Map showing illuminated flight routes between Middle Eastern cities and Indian cities at night

Shadows on the Tigris, Ripples on the Ganga: A Tale of Oil, Empires, & the Price of War

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings5 Comments

In Erbil, mornings have shifted from the tense drone activity to a calmer atmosphere following a ceasefire. Despite this pause in violence, geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran persist, influencing global markets, especially India's oil-dependent economy. India's historical, cultural, and energy ties underscore its careful diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens strive to maintain stability in their daily lives amid ongoing uncertainty. This situation reflects the complex interplay of conflict, diplomacy, and economic reliance shaping regional and global dynamics.

When Grief Knocks on the Door of Power: Reflections on Justice, Politics, & the Fate of Movements

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings8 Comments

A movement born of tragedy has stepped into the political arena. What began as a cry for justice is now a candidacy—raising urgent questions about power, purity, and survival. Can moral clarity endure within political machinery? This is not just a test of one voice, but of the system itself—and of our collective refusal to normalize what should never be normal.

Bass, Bhakti & Belonging: Inside India’s Bhajan Clubbing Wave

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents12 Comments

Bhajan clubbing is transforming India’s urban nightlife by combining ancient chants with modern rhythms beneath vibrant neon lights. In metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, Generation Z comes together for a sober and soulful experience—searching for connection, purpose, and identity. This blend of devotion and music represents more than just a fad; it marks a subtle cultural return. Demonstrating a yearning for authenticity, these events merge spirituality with contemporary styles, enabling young Indians to embrace both their heritage and modern life, creating a deep sense of belonging.

When War Enters a Classroom: A Reflection for the Children of the World

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings16 Comments

On February 28, 2026, a missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab turned a classroom into a battlefield. Nearly 180 lives—mostly young girls—were lost due to outdated intelligence and a devastating "double-tap" strike. This tragedy stands as a harrowing reminder that no military objective justifies the slaughter of children. We must demand humanity in the rules of engagement.

Between Drones & Dawn: Life in Erbil

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings23 Comments

Erbil currently experiences an unusual, heavy calm. You get used to sleeping through the distant sounds of drones, but find true comfort in the morning commute. Observing the city begin its day with 'business as usual' is the daily habit that keeps us steady. While the skies above remain watchful and weary, the city below refuses to blink. Every car on the road and every open shop door is a small, steady pulse of resilience. It is a daily triumph of routine over chaos; a reminder that as long as the wheels are turning, the spirit of the people remains unbroken. Beneath the tension, the simple act of starting the day is our most powerful proof of faith.

Love Across Millennia: The World’s Oldest Love Poem on Valentine’s Day

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History16 Comments

This Valentine’s Day, let us travel back nearly 4,000 years to ancient Sumer, where a bride whispered her passion to King Shu-Sin through The Love Song for Shu-Sin. “Bridegroom, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet… My precious caress is more savory than honey.” Composed long before the biblical Song of Songs, these words reveal that love, desire, and devotion are timeless. From clay tablets to chocolates, from whispered poems to modern Valentine’s cards, humans have always sought to speak to the heart. Today, we celebrate that eternal, universal language: love. ❤️

A Valentine We Made Special Together—2026

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Muse & Musings6 Comments

During Valentine’s week, a couple received a unique Blinkit delivery featuring interactive packaging: a colourable bouquet and a set of 32 words for crafting personal quotes. The writer struggled initially but employed ChatGPT for organisation. Ultimately, he created a heartfelt poem for his wife, illustrating the human essence in writing, despite AI's assistance.