The World Health Organization (WHO) historically considered a C-section rate of 10–15% as an approximate threshold. Over the past three decades, however, the global prevalence of Caesarean deliveries has risen sharply, tripling from about 7% in the early 1990s to roughly 20–21% today. A number of countries stand out as clear outliers: Turkey reports rates … Continue reading The C-Section Boom
In the 1960s, the discovery and development of Europe’s largest natural gas field in the Netherlands triggered an unexpected structural shift in the Dutch economy. The surge in export revenues brought in large inflows of foreign currency, leading to an appreciation of the Dutch guilder. A stronger currency made Dutch manufactured goods more expensive in … Continue reading The Dutch Disease
I visited the Muthappan temple in Parassinikkadavu, Kannur for the first time yesterday. While I’ve seen mice, cows, monkeys, eagles and peacocks as guardians to deities, it was the first time I encountered a dog at the entrance to the sanctum. Dogs chilling around the temple Dogs guarding the main sanctum of Muthappan The Muthappan … Continue reading Parassinikkadavu Muthappan
During the Christmas break, I spent three days visiting Kerala’s most celebrated tourist destination – Munnar. The place lives up to its reputation for natural beauty. Contrary to my expectations, the ‘concrete jungle’ that I was bracing for was largely absent for most of the trip. But the tragedy was to see how rudimentary most … Continue reading Munnar Notes
I was skeptical before I began listening to the Malayalam audiobook of Nalini Jameela’s acclaimed autobiography 'Njan Lymgikathozhilali'. The first part of the book dealing with her childhood and initial foray into sex work was a drag. But towards the end, when she began writing of her activism and the socio-political context of the sex … Continue reading Nalini Jameela’s ‘The Autobiography of a Sex Worker’
In the early aughts, when I was in college, Roy’s long-form essays were a frequent feature in the Outlook magazine. Vinod Mehta’s trust in her made her a household name, and he, too, fondly wrote about this association in his memoir. Sometime in 2015, her introduction to Navayana's edition of Ambedkar's 'Annihilation of Caste' again … Continue reading Roy’s Memoir
Today, while watching Shtisel, I learned about the Hebrew calendar. It begins in 3761 BC, a date calculated in the 2nd century CE based on a theological interpretation of the Book of Genesis. Jewish scholars chronologically mapped out key biblical events, such as Adam’s creation, Noah’s Ark, Solomon’s reign, the Exodus, etc. leading to the … Continue reading The Hebrew Calendar
On hearing that I was visiting Mookambika, a friend wondered if I was on some sort of pilgrimage. The answer to that was no. But here I was, at the Mookambika shrine, deep inside the rainforests of Kollur, a village 130 km north of Mangalore. The Madras Mail from Mahe took four hours to reach … Continue reading Kollur Notes
I lived in Thiruvananthapuram from 2005 to '07 and also spent significant time in the city during the 2018 floods. This December, I found myself back in the city, accompanied by an entourage of 14 family members! As expected, I revisited some of its main attractions. The most shocking development was the overwhelming rush of … Continue reading Thiruvananthapuram Notes
Soon after landing in Calicut, my mother whisked me away to Guruvayoor. Visiting the temple town after seven years, travelling by auto, train and bus, was a memorable experience. The highlight was the hour spent sitting just a meter away from a tusker – Monsieur Peethambaran. My daughters even managed to touch and stroke his … Continue reading Guruvayoor Notes
