Latest stories

The Journey of Blue, From Indigo to YInMn

From the use of indigo dye in India centuries ago to Mas Subramanian’s discovery of YInMn Blue, pigments tell tales of trade, culture, and science.

Not Your ‘Good’ Immigrant

India is the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants to the U.S. — not just doctors, engineers, and academics. Why don’t we talk about it?

How Bharatanatyam Persists in New Jersey Studios

In New Jersey, the ancient Indian dance form has become a vessel of cultural learning and pride for young Indian Americans.

How We Get the Job Done: Kapil Seshasayee

The Glasgow-based musician, after 17 years helping promote bands, deconstructs caste in his first LP — “A Sacred Bore.”

India’s Sex Workers are Still Unbanked

Over 181m women have opened bank accounts in the past few years thanks to a government program, but most of India’s 3m sex workers remain unbanked. A new task force on financial inclusion for sex workers, announced in January, might be too little too late.

Does Lilly Singh's Move to Late Night Matter?

All eyes are on the famous YouTuber as she prepares to become the first woman of color to host a network late night show in years.

Editorial: What the New York Times Gets Wrong About Caste

In an interview with the New York Times, ex-Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi attributes her success to her "conservative Brahmin" upbringing. Why did it deserve mention at all — either from the Times or Nooyi?

The Trauma is in the Details: Hotel Mumbai and 26/11 on Film

From Hotel Mumbai to its predecessors, portrayals of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks rarely focus on brown lives and experiences — or get the details right.

How We Get the Job Done: Nikesh Shukla

Nikesh Shukla, the editor of The Good Immigrant series and the author of five novels, reflects on diversity in writing and the expectations of his parents.

Trying to Define a Cuisine Shaped by Absences

Marred by decades of civil war, Jaffna cuisine has survived, but it carries the unique burden of bygone memories.

The Political Battle on India’s Regional Social Media

As the world’s largest democracy gears up for its general elections, politicians and parties have opened up accounts on Indian-language platforms, hoping to woo the electorate.

How We Get The Job Done: Manjit Thapp

Manjit Thapp, an illustrator, has found diversity through her work.

How We Get The Job Done: Samira Ahmed

Samira Ahmed, a young adult novelist, has created one of the buzziest books of 2019.

How We Get The Job Done: Le Tote's Rakesh Tondon

Le Tote's Rakesh Tondon's biggest competition is consumer behavior. How does he convince customers that renting clothes is better than buying them?

The Hindu Temple That Sits Quietly in Southern China

The temple recalls an interconnected, cosmopolitan past that challenges our beliefs today.

Jingoism Isn't the Answer for South Asian Millennials

Ten South Asian millennials, living abroad and in their home countries, share how they see beyond national media.

For South Asian Dance Teams, Does the Story End After College?

College South Asian dance teams can be intense, with students risking time, money, and physical health. But what happens after they graduate?

Where Frida Kahlo Meets Kalighat Pat

The Bengali art of portraiture, and the artist who makes them.

How We Get The Job Done: Leo Kalyan

How a musician found his talent in being himself.

Photocopies of the Real Thing

Just as phool patti truck art became revered in Pakistan after an American anthropologist "discovered" it, Pakistani car decals are a new art form, waiting to be found.