Movies

Kathal - A Jackfruit Mystery 

How beautifully does this movie touch base on caste discrimination, feminism, and societal hierarchy. One of the best films I’ve watched in the recent times. Without the use of “money-making” so called "super stars," the motion picture conveys key elements of our society with such simplicity. 100% would recommend! 

Reality

Behind the curtains of the COVID-19 quarantine...

Everyone has been hit by the ongoing crisis of the global pandemic in one way or the other. People have been saying "we're all on the same page." But no, it's not the same, is it? While you are spending much cherished time with your significant other, someone else is being a victim of domestic violence every so often. While you are enjoying your stimulus checks and the unemployment benefits, which may even be more than what you were earning, someone else is struggling to put food on the table for their children. While you have the liberty to social distance, someone else does not have this privilege due to just a one bedroom place to live in with a large family. While you are taking selfies with a mask on to show off, someone else has to work in public out of necessity without the proper PPE. I know what you may be thinking. These are all true even during the normal times before the pandemic, where some have it good while some, not so much. However, statistics speak for themselves. There have been an increasing number of harm done inside a household right now compared to before. Thanks to being locked in the house without having the opportunity to contact anyone for help. So if you are fortunate to enjoy the "fun" part of the pandemic, by all means, enjoy it. But do not, even for a second, think that "everyone is on the same page." 

Food

FOOD, AN INCREDIBLE WAY TO THE HEART! (to be updated over the course of time...)

To modify Julie Powell's quote in Julie & Julia, I am a graduate student by the day and a renegade foodie by night. I claim to be no professional chef as Julia Child by any means, but I figured since I love cooking and moreover, eating, why not make a similar blog as Julie, especially now that I have plenty of time during the COVID-19 quarantine, and also because the title of my blog has the word "food" in it. Although the recipes here are my own modifications, I would also ask you to check out Hebbar's Kitchen because it is my source of food inspiration. If you need a more elaborate recipe or want to provide a constructive feedback on such, please email me at priyakarna14@gmail.com. Also, to reiterate, this post will be updated over the course of time. The captions with the names of the food are above the pictures. Enjoy! 

Mango Lassi

Kaju Katli 

(my favorite sweets of all time and perfect for the festive season!)

Imli (Tamarind) Bombs

    

Homemade Vegetarian Pizza

Chicken fajitas and quesadillas

Somosas

Aloo Chop

Kadhai Pakauda

Pakauda and Fryums with Tomato/Cilantro Chutney for Evening Snacks

Lemon Rice

Pulao and Fryums for Easy Weekday Dinner

Pizza Bites

Soupy Noodles 

Mixed Chaat

Dahi-Chiura(Yogurt and Bitten Rice)

Nepali Snacks (Papad, Dhungro, Chatpate, and Aloo Chop)

Nepali Vegetarian Dinner (Pulao, Dal Fry, Stir-Fry Green Beans, Cauliflower and Potatoes, Amala Chutney, Pakauda, and Papad)

Potato Smileys 

Cheese Garlic Bread

Vegetables-fried Chowmein

Cheese and Veggies Sandwich

Yogurt and Mixed Fruits Bowl

Aloo Jeera

Potato Pickle

Vegetable Biryani

Chickpeas and Potato Chaat

Lentils Soup (Dal) Fry

Eggplant and Soybean Stir-fry

Vegetables-fried Rice

Onion Pakodas with Tea (Yummy Evening Snacks!)

Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Dahi Vada (Spicy Yogurt with Lentil Balls)

Stir-fry Pasta

Momos (Dumplings)

Wonderings

Unrequited

There you go with your big brown eyes and hair perfectly brushed, 

A kind of epitome that cannot be touched. 

I would be lying if I said it wasn't love at first sight, 

If only you could see the dreams I have about you at night. 

But misery shows its face in terms of an ethereal grace, 

A creature of unreal majestic beauty I know you could sense. 

Oh, I am sure this radiant elegancy took your breath away, 

I know, because I used to look at you the same way. 

Of course, you didn't owe me anything since never did I confess,

And it's not a crime for you to be in love with someone else. 

They say only time will heal my painful wound, 

But they don't know the depth of it all, I assume. 

I was really seeking a moment of romance, 

But to express my feelings, you never gave me a chance. 

What did you see in her that you didn't see in me,

My love for you is still deeper than the sea. 

The Uncertainty in the Night Sky

As the dusk turns into darkness with thunder, 
All the things I hold dear in my life settles in my mind with wonder,
Why are superficial entities so easy to love when we know they will only get broken,
While the real love lies waiting and unspoken.

Perhaps it's me who is filled with unnecessary dreams, 
But only because I believed for so long that someone truly would hear my screams,
As the night rolls in with these endless thoughts and mystery,
I hope, one day, just as the burning stars, they will soon be a history.

Looking at the moon in the night sky from my balcony,
I know I should just ignore your words and feel the apathy, 
But I still wonder about all those things I should have told you during the day,
And all those things that I'll never be able say.