EDITORIAL

This sixth issue of the Wallah presents five pieces, ranging from poignant drama to social comment to belly-busting humour (writes Lionel Lumb).

 We lead off with Butterfly, Kathleen Cassity’s haunting short story that won the prose prize in the recent Anglo-Indian literary competition organized by CTR Publishing. Inc. It’s a daughter’s bravely unsentimental portrait of a spirited Anglo-Indian’s final illness. Although now living in America, her character’s father never loses his passion for hot mango pickle – with everything – and a desire to get away from snow and cold weather: “Next year we’re outta here,” becomes his mantra. Next is Calcutta ’94, which won the poetry prize in the same competition for Darryl Earle. In a few touching verses about a small act of charity, to an elderly Anglo-Indian woman on the streets of Calcutta, he reminds Anglo-Indians of their roots and responsibilities. After that, we pass through the mirror to see how others view Anglo-Indians, with A Desi Comes to Terms with his Racism. This story by Surinder Jain explores his Indian character’s gradual journey from a childhood contempt for Anglo-Indians to an awareness of his own shortcomings as a human. The final two pieces offer a complete change of pace and mood. First, there’s an excerpt from the fine memoir by Patricia McGready-Buffardi, Hearts Divided in the Raj. The chapter we’ve chosen is the hilarious tale of a journey in the family Vauxhall. The title tells it all: A Pox on the ‘Vaux’. We end with another short story from a regular contributor, Rudy Otter. The Big Fight will keep you laughing at the antics of two sports masters at competing Anglo-Indian schools as each tries to ensure that his team is victorious.   

Please keep your work coming in – Dr. Adrian Gilbert and Prof. Lionel Lumb, Editors of the Wallah.

Dr. Adrian Gilbert - Editor, The Anglo-Indian Wallah.

Prof. Lionel Lumb - Editor, The Anglo-Indian Wallah.