Our Self-Written Obituaries – Mrinal Pant, Naraina, Delhi

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Mrinal Pant, Naraina, Delhi

The 229th death. [Text and photos sent by Mrinal Pant] Resting in peace (her exterior very well obscured the storms raging inside) at the least garish corner of her house, Mrinal Pant was mostly seen mulling over the vagaries of…

Mission Delhi - Bansidhar Tewari, Daryaganj

Mission Delhi – Bansidhar Tewari, Daryaganj

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The bustling world of central Delhi’s Daryaganj is moving in high gear this late afternoon, but Bansidhar Tewari isn’t going anywhere at all. As a…

City Hangout - Walled City at 4 am, Old Delhi

City Hangout – Walled City at 4 am, Old Delhi

A new way of seeing. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The historic Walled City in Old Delhi is an obvious tourist attraction, but presents big problems. During daytime and right into the evening, the place is packed with…

City Food - Kailash Kumar Sharma's Rajma Chawal Stall, Gurgaon

City Food – Kailash Kumar Sharma’s Rajma Chawal Stall, Gurgaon

The taste of hard times. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Consider the setting. A table on the sidewalk, along with two or three chairs. Some three or four dishes, and tree leaves falling down like a slow drizzle….

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Alexander KS, Idukki, Kerala

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Alexander KS, Idukki, Kerala

The 228th death. [Text and photos sent by Alexander KS] Alexander KS was found dead by the chicken pen on Sunday as the church bells rang to the heavens. By the time he was 22, Alexander was sitting on a…

Mission Delhi - Muhammed Zikriya, Chitli Qabar

Mission Delhi – Muhammed Zikriya, Chitli Qabar

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There’s no denying it. Muhammed Zikriya does miss having his own family. But at age 84 is happily reconciled to the good life he created….

City Season - Bougainvilleas in Bloom, Vasant Vihar

City Season – Bougainvilleas in Bloom, Vasant Vihar

The pink season. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Whatever else is going on in the world, there’s something that shouldn’t be missed at this time of the year. To be specific — the flowering of gorgeous bougainvilleas cannot…

City Hangout - Gate No. 3, Civil Lines Metro Station

City Hangout – Gate No. 3, Civil Lines Metro Station

The summer refuge. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Such happiness when summer makes a perfect marriage with architecture. With the hot season beckoning, it’s none too early figuring out how to remain more or less comfy in torrid…

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Suhasini Soumitra Barman, Calcutta

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Suhasini Soumitra Barman, Calcutta

The 227th death. [Text and photos sent by Suhasini Soumitra Barman] Drunk on memories, laughter and wine, Suhasini Soumitra Barman left for home last night. Back to her father, best friend, partner-in-crime; her whole universe rolled into one. With their…

Mission Delhi - Ajay, Connaught Place

Mission Delhi – Ajay, Connaught Place

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Shoeshine boy Ajay has a knack for marketing. For starters, his hairstyle is distinctive. The 10-year-old explains that he saw this style in a movie,…