I analyze why Koo and Hike failed despite millions of users. And why Zoho's Arattai may be repeating their mistakes. I argue that, at its core, it’s the difference between "Made FOR India" and "Made FROM India." To be clear: Zoho is uniquely positioned to break this pattern. They've proven they can compete globally in B2B. The question is whether Arattai's positioning reflects that ambition.
India’s Op Sindoor: The End of Strategic Restraint, The Dawn of Deterrence
In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir on April 22nd, 2025, India launched a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor on May 7th, 2025. As a marketer, I cannot overstate how apt the codename was. This was indeed unprecedented, marking an end to decades of strategic restraint by the Indian state.... Continue Reading →
Dr. Ambedkar’s “Grammar of Anarchy”: A Constitutional Warning That Echoes Today
On this 79th Independence Day, I’ve been reflecting on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s "Grammar of Anarchy" speech. He asked us to abandon "unconstitutional methods," cautioned against the dangers of "hero-worship," and pointed out the profound "contradictions" of a nation with political equality but deep social inequality.
Book Review of “We, the Citizens”
I review the book, “We, The People”. This is an audacious attempt to simplify complex public policy topics in a comic book format.
Using Deadly Laws as a Proxy for Social Change
I argue why deadly laws cannot be a proxy for social change.
How Elite Imitation Affects Public Policy
In a previous newsletter on marketing fallacies, I argued how we’re prone to the Apex Fallacy the most. It’s widespread because some companies do indeed beat the conventional wisdom and win big. We see it unfolding right in front of us. And, we risk being seen as too soft when we appear skeptical about its... Continue Reading →
How PV Narasimha Rao transformed India
I pay my tributes to the statesman par excellence who successfully pulled India back from the brink.
Are Indians too Dumb for Democracy?
If political parties have to respond to people’s interests, why don't people demand basic public services and oust governments that fail to do this?
Musings by Madhav 