Ukraine doesn’t cease to amaze me. It’s a very young democracy, having broken away from the Soviet Union in 1991 along with the other 14 that comprised the erstwhile Soviet bloc. They decided to have their own Constitution and became a parliamentary republic soon after. This Slavic nation with a Read more…
Most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christian of various denominations with a small section of Islamic Tatars and Greek Catholics. Recently, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recognized as an independent patriarchy, breaking away from Moscow finally. Eastern Europe and Ukraine celebrated Easter on April 28th a week after Roman Catholics, Protestants and Read more…
One thing common between India and Ukraine, is corruption. Any other similarities end there. In India corruption is clearly evident in our poor road systems, poor public offices and their deliveries, poorly maintained hospitals, schools, ports and also anything that the Government has a duty to deliver. Ukraine is plagued Read more…
Every country has its national and historical heroes. But how many such celebrated heroes are poets? Taras Shevchenko, who has written Ukraine’s national song was a writer, painter and thinker. His sculpture and portraits are found all over the country. The Taras Shevchenko University in Kyiv is popular and lots Read more…
Ukraine doesn’t much care for tourism or tourists. At least not till couple of years ago. But all their cities are so tourist friendly, despite the occasional language handicap. They have introduced visa on arrival this year for several countries, including India. It costs USD 100 for a fortnight stay, Read more…
When I mention Ukraine to friends in India, the usual reaction is, ‘Oh, Uuuu.Kay’? Or ‘Ah, in Russia, no’? To be frank I didn’t make much difference between Russia and Ukraine when it first came home to me! Whether it was Oleksii or Olesky, mattered little till it was pointed Read more…
Fart on Demand I know this autobiography is a story about myself. But there is nothing insightful that you don’t already know about me at present. Or as Shri. Nag says, ‘what he reads in the morning he forgets in the afternoon.!’ So I’m going to divert your attention to Read more…
What you feel is what you see Enough of gloom and doom. Whatever will be, will be. If not, there is always Atmanirbhar. I wonder if self-reliance wasn’t a desire or a goal at any time, especially for a country. I don’t wish to debate on that o let’s move Read more…
How the mood has changed! January was one of denial. February marked some interest and the epidemiologists began to air their knowledge or lack of it. March saw a scurry of activities. April, the countdown began. May, was the awakening with over 5 mil counted and in early June, businesses Read more…
Destination Unknown May is coming to a close and as the tropical summer gives way to the south westerlies, the hope that the Indian blistering summer would finish or weaken me has not borne out. Amphan blew up bridges, cars, trees and roofs but I think I’m not badly affected Read more…