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A Poet whose lines linger and last

William Wordsworth died this day the April 23, in 1850 having lived a full and glorious life of over 80 years. He was one of the most celebrated English poets, who together with fellow poet Samuel Coleridge, led the romantic movement in English poetry. Together they wrote ‘Lyrical Ballads’ in 1798 which is even todayContinue reading “A Poet whose lines linger and last”

St. Peter’s Basilica, Lucrezia Borgia; and Leonardo da Vinci

The world’s largest Church and arguably the most consecrated, beautiful and ornate is St. Peter’s Basilica located in Vatican City. It symbolizes the grandeur, the tradition and the following of the most populous faith in the world – Christianity.On this date, the 18th April, 516 years ago, the corner stone was laid of this opulent,Continue reading “St. Peter’s Basilica, Lucrezia Borgia; and Leonardo da Vinci”

The Renaissance ManA Polymath Extra- Ordinaire

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest geniuses the world has ever produced was born today the 15 April 1452. Born out of wedlock and without any formal education, he started late in his life. Among other odd things about him was that he was a vegetarian and was left handed. That he was aContinue reading “The Renaissance ManA Polymath Extra- Ordinaire”

Navratri: Lessons for life

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”

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“