Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30th January 1949 in Birla House, New Delhi. On the eve of his assassination I am reminded of his killer, Nathuram Godse of the Hindu Mahasabha. Godse is back in the news thanks to those seeking to idolize him, and even build temples in his honour. His loquacious proponent is…

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return” (Job 1:21). This was the experience of the Prophet Job, known to Muslims as Ayub. These words are apt for Aamir Khan’s latest blockbuster – “PK”. My wife and I watched the movie on New Year’s Day, the first day that it had…

When Namo thundered from the Red Fort ramparts on Independence Day that what India needed was more thunder boxes (loos) many of his admirers were askance, thinking that he had a loose hinge! Not me. I genuinely felt that it was the most exciting thing to happen since the election of Pope Francis. Let me…

Writers are seldom at a loss for words. Post Peshawar 16/12 I was shell shocked, and am still struggling to piece together my thoughts. No words suffice to condemn this carnage, described by some as beastly or insane. I beg to differ, because this is not animal behaviour, nor were the perpetrators of this crime…

(Ditties that seem to be the flavour this Christmas season) Silent Knight shining bright Despite 288 warriors upright He has not the might To address the house aright Oh what a pitiable sight! Jungle bells, jungle hell The yeoman does yell. The “others” will go to hell For all is now not swell When such…

This 11th October marks 50 years for the beginning of the Second Vatican Council (Vat II). It was the 21st such ecumenical council in the 2000 year odyssey of the Catholic Church. In 1969 I obtained a copy of the Vat II documents. For several years thereafter Vat II meant little to me, as I…