Persepolis...

I really hadnt read that many graphic novels and Marjane Satrapi's 'Persepolis' did come as refreshing. I would recommend it since the genre itself stimulates. My previous experience was with the 'Griffin & Sabine' trilogy which I found out of this world, in terms of sheer creativity.

Satrapi's is more down to earth, political and contemporary.

While on literature, I really liked Jhumpa Lahiri's 2nd one 'The Namesake'. I think she is one writer to watch out for. 'The interpreter of maladies' was superb with shades of Raymond Carver, 'The Namesake' also delivers...

Tsunamis and short term memory

That's one cruel, callous fact, right? If it hasn't physically touched you and I mean really touched as in kicked you out of your comfort zone into ground zero - things get dumped into short term memory. The pathways just don't form or slickly create a bypass.

Remember how many died at Latur? Know even where Latur is? Or that school in Russia where hostages were killed? The families killed in landslides in Kerala? Remember them?Is it a defence mechanism or just the incredible power of the human mind to rally around? Its kind of comic right?, that incredible human optimism/naivety where things 'happen' to 'them' and not 'us'.Any thoughts on this?

The 33rd Batch 1996

Of nostalgia and absence…

The first rumblings came through e-mail from those far away from home. Not surprising that nostalgia would first tug the heartstrings of those miles distant. Its just not sentiment alone but curiosity too, I suppose. Some of us haven't met since the day we finally left with our MBBS degrees. Some we meet almost everyday. A lot of us have married, have children, some are busy consultants, priorities have changed, responsibilities have increased (as have waistlines!).
But seriously, it doesnt seem like 15 years!. I find that meeting everyone again, its easy to slip back into the roles that we first assumed. Sure thing, physically we have become older, but things cant really change all that much, can they? Prasad will always be Veerappan even if that original moustachioed bandit is long dead, Sam the gentleman doctor, Venky the magical voice, Fousiya the gentle friend....
There was a lot to be happy, the response was much better than we thought though Sivadas was optimistic right from the beginning. Another, reason, was that everyone seemed to be reasonably happy. I for one was really thrilled to see all those children running around! I guess, family has a lot to do with it, the happiness I mean. A life partner, a loved child, a reasonable job.. seems like a good recipe for contentment. Maybe, the unhappy ones didnt turn up. All the more reason to meet them somehow. Or does anyone feel differently about meeting old fellow travellers? I would hope not.
Lukhman, gave a brief message in the end. One which we all think of at some point or the other. Submission to the highest authority. Thoughts of the Almighty. Points to ponder, I guess. But for now, I think I will just live my life, try to touch those who are tangible, help spread a little light. Will save the abstract for later.
Stay tuned...Sebastian Mathew.