quirkyblue

Often, I attract flak for trampling over the 'Traditional' in my quest for the 'Wise'. Let me explain.  Tradition, Knowledge, Wisdom. Unfortunately, these three are often used interchangeably by well-meaning people. If I were to draw a Venn diagram, there would definitely be common areas amongst their three corresponding circles. How large or small these areas of intersection would be, depend upon the knowledge of the person we are deliberating. However, what we can definitely be sure of is that there would be three circles, not one. What is Tradition? The dictionary definition reads as follows: the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. So, even if a practice emerged from observing facts and rational action, there is ample scope for deviation or corruption of the practice while it was being passed "from generation to gener...

It is difficult to let go of something, of which one is perversely proud. I have often come across people who, when asked where do they belong to, gently, but proudly slip their caste into the answer.  "No, I don't belong to Bangalore. I am a Kumauni Brahmin", or, "Oh! We have to be very particular about the match. We are Saryupani Brahmins you see..." and so on so forth. Yes, I admit, only Brahmins, and occasionally Rajputs, proclaim their caste with such impunity, at a day and age when casteism is looked down upon, at least by the educated and the 'informed'. Honestly, I find this attitude thoughtless and embarrassing. What do you expect your audience, who perhaps is not a Brahmin or a Kshatriya (the so-called higher castes) to say? Something like, "Oh I understand. Fortunately I am a Shudra so I can marry whichever kind gentleman comes my way."? I can understand that people take pride in their roots. But is it really necessary to an...

A glance by chance at the list of articles by Shashi Tharoor led me to this article, also incidentally named - 'The Idea of India'. While I put my thoughts about the same subject in the earlier blog entry in an elementary way, here's an intellectual giant elaborating the same in a much more engaging and pursuasive write-up. Enjoy!

There's much more to Bangalore than just the malls and the great weather. Here are the reasons that I love Bengaluru for... The Idli-Vada joints - Where else in the world can you get nutritious, fresh, delicious and inexpensive breakfast early in the morning? I must say I am impressed by the efficiency of these innumerous joints that dot Bangalore's landscape. Clean and fast, these joints provide you essentially with what you want - fresh, wholesome, tasty food. And the low prices are an added balm to the heart in these times of economic shockers. In addition, have you ever noticed the speed at which these joints pack and distribute packets? My idli-vada pack never gets messy. There's always a small plastic sheet on which the chutney is spread. The sheet is given a fold on which the idlis are kept, and on top of which goes the Vada. Magically, these never get crushed or soggy... And the pulley system is charming. The guy at the counter just tugs at the pulley and uses a ...