The principal in charge of the school took me to a classroom, “Look at this student! She is the one you asked admission for last year! Just look at her hair!” “What’s wrong with her?” I asked uncertainly. “Look at the rest of the class,” whispered the principal, “See how…
Laugh at Yourself..!
One of the biggest remedies to any situation is the ability to laugh at ourselves. We don’t have that ability and, so, half or more than half of the problems in our country arise out of the fact that not only can we not take a joke, but we cannot…
Idol Worship..!
“Hey Bob!” I can hear many say, “Maybe this is a topic you should, ahem, avoid! It may, you know what I mean hurt the sentiments of many people!” “Aha!” I tell the same people, “Maybe whose sentiments are going to be hurt are yours!” What do I mean by…
Lost a Job or Not Promoted?
A couple of years ago I sat on the board of a religious magazine, where a priest was the treasurer. In talking to the staff, I was informed he had signed eighty-seven blank checks and left them in the trust office. Doing that he felt he did not need to…
Lamby 58..!
It was around a month ago I sat pillion on the back of a scooter after decades, “Kick start it then I’ll sit” I tell my friend offering me a lift. “Kick start?” “Yes, kick start,” I tell him. “Sit” he says, presses a button and engine springs to life….
I Provide Diamonds..!
Many years ago while walking through a village in Vasai I suddenly stopped and held the arm of my friend who was walking alongside, “Listen!” I said and we both stopped and listened. I saw his face grow from curiosity to enlightenment, “Isn’t it beautiful!” I whispered and he nodded….
No War, No Peace, No Books..!
High Court Judge: Explain why you kept ‘War and Peace’ at Home? Times of India 29th Aug “Can I borrow a book from your collection Bob?” “No!” I squeak, “I have no books at home. I don’t know how to read. See, I can’t read what bus is coming down…
The Empty Bench..!
All the benches except one, had people sitting on them, and I wondered why. And then I saw a pretty girl walk over and sit on that same empty bench. I walked over too, as the others were taken and sat down. She turned to me. I looked at her…
Fooled by the Skin..!
“Excellent fruit sir! Sweet and tasty! Just look at the skin!” I looked at the fruit and there was no doubt in my mind they were ripe and ready for eating. I wondered whether the fruit vendor could see I was nearly drooling in anticipation of having them after lunch….
Lengthen Your Stride..!
Have you ever watched a child who doesn’t want to go someplace? His steps become smaller, he drags his feet, and finally sits down. Have you watched a relay in which the last runner has to catch up with the others to win? His strides become longer and longer and…
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.