we can’t do away with English but …

I had the opportunity of listening to William Dalrymple when he had come to the Times Literature Festival, Bengaluru this year to promote his latest book - The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company. From his account it appears that, unlike the Mughals, the British did not have to struggle either to … Continue reading we can’t do away with English but … →

the fake heroes of our times

I have a feeling that if films had been invented in 15th century, in stead of Shakespeare, it is the lead actor of his plays whose anniversary we would be celebrating. The heroes of ancient times were warriors, kings and gods. The Sanskrit word which can be thought of nearest in meaning to the word … Continue reading the fake heroes of our times →

Nobel Intentions 2

From the social media trends it appears that Indians are divided as to whether to welcome the fact of a persons of Indian origin winning the Nobel prize in economics. Many Indians, as usual, felt proud - particularly those from Bengal and JNU, while some smelt a conspiracy. I will remain sceptical. Nobel for economics, … Continue reading Nobel Intentions 2 →

the dronacharyas of our times

I don't think the saying- those who can, do; those who can't, teach - is universally true. It may be true in certain cases. Even then there is no need to view it negatively. Take the case of sports coaches. Successful sports coaches are people who may find it hard to be successful in competitive … Continue reading the dronacharyas of our times →

Educating India (Part-III): Hear it from Sir Ken Robinson

Education is one of the boring subjects to discuss when you are in a party. Everyone needs it, everyone is concerned about it, but how many are willing to go in for an in depth discussion about it? When it comes to educating our children most of the parents usually go with the wind of … Continue reading Educating India (Part-III): Hear it from Sir Ken Robinson →

Educating India (part-2): Specialisation

This week's Indispire prompt suggested by blogger Neha Tambe is about Indian Education Scenario. The exact prompt is: 'What kind of changes do you wish to see in the education system in India? Learning cannot work like an assembly line. Why can't children choose in high school their focus subject and graduate with that? Share … Continue reading Educating India (part-2): Specialisation →

Educating India #1: Secularism

"Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul.” - Walt Whitman On one hand, we cry foul that our nation is becoming less secular and more polarised. On the other hand, we encourage religious institutions to expand their empires of education. So we … Continue reading Educating India #1: Secularism →

JNU – all that buzz non academic

Jawaharlal Nehru University - a premier educational institute of India, has been in regular news over the last couple of years. Unfortunately, for reasons not academic. Not because its students or professors achieved anything remarkable connected with higher studies, research or anything related to learning for that matter. But, because of the battle of supremacy of … Continue reading JNU – all that buzz non academic →