Category: Uncategorized

When I tell people that I love my Kanpur they think that I am mad. I retort with these Hindi words: “Duniya kahta hai mujko pagal,Mai kahta hoon, Ai duniya tu hi pagal” (The world calls me mad, I say, you yourself are mad), because you have failed to recognize a good thing. When people…

Sorry guys, but this is not about Modi, even though he may be the major factor in modern India’s political discourse. This is rather about the 4 M Factor; something that I first heard about from a foreign lady missionary of the Salvation Army 40 years ago. Her wisdom has remained etched in my memory…

The 4th August was the feast of St John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. He was known for his simplicity and proximity to the people, especially the poor and disadvantaged. It was no coincidence then that Gwalior diocese in M.P., sandwiched between Agra and Jhansi dioceses in U.P., and got a new…

Four years ago my classmates celebrated the golden jubilee of our passing out of school (Senior Cambridge) in 1965. One classmate recalled an incident where I acted as his wife in the school concert – replete with lipstick, rouge and the mandatory coconut shells up front! I had long forgotten the incident, so it rekindled…

The British monarchy is probably still the most popular in the world, besides being the oldest extant one. It dates back to William the Conqueror in 1066. In modern times it may also be popular because of its attractive princesses; from the blonde leggy Diana, to the petite brunette Kate and the burnished bronze Megan….

It requires resolve to solve a tricky problem like Ayodhya. It is said to be a matter between Hindus and Muslims. I am neither. Hence what have I got to do with Ayodhya? Everything. Because the Babri Masjid (BM) – Ram Janam Bhoomi (RJB) issue in Ayodhya has been on the boil since Independence. It…

Post 23/5 we have had a plethora of political analysts giving us their considered opinions. I have read many of them in both print and online. Let me add my own two pice to the debate. Firstly, my choice of headline. Those familiar with my writings are aware of my penchant for double entendre, a…

THE CONTEXT: This has been open season for clean chits, especially from the Election Commission of India to Namo and Amit Shah. Opposition parties have got their hackles up, claiming that the Model Code of Conduct has been reduced to the Modi Code of Conduct. Other than clean chits, has anybody thought of dirty socks?…

The 1st of April is a fun day. With the advent of electronic communication I can now fool people across the world. I get fiendish delight in fooling the “powerful”, and have often incurred their wrath. This April Fool’s Day would have been no different, until I read the story on Antony Madassery, a priest…

This is really pushing one’s luck.  Trying to be Pope, the Prime Minister of India or the President of the USA is bad enough.  But this is downright insane.  Blasphemy. I can almost hear the cries of “Crucify him.  Kill him.  Stone him to death”. Fortunately, I am not in Pakistan or in Judea, so…