the chai philosophy

so, the story begins right after i had accepted my offer to virginia tech. the beginning to my addiction of chai. a beverage originating from the chinese word chá. historically, chai traces its roots back to ancient india where its first use was as an ayurvedic healing tonic made from herbs and spices. after decades of globalization and major changes in society, chai in india no longer remained medicine.

what has chai become from people, not just in india but for indians all over the world? chai has become the centerpiece for conversation. there is a reason why even the most crucial conversations occur over a cup of chai. not in dingy office rooms. not at important expos. but at a corner of a street where a thela-wala has stopped his cart and set up a few bright colored plastic stools. now, obviously this will change geographically, but you get the point.

think about your local chai-ki-dukkan. it is arguably the most democratic institution india has ever produced. here is where even if the most radical people were seated, they would reach some sort of an understanding or middle-ground where they do not differ. chai is the great equalizer in the conversation.

even though chai comes cheap, the conversations that people have over chai are the most expensive ones. the conversations that they would generally never have with anyone. those are the conversations that get discussed at your local tea station. this is exactly why politics in india does not live in newspapers, television channels or op-eds, but rather in the very institution where you over-dip your biscuit and then try to fish it out with another biscuit. the chai stall is a place of no consequence. where you can walk out of a conversation with no regrets. so people here are usually honest.

there is a reason why business happens at a fancy cafe, where the price of one coffee is ten times as much as one chai right down the street at raju uncle's stall. coffee is exclusive and feels restrictive. the gentrified coffeehouse never competed in the indian markets, because tea stalls always had them grasping at straws.

chai is not the complete answer to the wage gap. it does not answer questions about identity or belonging. it does not resolve the political tension between the government and the opposition. but, what it does do very well, is create the conditions where we as humans can understand each other.

chai is not just a drink anymore, it has become a symbol of understanding for indians everywhere. i sometimes do believe that the major divide in india, whether it be through caste, gender, religion or political affiliation, could be stitched by chai. sounds stupid, i know.

we can only for hope for the best, and until then i encourage you to have that understanding with people. maybe even share a cup of chai.

ask.