India’s 70th Republic day was memorable.

Biography, culture
26th January means attending a flag hoisting ceremony in our area and watching the republic day parade on TV. We would also participate/listen in roadside programs like singing patriotic songs later that evening. But, India's 70th republic day was memorable. Once, I started to work, my travels out of India increased. I made attempts to attend the flag hoisting ceremony at the Indian embassy or consulate in the visiting country.  The credit for this kind of patriotism goes to my parents and the many incidents narrated to us about our grandfather's contributions to the Indian freedom struggle. Credit also goes to our neighborhood & the people with whom I spend my childhood. But, India's 70th republic day was memorable. In his book, Atreyapuram to Mumbai Megapolis. The Exciting Journey of…
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A new chapter of my life begins in 2019.

A new chapter of my life begins in 2019.

Memories, People, Svadhit
I celebrated my 50th birthday in 2018. And, our daughter gifted a Fitbit that she bought from her monies, earned as an intern. That day, it dawned on me that a new chapter of my life begins in 2019. 2018 was a milestone year. Two other events, across different generations of my family, make 2018 a milestone year. i. A new chapter opens in our daughter's life in 2019. Our daughter, Svikriti Kasichainula, graduated as an Engineer (ECE) from Rutgers University in 2018. Migrating to a faraway town, city, or country for education is a centuries-old phenomenon. But, the societal cultures of India continue to negotiate with this reality because of their deep-emotional bonding. And a child forever remains a child, to the parents of these cultures. Equally, the parents…
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Impressions//”Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Man for All Seasons” by Kingshuk Nag

Biography, People, Politics
A treatise, nicely written, interesting “Atal was a man who linked the now-past Nehruvian era to the now-upon-us Modi era,” writes Kingshuk Nag towards the end of his book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Man for All Seasons. Nag’s book is a treatise on Indian political history with Atal as the lead character. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is definitely one of India’s most popular Prime Minister. His access across the political spectrum is well-known. His popularity and stature remains unmatched despite some very unpopular decisions (release of terrorists during the Kandahar IC episode) and shifting (perceived) positions.  Atal’s life has been a subject of public discussion for many decades now and one might be skeptical on any new discovery. However, Nag has managed to make his nicely written book an interesting read…
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