Smitha Verma

Aug 3, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Smitha Verma

The first thing that strikes you when you finish reading Kala Krishnan’s Theivanai is why do we not have more books on Murugan in English? Why is so little written about this Lord of courage, victory and wisdom? In the world of mythological fiction where other Hindu deities vie for shelf space in a bookstore, barely any titles in English exist on the chief deity from Tamil Nadu.

Jul 27, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Smitha Verma

The NEET Scam exposes all that is wrong with medical entrance exams and why India’s medical system is brokenMedical exam paper leaks happening through WhatsApp. The Supreme Court rejected petitions seeking cancellation of the medical entrance exam, despite admitting to a question paper leak. A Gujarat student who failed her class 12 exam scores 705 out of 720 marks in NEET 2024. An infuriated CJI.

Jul 20, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Ashis Ghatak |Smitha Verma

There can’t be any more beautiful coincidences than winning the highest international musical honour the same day as the one where your biography is released. Shankar Mahadevan’s feat highlights how talent and hard work pays off. Mahadevan is part of the Indo-jazz group Shakti, with guitarist John McLaughlin and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, and the group won this year’s Grammy for the Best Global Music Album with This Moment.

Jun 8, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Smitha Verma

What’s the real cost of living and dying in a hospital in India? Well, it’s a thin line between a patient’s luck and the physician’s acumen, where the battle for life often comes at a steep financial price. Is treating the sick merely a business proposition? Does the Hippocratic Oath mean nothing to the medicos once they enter the profession? Why should a third of the population in the country be pushed into poverty by healthcare costs?

May 31, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Smitha Verma

India is in the grip of an unacknowledged allergies epidemic, endangering the next generation. Lacking well-funded research, a definitive policy and medical awareness, combating it is tough goingGot a bad rash? Slather on some cream. Horrible itch? Look for that ointment that worked last time. Going to the bogs all night? Take a costive. It’s just an allergy, right? There is nothing called just an allergy. At best, you get away with a runny nose, watery eyes and restless sleep. Or you get eczema or hives.