Migration of the middle class or the professional classes has been a theme undergirding major literary works such as Suketu Mehta’s new work, Mohsin Hamid and Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island. More than Digital Humanities, Migration Humanities as a genre should be formalised as Diaspora literature is a window into the multi local experience. Now where … More Understanding Migration Humanities
A lot of Bengali Muslims over the years have been working in Maharashtra along with other states right down to Kerala and also in the NCR belt. I have encountered with them in Gurgaon and now in Pune. I wonder if some academics study internal migration patterns. These data points also point to the lack … More The Bengali Muslim Conundrum
Had a conversation with a chatty Autowallah, who was in full sale mode with an attitude to overcharge on the pretext of Navratri. He was however critical of an old strongman from western Maharashtra, and very pro Modi, as he finds graft at the local level especially in hospitals reduced. ‘Na khauungaa, Na Kaanedunga’ seems … More Conversation with an Autowallah: Pune Diaries
#War is a masala YRF phillum in the same cinematic space such as the Tiger Franchise. The film is an opulent Spy movie with Hrithik and Tiger, almost an ode to the oomph of the two actors on the screen. The movie is uncreative, and is a melange of action set pieces lifted off a catalogue … More War; The Phillum Review
This Pujo, as usual I observe the festivities from Japan to Joburg to the Valley, on social media feeds, i realise how the Global Techie Educated Affluent Calcutta Bong, creates these anchors in the probash to feel rooted. I have very little attachment to the Pujo, given my rather mobile existence over the past decade … More Pujo as Diasporic Anchor
The Taste of Home. Sabudana Khichadi being served during the Navratri season, symbolises the syncretic texture of Dubai, especially Al Fahidi. There is a prominent Shia Masjid next door as well.
Dreams have to be deeply sheltered Dreams make the scaffolding of the future Energy of those early morning ruminations Dreams disappear Reappear as material reality Dreams are the josh of life
In the depths Clarity emerges Like a sharp beam That projects into the future
Sharjah based Egyptian Architectural Researcher Reem Khorshed, who Studies Modernity and influence of Egyptian experts in the education and Infrastructure sector development in the Khaleej/Gulf. She spoke at the uber cultural Art Jameel in Dubai. She digs archives and Arabic media sources and masterplan documents to shape her research journey towards understanding the trajectory of … More Understanding Egyptian Soft Power in the Khaleej
Life is lived Somewhere between Saturation of quotidian micro violence And the dreams I seek Liberation in the thoughts In the emptyness of the dawn mind
