Delhi – Page 61 – Ankahi. Unsaid.

Yaar Mera Haj Kara De

November 17, 2021Posted in DelhiLeave a comment

My recent book translated and published in Punjabi/Gurumukhi

Our visit to Lahore was a journey to connect with the past – the land of my parents’ memories, their ancestors, their city, teachers and friends, their home. Though it was our collective journey, yet this Lahore safarnama <Yaar Mera Haj Kara De> was written as a tribute to my father after he passed away. A few friends read the Hindustani version and wanted me to expand it to a book length. Some other friends found it ‘very interesting’ and wanted the travelogue to also be published in Punjabi and Urdu. While the original Hindi version awaits release (possibly Jan 2022), here is the Punjabi translation published by Unistar Books, Chandigarh @unistarbooks. The Urdu version is expected by Feb/Mar next year. The Punjabi language edition can be ordered online at http://www.unistarbooks.com/home/5477-yaar-mera-haj-kara-de.html

Fear-driven economies and Capitalism

May 1, 2021Posted in DelhiLeave a comment

Capitalism and fear-driven economies are such fun to watch in the time of pandemic. In the last 14 months alone we have added some two dozen products to our consumption which have burdened the meagre resources of even well placed indians.

Did you have regular use for sanitizer, face mask, shield, PPE, glove, digital uv sanitizer, vitamin and zinc supplement, oxymeter, multiple thermometers, oxygen concentrator, gargling agent, steam inhaler, hand and face wipes, ineffective kitchen and bathroom disinfectants, air purifiers, immunity boosters; the fear of lockdown prompting to hoard food, soap, toilet paper, infrared devices, balms, creams and lotions; playing in stock market to make a quick buck, add on to medical insurance, health apps; buy toys, games, binos, gardening tools or anything to beat boredom; some even adding on to a few sundry images of gods and goddesses nowhere near your faith – just in case; book a premium isolation room in a star facility or finally buying that pad in the hills.

Ah, the new fads emerging are: to have one’s own oxygen plant, a sanitised home-ICU, a slave-doctor, the NextGen vaccine pre-booked for your grandchildren and, hold your breath – a bio bubble on the moon in 2023. A comic-horror feature is playing around you, get the gallery seat. No amount of premium will ward off or delay death.

So long loved ones – no one knows who is set to leave any time without any baggage.

Hasta la vista my babies.