Francis Gonsalves
Through the mom’s eyes
I promise that I’ll support you in a way that you will make us all proud,” whispered Usha Rani Nehwal to her eight-year-old daughter Saina 14 years ago.
The right to be left
Besides being Presidents, what’s common to Felipe Calderón (Mexico), Laura Chinchilla (Costa Rica), Hugo Chavez (Venezuela) and Barack Obama (the US)? They’re all lefties!
Carmel lights
Ever heard of “Carmel” school or college? My sisters studied at Carmel School in Bandra, Mumbai.
Feast of Thomas
I’m often asked by the people here in India and abroad, “When did Christianity come to India?” “Indian Christianity’s about 2,000 years old,” I reply, adding, “Ever since Thomas, one of Jesus’ beloved
Alliance of hearts
Love God with your whole heart — and your neighbour as yourself,” said Jesus summarising the A to Z of dharma. The heart is a vital organ and a religious symbol, too.
The triad in its totality
It is said, “Two is company, three is a crowd.” This finds expression in innumerable Hollywood, Bollywood and Kollywood films with Hum-Tum-Woh (I-You-S/he) themes.
Heavenly heights
You’ve grown a halo and wings!” joked a friend upon my return last week from a yatra embracing Israel, Egypt and Jordan.
Holy land of the heart
As you read this, I am headed for Israel — to visit places connected to the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And yet, even before I reach there, I am already visiting those sacred spots in my imagination. Sacred spaces exist not only on our landscape, but flower upon the fertile soil of our minds and hearts.
The benefit of doubt
Doubt seems opposed to faith. “If you doubt, you don’t have faith; if you have faith, you don’t doubt” runs the simplistic logic to show that doubt and faith are irreconcilable bedfellows.
Crosses and crowns
My cross is just too heavy to bear,” wept a young widow whose husband drowned, whose teenaged son was alcoholic and whose daughter had failed her SSC exams.
