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…
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!…
Not Just Muscles..!
Was just watching a video of an American Republican former Governor of California, speaking out against the outrageous attempt of Trump to sabotage the proceedings at the Capitol, using mobs. The man who spoke out, cutting across party lines, and most probably infuriating his political bosses is Arnold Schwarzenegger! Some…
Balancing the Ordinary..!
Something I love to nibble on are cashew nuts! My children and my wife know I love the dry fruit and every once in a while, present me a packet of the same, and for me it is like heaven those few days before I finish them all off. I…
Missing Someone Sorely..!
One of the saddest sights I’ve seen is when a loved one is carried out of his or her home, cold and lifeless. Tears flow and sobs rack the air as the body is placed in a coffin or funeral bier and taken to a crematorium or cemetery. Death is…
Vaccine and Waning..!
For nearly a year, the only reason many looked in newspapers or at TV screens was for news of the vaccine, and finally when the vaccine is ready to roll out, there is a waning of interest. “What’s the problem?” I asked an old man who had actually rolled up…
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.