Today, on India’s Republic Day, I am proud to be a citizen of the world’s largest democracy: Of a land that has a written constitution which is the longest in the world; 397 articles, 12 schedules. There are many times, when with the rest of the nation, I weep for…
A Glass of Draught Beer..!
I must confess I do enjoy occasionally a glass of draught beer straight from the tap! But last year for quite some time had to refrain from touching it, because a tooth was shaking and whenever I sipped the golden liquid I had to deal with excruciating pain caused by…
Lord, It’s An Unknown Number..!
And in my mind’s eye, I picture scores of angels, running to Jesus with cellphones in their hands, “Lord!” says an old angel, impatience clearly in his voice, “Shall I tell her you’re busy, talking to a million and more?” “Who’s it?” asks the Lord, even as He continues conversing…
An Inappropriate Attire..!
And as Republic Day approaches, I remember a few years ago, when I wore a black kurta and black pants and went for a flag hoisting. “Smart!” said my daughter. “Inappropriate!” said a man wearing a white kurta, with a black jacket, who was greeting everybody with a lot of…
The White House’s Coloured Joy..!
It was a spectacular swearing in of the 46th President of the USA. I had tears of joy as I saw a country swinging back on course, from a period of crass racism brought on by a mad man, using religion, colour and culture to divide a nation. Yes, the…
A Sheet of White Paper..!
What are your thoughts when you see a sheet of white paper staring blankly at you? For me, it yells opportunity, but to many it could spell terror, especially when they know they have to write against a deadline. I thought it would be a good topic to spend a…
A Gift Called Love..!
They sat together on the rocks and watched the waves come in. She felt his arms around her and she felt safe and secure. “Thank you, God,” she whispered, “for giving me somebody who loves me so much and who I love so very much” she heard the sound of…
Holiness in the Ordinary..!
It’s so easy to be filled with thoughts of holiness while reading the holy scriptures, hearing a good preacher or reminiscing on God while alone. We ponder on such soul lifting ideals and feel elated with a sense of the divine. And then suddenly such thoughts are interrupted by someone…
Last to Have the Jab..!
Even as international leaders, take the first vaccine jab, to show their countrymen not to be afraid, I wondered why our leaders haven’t bared their political arms as yet. “It is the kindheartedness of our leaders that prevents them from taking the vaccine first,” said a reporter as he sat…
Run it by the Book..!
Later this month on Republic Day, we will celebrate the acceptance of the Constitution of India by the people over seventy years ago. It is because of this constitution that no majority can bully a minority, no one religion can be thrust on another, and that citizens have different freedoms!…
Robert Clements is a newspaper columnist and writes a daily column, which has graced the pages of over 60 newspapers and magazines, from a daily column in the Khaleej Times, Dubai, the Morning Star, London, and in nearly every state in India, from The Statesman in Kolkata, to the Kashmir Times in Kashmir to the Trinity Mirror in Chennai.