Dispatches from Kolkata

This year marks the 48th Kolkata Book Fair, a fair Sandip Roy has been going to his whole life. This year he ruminates on what makes this particular festival so special.

This week Sandip celebrates a deity that has always been a bit more personal, but also worries about how the modern world is remaking her influence.

An Indian CEO has caused a furor over dismissive statements concerning work hours. Sandip Roy considers the implications of a seven day work week.

The character of “Durga” has haunted film audiences the world over. The actress who portrayed her had something of a tragic life herself. Sandip remembers Uma, as she now, like her character Durga, has died.

At the beginning of what will inevitably be a year filled with conflict and stiff, it’s a memorial service from the close of last year that reminds us how alike we all are.

Sandip Roy contrasts the Christmases of his childhood with the current revelry taking place in Kolkata.

“Music can’t work miracles” Zakir Hussain once said, but he certainly was a miraculous musician and collaborator. Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco on Dec. 15th, 2024.

‘Ol Chiki’ is a thousands year old language in Bengal, but has only been written down since 1925. Sandip Roy travels to an art biennial to find out more.

Salman Rushdie’s book Satanic Verses could, perhaps, FiNALLY be available in India. But with so many verses under the bridge will it matter?

Due to illness Sandip is forced to consider the world in his own backyard.