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Why we must learn to laugh at ourselves again

India, April 18 -- Once upon a time, we laughed without offence or guilt. We laughed at power, at politics, at bureaucracy, and most of all, at ourselves. It was a laughter steeped not in mockery but ... Read More


The fragile line between healer and healed

India, April 10 -- Some voices stay with us for a lifetime. For me, one of them is the voice of a doctor saying, "We couldn't save him" referring to my father. It came without fanfare, without softnes... Read More


Men, menopause and the great silence

India, April 2 -- Somewhere in the grand script of human relationships, an entire chapter has been written in whispers, behind closed doors, between women who nod in knowing silence. It is a chapter t... Read More


A small inconvenience for a safer, better world

India, March 27 -- The late-night flight from Dubai to Chennai landed smoothly. My mind was full of expectations about a large family gathering at a wedding the next day. As I walked out after immigra... Read More


Gathered by love, glued by familial bonds

India, March 19 -- I had been a footloose solo traveller until health issues bogged me down and kept me cloistered in my home for nearly two years. In that period, I had nearly lost the innate verve t... Read More


Navigating coercion and gaslighting

India, March 12 -- I am writing this column on a Friday. Exactly a week ago, around this time, a slanging match took place in the Oval Office in full view of the media. As people all over watched the ... Read More


When yesterday's children return as tomorrow's hope

India, March 6 -- The rise in youth crime in Kerala is a stark reminder of the challenges this generation faces. Where did we go wrong, and how can we build resilience alongside success? Time flies. ... Read More


Caught in the middle: The great generational balancing act

India, Feb. 26 -- Remember when we trembled at the sound of our father clearing his throat? When "because I said so" was an unassailable argument, and questioning authority was as foreign as the smart... Read More


Faith's double-edged sword: Reflections on the Mahakumbh

India, Feb. 20 -- In the predawn darkness, millions of pilgrims converge at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, their faith burning brighter than the stars above. The Mahakumbh, humanity's largest ga... Read More


The comfort of relationships that need no validation

India, Feb. 12 -- This is a sequel to my column of last week, wherein I underlined the need for us to stay in touch with people to build a robust circle of love, care, and compassion around us. The ar... Read More