Renuka Narayanan

Themes that will never ever leave us: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

Set language politics aside and you will find that there is, indeed, much to admire in early Indian poetry in English.

Seven leaves to a sprig and other stories: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

Saptaparni has an ancient past in the annals of Ayurveda. Its bark-extract is said to boost immunity and help treat deep tummy disorders, malaria and epilepsy.

An affection for flowers and a respect for tradition: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

Fashion designer Dries Van Noten made it big from his small hometown, Antwerp.

A verse to warm you on a winter dawn: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

I treasure memories of enchanted evenings at the annual Bhakti Utsavs in Delhi, particularly the year I heard a certain, moving Sanskrit verse on Shiva...

Another story of Dipavali: SheBaba by Renuka Narayanan

The personality of the Kanchi Paramacharya is an inspiration for the spirit of the festival of lights

When the journey is lawn, think green: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

From being used in traditional crafts to finding mention in the Ramayana, grass has an interesting place in Indian culture

In an ancient tale, a message for today: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

The Tamil epic Manimekhalai upholds dharma as a way of life, free of present-day politics.

An ancient tale that unites light and love: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

Through every epoch, Sriman and Sri have been inseparable. But while Sriman will punish wrongdoers, Sri is so compassionate that she forgives everybody out of love.

Delhi weekend: You woudn’t want to miss the Russian ballet, Swan Lake

This weekend, Swan Lake, the iconic Russian ballet will be performed for the first time in its entirety in India

Rediscover five precious gems in the Mahabharata

Hinduism is unique in the way that it encourages a personal relationship between the believer and the Great One.

Why not be decent. That’s always a good start: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

We need to relearn how to accommodate our differences, how to meet in good fellowship and share differing opinions with civility.

Blurred boundaries between the rulers and the ruled

A king can wield several kinds of authority. The most incorrect is that driven by egotistical sentiment. This is also true of us as individuals, and as a mob.

Reflected in ancient verse, a time of hope: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

A Supreme Court ruling for privacy feels like a fresh start, and a good time to revisit celebrations of Spring in the poetry of Amir Khusro.

A prayer from a time when hope was young and strong

The ancient verse below has a cultural continuity all their own. It represents, to me, a human wish for the ages, cast in verse.

An early heroine of independence: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

In the early 12th century, a young child bride ran away, cast off her clothes, and declared herself married forever to Shiva.

A poetess, a king, and a message for us all: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

In our ancient literature are reminders that we are better all around when we are kinder to one another.

One long party that’s good news and bad: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

The kanwariyas do disrupt Delhi needlessly and it’s natural that tired urban commuters going about their daily grind resent the annual Shravan invasion.

How drumbeats won the battle of Changshao

A symbol that was set right over time: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

While on diplomatic assignment in Bangkok in 2009, it was gratifying to note that my Jewish neighbours knew the true meaning of the svastika.

Sometimes, it’s good to listen to our young: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

This Guru Purnima, I uphold Manas Tirtha — pilgrimages within one’s own mind — and young Indians as a force of good.

Quiet forts and their noisy stories: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

The history of our forts tell us that people across communities should visit each other, share food, friendship and activities as individuals, not blocs.

The undimmed lustre of two legendary Basra pearls: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

The tale of two Sufi saints from Basra, Iraq, whose legacies shine as brightly as the famous pearls from the region.

A moment of truth by the temple steps: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

We need to dust up ‘daan punya’ as a value worth keeping from the olden times, and remember how very politely Ram behaved, even with Ravan.

Turmeric tales amid unfunny peahen porn: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

A folk tale I recently heard, about how turmeric got its wonderful qualities, oddly legitimises the ‘boys will be boys’ narrative.

Narad muni, calendar quirks and our first-known journalist: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

We, modern Indians, must try and understand Narad muni’s role as cultural messenger. It could help us value the importance of good intentions in communication today.

A leaf from the big Asian notebook

China still abides by General Zhou’s discipline and upright attitude.

The importance of lessons in life skills

Learning domestic life skills will not only improve self-esteem and save money; such regular activities will keep those increasingly Indian lifestyle diseases away

The casual cruelties of upper-caste India: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

It’s time the younger generations called out, politely but firmly, the casteist and sexist attitudes that are holding us back at home.

Thinking cool thoughts in mind-destroying heat: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

Two electricians toiling in 43-degree heat remind me that I’m not crazy for staying positive amid the incessant whining of the privileged.

Midway through the month of super-heroes: Shebaba by Renuka Narayanan

April in India is pretty amazing for how many famous birthdays from myth and history fall in it.