We observed the auspicious Chaitra Navratri last week. What possibly could be the message that the festival of Navratri brings to us? For many of us, it’s a time for restraint and discipline, even penance. We give up several things that we usually like. We also follow during this period, a life style different fromContinue reading “Navratri: Lessons for life”
Author Archives: udaykumarvarma9834
When Banana Came to England
Bananas may have existed from eternity but to the so called civilised world, it was unknown, till on 10th of April, 1633, exactly 389 years to the day, a fruit bearing unusual size and shape was introduced to the people of England.The word ‘Banana’ may have many connotations-ranging from ‘going banana’ to ‘saying bananas’, toContinue reading “When Banana Came to England”
Beautiful Bridges # 5 – The Piéce de Resistance of Islamic Architecture
“the culminating monument of Persian bridge architecture and one of the most interesting bridges extant… where the whole has rhythm and dignity and combines in the happiest consistency, utility, beauty, and recreation” – Arthur Pope, Jean Chardin Looking like the commemorative façade of an oriental monument in its grand style and execution, the Khaju locatedContinue reading “Beautiful Bridges # 5 – The Piéce de Resistance of Islamic Architecture“
Beautiful Bridges # 4 – Poetry in Stone
“Ay, because the sea’s the street there; ‘tis arched by…what you call Shylock’s bridge with houses on it, where they kept the Carnival! I was never out of England-it’s as if I saw it all!” These lines from Robert Browning’s 1855 poem ‘A Tocatta of Gullapi’s’ speaks of none other than the Rialto bridge, muchContinue reading “Beautiful Bridges # 4 – Poetry in Stone“
Beautiful Bridges # 3 – A Bridge 350 Years in the Making
Built in the 1600s, Kintaikyō Bridge (popularly ‘Kintai’) in Iwakuni across the Nishiki river is arguably Japan’s most famous bridge. Its has five graceful arches set on four stone and two wooden pillars that languorously embellish the river’s 200-meter width as they span it majestically. But there is also a delicate tenderness in the structure, exudingContinue reading “Beautiful Bridges # 3 – A Bridge 350 Years in the Making”
Beautiful Bridges # 2: Living Roots
Man-made bridges inspire approval, admiration, approbation and appreciation; but what about bridges created by nature in its playful mood? Perhaps they inspire, awe and amaze even more because no engineering skill or creative talent can even remotely match them, let alone emulate them. Root bridges are formed when trees overhanging flowing streams join and intertwineContinue reading “Beautiful Bridges # 2: Living Roots“
The Mother of American Modernism
“It is only by selection, by elimination, and by emphasis that we get at the real meaning of things.” Georgia Totto O’Keeffe was one of the few painters to have earned, sustained, and enjoyed the attention and adulation of commoners and connoisseurs alike and remained celebrated both during and after their lifetime. Known for her paintingsContinue reading “The Mother of American Modernism“
Beautiful Bridges # 1 – The Queen
“Of all the things I can do On this earth I want to build A bridge From my heart to yours” – Alexandra Vasiliu Bridges symbolise connectivity. Over time, these passageways became an expression of architectural marvel and creative imagination, testament to impressive feats of human ingenuity and engineering, and a means of displaying beautifulContinue reading “Beautiful Bridges # 1 – The Queen“
Bridge to Happiness
BridgesConjoin and carry, relate and linkEnds that areSeparated by divide, gulf, driftMeeting the nothingnessWith purpose, alliance, and shift! In pursuit of happiness The hiatus is often hugeThe gap, abyss, riftSo seemingly unbridgeable.Standing at one edgeI constantly wonder! How does one understandThe nature of this chasm?What stands between meAnd the end beyond?What is that impediment, thatContinue reading “Bridge to Happiness”
A Bridge in Clouds
Have you ever seen a bridge?Floating, gliding, soaringAimlessly driftingOn a soft puffy bedIn colours brilliant and vibrantOf tender luminosity! I standOn this bridgeFloating and flyingIn the blissful nothingnessIn a beautiful voidLost to time and space! Am I thenA speck of a magnificent wholeFlowing with the tideOr, Am I the master ofA destiny and choiceBlessedly thatContinue reading “A Bridge in Clouds”
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