Latest stories

BYJU’s: From a Classroom to a $16.5-Billion Ed-Tech Giant

Byju Raveendran, a tutoring whiz and India’s youngest self-made billionaire, built India’s most valuable startup. But the story isn’t without controversy.

Horror in Hounslow: The Chohan Family Case

In 2003, a family of five vanished from their London home. What followed was a shoddy police investigation.

How BAPS Built a Global Brand of Hinduism — and Brought Its Practices Stateside

The group, over a 100 years old, has recently come under scrutiny for casteist labor practices in New Jersey, but has long been known for temple building around the world.

The Devolution of Journalism in Hindi Film

Bollywood’s ethical journalists are increasingly disappearing from the screen.

“One Day There Will Be Hundreds of Us”: How Dalit Literature Breaks Barriers

A new wave of Dalit writers and publishers are shaping the literary landscape of India and beyond.

The New Wave of Kabul Entrepreneurs

From steakhouses to bowling alleys, founders are building ambitious, homegrown businesses — by Afghans, for Afghans.

Screen Time with Aneesh Chaganty

The director of “Searching” and “Run” talks about diversity in Hollywood, producing “Searching 2,” and his love for Christopher Nolan and Hrithik Roshan.

How Matchboxes Became a Stand-in for Indian Visual Culture

The aesthetics of Indian matchbox covers have seen a resurgence as contemporary artists celebrate the work of designers who still remain largely unknown.

“Redemption on the Cheap”: Will Anti-Asian Hate Crime Legislation Work?

As the House prepares to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, experts fear that it might do little to curb violence against Asian Americans.

The Israel-Palestine Conflict and South Asian Diplomacy, Explained

South Asian countries historically saw the Israel-Palestine conflict as a symptom of British interference. More recently, they balance ties with Israel and supporting the Palestinian cause.

Americans Shouldn’t Need Yoga or Chai to Care about India Right Now

What’s the most effective way to convince people to give when a country is in crisis?

The Once and Future Tibet

As Tibetans in exile elect their latest political leader, will he be enough to unite a stateless, scattered community — especially after the 14th Dalai Lama is gone?

The Visual Language of Satyajit Ray

On his 100th birth anniversary, a look back on how the filmmaker redefined Indian graphic design long before he changed how the world looked at cinema.

“The Great Escape”: Sri Lanka and the Maldives Bear the Brunt of COVID Vacations

India’s elite continued to vacation in the island nations amid a raging pandemic.

Reenvisioning How U.S. Textbooks Tell South Asian Stories

A new ethnic studies curriculum for California’s public schools was poised to become a national blueprint; instead, it is now a mere recommendation.

Good Ma, Bad Ma

Can Bollywood’s mothers exist between virtue or vice?

“Be Careful”: WhatsApp Forwards Spread Fear and Misinformation

Messages intended to increase awareness of potential COVID transmission among South Asian Americans, but the impact has been more alarming.

To Be a Non-COVID Patient in India Right Now

With the country’s overburdened healthcare system focused on fighting COVID, non-COVID patients assume lowest priority.

“Your Silence Will Be Remembered”

Why Indian celebrities are mum about the politics of India’s COVID-19 crisis.

Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

This May, a roundup of 15 stories from our archives that celebrate Asian American life, love, culture, and history.