We've all heard the grumbles, the whispered anxieties, the barely-concealed resentment towards corporate culture. It's a ubiquitous force, shaping our days, demanding our attention, and often leaving us feeling drained and disconnected from the very things that make life worth living. But what exactly are we achieving through this relentless pursuit of corporate 'success'? And why does it often feel so profoundly unfair? Let's start by dissecting the 'achievement' itself. On the surface, it's tangible: increased profits for shareholders, innovative products hitting the market, market share expansion. These are the metrics plastered across annual reports and celebrated in company-wide emails. But scratch beneath the surface, and you often find a less palatable truth: that these achievements are built on the backs of individuals pushed to their breaking points, sacrificing personal well-being for the perceived greater good of the company. Why is this so...

Onam is not just another festival – it is the heartbeat of Malayali culture. At its core lies the Onam Sadya, the grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with over 20 traditional dishes that follow a specific sequence. More than just food, Sadya is a celebration of abundance, tradition, and togetherness. Like many Malayalis in Bangalore, I was excited to celebrate Onam this year by enjoying the Sadya at Yumm Keralam. I went with my family and even invited others, believing it would be a special occasion. Sadly, what should have been a day of joy turned into one of the most disappointing Onam dining experiences of my life. Endless Waiting, Followed by Mismanagement We waited for hours to get a table. The expectation was high – after all, Onam comes only once a year. But once seated, it quickly became clear that the restaurant had no system in place. The serving was completely mismanaged. Instead of Malayali servers who understood the dishes, their sequence, and cultural signific...