Blogs

Ski racing, particularly in the speed events of downhill and super G, is incredibly dangerous. Is it exciting because we hold our breaths as humans take extraordinary risks, or is it mainly about velocity? If robots raced, would we watch? A robot on skis could rapidly calculate each decision, the angle of the body, knee,…

It was just a planned social visit to two houses on a recent weekend. The hosts at the first house insisted, as we gestured to take a leave, that we sit for some time more. It was a simple three-word request that we hear often by many a host, “Kucchh der aur” (a few moments…

Erecting a statue as tribute to a public personality of repute has been the practice across the world. There was a time when Chennai’s Marina beach front displayed an array of such sculptures on lofty pedestals. One that stood out was that of the fiery Kannagi, open hair cascading down to her hips, eyes blazing,…

1996: March was the worst of the times. On March 13, the World Cup semi-final match was awarded to Sri Lanka by match referee Clive Lloyd after India’s dramatic collapse in front of a rioting crowd. 2001: March was the best of times. India would now dominate cricket — in all forms. In 44 BC, a soothsayer had…

“आरभ्यते न खलु विघ्नभयेन नीचैः, आरभ्य विघ्नविहता विरमन्ति मध्याः। विघ्नैः पुनः पुनरपि प्रतिहन्यमानाः, प्रारभ्य उत्तमजनाः न परित्यजन्ति॥” (The inferior never begins for fear of obstacles. The mediocre begin but stop when difficulties arise. The superior begins and, even after repeated setbacks, does not quit.) This verse often echoes in my mind when I meet young…

Who are the Gen Z we keep hearing about in workplace surveys, social media discourse, and slightly bewildered dinner-table conversations? Are they simply those born after the late 1990s, fluent in TikTok, allergic to corporate jargon, the ones with ring lights on their desks, and memes for every mood? Or is the story, as always,…

The world can feel a little too rushed these days. Turn on the news and it is often arguments, conflict, suspicion. It sometimes makes you wonder whether people still pause for one another. And then a small story appears and quietly restores your faith. A young Indian woman was cycling through Amsterdam recently when she…

At the recent Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, where global powers outlined their strategic priorities, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau articulated Washington’s current foreign policy thinking. His remarks were striking not because they challenged the trajectory of the India-US partnership, but because they revealed the pragmatic, interest-driven logic that now defines it. Landau’s speech…

Among the commonest of apolitical reels and posts across social media today are those about people poor-mouthing their jobs, their bosses, and the 9-to-5 employment culture in general. Such an attitude isn’t ill-founded. For how many of us would really care about our jobs if it weren’t for earning a living? And the idea of…

Eid is a festival that beautifully brings people together through joy, gratitude, and delicious food. Homes are filled with the aroma of traditional dishes, and families gather around tables to share meals after a month of fasting. Food becomes a symbol of celebration and togetherness, making Eid closely associated with rich flavors and festive feasts….