Madaaris, street performers offering entertainment through magic, juggling, and animal acts, were a common sight until the 1990s. Their shows, featuring tricks and a stooge, were enjoyed by all, though some found the final act, often involving a fake stabbing, disturbing. Today, they're largely gone.
Several food names are misleading. Dishes like tomato/onion omelette and Goshaba are vegetarian, despite names suggesting otherwise. Similar misinterpretations arise with Shutur Qaalij, Phooler Bhanra, and even 'Bombay Duck'. Language and regional variations contribute to culinary confusion.
The author's first year in Buffalo was marked by the changing seasons, each representing a phase of personal growth. Autumn brought friendship, winter fostered resilience, and spring signified renewal. Graduation symbolized overcoming challenges and building a new life. The experience transformed the author, leaving her stronger and more confident.
The Khushwant Singh Literary Festival honors the author's commitment to free speech and humor. He fearlessly challenged authority, published critical letters, and used humor in his writing and life. A classic example: his witty exchange with actress Nargis.
A village barber provided home services, receiving gifts and respect. He offered haircuts and shaves, often causing small cuts. He gathered information, and was paid with food and rice. His sons later ran a modern barbershop in town. The village barber's practice has ended.
The author observes a lack of civic sense in a city, highlighting issues like incessant honking, lane indiscipline, and littering. Despite infrastructure, the city suffers from a lack of introspection and everyday discipline. The author suggests making civic sense fashionable to improve the city's modern image.
The author reflects on the prevalence of excuses, from personal experiences in boarding school to managing a nursing home. He highlights the creative lengths people go to for justification, illustrating the ease of making excuses versus taking action. The author concludes that this ingenuity, if redirected, could lead to significant accomplishments.
A KCIO was an Indian officer of the British Indian Army who held a full King’s commission after training in the UK — at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, for infantry officers, Woolwich for artillery officers and Chatham as well as Woolwich for engineer officers.
THERE are times when things suddenly turn in our favour for no clear reason. Some call it luck or providence, others dismiss it as mere coincidence. Whatever the name, it never arrives with fanfare. It slips in quietly, changes the...
During the 1965 war, a helicopter carrying senior Indian officers mistakenly approached a Pakistani-occupied post, nearly landing there. The pilots, disoriented by a sandstorm, avoided landing and later landed at a friendly post. This near-capture incident highlighted the chaos of war.
Jaideep, a modern child, received a video game, contrasting the author's childhood, where games involved physical activity and self-made toys. The author describes simple joys like caring for animals and the excitement of discovery, highlighting how play has evolved with time.
A ferry capsized on the Sutlej in 1982, killing 24, mostly school children, due to an overloaded, unsafe boat. Negligence, lack of safety measures, and delayed rescue efforts contributed to the tragedy. The event highlighted systemic failures and the importance of prioritizing safety.
The author, an Indian Army officer, recounts his experiences with celebratory secularism during Navratras. He describes religious practices like fasting, animal sacrifice (bali), and shared prasad involving rum. He reflects on reviving the bali ritual after returning from a peacekeeping mission, and the diverse greetings he receives from ex-servicemen.
In 1990s Shimla, fog enveloped the town, fostering a unique culture. Jackets and umbrellas were integral to identity and childhood, symbols of shared memories and belonging. Though cars have altered the landscape, the essence of this walking culture remains, a cherished heritage.
DECADES ago, my working parents hired a boy named Lokender to take care of my youngest brother, who was then an infant. He came from the outskirts of our town and was barely an adolescent. Lean and soft-spoken, he carried...
A friend, swayed by a rising market, invested heavily, losing money and suffering severe stress-induced hypertension. His health improved when the market rebounded. The doctor advised him to prioritize inner peace over financial gains, leading to his recovery and acceptance of a step back from trading.
The author fondly recalls her time as an Army wife, highlighting the joys of camaraderie, frequent moves, and creating a welcoming home. The kitchen was central, memories of family and friends intertwined with cooking and shared meals. Cherished objects evoke laughter and love from that era.
A mute, stray dog, 'Silent,' was rescued. Despite its handicap, it was loving and protective. The dog fell ill, was treated with care, and eventually recovered. After five years, Silent silently disappeared, likely sensing its impending death, leaving a lasting impact.
Pakistan, emboldened after the 1962 war, launched an offensive in 1965, using superior Patton tanks. Despite this advantage, well-trained Indian Centurion crews prevailed due to the Centurion's survivability and the Pattons becoming bogged down, shattering the myth of Patton's invincibility.
The author reflects on aging, observing how his parents' nostalgia and conversations mirrored his own future. Their past in Pakistan, lost relatives, and buried treasures become his present. He now grapples with sleeplessness, reliving memories, and understands the cyclical nature of life and relationships.
THE recent deluge in Punjab reminded me of the time when my village faced the fury of floods almost two decades ago. Our house stood on the outskirts, surrounded by lush-green fields, and was considered one of the safest. But...
Sepoy Bhagirath deserted the Indian Army but later returned, was punished, and redeployed. During the 1965 war, he bravely laid cables under fire, aiding in the capture of the Ichhogil Canal, and was killed in action, transforming from a deserter to a martyr.
The narrator befriends 'Monk' at an ashram. After the narrator's phone is stolen, Monk, despite his own tragic loss of family, consoles him. The narrator realizes Monk's perspective on loss and gains a new appreciation for the value of things.
Floods devastated both sides of Punjab, blurring the border and causing immense suffering. Water, once a source of contention, became a destructive force, contaminated and unusable. Rescue efforts faced challenges, and the ecological impact was severe. The tragedy highlighted the shared plight and irony of the situation.
Married couples universally clash over temperature preferences, leading to thermostat battles. The author, preferring cooler temperatures than his wife, devises a plan to manipulate their AC. He hires a technician to adjust the display, only to discover his wife had made a similar request earlier in the summer.
Ancient philosophers valued leisure and balance alongside work. Modern life prioritizes busyness, but science shows benefits of downtime. The key is finding rhythm: effort and aspiration with repose and reflection. Embrace lightness by resting, laughing, and prioritizing balance.
The Bishnoi community in Mukam village practices strong environmental conservation based on 29 principles, including protecting animals and trees. They famously sacrificed lives to save trees and inspired the Chipko Movement. Their eco-centric lifestyle, even in death, demonstrates a deep respect for nature and a progressive approach to conservation.
A soldier dreamt he met a captivating executive named Nicole during a boring knowledge management lecture. He woke up to find he was asleep, having a vivid fantasy sparked by a yoga posture. The company and woman were figments of his imagination.
A pack of dogs won their case in 10 days, a sharp contrast to the slow pace of human trials in India. The author satirically highlights the irony, noting the disparity in judicial speed and suggesting that justice favors certain clients, while many humans languish in legal limbo.
The 1988 Punjab floods near the border forced villagers to seek refuge on a bundh alongside the author's troops. Despite immense hardship, the people showed resilience and the army provided aid. Villagers trusted the army for relief distribution, demonstrating their faith.