a DIRS blog
It’s no news that our lives have dramatically changed in the span of the last few months. Undoubtedly, the marginalized classes of society have to bear the brunt as they struggle to meet their basic survival needs. For the urban middle class, having to adjust to the new normal of working from home, attending classes... Continue Reading →
“The hijra, perhaps the most vocal manifestation of queerness in India, refuses to stay invisible. Ignored by the mainstream, often rejected by her family, reduced to a joke in popular entertainment, she claps in the crowded streets demanding to be seen.” – Devdutt Pattanaik, Shikhandi and Other Queer Tales They Don’t Tell You. Shikhandini; Shikhandi.... Continue Reading →
"‘Why do you want to go to die?’ was my mom’s first reaction as soon as she heard that I had volunteered for the COVID-19 service. Everyone else in the family was equally skeptical about this. But I’d made up my mind. Being a medical professional, I knew I had to do anything I could... Continue Reading →
Dance is not merely a performing art but rather a metaphor for life itself. It is something that we do on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. The playful spirit that it infuses in us allows us to remain balanced and joyful while accepting and facing the challenges of life. In the... Continue Reading →
Of all known species in the world, only man is gifted with so many abilities, with an eye to truly appreciate the wonder that this world is. It is but natural for man to have an inherent thirst to know what or who he is, if he is merely an animal or something more than... Continue Reading →
"My family is originally from Kore, a village in Palghar, where my grandmother used to sell fish. Decades ago, she came to Mumbai with her six children, and settled here for better business. I’ve always lived in Mumbai, at the Macchimar Nagar at Colaba. I am one of five siblings, and four of us are... Continue Reading →
Before I start the lecture, can I just say that nature is brilliant? Not the human type, but definitely everything else about it. Here are a few reasons why... With nothing else to do, I have been spending a significant amount of time on apps like Instagram and Reddit(if you filter through the TikToks you... Continue Reading →
Shilpa and Sanjay Patwardhan are residents of Mumbai. Recently, they, along with their whole family, were diagnosed with COVID-19. Shilpa works as a music teacher at Balmohan Vidyamandir, Dadar, while Sanjay works in a bank. Some days ago, they sat down to share their experiences with us. Here’s what they had to say: “It had... Continue Reading →
Last year, India witnessed its first pride month since the scrapping of section 377 on September 6th, 2018, which prohibited homosexuality and other “unnatural acts of sex”. This year is particularly special since it marks Pride’s golden jubilee. It's been 50 years since the first pride parade in 1970, and 51 years since the Stonewall... Continue Reading →
The pride month has brought forth a plethora of debates, attitudes, and opinions about trans identity and their rights. While most of these express support and gratitude to the community, society also consists of politicians, thinkers, and writers who don’t completely understand the perspectives and lives of trans individuals. And that is why the purpose... Continue Reading →
The Laughing Hippo 