The Dreamer's Diary

In this miraculous age of technology and questionable life choices, we've arrived at a time so monumentally absurd that even Vir Sanghvis of the world would raise his well-manicured eyebrows in disbelief. Once upon a time—back in the golden days of journalism—genuine food critics were respected gatekeepers of gastronomy. They wielded pens like chefs did knives, slicing through mediocrity to deliver wisdom on the transformative power of a perfectly seared scallop.  But now? Let me introduce you to the all-you-can-eat buffet of influencer culture, where anyone with a smartphone and an opinion has a hot take that can rival Michelin.   Gone are the days when you needed years of training and a discerning palate to critique a three-hour tasting menu. Why bother leveling up your taste buds when you can just hit "go live" on Instagram with a slice of artisanal avocado toast that you grabbed from a trendy café? Enter the era of the food influencer—the modern-day equivalent of thos...

I ndia is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of countless cultures, languages, lifestyles, ethnicities, and value systems. Whether one embraces or critiques it, the nation as it exists today embodies a remarkable spectrum of diversity.  This "mini-world," as it has been aptly described, showcases the vastness of human experience, yet this very pluralism poses considerable challenges to the fabric of Indian democracy. In the pursuit of a truly democratic society, it becomes imperative to manage this diversity effectively, particularly focusing on minority groups in specific demographic contexts. However, this ideal still needs to be fulfilled; both the Government and the people frequently stray from their path, leading to tensions and misunderstandings that inhibit genuine unity. The months of October and November highlight a particularly poignant manifestation of this issue: the celebration of national festivals. These events ought to serve as a unifying force that bri...