Many years ago, I studied to become a midwife. Most of the teachers were old hippies and their teaching style was predictably loose and relaxed. One, however, in addition to being a midwife, was also a nurse. She took pride in her fierce, rigid [...]

Either name is too exquisitely perfect for the breathtaking beauty of this flower. Have you seen one? It is a profound experience. It is also a commitment. Although we have had this plant in our garden for two years I saw it in bloom for the [...]

When we were kids, Mom always insisted that we make our beds and tidy our rooms before leaving for school in the morning. We bitterly resented it. “What difference does it make to you if our rooms aren’t neat?” we would ask [...]

Are people generous by nature or does it need to be taught? And why are some places noted for philanthropy and others are not? I’ve been thinking about these questions a lot as I work toward achieving our current goal of raising 40 lakh [...]

You’ve met Mummy before. At 93, she is the matriarch of our family – its oldest living member and one of the most respected and admired women I have ever known. We all stand in awe of her discipline, her integrity and her astonishing [...]

This evening I made a cake (Joy of Cooking 4 Egg Special) and while I was frosting it, I thought about the one I watched my niece create for her mother’s wedding two months ago tomorrow. Erinlea is an artist in real life, so it [...]

I had to do some work in the funny little town of Kathgodam on Saturday. Kathgodam is like Dehradun in that it’s at a bit of a height, but not much, and has a view of the mountains but the feel of a grimy city. I spent six hours with my [...]