It’s always nerve-wracking to read a close friend’s writing – and especially so when it is writing that has just been published. Fortunately with Piyusha Vir’s “Just Another Day”, I needn’t have worried at all. This collection of three short stories, Vir’s debut book, is available on Kindle, and did not disappoint.
Author Archives: msaraf
Words for Asifa
To the monsters that broke her body: what twisted state of mind begets belief of your claim to innocent flesh in the house of your God, no less? Was there an ounce of shame lingering somewhere within your thirst for blood? Or did you feel powerful when you shredded her dignity and squashed the lifeContinue reading “Words for Asifa”
Accepting Our Blind Spots
A few weeks ago, a woman named Shilpi A. Singh messaged me, as she was doing a piece on acroyoga (a blend of acrobatics, yoga and Thai massage) and wanted to speak to some practitioners and members of the community. Those of you who know me, know that I have practiced this on and offContinue reading “Accepting Our Blind Spots”
The Counter-productivity of Labels
I’m taking a break from Kerala posts but just for today 🙂 Last night, I found myself pulled into a debate about the Aziz Ansari episode, as a friend of mine related a personal anecdote of mine on a group forum. “Why didn’t she just do x?” “Why didn’t she just do y?” “Why didn’tContinue reading “The Counter-productivity of Labels”
Finding Peace in Silent Empty Hours
It’s a four hour drive to Kumarakom, a sleepy little town by the backwaters, dominated by resorts. Kottayam is a short distance away, and there is apparently some sightseeing to be done there. The roads of Kottayam remind me of Goa, low-rise colourful houses, with wide fields lined with rice patties, and peppered with clumpsContinue reading “Finding Peace in Silent Empty Hours”
Kerala Food Highlight: Grandma’s Cafe
I hear a lot about a Thekkady-based joint called Grandma’s Cafe, so on my second (and last) evening there, I finally decide to give it a try. This place is an institution, and is known for it’s mix of Continental, non-Kerala Indian, and Kerala cuisine, and being a favourite of travellers. I found it inContinue reading “Kerala Food Highlight: Grandma’s Cafe”
The Wonders of Kalaripayattu
The kalaripayattu performance that follows the kathakali is nothing short of spectacular. The practitioners move like dancers, their bodies a combination of ridiculous strength and flexibility. Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art that originated in Kerala, with roots that date back to the Sangam period literature (3rd century BC – 2nd century AD). Every soldierContinue reading “The Wonders of Kalaripayattu”
Discovering Kathakali
Although I had originally planned to see the Kathakali performance in Kumarakom, I find out that it’s difficult to organise, or at least my hotel says so. Fortunately I have the evening free in Thekkady, so I decide that I might as well. I glance in my guide book, and it recommends the Mudra CulturalContinue reading “Discovering Kathakali”
Learnings from the Mannan Tribe
The Thekkady tribal dance performance takes place in a small auditorium, not far from the Periyar Reserve bus stand, across from the Bamboo Grove. I walk into a dusty darkened room, with a few rows of wooden chairs. The door is open, and people are either fanning themselves or swatting at mosquitoes, or in someContinue reading “Learnings from the Mannan Tribe”
Wilderness Fever Dreams
I arrive at the ecotourism office just before 1:30 pm, much to the chagrin of my driver, who makes it clear that he disapproves of my sightseeing priorities. It has been a bumpy morning for us, as I have taken to ignoring his destination suggestions. A short while later he tells me that the twoContinue reading “Wilderness Fever Dreams”
