An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West

BY JAMES BEMBRIDGE Konstantin Kisin is a comedian, political commentator and co-host of the widely celebrated show TRIGGERnometry. His first book, An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West, serves as a warning siren to those who take for granted the freedoms that Western Civilisation affords; freedoms of which Kisin’s grandparents – under the oppressions of Soviet Russia – could have only dreamed. Britain’s middle-class commentariat often regards … Continue reading An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West

MAVA

CSMI STAFF WRITER MAVA (Men Against Violence and Abuse) is India’s pioneering organization which comprises of sensitive young men of 18 to 25 years, fresh out of college and universities standing together to prevent gender-based violence against women. Having been mentored by the MAVA team on many gender and equality matters, these enthusiastic young men use out-of- the-box methods like interactive workshops, annual cultural magazines, … Continue reading MAVA

Prayer of Peace

I desire neither earthly kingdom, nor even freedom from birth and death.I desire only the deliverance from grief of all those afflicted by misery.Oh Lord, lead us from the unreal to the real; from darkness to light; from death to immortality.May there be peace in celestial regions.May there be peace on earth.May the waters be appeasing.May herbs be wholesome and may trees and plants bring … Continue reading Prayer of Peace

Thota Vaikuntam

BY CSMI STAFF WRITER Thota Vaikuntam is known for his contemporary figurative paintings of residents of the Telangana region of India. His stylized portraits—which focus on their subjects’ garments and accessories—have earned him many awards, including the Bharat Bhavan Biennale Award in 1999 and the National Award for Painting from the Government of India in 1993. Vaikuntum trained at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda under Indian modern art pioneer K.G. Subramanyan In … Continue reading Thota Vaikuntam

If Scotland is a Colony, Who are the Colonisers?

BY EFFIE DEANS I don’t know whether the SNP thinks Scotland is a colony, but certainly many if not most independence supporters think this. They often point to a list of countries that have gained independence from the UK and argue that none of them have ever wanted to go back. Most of these countries used to be part of the British Empire. The implication is that … Continue reading If Scotland is a Colony, Who are the Colonisers?

India by Luxury Train

BY CSMI STAFF WRITER The Maharajas Express is the most recent and unarguably the most luxurious tourist train in India with finesse at par with the Orient Express of the West. The Maharaja Express can be introduced as one of the most popular luxury trains running on Indian rails. Maharaja Express is an amalgamation of style, luxury, lavishness and grandeur. Since the keyword here was … Continue reading India by Luxury Train

Goan Dodol

Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk 200 gm grated jaggery 50 gm cashews 200 gm rice flour 50 gm almonds Instructions: Mix rice flour with milk To prepare this delicious dessert, take a large bowl and mix the rice flour with the coconut milk. Make sure the mixture is lump-free. Cook the batter Heat a saucepan over a medium flame and pour flour batter into it. … Continue reading Goan Dodol

Sunday Prayer

O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love!Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient.Thou art Satchidananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute).Thou art the Indweller of all beings. Grant us an understanding heart,Equal vision, balanced mind,Faith, devotion and wisdom.Grant us inner spiritual strengthTo resist temptations and to control the mind.Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy.Fill our hearts with divine virtues. Let us behold … Continue reading Sunday Prayer

Zarina

BY CSMI STAFF WRITER Zarina Hashmi (16 July 1937 – 25 April 2020), known professionally as Zarina, was an Indian-American artist and printmaker based in New York City. Her work spans drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. Associated with the Minimalist movement, her work utilized abstract and geometric forms in order to evoke a spiritual reaction from the viewer. Zarina’s art was informed by her identity as … Continue reading Zarina