It began with religion, right?Now it’s language.And if you’re listening carefully, you’ll hear not just the shouting on the streets, but a strange silence in the corridors of the old guard—the ones who first taught this nation how to divide. Because this new wave? This isn’t their doing. It’s the…
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.
The Retired Chief Justice and Mercy..!
Ah, how the mighty are judged! Just a few months ago, the then Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, was The Law. His name, attached to landmark verdicts. But now? He stands accused—of overstaying in his official bungalow. Six months past retirement and the judge who once directed others to…
Shout From the Mountaintop, Sir..!
At the BRICS Summit in Rio, our Prime Minister stood tall, chest puffed and chin high, thundered, “The Global South is not being heard!” Bravo, Sir! Bravo! Clap! Clap! Clap! I almost stood up and did a little bhangra right in front of my laptop. But then I paused. You…
Lifter of My Head..!
Have you ever watched someone walking with their head down? No, not the type who’s searching for coins or chasing ants — but one who carries the terrible weight of shame, fear, or plain old defeat. Shoulders slumped, eyes glued to the pavement, and a gait that says, “Don’t talk…
Excellence Versus Excuses..!
A few years ago, I found myself in South Korea, seated in a grand concert hall at a world choir competition. Choirs had flown in from everywhere: Ireland, with its haunting Celtic harmonies; England, bringing in its stiff-upper-lip baritones; the Philippines, with voices that could make angels jealous and the…
Nobody Believes Us Anymore..!
I sit thousands of miles away from home, flipping through international newspapers and watching foreign news channels, and a growing discomfort gnaws at me — a quiet but unmistakable realization: nobody believes us anymore. Yes, I do believe Operation Sindoor was necessary. I believe it was executed with precision and…
Burying a Religious Symbol…!
So, there I was, casually scrolling through my social media feed—dodging the usual political fireworks, a dozen “inspirational” reels from people who clearly need inspiration themselves—when I stumbled upon a gem: a video of a man burying an open Bible at the entrance of his home. Yes, burying. Like treasure….
The Real Double-Engine..!
Been having a delightful time with the twins here in New York, — the dynamic duo that belong to my daughter. Two little powerhouses of energy, mischief, and occasionally, darling saints. They’ve dragged me through the parks of Manhattan like I was some reluctant reindeer in Santa’s sleigh. They’ve made…
Losing a Friend..!
It’s strange, isn’t it, how someone so full of life one day can suddenly be… gone? Just like that. Like a light switch flipped off, or the last page of a good book you didn’t want to end. And yet, while the book may have ended, you’re left holding it…
Air-India and My-India..!
No, I wasn’t on that Air-India flight that crashed, thank God. But yes, I’ve flown Air-India often enough to feel I’ve earned honorary wings — and maybe even a seatbelt buckle that doesn’t work. For years, I remained a loyal flier. Not out of love, mind you, but out of…
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.