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
In defense of the chicken leg-piece
My fellow desis, it is with a heavy heart that I begin this epistle to you. The humble chicken leg, which for years had been a principle source of nourishment for the head and heart, is under severe attack from various imperialist forces. My fear is that if we do not act soon, we will … Continue reading In defense of the chicken leg-piece
Time machine
This nomadic life was of my own choosing. I was restless in a small town; the pull of the unknown was strong. And so, over ten years ago, I tore myself from everything I knew and packed two bags and left my home for good. In a new land, I kept few possessions. I told … Continue reading Time machine
Why the babies will continue to die in West Bengal
“These deaths are not unusual at all…Sometimes the influx of patients is so high that three, four, five can die. Sometimes 15 can die.” – M.K Chatterjee, Superintendent, BC Roy Memorial Hospital for Children, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. There is a proverb in Bangla – “kings fight it out with other kings while irrelevant commoners … Continue reading Why the babies will continue to die in West Bengal
India at night on Diwali: a could-be-but-isn’t-true story
“Deepavali ki shubhkamnayein, Tiwari” “Diwali mubarak, sirji! What are you looking at with such purpose, Mishraji?” “It is this beautiful satellite image of the Indian night sky taken by NASA showing all of the lights over this wondrous country of ours. Lovely, no?” “Yes, Mishraji. It is quite spectacular. How did you come about to … Continue reading India at night on Diwali: a could-be-but-isn’t-true story
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