I am a researcher who loves to travel across Myriad Spaces and highlight stories from South Asia. Passionate about cultures, people and issues related to ICT4D, governance, community, gender and social inclusion, you will find me ever willing to engage in a good conversation over a steaming cup of tea. I have also served as a volunteer representative on the Global Voices Board of Directors.
You can find me on Twitter at @aparnaray
Latest posts by Aparna Ray
Indian Shooter Heena Sidhu Says ‘No’ to Iran's Hijab Rule, and Social Media Rallies Behind Her
"Heena Sidhu pulls out of the Asian Airgun Championships in Iran because of a compulsory hijab rule. A ridiculous rule. And, a brave stance."
Can a Hug Help Unite Generations? This Indian Campaign Says ‘Yes!’
The HUG campaign is working to bridge the inter-generational gap between young people and the elderly in an attempt to stem the growing isolation of India's silver citizens.
Indians Choose Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party in Historic Landslide
The ruling Congress party and its allies have suffered a crushing defeat and have already conceded failure, even before the final tally has been announced.
Bob Marley – A New God for the Bhutanese Youth?
Bob Marley has suddenly become a god among the already confused generation. The Rastafari Flag, with either Bob himself or with a marijuana leave on it, is all over the...
Menstruation Is Not a Shameful Secret. Let's Talk Periods.
“Why do women hush themselves when it comes to discussing menstruation?” asks Sourav Kumar Panda at Youth Ki Awaaz and goes on to discuss that in this day and age,...
Global Voices Partners with Melton Foundation on New Round of Mentoring
Over the next four months, we're coaching Fellows of the Melton Foundation to write stories about inequality and discrimination in their countries for Global Voices.
Toilets Should Not Be Emptied by Humans Say Indian Sanitation Laws
Despite the Indian government's stringent anti-manual scavenging law, the practice continues to flourish in pockets of India. A group of bloggers go on a field visit to find out more.
YouTube Chefs Are Cooking Up a Storm in Indian Kitchens
A group of YouTube chefs are gaining celebrity status in India and abroad for their cooking demonstrations broadcast on YouTube and recipe blogs.
Urging Indians to ‘Take the Poo to the Loo’
Sanitation and hygiene remain critical problems for India, with about 50% of its population still defecating in the open. UNICEF India's #poo2loo campaign aims to raise awareness about this issue.
Bangladesh: Is Restorative Justice the Best Way Forward?
In the backdrop of Bangladesh’s violent history of birth, ongoing violent political practices, and high rates of homicide, mob violence, neighborhood/street violence, violent labor unrests, family violence and intimate partner...
Bhutan's Hydroelectric Projects and a Kingfisher
The Bhutanese people are slowly beginning to realize that the hydropower projects will, over time, not only ruin our environment but will also be the cause of the loss of...
Discovering the Bouquinistes of Colombo
Paris may be famous for its bouquinistes, stalls selling second hand and antiquarian books lining the banks of the River Seine, but Colombo also has them. They don’t line the...
Tendulkar's Retirement: ‘Cricket Will Never Be the Same’
In some ways my feelings towards Tendulkar were ambivalent and they oscillated between love and dislike, depending whether he was playing against Pakistan or not! Whereas the feeling has oscillated,...
Cricket Icon Sachin Tendulkar Awarded India's Highest Civilian Award
Social Media went abuzz with congratulatory messages as India's ace cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar retired from the game and was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, shortly after.
India: Sixty Million Diabetics And Growing
With over 60 million diabetics [pdf] and another estimated 77 million people being considered pre-diabetic, India is caught in the throes of a diabetes crisis. On World Diabetes Day on...
Documentary Films Tackle Child Sexual Abuse in India
Indian documentary films are heightening awareness about child abuse. By talking to children, responsible adults and even abusers, these films are helping open up an erstwhile shuttered space.
Indians Push Back on Racist Taunts to Miss America 2014
Indian-American Nina Davuluri faced a barrage of racist comments in social media after winning the Miss America pageant. Indians fumed, but also wondered about her chances of winning in India.
PHOTOS: In Search of a Safe Environment for India's Children
A series of photographs reminds us that every child has the right to a protective environment.
UNICEF India Sounds the ‘Red Siren’ to #ENDviolence Against Children
While gender-related violence continues to rock India, with rape frequently making the headlines, a new campaign by UNICEF India turns the lenses on increasing sexual violence against children.
‘Dark Is Beautiful’ Campaign Questions India's Skin Colour Prejudices
Skin-bleaching products are a multi-million dollar industry in India, where fair skin is believed to be a precursor to success and dark skin is viewed as ugly.
Indian Filmmaker and Gay Icon Rituparno Ghosh's Death Stuns Fans
Known for his masterly storytelling and sensitive portrayal of human relationships, gifted Indian filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, was equally known for the bold flamboyance with which he celebrated his alternate sexuality and gender choice. Fans mourn his untimely death.