You Didn’t Win, You Just Got Lucky: A Humorous Rant on Nationalism, Merit, and the Birth Lottery

 Picture this: You walk into an exam hall, mildly terrified. You’ve barely studied — except for those five questions you skimmed at the last minute. Boom! Those exact five show up on the paper. You walk out feeling like Einstein, Newton, and APJ Abdul Kalam had a baby — and it’s you.

But let’s be honest: you didn’t “crack” the exam. You just cracked the timing. That’s not merit. That’s pure, unfiltered luck, served hot with a side of delusion.

Now imagine building your whole identity around this kind of fluke.

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Exhibit A: Nationalism and the GPS-Assigned Pride

You’re born in India, and you grow up screaming “Mera Bharat Mahaan!” Meanwhile, someone born 50 km across the border in Pakistan is shouting “Pakistan Zindabad!” Both are convinced their country is superior. Across the ocean, a British guy — sipping tea and scrolling Twitter — is watching these two argue and going, “Colonies arguing again. Delightful.”

You didn’t choose your country, bro. Your mom didn’t get a country picker during labor. You just plopped out wherever fate (and your parents’ location) decided. Yet somehow, you think it’s an accomplishment?

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Exhibit B: Caste Pride and the Brahmin Boast Club™

Upper-caste guy: “I come from a long line of Brahmin scholars. It’s in my DNA.”

Cool. But your DNA could’ve easily included manual scavenging, social exclusion, and systemic oppression had your cosmic sperm won a slightly different race. Instead of chanting Sanskrit mantras, you’d be dodging casteist slurs and WhatsApp uncles.

Birth isn’t merit. It’s not even a skill. You didn’t press Start on your own life. You were spawned into it like a background character in GTA.

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Exhibit C: The Great Myth of Meritocracy

You topped the IIT entrance. Bravo! But let’s unpack.

You had:

• Good internet.

• Coaching classes.

• Parents who didn’t make you work at age 12.

• A quiet room.

• Electricity (a luxury in many places).

And yes, you studied hard. No one's denying that. But so did the kid in a village who had to climb a tree to get a network signal and still missed the cut-off by 0.5 marks. Luck isn’t just about exam questions — it’s about the life you were dealt.

Merit is often just privilege in disguise, wearing a “self-made” T-shirt.

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So, What’s the Point?

Stop flexing about things you didn’t earn. Whether it’s your nationality, your caste, your genes, or the exact moment your brain decided to revise question 17(b). You didn’t choose any of it. It was handed to you by a universe spinning a giant roulette wheel.

Be proud of things you worked for. The late nights, the small wins, the times you tried again after failing.

As for the rest? Smile, be humble, and maybe stop getting into Twitter wars over which patch of land is better.

Because in the grand casino of life, we’re all just players who got lucky with the dice.

Paying Taxes: The Ultimate Act of Nationalism for Indians

 In a country as diverse and vibrant as India, nationalism is often expressed through grand gestures—hoisting the tricolor on Independence Day, cheering for the Indian cricket team, or celebrating the achievements of our armed forces. Yet, for the average Indian, the most profound and practical way to contribute to the nation’s growth is not by standing at the border with a gun but by fulfilling a civic duty that is often overlooked: paying taxes. Taxes are the lifeblood of a nation, funding everything from infrastructure to defense, healthcare to education. In a country where the majority of citizens will never fight in a war, paying taxes is arguably the most patriotic act one can perform. However, a troubling paradox persists—while many proudly wave the national flag and sing praises of India, some, including politicians and businessmen, exploit loopholes to evade taxes, undermining the very nation they claim to champion.

Taxes: The Backbone of Nation-Building

India’s progress as a nation depends heavily on its ability to generate revenue through taxation. Taxes fund critical public services: roads that connect rural villages to urban centers, schools that educate the next generation, hospitals that save lives, and the defense forces that protect our borders. According to the Government of India’s 2023-24 Union Budget, tax revenue accounts for over 50% of the country’s total revenue receipts, with direct taxes like income tax and indirect taxes like GST playing a pivotal role. Without these funds, the government’s ability to invest in nation-building would grind to a halt.

For the average Indian, paying taxes is a direct contribution to this collective effort. It’s a way to ensure that the country’s infrastructure grows, that soldiers are equipped to defend the nation, and that marginalized communities have access to welfare programs. Unlike volunteering for military service or running for public office, paying taxes is a universal act of patriotism accessible to every earning citizen. It’s a quiet, consistent way to say, “I believe in India’s future, and I’m willing to invest in it.”

The Hypocrisy of Tax Evasion

Ironically, some of the loudest proponents of Indian pride—politicians, businessmen, and public figures—are often the ones dodging their tax obligations. On Independence Day, it’s common to see these individuals draped in the national flag, delivering impassioned speeches about “Bharat Mata” and the greatness of India. Yet, behind closed doors, many employ a range of tactics to avoid contributing their fair share to the nation’s coffers. This hypocrisy is not just a betrayal of civic duty; it’s a direct assault on the idea of nationalism they so publicly espouse.

Tax evasion in India is a pervasive issue, with estimates suggesting that the country loses billions of rupees annually due to unreported income and fraudulent practices. According to a 2022 report by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), only 1.5% of India’s population pays income tax, a stark contrast to developed nations where tax compliance is much higher. While India’s informal economy and low per capita income play a role, deliberate tax evasion by the wealthy and influential is a significant factor.

Common Ways Indians Cheat the Tax System

Tax evasion in India takes many forms, from subtle manipulations to outright fraud. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Underreporting Income: Businessmen and professionals often underreport their earnings to fall below taxable income thresholds. For instance, a shopkeeper might maintain two sets of books—one for actual transactions and another for tax purposes—showing significantly lower profits to reduce their tax liability.
2. Fake Income Proofs: A particularly rampant practice is the submission of fraudulent income certificates to qualify for benefits or exemptions. This is especially prevalent among businessmen who manipulate documents to show annual earnings below a certain threshold, such as ₹8 lakh per annum, to avail of schemes meant for lower-income groups.
3. Benami Transactions: Some individuals hide their wealth by purchasing assets like property or gold in the names of relatives, employees, or fictitious entities. These “benami” transactions allow them to evade taxes on their actual income and wealth.
4. Cash Transactions: The use of cash for large transactions, particularly in sectors like real estate and retail, helps individuals bypass the tax net. By not issuing receipts or maintaining digital records, they avoid scrutiny from tax authorities.
5. Offshore Accounts and Tax Havens: Wealthy individuals and corporations often park their money in offshore accounts or shell companies in tax havens like the British Virgin Islands or Panama. The 2016 Panama Papers leak exposed several prominent Indians, including businessmen and politicians, who used such methods to hide their wealth.

A Case Study in Tax Fraud: The MCN Scholarship Scam at BITS Pilani

A striking example of how tax evasion permeates even the most unexpected places comes from my personal experience at BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. The institute offers a Merit-cum-Need (MCN) scholarship, designed to support students from low-income families by waiving a portion of their tuition fees. To qualify, a student’s family income must be below ₹8 lakh per annum. While the scholarship is a lifeline for genuinely deserving students, it has become a magnet for fraudulent claims, particularly from the children of businessmen.

In my time at BITS Pilani, it was an open secret that many students availing of the MCN scholarship were not from low-income families. Instead, their parents—often businessmen—submitted fake income proofs to show earnings below the ₹8 lakh threshold. These documents were typically fabricated by colluding with chartered accountants or local authorities to underreport business income or claim fictitious losses. Shockingly, I encountered more cases of fraudulent MCN recipients than genuine ones. Students who arrived on campus with luxury cars, designer clothes, and the latest gadgets were often the same ones claiming financial hardship to secure the scholarship.

This rampant misuse of the MCN scholarship is not just a disservice to deserving students; it’s a microcosm of the broader tax evasion culture in India. By falsifying income proofs, these families not only cheat the education system but also deprive the government of tax revenue that could be used for public welfare. It’s a stark reminder that tax evasion is not a victimless crime—it undermines the nation’s ability to support its most vulnerable citizens.

The EWS Reservation: A Larger Canvas for Fraud

The fraudulent income proofs plaguing schemes like the MCN scholarship are not an isolated issue but a symptom of a deeper malaise that extends to national policies like the 10% Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation. Introduced in 2019, the EWS quota aims to provide educational and job opportunities to economically disadvantaged general-category individuals with a family income below ₹8 lakh per annum. However, just as businessmen manipulate income documents to secure scholarships at institutions like BITS Pilani, similar tactics are likely being used on a grand scale to exploit EWS benefits. Reports, such as a 2021 Indian Express investigation, reveal widespread issuance of dubious EWS certificates, often for bribes, allowing affluent families to claim reservations meant for the truly needy. This abuse not only deprives deserving candidates of opportunities but also siphons off public resources, mirroring the tax evasion tactics of those who publicly champion nationalism while undermining the nation’s welfare through deceit.

The Nationalism of Tax Compliance

The contrast between tax evaders and honest taxpayers is stark. While the former may wave the flag with fervor, it’s the latter who truly embody the spirit of nationalism. Paying taxes is an act of trust in the nation’s future, a belief that collective contributions will pave the way for a stronger, more equitable India. It’s a way for every citizen—whether a salaried employee, a small business owner, or a corporate executive—to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with soldiers, teachers, and public servants in building the nation.

To combat tax evasion and foster a culture of compliance, several steps can be taken:

• Strengthening Enforcement: The government must continue to leverage technology, such as data analytics and Aadhaar-linked financial tracking, to detect and penalize tax evasion. The introduction of GST and mandatory PAN reporting has already helped, but more needs to be done.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the direct link between taxes and national development can encourage voluntary compliance. Highlighting success stories—like how tax revenue funded a new highway or hospital—can make the connection tangible.
• Closing Loopholes: Simplifying tax laws and closing loopholes, such as those exploited in benami transactions or offshore accounts, can reduce opportunities for evasion.
• Celebrating Honest Taxpayers: Recognizing and rewarding honest taxpayers, as some countries do, can create a positive incentive for compliance. India’s “Taxpayer Pride” initiative, launched by the CBDT, is a step in this direction.

Conclusion

In a country where nationalism is often measured by loud proclamations and symbolic gestures, paying taxes stands out as a quiet yet powerful act of patriotism. It’s a way for every Indian to contribute to the nation’s growth, regardless of their profession or proximity to the border. Yet, the hypocrisy of those who evade taxes while flaunting their love for India reveals a deep disconnect between words and actions. From businessmen submitting fake income proofs to secure scholarships at institutions like BITS Pilani to politicians hiding wealth in offshore accounts, tax evasion is a betrayal of the very nation they claim to serve.

As India strives to become a global superpower, the path forward lies in fostering a culture of tax compliance. Every rupee paid in taxes is a brick in the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous India. So, the next time you file your taxes, take pride in knowing that you’re not just fulfilling a legal obligation—you’re performing the most nationalistic act an Indian can do. Let’s wave the flag, sing the anthem, and pay our taxes with equal fervor, for that is the true essence of loving our nation.

The Absurdity of War: Why Do Young People Die for the Pride of Old Men?

 "Only the dead have seen the end of war." — George Santayana

Every generation, it seems, must learn the same terrible lesson: war is hell. Yet time and again, nations go to war — often for reasons that, in hindsight, seem more political than moral, more about pride than principle. One cannot help but ask: Isn’t war, at its core, a deeply stupid thing?

And more specifically: Why do young men and women fight and die because a few older, powerful men are upset?

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🧓🏽 The Few Decide, the Many Suffer

War is rarely started by the people who fight it. The decisions to go to war are made in parliament buildings, presidential palaces, or military headquarters — not on the streets, not in the trenches. These decisions are often influenced by strategic calculations, personal egos, or historical grudges.

But once war begins, it is the young — conscripted soldiers, frontline fighters, civilians caught in the crossfire — who bleed and die.

It’s an old story. From the trenches of World War I to the deserts of Iraq, the pattern holds: the higher up you go in the chain of command, the further you are from the battlefield — and from the consequences.

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🧠 War Is Rarely Rational

While governments often justify war in the name of national interest, security, or justice, the actual outcomes are often disastrous:

• Lives are lost by the thousands, sometimes millions.

• Entire economies collapse.

• Generations grow up traumatized.

• The reasons for war are often revealed to be hollow or false.

World War I began because of a botched assassination and a tangle of alliances. The Iraq War was waged over weapons of mass destruction that didn’t exist. In both cases, those who paid the price were not the policymakers — but the soldiers and civilians.

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🗣️ Manufactured Consent: The Role of Propaganda

If war is so destructive, why do people support it?

The answer lies in nationalism, fear, and propaganda. Leaders often wrap war in noble language — calling it a defense of honor, faith, or homeland. The media is mobilized. Enemies are dehumanized. Dissenters are silenced or called traitors.

Ordinary people are convinced that dying in war is heroic — even when the war itself is unnecessary or unjust.

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🔁 The Cycle of Revenge

Wars rarely end cleanly. They create bitterness and trauma that last generations. One war begets another.

• World War I created the conditions for World War II.

• The U.S. invasion of Iraq gave rise to ISIS.

• India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars — and their border remains volatile to this day.

When wars are fought for pride, for vengeance, or to “teach a lesson,” they rarely bring lasting peace. Instead, they plant the seeds of future violence.

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✊ Youth as Cannon Fodder — or Agents of Change?

What’s perhaps most tragic is that the young people who are made to fight in wars are often the ones with the most to lose — and the most to gain from peace.

Young minds can build nations, not just defend them.
Young bodies can farm, teach, create, innovate — not just die in muddy trenches or burned cities.
When we say "Support the troops," maybe we should also mean "Support them by not sending them to fight unjust wars."

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🕊️ The Case for Peace

Peace is not weakness. It requires strength, diplomacy, empathy, and patience. War is easy to start and hard to end. Peace takes work, but it’s the only rational path in a world that now possesses weapons capable of ending humanity.

More and more people are recognizing that war is not inevitable — it’s a choice. And a bad one, at that.

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📌 Final Thought

History may glorify generals and conquerors, but we should remember the millions whose names were never recorded — the soldiers, civilians, and children whose lives were cut short by decisions they had no part in making.

So yes — going to war, more often than not, is stupid. It’s a tragic, violent expression of pride, fear, and failure. And it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.

The Fragile Pride of Nationalism: A Reflection on India’s New Wave

The Fragile Pride of Nationalism: A Reflection on India’s New Wave

Nationalism is a curious thing. It’s a fire that warms some and burns others, a banner waved with fervor by those who believe it defines them. In India today, a new wave of nationalists has emerged — louder, prouder, and more assertive than ever. From saffron flags dotting the skyline to social media timelines brimming with slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” this resurgence feels both intoxicating and inescapable. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder: what’s the point of pride in something you didn’t choose?

Let’s start with a simple truth: none of us picked India — or any country — as our birthplace. I didn’t sit in some cosmic waiting room, flipping through a catalog of nations, weighing the pros and cons of monsoon seasons versus maple syrup. I was born here, in this sprawling, chaotic, beautiful mess of a country, because that’s where the dice of fate landed. So were you, probably. And yet, nationalism asks us to take this accident of geography and turn it into a cornerstone of identity, a source of chest-thumping pride. It’s like bragging about your eye color or the shape of your nose — arbitrary traits handed to you by a lottery you didn’t enter.

In India, this new wave of nationalism often cloaks itself in history and heritage. The argument goes that we must honor the sacrifices of those who fought for independence, that we owe it to our ancestors to protect the idea of “Bharat.” Fair enough — gratitude for the past is noble. But what begins as reverence quickly morphs into something else: a demand for conformity, a rejection of dissent, and an us-versus-them mentality that feels less like unity and more like division. The nationalists of today aren’t just celebrating India — they’re gatekeeping it, deciding who gets to belong and who doesn’t. If you question the script, you’re a traitor. If you point out flaws, you’re anti-national. It’s a brittle kind of pride, one that crumbles under scrutiny.

The irony is that nationalism thrives on the very randomness it ignores. India’s borders, like those of most nations, are the product of history’s messy scribbles — colonial conquests, partitions, and treaties drawn by people long dead. The idea of “India” as a sacred, eternal entity is a modern construct, not a timeless truth. And yet, we’re told to treat it as sacrosanct, to pledge our loyalty to a concept that’s younger than some of our grandparents. Why? Because we happened to be born within these lines on a map? That’s not a reason — it’s a coincidence.

This isn’t to say there’s nothing worth loving about India. The diversity of languages, the resilience of its people, the sheer audacity of its democracy — these are real, tangible things. But they don’t need nationalism to shine. In fact, nationalism often dims them, flattening a kaleidoscope of cultures into a single, monochrome narrative. The new wave in India loves to talk about “one nation, one identity,” but what does that even mean in a country where every state feels like a different world? Forcing unity through pride risks erasing the very things that make India worth caring about.

And then there’s the practical side. While nationalists wave flags and chant slogans, the birth lottery keeps spinning. Some Indians are born into privilege — urban, educated, connected — while others land in villages without clean water or schools. If we’re so proud of our nation, why aren’t we angrier about that gap? Nationalism often feels like a distraction, a way to rally people around an abstract idea instead of fixing the concrete problems staring us in the face. It’s easier to blame outsiders or “anti-nationals” than to admit that the system we’re so proud of fails millions of its own.

The more I see of the world, the more nationalism feels like a relic — a story we tell ourselves to feel special in a universe that doesn’t care. People are starting to notice. Travel, the internet, and global crises like climate change are peeling back the illusion of borders. We’re all just humans, products of chance, trying to make sense of our little corner of the planet. The pride of nationalism falls apart when you realize how little control you had over the thing you’re proud of. It’s like a child boasting about a toy they were given — cute, but ultimately meaningless.

India’s new nationalists might disagree. They’ll say I’m missing the point, that pride in nationhood binds us together, gives us purpose. Maybe. But I’d rather find purpose in what we choose — our actions, our kindness, our efforts to build something better — than in the accident of where we were born. The flags can wave, the slogans can echo, but at the end of the day, they’re just noise. True strength doesn’t come from shouting about the lottery you won — it comes from what you do with the hand you’re dealt.

How to Deal with Hyper-Aggressive Hindu Nationalists Online

How to Deal with Hyper-Aggressive Hindu Nationalists Online 

The internet has become a battleground for ideas, and among the many voices, hyper-aggressive Hindu nationalists stand out for their intensity and confrontational style. These individuals often resort to ad hominem attacks, abusive language, and unrelenting hostility at the slightest provocation. Engaging with them—or choosing not to—can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll explore their common traits, strategies for handling their aggression, and whether it’s better to retaliate formally, respond calmly, or simply ignore them, depending on the situation.

Traits of Hyper-Aggressive Hindu Nationalists Online

Hyper-aggressive Hindu nationalists often share a few recognizable characteristics when they engage online:

1. Immediate Hostility: They tend to escalate quickly, bypassing reasoned debate for personal attacks. A simple disagreement might trigger insults like “anti-Hindu,” “traitor,” or worse.
2. Ad Hominem Focus: Rather than addressing your argument, they target your character, identity, or perceived affiliations, often questioning your loyalty to India or Hinduism.
3. Group Mentality: They may operate in packs, amplifying their aggression through coordinated pile-ons, quote tweets, or mass reporting.
4. Emotional Intensity: Their responses are often charged with outrage, rooted in a deep sense of cultural or religious defensiveness.
5. Selective Narrative: They cherry-pick historical or religious references to bolster their stance, dismissing counterpoints as propaganda or ignorance.

This behavior can feel overwhelming, especially when it devolves into a barrage of abuse. So, how do you deal with it effectively?

Strategies for Handling Online Aggression

When faced with such individuals, you have three main options: retaliate in a formal tone, respond calmly without stooping to their level, or ignore them entirely. Each approach has its merits, depending on the context.

1. Retaliate Formally

This involves responding to their aggression with a firm, polite, and fact-based rebuttal, avoiding any abusive language. For example:

• Them: “You’re just a Hindu-hating coward who knows nothing about our culture!”
• You: “I respect differing views, but I’d like to focus on the issue. Can you explain how my point contradicts historical evidence?”

When It Works:

• If you’re in a public forum (like a comment section or X thread) where others are watching, a formal response can showcase your maturity and undermine their credibility.
• When the aggressor seems capable of reasoning, even slightly, and might back off when met with logic.

When It Fails:

• If they’re too far gone in their rage, they’ll likely double down, twisting your words or escalating the abuse.
• It can drain your energy if the exchange drags on without resolution.

2. Respond Calmly and Professionally

This is a step back from retaliation—a measured, neutral reply that refuses to engage with their hostility. For instance:

• Them: “You’re a disgrace to this nation, go live somewhere else!”
• You: “I’m here to discuss ideas, not trade insults. Let’s keep this respectful.”

When It Works:

• It’s ideal for de-escalating a situation where the aggressor might tire themselves out or lose interest without fuel for their fire.
• It preserves your dignity and mental peace, especially if you’re not invested in “winning” the argument.

When It Fails:

• In cases of extreme aggression or trolling, they may see your calm demeanor as weakness and press harder.
• Bystanders might misinterpret your restraint as conceding the point.

3. Ignore Them Altogether

This means muting, blocking, or simply walking away from the interaction without a response.

When It Works:

• If the aggressor is a random troll with no real stake in a discussion, ignoring them starves them of the attention they crave.
• It’s the best choice when the abuse is relentless, coordinated, or veers into threats—protecting your mental health takes priority.

When It Fails:

• In a public setting, silence might be misread as defeat, emboldening them or their followers.
• If they’re targeting you persistently (e.g., tagging you repeatedly), ignoring them might not stop the harassment.

Which Option Is Better, and When?

The “best” approach depends on your goals, the context, and your emotional bandwidth:

• If Your Goal Is to Educate or Influence Others: Use a formal retaliation or calm response. Public exchanges aren’t just about the aggressor—they’re about the audience. A reasoned reply can sway neutral observers and expose the weakness of their attacks. Opt for this when the platform has a wider reach (e.g., a viral X thread) and you have the stamina to stay composed.
• If You’re Dealing with a Hardcore Troll: Ignoring them is usually the wisest move. These individuals thrive on reactions; denying them that satisfaction often makes them lose interest. This works best in one-off encounters or when the abuse is clearly unhinged.
• If It’s Personal or Persistent: Start with a calm response to set boundaries (e.g., “I won’t engage with insults”), then shift to ignoring or blocking if they persist. This is crucial when the aggression feels targeted or crosses into harassment—don’t let it consume you.

Should You Ever Match Their Tone?

Tempting as it might be to fire back with equal venom, it’s rarely worth it. Matching their aggression might feel cathartic momentarily, but it:

• Lowers you to their level, diluting your credibility.
• Escalates the conflict, inviting more abuse or doxxing.
• Risks alienating bystanders who might otherwise support your perspective.

Instead, channel that frustration into a sharp, witty, or sarcastic reply—if you must—that stays within the bounds of civility. For example: “I’d respond to your point, but I’m still looking for one amidst the noise.”

Final Thoughts

Dealing with hyper-aggressive Hindu nationalists online is less about changing their minds and more about managing the interaction on your terms. Their hostility often stems from a mix of ideological fervor and insecurity, but you don’t have to mirror it. Assess the situation: Are you in a position to make a point? Is it worth your time? Or is it just noise you can tune out? By staying strategic—whether through formal rebuttals, calm detachment, or silence—you retain control, protect your peace, and let their aggression burn itself out.

The internet is a wild place, but you don’t have to let it dictate your response. Choose wisely, and don’t let the keyboard warriors win.