Each week, we’re asking different writers, artists and others to share some of their current favorites. This week we feature picks from Sepia Mutiny co-founder Abhi Tripathi.
1. Indian Boy from Haryana Selected to be NASA AstroNOT.
I troll the internet for interesting articles about space and the space programs of different nations. This is partly due to my work in the industry and partly because I’ve spent about half my life trying to get up there myself. I simply must point you all to this inspiring and deliciously detailed article in the reputable India Today, about a husky young man named Ashish Yadav from a small village in Haryana. He has defied IMPOSSIBLE odds by applying to NASA and being selected by them for the astronaut training program.
Now, before somebody signs the movie rights, let me point out a minor issue with the article. It can’t possibly be true since NASA doesn’t even take foreign applications. Other Indian news organizations have picked up and run with the story. This seems to be straight-up Onion territory being reported here as fact. Yadav better take advantage of this before all the websites realize they’ve been duped. He needs to be at a bar tonight and use the “this is my last night on Earth” pick-up line.
2. Before the Taj Mahal, There was Humayun
A new Youtube video gives a sneak peak of the amazing restoration effort that has taken place over the last six years at Humayun’s Tomb. This tomb, which was built in 1570, is reputed to be one of the inspirations for the iconic Taj Majal. The site, in New Delhi, has been restored via a private-public partnership between the Government of India and Aga Khan Trust. A sleeping architectural giant, which many consider to rival the Taj Majal in beauty, has been awoken for us.
3. Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji
I wish I could give you a review of the new Jhumpa Lahiri book, or wow you by opening your eyes to some hip new author without a fruit on their new novel’s cover. But my time these days is spent chasing around a one year old daughter who has brown/black hair, even though her mother’s and mine is jet black (with silver now). I stress about whether I will live up to my responsibility of instilling in her the brown roots which I believe are so vital. A huge smile crept across my face when her mom found Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji at our local public library, in a predominately African American neighborhood. Times have changed a lot, for the better. It isn’t Rushdie, but it doesn’t need to be.
Abhi lives in Los Angeles and works to put things and humans into space. He is the co-founder of Sepia Mutiny. He still occasionally tweets at @sepiamutiny and @spaceabhi.
