Some specialise in slow speed

December 7, 2024

The ‘slow’ movement is making slow progress. Most of us continue to be in the ‘rat race’ which has a tantalising possibility of making us Richie Rich. Many modern gurus exhort us to give the much-needed rest to our adrenal glands. However, the laid-back people are already in that state....

When No Means Yes

November 2, 2024

When I was seven years old, an aunt handed over a crisp ten rupee note (a princely sum in those days) to me before leaving our home- probably to reward my non-mischievous conduct. I was aware that the cash was synonymous with ‘aish’- I could buy lots of yummy candies...

Candid Classification Of Conference Creatures

October 5, 2024

In the last six months, I have attended four national conferences on plastic surgery and aesthetic sciences- an exemplification of ‘overdose’. I could have attended one every fortnight- there were so many of them on varying topics. A few days ago, a colleague of mine said in jest, ‘Someday, there...

Surviving Chatty Passengers

September 9, 2024

More often than not, I board the early morning train (Shatabdi Express or Vande Bharat) with the gait of an inebriated man because of disturbed sleep during the previous night. The reason- fear of missing the train (on a few occasions the alarm clock became a part of my dream)....

Not Much Dum in Aloo

August 6, 2024

A few days ago, I was giving dietary counselling to a patient having hormonal issues. ‘Apart from limiting the intake of cereals and sugar, cut down on potatoes,’ I instructed her in a dictatorial tone (as a senior doctor, I usually get away with it). Surprise, surprise- instead of nodding...

Watch your step

July 6, 2024

‘Why can’t we inhale pine scented air all the time?’ my lungs, who have been at the receiving end of the substandard city air, seemed to say. ‘Don’t worry. Soon, I will settle in a cottage in the hills,’ I mumbled (I have been planning this for the last twenty...

The truth about lawns

May 4, 2024

My name is Meliotus Indica. I am sure most of you would be having a quizzical look on your face after reading this. And rightly so. Why should anyone bother to know about a lowly creature- a weed. At the outset I declare that I have broken all ties with...

‘Sanoo Kee!’

April 4, 2024

Since long, I rated myself as a basic model of homo sapiens since I wasn’t making any efforts to levitate myself through meditation. The thorn of envy pricked me when I read the e-brochure of a meditation session which was being attended by a friend. It was to be held...

Gossip Therapy

March 1, 2024

Visualize a typical scenario- a group of friends are socializing. But the conversation is as bland as the diet given to patients in the hospitals. Suddenly, the name of a common friend (whose personality is exceptionally atypical) crops up in the context of something. The scenario changes as quickly as...

Walk the Talk or Face the Mock

February 3, 2024

A few days ago, there was a freakish report in the newspaper about two men having stolen a police vehicle from a police station in Madhya Pradesh. Such headlines disturb as well as amuse the readers. Something similar happens when we come to know about a cardiologist having undergone stenting....