Goodbye, Mr Shanbhag

I just read the sad news in papers today that Mr T. N. Shanbhag, owner of my favourite bookstore The Strand Book Stall is no more. He died after a brief illness. Strand Book Stall is a unique institution in Bombay. My only hobby is buying books and reading them, and Strand never disappoints me in finding the book which I want. Even if I could not find a book I wanted, I invariably spot a book which appeals to me and I end up buying that. In that way I never left without buying a book. Just a few weeks ago, I visited Strand as I wanted to buy The Empires of the Indus. On enquiring, I was told that this book is out of stock and may be available in a few days. I was disappointed, but was happy when I spotted Six Suspects (which I am reading presetnly) by Vikas Swarup. Strand is indded a treasure trove for book lovers like me. No bookshop in Bombay gives 20 per cent discount on books.

Goodbye Mr Shanbhag. May your soul rest in peace.

Jai Ho, A.R. Rahman and Gulzar Saab

Congratulations to A.R. Rahman and Gulzar Saab for winning Oscar award for their song Jai Ho. We all are very proud for both of you.

A Tiger and A Plane

During my recent trips to Kanha, I was looking forward to seeing a tiger in a real jungle and to fly in a plane. Well, I will be writing soon in detail about my trip to Kanha and also tigers and planes, but for now I would like to share the following two photographs, the first one shows the tiger in the place which is rightfully his, and the second one shows me in a plane, on my first real flight.

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me at Kanha

I have been at Kanha since Tuesday, Feb. 10. I am here as a Woorkshop secretary for a workshop organized by our Department. The picture above shows, among the fantastic greenery, my resort room. We are staying at The Krishna Jungle Resort , which is a wonderful resort. It is soooo peaceful here. More later ...