Fading

Some days I scan the dark figures flitting along the sidewalks for a face. I plant footsteps until my muscles ache, until I gasp for breath, until exhaustion and numbness force me to seek shelter indoors. I see many haggard faces during these jaunts, but never the one I want to see. One day, on … Continue reading Fading →

Headphoney

It is a truth universally acknowledged that no one should ask the parents of a recently-married desi bride their impression of their new son-in-law. I made this egregious error once, failing to realize that I did not have a few hours to kill in an excruciating manner similar to waterboarding. I was immediately subjected to … Continue reading Headphoney →

As the year passes by…

As you read something that interests you, do you ever feel that you'd like to pause and visit again later? To retrace your steps and savor every word? I've written quite a bit at this blog in 2011. I've read millions of words more. I have a hard time holding on to some of the … Continue reading As the year passes by… →

Subramanian Swamy, Free Speech at Harvard, and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

There has been debate over the past few days regarding the decision of Harvard University to cancel two summer courses taught by Subramanian Swamy. Earlier this year, Janata Party President, Dr. Swamy wrote a highly-charged column in which he called for disenfranchising Muslims in India who did not “acknowledge that their ancestors were Hindu.” He … Continue reading Subramanian Swamy, Free Speech at Harvard, and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States →

Inferno

A private hospital in Kolkata is issued a warning by the fire brigade to clear its basement. Months pass by. Nothing happens. A fire starts in that basement. The television channel crews arrive. The newscaster keeps saying “Jaise ki aap dekh rahen hain… as you can see.” Yes, we can see. The fire brigade approaches the … Continue reading Inferno →

Hamsadhwani

I cannot recall when I first heard someone say that humans should try to save the earth from imminent destruction. It may have been written on a sign, or I may have read it in column. It is a common argument: humans need to act now to save the earth or we might propel the … Continue reading Hamsadhwani →