warvet

  THE MOCKING BIRD OF SHIMLA Guru ke pan, labo ki shan – announced the billboard on the shop at the nerve centre of Shimla – “Scandal Point” on the Mall. Red spit marks around the dustbin confirmed that people had believed it. In a country where top movie actors endorsed tobacco eating surreptitiously and shamelessly, Guru definitely has a great future. A guy was taking a stroll with his Siberian husky on leash in the crowded place teeming with tourists and locals addicted to their evening chakkar on the mall. The husky looked like looking for a convenient post to relieve himself on this once upon a time exclusive venue that was banned for his ancestor as well as his master’s forefathers. My thoughts went to the Indian who was comfortably ensconced in 10 Downing Street along with his own dog. The things had come full circle for the British. And Indians. Shimla, Simla then was exclusive preserve of the British, who were the masters of the subcontinent and much of the world. They had...

  What’s in a name!   Said Bard while looking at a Rose. When I was in the North-East, I was fascinated by names that ring a rhyme. I liked some names such as Darjeeling. Doars (Door to Tea Gardens) region of North Bengal, abounded in musical names like Samsim, Singsong and Damdim which I explored on my bike as a newly commissioned Lieutenant. Later in Arunachal I came across names such as Rongtong, Jang, Dirang, Dzong and Zimithang. Another intriguing name of a place in Arunachal Pradesh is Ziro! Not to be left behind, Sikkim has Chumthang, Singtam, Sherathang   whereas Ladakh has Khardung, Chang and Rezang La’s! Back home, again in interiors, nearing Tibet plateau are Reckong Peo, Roowang and Tidong.     These names remind me of Pongyang, Xinziang and Hongkong!! The names Sisu and Pooh too belong to places in the area, which though are not sonorous but cannot to escape registration. In Kashmir, I find names of shops intriguing and a cure for boredom. The...