The Middle

Army horses and mules served for 18-20 years, with exceptional individuals exceeding that. Zorawar provided black horseshoes, Jagatmata nurtured orphan foals, and ‘engine’ mares led young horses. Pedongi set a record, and Bholu, a trick-performing mule, entertained with dramatic 'death' scenes.

BACK in 1994, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, then PM’s Scientific Adviser and the DRDO Secretary, visited Army War College, Mhow. His interactive session was meant for senior officers of the three services who were attending the combined operational review evaluation...

In 1979 Hoshiarpur, a young boy secretly delivered rented novels for his sister, earning small change. This 'quick commerce' involved dodging his father's disapproval and fueled his love for reading Hindi comics. He later realized it was early entrepreneurial experience.

THE gentleman at the grocery shop wasn’t buying ketchup so much as making a foreign policy statement. “Ae kitthe di hai?” he asked, pointing at a bottle of Heinz. “Kinne di hai?” the shopkeeper replied helpfully. “No, no,” came the...

WHEN I was in my teens, I carried the first stirrings of a fear of stray dogs. Their staccato barks and unyielding gaze used to unnerve me. I would alter my route home if it meant avoiding a stretch of...

THE other day, a new word, ‘vexillology’, captured my attention. “Has it something to do with ‘vexing’ people?” I mused. No, said the online dictionary. Vexillology is the study of flags, their evolution and the relationships between symbols, identity and...

A street vendor in Chandigarh shared a story about a one-legged stranger who helped him. Stranded in the rain, the vendor received aid from a man with one leg, a small act of kindness that the vendor considered a miracle, proving that help can come in unexpected forms.

A principal reflects on an encounter with parents who wanted their son's newspaper subscription canceled because he made paper airplanes. The parents, especially the teacher mother, disapproved of such childish behavior, highlighting the pressure on children to meet adult expectations and the loss of simple joys. The principal, however, cherishes childhood and vows to protect it.

The narrator unexpectedly reunited with his long-lost friend, Humraaz, at a market. Humraaz revealed he found freedom by deleting unwanted contacts after quitting his corporate job. He described deleting numbers as removing burdens, achieving a sweeter silence. The narrator envied his liberation.

Raksha Bandhan has shifted from a bond of faith to a commercialized, formal event. Originally rooted in care and protection, the festival now emphasizes gifts and social media, potentially overshadowing the true meaning: mutual support and presence in each other's lives.

The author observes daily ironies: slick advertisements promoting cleanliness, beauty, and wellness juxtaposed with rampant pollution, poverty, and decay in the city. These contrasts highlight the city's deceptive facade, where truth is obscured by superficial promises.

In the 1980s, the author observed Adis in Arunachal Pradesh practicing Donyi-Polo. Later, during 2004-06, he witnessed socio-economic changes, including the spread of Christianity. He saw a shift in religious practices, exemplified by abandoned nature worship hall.

As Public Grievance Officer, the author assisted a farmer, Harnek Singh, whose irrigation time was reduced. After listening empathetically, the author explained the situation, adhering to regulations. The farmer's main need was to be heard, which brought relief.

A student interviewed India's former Foreign Secretary, Maharaja Krishna Rasgotra, a century-old diplomat. The meeting, filled with anecdotes and insights, covered his work with Nehru and humorous experiences with international figures like Henry Kissinger, offering a masterclass in diplomacy.

A teacher of Urdu and Persian faces various excuses from students for poor performance, including poverty, illness, family deaths, and threats of self-harm. Some students even attempt bribery. While the teacher avoids failing students, creative excuses and demands for specific grades are common.

The author fondly remembers childhood love for jamun fruit, especially during summer. They and friends would gather jamun from various backyards, relishing the taste. A retired officer allowed access to his tree under certain conditions, creating a memorable experience.

The MiG-21, a 60-year-old aircraft, is retiring from service in India. Despite its age and nickname as a 'flying coffin,' it remained operational due to the dedication of engineers and the pilots who flew it. The author salutes the maintenance crews, pilots, and the aircraft itself.

Observing people at the mall, the narrator notes pervasive digital distraction, contrasting it with the genuine connection of laughing youths. Outside, technology permeates the streets. In a quiet lane, elderly artisans find solace in crafting traditional art, emphasizing human connection.

A couple lost their passports in Paris, devastated by theft. They filed a police report, secured temporary lodging, and received help from their host, Tom, to obtain replacement documents. Despite the initial setback, they enjoyed an extended Parisian stay, viewing it as a blessing.

In remote Seegur, lacking basic amenities, a bank employee faced challenges. The branch was infested with snakes, thankfully revered by villagers but preyed upon by peacocks and vehicles. Cobras sought warmth near the generator and firewood piles. The sweeper often removed snakes and scorpions from the building.

The author's daughter failed a medical exam, prompting a pilgrimage to Sri Hazur Sahib. Despite travel setbacks, the author met a helpful couple, delaying departure. Eventually, the author stayed longer, sensing divine intervention and learning the importance of faith and surrender.

In 2023, residing at a Chandigarh senior home, the author remembered meeting Lt Gen Jacob in 2001. While supervising a visit for the Punjab Governor's fishing trip at Pong Dam, the author expressed concern about his daughter's living situation. Shortly after, the author was unexpectedly transferred back to Chandigarh.

The author, a former Army Major, recalls using a Royal Enfield Bullet as a ropeway to transport supplies and personnel after a landslide in North Sikkim in 1996. The innovation, crucial for military and civilian aid, earned him recognition and fostered solidarity. The author connects this memory to a current experience.

Pens, once symbols of learning and identity, are fading due to technology's rise. The author recalls a 'Penwala' who embodied the era of handwriting. While acknowledging the convenience of technology, the author values the discipline and reflection pens fostered, advocating for their continued use for meaningful expression.

A neighborhood night watchman silently protected residents, receiving minimal appreciation. While diligently performing his duties despite non-payment and criticism, he faced indifference. The loudest critics often contributed the least. True humanity is shown by treating those who serve us with respect.