The weekend a village saved its pond
A small hamlet in Thrissur comes together to reclaim a dying temple pond It was the sight of an old man tucking up his mundu and wading into the slime…
The next century question
Kerala’s Muslims have come far since 1921. The harder task is deciding where they go next The Muslim community in Kerala stands at a pivotal historical threshold. It has just…
ego, identity, and reward loops
I have coached leaders who can negotiate billion-rupee deals, handle crises with a straight face, and command rooms full of sceptics. Then, in the next breath, they confess something quietly…
Trump’s finding out why bibi’s a problem
The idea of ‘regime change’ is prominently associated with US-led invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan. But most regime changes – meaning transition from one political system to another – happen…
Iran is smart? No, desperate
War coverage would have us believe, US and Israel are almost evenly locked in battle with Iran. Iran is matching – even outsmarting – US through “strategic cleverness”, and “asymmetric…
‘Happily ever after…is a loooong time’
As a stand-up comedian, I often joke that at 53, I am not in a bad marriage, but that by casual observation it could be said, I am in a…
Celebrating Eid in a time of war
By Farida Khanam Eid is a celebration of harmony, gratitude, and peace, marked by prayer, charity, and goodwill. It is a day when families unite, and believers thank God. The…
Modi as a Peacemaker?
Imagine there’s a big fight between powerful countries, and someone needs to step in and help them calm down and talk things out. Some people think India’s Prime Minister, Narendra…
Modi As Mediator?
He fits the bill. But it’s a tough call Should Modi mediate in the US-Israel vs Iran war? At least one head of govt, Finland’s president, has publicly said so.…
Waist Land
There’s a medicine called Semaglutide that helps people lose weight and manage health problems like diabetes. In countries like the United States, it has become very popular—millions of adults are…