Phoolan Devi was media’s magnificent obsession for over two years. She herself liked to be known as ‘dasyu sundari, the beloved of Vikram Mallah.’ She had never been identified before the Behmai massacre and even those details were sketchy. But once she gained notoriety, stories about her abounded. These accounts were offered by villagers, friends and even her parents. Did the myth of the Bandit Queen overshadow the real Phoolan Devi? Ashwini Bhatnagar covered her ‘exploits’ for over two years as she moved from one end of the Chambal ravines to another and spoke to every one connected with her. He recounts his attempts to track her down.

When Einstein tried to prevent the atom bomb
by K.R.N. Swamy
IT is interesting to consider how world famous scientists in Allied camps felt about the atom bomb. Searching the archives of science libraries, one finds that most of the scientists were overcome by a gnawing fear that their attempts to develop the atom bomb would unleash a great peril on humanity.

Salvaging past for posterity
by Ratan Patel
NATURE has been cruel on Gujarat. The unending cycle of cyclones, droughts and quakes has ravaged the land, making it virtually uninhabitable for most parts. Anywhere else in the world, a mass exodus would have followed every calamity, leading to the decimation of population and in effect, a culture.

Food is your best medicine
by Jasmer Singh
INDIA’s rich heritage includes the wealth of a deep insight into the properties of foods.The knowledge of influences of foods is a valuable legacy that has been handed to us from our forefathers.

BRIDGE: Natural trump trick
by Omar Sharif

DREAM THEME: Dreaming of dancing
by Vinaya Katoch Manhas