RIGHT AS WE WERE inching towards a spirited summer, NCR was soaked by a spate of rain and a spell of pleasantness. Not used to such off-season coolness plus a weekend, citizens headed out to the pretty parts of the capital (Lord knows we have plenty of those). I admit that I sneaked off a bit—every professional is entitled to a day out—and headed straight for a series of dance performances. My experience left me lamenting that I did not do so more often. And it left me nostalgic for the days when my sister and I would train under our gurus, Reba Vidhyarthi and Bhaswati Mishra. I consider myself fortunate for having trained under her at the Kathak Kendra where I was a scholarship-holder. I realise that some people are not big fans of normative structures, especially those which demand (or exhort) obedience. Since my sister and I have grown up in the classical guru-shikshya tradition, a part of me understands the merit of such expectations. It presupposes a certain humility that I increasingly miss among fellow citizens. Is touching a guru’s feet, a servile act? Or is it one that acknowledges a depth of character and humility that is endearing? I will leave you, my readers, to decide for yourself. Personally, I see the act as humble, not slavish. I would pay a pretty penny to hear what Pandit Birju Maharajji has to say on this issue. I am confident of an answer; after all he is a man of patience and passion—a great combination for a guru. And what a guru he has been and continues to be. At his age, Birju Maharajji continues to run from pillar-topost trying to set-up his dance academy, promoting Kathak, raising awareness regarding the form, and teaching tots to teens. What makes him a bigger man is the fact that he has democratised his gharana. What his legendary uncles and father taught him is now available in a book for global learners. He has made an exclusive form, inclusive. Art, whether performed on stage or painted on a canvas, helps us find trueness in our world, reach for the deeper meaning, and importantly, brings joy and inspiration. It should never be within a boundary. Naturally, we at DW, were tempted to take a closer look into the life of this charismatic artist, exponent and man. Read about him on page 14. Our columnists, Ashok Malik and Vivek Bhandari, are back in this issue. We are introducing a new section called Reel Life in which fire-brand documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan talks to us about inspiration, and more importantly, his films. Even if the uncharacteristic coolness discontinues, include a little colour, music or rhythm in your lives. Art is after all good for the soul.