The Possibilities: Akshaya Patra's Short Film Featuring A. R. Rahman's Song!
In their endeavour to bring more supporters on board, Akshaya Patra has recently created a film called ‘The Possibilities’. This film emphasises the importance of the mid-day meal programme implemented by Akshaya Patra in partnership with the Government of India and various State governments. It portrays the various struggles the child protagonist undergoes …
To Om Or Not To Om: The Controversy Over Yoga in the United States
Background Yoga is a growing activity in the United States with more and more individuals taking part in it every year. Largely, the new wave of yogis is composed of non-Hindu’s who want to practice Yoga for the physical and mental health benefits. There is a large controversy, however, over …
Hindu Tattoos: Commodification through Cultural Appropriation
Background An ever-growing trend in western culture is the use of Indian dress, customs, and motifs as part of their costumes, routines, and other things. For example, one will sometimes see devotional dance moves from Bharatanatyam and Kathak used in performances. Another popular occurrence is the use of Bindi’s as …
Social Change Partner: HelpAge India
In a few short sentences, what does your non-profit do? HelpAge India is an organization dedicated towards improving the lives of disadvantaged elderly persons throughout India. To accomplish this goal, we have instituted a number of programs that: provide free medical services, construct affordable and comfortable old age homes, bridge …
Global Warming: You Can’t Escape, India
A few short weeks before the critical UN meeting on global warming in Peru, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reconfirmed in a report earlier this week that surface temperatures in India are rising at an “unprecedented” level. The report stated that the past 30 years have been the …
HelpAge India Aims to Create A Society Where Elderly Have the Right to an Active, Healthy and Dignified Life
The Problem Throughout the 75 years of her life, Mamata Prasad has raised her son with indelible care and love. Despite this, as reported by One India news, it has been almost seven years since the septuagenarian has last met not only her son, but also her daughter-in-law and her …
Lovers Uniting for the Right to Kiss Arrested
Lovers in Kochi, Kerala united on Sunday at a mass demonstration for the right to be able to kiss in public, only to be met by violence and thousands of arrests by the police. The campaign, “Kiss of Love,” was protesting moral policing of couples expressing their love in public. …
The "Benevolent" Boss Myth: Cars, Apartments, and Diamonds on Diwali
The Hari Krishna company, a diamond polishing company, located in Surat, recently decided to give bonuses to its employees during Diwali. The total bonus value was 500 million rupees (over 8 million USD) and included diamonds, Fiat Punto Cars, and apartments. The gift was distributed among 1,200 employees who received …
Shiv Sena Offers Cash Reward for Families That Have More Than 10 Kids
Background Shiv Sena is India’s right wing Hinduvta organization that aims to increase the dominance of Hindus in India. They are known for causing communal problems with minority religions and de-secularizing India as much possible. The Uttar Pradesh branch of the organization (the political party of which is currently in power with the …
India's Gender Gap Report 2014
The World Economic Forum just recently published a report on the gender gap in various countries around the world, as well as macro-global results. The study analyzed various factors to rank women’s equality in political spheres, social spheres, economic spheres, and others. Overall, India ranked 114 out of 142 countries. …
