Idyllic Thoughts

  One of the least discussed, most neglected and cloaked topics in our cultural discourse is menstruation. Since childhood, we learn to avoid the topic and skirt over it as an embarassment to be dealt with in private. In such a social scenario, 'Menstruation Across Cultures' by scholar Nithin Sridhar is one of the most important books in today's literary circles that should be read by all Indians -- men and women, Hindus and non-Hindus -- so that one of the most basic misconceptions in the Indian psyche can be dispelled. It will make further discourses on a variety of associated social issues like entry to temples like Sabarimala and others by women of menstruating age, more knowledgeable and logical, instead of the biased and theatrical narrative it has become.  What is inherently wrong with the Indian system of discourse about Hindu practices is that it has been painted over by non-Indic thoughts and practices which were illogical when seen through our cultural and script

Whenever we read an author for the first time, we are curious to see if the book caters to our pre-conceived expectations about the author's work. Ashwin Sanghi is well known for his thrillers mixed with mythology, history along with political twists and turns. His book 'The Vault of Vishnu' reads on well as a thriller interlinked with Indian history. However, for readers who grew up on western thrillers and expect the fast pace of such a genre, some sections become a bit of a drag.  My interest was piqued when I saw that the Chinese monk Xuanzang's journey to India was similar to that of the book 'Journey to the West,' the serialised Chinese version I had seen long ago and loved. The author's narration of the monk's journey is interesting. However, a good thriller seems to be lost among a huge amount of research. I feel the mention and explanation of the places which the monk visited during his journey were not necessary in so much detail in a thriller.