I spent 23 years of my life growing up in Chennai, India, living in the same house since I was born. My family was rife with sexist ideas and menstrual taboos. But being the eldest child, and a rebellious, feminist one at that, earned me a few accommodations. I could sleep on…
Back in middle school, I began my coding journey with a C program, but the catch was, I coded on paper. I started coding in notebooks even before I owned a computer. I completed my first notable project—an IoT device to make life easier for my farmer parents, automating water taps based…
On any given day, when a neuroqueer person has to decide on visiting a hospital, they embark on a tedious process of researching their ailment, making it their top priority. But why? From researching about the hospital and reading detailed reviews to balancing very positive and negative reviews and being overly cautious…
The concept of nationalism has seen rising significance since the second world war with its evolving understanding in postcolonial countries and modern forms of conflict. In the South Asian context particularly the concepts of nation and nationalism have been frequently analysed as underlying the political and everyday discourses. Through this article, I…
In 2023, the glaring absence of the HPV vaccine in India's National Immunization Program stands not just as a mere oversight but as a monumental failure—a testament to the colossal disregard for women's health in our supposedly progressive nation. It's more than a lack of awareness; it's a systemic neglect, a cultural blindfold…
History textbooks play an essential role in shaping the worldview and understanding of history among learners in Indian schools. However, it's arguable whether the historical narratives presented in these books give the full objective picture; they often rely on the interpretation of historians. It would not be reckless to assume that the…
In India, despite educational institutions and their stakeholders claiming equality, there remains embeddedness in a larger society and state that has yet to fully grant human rights to the queer community. As advocates for equitable education, we bear the responsibility to strive for an inclusive, conducive, and safe learning environment for all…
Introduction Earlier this month, The Red Door invited me to MH360, a mental health festival. In our youth-led panel, "Pride X: The Personal is the Political," we, the young people, talked about our lived experiences and how intersectional marginalisation impacts our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Mental health and the therapy space are…
On 18 February 2024, Asia Centre organised the Project Conclusion Meeting for 8 Oxfam Fellows at the sidelines of the World Social Forum 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal, held from 15 to 19 February 2024. The meeting, held at the Yellow Pagoda Hotel, was part of the Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2023…
Highly restrictive laws have spurred self-censorship and the use of euphemisms in journalism. Meanwhile, business sustainability issues have forced media organisations to engage in advertorial and service-based revenue generation. Transformative changes and the ability to address these challenges, however, need to occur with multiple stakeholders, including the media and journalists.These and other…