India's 60th in New York

As usual the Indian parade passed by my window kicking up the kind of racket you can expect from any parade in New York. However this time round there was a float that was somewhat out of the ordinary even by India’s diverse standards. This one seemed to have found inspiration from Brazil during carnival time. How did London Beverage Cash & Carry (is that a big business or a small one?) get away with a float that had nothing to do with India and even less with Indian culture? One gentleman got rather angry and spat in front of the float saying it was against our culture. He’s right, but his ire would probably have been better directed toward the podium on Madison Avenue where all the bigwigs who make these decisions were gathered.

The sponsoring Federation of Indian Associations has previously prevented legitimate Indian sexual minorities from marching at the parade on the grounds that these were against the spirit of Indian culture; notwithstanding India’s own sexual diversity. However the same FIA it seems has no qualms of any kind when it comes to pure commercial propaganda on behalf of London Beverage. That the colorfully plumed bare-skinned dances of the carnival are not part of the sub-continent’s rather rich and varying heritage is not in question. That most Indians would find that kind of body flashing embarrassing in front of children that too on their national day is merely a fact though one could argue it’s their problem. But that FIA should choose to allow such a float to pass simply for advertising dollars when it denies real people of Indian origin the right to express themselves at the parade is a matter of double shame for them.

Raju -- Biscuit Maker

Here is a short film on Raju. During the Surajkund Crafts Mela he had a stall outside the fair grounds. Usually his roadside cart is in the nearby residential neighborhood.

The Life of a Delhi Monkey

Here is my first attempt at digital video. The camera is shaky and the sound mixing leaves a lot to be desired. You'll need to increase the volume half way through in order to hear the voice over which recorded a notch lower than the music. Enjoy! And, those of you who are seasoned film-makers, feel free to tell me how I can improve.

The Delhi Diary

Nowhere is it truer than in India that a picture is worth a thousand words. That combined with the fact that I’m spending most of my time on writing means this blog is going visual for a while! This one goes out to all of you who are elsewhere right now…

Featured below: a typical Delhi high-tea experience from off the road yesterday.

I’m soon going to post share my first experiences with Digital Video. Currently under production is a short film on Delhi’s monkeys so come back!

This blog is linked to popdex.