Megha Murali

Pakistan and India gained independence jointly from British Raj in 1947. Upon Independence both countries pursued the policy of nonalignment as both were preoccupied with disputes inter se over Kashmir, water rights and division of resources. Forming alliances: The partition of British India resulted in the greatest migration of recent history as Millions crossed border on both sides; in fact over 10 million people died or went missing as a result of communal related violence. The bloody partition ensured that relations between the two countries became fraught. India's sheer big size, its aggressive policy towards Pakistan and economic, political and military support it received  from Soviet Union drew Pakistan into military partnership with Washington first in 1955 short- lived Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), which also included Turkey, Iraq, and later through bilateral arrangements. Also in 1955 Pakistan joined the now-defunct SEATO, which together with its involvements with...

' Peepli [Live]' did not just live up to my expectations, it exceeded them. Giving me a side splitting and yet brooding glimpse to an India i have experienced first hand, but an India I rarely hear about. An India most urban dwelling Indians think exists only in movies. actually , that India does not exist in movies because movies are mostly about urban subjects. 'Peepli [Live]' is rustic, charming and satirical. A satire on the poverty that runs across the nation and the mockery we have made of it. 'Peepli [Live]' is powered by exceptional screenplay and the most original dialogues I have heard in a long time. And it is rustic-generously populated by slang that designer wear, polished , English speaking Indians might cringe at. But the language spoken by numbers greater than the entire population of the US. The characters are real and believable. The clothes they wear depict the reality of their existence. Their scraggly beards, dirty loins, and hand woven be...