Kotia to Ketaki

How a Russian-Jewish Bride Internalised Santiniketan: Arc of a Family History Book-Ended by the Russian Revolution and Indian Independence Across Three Generations and Three Continents

It is a neat division and the first part of 70 pages is the Kotia-Ketaki memoir.  In the second section, Chandana picks up the narrative  and weaves the micro family history of the Jonas family with the macro events of the late 19th century and her grandmother's  journey that brought her to Santiniketan  in the 20th century.
 

The ‘Pinny’ and the Past: A Bengali Summer Dress That Carries History in Its Threads

Today, the tape-jama survives on the margins of a rapidly changing marketplace. It is still found in local bazaars, though no longer a default festive purchase for children. Yet its significance lies beyond its material presence. The garment endures as a symbol of memory—of simpler times, of long summer afternoons, and of a cultural ethos shaped by resourcefulness and tradition. Its soft cotton folds carry stories of Bengal’s textile heritage, its artisanal practices, and its ability to absorb and reinterpret external influences. In doing so, the pinny becomes more than a childhood dress—it is a living archive of history and identity.

When a Language Dies: The Struggle for Cultural Survival of Bangladesh’s Lushai Community

According to the latest (2024) survey by the International Mother Language Institute, 45 languages have been identified as existing now in Bangladesh out of which there are 11 indigenous languages including Lushai (Mizo)—that have become critically endangered. Based on UNESCO data, a handful of languages which have made it to the endangered list in Bangladesh are in such a forlorn state that only 5-12 older folks from respective communities can still converse in them.

Why World Needs Veterinarians More Than Ever: Animal Health is Critical to National Health Security

And perhaps the greatest truth is this: when veterinarians do their work properly, the world stays normal. People drink milk without fear. Farmers sleep without panic. Markets remain stable. Outbreaks do not explode into disasters. Children grow up safer. Communities remain healthier. The world continues smoothly, unaware of how close it often stands to crisis. 

More on Medley

Never too old: Two Indian veterans on a 7800-mile sailing expedition to boost maritime adventure

The arduous voyage of the Tystie across the Pacific and Indian oceans to Visakhapatnam will instil a sense of pride for Andhra Pradesh, home state for the two intrepid sailors. The Andhra coast has a hoary tradition of maritime connectivity with South-East Asia since the BC period during the reign of  the Satavahana dynasty

Save trees to protect the economy, culture and human lives

Hyderabad will be lifeless without its tree cover. The city needs its green cover, oxygen, and natural look to sustain economic activities. According to the World Economic Forum's recent Nature Risk Rising Report, more than half of the world’s GDP ($44 trillion) is highly or moderately dependent on nature. 

Race for AI Solutions: Need to Temper With Responsible and Ethical Approach

There is significant pressure to implement AI solutions fast in response to market demand, but there are also hazards associated with using the incorrect technology or doing so carelessly. Due diligence on AI is a strategic precaution, not a delay tactic.

George Keyt: Icon of cultural modernism in South Asia

The latest study of Sri Lanka’s most internationally acclaimed painter offers a detailed portrait of the artist, shedding light on previously overlooked aspects of his life and work. What emerges is a vision of George Keyt who continues to be celebrated for his bold fusion of Eastern themes and Western techniques

The bite that shouldn’t kill: Need to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030

So what should you do if you get bitten, even by a vaccinated dog? The answer is simple: treat every bite seriously. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not rely solely on the dog’s vaccination status. Rabies is unforgiving. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure

Reawakening Our Humanity: Celebrated in Words, Abandoned in Deeds

In an age of rising division and dwindling empathy, Debasish Bhattacharyya's stirring reflection challenges us to reawaken our shared humanity—not in grand speeches, but in everyday actions. Through the extraordinary journey of Thor Pedersen and a sobering critique of global indifference, this piece is both a wake-up call and a call to care.

How a national art gallery was born in Islamabad: A lesson in perseverance and tenacity

A recently published coffee table book by architect Naeem Pasha documents the social and cultural forces behind the nearly-30 year long process that culminated with the inauguration of Pakistan’s monumental National Art Gallery in Islamabad

Madhur Bajaj: The lesser known Bajaj who raised Aurangabad’s profile

His tenure at SIAM was characterized by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Notably, he played a pivotal role in developing India’s first Automotive Mission Plan (2006–16), which laid the foundation for the country’s robust automotive industry

The house on Faiz Road: Once home, now history

For me, a Pakistani, this road in Delhi holds special significance, because my father lived here, growing up in a house on this road before Partition, when Karol Bagh was a predominantly Muslim area. In fact, most of the houses here once belonged to his extended family. Even the masjid on the road, I believe, was built by my father’s Bare Abba — Agha Abdul Aziz, his father’s elder brother.

Motivating India's youth: Why students remain largely disconnected from the India story

Our present Indian society has very little respect for teachers. Today in India teaching as a profession is generally looked down upon. Unless that changes, we will not get great people to teach.   Today in India the situation is such that when people do not get good jobs in industry or other trades, they go into teaching.  For most people it is just another job for making money.

'A chorus of voices poised to ignite transformation' through art

How does a Mumbai-based curator create an act of peaceful yet powerful protest in New York? By taking a space long dominated by the patriarchal system and filling it with artists and poets whose work goes beyond traditional feminism. Most of the artists in the show were born in other countries. Including the South Asian diaspora of Pakistan and India

Selective historiography of communal historians fueling divisive politics

Was Aurangzeb anti Hindu? One can say that Aurangzeb was neither Akbar nor Dara Shikoh. He was orthodox and did not welcome Hindus and non Sunni sects of Islam at one level. At another level he was master of alliances as he had a number Hindu officers in his administration. As medieval historian, Prof Ali Athar, points out Aurangzeb had the highest number of Hindu officers in his administration (33%).

Gananath Obeyesekere: A scholar who plumbed the depths of the unknown

It is axiomatic that whatever greatness he accomplished would have been highly unlikely if he stayed in the local university system in Sri Lanka, which reached a state of mediocracy after 1956.  Gananath Obeyesekere enters the pantheon of Global Sri Lankans such as CG Weeramantry, CF Amerasinghe and Stanly Tambiah whose greatness is still revered by the world

The rising threat to women journalists in South Asia

With limited data on women journalists pursuing legal action in both India and Pakistan, predatory behaviour continues to escalate. Regional governments must stop using online harassment as a political tool as it not only takes a psychological toll but also makes it difficult for journalists to do their jobs effectively. Taking serious steps to protect them must be treated as an urgent priority.

Value Creation: Path to zero complaints for companies and organizations

The 8th Global Conference on Creating Value will be held in London, UK at the Imperial College in October 2025. The 7th was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on October 2-4, 2024. The first was in the UK, the second in New York, the third in Paris and the fourth (virtual) from Florida, the fifth in Japan, the sixth in Washington DC.