India is home to hundreds of big and small rivers which have shaped the identity, culture, tourism and economy of the land. These are more than water bodies as these rivers have supported farming, fishing, drinking water, and are also known for their religious significance. However, do you know which river flows through the most Indian states? Well, it’s not just any river but the longest and oldest rivers in the country. This particular river has touched many lives across the nation. And the answer is the revered Ganga. Stretching about 2,525 km, the river Ganga flows through the maximum number of Indian states, including Uttarakhand (its source), Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. But not many must be aware of the fact that Ganga’s expansive basin covers 11 Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. And that’s why Ganga is also regarded as the ‘lifeline’.Ganga’s journey

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The river basin that flows through most states in India is the Ganga (Ganges) basin. Ganga’s journey starts from the mighty Himalayas, at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It’s here where the river becomes the Bhagirathi and joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag and becomes the Ganga River. It eventually joins the Bay of Bengal in the Ganges Delta in West Bengal and Bangladesh.Uttarakhand (Origin: Bhagirathi and becomes Ganga at Devprayag).Uttar Pradesh (Flows through major cities like Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, among others).Bihar (Flows through Patna and Bhagalpur).Jharkhand (Flows through a small stretch in the Sahibganj district).West Bengal (Splits into two distributaries)Fascinating facts about the river:

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Bifurcation in Bengal: In West Bengal, the river divides; one branch, the Hooghly River, flows south past Kolkata, while the main stream enters Bangladesh and is known as the Padma.Deepest Point: In Patna, the capital city of Bihar, the river reaches its deepest point, at over 100 feet (30 metres).World’s largest delta: The Ganga and Brahmaputra together form the Sundarbans Delta, which is also the world’s largest river delta.Home to endangered Ganges Dolphin: The Ganges River Dolphins are among the few species of freshwater dolphins left in the world. These dolphins are now endangered. Traveller’s takeaway

For river travellers, following the path of the Ganga is like discovering India. From the holy ghats of Varanasi and Rishikesh to the lush mangrove lanes of the Sundarbans, Ganga’s sacred water is a new chapter. Whether it’s the devotees gathering at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam or the fishermen throwing nets in West Bengal, the Ganga remains the protagonist in human stories forever.

For years, India has occupied an intriguing reputation in global travel conversations. It is spoken about with awe and anxiety in equal measure, praised for its history, spirituality and colour, yet often portrayed online as chaotic, unsafe or overwhelming, especially for women travelling alone. Scroll through social media or travel forums long enough, and the warnings begin to blur into something more dramatic than nuanced.That disconnect between online narratives and lived experiences is becoming increasingly visible on Reddit, where travellers are pushing back against one-dimensional portrayals of India. One recent post, shared by a solo female traveller, stood out precisely because it offered a grounded account of what it was actually like to spend a month travelling through the country alone.

The traveller (Background_Age_852) shared her experience on reddit, saying, “I (F32) recently returned from a one-month solo trip to India and I’d like to share my tips and experiences, especially considering how controversial India seems to be as a travel destination, a t least on the interwebs.”She explained that her decision to visit India didn’t come out of nowhere. Friends who were deeply interested in Eastern religions and history had travelled there before, some solo, some together, and their largely positive experiences stayed with her. She added, “Their stories inspired me. I’ve always found India a fascinating country, with a rich and ancient history.”Based on their advice, she planned a route focused on southern and central India, avoiding the much-hyped Golden Triangle. She added, “I visited Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Mysore, Kochi, Visakhapatnam and Bangalore. I also visited other places for landmarks or temples, but I didn’t stay there very long.”Read more: “Waiters hesitated to attend to us …”: After living abroad, this professional explains what India does better than othersShe was upfront about the fear she felt before leaving. “Before embarking on my trip, I searched for information online and basically shat my pants. The stories were quite horrendous.” At the same time, she noticed what she described as an “anti-India hate campaign” across parts of social media. When statistics failed to offer clarity, she chose to trust real-life advice over online panic.“Eventually, I just decided to trust my friends and went.” What followed surprised her, and she agreed that she actually had a great time.She acknowledged that she stood out and that curiosity was unavoidable. “In rare instances, some people came up to me for a picture. Indians tend to stare at anything that stands out, they’re very extroverted, but that was all. No scary situations or anything.”

In fact, she drew an unexpected comparison. “To be honest, I got worse stares in Eastern Europe.”Her experience, she stressed, was shaped by conscious choices rather than blind optimism. She added that speaking to local women made a significant difference, something she felt many travellers overlook.On clothing, she was pragmatic rather than rigid. “I don’t wear cleavage or booty shorts even in the UK, so I wasn’t going to do that in India.”At the same time, she didn’t feel the need to completely alter her wardrobe. She also addressed how her appearance may have shaped her experience.Read more: Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026: Dates, and what to expect this year“People often see me as Black, mixed or Polynesian. I stood out, but I’m not blonde—and my blonde friends didn’t have problems either.”One non-negotiable aspect, she said, was accommodation and that she didn’t cheap out, and always stayed in hotels.The discussion that followed echoed many of her points. One commenter, identifying as a South Asian man, summed up a widely shared view: “For anyone in India, regardless of gender, this advice is perfect.”He listed practical rules: stick to central and southern regions, take cues from how many women are out in public, dress appropriately, don’t compromise on hotels, eat at proper restaurants or mall food courts, and plan transport in advance.

Other commenters pushed back against the idea that northern India should be written off entirely. A white woman shared her experience travelling through Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, calling places like Reckong Peo and Rishikesh “incredible.” Another South Asian woman highlighted how much she loved India’s northeastern states.What made the thread resonate wasn’t the claim that India is perfect or problem-free. It was the absence of extremes. Instead of fear-mongering or defensive nationalism, the post reflected something far more useful for travellers: context, self-awareness and practical decision-making.In a digital landscape where travel narratives are often driven by outrage or viral anecdotes, this Reddit account offered a quieter reminder—that India, like most places, is neither a nightmare nor a fantasy. How it feels depends largely on where you go, how you travel, and how willing you are to listen to people who live there.Disclaimer: The above article is based on a Reddit post and Times of India has not verified the veracity of the claim

Bhutan follows a regulated tourism system, and entry rules differ slightly for travellers from neighbouring countries. According to information published on Bhutan’s official tourism portal, here is what visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives need to know before planning their trip. For more details and clarity, visit their offical page.

Entry requirements for Indian nationals

Visitors from India require a permit to enter Bhutan, which can be availed in various ways, which offer you the flexibility on how you plan your trip.

You can apply for the permit before travelling or choose to apply on arrival at their point of entry. Those travelling through a tour operator or staying at a hotel can also have the permit applied for on their behalf. No permit fees are payable in advance.If you choose to apply on arrival, you should be prepared for possible waiting time, as queues can be long depending on the number of applicants. In this case, you will need to carry a passport-size photograph along with your travel documents.Read more: With a 40% surge in Indian treavellers visting Georgia, all about the e-Visa process, eligibility, documents, fees and validity for short-term travellers

Application options at a glance

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s long-term development. Since the Kingdom opened to tourism in 1974, visitors have played an important role in the country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and channelled into projects that create sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people. These include funding for free healthcare, education and skills training, upskilling within the tourism and hospitality sector, infrastructure development, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural protection programmes, and initiatives that support local businesses and economies.

Who needs to pay the SDF?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is charged to all visitors at the time of applying for a permit or visa. The Sustainable Development Fee is charged to support the development priorities of Bhutan, such as infrastructure development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and public services.

For Indian nationals, the SDF is charged at INR 1,200 per person per night. The fee applies for each night spent in Bhutan and must be paid when the entry permit is processed. Children aged 12 and above, will need to pay in full. For visitors, except those from India, the SDF is USD 200. However, effective September 1, 2023, a 50% discount on the SDF has been in place for US Dollar paying tourists. This means, the SDF comes down to USD 100 per person, per night. It’s important to note that this incentive will remain in place till August 31, 2027. Do note that the day visitors to the Bhutanese towns that border India, will also remain exempt from paying SDF, until they reach a point designated by the Bhutanese Government.Read more: How ‘ghat aarti’ fits into Goa’s religious tourism push and where it’s planned

Who is eligible for an SDF waiver or concession?

Bhutan’s official tourism policy clearly outlines limited exemptions and concessions under the SDF framework:Children aged 5 years and below are fully exempt from paying the Sustainable Development FeeThere are no general waivers for adult visitors from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives. All eligible adult travellers are required to pay the SDF as prescribed at the time of application.If you cancel your trip, your SDF amount will be refunded. One must submit requests for SDF refunds to the Department of Immigration.

How Indian visitors apply and pay the SDF

Why the SDF matters

Bhutan’s SDF is a cornerstone of its “high-value, low-impact” tourism model. This move is in line with limiting mass tourism, and also in ensuring that the tourists contribute to the development of the country to preserve the Himalayan environment, as well as maintain the cultural integrity of the country.All those planning a trip to this beautiful destination, it’s important to note how the SDF works, and how you should budget your trip.

Imagine a Harvard student ditching class for love in Indore. That’s exactly how Anand Mahindra, the billionaire chairman of India’s Mahindra Group, kickstarted one of India’s most inspiring romances. At 70, with a net worth of $4.1 billion as per Forbes (and at number 987 in the world as 5/2/26), Anand is one of the richest people in India. His empire spans tractors, SUVs, aerospace, and hospitality across 100+ countries. He even won the 2004 Rajiv Gandhi Award. But fame? Wealth ladders? Not what he is chasing. Back in 2022, when a fan asked him if he’d ever top India’s richest list, Anand Mahindra replied, “I’ll never be the richest. Because this was never my wish.”Read on to know more about the man that Anand Mahindra is and his filmy love story with wife Anuradha:

The charitable heart behind the tycoon

Anand’s not just building businesses- he’s lifting lives. A few years ago, he donated his full COVID salary, $10 million to Harvard’s Humanities Center, backed over 130,000 girls via Nanhi Kali, and driven change through Naandi Foundation. Over the years, he is not not only known for his business ventures but also for his philanthropic work and social media presence. He was awarded the 2016 Social Media Person of the Year considering his huge following on X, and a US-India Leadership nod. This low-key philanthropist proves you can be mega-successful without chasing to be at the richest person.But how did Anand Mahindra meet his life partner Anuradha Mahindra? Here’s their love story which seems to be straight out of Bollywood:

When Anand met Anuradha: Love at first sight in Indore

Picture 1980s Indore. Anand, fresh at Harvard for undergrad, flies in for a student film project. Enter 17-year-old Anuradha – smart, vibrant, impossible to forget. Sparks flew instantly. Smitten, Anand made a wild call: Take a semester off from Harvard to court her. Risky? Absolutely! But he knew in his heart back then that this was forever.

A Bollywood proposal sealed the deal

Dating deepened their bond. Then, the magic: Anand proposed Anuradha with his grandmother’s heirloom ring- which is no less than pure filmi drama! And, Anuradha said yes! On June 17, 1985, they wed in a dreamy ceremony, went to the US, and built an empire. From Indore meet-cute to global icons, their story shows that true love conquers all. Anand often credits Anuradha for fueling his entrepreneurial fire through ups and downs.

Meet Anuradha: The lady who stole Anand Mahindra’s heart

Anuradha Mahindra, founder of luxury mag Verve and co-founder of Man’s World, is Anand’s perfect match. Mumbai-born, a graduate from Sophia College, and Boston University alumnus, she dove into journalism – landing Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone India before advising ARTISANS. Private by nature, she and Anand rarely post family pictures, cherishing their quiet time with daughters Divya and Aalika. He’s called Anuradha his “biggest supporter” in many earlier interviews. Together, they’re one of India’s ultimate power couples – grounded amid the glamour of being famous.

Why their love story still captivates hearts

Roughly 40 years since then, Anand and Anuradha embody real love: Bold risks, unwavering support, zero spotlight-chasing. In a world of fleeting flings, their love is timeless and it proves that dropping everything for “the one” pays off in the long run. Fans swoon over Anand’s viral humility; Anuradha’s quiet strength seals the deal. They’re not just celebrities; they’re couple goals for many.What’s your take on this cutesy love story? Ever taken a leap for love like Anand’s semester skip? Tell us in the comments below.

Europe trip never goes out of fashion, and will forever remain a dream trip for many. But doing the math can be a bit of a task, and many might not be aware of what things to consider and what to ignore. So, recently one of my friends visited Europe, and I was keen to know where most Indian travellers quietly lose money.She gave me the math, and the places she covered. She covered most of her favourite places, which is Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, made better hostel choices, realistic daily budgets, and visa decisions to ensure those don’t sabotage the trip before it starts.

This is the strategy she followed.Hotels and Airbnbs may look harmless on booking apps, but they quietly inflate your budget. Well-rated hostels in Europe are clean, safe, social, and significantly cheaper—especially for solo travellers.Paris (2 nights): Best-rated hostels, which cost around INR 2,500–3,000 per night. Reason being close to metro stations, and lively common areas. You opt for hostels to save some bucks, as hotels can cost more.Berlin (3 nights): Berlin is a backpacker favourite for a reason. One can easily get hostels at a cost of around INR 2,200–2,700 per night. Reason being to save more, location, and excellent value.Amsterdam (3 nights): Hostel is a must as it’s an expensive city. Get hostels at around INR 3,000–3,500 per night. Reason being easy metro access, and safer neighbourhoodsPrague (2 nights): This destination is underrated and budget-friendly. Hostels can cost around INR 2,300–2,800 per night. It’s a walkable city, offers affordable food, and has strong social vibe

Daily budget

If you keep average daily spend to around INR 7,000 per day, you will spend around INR 70,000 in 10 days.

Transport: Eurail or individual tickets?

This is where many first-timers get confused.When a Eurail Pass makes sense

When point-to-point tickets are cheaper

Schengen visa reality

This part often decides whether the trip happens at all.

Minimum bank balance (the unspoken rule)

There’s no official figure, but for a 10-day trip, INR 1.8–2.2 lakh in savings is generally considered safe. Your funds should be in your account at least 3–4 weeks before applying. Match your itinerary costs. Not look like a sudden deposit.

Which country to apply through

Approval rates vary for Indian passport holders.Some of the places that have higher scrutiny in place for first-timers are Germany and Netherlands. The rule is straightforward: apply through the country where you’ll spend the most nights or where you enter first. Many travellers quietly route their itinerary through Spain for smoother processing.

Final cost

No luxury. No suffering. Just smarter decisions.Europe doesn’t need to be expensive. With the right hostels, sensible visa strategy, early transport bookings, and clean documentation, a Europe trip is entirely doable for Indian travellers, even on a tight budget.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu and his estranged wife Pramila SrinivasanPhoto (L): Pramila Srinivasan/ LinkedIn

When tech billionaire Sridhar Vembu, founder and CEO of Zoho, recently landed in a California courtroom, few saw a $1.7 billion (roughly INR 15,000 crore) bond order coming. It’s not just any divorce – it’s one of the priciest ever for an Indian tycoon, that’s making headlines worldwide. After roughly 30 years of marriage, Vembu and his estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan are locked in a bitter divorce battle over their assets, custody of their son, and Zoho’s future. She’s accusing him of abandonment and shady asset shifts; he’s firing back that it’s all a misunderstanding.And, in a new development in their divorce case, buzz has it that Pramila has now moved to the Madras High Court. She has asked the Madras HC to appoint a local commissioner. She wants evidence and witness statements collected in Tamil Nadu for their ongoing California divorce battle, reported TOI. On Wednesday, before Justice P Dhanapal, her lawyers cited a “letter of rogatory” from California’s Superior Court (Oct 2, 2025). This legal request bridges the international case, targeting docs and testimonies tied to Vembu’s India move.Read on to know more about who are these power players, and how their love turned into a legal battle that the world is watching:

From Princeton romance to rural dreams: Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan’s shared story

Sridhar Vembu arrived in the US in 1989, chasing a PhD in electrical engineering at Princeton. There, he met Pramila Srinivasan, a sharp entrepreneur in her own right. Sparks flew, and by 1993, they tied the knot. The couple built a life in California’s Bay Area, raising a son (now 26, with special needs). Zoho exploded under Vembu and his personal net worth is approximately $5.85 billion, landing him among India’s top 40 richest.But in 2019-2020, Vembu uprooted everything. Drawn to his roots, he moved to a rural village in Tamil Nadu, India to spearhead Zoho’s India operations and rural education projects. Meanwhile, Pramila and their son stayed back in the US, and tensions brewed between the couple. In November 2020, she says he dropped the divorce bomb via WhatsApp. Papers flew in August 2021. But California law suggests: Assets earned during marriage are “community property”— so, split 50/50, no matter where they’re parked. And so, Zoho’s IP, shares, and billions are suddenly fair game.

Pramila’s side of the story: Abandonment claims and hidden assets

Sridhar Vembu’s estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan, didn’t hold back in her 2023 court filings: “My husband of 29 years not only abandoned me and our son… he decided to make fictitious transfers or ‘sales’ of our most valuable community asset to his family members without paying cash, without telling me,” she alleged, as per reports. She alleges secret moves – like a $50 million IP sale to India- based ZPCL with murky payments, and shares funnelled to Vembu’s siblings (who hold most of Zoho; he claims just 5%). Their son’s special needs add to the heartbreak – she’s poured her life into his care, founding The Brain Foundation in 2019 for autism research and support.On the professional front, Pramila Srinivasan is no stranger to success. With her own PhD in electrical and computer engineering, she’s a healthcare tech leader, advocating for electronic health records and specialised care. She’s the steady force behind their son’s world while Vembu chased his dreams in India.

Vembu’s defence

Vembu denies the allegations against him. No asset stripping, he says. He claims he also invited Pramila and their son to join him, but COVID derailed their plans. His lawyer, Christopher C. Melcher, blasted Pramila’s claims on X as he wrote in a post, “All false. Sridhar owns 5% of Zoho – records prove it since 2011. He offered her 50% of his shares unconditionally last year. She rejected it.” The court’s $1.7B bond? A staggering move to secure her potential half of his empire amid the feud.

Global stakes: Billionaire breakups like Bezos and Gates

Vembu’s divorce case joins elite heartbreak club: Bill Gates-Melinda’s divorce in 2021 costed $73 billion, Jeff Bezos-MacKenzie Scott’s split cost $38 billion, even Rupert Murdoch’s exes cost over $1 billion each. But, for India, it’s unprecedented.It’s a reminder that even billion-dollar dreams crack under life’s pressures. Whatever the verdict, it’s reshaping two legacies.What do you think – is it a fair fight or an asset dodge? Share your views below.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife recently rejoiced in welcoming their third daughter, Savithri. Rooted in the ancient language of Sanskrit, Savithri evokes images of sunlight, clarity, and truthfulness. This name is not only a nod to age-old Indian epics, where wisdom and bravery reside, but it also highlights the couple’s commitment to nurturing a spirit of knowledge and exploration.

Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Dr Apoorva Tewari Ramaswamy, recently welcomed their third child, a baby girl named Savithri. The name carries centuries of meaning. Rooted in Indian tradition, Savithri is not just beautiful to hear. It also holds deep stories of wisdom, courage, and inner light that many parents still cherish today.

Savithri: A name born from the sun

The name Savithri comes from the Sanskrit word Savitr, which refers to the sun. In Indian thought, the sun is not only a source of light but also of clarity, life, and truth. Naming a child Savithri reflects a wish that she grows up with warmth in her heart and strength in her spirit, much like the sun that rises every day without fail.

The Savithri of Indian epics

Savithri is best known from the Mahabharata. She is remembered as a woman of sharp intellect and deep love. According to the epic, Savithri used wisdom and calm courage to bring her husband Satyavan back from death. This story made her a symbol of determination, emotional strength, and quiet resilience. The name therefore carries the idea that strength does not always shout. Sometimes, it stands firm and patient.

A name linked to knowledge and wisdom

Savithri is also associated with the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most respected verses in Hindu tradition. In many texts, Savithri is another name for the divine feminine force linked with knowledge and learning. Because of this, the name is often seen as a blessing for intelligence, thoughtful decision-making, and a lifelong curiosity to learn.

Why Savithri still feels relevant today

Despite its ancient roots, Savithri does not feel outdated. It blends tradition with modern values like confidence, clarity, and emotional balance. In a fast-moving world, the name quietly reminds one to stay grounded. For parents, it can feel like choosing a name that carries both grace and grit, without trying too hard.Names reflect hopes more than trends. Choosing Savithri can signal a desire to raise a child who values empathy, inner strength, and purpose. It is a name that grows with a child. Soft in early years, and powerful as she finds her voice later in life.

Most of you must have been in Goa, but what stayed with you beyond the trip? Beaches, shacks, and parties will likely be the top answers. Now, if all goes as planned, Goa will also have ‘ghat aarti’ like other iconic religious places in India, which will give a push to religious tourism. As PTI reported, the Goa government has begun work on developing a ‘ghat aarti’ facility along the banks of the Mandovi River at Naroa village in North Goa. The initiative is being positioned as a spiritual riverfront experience on the lines of iconic religious destinations such as Haridwar, Varanasi and Nashik. The initiative is part of Goa’s broader push to strengthen religious and cultural tourism and is expected to create a new spiritual landmark along the state’s riverfronts. Earlier, State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told the Goa legislative assembly that the proposed ‘ghat aarti’ at Naroa has the potential to become a major attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.

Located on the banks of the Mandovi, Naroa village is home to the Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple, one of the most important Hindu shrines in the region. The temple was rebuilt by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and continues to hold deep religious significance for devotees in Goa and neighbouring areas. Officials said the site was chosen to integrate the riverfront ritual with an already established spiritual centre.Read more: 10 things to buy from Surajkund International Crafts Mela this year In a written reply during the recently concluded winter session of the state assembly, Khaunte said a work order worth INR 10.85 crore has been issued for the project. Construction began on October 1, 2025, and the facility is expected to be completed by May 29, subject to weather conditions. To ensure that visitors are facilitated with a proper and structured spiritual experience, the proposed “ghat aarti” facility will likely host regular evening rituals, akin to those carried out along the Ganga and Godavari riverfronts. Officials are of the view that this project will help raise awareness of Goa’s inland districts, which are sometimes overlooked by coastal tourism, even if specifics of the daily ceremonies have not yet been made public.Read more: “There seems to be some kind of anti-India hate campaign… but Indians tend to…”: A foreign traveller’s honest take on India

Places to visit in Goa

There is no doubt that Goa is known as the party capital of the country and is best known for its beaches.However, if you look beyond them, this destination also offers a rich mix of history, culture and natural beauty. So, those taking out time to explore the Mandovi riverfront, can also consider these destinations to use their time in the best possible way: Old Goa – Explore its historic, and beautiful, churches and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.Panaji – The state capital, known for its riverfront promenades and colonial-era architecture.Dudhsagar Waterfalls – One of India’s tallest waterfalls, located inland on the Goa–Karnataka border.Fontainhas – Goa’s Latin Quarter, celebrated for its colourful streets and Portuguese-style houses.Divar Island – A peaceful island on the Mandovi, offering a glimpse into traditional Goan village life.

It took Ajay Sharma Chinta nearly three months to speak openly about what happened to him.“It wasn’t easy,” he says. “I’m still looking for a job, and I was genuinely afraid that talking about my experience might affect my future prospects.”Ajay is soft-spoken, hardworking, and widely regarded by his colleagues as talented. He was part of the content team at a Noida-based OTT media company, where his performance had consistently been rated well. A few months before his exit, he received a 20 percent salary hike, something he saw as a sign that his work was valued. Naturally, he hoped a promotion might follow.

Instead, his employment ended abruptly on October 31, 2025.The trigger, Ajay believes, was not his work but an Instagram reel.Outside his corporate role, Ajay is a part-time stand-up comedian. Like many young creatives today, he posts short comedy reels on social media. On September 24, he uploaded a video that struck a chord with thousands of viewers and went viral overnight. In the reel, he humorously described the everyday frustrations of corporate life—an overbearing manager who keeps tabs like a strict mother-in-law, and an HR system that often works in lockstep with senior management. The video did not mention any company or individual by name and was clearly intended as light-hearted satire.But the reel eventually reached his manager.“I still remember that day,” Ajay recalls. “Around 2 pm, my manager called me and asked me to resign. When I asked why, I was told it was because of poor performance.”The explanation stunned him. “I was among the top performers in the team. I had just received a good hike. There was nothing-no warning, no performance review, nothing—to suggest I was underperforming.”

Ajay says he was then threatened with immediate termination if he refused to resign. He requested to serve his notice period so he could at least make arrangements and start looking for another job. The request was denied. He was asked to submit his laptop immediately and leave the premises. He wasn’t even given a day to transfer his personal data.“For days, I didn’t know what to do,” he says. “I felt humiliated and deeply disappointed.”What hurts Ajay most is not just the loss of a job but the missed opportunity. “I worked in an OTT company. I had ideas, skills, and creative energy they could have used. They could have simply said, ‘Can you develop something like this for us?’ I would have happily done it.”Instead, he feels insecurity won.

“In many companies, there are managers who don’t want creative minds around them,” Ajay says. “They feel threatened. Rather than nurturing talent, they try to suppress it.”He believes this is why the same employee can perform exceptionally under one manager and struggle under another. “Some managers spend more time protecting their position than building numbers, revenue, or strong teams. Office politics drains people. It sucks the life out of good performers.”Ajay also points to the limited recourse employees have. “Senior management often doesn’t see what’s really happening on the ground. They rely on what the manager and HR report. Even if you try to speak up, the information often goes straight back to the same people you’re complaining about.”The long-term cost, he says, is borne by the company itself. “Talent is quietly pushed out. Ideas never see the light of day. Business suffers—but those at the top are often too far removed to notice.”Ajay shares one such instance- a script he developed that had strong commercial potential and even drew interest from a popular movie star. “It could have made money. But it never moved forward because my manager felt insecure.”Today, Ajay’s story reflects a wider truth about corporate India, where many employees want to perform, grow, and contribute, but find themselves trapped in environments shaped by fear, hierarchy, and internal politics. “It’s a sad state of affairs,” he says. “People aren’t always working just for money. They work because they care about what they do. They are happy about their work. But when growth is seen as a threat rather than an asset, everyone loses.” “Do not say anything against your manager or HR if you want to survive, even if it is in jest,” he warns corporate employees. Ajay is creative and is willing to work and give the best to his company, but the entire experience has shaken his faith in hard work and dedication.Ajay’s experience sheds light on a quiet but damaging reality-companies don’t just lose employees when insecure leadership takes over-they lose ideas, momentum, and trust.

The Beckham family drama just refuses to die down. After Brooklyn Beckham shared some serious family grievances on social media, new pics of the 26-year-old out in LA have fans buzzing even louder. Once the golden child of “Brand Beckham,” Brooklyn’s now flipping the script – covering up tattoos that screamed family love. Is this petty revenge or a cry for independence? Let’s unpack the latest twist in this posh family showdown.

The tattoo transformation that’s breaking hearts

Spotted strolling with his wife Nicola Peltz in Los Angeles, Brooklyn’s right arm caught everyone’s eye. That bold anchor tattoo with “DAD” in huge letters? Gone. In its place: a starfish flanked by two life preservers, all fresh ink over laser-zapped skin. Page Six and The Sun snapped the pics, and insiders whisper he’s also reworked a chest piece once dedicated to mom Victoria. No official word from Brooklyn or his team, but the timing screams statement. After years of body art shouting family pride, this feels like a permanent “goodbye.“

Brooklyn’s explosive Instagram statements: All about the Beckham family feud

In January 2026, Brooklyn shared his side of the story about his feud with his family on Instagram Stories. Brooklyn accused David and Victoria of putting “Brand Beckham” first over his happiness. “My anxiety melted away once I stepped back,” he wrote, claiming they meddled in his marriage to Nicola. He dragged up their 2022 wedding, saying Victoria “hijacked” his first dance and sparked drama over the dress, leaving deep scars. “No interest in reconciling while my wife’s disrespected,” he fumed. Ouch. Months of rumours suddenly had receipts, and the internet exploded.

Roots of the rift: Wedding woes and missed milestones

How did David and Victoria Beckham return to social media after Brooklyn Beckham openly about family tension? (Image via Getty)

This feud’s been simmering since that star-studded 2022 wedding. Reports say tensions flared over fashion picks, who paid what, and clashing visions. Brooklyn skipped big family events after: David’s 50th bash, Victoria’s Netflix premiere, even Christmas 2025. But he insists he showed up for his dad’s birthday – only to feel iced out for a week. Nicola’s billionaire dad, Nelson Peltz, recently chimed in at an event: “My daughter and the Beckhams are a whole other story... But Brooklyn’s great, and I wish them a long, happy marriage.” Subtle shade or neutral support? You decide.

From family ink to family blink: What’s really going on?

Brooklyn’s tattoo purge hits different because those pieces were love letters etched in skin. The “DAD” anchor? A nod to David’s football legacy. Victoria’s tribute? Pure Posh adoration. Covering them now feels symbolic – like erasing chapters of a life scripted by his parents. Is it maturity, spite, or Nicola’s influence? The Beckhams built an empire on unity, but cracks show when kids grow up. David’s stayed quiet, Victoria’s posted cryptic family pics, but Brooklyn’s drawing lines.Social media’s a circus: “Petty king!” vs. “Parents pushed too hard.” Tattoos are personal – maybe it’s Brooklyn reclaiming his body, his story, his peace. In a world obsessed with image, ditching the ink might be his boldest flex.What do you think? Is it a smart move for Brooklyn to erase the past, or he’s gone too far amid the feud? Tell us in the comments below.