The National Abu Dhabi
Comment Essays for The National Abu Dhabi
Song from the navel
Song from the navel One of the tough things about writing is that the piece that you think is great will not resonate with readers and the piece that you think is so-so will elicit unusual responses. FIRST PUBLISHED: [...]
For The National Abu Dhabi on business class
Funny what you remember. Travelling with kids: what to do with babies in business class? January 9, 2014 Updated: January 9, 2014 17:17:00 I show my passport to the security agent and, as the proverbial phrase goes, turn left. I [...]
Immerse yourself in another culture for Mint Lounge
Mint Lounge's New Year issue is based on a great premise: new experiences. Lots of great stories: adopting a stray, rainwater harvesting, grieving your parents, being a mentor, taking trips, finding yourself.
For The National Abu Dhabi on Bangalore
So many new restaurants in Bangalore. Even since this writing. My Kind of Place: Bangalore bustling with activities Shoba Narayan January 2, 2014 Updated: January 2, 2014 14:23:00 Why Bangalore? This capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore recently [...]
For The National Abu Dhabi on Shanghai
How do you create a story about "travelling with kids," the section that I am writing for? You amplify the drama; you choose transformative moments; and you downplay the humdrum of everyday life. Realize from careful reader, Vinay's comments, that [...]
Habit Formation
Whatever you wish for this year, try to make it a habit Shoba Narayan December 31, 2013 Updated: December 31, 2013 19:12:00 In his book, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change, author [...]
25 things to feel happy about
What's your list? Thank you, Manish Sabharwal, Nitin Pai, Narayan Ramachandran, and Nikhil Mehra for the suggestions/contributions Sat, Dec 28 2013. 12 34 AM IST The Contrarian View | 25 things to feel happy about Performing chief ministers, a successful [...]
Devyani Khobragade
Or how Preet Bharara jeopardised Indo-US relationships by showing off. Only the US has the power to calm its dispute with India Shoba Narayan December 22, 2013 Updated: December 22, 2013 18:25:00 The continuing diplomatic row between the US and [...]
Travelling with kids on the Nile river for The National Abu Dhabi
I have started a new contributing gig, which is right up my alley. I've sent a series of essays under the title "Travelling with kids." Here is the first one. Travelling with kids: gods, mummies, kings and origami in [...]
History of perfumes
Opinion Comment Great perfumes affix the mind to a specific place and time Shoba Narayan December 16, 2013 Updated: December 16, 2013 18:42:00 No people understand perfumes better than Arabs, who instinctively and unconsciously layer scents using oils and attars. [...]
Delhi’s fetid desire, Mumbai’s petrol fumes: inspired by Mahmoud Darwish
Whose writing I adore. A niche brand of perfume called Carlos Huber makes a scent based on a boutonniere Delhi’s fetid desire, Mumbai’s petrol fumes Can you smell the ‘garam masala’ and greed in Delhi? Photo: Pradeep Gaur/Mint The best [...]
Recovering from Super Typhoon Haiyan for The National Abu Dhabi
This was a daunting piece to write. I didn't think I could interview everyone globally-- and on deadline-- on this topic. Which just goes to show that with the Internet and things like Skype, the world is indeed a small [...]