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Misc.

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Some of my better-written blogposts on various topics:
  • How writing helps us heal: Writing as a therapy : In the age of social-media fueled narcissistic fetishism, the very suggestion of writing about one’s problems invariably invites scorn if not disinterest. However, research indicates that there’s more to this than meets the eye. Writing about personal trauma has a miraculous healing power.
  • 7 years of Blogging : Seven years ago I wrote my first blogpost this day more to seize the joy of seeing my writing in digital print than any literary ambition. The irony of launching it on Valentine’s Day won't be lost on my friends – couldn’t a boring philosopher-aspirant find a better day? Nonetheless, the occasion offers an opportune time to survey my work.
  • The quest for the perfect Hyderabad Irani Tea : Before affluenza took over the Y2K generation, Irani Cafes were the most popular meeting venue for the cash-strapped teens. I dive into nostalgia about the popular Irani cafes and chai.
  • Why your vote doesn't matter ! : I argue that without internal democracy in political parties, the people are only under the delusion of having the power to change governance through their vote.
  • Chetan Bhagat : His Literary Style and Criticism : Many critics question Chetan Bhagat's literary merit (or lack of it). Many journalists ridicule CB’s style of writing and his oversimplistic portrayals of characters sans nuance or sophistication. I argue that criticizing the style is a vain effort with examples. 
  • Rediscovering K Vishwanath's Legacy : K. Vishwanath, a pan-Indian filmmaker whose (major) works incidentally happen to be in Telugu, is among the handful of Indian directors whose works (less than 25 films) created memorable characters that would stand the test of time. 
  • Understanding Muslim opposition to Vande Mataram : I try to understand the Muslim arguments against Vande Mataram and answer the apprehensions. I also argue State's intervention in religious affairs, which has been the breeding ground for religious conflicts in India.
  • Is Facebook making you bitter ? : Sometimes, I’m inclined to think that Social Media [Facebook prominently] – its peerless contribution to our lifestyle notwithstanding – isn’t making us more social. Instead I’ve observed a downward trend – of otherwise capable & happy people being consumed by jealousy & envy upon seeing their friends happier and more successful. I argue what's at fault here and how this trend could be mitigated.
  • The Art of Deduction from Sherlock Holmes : In one of those lazy hostel nights in 2004, as my repeated attempts to sleep were futile, I finally gave up and looked for diversion. By sheer good luck, my roommate just procured a copy of Complete Collection of Adventures of Sherlock Holmes which was lying on the table while he was away at a friend’s room. My fond memories and takeaways from Sherlock Holmes.
  • Reason Behind IT Success Story of India : I often used to wonder how Indians with little prior access to computers became a global player in IT industry within a short span. There were multiple forces – the combined effect of which led to the explosion of IT market in India. Here I approach this from a different perspective based on my understanding of Indian culture.

Richard Crasta:

  • The Obama legacy on race : “How can you talk about racism any longer, when a black man is the president, the most powerful human being on earth?” At least this is how legitimate concerns about the enduring racial discrimination are papered down, feels author Richard Crasta in his latest offering "The Many Faces of Barack Obama and Race in America: An Immigrant's View"
  • "The Killing of an Author" by Richard Crasta : Review : Outside the fictional landscape of The Fountainhead, how would a real-life Howard Roark fare? What might be the fate of an individualistic professional who stubbornly chooses to struggle for what he believes to be true and right instead of compromising his vision and values? The non-fictional counterpart of The Fountainhead may as well be “The Killing of an Author”. 
  • “Eaten by the Japanese” by John Baptist Crasta : Book Review : A published author with critical acclaim chances upon his father’s handwritten manuscript in a rusting steel trunk and discovers a “tale of unmitigated horror”. Besides stray references, the father would never reveal the true depths of despair he underwent. For this was a job his son was destined to undertake. 

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The Controversial Caste System of Hinduism

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