I know it is quiet in here

Dear Readers,
I got a few emails inquiring about me. Well, it seems our family is taking turnings falling ill, or worse still all of us are now ill at the same time. Quite depressing, as no one is able to cheer anyone else up.
I could not even meet up some friends who were visiting Mumbai, perhaps next time.
The sky is grey and now that Mumbai has had its quota of rainfall, I do hope for some sunny days and some sunny dispositions.
I just finished reading: Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood and am now reading Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson. Amazing books by amazing people. I shall review them some day soon.
Best
Lubna

Happy Independence Day, India

Dear Readers,

There are just a few hours left for the clock to strike midnight. But, let me wish everyone in advance: Happy Independence Day (August 15). May we all bloom in the diverse garden that is India.

What I am most thankful for in Free India is a Free Press. Yes, lots has been made of 'paid news'. But largely, the press is still free, which is vital for ensuring that the wheels of democracy run along the right tracks.

Happy Independence Day, once again and have a nice Sunday.

Best,
Lubna

PS: Today's (Aug 15) Times of India carries results of a survey. India sees the security forces as the institution that safeguards our freedom the most.
The media was seen as the next biggest safeguard of freedom, followed by the judiciary and civil society activists.

Photograph of The Gateway of India, shot by me a month ago. The last British troops to leave India, after independence passed through the Gateway. To those living in Mumbai/Bombay, The Gateway of India has now become an icon of freedom.

Snuggled in bed with books

Dear Readers,
I had forgotten the intensity and duration of the Mumbai monsoons. I must admit I am getting a bit tired of it. Malaria, which we thought was eradicated has taken over the city, swine flu is back and also the usual monsoon related ailments.
I had several urgent errands today, I completed just one or two. I don't feel like stepping out in this damp weather and am generally feeling under the weather.
But, I do have something to look forward to. Oxford Book Store near Churchgate has a monsoon sale and I picked up six books authored by Gerald Durrel (two of which were free) late last evening. So I am going to snuggle down in bed with these books.
I just so love Gerald Durrel's books and hope someday I would get to see his zoo. I first read his book: "My family and other other animals" when I was in school and he continues to remain one of my favourite authors till date.
While Durrell expired in 1995, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust continues to carry on the good work of saving species from extinction.
Sometimes we kill species not by actually killing them with a weapon, but by destroying their environment. Sparrows are all but gone in Bangalore (you can spot a few at the airport), I can see a few pairs of sparrows in Mumbai, but that is it. When I was a kid, Bandra, at least was teeming with sparrows.

Source of the Photograph: Telegraph UK