This beautiful piece of architecture is the Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu. It was at one time home to the Dogra dynasty. Constructed bit by bit over 150 years, with various rulers adding their own story to its history, today it stands with quiet grace on the edge of the old walled city of Jammu, overlooking the open valley of the river Tawi. I studied within a 2 km radius of this beauty for two years and never knew her. Because I was too busy being angry. I was 16, had just f

I was out with coco for a walk when I saw her. She lay there quietly like a fallen leaf, her bright wings, the color of spring against the paved earth. I bent down and touched her. Her wings, a part of it still folded, lay there limp. But a tiny foot moved fiercely in protest. She had probably just come out of her cocoon and had fallen down before her wings got strong. So I lifted her gently and put her on a bush with red flowers, sheltering her behind a large leaf. When I ca

I find it fascinating how autumn leaves mirror the embers of the setting sun as they bid goodbye to the tree and prepare to become one with the earth again. I guess we are not the only ones who find a good sunset unforgettable. But few of us are able to let go so beautifully, so gracefully. Even the final act, a burst of color, an expression in gratitude to the life witnessed. (Location courtesy: Anandvan, a lovely strip of forest land so lovingly and selflessly nurtured by a