An enigmaSuch is the charisma of the man, who continues to remain a charmer and also an enigma even 26 years after his death. Perhaps, no politician remains relevant in politics and public life after so many years of death but NTR defies that logic as his name continues to raise passions. … [Read more...] about New book on NTR dubs him as first proponent of Congress Mukth Bharat
New book
‘Himalayan Challenge: India, China and the Quest for Peace’ review: The search for a new modus vivendi with China
Swamy argues that “pragmatism” should dictate how India approaches a boundary settlement, and he makes a case for why pursuing a settlement that sees both sides find a “mutually convenient and maintainable border” is in India’s long-term interests. Only a settled border, he says, will enable India to pursue its more important long-term goal which, in his view, is “globally being a part of the triumvirate” with the U.S. and China. … [Read more...] about ‘Himalayan Challenge: India, China and the Quest for Peace’ review: The search for a new modus vivendi with China
The kitchen’s calling: Rahul Verma reviews ‘Desi Delicacies: Food Writing from Muslim South Asia’
The Hairy Curry by Asiya Zahoor does have a twist in the end. The story is about young Gulla, a Kashmiri boy who has moved to Srinagar and is working in Bibiji’s kitchen. The description of a lotus-stem dish is invigorating. “The velvety white curry was first to touch his palate. The softness and tangy taste was a delight. Each of the spices had given their essence fully to the curry. Its starchy texture, carrying the spices that complemented each other, was delectable. The lotus stems were cooked properly yet retained a certain crunchiness.” … [Read more...] about The kitchen’s calling: Rahul Verma reviews ‘Desi Delicacies: Food Writing from Muslim South Asia’
‘America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy’ review: America’s role in the world
In 1861, during domestic debates on slavery, there was friction between Spain and the Dominicans. When Secretary of State William Henry Seward wanted to engage, Abraham Lincoln told him a story. A preacher warns his parishioner about two roads before him: one which goes “straight to hell”, and the other which goes “right to damnation”. The poor man replies that in that case, “I shall go through the woods.” Lincoln told Seward that with a domestic crisis on their hands, this was not the time for them to take on further challenges. Rather, they would “take to the woods” and stay neutral. … [Read more...] about ‘America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy’ review: America’s role in the world
‘The Other Side of the Divide’ review: Across the great divide
Historian Ayesha Jalal shared stories about Kashmir and her grand uncle Manto; Ramesh Singh Arora, the first provincial Sikh lawmaker, told him “there are still things that unite rather than divide us.” Khatlani was also in Lahore on a personal quest — he wanted to see what remained of his grandfather’s memories of the city of “high culture”. Though Anarkali Bazaar is now “a pale shadow of itself”, the bakery of S. Mokham-ud-din and Sons — famous for its Finger Stick Biscuits, inspired by the beautiful fingers of Mayo School for Arts Teacher Lady Harrison as the story goes — has stood the test of time. More such narratives are required to bridge the great divide in the subcontinent. … [Read more...] about ‘The Other Side of the Divide’ review: Across the great divide
