Apu’s World

I haven’t been in the mood to write anything original here, but I came across some interesting links on diverse topics, which I thought readers of this blog may be interested in.

First, an sobering article on the high maternal mortality rates in India and how different approaches are being tried out to combat MMR, keeping in mind local conditions such as the lack of reliable ambulance services.

Then, it appears that after the disaster that Bride & Prejudice was, the Indian film industry still wants to take its chances on Jane Austen. So, what we have coming up is a Hindi screen adaption of Emma, with Sonam Kapoor playing the lead. I can just imagine the impulsive and charming Emma being transformed into a juvenile and flighty Ekta, sorry, Aisha. Sigh. Coincidentally, I am reading Claire Tomalin’s insightful and creative biography of Jane Austen at the moment (creative, considering the limited amount of material available).

Also, Webster’s dictionary defines ‘Statesman’ as 1 : one versed in the principles or art of government; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies. 2 : one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship. I’m finding it difficult to see how Rajan Zed qualifies, besides being quite unable to understand why he should have a problem with English novels being adapted for India. Sure, one would also like to see adaptations of Indian novels, but, hasn’t he heard of the numerous versions of Devdas?

Finally, Mint is doing an absolutely must-read series on Industrial Safety in India. These are the kind of nuanced, well-researched and objective pieces that are increasingly hard to find in any Indian newspaper. So, if Mint is not on your usual reading list and you haven’t seen these, please do go read them.

apu In General