I read the Indian part of the blog. The thing that nagged me is that, you are getting a lot of direct interface with the people around you: some of them are from political background, and some of them with a background that calls for that politics, at least that is what these political people think. But, still, the deep ontological searchings that could generate within your text, is lacking. You are getting a more-than-a-tourist opportunity. But it is remaining a trvellogue after all. You had a rare kind of opportunity to delve deep into the thought processes of the people: how they rationalize themselves, how they eke out their own meaning, under the looming shadow of all-pervading starvation. Anyway, did not mean to be harsh, though.

Dipankar,

Thank you for commenting, I hope you check back and read this — I’m not clear what it is you’re looking for. This is, after all, above anything, a travelogue, albeit one that tries to go deeper than the tourist attractions.

I’m also trying to publish articles about the situations I am experiencing in magazines and newspapers where the inner thought processes of the people, as they relate to greater stories, may be more relevant. Here on this site, I try to give a glimpse, but mostly in the context of my trip, a crazy trip that bounces me between starving children and the comforts of the tourist trail.

Thanks again for your interest — feel free to write more,

JB