Category: Religion

  • The Real India

    I was prompted to write this poem after a mass conversion of 10000 Bahujans to Buddhism, led by Dr. Rajratna Ambedkar, the great-grandnephew of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, and organised by Rajendra Pal Gautam, Delhi Cabinet Minister (himself a Buddhist); was targeted by BJP, Congress and casteist media channels as “anti-Hindu” and “spreading hate”. A police complaint…

  • A dream come true

    Trigger warning: The below poem contains strong references to politics, religion and caste; and certain sentiments may be hurt. It is not recommended for the faint-hearted, conservative families, and people with right-wing or pro-establishment political leanings. The actual content: To live your life The way you like To speak your mind To not speak at…

  • A short response to Nivedita Menon’s blog on Raya Sarkar’s List

    This is my shortest blog post ever. It is also very late. The reason why I am posting it is because my comment on the Kafila blog (of which renown Savarna feminist Professor Nivedita Menon is a member and co-Founder) is waiting for moderation – and I have doubts on whether it will be posted…

  • Liberals and the complicity in casteism – Part 2

    This is a continuation of my rant about the casual casteism of liberals from Part 1 https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/12/12/liberals-and-the-complicity-in-casteism-part-1/ . I am sorry for the long gap in between, but well; I was busy with work – to compensate for the end-of-the-year vacation that I am gonna take. Like I mentioned earlier, I am an ex-liberal. Like most…

  • Liberals and the complicity in casteism – Part 1

    I am from a conservative Tamil Brahmin family, which has always leaned to the right (supporting BJP, RSS etc.). I  am privileged in four ways – gender (male), religion (Hindu), caste (Brahmin) and class (upper middle – class). I have been blind to most of these privileges. Because of the patriarchal structure of my family…

  • A chaotic experience at Tiruchendur temple

    As I head into a temple Standing tall with its gopuram Underlining its grandeur and monstrosity Luring the faithful and the besotted As an ocean opens its arms To invite the mighty ships To sail in its capricious waters Even the cynical and non-believing Can’t help but turn their heads Letting their eyes widen and…