Discover the fable of an Indian CEO in a multinational corporation whose ivory tower was made of wax—an allegory for leadership illusions.
From Ivory Towers to Melting Realities
Out of Order
Tiny slivers of historical evidence cannot withstand the scrutiny of critics and the superimposition of meaning by those in power. Books are written, rewritten, translated, interpreted and destroyed till approved textbook versions take their place. Children memorise those not out of curiosity, but to pass exams. They have been programmed anyway, unwittingly and unconsciously. The … Continue reading Out of Order
Rapids
Arjun, Khushi, Sammy and Anshula had just stepped out of the calm waters of school life, their marksheets still fresh, their dreams of becoming doctors glowing like lanterns. It was their first week in the medical college hostel. At night, the seniors gathered like shadows, their voices echoing through the corridors. “Sing the anatomy song!” … Continue reading Rapids
Glamour Meets Gloom
One glance was enough to say she was not her usual self – dishevelled hair, runny mascara, lipstick in ageing lines around the mouth. “Another late night, I presume … you slept without removing your makeup?” She made an effort to adjust the strap on her shoulder, but the slip hanging below her knees was … Continue reading Glamour Meets Gloom
Time and God
It flows with me, but I can’t keep pace with it. I am a dot. I ask the river to carry my story to the oceans. It accepts by touching my hand lowered over the guardrail. The sun takes away a part of it, and clouds rain somewhere else. Other stories are curious and want … Continue reading Time and God
I don’t wanna write
It is not easy to learn ancient languages, especially those that are not in vogue now. They carry history – not just dates, but culture, emotions and compulsions. One wonders why they did whatever they did, and then, the answer pops out of someone’s monologue. The fears that shackled their mindsets, and the hope that … Continue reading I don’t wanna write
Cultural Reset
She switched off the TV, put the phone aside and sat still, refusing to participate in the heated discussions around her. “Our social structures are under attack. The path that young women are taking spells disaster for families.” They condemned the girl who killed her fiancé, whom she was being compelled to marry. Her statement … Continue reading Cultural Reset
Co-author
She saw it floating on the TV console, then on the wall – the shadow of half a face wearing a turban with dark, intense eyes. Did she do the right thing by choosing to stay alone in a palace converted to a hotel resort? She walked to the library and randomly pulled out a … Continue reading Co-author
I am ….
I am not beyond your reach, but reaching me takes tremendous willpower. Things look different from here. The aerial view gives me access to a lot more than the reach of your imagination. I can see your different masks, different acts and the reasons for limited perspectives. The secrets of the earth and oceans travel … Continue reading I am ….
Devil’s Advocate
I picked up the spirit of two lines from Jim's prompt piece. We are in a stage of moral transition. Why have a moral compass when one can drift along and see where life takes us? So, here is a story where the protagonist plays the Devil's Advocate. Rajiv Menon worked in a gleaming glass … Continue reading Devil’s Advocate
Creative Experiments and More 