The gig workers strike raises a question we're not asking: Can workers exit? If yes, let market pressure work. If no, then regulate. But before we rush to "do something," we need to understand the difference between empathy and good policy.
Why Arattai’s Positioning Matters And India’s Product Ambition Gap
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.
Beyond Propaganda: Defending Art for Art’s Own Sake
I probe into the thin line that separates art from propaganda. Think about it: Why do some films from the past, like Salim-Javed's classics, still resonate while others, with their overt messages, fall flat? What made Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged feel like a lecture, while George Orwell's 1984 continues to expose truths across every political divide?
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.
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 →
Family in the US Political Debate
I summarize the key points of the US political debate around the ‘traditional family’. Quoting JD Vance and Vivek Ramaswamy, I explore how it ties up with Rob Henderson’s ‘Luxury Beliefs’. I ponder over how desirable it is to go for radical policy changes in an institution that stood the test of time.
Why Political Discourse Seems So Stupid
I talk about why the current political discourse seems so stupid. I borrow the following concepts to make my point: - Final Vocabulary - Purva Paksha - Ideological Turing Test - Pigeonholing
When is Government intervention in markets legitimate?
I discuss the grounds where it is legitimate for the Government to intervene in the markets.
Musings by Madhav 