I began this blog in November of 2004, to sooth my own hard-feelings about having the New York Times reject my letters to the editor with such alacrity and regularity. In a perfect world, I would hope that my blog might persuade, inspire, inform, and draw attention to people, places, ideas, and events I find noteworthy. In the end, I’ll be happy if it simply manages to provoke, piss-off, or perhaps amuse.
If you experience any of those feelings when reading these postings, be sure to comment.
MBJ
just wanted to say hi to all seen some names from the past and took a mental walk down memory lane.
Hi,
I’m the publisher of Desicritics.org, a leading online magazine on all things South Asian. I’d like to invite you to write for Desicritics. Please see this post for more and mail me so I can set you up: http://desicritics.org/2006/01/25/205846.php
Aaman Lamba
interesting essay about the constraints for entrepreneurs in India. I think the ones who move to the U.S. adapt to our culture pretty quickly,though!
Dear Mark – I read of your observations and experience of Darfur and I have to say that it takes superhuman strength for an ‘accomplished’ westerner to do what you and your wife are doing. Most would be, and indeed are, content with ‘looking from the side’ (see John Pilger’s article). I have also read of your incredible exploits in India, and js has also shared them with me. I am not sure saying thank you on behalf of humanity is appropriate, as thank you is not what humanity is entitled to say for being treated as human beings first!. But I will say thankyou for myself, for being so inspiring – you and your team of volunteers some of whom I have met and been greatly enriched by.
Zahir Ebrahim
In California at the moment, usually in the streets of Pakistan scratching my head on when the plebeians will rise to demand their simple inalienable rights of being treated as human beings first!
Mark — Too long! How’s the guitar? I’m now a “name.” Give me a shout. Best to Yoo-Mi. DA
Dear MBJ
This is Raksha Bharadia. I am an author. My debut book ‘ME’ – a handbook for Life (Rupa & Co) is on the shelf.
The next book Roots and Wings – a handbook for parents (Rupa & Co) would be out soon.
The current assignment undertaken by me is compilation of individual experiences for the ‘Chicken Soup for the Indian soul’ series for Westland publishing house. The book will carry the brand name of Chicken soup and the publishing house believes it will surely be a success.
I welcome write-ups from your blog which will fit the Chicken soup format.
Please send your stories to:
bharadiaraksha@hotmail.com and mark a cc to rakshabharadia@gmail.com
before 15th october 2007
Raksha:
I’m not big on self-help books or other “spritually uplifting” mumbo-jumbo, but I’m happy to contribute my story “A Gift of Cloth”, which might be appropriate for you.
Best of luck,
MBJ
Dear Mark:
A small question. Are you an Indian?
Raksha
Raksha:
Small answer: no.
MBJ
Thanks for stopping by my blog http://onethingiknow,net. I appreciate your visit and your taking the time to leave a comment on my post about The Red Wheelbarrow.
you definitely pissed me off. well done =D superb writer. i mean that. definitely not big on dirty business, but not everyone has the stomache for it. i think you should right more pro/con’s with more business statistics and I might agree with statements more. if you want your work published you have to be really crazy. thats my tip. get peoples attention even if it lands you a couple nights in jail.
cheers, fn
Hi. I am going to be in chennai, between jan 21 nad feb 2nd 2008. would it be ok for me to stop by pondicherry ,to have a look at your work?
Just dropped in to say Hi. Am curious, whats with the Indian fixation?
Yikes! Do I have an “Indian fixation”? I think I’m just curious — and have ample opportunity to write about — a country in which I live half of each year. So it’s more of a “life fixation.” I discover magic, and horror, just about everywhere I find myself. And one of the fun things about being me is that I find myself in so many different places.
I don’t think I’ve read anything this profound in a long, long time.
What is the offline e-mail I need to write to you personally? I did hunt around, but you seem to be more mysterious than the Templar Knights.. Just send an empty e-mail to lak@mareddy.com, and I shall write back in very exhausting, loving detail to which you are not required to return the favour. But when you do, do be your normal acerbic witty self, and make my day! And no, Im not stalking you!
Thanks for your message! You have a brilliant blog and are an inspiration to me! Cheer bud!
Pramal
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on “The Aftermath.” I see what you’re saying.
mark:
have read you “there”
first visit here
have added this link to baithak
:)
MBJ
Your blog is great! I was in the process of reading it but the wife feels rather strongly about husbands who sit staring at a computer screen while she is going hysterical about the guests who’re coming to dinner tonight.
So deep and cultured comments are going to have to wait. I had better run out and get the wine she seems to need so badly.
CHeers
Hi Mark
I came across memestream when searching for information about Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy and have been addicted to it ever since. From what little I know about good writing, your pieces and the underlying knowledge is inspiring!
I am currently a college student from Mumbai studying at the Univ. of Pennsylvania; very interested in social enterprise; plan to spend some time traveling across India and just meeting people who can insipire, guide and teach. I would love to meet you and the wonderful people working with you sometime this monsoon. Will you be in Pondi around from Mid-May – Late June?
Do let me know. I would really appreciate it.
Sagar
when i search all about manav sadhna..i look ur blog…read and i think its very inspirational words..my name is reta and i work too in some street children NGO in indonesia. I have plan go to india and im interest if can join with manav sadhna…thank u for all ur share about poverty in india
namaste
reta