Handwriting Vs Digital Writing, Benefits of Handwriting in the Digital Era
In this Digital Era, Why Writers Should Still Use Pen and Paper
Why My Pen Still Touches Paper
As screens dominate our lives and keyboards become extensions of our fingertips, I stubbornly cling to what my tech-savvy friends mock as a relic from the past: my habit of writing by hand. As a writer with over two decades in the industry, I’ve watched digital tools transform our craft—mostly for the better. Yet there’s one analogue habit I refuse to surrender, and I encourage every writer who works with me to do the same.
When a new writing brief comes in, my first instinct isn’t to open a Google Doc or create a note on my phone. Instead, I reach for my notebook and pen. This isn’t nostalgia or resistance to change—it’s a deliberate creative strategy backed by neuroscience.
The magic happens when pen meets paper. That physical connection between thought and the written word activates neural pathways that typing simply doesn’t engage. Our brains process information differently when we write by hand—more deeply, more thoroughly. Studies have shown that handwriting activates regions of the brain involved in thinking, language, and working memory in ways that typing doesn’t replicate.
I’ve experienced this difference countless times. Details from a conversation with my boss that I jotted down by hand remain vivid weeks later, while similar information typed into my laptop seems to evaporate from memory. There’s something about the deliberate strokes of writing—the tactile sensation, the unique movements for each letter—that helps information stick.
This isn’t just about memory retention. When I’m facing writer’s block or searching for the perfect angle for a piece, flipping through handwritten notes often triggers connections that scrolling through digital files doesn’t. A phrase I scribbled weeks ago suddenly links to a current project. A doodle in the margin reminds me of a metaphor that perfectly fits my current paragraph.
My notebooks have become time capsules of inspiration—messy, nonlinear repositories of thoughts that wouldn’t exist in the same way if I’d typed them. The imperfections of handwriting—the crossed-out words, the arrows connecting related ideas, the varying sizes of text that reflect my excitement about a concept—create a visual map of my thinking process that sterile digital text cannot capture.
For writers out there who resist this practice, claiming it’s inefficient or outdated, I offer a simple challenge: Try it for one month. Take handwritten notes during client/boss calls. Sketch out article outlines with pen and paper before touching your keyboard. Keep a small notebook by your bed for those middle-of-the-night inspirations.
The digital age has given us remarkable tools, and I use them gratefully. But in our rush to embrace the new, let’s not discard practices that serve our creative minds in irreplaceable ways. Sometimes the oldest technologies—like the humble pen and paper—remain powerful precisely because they connect us to our thoughts through pathways that newer innovations haven’t yet learned to travel.
So before you begin your next writing project, consider taking the scenic route through your own handwriting. Your brain—and your writing—will thank you for it.
The Fading Charm of Hyderabad’s Irani Cafes: Nostalgic Memories
As I sit here, sipping on a cup of Irani chai, my mind wanders back to the good old days of Hyderabad in the 80s and 90s. The city was a different place back then – slower, more laid-back, and full of character. And one of the things that defined Hyderabad’s character were its Irani cafes.
Those were the days when Irani cafes were more than just places to grab a quick bite or drink. They were about the stories, the laughter, and the shared moments that turned strangers into friends. These cafes were community hubs where friends and strangers would gather to discuss everything from politics to cricket. They were spaces where time stood still, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life was forgotten, and all that mattered was the company and the conversation.
I remember walking into Cafe Niloufer, Lakdi-ka-pul, Kauser Café, Mallapalli, Impala Hotel, Masab Tank, or Marjaan Hotel and Al-Saba Café at Vijaynagar Colony with my friends – Ramana, Mallu, Johny, Sridhar, Murtuza, Rizwan, Sanjay Dara. We’d sit for hours, nursing our freshly brewed chai, puffing away on ‘Bada Goldflake’ cigarettes, and diving into lively discussions about everything from politics to Bollywood, from the latest cricket match to the meaning of life.
The tables were always filled with people from all walks of life – students, professionals, artists, and intellectuals – all united by their love for good conversation and great chai. The Irani cafes were where life happened. The best business deals were struck over cups of chai, most of the disputes were settled with a handshake, and friendships were forged over shared ½ cups of chai, Osmania biscuits and onion samosas.
But times have changed, and those charming Irani cafes have given way to fast-paced eateries that prioritize efficiency over ambiance. The high tables and stools have replaced the comfortable chairs, and the air-conditioned sections are now reserved for those who can afford to pay a premium.
I long for the days when I could sit in an Irani cafe for hours, sipping on chai and discussing the meaning of life with friends. I long for the days when time stood still, and all that mattered was the company and the conversation. I miss the faded signboards, the peeling paint, creaky chairs, the mismatched crockery, and the sense of belonging that came with being a regular at an Irani cafe.
If you’re a Hyderabad-born like me, you’ll know what I’m talking about. You’ll remember the Irani cafes of your youth, the ones you spent countless afternoons/evenings, where you laughed, argued, and dreamed. You’ll remember the laughter, the arguments, and the memories that were forged in those cafes.
So let’s take a moment to nostalgia-ize about the good old days of Hyderabad’s Irani cafes. Let’s remember the charm, the character, and the community that they represented. And who knows, maybe someday, we’ll see a resurgence of those classic Irani cafes, where time stands still, and all that matters is the company of good friends and a conversation that interests everyone.
The Kumbh Mela: A Pilgrimage to the Eternal Self
Paulo Coelho, in his timeless work The Alchemist, beautifully reflects, “The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes. That’s the way it will be with our love for each other.” This profound observation resonates deeply with the human condition: our physical forms, like shifting sands, are ever-changing, while our true essence, like the unchanging desert, remains eternal.
In today’s world, we find ourselves consumed by a fixation on the fleeting – youth, beauty, and the illusion of permanence within our mortal shells. This obsession blinds us to a greater truth: that true immortality transcends the material, lying instead in the boundless realm of the spirit.
But who are we, really? Are we merely this body, a temporary composition of cells and tissues? Or the mind, a swirling blend of thoughts, memories, and emotions that morph with every passing moment?
The search for our authentic self forms the cornerstone of spiritual exploration. It is a journey inward, a process of peeling back the layers to uncover our core – the eternal essence that surpasses physical and mental boundaries. This essence, a spark of divinity within, is our unchanging, true self.
Is it possible to truly experience this core, this “I”? Can we access the wellspring of consciousness that animates our existence? Ancient Indian scriptures call this awareness Amrit, the nectar of immortality. Yet, Amrit is not something tangible. It is an awakening, a realization of the infinite nature of our being.
Nowhere is this truth celebrated more profoundly than at the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest human gathering. Over 44 days, millions come together on sacred grounds, drawn by an indescribable pull. No formal invitations are issued; no meticulous plans are crafted. Yet, the faithful arrive, driven by an inner yearning for the divine and the desire to reconnect with their eternal selves.
The Kumbh Mela is far more than a religious festival; it is a pilgrimage to the soul. It stands as a testament to the unyielding human spirit and our eternal quest for meaning. It serves as a powerful reminder that true immortality is not found in preserving the physical but in realizing the timeless essence within us all – the eternal “I.”
In this gathering, amidst the chants, rituals, and sacred waters, millions experience a collective awakening, a glimpse of the infinite. The Kumbh Mela is not just a journey to a holy site but a journey to the self, a timeless celebration of our shared humanity and divinity.
— Shukla ‘Jigyasu’ (S.J.)
The Chilly Chicken Chronicles: A 48-Hour Job Offer to the Grave
There was once a Tamil-speaking editor named Chilly Chicken (name changed for reasons of decency) who ran a business magazine in Hyderabad like it was a Dickensian sweatshop. His editing team slogged 18 hours a day, their weary eyes glued to their screens until 4:00 am. Then, this despot with a South Indian accent thick enough to slice, would tap their shoulders and say, “Don’t work too hard, go home. Come back fresh at 8:00 am.”
Naturally, when I got an interview call for the job, seasoned veterans warned me: “Don’t commit career suicide. That place is Dante’s Inferno with fluorescent lighting.”
Through sources, I met a 20-something anglo-Indian girl who worked there. She spoke in very polished English. I told her I am a correspondent to a foreign media and I’m doing a story on working conditions in the Indian media. Would you be kind enough to answer some questions.
Surprisingly, she agreed.
I kicked off: “Firstly, how long have you been working here?” She said around 2 years.
“And how many hours do you work?” She: 18 hours a day.
I gasped in mock horror.
“So, you’re here on a Sunday. What time did you clock in?” “10:00 am,” she said. “I’ll wrap up around 2:00 or 4:00 am and be back Monday morning at 10:00 am. We work 14 days straight, then get one day off—which is always a weekday, of course.”
“And your boss? Does he clock in 18 hours, too?”
“Oh no, Chilly Chicken strolls in at 11:00 am and leaves by 10:00 pm. And he doesn’t work weekends.”
When Monday rolled around, I went for my interview, brimming with curiosity and dread. There was this senior editor who talked to me in a very disinterested way. He didn’t seem to have any motivation. This guy from Udipi must have been a very fair person with a golden glow once upon a time. But now he looked like death warmed over – cheerless and grey-faced, with streaks of white hair on his head despite his youth – he wasn’t more than 35. All he asked me was my salary and job title expectations.
The secretary handed me an appointment letter—no interview, questions, or courtesy. Just an envelope. This was unusual; journalists usually meet their editors before a job is finalized. But Chilly Chicken seemed above such trifles.
I opened the letter. Two lines. One for the salary and title, the other for the joining date—two days from now. No room for notice periods, no room for air. When I called to clarify, the conversation went like this:
“Mr. Chilly Chicken, why does your letter say I have to join in two days?”
“It’s valid for 48 hours,” he replied.
“So, tomorrow or day after?”
“Yeny day,” he said in a cringe-worthy drawl that could curdle milk.
That was it. I trashed the letter. Had I joined, I’d probably be writing this from the afterlife.
It’s always the cowardly ones—Chilly Chicken, Narayana Murthy, Subramanyan—who turn into tyrants.
Notice the pattern?
— S.J.
Listen Up, Men! 15 Way to be in the Top 1% Men in 2025.
You want to be in the top 1% in 2025? Then it’s time to get ruthless about your priorities. Weakness, distractions, and excuses have no place in the life of a man who wants to dominate. You’re not going to get there by chasing women, simping, or letting your emotions control you. You need discipline, focus, and an unrelenting drive to win. Here’s the blueprint—read it, live it, and get it done.
- No Women, No Simping
Stop chasing women. Period. You’re wasting your energy on people who don’t respect you, don’t value you, and don’t contribute to your growth. Simping makes you weak, pathetic, and easy to manipulate. Focus on building your empire, and the right woman will come when you’re ready—not because you begged, but because you earned it. Until then, women are distractions. Leave them alone.
- No Porn
Porn is for cowards who can’t face the real world. It makes you lazy, drains your testosterone, and rewires your brain to crave instant gratification. If you’re still watching porn in 2025, you’ve already lost. Cut it out now.
- Meditate
You’re out of control because your mind is weak. Meditation is how you take back control. Clear your head, focus your energy, and build the mental strength to crush your goals. No excuses—10 minutes a day is all it takes to get started.
- No Alcohol
Alcohol is for losers. It slows you down, makes you sloppy, and steals your discipline. You want to stay sharp? Stay away from the bottle. Strong men don’t need a crutch to deal with life’s challenges—they face them head-on.
- Lift Weights
A weak body creates a weak mind. You want to command respect? Build strength. The gym isn’t optional; it’s mandatory. Lifting weights isn’t just about looking good—it’s about building the discipline and resilience you need to dominate in every area of life.
- Clear Vision
You’re drifting because you don’t know what you want. Write down your goals and make them crystal clear. Where are you going? What do you want to achieve? If you don’t know, you’re just another aimless man wasting his potential.
- Morning Sun
Wake up and get outside. Morning sunlight boosts your energy, sharpens your focus, and sets the tone for your day. You’re not going to win if you’re sitting in the dark scrolling your phone.
- 8 Hours of Sleep
You’re not a machine, so stop treating yourself like one. Sleep is how you recover and come back stronger. Aim for 8 hours every night. Sleep-deprived men make stupid decisions—and stupid decisions cost you everything.
- No Added Sugar
Sugar is killing your energy, your focus, and your body. It’s poison, and you’re addicted to it. Cut it out of your diet, and watch your mood, health, and productivity skyrocket. You’re better than that candy bar—act like it.
- No Energy Vampires
Your circle defines your future. Cut out the leeches and the complainers. They’re dragging you down and keeping you mediocre. Surround yourself with winners or go it alone. Either way, protect your energy at all costs.
- Make Time for Family
Success is meaningless if you have no one to share it with. Family keeps you grounded and gives you purpose. Don’t neglect the people who truly matter while chasing hollow goals. Real men take care of their family.
- 4 Hours of Deep Work
Distractions are the enemy. Block out 4 hours every day to focus on meaningful, productive work. No phone, no notifications, no interruptions—just pure focus. This is where you separate yourself from the average men who waste their time.
- Express Gratitude Daily
Gratitude isn’t weakness—it’s power. Every day, take a moment to appreciate what you have. Gratitude keeps you humble, focused, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
- A Personal Board of Advisors
You can’t do this alone. Build a network of mentors, coaches, and advisors who will challenge you to grow. Surround yourself with people who are smarter, stronger, and more experienced than you. No weak links, no excuses.
Final Word:
Cut out the distractions. No women, no simping, no excuses. Focus on building yourself—your body, your mind, your goals. The top 1% don’t chase anyone. They create a life so powerful that everything comes to them. You want to be in that 1%? Then act like it.
Get angry. Get disciplined. Get to work. The world is watching.
9 Cool Lessons I Learned in 2024
As we wrap up this year, I want to share with you some fascinating observations and ideas that made me think differently about the world. Here they are, in simple terms:
- We Eat the Menu
We don’t eat the food; we eat the menu. We don’t drink the wine; we drink the price tag. What does this mean? Our experience of food and drinks is more about how they’re presented, their cost, and the perception they create, rather than how they actually taste. Aesthetics and perception often overpower the tongue.
- Technology Moves Fast, Rules Move Slow
This year, I noticed something interesting about technology and rules. While new tech keeps coming out super-fast – while the technology moves at lightning speed, the rules to control this tech take much longer to make. This gap allows tech companies to bend the system for their benefit. Think about delivery apps – they created a whole new type of job, but it took time for rules to catch up to protect these workers.
- How Leaders Sometimes Become Too Powerful
I learned about a pattern that some leaders follow to get too much power. They follow a playbook. They usually do three things:
- Control the people who make decisions (like judges).
- Take down opponents using scandals or taxes.
- Change the rules to stay in power longer. It’s something we should all be aware of.
4. Shopping Mall Secrets
This year, I figured out why shopping malls are designed the way they are. Malls are designed to exhaust and disorient you with features like long walks, flashy lights, no windows, and nowhere to sit. Why? Because when you’re tired, your self-control weakens, making you more likely to make impulse purchases. It’s a clever but sneaky way to get us to spend more money.
- The Status Game – The Problem with Always Wanting Expensive Things
I thought about how some people always try to buy expensive things to show off. I asked myself this question: Should you join the race to climb the social ladder by buying luxury items? Probably not. It’s like a game that never ends – there’s always something more expensive to buy, and you can never win. Instead of chasing status, it’s better to focus on inner peace and fulfilment.
- Why Rewards Don’t Always Work
Here’s something surprising I learned: Offering big rewards or and bonuses to push people (employees) to do better doesn’t always work. It can actually make things worse. Why? Because people focus only on the prize and lose their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Keeping Our Knowledge Safe
I worried this year about how we store all our information. We think we’ve created endless backups of our knowledge through digital storage, but that’s not true. All digital data depends on electricity, computers, and the internet. If a major disaster wipes out these systems, future generations might not have the technology to access the data. Without better preservation methods, we risk losing the knowledge we’ve worked so hard to gather.
- Baby Psychology – Why Kids Talk to Imaginary Friends
I discovered something cool about kids who talk to imaginary friends, like pet teddy bears, dolls, etc. It’s not because they don’t know the difference between real and imaginary – they’re actually pretty smart! When kids talk to imaginary creatures, they’re actually practising social interaction in a safe and creative way. It helps them understand how other people think and act—a clever DIY method for learning psychology.
- Why We Should Look for Aliens
Finally, I learned about why searching for aliens is important. If we find them, we could learn so much from them! Even if we don’t find any, it will remind us how special life on Earth is and why we should take better care of each other.
That’s my list of interesting things from 2024! Which one surprised you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
- By S.J.
A Heartfelt New Year Wish from One Dreamer to Another
As the clock strikes midnight, ushering in a brand new year, I am reminded of the incredible journey that has brought me to where I am today. My mind wanders back to the darkest corners of my childhood – the struggles of making ends meet in our small 30-square-yard one-bedroom house in a laid-back area of my city. A lousy career start and the influences of wrong friendships threatened to derail my future. But it was in those tumultuous times that I found solace in the love and support of my parents, siblings and friends.
It was there, in the midst of adversity, that I discovered the strength of perseverance and determination. And it was there that I forged my 4 Core Values, the guiding lights that have illuminated my path forward, even in the darkest of times.
These Core Values have been my lifeline, my north star, and my foundation for success. They are:
- DREAM, THINK, DO BIG: To envision a future bigger than my circumstances, strategize and innovate, and execute with courage, never limiting my potential.
- STRAIGHT TALK: To communicate with honesty and integrity, building trust and strong relationships that uplift and inspire.
- STAY HUMBLE: To remain grounded and grateful, whether I win or lose, and to always remember the people and experiences that have shaped me.
- WORK HARD: To dedicate myself fully to the work at hand, never bowing down to failures and taking success for granted, and always striving for excellence.
These values have not only shaped my journey but have also been the foundation upon which my successes are built. As we step into this New Year, I want to share these values with you in the hope that they may inspire and guide you as they have inspired and guided me.
Wishing You a Year Filled with Dreams, Achievements, and Joy
May the coming year be a canvas where you paint your most vibrant dreams, and may your brushstrokes be bold and fearless. May your thoughts be clear, your actions bold, and your spirit unbreakable. May you communicate with kindness and truth, stay humble in the face of success, and work hard towards your goals, knowing that every effort counts.
Most importantly, may you remember that success is not just about achieving greatness but about the positive impact you have on the lives of others and the person you become along the way. May your journey be filled with love, laughter, and adventure, and may your heart remain full of hope and resilience throughout your journey.
From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed, joyful, and incredibly prosperous New Year. May all your dreams turn into achievements, and may your life be a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a heart full of love.
— Shukla ‘Jigyasu’ (S.J.)
Love is Madness
Alas! Love, a storm untamed, wild in its grace,
A fire that burns, leaving not a trace.
Madness whispers, “Dive, don’t think twice,”
And in my heart, logic pays the price.
As a poet, I weave worlds with trembling hands,
Where the lunatic roams and fragile truth strands.
Can you save the lover yet spare the poet?
Or is my madness the beauty that shows it?
Each tear, a verse, each sigh, a song,
In this chaos, both poet and lunatic belong.
For love and art, the heart must break,
From madness’ depths, true beauty we make.
– S. J.
Why Women Don’t Loiter: A Journey Through India’s Gendered Streets
It was just another book on my reading list – “Why Loiter?” by feminists Shilpa Phadke, Shilpa Ranade, and Sameera Khan. Little did I know that those pages would become food for thought and change my perception of Indian cities and the invisible barriers that shape women’s experiences within them.
As I delved into this book, a question began to nag at me: When was the last time I saw women simply hanging out in public spaces with no apparent purpose? The more I thought about it, the more I realized – I couldn’t recall a single instance.
This realization sent me on a journey through the streets of my city, seeing them through a new lens. Let me take you along this eye-opening walk.
The Bustling Street Corner
Picture this: You’re strolling down a busy street in Hyderabad, Mumbai, or any other Indian metropolis. The air is thick with the aroma of chai and the cacophony of urban life. On every street corner, makeshift tea stalls buzz with activity. Crowds gather around these impromptu social hubs, their animated voices rising above the city’s din.
At one stall, a group of middle-aged men gesticulate wildly, locked in a heated debate about the latest political drama unfolding in Delhi. While one proclaims, “Modi ji’s new ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy will change everything!” another scoffs and launches into a counterargument.
A few steps away, a cluster of young professionals huddle over steaming paper cups; their faces grave as they discuss the ongoing Israel-Palestine and Israel- Lebanon conflict.
Yet, at another tea stall, office workers indulge in the time-honoured tradition of workplace gossip during their tea and ‘sutta’ (cigarette) break. “You won’t believe what happened in the meeting today,” one whispers conspiratorially to the delighted gasps of his colleagues.
The Missing Half
Now, here’s where it gets interesting – imagine all these loiterers, all these chai-sipping debaters and gossipers, are women. Young and old, rich and poor, donning everything from designer skirts to traditional burkas.
Does this feel oddly… foreign?
If it does, you’re not alone. This mental image feels surreal because it’s one we’ve never witnessed in our cities. The act of women simply existing in public spaces, without purpose or agenda, is a rarity in any urban setting in India. And this, according to “Why Loiter?”, is a profound statement about gender, space, and power in our society.
The Gendered City
Our cities, it turns out, are not gender-neutral playgrounds. They’re designed and policed in ways that subtly – and sometimes not so subtly – push women to the margins. The simple act of a woman standing idle on a street corner can raise eyebrows, invite suspicious glances, or worse.
Why? Because in our collective psyche, a woman in public must always have a purpose. She must be going somewhere, doing something, or waiting for someone.
Yesterday, as I walked through the streets, I noticed how women moved through public spaces – always with purpose, always alert. A young woman waiting for a friend chose to stand at a bus stop rather than simply on the sidewalk. A group of college girls huddled together, creating a protective circle as they walked. An office worker hurried home, her keys clutched like a weapon in her fist.
The idea of a woman simply existing in public space, free from agenda or explanation, is oddly revolutionary.
These observations brought to life what Phadke, Ranade, and Khan term “manufacturing respectability” in their book. Women in our cities are constantly engaged in signaling that they have a legitimate reason to be in public spaces. The simple act of a woman standing idle on a street corner can raise eyebrows, invite suspicious glances, or worse.
The Right to Risk
But “Why Loiter?” isn’t just about pointing out problems – it’s a radical call to action. The authors argue that true citizenship for women isn’t just about safety, but about having the freedom to loiter, to wander (with or without purpose), to simply be in public spaces without justification or fear.
This idea challenged me. Like many, I had always thought about women’s safety in public spaces in terms of protection. But what if, in our quest to ‘protect’ women, we’re actually restricting their freedom? What if safety isn’t just about being free from harm, but about being free to take risks, to explore, to claim the city as one’s own?
A Call to Loiter
Dear reader, if you are a city dweller, the next time you’re out in the city, pay attention. Notice who occupies public spaces more and how. If you’re a woman, challenge yourself to linger a little longer at that tea stall, to sit on that park bench with no particular purpose.
Because loitering, in its own quiet way, is relaxing and revolutionary too. It’s a declaration that the city belongs to everyone, not just those with purpose or purchasing power. It’s a reclamation of the fundamental right to exist in public space.
As a privileged male, I’ve never had to think twice about my right to public space. But I’m eager to learn more. If you’re a woman navigating the urban jungle of Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or any Indian city, I want to hear your story. How do you experience public spaces? What challenges do you face? What small acts of resistance do you engage in?
Share your experiences in the comments or write to me. Your stories could be the first step towards reimagining our cities as truly inclusive spaces.
Sacred No More: An Unbiased Look at the Tirumala Laddu Scandal
How Adulterated Ghee Found Its Way into the Holiest of Offerings, Putting Devotees’ Faith and Health at Risk
The revered Tirumala Laddu, a symbol of devotion and faith for millions, has been tainted by a shocking scandal. Adulterated ghee, containing animal fat and lard, was supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) by a Tamil Nadu-based dairy firm, AR Dairy. This disturbing revelation raises questions about the sanctity of the offerings and the health risks posed to devotees.
A Cherished Prasadam
The Tirumala Laddu, made from Bengal gram, clarified butter, sugar, cashew nuts, raisins, and almonds, is a cherished prasadam for devotees visiting the hill shrine. With over 3.5 lakh laddus prepared daily, the TTD earns Rs 500 crore annually through sales.
The Rise of AR Dairy
In March 2024, TTD floated an e-tender for ghee supply. Karnataka Milk Marketing Federation (KMMF), the previous supplier of Nandini Ghee, opted out due to increased costs. AR Dairy from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, emerged as the new supplier through reverse tendering on May 5, 2024, at a rate of Rs 319.80 per litre. AR Dairy began supplying ghee to TTD from June 12, 2024.
The Scandal Unfolds
On July 6, 2024, and July 15, 2024, two tankers of ghee supplied by AR Dairy were found to be of poor quality during physical verification. Suspecting adulteration, TTD collected four samples and sent them confidentially to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Lab in Anand, Gujarat, for testing.
Damning Evidence
The NDDB lab reports, received on July 16, 2024, and July 23, 2024, confirmed the presence of vegetable and animal fat-based adulterants, including lard. The adulterated ghee tankers were returned to AR Dairy, and further supplies were stopped. Show-cause notices were issued to AR Dairy Pvt Ltd on July 22, 2024, July 23, 2024, and July 27, 2024.
Questions and Concerns
Why did TTD not conduct rigorous quality control testing? Why the news was kept under wraps until September 2024? What measures will be taken to ensure the sanctity of offerings in other temples?
Call to Action
We should demand accountability from temple authorities and governments. Ensure rigorous quality control testing for all offerings. Protect the faith and health of devotees.
The Way Forward
TTD has decided to set up a state-of-the-art testing lab at Tirumala, with the National Dairy Development Board donating equipment worth Rs 75 lakh.