"But I too hate long books: the better, the worse. If they're bad they merely make me pant with the effort of holding them up for a few minutes. But if they're good, I turn into a social moron for days, refusing to go out of my room, scowling and growling at interruptions, ignore weddings... Continue Reading →
The Ride Of A Lifetime by Robert Iger
A little late to the party, but I loved the book The Ride Of A Lifetime by Robert Iger of Walt Disney fame. The Ride Of A Lifetime is not just a memoir of Iger's professional journey but also of his life's lessons and experiences. And he shares it all - if you want a... Continue Reading →
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
This last week I finally read How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates, a newly released book that was a self Birthday gift couple of months back. A book that is timely in many respects - some people (organisations, agencies or publications) prefer to call it climate emergency rather than climate disaster or... Continue Reading →
First outing since lockdown – Covid Lockdown Diaries VI
Last fortnight, I made the first leisure outing in one year, ever since the lockdown eased in 2020. I have been out running errands, to buy things not available through the e-carts industry or for haircuts but not for the purpose of going out to have fun. Me and my friend ventured out on a... Continue Reading →
Rangbhari Ekadashi and Masane ki Holi at Banaras
Holi, the festival of colours across the world is largely associated with Krishna, and people flock to Brijbhoomi (region commonly referred to as Braj which includes town associated with the life of young Lord Krishna) to witness the festivities. Even the songs or paintings that celebrate this colourful festival centre around this playful God. However,... Continue Reading →
Lathmar Holi of Barsana – Holi Celebrations in UP
Holi, the vibrant festival of colours is celebrated with gusto and merry abandonment as part of the spring season. Holi celebrations in UP (Uttar Pradesh) are not just a one day affair, but they start few days before the actual festival. Mentioned in many songs, poems and other writings, as well as depicted in the... Continue Reading →
The Age of Pandemics – Book Review
The Age Of Pandemics 1817-1920 How They Shaped India and The World by Chinmay Tumbe is a well researched book to add to the must-read history of India that has been forgotten and ignored. A book written while the nation and the rest of the world was and still is in the grip of yet... Continue Reading →
How To Be A Writer by Ruskin Bond
As the year began, on one cold, rainy, and foggy morning in Del-NCR a conversation in one of the WhatsApp group caught my eye - discussing what else but weather. Someone described it as "raining cats and dogs here ... wretched weather" - and just reading those words plummeted the mood. The reply came from... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Mithaas: Sweets of Banaras
They say Banarasi boli is sweet - the dialect spoken in the city. But what I miss the most is the chaat and the sweets of Banaras, and of course, the old world charm of exploring the city via its galis and gazing into the unknown across the Ganges while sitting on its ghats. Varanasi... Continue Reading →
Tradition of making Kajal on Diwali
Celebrating Diwali is not just about a religious significance, but a spiritual belief, a sense of celebration and of continuing the family traditions. The anticipation of festival is more intense with the cleaning of the home, buying new clothes and gifts for family and friends, scouting the market for diyas and new kind of lights,... Continue Reading →
Covid Lockdown Diaries V – Masks the New Fashion Accessory
At the start of Lockdown in February-March 2020 across the world, there was a huge hue and cry about scarcity of N95 and surgical masks in the market for the public. Slowly, the governments and other manufacturers geared up for the production and supply resumed. Other companies joined the fray in producing 2-3 layer cotton... Continue Reading →
Covid Lockdown Diaries IV – Return to Offices
Social media is abuzz with people posting photos of empty offices and their desks as they left them months back; it is with some trepidation that they are returning to the office - some because it is required and some people as an experiment. What is going to be the new normal post Covid Lockdown... Continue Reading →