Journalist and educator Simran Sethi explores the cultural and emotional importance of food, and highlights the threats to its diversity across the world, reports SPAN writer Paromita Pain from Texas
Values education seems a dull and in-your-face kind of lecture on ‘how to be good’ to students grappling with multiple subjects and heavy-duty studies. But it can be imparted in a much more fun way which can have an impact on later life to help them become responsible and well-rounded citizens, discovers Ranjita Biswas.
Varanasi: A centuries old ghat restored
Varanasi’s historic Balaji Ghat has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for centuries, but wear and tear had made its mark. Fortunately, a preservation programme of ancient monuments has restored it to its former glory, reports New York based SPAN magazine writer Michael Gallant
The debate around the death penalty never ceases. Naturally, there is no dearth of films that explore the justification or otherwise of the death sentence too. Even then, it would be interesting to take a look at a documentary intriguingly titled The Death of Us by Vani Subramanian which portrays people on the death row, says Shoma A. Chatterji
A trust and not the government who should be in charge of a museum: Vinod Daniel
Vinod Daniel, Chairman, AusHeritage, and Board Member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), during his recent visit to Kolkata, tells IBNS correspondent Godhuly Bose, how Indian museums need to come out of their dependence on government funds and transform them from a house of curiosity to vibrant and interactive knowledge centres.
The clear and present danger to India's grizzled giant squirrel
The grizzled giant squirrel struggles to survive in the face of habitat loss in India. Mongabay-India writer Manupriya reports
At a time when body-shaming is much in news in the social discourses, the ‘Big Fat Company’ theatre group of Bengaluru comprising plus-size actors, proves their point emphatically, reports Pooja Mahesh
When winter comes, can nolen gur be far behind?
Nolen gur is a speciality of Bengal. People wait for the date palm jaggery to arrive in the winter market. But as demand rises, the supply chain is trying hard to cope, not the least because of a changing weather pattern that affects production. Uttara Gangopadhyay reports
Kolkata: The Last House On The Left
Burdened by demographic pressure and the realtor-politician nexus, Kolkata is forced to sacrifice its old buildings. Old houses that gave the city its uniqueness are being pulled down to make way for space-efficient eyesores. In a documentary titled Khawto (The Wound) lensman Bijoy Chowdhury captures the demolition of one nondescript old house to tell a story of a city losing its identity
In recent times, many faster and easier to make breakfast options are taking over the urban Indian market. Ranging from well-known breakfast cereals like cornflakes, newer trends like muesli, oats etc. are also gaining popularity. Does it mean that traditional Indian breakfasts have lost their appeal? Godhuly Bose takes a look
Quick fix for the dream figure
When the festive season hovers around, there is a tendency even among the most sedentary to rush to the gyms to get into shape. As more and more short-term packages are on offer these days for fitness quick fixes, doctors warn of the health risks that come with these fads, reports Godhuly Bose
The simple cycle has always been one of the most popular modes of transportation for millions of Indians. But with the rising desire for environmental accountability and optimum fitness, numerous clubs have emerged across the country, encouraging many cycling enthusiasts to take the humble bicycle on a ride for joy. Godhuly Bose takes a closer look at some of India’s popular cycling clubs
American students learn about India from the inside out through the School for International Training’s unique study abroad programmes, finds New York based SPAN writer Michael Gallant , founder of Gallant Music
The Big Day at last! The wedding is round the corner but alongwith the happiness also come tension and worry for the families involved. Would everything be perfect? Where to start? Not to worry, the wedding planner is here. Sonali Jha Chatterjee takes a look at this niche business
The Silver Nomads of the Himalayas
The nomadic Gujjars and Bakkarwals living between the higher mountain reaches to the plains of Jammu in the winters are also known for the beautiful jewellery that their women wear. Jammu-based journalist and professor Kavita Suri reports in the first person