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Showing posts from December, 2016

The original 'Dilli Meri Jaan' girl

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She insisted that the best dosas in town were in Karol Bagh! She insisted all good things were in Karol Bagh and I spent many evenings walking through Ajmal Khan market with her, grumbling through the chaos. She showed me how the place was not just full of Punjabis who came in post-partition but also south Indians and Bengalis. One of her friends worked in the LIC building so I also often went with them to Depaul’s and sipped a rather insipid ( of course she didn’t agree) cold coffee, while her friend and she walked up and down the Janpath flea market, buying nothing. We were such regulars that the Depaul’s man simply hands over a hazelnut coffee without asking, even today, whenever I go. As a result, I never get to try any other – but wouldn’t dream of hurting him – she would have been appalled if I did. We also went to lots of dargahs. She was deeply interested in Mughal India and that was her thesis topic during her Masters in Delhi University. I was literally dragge...

The year when people ‘Just did it’

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Group Captain PM Velankar was valiantly fighting. The enemies were adamant and gaining strength from the indifference of neighbours. But he fought and saved the Neem tree. Read more about his battles, on and off field  here This year I kept my eyes open for those who took things in their hands and I was blinded by the number. So I am only sharing some that I saw closely, mostly during our 'DelhibyMetro' walks: 1.        New Delhi Nature Society – The founder was tired of taking permissions to make Delhi greener and cleaner. So he became a guerilla tree planter and helped people love trees. He is not afraid to make noise (literally, he has a microphone!) to stop green crimes and has successfully, made many enemies. Check him out here 2.        Hill Stream Cottage- This cottage in Dharamshala owned by a Delhi couple, is not just a guest house, but more a means of livelihood for locals Joginder and his wife N...