After “Brahmin Genes” Post, Bengaluru CEO Anuradha Tiwari Unapologetic Stance Sparks Heated Debate

Bengaluru CEO Anuradha Tiwari: Bengaluru-based CEO Anuradha Tiwari has found herself in the eye of a social media storm following a controversial post she made on August 22. The CEO of a content marketing company, Tiwari, posted a photo of herself on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Brahmin genes,” which quickly sparked a heated debate on caste, privilege, and identity in India. Despite facing a significant backlash, Tiwari has remained unapologetic, doubling down on her statements and challenging her critics with a series of follow-up posts. This article explores the fallout from her initial post, the reactions from the public, and the broader implications of her unapologetic stance.

The Controversial Post: “Brahmin Genes”

Anuradha Tiwari’s original post featured a picture of herself flexing her triceps with the caption “Brahmin genes.” The post, which has since garnered over 5.2 million views, immediately divided social media users. While some supported Tiwari’s expression of pride in her heritage, many others criticized her for what they perceived as casteist undertones.

Critics argued that Tiwari’s post was insensitive and reinforced caste-based superiority, a controversial topic in India’s complex social fabric. However, Tiwari remained unfazed by the criticism, quickly responding with a series of follow-up posts that only intensified the debate.

Tiwari’s Defiant Follow-Ups: Unapologetic and Unyielding

Following the backlash, Tiwari took to X again to address her critics. In a post on Friday, she wrote, “As expected, a mere mention of the word ‘Brahmin’ triggered many inferior beings. Tells a lot about who the real casteists are. UCs get nothing from the system – no reservation, no freebies. We earn everything on our own and have every right to be proud of our lineage. So, deal with it.” Here, Tiwari referred to upper castes as “UCs,” highlighting what she perceives as the lack of government support for upper-caste individuals.

This statement sparked even more controversy, with some social media users pointing out the insensitivity of her remarks, while others rallied behind her, agreeing with her stance against the reservation system.

Doubling Down: “Be an Unapologetic Brahmin”

Rather than softening her stance, Tiwari doubled down on her original post. On Saturday, she posted another defiant message, stating, “Proud Dalit/Muslim/Tribal – Okay. Proud Brahmin – Not okay. There is an entire system working to make Brahmins feel guilty for their very existence. Time to change this narrative. Be an unapologetic Brahmin. Wear it on your sleeve. Let the so-called social justice warriors burn.”

Tiwari’s assertion that there is a system working against Brahmins and her call to “be an unapologetic Brahmin” further fueled the debate, prompting strong reactions from both supporters and detractors.

Support and Criticism: A Divided Response

Tiwari’s unapologetic stance has garnered a mixed response from the public. Some, like X user Ashish Arora, supported her, stating, “Fully support you. We are milked by the government for taxes and in return get nothing.” Others echoed her sentiments, arguing that Brahmins have been unfairly targeted and made to feel ashamed of their identity.

On the other hand, many criticized Tiwari’s comments as inflammatory and divisive. One user, Deepali Singh, expressed her disapproval, writing, “It is astonishing to see someone flaunting what they call ‘Brahmin genes’ as if that equates to superiority. From this post, it seems more like a display of stupidity than anything else. What’s even more incredible is the number of unremarkable individuals rallying behind this notion, proudly showcasing their so-called ‘Brahmin genes.’ Perhaps they should take a moment to reflect on why they remain so mediocre despite their supposedly ‘superior heritage.'”

The Broader Implications: Caste, Identity, and Social Media

The controversy surrounding Anuradha Tiwari’s posts underscores the complexities of discussing caste and identity in India. Tiwari’s posts have reignited discussions on caste privilege and the reservation system, highlighting the deep-seated divisions and differing perspectives on these issues.

While Tiwari’s supporters argue that she is merely standing up for her identity and challenging the narrative that Brahmins should feel ashamed of their heritage, her critics contend that her statements are divisive and contribute to caste-based discrimination.

Conclusion

Anuradha Tiwari’s “Brahmin genes” post and her subsequent unapologetic follow-ups have sparked a nationwide debate on caste, identity, and privilege in India. Her stance has divided public opinion, with some viewing her as a voice for the upper castes and others criticizing her for promoting caste-based superiority. As the conversation continues to unfold, it is clear that discussions on caste and identity remain highly charged and contentious in India. Whether Tiwari’s comments will lead to a broader dialogue on these issues or further entrench existing divisions remains to be seen.