Amidst the ongoing cacophony of news and Deep Fake news, claims and counter claims, dissemination and dissembling, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between fake and genuine democracies. What makes a country a real democracy? Is it a “progressive and liberal” Constitution? An “independent” judiciary? A “fearless” press and media? An “elected” government? An […]
FAKE DEMOCRACIES AND REAL ONES Read More »
We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” [ The Book of Common Prayer] You are dust and unto dust you shall return.” [ Genesis] These quotations from the Bible, which have soothed generations of grieving relatives, are of little comfort in the age of global
Dust To Dust, Ashes To Ashes” Is No Longer Sustainable Read More »
The Parbati is the best known and biggest of the four GHNP rivers, meeting the Beas at Bhunter, just below Kullu. It is the only one that does not originate from a glacier- its womb is the huge, forbidding Mantalai lake at 14000 feet, at the foot of the Pin Parbat pass which divides the
CHAR DHAM OF THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK – THE PARBATI RIVER Read More »
Little seems to be known of the series of 10 programmes for Indian TV (presumably Doordarshan?) in 1970, titled “The Art of India“, presented by Nissim Ezekiel, which explored the history, aesthetics and significance of architecture, folk art, painting, sculpture, and textiles. Apparently, the series was well received by critics and the public, and it showcased Ezekiel’s erudition, eloquence and enthusiasm for the artistic
Animals have always featured prominently in Indian culture and mythology, and have added immensely to their richness and mystique. Garuda is the loyal friend of Vishnu, the peacock is the vehicle for Kartikeya, the lion is Durga mata’s fearless steed, the elegant swan is the vehicle of Brahma and Saraswati, the snake adorns Shiva’s neck
THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG Read More »
The P. Lal Papers at the British Library in London include letters from Nissim Ezekiel to P. Lal from 1963 to 1999,and discuss poetry, politics, culture, and personal matters. The John Press Archive at the University of Leeds in the UK has a collection of letters, discussing poetry, literature and personal matters, written by Nissim Ezekiel between1952 and 2004 to John Press, the British
Thanks to Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca for the information regarding the PDF of the interview between Toni Patel and Nissim Ezekiel. From another correspondent, we now have the following information: ‘Originally, the interview was published in the “Facts and News” newsletter published by the Theatre Development Centre at the NCPA (National Centre of the Performing Arts) in
A most interesting portrait of Nissim Ezekiel in the context of his work in the theatre appears in https://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/features/nissim_ezekiel.pdf Can anyone help to identify who owns the copyright in that interview now? Presumably the copyright belongs jointly to the Literary Estates of Nissim Ezekiel and of Toni Patel? But perhaps that was “work done for
A most interesting portrait of Nissim Ezekiel in the context of his work in the theatre Read More »
If you’ve been a keen observer of public discourse in India, as I have been for some years now, you are probably immune to the bizarre and outlandish statements made by the worthies holding public office. Like the Scowling Sherpa’s revelation that “there is too much democracy” in India, or a Minister in Davos claiming
STOOPING TO CONQUER OR FLATTERING TO DECEIVE? Read More »
Very few places in India now offer you the possibility of civilised discussion between different points of view – whether on social, religious, political, and ethical matters, or in relation to economics, business, sport, fashion, the arts, media, education, science, technology, or whatever else.
It is our ambition and desire to be one such place of civilised discussion. That is what we are working towards. That is why you will find divergent voices very welcome here.
Add your own voice, by engaging with the views here – by sending in comments, stories, jokes, questions, and so on. Though only with politeness and civility, please – and only within the values and framework of the Indian Constitution which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949. The most important of those values include Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Justice.
We look forward to hearing your view – whatever that is.
Meanwhile, enjoy the range of views here.
