Category Archives: Culture

Cultural contrasts in Gurgaon: Are we too quick to judge this city?

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

Yet another article, in the Business Standard this time, highlights the cultural contrasts between the original inhabitants of Gurgaon and its original inhabitants. “The two sets of people do not share public spaces — so vital for a city to … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture, Gurgaon, Public spaces | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Urban themes galore at the India Art Fair

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

Of course, as an architect, my eye gets drawn to works of art that express themes that are urban in nature. But this time at the India Art Fair in New Delhi, there was no escaping the fact that artists … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Culture | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

An evening of kathak in baithak format, a profound experience: ‘Milestones’ by Aakriti Foundation, Gurgaon

Posted on December 17, 2012 by

Mastering a classical art form is not for the faint hearted. That was amply demonstrated during Saturday evening’s baithak at the home of my kathak guru Jayashree Acharya and her husband Shiv Shankar Ray, who is an accomplished and well … Continue reading →

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Posted in Arts, Culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

An afternoon of art and nostalgia @ Mandi House, New Delhi

Posted on November 22, 2012 by

Stolen moments of pleasure are always special. But often times, when you suddenly find yourself at a loose end with time on your hands, when a meeting gets over too soon for example, it’s hard to figure out what to … Continue reading →

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Posted in Anecdotes, cities, Culture, design, Public spaces | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Diwali- A season of good cheer, good luck and a lot of goofiness!

Posted on November 13, 2012 by

The firecrackers continue to light up the sky. I’ve pulled the cottonwool out of my ears now that I’m indoors, but I can still hear the thunderous sounds all around. This night ain’t ending soon for sure. My throat rasps … Continue reading →

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Posted in Anecdotes, children, Community, Culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Of sexual repression and the search for a new freedom @THiNK2012

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

Christopher Turner. A session on psychoanalysis for the 21st century. Rather refreshing. Here are a few random thoughts… When Tarun asks Christopher why a Brit academician turned to investigating matters of sex, Chris actually blushes. Yes, he turns beet red! … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture, Social attitudes, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Traditions still live on: A temple festival in Goa- Nov1

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

I am here in Goa for Tehelka’s Thinkfest. While this media blitzkrieg is being inaugurated at the posh Hyatt at Bambolim, I am sitting at a local temple near where my uncle lives, hearing some beautiful music! Goa never fails … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture, identity, travel | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Glimpses of Hadoti, the undiscovered Rajasthan- Oct 24, 2012

Posted on October 24, 2012 by

Rajasthan is undoubtedly the most successful state in India in terms of attracting tourists and retaining their interest. The people of this state genuinely take immense pride in their culture and heritage. Their natural sense of hospitality and humility adds … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture, Heritage, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Finding happiness in dance: Vignettes from my kathak journey- Oct 15, 2012

Posted on October 15, 2012 by

My weekends are intensely cultural these days. That’s because I learn kathak on Saturday mornings and Hindustani classical vocals on Sunday afternoons. It’s been a long cherished dream for me to get back to both dance and music and once … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture, Emotional, personal development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Remembering Elvis at Blue Frog Delhi- Oct 11, 2012

Posted on October 12, 2012 by

Delhi’s night life isn’t much to talk of, but the last few years have seen an upswing in the culture of live music. When Blue Frog came to Delhi, and it was this cool place we had heard of or … Continue reading →

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