What did you think of our attempt to land on the moon? Disappointed? Or did you feel we are not big enough to attempt something so huge? I’m going to quote from my own book DARE, which is to be launched in a month. The chapter I’m quoting from is…
Leave My Home Alone..!
Just behind my home, a giant peepul tree spreads its branches majestically around my house, and sitting beneath its whispering leaves every morning sipping my coffee, I watch my friends, the mynah couple, the crows with their cawing son Babu and squirrels who play hide and seek around my feet….
Mr or Ms Know All..!
Very often, we come across people who know everything, at least that’s what they presume: These highly blessed know alls act and speak like walky- talky Encyclopedia Britannicas. Such people love to interrupt every conversation, and with not even a ‘I beg your pardon’ wax eloquent on subjects they know…
India, You Are Being Watched..!
Yes India, you are being watched by the rest of the world. You are being watched by neighbours, many of whom have never tasted democracy, many who have suffered under military rule and dictatorships! You are being watched by China, who have ruthlessly cracked down on dissidents and protestors, mowing…
Washing Dirty Feet..!
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….
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.