Amma’s death came as a shock, even though I had known for a while that death was inevitable. One minute I could visualize her smiling benevolently at me and the very next, she was gone. Amma was the rock of our family. After Baba’s death, very early on in my …

She was a shy creature. Always hiding behind her mother’s skirts & peeping out of curtains. She could not understand the language of humans. She preferred the company of butterflies, birds and nature to that of children her age. The other children called her slow, even retarded at times. They …

I sat where it is birthed, the mighty Ganges As it spews forth from the mountain ranges The waters were white & crystal clear, After being released from mother Earth’s lair. The vista was surreal, with scenic hue changes. The river sprang forth in splendorous form Breaking many an age …

Like the proverbial phoenix, from her ashes she arose What would you call such a woman – Kali, Durga or more? Bathed in translucence, from the fire that burned within, She stepped off of her pyre and breathed in her strength. He thought he had slain her for she had …

To my martyred father, my proudest salute. I shall not shed a tear. I shall not cry. I am resolute. To my anguished and widowed Mother I say, “Mother, wipe your tears. Do not cry. Nay!” Hold your head high and keep walking on tall My Father died defending his …

Ever wonder what life would be like if we had no friends? Had no one to share our feelings with, to experience things with or even to laugh with? Could we survive in a world devoid of the emotion called – friendship? Yes, I know friendship is not an emotion, it …

Take not from me the solitude of the morning; The joy of sleeping an extra half hour. Leave the shades be, the curtains fallen; I don’t want to partake in the sun’s power. Let me sleep a bit more in restful slumber; My life is chaotic, as such, at best. …

I remember a childhood that was filled with picnics and not just the “sit in the park kind”. I remember childhood picnics being boat rides, pot lucks, cycling trips, nature treks, park visits, jungle hikes and much more. My childhood was filled with activities that today people would construe as adventure outings & pay money to indulge in. But back then, it was just a part of our regular Sunday afternoon. Just clean old family bonding time, out in the sun with a basket of food in tow.

For as long as I can remember, I have felt an irresistible draw to water. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I spent my childhood either in hill towns or in close proximity to them. All our vacations (and there were many!) would also be to …

If you are one of those people who love to frolic in the water (and NO! I am not talking about just wading or splashing about in a pool), then I am pretty sure that you must be aware of the sport of “Sea walking”. And yes, it literally means …