The Nouveau rich

Just like the mother there is usually another omnipresent being in an Indian home.  However, unlike a mother her presence becomes apparent only because her absence is the subject of periodic agitated deliberation.  “Ungrateful.  Irresponsible.  No consideration for others.  Habitual liar.  She always does this especially when she knows there will be guests in the …

Measure of success

We all wish to be successful.  How do we define success?  Is it determined by the wealth one accumulates, public recognition or popularity achieved, hierarchical status within the workplace, stature in a religious organization, a “feel good” sense of accomplishment through charitable efforts, or, is it a combination of all these and other factors?  Do …

Son et lumière

Son et lumière was a novel concept when first introduced in 1965 at the historic Lal Quila (literally, Red Fort) in Delhi; it was promoted as “the cultural event of the year.”  Just as the name suggests, spectacular Sound and Light effects were used to highlight two hundred or so years of the Red Fort …

Let me in

A few weeks ago, our one-and-a-half years old grandson recovered from the usual cough and cold afflicting most people this season, before returning to his daycare that he loves.  On this morning however, as his father prepared to drop him off young R bawled his eyes out and refused to go in.  The reason became …