Capital Vignettes: A book on Delhi's spirit

New Delhi, Jun 19 (UNI) Tasty kababs, old monumemts, mouth watering kachoris and history galore constitute the spirit of the walled city of Delhi and a glimpse of all this and more forms part of R V Smith's 'Capital Vignettes: A Peep into Delhi's Ethos'.

The book which takes a peek into the myriad traditions of Delhi also talks about all things big, bright, beautiful and exclusive to the capital.

Released in the presence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit last evening, the book is a collection of pieces that have appeared in 'The Hindu' and 'The Statesman' over the years.

What if the Gola Kabab maker Kala Baba is no more? and Karim panwallah deserted his profession? These and more such queries dig into the true Delhiites' nascent vignettes of the city's whillom past and the starry present.

''There are others who have stepped in to fill the void and qawwalis still enliven Thursday evenings at Hazrat Kalimullah shrine. This is how Delhi rejuvenates the past,'' said a connoiseur.

Supplemented with illustrations, the book brings alive everyday Delhi in our mindscape - of its glorius yesteryears and curious present.

Mr R V Smith, speaking on the ocassion, said he was pleased to have got the chance to write such a 'masterpiece'.

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