“Hi!” “Hi!” I offered back in return as the stranger with a beard longer than mine, and much whiter, looked at me with kindly eyes as we sat on a bench in the park, “What do you do with your old toothbrushes?” he asked. “I throw them away!” “Don’t,” said…
Robert Clements is a journalist and newspaper columnist. With an estimated 6 million readership, his column, Bob’s Banter is published in over 30 newspapers and magazines in nearly every state in India, as well as in the top newspapers of Bangladesh, London and Dubai and is also translated into Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
A Bridge Across The River..!
How well I remember this bridge being built, because the British made bridge next to it was too narrow. Today’s paper said, it was beginning to fall off and needed extensive repairs, and I think of the many bridges, flyovers, roads and government buildings all over the country that have…
Falling in the Bathroom..!
I still remember that day, I slipped and fell in the bathroom. My feet shot into the air and I fell with a thud on my back. I gingerly opened eyes and found that except for a slightly bruised elbow, I was none the worse for wear. I cautiously glanced…
Shooters Academy…!
My neighbor, who saw me leaving for America, and knows I have the former US President’s ear, called out to me from his window, “You think you can talk to Trump, Bob?” “What’s it about this time?” I asked wearily. “American universities don’t have my daughter’s course anymore!” he said,…
It’s Only a Pimple..!
As a teenager, I quite often faced pimples, and sometimes a single pimple sprouting out of my face could wreck my confidence, my evening and even make me lose a date! I remember an ad that used to come out, “If pimples are your problem, use Clearasil!” Tons of the…
Two Fried Eggs, But Not Satisfied..!
Was enjoying my coffee on my terrace garden one morning, watching friendly squirrels and birds pecking at pieces of bread I’d thrown for them, then slowly began to feel restless, even as I was enjoying the most peaceful moments of my day. I pondered on this and realized that this…
When Death Strikes..!
One of the saddest sights I’ve seen is when a loved one is carried out of his or her home, dead, cold and lifeless. Tears flow and sobs rack the air as the body is placed in coffin or funeral bier and taken to crematorium or cemetery. Death is inevitable…
Prioritize Your Work..!
I have a friend – let’s call him Ajay – who a few months back promised himself he’d finish one book a week. Before long he realized he was too busy for this. He works 50 hours a week, is lovingly married, and has two adorable dogs to walk every…
Congratulations Madam President..!
“Congratulations ma’am!” “Thank you! Are you congratulating me for soon becoming the first tribal president?” “No ma’am!” “The second woman president?” “No ma’am!” “Then why are you congratulating me?” “For someone who can be remembered for ever in Indian history, at a time when children can’t recall who was president,…
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.