If you are already looking for cover at the sight of the next red rose, teddy bear or heart-shaped balloons — thanks to all the talk of “love” — you are not alone, let me assure you.
Agreed, it’s great to love and be loved but let’s just agree on the overdose bit (or at least I presume you do). The mannequins are wearing red already; demand for red roses is going through the roof, and as if that wasn’t enough, you spot heart-shaped balloons even at traffic signals. Believe me, I have no issues with the concept of celebrating love; what strikes me as odd is that there is only one facet of love that is promoted and spoken about.
For, after all, isn’t love so much more? To me love is all-inclusive. It defines the love I feel for my father; the love one feels for a newborn when the little wonder wraps a tiny hand around your finger; the love for a stray that looks at you lovingly when you give it a pat, or the love of God that you feel around you, no matter how deep your troubles, because you know the power of universe is there with you.
And since you, dear reader, are evolved enough to know and understand all these facets of love, we bring you glimpses of the various shades of love in this edition. So, we have the talented actor Irrfan Khan on the cover. Thanks to his love for acting, he has brought us all some great cinema in the process. I our Looking Back section, we have Gerry Marin, the world-famous wildlife conservationist and wildlife researcher. Thanks to his love for wildlife, he is also India’s first National Geographic adventurer, and has been a crucial influencing power when it comes to discourses about wildlife and its conservation in India.
Adding to another flavor of love is a wonderful Platform section by our columnist Shamya Dasgupta. His piece on Hrishikesh Mukherjee does indeed take one back to the simple joys of life.
This month then, let’s celebrate love in its real essence, the pure deep love that’s all around us.
FILES REVISITED// Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first set of 100 secret files on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, in presence of Bose's family members. Modi released digital copies of 100 files at the National Archives of India, following the government's decision to declassify files on the freedom fighter who raised an army to fight the British and whose death in an air crash continues to be a mystery even after seven decades. The government plans to release in the public domain 25 declassified files each month. The release of the first set coincided with the 119th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and comes months before West Bengal goes to polls. The family members of Netaji thanked the prime minister for declassifying the files. However, the files do not seem to throw up any new evidence suggesting the freedom fighter survived the plane crash in Taihoku, now in Taiwan, on August 18, 1945.
CALAMITY// A massive blizzard brought Washington, New York and other northeastern US cities to a standstill, killing at least 19 people in several states last month. Millions of residents, business owners and workers were affected; the storm was the second-biggest in New York City history. Thirteen people were killed in weather-related car crashes in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. After dumping about two feet of snow in the Washington area, the storm unexpectedly strengthened as it spun northward and slammed into the New York metropolitan area. Millions of commuters across the eastern US battled disrupted transport systems struggling to recover from the huge blizzard. Slippery pavements, crippled train networks, treacherous roads and cancelled flights were among the problems workers faced. The US government in Washington, as well as many schools and businesses throughout the region, remained shut. As the clean up began, at least 36 people have been left dead.
TERRORISM// At least 20 people were killed, including students and a professor, in an attack on the Bacha Khan University in northwest Pakistan on January 20, 2016. Attackers scaled a wall and cut through barbed wire at the university in Charsadda, about 140km from Islamabad, the capital city. Reports suggest the death toll could rise to as high as 40. All attackers were killed as the operations to clear the campus ended six hours after the attack began, leaving more than 50 people injured. Four gunmen were killed. The attackers entered the university building in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and opened fire at students and teachers in classrooms and hostels. One faction of the Pakistan Taliban, the Dara Adma Khel splinter group, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the chief of the Pakistan Taliban, Fazlullah, condemned the attack in a statement, adding that those using the group’s name would be brought to justice.
The university has more than 3,000 enrolled students and was hosting an additional 600 visitors for a poetry recital on the anniversary of the death of Pashtun activist Abdul Ghaffar “Bacha” Khan. As police and soldiers rushed to the campus, the attackers traded gunfire with the troops and several explosions were heard from the area of the university. The army said the attackers were contained in two university blocks before being killed.
DEAL// India and France signed a MoU for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets. The deal, announced in April by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has been in limbo after negotiations hit a roadblock over price issues. The purchase of the 36 Rafale jets from France would cost India around Rs 60,000 crore. At the same time, the decision would strengthen the bilateral relations between India and France. French President Francois Hollande, who was in India as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, told the media that negotiations over the sale of Rafale jets were on the right track. He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in defence “is part of our strategic partnership. It is based on trust, a very strong trust between both our countries.”
The purchase of jets will boost the Indian Air Force assets and provide India with a strategic edge over neighbours.
IPL// Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming are together again as captain and coach. But this time, the pair is hoping to work its magic for the Pune team in the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League. The pair was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) earlier but, CSK has been banned for two years from the IPL.
Dhoni and Fleming are the most successful captain-coach pair in the history of the IPL. They led Chennai to six out of eight IPL finals of which Chennai won two. New Zealander Stephen Fleming is also thought of as one of the best cricket brains in the world, something that will be helpful for a new team trying to make its mark in the IPL. Apart from Dhoni, the Pune team also has stars such as R Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith. Looks like a team to watch!
ENVIRONMENT// Delhi had implemented a unique plan to allow plying only even number on even number days and odd numbered cars on the other days. The plan was introduced with the aim of reducing air pollution in the national capital which is the most polluted city in the world. Has the plan worked? Data is not clear. In the first week of January, the levels of PM 2.5 were generally over 300. The safe level is 60. In the past few days, the same had dropped to below 100 and even below 60 at certain points in time in certain areas of the city.
Weather may have played a role to keep the levels of pollution high even though so many vehicles were off the road. But some experts have pointed out that peak (highest) pollution levels are not as high as they were in December. Traffic problems in Delhi, however, nearly disappeared, with fewer traffic jams occurring in those few days. The people of Delhi mostly followed the odd even rule which was unexpected.
TERRORISM// On January 2, 2016, a heavily-armed group of five terrorists from Pakistan attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the initial battle, with an additional security member dying from injuries hours later, after the terrorists breached a high-security security perimeter and entered the base to carry out the attack. The gun battle and the subsequent combing operation lasted about 17 hours, resulting in five attacks and three security personnel dead. Gunshots rang out at the facility in Pathankot around 3.30 am as the group in army-style clothing — believed to be operatives of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group — launched the dastardly operation. The attack came less than 24 hours after an alarm was sounded in the state over the assault of a top police officer by suspected Pakistani terrorists. Suspected to have infiltrated about three days ago, the attackers, with a huge quantity of RDX in their possession, made their way to the base from the rear area, where there is a jungle. Security forces were put on high alert after Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh said he and his associates were kidnapped by five armed men in army fatigues. A team of 50 commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) led the fight against the militants, a top security official said. The NSG commandos were flown to Pathankot as soon as the alert was sounded. The IAF used its two attack helicopters to assist the joint team of ground troops to neutralise the remaining terrorists. The attack came close on the heels of an upswing in India-Pakistan ties after PM Modi made a surprise trip to Lahore in December, and held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.
CELEBRATIONS// India celebrates 67th Republic Day; Francois Hollande chief guest India celebrated its 67th Republic Day on January 26. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who was the chief guest, witnessed the Republic Day parade at Rajpath along with thousands of people. India’s military prowess and diverse cultural heritage were on display at the Rajpath. For the first time, a contingent from the French 35th Infantry Regiment was given the honour of leading the marching contingents. The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi driving to Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and laying a wreath in honour of the countless Indian soldiers who have died in battles since World War I. Vice President Hamid Ansari, three service chiefs, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Cabinet ministers, a host of dignitaries and a group of women achievers seated in a special enclosure were on hand to witness the hour-andhalf long parade. Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableaux went past them. A multi-layer security blanket was thrown around the national capital with threats of an impending terrorist attack from ISIS.
MANHATTAN IS a place that features in nearly every Karan Johar movie, at some time or the other. It’s either a melodramatic scene with the famous Brooklyn Bridge as backdrop, or a romantic song on the Manhattan Bridge, a sentimental journey under the skyscrapers, or the actors getting lost in the crowd of the city that never sleeps.
Sarang, my husband, never liked the place, but he never liked taking me around in Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), his hometown — and his favourite place in the world — either. But maybe that was because he was so used to living in these places. I got a chance to stay in Jersey City for six months, and later living in a Tri State Area and 90 minutes away from the New York City, a visit to brother-in-law’s place once a month made us roam about the most famous Time Square and get lost in the crowd from all over the world.
The first visit to Manhattan will mesmerise you and all you will do it walk, and walk some more to figure out the routes with a GPS or a map. (Did I also tell you this is the city where people walk and walk and walk?). The hustle-bustle, fashion parade, movie stars walking past, stretch limousines, diverse ethnicity, and the lights and the brightness will leave you overwhelmed. And soon, your parents, friends and siblings will get used to you gushing about the city and its many delights over the phone, through WhatsApp, Facebook, and what have you.
It will also remain you most cherished tourist experience. Things change when you start staying in or around the city and see it more closely, however. With time, your nose will rebel at the constant smell of urine at the Subway, and the hawkers and vendors on the streets selling fake handbags, or food items such as fruits, juices, kebabs, and pretzels will remind you of just another pavement market in India.
The pushy sales guy forcing you to buy tickets of some comedy show, and how can I not mention the ubiquitous yellow taxis of New York City, which always remind me of my reckless driving in India and how everybody else learns to drive like a cab-wala in India. The taxi drivers in New York seem to have spent some time of their lives in India for they drive as any Indian in India would.
Even average New Yorkers love to be considered fashionistas, and so, they do all they can to be called one. A slight drop in the temperature and out they come – stylish coats, scarves and fashionable boots. Not surprisingly, you get to see some skin even in sub-zero temperatures, if you happen to be at a place where your image would go down if you are not dressed as one of them. So what if your heels are killing your feet, and who cares if you have to walk several blocks in the City each way, and it’s all right if the cold threatens to give you pneumonia. It’s all fair when it comes to keeping and guarding the fashionista title.
Since all women love their hoops and loops, and pretty necklaces, they wear them even if they can’t carry them off well, or would look much, much nicer with a pair of studs, say. Accessories look great and I love to collect them, too, but somehow being comfortable for me now is more important than looking stylish — or foolish.
The city has its own charm, however. No matter how many times you have been here, but when you are back amidst the chaos after being away to a quiet, peaceful and green suburb, coming back home always makes you feel better. For many, this is the only place they would rather call home.
It’s a little different for us, though. My husband and I can only be occasional lovers of the noise, the people, the high fashion shows, the food and a great stroll at the Times Square. Most times, it only reminds me of Gurgaon back home, which I call the next Manhattan for its contrasting features — just like it is in Manhattan.
If you are already looking for cover at the sight of the next red rose, teddy bear or heart-shaped balloons — thanks to all the talk of “love” — you are not alone, let me assure you.
Agreed, it’s great to love and be loved but let’s just agree on the overdose bit (or at least I presume you do). The mannequins are wearing red already; demand for red roses is going through the roof, and as if that wasn’t enough, you spot heart-shaped balloons even at traffic signals. Believe me, I have no issues with the concept of celebrating love; what strikes me as odd is that there is only one facet of love that is promoted and spoken about.
For, after all, isn’t love so much more? To me love is all-inclusive. It defines the love I feel for my father; the love one feels for a newborn when the little wonder wraps a tiny hand around your finger; the love for a stray that looks at you lovingly when you give it a pat, or the love of God that you feel around you, no matter how deep your troubles, because you know the power of universe is there with you.
And since you, dear reader, are evolved enough to know and understand all these facets of love, we bring you glimpses of the various shades of love in this edition. So, we have the talented actor Irrfan Khan on the cover. Thanks to his love for acting, he has brought us all some great cinema in the process. I our Looking Back section, we have Gerry Marin, the world-famous wildlife conservationist and wildlife researcher. Thanks to his love for wildlife, he is also India’s first National Geographic adventurer, and has been a crucial influencing power when it comes to discourses about wildlife and its conservation in India.
Adding to another flavor of love is a wonderful Platform section by our columnist Shamya Dasgupta. His piece on Hrishikesh Mukherjee does indeed take one back to the simple joys of life.
This month then, let’s celebrate love in its real essence, the pure deep love that’s all around us.
FILES REVISITED// Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first set of 100 secret files on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, in presence of Bose's family members. Modi released digital copies of 100 files at the National Archives of India, following the government's decision to declassify files on the freedom fighter who raised an army to fight the British and whose death in an air crash continues to be a mystery even after seven decades. The government plans to release in the public domain 25 declassified files each month. The release of the first set coincided with the 119th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and comes months before West Bengal goes to polls. The family members of Netaji thanked the prime minister for declassifying the files. However, the files do not seem to throw up any new evidence suggesting the freedom fighter survived the plane crash in Taihoku, now in Taiwan, on August 18, 1945.
CALAMITY// A massive blizzard brought Washington, New York and other northeastern US cities to a standstill, killing at least 19 people in several states last month. Millions of residents, business owners and workers were affected; the storm was the second-biggest in New York City history. Thirteen people were killed in weather-related car crashes in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. After dumping about two feet of snow in the Washington area, the storm unexpectedly strengthened as it spun northward and slammed into the New York metropolitan area. Millions of commuters across the eastern US battled disrupted transport systems struggling to recover from the huge blizzard. Slippery pavements, crippled train networks, treacherous roads and cancelled flights were among the problems workers faced. The US government in Washington, as well as many schools and businesses throughout the region, remained shut. As the clean up began, at least 36 people have been left dead.
TERRORISM// At least 20 people were killed, including students and a professor, in an attack on the Bacha Khan University in northwest Pakistan on January 20, 2016. Attackers scaled a wall and cut through barbed wire at the university in Charsadda, about 140km from Islamabad, the capital city. Reports suggest the death toll could rise to as high as 40. All attackers were killed as the operations to clear the campus ended six hours after the attack began, leaving more than 50 people injured. Four gunmen were killed. The attackers entered the university building in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and opened fire at students and teachers in classrooms and hostels. One faction of the Pakistan Taliban, the Dara Adma Khel splinter group, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the chief of the Pakistan Taliban, Fazlullah, condemned the attack in a statement, adding that those using the group’s name would be brought to justice.
The university has more than 3,000 enrolled students and was hosting an additional 600 visitors for a poetry recital on the anniversary of the death of Pashtun activist Abdul Ghaffar “Bacha” Khan. As police and soldiers rushed to the campus, the attackers traded gunfire with the troops and several explosions were heard from the area of the university. The army said the attackers were contained in two university blocks before being killed.
DEAL// India and France signed a MoU for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets. The deal, announced in April by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has been in limbo after negotiations hit a roadblock over price issues. The purchase of the 36 Rafale jets from France would cost India around Rs 60,000 crore. At the same time, the decision would strengthen the bilateral relations between India and France. French President Francois Hollande, who was in India as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, told the media that negotiations over the sale of Rafale jets were on the right track. He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in defence “is part of our strategic partnership. It is based on trust, a very strong trust between both our countries.”
The purchase of jets will boost the Indian Air Force assets and provide India with a strategic edge over neighbours.
IPL// Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming are together again as captain and coach. But this time, the pair is hoping to work its magic for the Pune team in the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League. The pair was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) earlier but, CSK has been banned for two years from the IPL.
Dhoni and Fleming are the most successful captain-coach pair in the history of the IPL. They led Chennai to six out of eight IPL finals of which Chennai won two. New Zealander Stephen Fleming is also thought of as one of the best cricket brains in the world, something that will be helpful for a new team trying to make its mark in the IPL. Apart from Dhoni, the Pune team also has stars such as R Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith. Looks like a team to watch!
ENVIRONMENT// Delhi had implemented a unique plan to allow plying only even number on even number days and odd numbered cars on the other days. The plan was introduced with the aim of reducing air pollution in the national capital which is the most polluted city in the world. Has the plan worked? Data is not clear. In the first week of January, the levels of PM 2.5 were generally over 300. The safe level is 60. In the past few days, the same had dropped to below 100 and even below 60 at certain points in time in certain areas of the city.
Weather may have played a role to keep the levels of pollution high even though so many vehicles were off the road. But some experts have pointed out that peak (highest) pollution levels are not as high as they were in December. Traffic problems in Delhi, however, nearly disappeared, with fewer traffic jams occurring in those few days. The people of Delhi mostly followed the odd even rule which was unexpected.
TERRORISM// On January 2, 2016, a heavily-armed group of five terrorists from Pakistan attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the initial battle, with an additional security member dying from injuries hours later, after the terrorists breached a high-security security perimeter and entered the base to carry out the attack. The gun battle and the subsequent combing operation lasted about 17 hours, resulting in five attacks and three security personnel dead. Gunshots rang out at the facility in Pathankot around 3.30 am as the group in army-style clothing — believed to be operatives of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group — launched the dastardly operation. The attack came less than 24 hours after an alarm was sounded in the state over the assault of a top police officer by suspected Pakistani terrorists. Suspected to have infiltrated about three days ago, the attackers, with a huge quantity of RDX in their possession, made their way to the base from the rear area, where there is a jungle. Security forces were put on high alert after Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh said he and his associates were kidnapped by five armed men in army fatigues. A team of 50 commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) led the fight against the militants, a top security official said. The NSG commandos were flown to Pathankot as soon as the alert was sounded. The IAF used its two attack helicopters to assist the joint team of ground troops to neutralise the remaining terrorists. The attack came close on the heels of an upswing in India-Pakistan ties after PM Modi made a surprise trip to Lahore in December, and held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.
CELEBRATIONS// India celebrates 67th Republic Day; Francois Hollande chief guest India celebrated its 67th Republic Day on January 26. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who was the chief guest, witnessed the Republic Day parade at Rajpath along with thousands of people. India’s military prowess and diverse cultural heritage were on display at the Rajpath. For the first time, a contingent from the French 35th Infantry Regiment was given the honour of leading the marching contingents. The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi driving to Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and laying a wreath in honour of the countless Indian soldiers who have died in battles since World War I. Vice President Hamid Ansari, three service chiefs, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Cabinet ministers, a host of dignitaries and a group of women achievers seated in a special enclosure were on hand to witness the hour-andhalf long parade. Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableaux went past them. A multi-layer security blanket was thrown around the national capital with threats of an impending terrorist attack from ISIS.
MANHATTAN IS a place that features in nearly every Karan Johar movie, at some time or the other. It’s either a melodramatic scene with the famous Brooklyn Bridge as backdrop, or a romantic song on the Manhattan Bridge, a sentimental journey under the skyscrapers, or the actors getting lost in the crowd of the city that never sleeps.
Sarang, my husband, never liked the place, but he never liked taking me around in Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), his hometown — and his favourite place in the world — either. But maybe that was because he was so used to living in these places. I got a chance to stay in Jersey City for six months, and later living in a Tri State Area and 90 minutes away from the New York City, a visit to brother-in-law’s place once a month made us roam about the most famous Time Square and get lost in the crowd from all over the world.
The first visit to Manhattan will mesmerise you and all you will do it walk, and walk some more to figure out the routes with a GPS or a map. (Did I also tell you this is the city where people walk and walk and walk?). The hustle-bustle, fashion parade, movie stars walking past, stretch limousines, diverse ethnicity, and the lights and the brightness will leave you overwhelmed. And soon, your parents, friends and siblings will get used to you gushing about the city and its many delights over the phone, through WhatsApp, Facebook, and what have you.
It will also remain you most cherished tourist experience. Things change when you start staying in or around the city and see it more closely, however. With time, your nose will rebel at the constant smell of urine at the Subway, and the hawkers and vendors on the streets selling fake handbags, or food items such as fruits, juices, kebabs, and pretzels will remind you of just another pavement market in India.
The pushy sales guy forcing you to buy tickets of some comedy show, and how can I not mention the ubiquitous yellow taxis of New York City, which always remind me of my reckless driving in India and how everybody else learns to drive like a cab-wala in India. The taxi drivers in New York seem to have spent some time of their lives in India for they drive as any Indian in India would.
Even average New Yorkers love to be considered fashionistas, and so, they do all they can to be called one. A slight drop in the temperature and out they come – stylish coats, scarves and fashionable boots. Not surprisingly, you get to see some skin even in sub-zero temperatures, if you happen to be at a place where your image would go down if you are not dressed as one of them. So what if your heels are killing your feet, and who cares if you have to walk several blocks in the City each way, and it’s all right if the cold threatens to give you pneumonia. It’s all fair when it comes to keeping and guarding the fashionista title.
Since all women love their hoops and loops, and pretty necklaces, they wear them even if they can’t carry them off well, or would look much, much nicer with a pair of studs, say. Accessories look great and I love to collect them, too, but somehow being comfortable for me now is more important than looking stylish — or foolish.
The city has its own charm, however. No matter how many times you have been here, but when you are back amidst the chaos after being away to a quiet, peaceful and green suburb, coming back home always makes you feel better. For many, this is the only place they would rather call home.
It’s a little different for us, though. My husband and I can only be occasional lovers of the noise, the people, the high fashion shows, the food and a great stroll at the Times Square. Most times, it only reminds me of Gurgaon back home, which I call the next Manhattan for its contrasting features — just like it is in Manhattan.
If you are already looking for cover at the sight of the next red rose, teddy bear or heart-shaped balloons — thanks to all the talk of “love” — you are not alone, let me assure you.
Agreed, it’s great to love and be loved but let’s just agree on the overdose bit (or at least I presume you do). The mannequins are wearing red already; demand for red roses is going through the roof, and as if that wasn’t enough, you spot heart-shaped balloons even at traffic signals. Believe me, I have no issues with the concept of celebrating love; what strikes me as odd is that there is only one facet of love that is promoted and spoken about.
For, after all, isn’t love so much more? To me love is all-inclusive. It defines the love I feel for my father; the love one feels for a newborn when the little wonder wraps a tiny hand around your finger; the love for a stray that looks at you lovingly when you give it a pat, or the love of God that you feel around you, no matter how deep your troubles, because you know the power of universe is there with you.
And since you, dear reader, are evolved enough to know and understand all these facets of love, we bring you glimpses of the various shades of love in this edition. So, we have the talented actor Irrfan Khan on the cover. Thanks to his love for acting, he has brought us all some great cinema in the process. I our Looking Back section, we have Gerry Marin, the world-famous wildlife conservationist and wildlife researcher. Thanks to his love for wildlife, he is also India’s first National Geographic adventurer, and has been a crucial influencing power when it comes to discourses about wildlife and its conservation in India.
Adding to another flavor of love is a wonderful Platform section by our columnist Shamya Dasgupta. His piece on Hrishikesh Mukherjee does indeed take one back to the simple joys of life.
This month then, let’s celebrate love in its real essence, the pure deep love that’s all around us.
FILES REVISITED// Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first set of 100 secret files on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, in presence of Bose's family members. Modi released digital copies of 100 files at the National Archives of India, following the government's decision to declassify files on the freedom fighter who raised an army to fight the British and whose death in an air crash continues to be a mystery even after seven decades. The government plans to release in the public domain 25 declassified files each month. The release of the first set coincided with the 119th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and comes months before West Bengal goes to polls. The family members of Netaji thanked the prime minister for declassifying the files. However, the files do not seem to throw up any new evidence suggesting the freedom fighter survived the plane crash in Taihoku, now in Taiwan, on August 18, 1945.
CALAMITY// A massive blizzard brought Washington, New York and other northeastern US cities to a standstill, killing at least 19 people in several states last month. Millions of residents, business owners and workers were affected; the storm was the second-biggest in New York City history. Thirteen people were killed in weather-related car crashes in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. After dumping about two feet of snow in the Washington area, the storm unexpectedly strengthened as it spun northward and slammed into the New York metropolitan area. Millions of commuters across the eastern US battled disrupted transport systems struggling to recover from the huge blizzard. Slippery pavements, crippled train networks, treacherous roads and cancelled flights were among the problems workers faced. The US government in Washington, as well as many schools and businesses throughout the region, remained shut. As the clean up began, at least 36 people have been left dead.
TERRORISM// At least 20 people were killed, including students and a professor, in an attack on the Bacha Khan University in northwest Pakistan on January 20, 2016. Attackers scaled a wall and cut through barbed wire at the university in Charsadda, about 140km from Islamabad, the capital city. Reports suggest the death toll could rise to as high as 40. All attackers were killed as the operations to clear the campus ended six hours after the attack began, leaving more than 50 people injured. Four gunmen were killed. The attackers entered the university building in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and opened fire at students and teachers in classrooms and hostels. One faction of the Pakistan Taliban, the Dara Adma Khel splinter group, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the chief of the Pakistan Taliban, Fazlullah, condemned the attack in a statement, adding that those using the group’s name would be brought to justice.
The university has more than 3,000 enrolled students and was hosting an additional 600 visitors for a poetry recital on the anniversary of the death of Pashtun activist Abdul Ghaffar “Bacha” Khan. As police and soldiers rushed to the campus, the attackers traded gunfire with the troops and several explosions were heard from the area of the university. The army said the attackers were contained in two university blocks before being killed.
DEAL// India and France signed a MoU for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets. The deal, announced in April by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has been in limbo after negotiations hit a roadblock over price issues. The purchase of the 36 Rafale jets from France would cost India around Rs 60,000 crore. At the same time, the decision would strengthen the bilateral relations between India and France. French President Francois Hollande, who was in India as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, told the media that negotiations over the sale of Rafale jets were on the right track. He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in defence “is part of our strategic partnership. It is based on trust, a very strong trust between both our countries.”
The purchase of jets will boost the Indian Air Force assets and provide India with a strategic edge over neighbours.
IPL// Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming are together again as captain and coach. But this time, the pair is hoping to work its magic for the Pune team in the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League. The pair was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) earlier but, CSK has been banned for two years from the IPL.
Dhoni and Fleming are the most successful captain-coach pair in the history of the IPL. They led Chennai to six out of eight IPL finals of which Chennai won two. New Zealander Stephen Fleming is also thought of as one of the best cricket brains in the world, something that will be helpful for a new team trying to make its mark in the IPL. Apart from Dhoni, the Pune team also has stars such as R Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith. Looks like a team to watch!
ENVIRONMENT// Delhi had implemented a unique plan to allow plying only even number on even number days and odd numbered cars on the other days. The plan was introduced with the aim of reducing air pollution in the national capital which is the most polluted city in the world. Has the plan worked? Data is not clear. In the first week of January, the levels of PM 2.5 were generally over 300. The safe level is 60. In the past few days, the same had dropped to below 100 and even below 60 at certain points in time in certain areas of the city.
Weather may have played a role to keep the levels of pollution high even though so many vehicles were off the road. But some experts have pointed out that peak (highest) pollution levels are not as high as they were in December. Traffic problems in Delhi, however, nearly disappeared, with fewer traffic jams occurring in those few days. The people of Delhi mostly followed the odd even rule which was unexpected.
TERRORISM// On January 2, 2016, a heavily-armed group of five terrorists from Pakistan attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the initial battle, with an additional security member dying from injuries hours later, after the terrorists breached a high-security security perimeter and entered the base to carry out the attack. The gun battle and the subsequent combing operation lasted about 17 hours, resulting in five attacks and three security personnel dead. Gunshots rang out at the facility in Pathankot around 3.30 am as the group in army-style clothing — believed to be operatives of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group — launched the dastardly operation. The attack came less than 24 hours after an alarm was sounded in the state over the assault of a top police officer by suspected Pakistani terrorists. Suspected to have infiltrated about three days ago, the attackers, with a huge quantity of RDX in their possession, made their way to the base from the rear area, where there is a jungle. Security forces were put on high alert after Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh said he and his associates were kidnapped by five armed men in army fatigues. A team of 50 commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) led the fight against the militants, a top security official said. The NSG commandos were flown to Pathankot as soon as the alert was sounded. The IAF used its two attack helicopters to assist the joint team of ground troops to neutralise the remaining terrorists. The attack came close on the heels of an upswing in India-Pakistan ties after PM Modi made a surprise trip to Lahore in December, and held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.
CELEBRATIONS// India celebrates 67th Republic Day; Francois Hollande chief guest India celebrated its 67th Republic Day on January 26. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who was the chief guest, witnessed the Republic Day parade at Rajpath along with thousands of people. India’s military prowess and diverse cultural heritage were on display at the Rajpath. For the first time, a contingent from the French 35th Infantry Regiment was given the honour of leading the marching contingents. The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi driving to Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and laying a wreath in honour of the countless Indian soldiers who have died in battles since World War I. Vice President Hamid Ansari, three service chiefs, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Cabinet ministers, a host of dignitaries and a group of women achievers seated in a special enclosure were on hand to witness the hour-andhalf long parade. Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableaux went past them. A multi-layer security blanket was thrown around the national capital with threats of an impending terrorist attack from ISIS.
MANHATTAN IS a place that features in nearly every Karan Johar movie, at some time or the other. It’s either a melodramatic scene with the famous Brooklyn Bridge as backdrop, or a romantic song on the Manhattan Bridge, a sentimental journey under the skyscrapers, or the actors getting lost in the crowd of the city that never sleeps.
Sarang, my husband, never liked the place, but he never liked taking me around in Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), his hometown — and his favourite place in the world — either. But maybe that was because he was so used to living in these places. I got a chance to stay in Jersey City for six months, and later living in a Tri State Area and 90 minutes away from the New York City, a visit to brother-in-law’s place once a month made us roam about the most famous Time Square and get lost in the crowd from all over the world.
The first visit to Manhattan will mesmerise you and all you will do it walk, and walk some more to figure out the routes with a GPS or a map. (Did I also tell you this is the city where people walk and walk and walk?). The hustle-bustle, fashion parade, movie stars walking past, stretch limousines, diverse ethnicity, and the lights and the brightness will leave you overwhelmed. And soon, your parents, friends and siblings will get used to you gushing about the city and its many delights over the phone, through WhatsApp, Facebook, and what have you.
It will also remain you most cherished tourist experience. Things change when you start staying in or around the city and see it more closely, however. With time, your nose will rebel at the constant smell of urine at the Subway, and the hawkers and vendors on the streets selling fake handbags, or food items such as fruits, juices, kebabs, and pretzels will remind you of just another pavement market in India.
The pushy sales guy forcing you to buy tickets of some comedy show, and how can I not mention the ubiquitous yellow taxis of New York City, which always remind me of my reckless driving in India and how everybody else learns to drive like a cab-wala in India. The taxi drivers in New York seem to have spent some time of their lives in India for they drive as any Indian in India would.
Even average New Yorkers love to be considered fashionistas, and so, they do all they can to be called one. A slight drop in the temperature and out they come – stylish coats, scarves and fashionable boots. Not surprisingly, you get to see some skin even in sub-zero temperatures, if you happen to be at a place where your image would go down if you are not dressed as one of them. So what if your heels are killing your feet, and who cares if you have to walk several blocks in the City each way, and it’s all right if the cold threatens to give you pneumonia. It’s all fair when it comes to keeping and guarding the fashionista title.
Since all women love their hoops and loops, and pretty necklaces, they wear them even if they can’t carry them off well, or would look much, much nicer with a pair of studs, say. Accessories look great and I love to collect them, too, but somehow being comfortable for me now is more important than looking stylish — or foolish.
The city has its own charm, however. No matter how many times you have been here, but when you are back amidst the chaos after being away to a quiet, peaceful and green suburb, coming back home always makes you feel better. For many, this is the only place they would rather call home.
It’s a little different for us, though. My husband and I can only be occasional lovers of the noise, the people, the high fashion shows, the food and a great stroll at the Times Square. Most times, it only reminds me of Gurgaon back home, which I call the next Manhattan for its contrasting features — just like it is in Manhattan.