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Parameswaran

Articles by Parameswaran

Here, there, everywhere: Gandhi in your world

From street art to T-shirts and restaurant bills, Gandhi’s ideals – of truth, purpose, simplicity – continue to permeate our everyday.

The Gandhi memorial in Washington DC. (Getty Images)

Art and Culture

Updated on Feb 14, 2025 06:51 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

What makes Mahatma Gandhi such an abiding brand?: An essay by Ambi Parameswaran

His face and words are still everywhere: in graffiti, fancy-dress costumes, at protest marches. What does it take for a ‘brand halo’ to endure in this manner?

Art and Culture

Updated on Feb 14, 2025 06:49 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

This is us: How the nuclear family changed the world

The term is now 100 years old; the format goes back millennia. It has shaped housing and phone plans, careers and ‘family packs’. Now, new formats are emerging.

Art and Culture

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 02:46 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

Booming business of tiny: Ambi Parameswaran, on how small packs got everywhere

Sachets are not new to India. But luxury cosmetics, cornflakes, snacks, sanitary pads are all now available as singles or tiny packs. What’s driving the shrink?

Art and Culture

Updated on Mar 09, 2024 10:38 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

What keeps the kirana store alive?: An essay by Ambi Parameswaran

The answer lies in the way this business has pivoted, at each turn. Amid the rise of instant-delivery apps, it’s time to ask:What will the next twist look like?

Today’s kirana store is bigger, cleaner, better-laid-out, more selective about what to offer. It is at par with modern-trade outlets in terms of tech. What it retains: proximity, trust. (HT Illustration: Jayanto)

Art and Culture

Updated on Jan 27, 2024 04:27 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

LiFE lessons for a liveable planet

The India-led mission focuses on people’s action towards environmental and climate protection and- offers a blueprint for global renewal

A mass cleanliness drive at Parliament House complex(ANI)

Opinion

Published on Dec 26, 2023 10:17 PM IST

ByAkshay Rout, Parameswaran

From a bird to a letter: the journey of a logo and a brand

Brands change. Logos change. The more impactful name changes are where they signify a deeper change in what is being offered to customers

Twitter logos hang outside the company's offices in San Francisco, (AP)

opinion

Published on Jul 29, 2023 11:53 AM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

Banned but not out

India's enduring love for gutka explained through one ad, a psychological trick and surrogate advertising

Pan Parag was a pioneer in understanding the consumer progression from an unbranded local concoction to a branded product. (Wikimedia Commons)

opinion

Published on May 13, 2023 04:34 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

Mercury in retrospect: Ambi Parameswaran on India’s lost summer traditions

Aunts, uncles and cousins are now scattered around the world. Lazy afternoons have been replaced by ambitious and overpriced camps. A wistful look back.

There was a time when the long summer break meant days of delicious nothingness. (HT illustration: Jayanto)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 03, 2023 01:29 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

We are many, we are one: Ambi Parameswaran on India’s population milestone

An essay on the differing memories, experiences and aspirations of the soon-to-be-1.42 bn, as India heads towards the tag of most populous country in the world.

There are Midnight’s Children alive today who grew up in an India we wouldn’t recognise. To name just one material difference, the wait for a new car in the 1970s was 15 years. (HT Illustration: Jayanto Banerjee)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 03, 2023 01:51 PM IST

ByAmbi Parameswaran

How PLI is creating a growth ecosystem

The industry’s positive response to the scheme is likely to upgrade the labour force’s skills, replace old machinery, enhance production volumes and make logistics and operations efficient, giving India a chance to become a key manufacturing player

The PLI scheme for large-scale electronics manufacturing (LSEM) saw successful results, with 97% of mobile phones sold in India now being made here. As of September, the PLI scheme for LSEM attracted investments of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>4,784 crore and generated 41,000 additional jobs (Shutterstock)

opinion

Published on Jan 30, 2023 08:07 PM IST

ByParameswaran Iyer

India must get rid of redundant colonial statutes

We must recognise that it is not enough to just repeal colonial laws. The very process of lawmaking must shed its colonial legacy

Gavel anApproximately a quarter of all central laws in force today were enacted by the British. All colonial relics, irrelevant laws, and shell laws can be repealed in one go (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

opinion

Updated on Oct 21, 2022 07:39 PM IST

ByParameswaran Iyer

A personal chronicle of Swachh Bharat Mission | Opinion

As I leave after four-and-a-half years of executing SBM, there are achievements, lessons, and future goals

A worker sweeps an area near a statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra, an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission, Rajghat, New Delhi, August 11, 2020(PTI)

analysis

Updated on Aug 20, 2020 08:28 PM IST

ByParameswaran Iyer

Car ownership must become a relic of the past

Millennials are making wiser choices for society’s benefit. It is high time Indian cities join the likes of London, Singapore and New York to further discourage private car ownership

In the last few years, car travel in most metros has become a nightmare. Moving around by road in Bengaluru, for example, is nearly impossible with average speeds going down from 30kmph in 2005 to less than 10kmph in 2018. The city loses an estimated <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>38,000 crore annually as a social cost of traffic congestion(Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

analysis

Updated on Jun 01, 2019 06:16 PM IST

ByPradeep Parameswaran

Opinion | How the Swachh Bharat Mission is nudging people to use toilets

Understanding from early experiences, the SBM practised “nudging” at a scale unprecedented in the world: 550 million people practising open defecation in rural India were to be nudged into changing their behaviour to using the toilets provided under the programme.

One of the fundamental challenges faced by the SBM in the early implementation phase was the fact that rural communities, in many cases, were not aware that defecating in the open was a “public bad”.(HINDUSTAN TIMES)

analysis

Updated on Jan 25, 2019 08:49 AM IST

ByParameswaran Iyer

Mersal, ‘Joseph’ Vijay and the politically charged GST scene controversy

From controversial GST scene to his Christian name, Joseph Vijay and his film Mersal has gone through some tough times.

Vijay’s Mersal contains all the formulaic elements of a mass movie(Mersal Official Facebook Page)

entertainment

Updated on Oct 28, 2017 06:07 PM IST

Grist Media | ByPrathibha Parameswaran

Peter Hein: The dangerous life of the man who plays body-double for all top Tamil, Telugu stars

The man is no stranger to south Indian film audiences. Some of the biggest Tamil and Telugu projects over the years partly owe their successes to Peter Hein. In a candid chat, Peter Hein talks about his National Award, his early struggles and big successes.

Hein has been the body-double for all the top stars in the Tamil and Telugu film industries and even heroines!

entertainment

Updated on Jul 19, 2017 02:25 PM IST

Grist Media | ByPrathibha Parameswaran, Chennai

How VFX wizardry transformed Baahubali into a visual extravaganza

India’s most expensive movie owes part of it success to two people, ace art director and production designer Sabu Cyril and visual effects expert Pete Draper, who share their experiences on pulling off this two-part mega epic.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion released on April 28.

entertainment

Updated on May 19, 2017 03:30 PM IST

ByPrathibha Parameswaran, Grist Media

With Kaatru Veliyidai, Mani Ratnam continues to explore love, complex identities

Mani Ratnam’s latest film, Kaatru Veliyidai starring Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari, recently released. The film, which translates to ‘breezy expanse’, does what Mani Ratnam often does--explore love within complex individual identities. The film also marks 25 golden years of his association with AR Rahman.

Mani Ratnam’s 25th film, Kaatru Veliyidai, released on April 7. It marks the filmmaker’s 34-long years of his contribution to the Indian film industry.(Facebook)

entertainment

Updated on Apr 13, 2017 12:45 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByPrathibha Parameswaran

Why Vetrimaaran is the most interesting director in Tamil films today

Vetrimaaran is arguably among the most interesting filmmaker working in the Tamil film industry. Here’s documenting his rise and what it takes to be a talent like him.

Vetrimaaran has directed four feature films and is a winner of four National Film Awards.(Photos: By special arrangement)

entertainment

Updated on Nov 02, 2016 08:05 PM IST

ByPrathibha Parameswaran, Chennai

Vijay Sethupathi: The average Joe who made it big in Tamil films

An accountant who wasn’t meant to be an actor, Vijay Sethupathi has established himself as a saleable, mid-level actor. His recent successes include films like Dharma Durai, Sethupathi and Naanum Rowdy Thaan.

Vijay Sethupathi is an accountant-turned-actor who works primarily in the Tamil film industry.(VijaySethupathi.Official/Facebook)

entertainment

Updated on Sep 08, 2016 02:13 PM IST

ByPrathibha Parameswaran, Chennai

Will Kabali be actor Rajinikanth’s new touchstone?

Rajinikanth’s next film Kabali releases on July 1 coming as it does after two back to back failure for the star. Much is expected from the film. The fans want their Thalaivar back. Critics hope for the star’s re-invention. Will Rajinikanth bounce back?

Rajinikanth plays an ageing Chennai don in Kabali.

entertainment

Updated on Jul 08, 2016 05:23 PM IST

ByPrathibha Parameswaran, Chennai

Obama says bank bailout may cost more than expected

US President Barack Obama said more money might have to be pumped into troubled banks and promised not to let ailing auto companies fail, as he unveiled plans to steer the country out of prolonged recession. Giving his maiden speech to Congress Obama also announced a new lending fund in the "largest effort ever" to help small businesses and consumers.

world news

Updated on Feb 25, 2009 09:43 AM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, Washington

SEC accuses Allen Stanford in $9.2 bn fraud

US regulators have accused Texas magnate and top cricket promoter Allen Stanford of fraud in selling $9.2 billion in securities by promising 'improbable and unsubstantiated' returns. A US district judge froze Stanford's assets after the Securities and Exchange Commission said he was involved in global 'fraud of shocking magnitude that has spread its tentacles throughout the world.'

business

Updated on Feb 19, 2009 02:49 AM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, Washington

US-India nuclear deal a rare Bush foreign policy success: experts

A landmark US-India nuclear deal endorsed by the US Congress is a rare foreign policy success for US President George W. Bush and sets the stage for improved ties between the world's two largest democracies, experts say.

world news

Updated on Oct 02, 2008 10:20 AM IST

AFP | ByP. Parameswaran, Washington

Pakistan leader slams US after border gunfire

Asif Ali Zardari lashed out at the US after their troops traded gunfire sparked by claims Pakistan forces shot at two US helicopters for alleged violation of airspace on the border with Afghanistan.

world news

Updated on Sep 26, 2008 12:01 PM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, United Nations

Bush, Zardari to grapple with terror in maiden talks

US President George W Bush is set to hold his first face-to-face talks with Pak President Asif Ali Zardari amid strained ties between the key allies in the 'war on terror.'

world news

Updated on Sep 23, 2008 08:42 AM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, New York

NSG meet today, India awaits visa

As per sources, US will ask the two-day NSG meeting to grant an exception for India to receive atomic fuel and technology, even though it is not part of the nuclear NPT. Nuclear wheels and deals

world news

Updated on Aug 21, 2008 09:45 AM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, Washington

Bush exit may pave way for new nuclear security strategy

President George W Bush's impending departure has rekindled hopes that new US leadership can prop up the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which marks its 40th year on Tuesday.

world news

Updated on Jun 29, 2008 09:36 AM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, Washington

Diplomat honoured for saving jews

The heroic actions of a Chinese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust by issuing visas for them to flee Austria are being honoured in an exhibition at the US Congress.

world news

Updated on May 20, 2008 12:27 PM IST

AFP | ByP Parameswaran, Washington

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Parameswaran

From street art to T-shirts and restaurant bills, Gandhi’s ideals – of truth, purpose, simplicity – continue to permeate our everyday.

His face and words are still everywhere: in graffiti, fancy-dress costumes, at protest marches. What does it take for a ‘brand halo’ to endure in this manner?

The term is now 100 years old; the format goes back millennia. It has shaped housing and phone plans, careers and ‘family packs’. Now, new formats are emerging.

Sachets are not new to India. But luxury cosmetics, cornflakes, snacks, sanitary pads are all now available as singles or tiny packs. What’s driving the shrink?

The answer lies in the way this business has pivoted, at each turn. Amid the rise of instant-delivery apps, it’s time to ask:What will the next twist look like?

The India-led mission focuses on people’s action towards environmental and climate protection and- offers a blueprint for global renewal

Brands change. Logos change. The more impactful name changes are where they signify a deeper change in what is being offered to customers

India's enduring love for gutka explained through one ad, a psychological trick and surrogate advertising

Aunts, uncles and cousins are now scattered around the world. Lazy afternoons have been replaced by ambitious and overpriced camps. A wistful look back.

An essay on the differing memories, experiences and aspirations of the soon-to-be-1.42 bn, as India heads towards the tag of most populous country in the world.

The industry’s positive response to the scheme is likely to upgrade the labour force’s skills, replace old machinery, enhance production volumes and make logistics and operations efficient, giving India a chance to become a key manufacturing player

We must recognise that it is not enough to just repeal colonial laws. The very process of lawmaking must shed its colonial legacy

As I leave after four-and-a-half years of executing SBM, there are achievements, lessons, and future goals

Millennials are making wiser choices for society’s benefit. It is high time Indian cities join the likes of London, Singapore and New York to further discourage private car ownership

Understanding from early experiences, the SBM practised “nudging” at a scale unprecedented in the world: 550 million people practising open defecation in rural India were to be nudged into changing their behaviour to using the toilets provided under the programme.

From controversial GST scene to his Christian name, Joseph Vijay and his film Mersal has gone through some tough times.

The man is no stranger to south Indian film audiences. Some of the biggest Tamil and Telugu projects over the years partly owe their successes to Peter Hein. In a candid chat, Peter Hein talks about his National Award, his early struggles and big successes.

India’s most expensive movie owes part of it success to two people, ace art director and production designer Sabu Cyril and visual effects expert Pete Draper, who share their experiences on pulling off this two-part mega epic.

Vetrimaaran is arguably among the most interesting filmmaker working in the Tamil film industry. Here’s documenting his rise and what it takes to be a talent like him.

An accountant who wasn’t meant to be an actor, Vijay Sethupathi has established himself as a saleable, mid-level actor. His recent successes include films like Dharma Durai, Sethupathi and Naanum Rowdy Thaan.

Rajinikanth’s next film Kabali releases on July 1 coming as it does after two back to back failure for the star. Much is expected from the film. The fans want their Thalaivar back. Critics hope for the star’s re-invention. Will Rajinikanth bounce back?

A landmark US-India nuclear deal endorsed by the US Congress is a rare foreign policy success for US President George W. Bush and sets the stage for improved ties between the world's two largest democracies, experts say.

Asif Ali Zardari lashed out at the US after their troops traded gunfire sparked by claims Pakistan forces shot at two US helicopters for alleged violation of airspace on the border with Afghanistan.

US President George W Bush is set to hold his first face-to-face talks with Pak President Asif Ali Zardari amid strained ties between the key allies in the 'war on terror.'

As per sources, US will ask the two-day NSG meeting to grant an exception for India to receive atomic fuel and technology, even though it is not part of the nuclear NPT. Nuclear wheels and deals

President George W Bush's impending departure has rekindled hopes that new US leadership can prop up the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which marks its 40th year on Tuesday.

The heroic actions of a Chinese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust by issuing visas for them to flee Austria are being honoured in an exhibition at the US Congress.

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