My parents are from Kerala. But I consider myself more of a Tamilian since I lived most of my formative years in Tamil Nadu. Some of the most memorable times were when we lived in Madurai. Madurai is the heartland of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most ancient cities in the world and [...]
All of us know what the Germans did to the Jewish people under Adolf Hitler. About six million Jews from Europe were systematically exterminated by Nazi Germany in what is known as the Holocaust. But the Jews were not the only victims of Nazi Germany. The Nazis also targeted the Polish, Soviet prisoners of wars, [...]
Saint Thomas is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is also known as “doubting Thomas” as he did not initially believe in the resurrection of Jesus. According to Christian mythology he is supposed to have visited India in 52 AD. Catholic tradition also states that he was killed by a Brahmin and buried [...]
Bangalore is the city that put the “new” India on the map. Before Bangalore most Americans if asked to name an Indian city would most probably name Calcutta. The world knew of Calcutta for all the wrong reasons because of Mother Theresa and also because of movies based in Calcutta like the “City of Joy”.
I lost my faith in religion and its ability to do any good a long time ago. But I know a vast majority of people on earth are still religious and the religious leaders themselves and their political opinions are taken seriously as much as anytime before. It is important to note however that the [...]
It is the Christmas season and it is one of my favorite times of the year. It is extremely cold and snowy in the Northeast United States at this time of the year and you will find Christmas trees and holiday decorations everywhere.
America is now focused on the health care debate, state of the economy, Christmas season shopping, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Tiger Woods. None of this has any relevance to the developing world particularly those countries in Asia that are continuing to see impressive economic growth even as many Western countries are struggling to cope with [...]
Switzerland became the latest country to fall into the trap laid by Osama Bin Laden and the likes since September 11, 2009. More than 57% of the Swiss voters approved a referendum to ban the building of minarets. This decision by the voters was unexpected considering that the Swiss are well known for their openness [...]
There is an ongoing debate in most Western countries about whether or not they should allow Muslim women to wear the Burqas in public. The most intense debate is going on in France where there is a parliamentary commission that is holding six months of hearing to decide whether or not a law banning Muslim [...]
Do you know how all of Asia and Africa became colonies of different European countries for hundreds of years? It all started with trade. They came to countries like India initially primarily as traders. They came to India because they were interested in Indian spices (mostly salt). In the days before refrigeration salt was one [...]
Mention the word Italy to an average Indian and they are very likely to think about Sonia Gandhi. For an average Italian on the other hand, India is an exotic vacation spot. Obviously there is more to it than that. I have traveled to Italy on numerous occasions. On one of my visits I traveled [...]
Caster Semenya is an 18 year old runner from South Africa. She won the 800 meters at the 12th IAAF World Championships held in Berlin in August. She set a world record of 1 minute and 55.45 seconds. Before the championships Semenya was asked by the federation to take a gender test. The federation allowed [...]
Every once in a while you read something that just blows your mind away. A few days ago I read an article that basically indicated that the high literacy in Kerala is because of the Catholic Church. According to the Malayalee Catholic Fellowship (MACAF), this comment was made by well known historian Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan [...]
