20Jan 2019 by ksurya No Comments
Statue of Unity, an amazing experience.

Statue of Unity, an amazing experience.

Memories, People
Statue of Unity. We welcomed 2019 by visiting the Statue of Unity. This visit to the statue was an amazing experience. And, to absorb the feelings in its true spirits, one must experience the statue in person. Words cannot describe this experience of being at the statue. But, a few adjectives are overwhelming, monumental, imposing, and impressive. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. Sardar Patel was a statesman par excellence. And, he is considered the architect of modern India. That the statue is the worlds' tallest is no surprise. https://youtu.be/oqtBtXs0mPw The Statue of Unity is an Engineering Marvel. Our daughter wrote about her experience as below. When I think of Gujarat or Gujarati people. I think of Garba, delicious food and…
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09Jan 2019 by ksurya No Comments
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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04Sep 2018 by ksurya No Comments

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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