New to Canada in March 1996, we were unsure of just about everything. Among others, two very special couples helped to familiarize us with life in this country. These four wonderful souls made us feel welcome here. Suspending pre-judgment and accepting us for who we were, they patiently offered advise and guidance every step of …
Thankfully yours
India, invaded by various races – Mongols, Afghans, Turks, Iranians and the British – to name a few, was always able to absorb and enrich not just itself but also the occupying forces over the centuries through an assimilation of each others cultures, cuisines, languages and customs. For instance, the profound influence of Persian poet …
Summer fun
Summer is drawing to a close and so is my favorite seasonal fruit – the mango. While the Mexican mangoes or those sourced from other countries can be picked from most supermarkets’ shelves, the exquisite varieties of seasonal Indian and Pakistani mangoes have now practically disappeared from the local ethnic grocery stores. My readers from …
"Independent" minds
The legendary philosopher-poet Mirza Ghalib was disheartened by the sad plight of his beloved “Dilli” (Delhi) as it slowly disintegrated during the last days of the Mughal empire, expedited by the ascendant power of the East India Company. His verse and letters to friends from this period reflect his angst and pain arising from the cavalier …
