With Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs allegedly there have been quite a few changes in the manner we conduct our business: if the news reports are to be believed babus are now spending less time on golf courses—and more on their jobs. If we are to believe the dailies, the bureaucracy is finally growing up. Reading this (obviously light) report (meant to be taken with a pinch of salt) I found myself thinking about strong leadership. What makes a good leader? If you ask me, a true leader is a role model for his superiors and juniors, knowledgeable in his field, and worthy of respect. I cannot vouch for other people, but I count myself as fortunate growing up while being mentored by one such leader. July always, without fail, brings to mind my dear Father, the man who valued fairness, transparency, hard work, and compassion above all other virtues. If these are not measures of good governance, what is? Even as a daughter it is but natural that I would admire my father. However, what about the others in the office; his peers and juniors. I see them missing him every single day. I cannot help but be proud of the man he was. I miss him too: I miss him with every editorial decision that I take. Also, like every parent he also gave us “tough love” if need be. Long before he assumed power, our PM, too, had indicated that his government’s approach to economic reforms would be through tough love. Sometimes tough love is necessary—it is what mothers would tell you is the best for a child. Perhaps, this rail fare hike is just the beginning to a longer process. Because if our economy needs to more than survive, it needs to move towards a transparent pricing. That would include every item, rail tickets to resources. Not that we spoke a lot on the issues of money or those at the helm of power, but it was wickedly entertaining to talk to Shobhaa De about her country. Gracious, educated, sharp and witty, De has never been one to mince her words on what she feels needs to be said. Neither did she in this interview.

As usual there are the sections all lined up to entertain you. Marryam H. Reshii travels to Kerala to sample the food and talk to the people in God’s Own Country. We travelled a little less—to Khan Market in fact—and spoke to the owners of Mamagoto about food, fun and expansion. Do write to us and give us your feedback dear readers, especially about the Hindi row. What is your take on the issue?