An Indecisive Indian

Election results are expected in less than a week, heralding the arrival of a new government. While speculation and mixed chatter abound, there is a prevailing sense of the inevitability that the current government is likely to retain power, albeit with a reduced majority. I do not have an ear to the ground but regardless, a new government will mean a new railway minister. If the current government is re-elected, will there be a change in the minister for Indian Railways? Rumors suggest that the present minister might be promoted to an even more significant role. We wait and watch with interest.   Before the new railway minister takes office, let us briefly review the successes and failures of the current administration. I will focus on presenting the facts without delving into their implications. Although I usually offer constructive criticism and even face troll and backlash, this time I will simply lay out the facts for readers to form their own opinions.   Let us ...

  I am a railway engineer by trade. I love poetry. Without any pretentions of being a connoisseur, not your typical topied ( donning the Indian head-dress ) or top-hat-wearing scholar by miles. No charade here—just an ordinary soul head over heels for Urdu and English poetry, especially the masters, Ghālib and Shakespeare, the rockstars of verses.   My expertise in poetry? Let us say it hovers around the "enthusiastic amateur" level. No formal education beyond Pre-University level in any form of literature. But hey, I do not just read their poetry; I feel it with all my heart. Equaling or excelling me in this love affair with verses is great legion of folks sailing in the same boat. We adore these poets without needing a degree in "Appreciating Poetry A to Z". Scholars, bless them, dissect lines while we  vibe to the rhythm.   Why Shakespeare and Ghālib? My journey into the realms of their genius began under the guidance of a remarkable teacher, Late HL Dut...