slice of life

Real men don't cry, not at least in public! Is it a myth? Pictures of a profusely wailing Steve Smith, the ex-captain of Australian cricket team, splashed across media, contradict this theory. The young and wise man has been the captain of one of the most robust cricketing teams, a very responsible position. So what makes the tears and emotions flow down his cheeks, the passion for the game or the invincible desire to be the winner by hook or by crook or simply the monies... What! I am writing on cricket, a game whose techniques I don't understand very well. Although simple nuances like a cover drive or a fine leg or a silly point or a long drive, I am well aware of and for this I have to be gratuitous towards male members of my family as cricket matches have been the staple on Television and the dinner table discussions used to be serious technique ripping talks often laced with the admiration for the finesse a particular legendary cricket player manifested. Yes, helicopt...

"You are a Bengali?" hmm nope! used to be my curt reply in several conversations started with complete strangers, thanks partly to my extrovert nature and partly to my inquisitive profession. But a subtle connection was certainly there, as my fondness for this cultural and sing song community was apparent. Be it KC Dass Roshogollas or Luchi aloor dum combo or the flavour of the season with heart warming voice Arijit Singh or the extremely versatile actor Konkana Sen,  the bangla talent and flavours inundate the senses. May be these are just a few popular names. Literature, music, art have always been strong bengali traits and interestingly, these still flow in a Bengali household. The most culturally rich state is an uncomparable talent pool. The battle which ensued (this can also be a topic for a war between two states? I thought only rivers were the contentious issues) as to where the sweet snowy roundels that Rashogulla is, actually originated, Bengal was a clear favor...

It's been more than 10 years that I was asked by my mentor editor of local weekly to write the frontpage article on Women since Women's day was just around the corner. Not exactly able to recall the entire content of that article, I discreetly remember the punchline which was 'Every day should be a Women's Day'. This was much before every unique or a dedicated day was largely celebrated in real life than virtually! Later as a tech journalist, Women' Day used be a frantic day with the stories of women achievers in the field of technology to be given prominence. Having interacted or interviewed several of these women achievers, a proud feeling definitely used to creep in.. So the buzz around Women's day has again started and since this is the age of viral videos, I came across this clip where young women talk about 'uncelebrating Women's Day' as every day should be a Woman's Day.  Also in that campaign, patriarchy is challenged and a few very...