kasmenon

THE MAID OF THE MIST It was a perfect summer day in Toronto with the sun trying its best to push the temperature beyond the late teens . We had driven the route from there to Niagara in quick time and soon I was walking down the ayle( my son decided to keep off, having lived there for some time) leading to a landing area where I was to board a motor boat. I was taking in the sound of the falls , my gaze transfixed at the far end, where the great Canadian end of the falls was visible. Then, all of a sudden, I felt I was in another world, the one where I came from. Panic struck as I heard familiar sounds all around me. There I was, a second back, looking at and immersing myself into the magnificent journey of the river Niagara, and to my horror now , felt I was in Ahmedabad! Of all places! They descended with all their exuberance and chatter, attired in trousers and tops, with a few hats too thrown in for form, bottoming out in the Nikes and Adidas. All of them, men and women, in the...

BOMBAY WALTZ WITH THE RAIN-A LOVE STORY The Bombay monsoon kept its tryst this year on time. Yes, I still prefer to call the city by that name! The romantic passionate embrace lady Rain   has with the city has mesmerized all those who has approvingly watched as both waltzes through the three months. As the two dance hand in hand, edge to edge of BMC's roads and bridges and as the bridges give way and the trains try to run without tracks, or so it seems, the pavement living toddler squeezes her eyes as the rain trickles down her lovely distraught cheeks, the office goer gobbles’ a warm but getting wet wada pav, the rain and the city nonchalantly and unabashedly gets lost in their eternal love.  Beginning from early June and with the ever so lovely fragrance that emanate when rain meets the earth, the rendezvous lasts for days on end. The sky most often than not remains gravel grey. The ever so few trees too sing a song. The shrubs that grow on footpaths and roads which...

INDIAN HISTORY : WILL IT END UP AS A TRAGEDY Government To Rewrite IndIa's History: News Report. Historical research is a commendable activity and must be done. All governments representing people of great civilizations spend considerable time and other resources in understanding thier past . Indian history is unique. There has been a astounding lack of written material of any of the times prior to 1900 BC or so. A period spanning over 6000 years or more. This is unlike all  the great civilizations of the world which was fortunate to have had written material and more definitive archaeological evidences . Our civilization, the oldest and in some areas more advanced , had to be researched and studied only through few archaeological evidences , reports from Chinese travelers often commissioned by domestic rulers to spread their fame , Greek ,Persian invaders , totally unreliable hymns and poems of the vedas and the far too many versions of the epics. The Vedas are a collection o...

JUSTICE DELAYED, DENIED AND COMPROMISED Serious allegations has been made about the CJI. Credibility of the entire judicial system has been destroyed. It is a very grave situation as the judiciary is our last resort, particularly during times when we are unsure of our political and administrative class and their agenda, in ensuring rule of law, liberty and fundamental rights. Firstly, the situation must have reached such a pass, a state of no easy remedies, that the esteemed learned Judges felt that they have no option but to go public. It looks like a case of an extreme situation had asked for an extreme remedy. On the other hand even if their intensions are not above board( this is unlikely as they are men of integrity) the rot is still evident. The allegations are specific. Highly sensitive cases before the SC has been reassigned by the CJI to other/junior judges. Implications are very grave. In many such instances the cases have had outcomes that may not look like jus...

The Savoir-Faire challenges Its been a while now since I blogged. I guess, none felt my absence. This fact helped me in repeatedly postponing the activation of what is left of my grey cells. Believe me, it   is essential for writing any stuff that has a remote chance of being read. At least that is so in my case.  To do justice to my lazy self, I must admit, allow me to provide a few alibis. A vital phase in my existence was concluded and that set off consequences and events which clearly matched the frenzied existence I have had so far.  A fitting finale, if you will!  I had decided to retire. This meant I had to also close down my house in aamchi Mumbai. Pack up, lock stock, telescope and barrel. Shift base to Hyderabad, assuming that I will be welcomed home by my good wife and daughter. Taking risks was not unknown to me.  This decision of mine, taken for very compelling reasons, nevertheless was judged by everyone known to me wit...

Have been swirling through the experiences of moving over from one phase of life into an unknown world of another phase, hastened by circumstances that left no option, for over couple of months. It would have been fascinating to actually pen down these experiences along the way , if not for others but for my own introspection, but one does not easily fathom ones feelings, well enough ,to articulate them meaningfully. So I have let that pass, hoping to do that another day. I have avoided commenting on anything political, generally, but am an incorrigible, though passive , activist at heart. So occasionally I transgress.  You may skip this if this is not your cup of green tea. I came across a commentary by Fareed Zakaria , the CNN host and Washington Post columnist quoting Ronald Reagan that  most of all our ills is due to Government.  While challenges of the seventies, when Reagan must have made this observation, are entirely different and possibly less daunting fro...

 ‌This is a real incident but from a one year olds perspective. Check : kasmenon@ blogspot.com CHOTU'S DIARY. ‌I was just about completing the devouring of  the game thing dad got me yesterday. The last part needed the help of my only tooth and after a short battle it gave in. The game thing part i mean.  That was when i was woken up from my sleep rather abruptly .Those were soft hand though, the touch of which makes me feel absolutely delighted. ‌As I opened my eyes and was in the process of executing my protest with mouth open, eyes releasing drops of water and the throat readying for what mummy calls crying, i  held back as i found myself staring at the beautiful lady all dressed up, whose touch i spoke off and who i was introduced to first , upon my arrival to this strange place. My mommy. ‌What struck me was not her beauty but that she was dressed up fine and elegant. That means one thing. I get to get out of restricted area whiçh they call home ànd explor...