My brother’s multicultural wedding took a turn for the worse when the “abomination” called rosogulla chaat was served. But it ended up doing what a Chief Minister who labels everyone who disagrees with her a “Maoist” couldn’t do for the last few years: Make Bengalis take a stand.

I was hoping to learn the purpose of life when I met the Dalai Lama. Instead, I learnt that profound encounters can be couched in watching a spiritual leader mime a panting dog.