WHY we experience Pain; and why we Pain others
Here’s the text of my post, which appeared in Hindustan Times, Mumbai on 9th April, 2010 We get hurt by the angry words or actions of family members, neighbours, colleagues and unknown people. Sometimes we overcome the pain by rationalising that their outburst was due to their disappointment with us—or some other tensions and frustration. … Read more
WHY builders sell ideas, not homes
Residential buildings and complexes symbolizing nature, outdoors and the greens are big hits in Mumbai. Popular names: Green Acres and Green Fields; NRI Seawoods and Godrej Skygardens; Indiabulls Riverside and Kalpataru Hills; Mahindra Park and Hiranandani Meadows. If it’s not about the greens and gardens, they convey what Mumbai and its people stand for—high-rises and … Read more
WHY we have Bedrooms in our homes
In India, where big families live together and where most families live in a one or two room house, bedrooms are perceived differently. For many it’s just another room. For some, it’s the ‘private space’ where outsiders are not invited. For some- particularly those brought up in a home with no earmarked private spaces—it’s a … Read more
Snooping and WHY someone is unsuccessfully ‘controlling’ our life?
The first issue of the Crest edition of The Times of India features a story on private eyes. It says: “Lipstick on his collar was once the way to spot a cheat, but pinhole cameras has made snooping a breeze”. The writer talks about spycams being installed at homes and workplaces, zapped cellphones linked to … Read more
WHY she said “I do” to Wedding, but “I don’t” to Marriage.
I’m sure Rakhi Sawant and her ex-fiancé had an elaborate contract with NDTV Imagine- on the period of their engagement, the payment they’ll receive at each stage, what they can reveal to the media and what they can’t. I was wrong on one count; I was sure their contract stipulated a minimum period (maybe 6 … Read more
Child labour and WHY no place is safe for poor children
In the last few weeks I’ve been noticing the sweeper’s children in my building compound—while I’m waiting for the elevator I see the children play, eat with their parents or help them with cleaning or garbage separation. A fortnight ago these children came to our home to collect ‘baksheesh’ (the tip) on the occasion of Ganesh … Read more
‘Good Manners’. WHY more people have difficulty practising it
I read, what I believe was an amateurish attempt by a news agency, which wrote an article titled “Why Good Manners”- how being well-mannered improves executives performance at work and consequently the company’s bottom line. Nobody is disputing that practising Good Manners improves our mental well-being. It also makes everyone around us calmer and perhaps happier … Read more
WHY we make Maggi?
“Maggi and bread—these two food items are banned at home”. My friend told me this over 15 years ago when we studied together. What “old-fashioned parents” I thought while thinking about his traditional South Indian family. Why do they expect everyone to eat the boring rasam, rice and curry or idli and sambhar everyday? Moreover, … Read more
