One of the benefits of having the archives of the New York Times available for downloading from the convenience of a home is that there is a vast collection of news articles of cultural and historical significance easily available. Today, I came across a book review of Lajpat Rai's The United States of America: A … Continue reading A Hindu’s impression of the United States in 1917.
Category: desi
On Hindus who eat beef
Far be it for me to judge anyone’s right to eat or not eat something. There is a vast list of things I find unpalatable, and I too have apologies as to why I eat what I eat. For example, as much as I love most varieties of fish, I feel guilty when I devour … Continue reading On Hindus who eat beef
“The sum of all of India’s traditions”
I am outraged and maybe for once, not without just cause. Ashutosh Gowarikar's Swades is a Hindi film that I've mentioned before as one that I enjoyed watching. In this film, a scientist of Indian origin portrayed by Sharukh Khan (Mohan), visits India, builds a small-scale hydroelectric plant and falls in love with the village … Continue reading “The sum of all of India’s traditions”
Walking for a thousand years…
I hopped out of the E Line train I had boarded in midtown Manhattan. Stepping out of the Jackson Heights Subway Station in Queens I was transfixed. It was as if I made the trip across thousands to miles to Sealdah Station in Kolkata. I was in the community of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis in … Continue reading Walking for a thousand years…
A non-review of NBC’s new sitcom “Outsourced”
The American television network channel NBC just started airing a television sitcom called Outsourced about a couple of Americans who move to India to run a call-center full of Indians selling novelty items to clients back home in America. I’ve watched the pilot episode and a few others since then. As you know, I'm a desi. … Continue reading A non-review of NBC’s new sitcom “Outsourced”
A desi rasta tour
Dronningens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Leisurely stroll through Dronningens Gade, or Main Street in Charlotte Amalie on a day when there are no Caribbean cruise ships docked in the harbor. You’ll see a lot of shuttered shops. You might think you’re in a quaint town in the quiet Virgin Islands... … Continue reading A desi rasta tour
The Hariome Project
Biologists can be pretty annoying when they’re trying hard to come up with cutesy names. I mean did you guys really have to name a gene required for mammalian development sonic hedgehog after the Sega icon? I mean what comes next? A gene influencing cranial tensile strength named after a pudgy Nintendo chap? But you … Continue reading The Hariome Project
Quick lessons on what not to do in life
Just as asking a government employee to do something before or after lunch, morning tea, or afternoon tea can get you in trouble, there are other things you should never do either: 1. Never protest when others think you are drunk, insane, stupid, or angry. You will only confirm suspicions. 2. Never admit that your … Continue reading Quick lessons on what not to do in life
How to pronounce Hindu Bengali names
“Hi, can I speak to an Arabian?” “Excuse me?” “Hi, I’m trying to reach an Arabian.” “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I am an Indian.” “No, I mean is this the phone of Mr. An-arabian er… I’m not even going to try to pronounce your last name.” “Ah, if you’re looking for Anirban, … Continue reading How to pronounce Hindu Bengali names
Are Indians Asians?
Well, are Indians Asians? You're thinking what kind of idiot poses this silly question. You look at a map or globe and point out India smack in the middle of a humongous landmass marked Asia. Indians are Asians and that is all there is to it. Or is there more? You’re mileage may vary, Dear … Continue reading Are Indians Asians?
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