Celebrating India's 75th Independence Day
India at 75 is a glorious moment to reflect on our accomplishments as a nation
Dear Reader,
Warm greetings from India!
Bright and sunny days are back in Delhi!
A dear friend’s song in Malayalam ‘Pranayini’ had me spellbound - do listen to it!
Meanwhile, the Tokyo Olympics have left us spellbound! Let's just say that Indians love sports and drama as much as they love all things related to their own family dramas! So much excitement after Indian athletes made us proud at Tokyo 2020. Just think about it - they have made every Indian burst with pride and a plethora of emotions - that's over and above scripting history and bringing home a renewed spirit of victory!
And yes, Subedar Neeraj Chopra, you made our hearts - every Indian - swell with pride and happiness, yes you did, brother! Aditi Ashok demonstrated a stunning performance in golf and yes, she won our hearts too!
The flip side is that sportspersons who haven't had a good time, like Vinesh Phogat - remind us of the challenges that sportspersons in India continue to face. Having raised the issue of being treated badly for not coming home with a medal, the faultlines emerge once again as Indian sportspersons are forced to address the unrealistic expectations heaped on them even as the country celebrates 'winners' with grand and glorious 'welcome home' celebrations.
This makes me ask the inevitable question - Can we evolve into a nation that takes a balanced view of wins and losses, particularly in sports?
From my state of Kerala, which is poised for Onam celebrations this week, India's hockey goalkeeper Sreejesh has won hearts worldwide.
With Independence Day celebrations concluding, we Indians are glued to the horrifying news updates coming in from Afghanistan. Many of the real time updates on Twitter are so heartwrenching that one feels crushed by the tragedy unfolding in our neighbourhood.
Do watch me in this video sharing Independence Day wishes too!
Sharing few podcast reccos to cheer myself through this gloom:
I have begun enjoying podcasts and here's one that is about authors whose books are AMAZING.
Podcast on Two Persian Weddings
Listen to The Maris Review and let me know what you think.
8 Novels in Translation by Iranian Women Writers
MUST READ author interview: Anuk Arudrapragasam
My favourite pick this week is Andrew Jazprose Hill's 'The Jazprose Diaries' on Substack- I enjoyed the podcast and was glued to listening before I decided to read his posts.
A novelist, an award winning short story writer and a former Print & Broadcast journalist, Andrew's writing speaks volumes about today's world and how he perceives it differently from the rest of us. While some posts are for paid subscribers, some posts are also for free subscribers. My suggestion - you can start by listening first to the podcast series, I really enjoyed listening to it.
Meanwhile, Parsis in India are observing the Parsi New Year on August 16th. Their contribution to the country has been immense and so little is known about it.
Sharing few good reads on Parsis:
The History Corridor: Homai Vyarawalla - India's 'first lady of the lens'
Another Parsi pioneer: Banoo Coyaji
A Walk Through The Fire Temple
Jiyo Parsi: the 'bawa' food brands that have survived a hundred years
Inside a 69 year old Parsi Lady's 'Paradise' for 431 rescued animals
Justice RF Nariman: An Incredible Life of a Parsi Priest who decriminalised homosexuality
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So, wrapping up now.....you have a great week ahead!