Carrying the Torch

The NYT profiles Ela Bhatt a Gandhian and a voice for the women of Gujarat. She combines the best aspects of personal example with a will to get things done. She grasps intuitively that without economic freedom and self-reliance there is no social progress. Truly an inspiration to not just women but also to men.

Meet B.C. Bundaldass!

It's funny how conversations can take unusual turns. XT and I talk about Indian women with their big, pretty kohl-lined eyes. I am immediately transported to my childhood: opening my first grade English reader, full of pages after pages of illustrations by Mario de Miranda. His signature work has always been vignettes of India, its politicians and yes - buxom women with really big, kohl-lined eyes.

We share a common love of great art and Mario's work qualifies by almost any measure. Enjoy!

Israel and India Together

I think the unspeakable horrors that transpired in Mumbai my hometown, will bring the great nations of Israel and India even closer together - with the blessings of the US. I admire the determination of the Israeli government to go after terrorists - and I suspect we've not heard the last of their involvement in bringing the LeT and their backers to justice.

My City Burns

Mumbai is caught unawares in perhaps the deadliest terrorist strike in a long time. I think it way past time before the Islamic Fundamentalists likely behind this latest outrage be brought to rough justice. And their silent backers be wiped from the face of this Earth.

For now our prayers are with those that lost their loved ones - and we give thanks for the fact that our families are out of harm's way.

The Son Also Rises

The New York Times profiles Mukesh Ambani, the scion and successor to Dhirubhai Ambani. He is on track to becoming the richest man on the Third Planet.