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Taking the Tolkien trail in Birmingham

India, April 16 -- What connection could Lord of the Rings possibly have with the industrial city of Birmingham? Turns out JRR Tolkien spent a part of his childhood in Britain's "second city", which g... Read More


The shared food heritage of Sinhalese and Indian festive menus

New Delhi, April 14 -- The astrological shift as the sun moves from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries marks a turning point-in time, seasons and food. In the Indian sub-continent, this celesti... Read More


Travel: Finding a sense of belonging in Haa Valley

New Delhi, April 1 -- As an eight-year-old, I recall having to convince another child I was playing with in Hubli, Karnataka, that I lived in Haa. Fiddlesticks and fairytales, he said, for there's no ... Read More


From Dishoom to Permit Room: How Indian food changed in the UK

New Delhi, March 31 -- Indian food is an integral part of London's dining scene. But, Dishoom turned the idea of chain restaurants serving Indian food on its head by opening upscale branches in decide... Read More


The secret behind the world's happiest countries

New Delhi, March 16 -- Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway. there has to be a reason Nordic countries consistently rank at the top of the list of the world's happiest countries. It's well documented that... Read More


Emily Dickinson at work at home

India, March 6 -- I found a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson quite early in life. A letter the reclusive author wrote at the age of 23, declining an invitation from a friend, revealed to me that it w... Read More


Travel: Unwinding with a cascade of hot stones in Bhutan

New Delhi, March 1 -- The wooden bath dominates the well-appointed room that looks over tall blue pine trees and colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Glowing river stones, slow-heated over a... Read More


The delicious doughy sweet treat of Denmark

New Delhi, Feb. 25 -- Denmark has a cake for every season - and reason - but no baked delight is awaited with as much anticipation as the indulgent Danish pastry made for Fastelavn. The fastelavnsbol... Read More


Travel: Finding mermaid tears on a Cornwall beach

New Delhi, Feb. 21 -- A blustery cold day calls for huddling in front of a fireplace with hot chocolate, but the rhythmic sound of the waves and the thought of "treasure hunting" lure me out of my com... Read More


Walking in Bridget Jones's footsteps

India, Feb. 14 -- "It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one part of your life starts going okay, another falls spectacularly to pieces." Bridget Jones stole hearts from the moment she mad... Read More