The Word Route

Remembered an old blog of mine: I complete seven long years in journalism in August 2011. I wonder what I have gained and what I have lost. Let us begin on a positive note: what have I gained? An identity of my own (of being a scribe), working on my terms (that's a bit ironical, though!), writing (which was my childhood dream and I do intend to be a successful writer someday), and finally I have managed to reach a senior level (that is also ironical...I would ask: at what cost?). What do I do with seniority and a high paying job when I am still not doing what I always wanted to do? (Delhiites would say, toh kya hua! iska achar daalun kya main?...in literal terms, it would mean: Should I 'pickle' (achar) the salary and designation?). So what have I lost: precious relationships, my self-respect and probably much more...I am still proud that I am a journalist! But am not proud of the fraternity that I am part of - day in and day out. For long, I supported journalis...

Mirroring Persia in frames... Veils, iron curtain, underground schools, war, veiled women with guns ('Nuns with guns' was the most famous caption for these women) ... these are the images of Iran that come to mind. Iran is indeed an elusive Islamic republic! But I realised there's more to this tiny country.  The book "Persian Mirrors - The Elusive Face of Iran" is written by an Italian scribe Elaine Sciolino. She exposes the fallacies of Iran's rulers and clergymen who ruled Iran for decades and in the name of Islam's tenets, instilled fear among women, to the extent of confining them within houses/gyms/private parties.  Whether it was Khamanei, Khomenei, or Mohammad Khatami, authority did not succeed in suppressing the Iranian women. They carved their own niche in society, run their own business, are successful doctors, lawyers and even sportswomen. Sciolino has featured women who showed remarkable courage in speaking openly against authority,...