Lockdown Diaries: Reflections In The Wake of COVID-19

Most of us Indians across the globe perhaps share a similar story at this juncture. We are in the same boat, stranded mentally if not physically. For those of us whose families are far away in India, the question that has inevitably crossed our minds is: “When will we get to go home next?” It's my 83rd day today,...

“Bhenge mor ghorer chabi” – an Essex Indians initiative to celebrate Rabindra Jayanti

9 May, 2020. It was a usual day amidst the Covid 90 Pandemic prevailing around the world. However, for all Bengalis and Indians around the globe, it was a very special day. It was the weekend of Rabindra Jayanti. It was the 159th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, commonly known as “Tagore” to the world. Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, a...

Light of the end of the Covid-19 tunnel for property investment

A recent webinar, kindly hosted by the non-profit, think tank Bridge India, brought the welcome news that it looks like the global pandemic that has caused so much economic upheaval should not discourage investing in UK property, certainly if you're willing to see it as a long-term proposition. Bring back Brexit The online session, entitled “The impact of Covid-19 on Indian...

The UK property market scenario post COVID-19

As the globe enters uncharted territory, we wanted to take this opportunity to update you and be transparent to our community of lenders and borrowers. Thus, we’ve put together some FAQ style information for our lender and borrower community to keep you well informed. Frequently Asked Questions by Lenders: Q 1: How does it affect already funded/on-going Projects? A: Our existing projects...

Lockdown Diaries: Saurav Dutt, author of ‘Dear Mr Bachchan’ talks about the joys of lockdown creativity

Now is the time to take the magic of words, music, art, and creativity and to allow them to inspire, comfort and empower you during the mental tests of Lockdown. There is joy in finding magic and solace in the written word, and the most testing of times empowers one to find enchantment among sentences, to flesh out the fabric of...

Flowers – an environmental poem

I haven’t been able to make much music recently. Processing the news around us has been far from easy. So here’s a different kind of offering, with words and paint, this one is called — Flowers. It rained last night, From a monsoon sky, Soaked my soil, Burrowed its way Deep into my heart, Until I was swollen... Dark earth, Bubbled bright, And it hurt To be brimming with...

Concerns are growing over the ‘deep’ racial inequality that the spread of the virus has exposed in Britain

Black and Asian people are more likely than white people to be fined in London under coronavirus laws, official data showed on Wednesday, as tens of thousands gathered in the British capital to protest against racism. More than half the penalties issued by London police between 27 March and 14 May for breaching new laws created to stop the spread...

Don’t talk to me about racism

America may have been the source, and the death of George Floyd the flashpoint, but the anger has spread has across the globe, enveloping many nations and nationalities. The feelings of injustice resonate for so many, in so many places where intolerance and racism persist. Ambika Kucheria has distilled her feelings into a poem. One that was found to be...

We can’t breathe: George Floyd death strikes global chord

The recent death of George Floyd, a 46 year old African American has caused anger and protest around the world. It is not enough to call it a death for it was certainly a custodial murder by the police officers, one of whom was seen pinning Floyd down with his knee. As with Eric Garner murdered by police in New...

How modular housing construction will uplift the property market post lockdown

The recent Covid-19 crisis has challenged our “traditional” habits like face to face meetings and pushed us towards digital world. One month into it, I am more busy than “normal” times with higher number of “effective” online meetings. Many UK firms also have reported higher productivity of their employees. Post lockdown, we are now leading a “new normal” life...