Brahmin genes: Bengaluru CEO Anuradha Tiwari faces backlash on internet over social media post

New Delhi: Anuradha Tiwari, CEO of the content writing agency JustBurstOut, has sparked widespread criticism on social media following a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter). The Bengaluru-based entrepreneur shared a photo of herself flexing her muscles and sipping coconut water, accompanied by the caption, "Brahmin Genes." The post quickly went viral, amassing over 4 million views, but also drew significant backlash for what many deemed a casteist remark.

Outcry over casteist remark

Tiwari’s post was met with swift condemnation from various quarters. Critics argued that the caption reinforced caste-based stereotypes. One user pointed out, “According to the Manusmruti, girls should stay at home, take care of their husbands, and do nothing else. But because of the Constitution, you're flexing your triceps on Twitter and living life your own way. So go ahead and thank Babasaheb Ambedkar for that.” Tiwari responded sharply, “Ever heard of Rani Lakshmibai, you dimwit?”

Brahmin genes 💪 pic.twitter.com/MCcRnviJcY

— Anuradha Tiwari (@talk2anuradha) August 22, 2024

Supreme Court lawyer Shashank Ratnoo weighed in, condemning the post as emblematic of ongoing casteism. He commented, “Some thoughts on being genetically superior/casteism! Well well, her profile bears the hashtag #onefamilyonereservation! Precisely why casteism is still present! Being fit is good but attributing that to superior or specific genes is not the way to build one family, one India.”

Following the backlash, Tiwari defended her post, stating, “A mere mention of the word Brahmin 'triggered many inferior beings.' UCs get nothing from the system—no reservations, no freebies. We earn everything on our own and have every right to be proud of our lineage.” This isn’t the first time Tiwari has stirred controversy. In August 2022, she criticized reservation policies in a pinned post, sharing her personal grievances about admissions and systemic inequalities.