Tag Archives: India

Thodi Si Unlearned Happiness

Perspective

It was either Technical Drawing or Home Economics. I chose Technical Drawing and like most things in high school, I sucked at it. My lines were wobbly, my text never straight and my circles despite the sharp Staedtler compass set never perfect.

When we were past drawing squares and circles, we came to a unit called Perspective Drawings. And for the life of me then, I could never understand why the heck they made us draw the same bloody thing like 3 times. In an isometric view then in a 2-point dimension and then Continue reading →

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An Indian Heritage

I Wish Modi Hadn’t Come To Fiji

Change is inevitable and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s whirlwind stopover yesterday signs for a change of things to come in Fiji. Actually more of an ultimatum. For us to either leap forward and catch up with the global race or be forever left behind. And we Fijians don’t handle changes or ultimatums too well. We had just started coming to terms with our new national identity. We almost had made peace with the 2014 election results. We nearly had it all buried away… Continue reading →

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An Indian Heritage

Indian TV Serials Made Me More Social!

There was a time when admitting to watching Indian soap operas was the biggest faux pas one could make. Especially in middle school. Even if you were desi. Hindi TV series were for fobs (Well in my school, it was us urban kids vs. the rural). The cool kids watched Parker Lewis Can’t Lose and pretended they knew all what went on Baywatch. Anything Bollywood or Indian TV was disdainfully shunned and forever banished to the uncool planet were those who ever dared to broach into the land of Continue reading →

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An Indian Heritage

Things Desi Parents Don’t Talk About

The distinctive desi get-togethers. No matter how causal the dinner invite, nothing is ever causal about the whole affair. The hostess’ best china and crystal ware are brought out for what will be an extravagant banquet accompanied by the same or even better whiskey to what was served at the Singhs last month. Lighter drinks for the ‘ladies’ such as wine or vodka will also be served if one preferred. And no matter how insistent the hostess’ would be while inviting that it’s ‘just a small get-together’, everybody decks up in the latest banarasi silks and diamond drops (mind you, a branded western outfit is just as acceptable these days). And amidst this lavish setting to compliment the fine food and free-flowing perfectly-aged alcohol, only the creamiest of conversations are exchanged. “Business is going verrrrry good.” “My husband bought me this fabulous sapphire set last week.” “We just came back from Sydney yesterday.” Till inevitably the conversations turn towards their children who are missing from the party.
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An Indian Heritage

Nine Colors and Lessons of Navratri

Maha Navratri is a 9-day Hindu festival which is widely and exuberantly celebrated throughout India and wherever you will find the Indian diaspora settled throughout the globe. The celebrations and rituals differ depending on the region you are from however they all pay homage to the divine Shakti, goddess Durga and her nine forms (avatars) of power. Out of the many (and I mean many) Hindu festivals in a year, Navratri is one of the few where I actually don’t mind going vegetarian for a while and giving up alcohol and some other vices. Continue reading →

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Thodi Si Unlearned Happiness

Did I help Kill Chivalry?

I recall a date during my university years. We decided to have coffee in the cafe downstairs. As we approached the escalators, the guy gallantly swept aside and said “after you…” I must have given him the right measure of a glare because he scuttled right ahead. That should have been enough but nope I also gave him one of my ‘talks’ while we had coffee. Needless to say but we didn’t have more dates. I practically grew up on construction sites and for the last 12 years Continue reading →

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