ubiquity of claw machines. At first glance, these machines seem like a certain scam — they tantalize you, raising hopes with a near-win, only to let the toy …

How Sikkim Became a State

The Seven Sister States of India. A term that symbolises the united yet diverse seven states in north-eastern India. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Seven states have shown a unique and starkly different side to the rest of India that only intensifies the very crux on which the nation was built. …

When Madras Was Attacked During WW1

You might think that the first Indian casualties in World War One were somewhere in Western Europe; or maybe even Russia. But it actually happened in Chennai, even before Indian troops were deployed at Europe to fight for the British Empire! SMS Emden, a German light cruiser, made its way towards the coast of Madras …

The Ubiquity of Propaganda

“All that matters is propaganda.” – Adolf Hitler Propaganda fuels politics. Whether it’s to promote a policy, or incite a war, convincing the population is the way to go. Propaganda is almost essential to any flourishing government, and it has been critical to the rise of every government. To become popular in the public eye, …

The English Circumstance

Languages have always been part and parcel of any nation’s history and culture. However, with globalisation having been taken for twenty years, the lines seem to have gotten blurred between countries. English is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over a billion speakers, including those who speak it as a second or …

The Housemaid’s Hurdles

“Even after working as a maid and segregating garbage for the corporation for 20 years, I am still dependent on my daily wages.” This is the life of Jeeva, a house maid, and millions of other women who work as domestic helpers around the nation. “Ever since I was 17, I have been working as …

The Blight of the Blossom

Beautifying and decorating have always been the main purpose of flowers. Step into a wedding ceremony, temple, or any event, and you’ll see the place adorned with various types and colours of flowers all arranged and tied up in eye-catching patterns and styles. South Asia has a long-standing and close relationship with flowers. The country …