Why is everyone complaining about potholes during the monsoons? Potholes are good and we need to appreciate the government for allowing us to keep them for such long periods of time. Come with me to a dinner party; what do you think everybody’s talking about? Potholes of course. There was…
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.
Never Wait Till the Last Moment..!
“Root canal job, and looks serious!” said the dentist as he peered into my mouth “Is it going to be expensive?” I asked. “This could take a few visits,” said the doctor as I saw my bank balance sliding purposefully into his lab coat pocket. “Shall we start today?” he…
Trolls from the Woodwork..!
‘Kohli slams spineless trolls targeting Shami’ 31st Oct, New Indian Express The trolls of today are like worms from the woodwork! They roam the face of websites, whatsapp groups and have a huge online presence! In the good ole days, when one read or heard fairytales on one’s mother’s lap,…
Open Up and Question..!
It was a beautiful hardbound book and the man was smiling as he gave the book to me, “Your personal copy!” he said and I felt the cover. “You’ve spent a lot of money on it?” I asked. “The trust did!” he said. I opened the book and read the…
Clothed Yet Naked..!
Very often we lead double lives, one for people to see and another we think is known only to ourselves. We are the most pious in church or temple, but cheat in business or office or school, and think people don’t know what hypocrites we are. But we may be…
Don’t Feel the Sand in Your Shoes ..!
As I walked this morning I felt sand. I frowned, then grinned, as I remembered a very rich man I’d once interviewed, “Didn’t you have your share of headaches and problems as you made your millions?” I asked him. “Yes, but one day I stopped worrying about them!” “How?” “Well,”…
Ta-ta to Bedbugs in Business Class..!
Even as I’m thrilled that Tata’s has bought Air-India, I remember the service I received on the few occasions I flew business class, “Yes sir! Please sir! What can I do for you sir!” “Will you have lobster for lunch sir, or caviar sir?” “Some champagne to go with your…
From A New York Window..!
God willing, Christmas will be with my daughter in New York, which brings back memories of spending many mornings peering out of her Manhattan window. I remember my thoughts, the last time: Armed with a hot cup of coffee and inherent curiosity I love spending time, looking out of my…
The Strong Arm of Peace..!
China has been warning world leaders and politicians against meeting the Dalai Lama, saying it would be perceived as a ‘major offence’! I smile every time I hear this: I’d seen the Dalai Lama many years ago; a man whose very personality exuded such peace and tranquility, one came away…
He Fell and Found A Name..!
He fell! The pavement had been unkind to him, he hadn’t seen the sharp stone sticking out, uneven, arrogant, catching his worn out, treadles soles and throwing him forward with a lurch. He lay quietly on the ground, waiting for arms he knew would come to help him up, but…
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.