Bengaluru CEO doubles down on 'Brahmin genes' post after controversy

Bengaluru-based CEO Anuradha Tiwari's 'Brahmin genes' post, which got over 5.6 million views on X, has escalated into a battle of narratives, with many users accusing her of promoting casteism while some supported her.

In Short

• Anuradha Tiwari posts photo of herself with caption #BrahminGenes
• Claims Brahmins face discrimination and criticises caste-based reservation
• Some users on social media support her, others call her casteist

A Bengaluru-based CEO has sparked a massive controversy after she posted a picture of herself and captioned the post in two words, 'Brahmin genes'.

The post, made on August 22, featured a photo of Anuradha Tiwari, the founder and CEO of content marketing company Just Burst Out, flexing her muscles while sipping coconut water.

Her post, which got over 5.6 million views on X, has escalated into a battle of narratives, with many users accusing Tiwari of promoting casteism while some supported her.

On Sunday, Tiwari doubled down on her stance and said the word 'Brahmin' triggered many "inferior beings". She flagged caste-based reservation and said that her community does not get any reservations or freebies.

She also said her community stood on their own feet after earning everything on their own.

"As expected, a mere mention of word 'Brahmin' triggered many inferior beings. Tells a lot about who real casteists are. UCs get nothing from 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," she tweeted.

On August 23, a day after her post triggered discussions on social media, Tiwari asserted that Brahmins were fearing to reveal their full name and alleged that her community had been painted into "villains" by activists and politicians.

"Brahmins today fear revealing their full name. So much hatred has been spread against us. We have been made villains by social justice activists and politicians. We don’t harm anyone. We get no help from government. We work hard. Why should we be ashamed of our caste?" she said, using the hashtag #brahmingenes.

In another post, Tiwari alleged that an "entire system" was working to make Brahmins feel guilty of their existence.

"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," she said.

Some users supported Tiwari for raising the issue of caste-based reservation and wrote posts and uploaded pictures of themselves by using #BrahminGenes.

A user posted a photo of himself flaunting his body and wearing a janeu (a sacred white thread worn by Brahmins), mentioning the hashtag of Brahmin genes.

Another one wrote, "There is some real hate for Brahmins on this platform. Couldn't understand the reason behind it. But if you hate us, good for you. We don't give a f***. We are all proud of our identity. Call us casteists or whatever. #BrahminGenes."

However, several users criticised Tiwari for her post and called her "casteist".

"You should not forget that reservation system which gets you job and all is entirely based on the system of caste. So, before saying to someone else as casteist, you should see your reflection first #BrahminGenes." one user wrote.

Another said, "What is Brahmin Genes? Feeling proud of something to which you had zero contribution? When you bring your caste in the conversation to show yourself superior, you are casteist. It is as simple as that."

A third user slammed Tiwari for her post and said he was working in the private sector and earning a good salary.

"Yes, I'm Brahmin and working in the private sector and getting a salary in six digits at the age of 27. #BrahminGenes," the user said.

This is not the first time Tiwari has faced controversy for her outspoken views on caste-based reservation.

In August 2022, Tiwari made headlines for a post criticising the reservation system, where she lamented her inability to secure admission despite scoring 95 per cent, while a classmate from a well-off family with a lower score benefited from the reservation policy.

"I am a general category student. My ancestors have passed me down 0.00 acres of land. I live in a rented house. I couldn’t get admission despite scoring 95 per cent, but my classmate who scored 60 per cent and comes from a well-off family gets admission. And you asked me why I have a problem with the reservation," she had tweeted.