Normally it would have been a happy day for my son Anuj, but he came home angry and frustrated. Upon asking, he threw the school diary at me. I was not surprised at the diary entry.
"An extra chapter has been added by NCERT in the school curriculum to highlight the endeavours of Khilji. Parents must take note that instead of 15 days, only 1 day holiday has been sanctioned on Lakshmipujan, in order to finish this syllabus".
But that didn't impact our planning for the great Indian festival. The next day everyone except my elder brother, Gopal, was present in the Hindu community hall. He was arrested under UAPA 2 years back, when he tried to light a cracker inside an underground bunker.
My father was lying on the floor. I thought he would welcome his little princess. But he was silent. I could not identify him, his face was badly damaged. Eyes were gouged out, I think.
"He was shot in the eye", my brother narrated. I don't believe my brother anyways. He is such a liar. How can someone shoot in the eye?
The radio was playing "Gulon mein rang bhare", one of my father's favourite song. Only after I saw the "Kalawa" on his wrist, I finally recognised, he is my father. Actually, was.
"With growing fascism in India, this pic reminds me of the great Afjal Khan who was deceitfully murdered by Shivaji. Hope this modern fascist Shivaji is brought down by Biden, the great."
Meena Kandasamy :
"Thousands of people attended the DGH conference, but Modi hasn't learnt his lessons it seems. Still forcing this Hindutva inspired NAMASTE over Biden. Can't imagine the plight of minorities in India !"