War hero, Indian and Jewish
He was known in my native India as the hero of the Bangladesh war. In Israel, he was known as the highest-ranking Jew in the Indian Army. Lieutenant General Farj…
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January 14, 2016
Diwali, Lakshmi and good winning over evil
Today we mark a day of solemnity, remembering all those who fought for our country. I salute you on Veterans Day, especially those of you I came to know well…
November 11, 2015
Hindus to NYC: Why Eid, but not Diwali?
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are like Christmas and Yom Kippur now for New York City schools. Mayor Bill Blasio announced the city will recognize the two important Muslim holidays.…
March 5, 2015
'Dead Man Walking.' Live nun talking
My journalism brings me face to face with all sorts of interesting people. Over the years I have met extraordinary men and women and ordinary ones who have extraordinary tales…
August 6, 2014
Hotel Death
My story on a home for the dying in Varanasi, India, came out on CNN.com today. I spent a week reporting in the fabled holy city and was fascinated by its…
April 25, 2014
Death: I've had 13 years to think
I've been immersed in writing about death after spending a week in Varanasi at a home where ailing, elderly Hindus go to end their lives. They want to die there because…
March 25, 2014
The price of independence
It's too bad "Midnight's Children" was a bust at the box office. I'm thinking that Deepa Mehta was perhaps the wrong director to give us the celluloid depiction of Salman…
August 14, 2013
Honoring Gayle
This year, the Religion Newswriters Association chose my friend Gayle White as its lifetime achievement award recipient. I cannot think of anyone who deserves this honor more.The ceremony in Minneapolis…
September 14, 2009