Mission Delhi – Syed Iqbal Ali, Mohalla Qabristan
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The world is in transition, here at Crescent Photo Studio in Old Delhi’s Mohalla Qabristan. “It is to be rebuilt,” says Syed Iqbal Ali. “This…
Mission Delhi – Georgina Lazer, Holy Trinity Church
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] In blue sari and white hair, she at 90 is like a lesser-known but still a notable Walled City monument. This February afternoon, snuggled in…
City Landmark – Pahari Wali Mata ka Mandir, Near Prime Minister’s Residence
A wayside shrine. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The strong afternoon breeze coursing through the hill is making the tree leaves shiver like a man in high fever. A bird hidden somewhere is cooing repeatedly. Yellowing leaves litter…
City Life – The Delhi Walla’s Speech on Being a ‘Hyperlocal Homer’, India International Center
The Delhi Walla’s talk on International Greek Language Day. [Photo by Ismini Panagopoulou-Boudouris] Hello everyone, hello Mr Ambassador, and thank you Ismini for inviting me. To me, who lives more than 3000 miles away from Athens, the word Greece first…
City Hangout – February Light, Around Town
Bergman’s light. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Before finalising the locale for the movie Winter Light, in 1961, filmmaker Ingram Bergman journeyed through a series of churches in north Sweden, sitting for hours on the pews of each…
Mission Delhi – Pritika Sah, Kotla Mubarakpur
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The mobile phone alarm beeps without fail at 6.30. Though she doesn’t really need that morning alert. She gets up moments before, alerted by her…
City Life – Place Names, Around Town
No small wonder. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Time passes. Places are transformed. Something routine in timeless cities like Delhi/Dilli/Indraprastha/Khandavprastha. This year the Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhawan (formerly the Viceroy’s House) has been rechristened Amrit Udyan. Here’s…
City Landmark – Banyan Tree, Gurgaon Railway Station
No small wonder. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] In our fast-changing ever-uncertain times, it stands tall and dense as an emblem of great endurance. It was here long before the coronavirus pandemic, and will, hopefully continues to exist…
City Landmark – British-Era Tank, Old Delhi
On the hilltop. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Breathe out a deep sigh, before marvelling at the irony. Here’s a most amazing Old Delhi alley with a deep solid character, but without a name. This walkway strip is…
Delhi’s Proust Questionnaire – Neha Ansari, Gali Chandi Wali
The parlour confession. [By Mayank Austen Soofi] Neha Ansari is young and wishes to spend her life as an artist. Her immediate career goal is to become a hotel receptionist. She recently finished a 11-month-long “hotel management course” in a…
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