Sheeba Singh

As a kid, things are simpler- and yet seem so complex. But then again, we seem to somehow manage to think that about every step of life as it passes us by. We look back over our shoulders, smile and think to ourselves, ‘life was so much easier then.’ Looking forward, we realize the struggles ahead of us, the challenges that await, and the risks we are likely to face for the next step. (more…)

© Sheeba Singh, 2009

Somehow, the commercials weren’t enough and the motivation didn’t rise- voter turnout managed to be a disappointment in the city of dreams, Mumbai. While people hailed that justice be brought to the fore after terrorism shook the earth we stand on in this country, the angst only lasted so long. Voter turnout, statistics indicate, were only a little over 44% of those legally eligible to vote from the 14 million people in Mumbai last week. It does not take much to realize that the equation just does not add up. Terrorists maneuvered their way into the country, fully plotting their every move prior to setting foot and causing chaos and taking lives of innocent civilians. Unfortunately, the haphazard that was contained at the time and that followed, seems to have swallowed the screams for justice with it. While the media reported this to be the 9/11 of India, or equivalently, the next of the world; the sense of responsibility entitled to the the citizens of the country is nowhere to be seen in the recent statistics revealed of voter turnouts in Mumbai. The city that never sleeps still echoes screams of innocent lives caught in the terrorists’ turmoil not less than a year ago, and yet, the populace’s concern to configure change into the country, policy and efficiency in responding to hate crimes has been overpowered once again by routine. Pictures of a handful of famous men and women adorned the front pages of the newspaper the following day- unfortunately, a day too late to inspire their fellow city folk to vote who, somehow, didn’t get the time to do so. (more…)

© Sheeba Singh, 2009

Less than a week ago, I went to a local convenience store to buy myself a conditioner. My reasons for doing so are fairly invalid for the purpose of this piece, but what does matter is my choice on the matter. I walked to the counter with a fairly good idea of the product I had wanted and why I was choosing to buy it. The absurdity arose when the very casual, and very common conversation between a vendor and the customer (in this case, me) happened. (more…)