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: South Asia
How to eat at an Indian buffet
There is a proper way to eat at an Indian buffet which those who are not desi may not appreciate. Being desi myself, I feel that I’m qualified to advise others. But my qualifications to pontificate on this topic don’t end with a blanket ethnic designation. In an earlier era, I was a graduate student … Continue reading How to eat at an Indian buffet
Diplomacy in the age of glacial relations
Today, I saw a column in the Sunday Times of India on Indian foreign policy by none other than Indian novelist, Chetan Bhagat. Mr Bhagat takes a very hawkish line in a whiny tone after the collapse of the India-Pakistan peace talks between SM Krishna and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. If it now acceptable for non-experts … Continue reading Diplomacy in the age of glacial relations
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?
A marketing primer for Indians
Are you currently interested in marketing products? Then this primer is for you. You may enjoy marketing products that customers are already interested in. You may have done your homework and identified the need for a product. Marketing a product in which there customer interest is fine, but where is the challenge? The real challenge … Continue reading A marketing primer for Indians
A desi take on corporate English
Do you use any of the terms below? I know I use many of them, but I thought it would be fun to poke fun at the way we talk and write in a professional environment. Business casual: Explain this to me please. A collared shirt is "casual". Now, add a man with a stick … Continue reading A desi take on corporate English
Robin Ghosh and cross-border “infiltration” in South Asia
If you are from India you may have heard of Robin Chattopadhyay and Robin Majumdar, both exceptionally talented contributors to the Golden Age of Bangla Cinema in Kolkata. I'll wager that very few people in India have heard of a versatile music director by the name of Robin Ghosh. I was intrigued to find out … Continue reading Robin Ghosh and cross-border “infiltration” in South Asia
