Rodevra Republic

  This image, captured during the semi-final, is interesting for a small but revealing reason — the way the two presenters are standing. Sunil Gavaskar stands with both feet firmly planted, slightly apart, one hand resting in his pocket — a composed, grounded stance. Mayanti Langer , on the other hand, stands with her weight shifted to one side, her body gently angled. In visual art, this is often referred to as contrapposto — an Italian term meaning “counterpoise,” where the body rests on one leg, creating a natural asymmetry. This difference in posture, though subtle, changes how we perceive the image. It is not merely about stance, but about how posture shapes presence. One is reminded that such ways of standing are often learnt, consciously or otherwise. Presenters, especially on television, develop a certain ease in how they carry themselves — a balance between naturalness and awareness of the camera. What is interesting is to imagine the reverse — if each had taken the...

A moment from Saiyyan How many of us have heard the song of the nightingale—or the bulbul, as we know it? At some point in our lives, we are likely to have heard its voice. The red-vented bulbul is not uncommon even in cities, often seen perched on flowering trees and shrubs. The nightingale is known for its astonishing range, capable of producing a remarkable variety of sounds. Its song has long been regarded as one of the most melodious in nature, which perhaps explains why it has been so celebrated in literature and music across cultures. You may be familiar with the song Saiyyan by Kailash Kher . What many may not know is that the inspiration for this song came from an intimate and deeply moving moment in nature. Kailash Kher once shared an experience from his home in Mumbai: “There was a nightingale around my house who would often sit on a tree in front of my room. I have always loved nightingales, and I felt, in some way, she had grown comfortable with my presence. I would ofte...

Laughing through tife with Charlie Chaplin He does not have proper clothes to wear, nor does he have proper shoes, but he dances nevertheless, wanting to enjoy the moments. His shortcomings don't hold him from taking on life. We may think his situation his heartbreaking, but humour is not found in a comfortable life conditions; it is found in sadness. We find all the sad things happening in Charlie Chaplin's life funny... they are funny because they are not happening to us!

A quiet moment across generations—where time, care, and continuity come together This is a beautiful and sensitive portrayal of three ages—three generations brought together in a quiet moment. The child appears tearful, perhaps having insisted on being with her grandmother. The mother, in a gentle act of understanding, has brought her to the doorway and set her down. One can notice the child’s small foot still resting on the mother’s, as if reluctant to let go completely. There is something deeply human in that transition. The grandmother, seated at her spinning wheel, seems absorbed in her work. To the child, the motion of the wheel must be fascinating—the transformation of loose fibre into thread, almost like a quiet act of creation unfolding before her eyes. There often exists a natural affinity between the youngest and the oldest, and this bond is delicately suggested here. The grandmother’s presence offers a different kind of comfort—one that is unhurried and rooted. The sett...

Drawn into a world that is ever more connected, and yet increasingly overwhelming It is strange that, as a young boy, I felt my life was largely my own. Events unfolding in the outside world, though seemingly important, appeared distant and irrelevant. With time, one is compelled to face a different reality—that each of us is deeply affected by the sway and movement of global events. What we do, as individuals and as nations, has consequences that reach far beyond our immediate world. Our inventions have, in many ways, collapsed time and distance. There is now a relentless movement towards an interconnected world—of global supply chains, instantaneous capital flows, social media, transnational networks, climate change, mass migration, and ever-increasing complexity. We are, whether we recognise it or not, part of this vast web. I have often heard it said that the world is round. Today, it feels as though it has shrunk to the size of a ball at our feet. As a child, I might have kicked i...

Raj Kapoor as Raju in  Mera Naam Joker , the clown who makes the world laugh while carrying his own private sorrows This message brings us face to face with a rather morbid reality. Somewhere at the back of our minds we know it, but often find it difficult to come to terms with it. In this mood, it reminds me of the Mera Naam Joker song, “Kehta Hai Joker Sara Zamana”, particularly the lines: अपने पे हँस के जग को हँसाया बन के तमाशा मेले में आया धक्के पे धक्का, रेले पे रेला है भीड़ इतनी पर दिल अकेला ग़म जब सताये, सीटी बजाना... In many ways these lines offer an apt response to such a poignant thought. There is no time to brood. One accepts the reality expressed in the song and deals with it positively, almost as if whistling one's way through life. The ‘joker’ has proverbially harboured many sorrows, but conceals them behind a facade of mirth. The image of the clown who hides sorrow behind laughter has appeared many times in art and cinema, the classic example being Charlie Chaplin...

A Kerala snake boat in motion—where rhythm, devotion, and collective effort merge into a living tradition What an incredible piece of culture this is. I was not aware, until recently, of how deeply the boat race is woven into the fabric of Kerala’s life. Traditionally, each village has its own boat, and it is regarded with a reverence that is almost devotional. It is not merely a vessel, but something that is honoured and cared for like a living presence. This spirit is clearly visible in the way the boat is ceremonially launched. The making of the boat itself follows precise calculations, as laid down in an ancient treatise. There is both science and tradition at work here. Even the treatment of the wood reflects a deep understanding of nature. The hull is coated with a mixture of fish oil, ash from coconut shells, and eggs. This makes the surface smoother in water, reduces absorption, and in turn lowers resistance. It is a simple yet remarkably effective solution. But what perhaps br...

Just to be sensitive to Nature and consider it as an integral part of our existence can help reveal its wonders and secrets that can make our lives so much better. The idea of our seperatedness with Nature is our biggest folly. But if we extend love and compassion to cover within its remit all living beings; Nature in all its perfection and beauty, we stand a chance for survival in the long run. Here is a passage from 'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Caroll that is a brilliant example of sensitivity to Nature in all its beauty and splendour: "I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again." Another technology innovation inspired by Nature is from humpback whales. The bumps on the leading edge of the humpback whale's flipper give it a hydrodynamic advantage. These bumps, called tubercles, make hu...

Mr Sunak’s sharply tailored style, admired by many but perhaps not entirely approved of by the ever-discerning Jeeves Jeeves would certainly have little reason to complain, as his master, Mr. Sunak, probably has a better dress sense than he could ever imagine, even at his finicky best. His suits are crafted to the highest standards of Savile Row, with fabrics sourced from mills in England and Scotland. But Jeeves might wear a faintly disapproving look when it comes to his master's shirts, which are not from England but bespoke creations from an Italian brand. The skin-tight fit would certainly not be to his liking. Coming to the trousers, he would be most aghast that they finish well above the ankle. But his master merely dismisses him with a wink, saying that it makes him look slick and perhaps a wee bit taller. Much to Jeeves's pleading, Mr. Sunak refuses to listen on the matter of lapel size and his preference for thin ties. The idea had been planted in his master's m...

A solitary moment—where abundance and emptiness quietly coexist Some of you may be familiar with the work of Robert Frank , the Swiss photographer and documentary filmmaker. He was among the most influential photographers of the mid-20th century, known for his nuanced and often ironic portrayal of American life—very much from an outsider’s perspective. The photograph above, in many ways, is reminiscent of that sensibility. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly advancing, consumer-driven society, it quietly captures something deeper—a sense of isolation that persists despite material abundance. The pursuit of more does not necessarily fill the inner void. Frank’s own words perhaps capture this duality best: “Black and white are the colors of photography. To me, they symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair to which mankind is forever subjected.” This interplay of hope and despair—two enduring human conditions—finds resonance elsewhere as well. In an Indian cinematic context, the...