Just like that

Thirukkural —this two-line wonder—has been an integral part of our lives in various forms since childhood. Yet, I hadn't picked up that small book in a long time, except when my husband asked for the meaning of a Kural quoted by a politician in a speech or recited by finance ministers during Budget presentations. (I’ve always wondered why quoting Thirukkural has become a ritual, even for finance ministers with no connection to Tamil Nadu!) That aside, my interest in this seven-word marvel was recently rekindled by The Times of India initiative, where famous personalities share their favorite Thirukkural . As I listened to their experiences, I was surprised at how many Kurals I could recall effortlessly, despite never having consciously studied them. In school, I was a Sanskrit and Hindi student, so my Tamil lessons never came from textbooks. Yet, my love for Tamil never faded—thanks to my father. He always had a Kural ready for every situation, and perhaps that’s how I pick...

Kamsahamnida —that word has been stuck in my head lately. It means “thank you very much” in Korean. No prizes for guessing why—I've been on a Korean drama binge for the past three weeks. Yes, I am a late bloomer. And let me tell you, they are dangerously addictive. So much so that even my regular chores have taken a backseat! What makes these dramas so captivating? When I think about it, I can draw a few parallels: Korean culture, at least as portrayed in these dramas, reminds me a lot of Indian culture from the ‘80s. I say this specifically because, post-liberalization and the brain drain, we seem to have embraced Western influences more than our own traditions. There’s a certain warmth in their visuals—nothing jarring or loud. Everything is so easy on the eye, creating a soothing effect. The sound design is subtle. No unnecessary high-pitched screeches. Even when a scene demands it, it’s kept brief. The storylines—some of...