Vandemataram

R K Laxman

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 05:05:42 EST

ged around 50 years or so, a balding head, wearing dhoti and a checked shirt with a pair of spectacles balanced on his nose. Who is this? This is you, this is me. This is the �Common Man� epitomised by the great Indian cartoonist, R. K. Laxman. For years, we have woken up with the cartoon of the common page dutifully occupying his corner of the front-page of newspapers. His uninterrupted appearance has been a source of inspiration for many, a light at the end of dark-tunnel during the tough so cial times. He has been a mute spectator of all events, whether elections, scandals or plain homely domesticity. In his silence, we find an alert individual with endurance and perhaps the helplesness of the larger scale happenings. His voice is never heard...

Our Identity - Part II

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 09:34:58 EST

But then the obvious question is �When so much is happening in India, why are you still reminiscencing the ancient glory at �Vande Mataram�? Talk of today�s times�. The answer to this question is, however, in another query. When can you call somebody an Indian? Come on, it�s not a tough question. A man named Fakirchand who is a resident of Kolkata drives a cycle-rickshaw to earn a living. On what basis will you determine whether he is an Indian or not? Will you check his passport (which, incidentally, he doesnt have!) or will you look at the fact that he was born in India? The answer is neither. For Indianness runs in the veins, it is in the heart and mind. Our hero of today, Fakirchand, eats roti and speaks Bengali. If required, he attempts Hindi too.

Our Identity - Part I

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 06:06:50 EST

I have complaints, complaints against this whole world. What did you say? ��why?'� Have you ever stepped outside India and been to another developed country? No? Then you�re saved from notoriety. For these are the developed countried where children, after a certain age, need to take an appointment to meet their parents. And yes, its not considered necessary to meet parents. These are the countries where children, if scolded by parents, file law-suits against them. Yes, so where was I? I have complaints. Complaints that many people of these developed countries do not respect India. Although they do call India �A unique country, a colourful country, a country of numerous languages�, yet if you spend some time with them you realise what they truely think of you.... Read more at www.vandematram.in

Mini Mumbai

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 17:19:51 EST

Indore - a tier two city in the centre of India has always been like my second home even though no one among my parents & relatives reside here but I always have a special affection for the city for all that it offers to rich and poor alike. It boast of rich history of Marathas, Devi Ahilya University, Famous Schools, Coaching Centres, its special summer nights, i.e., cool and pleasant. Due to its location on the Malwa Plateau, however hot it may be during the day, a gentle cool breeze (also referred to as Shab-e-malwa) in the evenings makes it quite pleasant. read more at www.vandematram.in

Happy B�day to the King of the sky

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 05:28:53 EST

Today Indian Air Force is celebrating its 75th birthday. One of the top four air forces in the world, IAF is able to show its capability in the time of war, as well as peace. We already have the best fighter aircrafts in the world - many versions of MiG, Sukhoi and Jaguar, and soon our very own indigenous Tejas will be there. Read more at www.vandematram.in

Puchhkad Riddle - 6

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 05:55:17 EST

We are back with our riddle� Saurashtra, Hyderabad, Mysore, Patiala, Travancore, Indore, Bikanare, Jaipur��it incorporates parts of Northern, Central, Southern, Western India� though it seems that we have missed Eastern part : ( ok then lets start from Calcutta � will it make a difference � not at all� as a matter of fact the answer to our question started from the same city.. Ok here�s the question �What is the common thing that unites regions/cities mentioned above. Naahh!!! Its not the highways but its an institute and the biggest of its kind in India �.Time for you to answer :-)

Sizzling India

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 05:54:32 EST

I vividly remember my childhood days when all my cousins used to go to US and European universities for higher education. Their tales of the land far far away used to be really �Cool�. Read more...

Chanakya

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 11:02:36 EST

The tunes of the song was resounding in the hall. The fast-paced patriotic song had the audience tapping. The words as well as the music was entralling, one could see. The song being sung was: Hum karen rashtra aaraadhan! Read more....