The book ‘Whereabouts’ by Jhumpa Lahiri is a literary exploration that defies conventional narrative structures. The author, who is known for her detailed prose, takes a bold step in this novel by writing originally in Italian and translating it herself into English. Her talent here, as an author and also the translator, is a rarity … [Read more…]
In the luminous tapestry of contemporary literature, Rohinton Mistry’s ‘Family Matters’ emerges as a masterful exploration of the intricacies of human relationships and the enduring bonds of family. Mistry has set his narrative against the vibrant backdrop of ‘Bombay’ turning into ‘Mumbai’, India. The novel unfolds with a rare blend of lyricism and poignancy, inviting … [Read more…]
Two ‘Sadhus’ were mob-lynched this year in Palghar in the state of Maharashtra. What was more eye-opening than the brutal murder was the absence of reaction from the people in power and people of fame. Time and again the image of one of those old men who were murdered comes before my eyes and the … [Read more…]
Since the last few years we have all gotten in the habit of creating acronyms that are either rhyming or have a meaning when expanded and even otherwise. This was the reason why I chose to title this piece the way I did. Until January 2020, the world was abuzz with things happening, old and … [Read more…]
You’ll wonder how you will be able to get through your own fears which now appear like an ocean and you will sit with your face cupped in your hands staring at a distance, wondering what to do. You’ll want and not want so many things at the same time that you wouldn’t know what … [Read more…]
This December let us talk about faults and forgiveness, and the grey area in between. Being at fault is easy. We all make mistakes, every single day of our life. Forgiveness requires a bit of courage, patience and a whole lot of goodness in the one who chooses to forgive. Mind you, I said chooses … [Read more…]
The book is an autobiography of Dr Verghese Kurien (1921-2012), an Indian social entrepreneur credited to be the ‘Father of the Milk Revolution in India’ and fondly known as the ‘Milkman of India’. My brother, an alumnus of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)[i], kept talking about this book on and on till I finally … [Read more…]
The conflict between the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Chief Minister is a hotly contested topic and has occupied the limelight in the past few days. There have been supporters vouching for the relative stands taken by them, at every nook and corner of the space provided by media and elsewhere. However, a common … [Read more…]
Flipping through the dusty pages of a ragged book, I found the petals of a rose I had plucked several years back when I was still in school. I remember how we were forbidden to do so and how thrilling it had been then. Breaking rules has always been exhilarating, isn’t it? But how often … [Read more…]
“Where are you from?” Does this question ring bells in your ears and makes your heart pound because you do not know how exactly to answer this question and not sound straight out of one of those fictions. If such is your case, you have my sympathy. People have constantly asked where I was from. … [Read more…]