The weather is sultry and the mood of the nation that of unsettled rest. The import of the preceding months with their high octane activities—the mother of all elections, the unprecedented victory of the saffron party, the rout of the grand old Congress Party, and the mammoth swearing in—are still to sink into our subconscious.

The Union Budget tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitely came as a safe one sans populist agenda, showing that the government means business and not propaganda. Alas! Most of us used to tall promises made by governments felt a little shortchanged. But isn’t it time for us to rise above petty self interest and unite for the good of the nation? The government has given a call for some harsh measures. We know they are needed to put the economy back on track. Of course, we will feel the pinch, but the returns will far outweigh the costs.

There also seems to be less of media frenzy surrounding our political leaders these days. A welcome change one would say, if we our leaders conduct their businesses with the dignity attached to their offices. Take for instance, the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi. Despite the more than 4,000 guests and SAARC leaders, it was a smoothly conducted affair and that to at a “modest” cost of ` 17.6 lakh as brought to light by RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal.

This brings us to another vociferous critic of the ills plaguing our system and society—Dr Kiran Bedi—on our Cover this issue. She has emerged as another unlikely supporter of BJP and PM Modi calling him a strong leader. Bedi credits PM Modi for overcoming her distaste of politics: “Narendra Modi’s call to the nation inspired me. My earlier aversion to politics has declined considerably.” What defines Dr Bedi is her extreme courage and belief in the espousal of a cause. More about her inside...

Meanwhile, as you look forward to Delhi getting some clear direction on elections, in August there is also much else to feel enthused about. The rains (what if they are scant!) and the chhalle (corn), Kajri Teeej and the swings among the trees, the songs and mehfils and our DW issue. We did a departure with Deepa Agarwal, delving into her grandma mind to find a clue to her children’s writings. Padma Shri photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew’s images transport you into a still world where pictures speak louder than words. Plus the regulars. Happy reading!