A mandatory conversation before you leave India for higher studies in the US

In 1999, Pappu Patligali "passed out" of the New Elite Institute of Technology with a job in hand. He had been recruited on-campus by Technotomorrow, an IT firm that promised to send gullible prospects on-site to their Connecticut branch to work on VLP (very-low priority) coding solutions for the Y2K problem. Technotomorrow wasn't innovative and … Continue reading A mandatory conversation before you leave India for higher studies in the US →

How to eat bhelpuri with chopsticks

Pappu Patligali had never tasted sushi before in India, so many years ago, when Jerry, his American liaison, offered to take him out to lunch at a posh Japanese restaurant, he was a bit hesitant. Since he was the only desi guy in the on-site HQM group, Pappu couldn't let anyone know about his fears … Continue reading How to eat bhelpuri with chopsticks →

Treating hypothermia – the silent killer of South Asia

One of the leading causes of death in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is hypothermia. Rough back-of-the-envelope estimates tell us that without treatment one person dies from this horrible acute affliction every three minutes in the winter months (within an acceptable margin of error). In the summer months, the rate only decreases slightly to one person … Continue reading Treating hypothermia – the silent killer of South Asia →

The monumental failure of modern Indian architecture

All great civilizations boast architectural wonders that are not only expanses for the soul, but temples of the mind. I gaze upon temples and stupas and get a glimpse into the heart of ancient India. In the medieval forts and palaces, I am transported into my country's heritage. I look at the Taj Mahal and … Continue reading The monumental failure of modern Indian architecture →

Why are Indians so good at test-taking? India’s first competitive exam

Post-mortem: A recent article in the New York Times on pressures facing school-leaving teenagers in India brought back my own personal memories of the Higher Secondary and various competitive examinations. Some things never change. Of course, it wasn't all bad. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, right? I mean, those of us that … Continue reading Why are Indians so good at test-taking? India’s first competitive exam →

Legal drinking age in India?

A report in the Times of India states that in Delhi anyone over the age of 21 can serve drinks at bar and restaurants in the state due to new legislation, but they still cannot legally drink until they turn 25! I am not saying that the validity of this ludicrous law has any real-world … Continue reading Legal drinking age in India? →