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“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” — Kahlil Gibran What can one write about a tree as common as the Indian Rubber Tree? That it is an ornamental tree and rated high for its richness of foliage and luxuriance is common knowledge. It is beautiful and big, but it is banyanContinue reading “The Indian Rubber Tree”

Brain Fever Bird v. Koel The Challenger Sitting in the open veranda of the colonial residence of my son, I regard and relish a serenity and divinity never felt before. The sprawling campus, covered with thick canopy of tall shady trees and home to scores of bird varieties offer a celestial and soul nurturing peaceContinue reading “A Divine Duet”

(As the dawn breaks on an early Monsoon morning, a Brain Fever Bird erupts in a passionate call rhythmically producing sweet notes, rising to a  crescendo. Soon, it is joined by the more melodious call of its cousin, the Koel. The duet of these enchanting but rival musicians lasts for a long time regaling me withContinue reading “The Divine Duet”

The recent judgment on affirmative action in US colleges have had reverberations in India as well. In India, reservations in jobs, admissions, and other opportunities in career and education can be generally referred to as affirmative action, although their legal basis and invincibility differ significantly. Unlike the US, reservations in India are largely immune fromContinue reading “Race Consciousness in US Colleges-Winds of Change-Part III”

Winds of Change Part II Inadvertently though, the affirmative action had produced a culture of racial gamification by encouraging black and Hispanic  students and their parents to think about the ways race could boost or complicate their chances of admission. It thus became a game aimed at cornering the benefits of race preference. Such a situation was intrinsically counterproductive,Continue reading “Race Consciousness in College Admissions in US”

Affirmative Action in College Admissions in US Winds of Change Part I The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” –John Roberts, Chief Justice, US Supreme Court On 29th June, 2023 the Supreme Court of US struck down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring thatContinue reading

( Standing on an elevated parapet and looking at the mesmerising expanse of water of Tawa reservoir was an exquisite experience. The sights and sounds were feast to the senses and mana to the soul) In an ethereal realm, transcending time, Where serenity blooms, ineffable, divine, A tranquillity unmatched, beyond compare, Envelops my weary mindContinue reading “A Day on The Tawa”

The Indian Grey Hornbill Part II The one aspect of my life that I deem comparable, if not superior, to any other living being on earth including humans, is the way I raise my family. There is a lot that is on offer in my life, for learning and assimilating from me and my female,Continue reading “A Warm heart in An Ungainly Body”

The Indian Grey Hornbill If there are no hornbills there will be no cedars, And so many-other-trees,And may be no man! For, it is for them that it rains still in the forests, in spite of man Who keeps cutting treesand hunting all that he fancies! I may be denigrated as a bird that possessContinue reading “A Warm Heart in An Ungainly Body”

(The first rain is in many ways like first love. Pure, innocent, spontaneous, unrestrained, defying cessation, or interruption. While the passion it ignites is unmatched, the memories endure for ever, always enkindling a tender serenity and a sweet nostalgia.) The first rain, a memory carved deep,Echoing through time, where memories sleep,Its fragrance lingers in theContinue reading “The First Rain”