By Suresh Pattali
The learning curve of India as a tolerant, democratic polity is taking a deep dive south-bound. There was a time in India when anyone learned and taught anything. It was more a battle for survival than anything else. We went by the aphorism – humans are born without skills, so they are able to learn anything they really want to. Nothing else mattered, not even religion.
By Suresh Pattali
When I think back, growing up in the 1970s was like serving many years of hard labour. In an impoverished hamlet of India, where life and existence solely depended on the elements, even kids from middle-class families like mine were not spared of hardship. When short on cash, my mother would pluck coconuts, load a sack full of them on my head and would order, “Go, sell it at any tea shop and bring the cash.” She would set the minimum retail price before pushing me into the wilderness of the beach and I would knock on the back door of every shop to get the right price. I would avoid the front doors to escape dawdling fishermen who would scandalise me for peddling coconuts.
Continue reading Encounter rape terrorism with awareness, not bullets
By Suresh Pattali
Yesterday, Shehala Sherin was an effervescent girl brimming with life, hopes and dreams. Today, she is remembered as a martyr of the rot gnawing at the mindset of India’s most literate state. Shehala died on November 20 after being bitten by a snake inside her classroom and denied prompt treatment.
Continue reading It’s the venom in the heart, not the snake, that kills
By Bikram Vohra
November 23, for some reason, is being seen as the peak day for marriages and in India, they are running out of flowers. And horses for grooms to ride on. It is like an epidemic of adoration and Cupid on overtime.
By Dhanusha Gokulan
Onam is usually, always a big deal at home. Growing up, as much as my siblings and I loved the ‘Onam spirit’, my parents tend to go overboard with the festivities. Onam celebrations are not limited to religious borders, so, my folks love showing off ‘our culture’ to friends who are not Malayalees. This means, everyone is invited to have Sadhya, a nine-course vegetarian feast usually involving 22 dishes, at our home.
Continue reading Why King Mahabali is always welcome in my home
By Anupam Varma
It’s difficult to associate a single emotion with Indian Independence Day. Unlike birthdays or religious festivals that bring about joy and excitement year after year, for me Independence Day has been a mixed bag of emotions.
By Rohma Sadaqat
Driving down the peaceful roads in Islamabad is an experience unlike any other, especially if you are in no hurry to get to where you need to be.
Continue reading Why freedom is best celebrated in the morning
