I was chatting with some people in the Blakeley kitchen last night and somehow a bunch of Americans started teaching some of the international folks different phrases and idioms that you often hear, but never really think about the true meaning. For instance, touch base. As Americans (and perhaps in other English speaking countries?) it’s common to hear people saying “Ok, then we’ll just touch base later.” But when you think about it, that phrase makes asbolutely no sense. I’m guessing it may have come from baseball? Anyone out there have any ideas?

The best was when we started talking about when to use “dude.” Afterall, dude can refer to a male or female, but only in certain contexts. It can be singular or plural. And sometimes you’re not really referring to anyone at all, but just exclaiming amazement: Dude! It’s gotta be very confusing and heaven knows I don’t think I’ll ever be able to master such nuances in French.

Some of the phrases we taught them cannot be repeated on this blog, but I’ll just let you imagine what they were. Needless to say, we had a hilarious time making sure people who didn’t know the phrases wrote them down so that they could utilize them in an appropriate context. And don’t worry, we really did tell them the appropriate context.

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After a few months of blogging on this site, I feel that it is time for a little walk down memory lane. When I was first asked to do a blog for the “Student Life” section of the Fletcher website, I thought to myself “What’s a blog? Does it hurt? Will I have to perform a postmodern deconstructivist analysis of its assumptions?” You see, I had not been introduced to the wondrous world of blogging in all my 25 years. At first, I assumed that this technology only appeared in the last two years, years in which I passed my days in a thatched hut of village India. My friends, however, burst my naive bubble by informing me that blogging has existed for many years, though they assured me that it has certainly gained popularity in the last two years.

So I agreed, thinking that it would be it would be a nice way for me to get some thoughts out into the world wide web. I didn’t really believe that people would be consulting the blog that much, so I approached it casually and with a more cavalier attitude. Anything that came to mind when I sat in front of my computer during my self-assigned “blogging days” would almost automatically pass the test for blogging material. Although I was a bit hesitant to really put myself out there, I also felt that the voice of a Fletcher blog should be honest and forthcoming.

After the first several entries, I grew to really appreciate and enjoy the blog. I was able to send the link to my friends and other colleagues here at Fletcher, and it was nice to hear comments and get feedback. Slowly, I began to hear from those outside of the Fletcher community, who were either looking at Fletcher as a prospective school or just browsing the internet. I began to get emails saying “So, I was reading in your blog that…” and “I see that you talked about this in your blog…” and I realized that blogging really is an effective way of showcasing a little slice of Fletcher life, and the Fletcher experience.

Most of us write fairly openly and honestly in these blogs, since we realize the value of presenting a true picture of Fletcher for those that are truly interested in learning more. It is a creative outlet, a great form of procrastination from papers and reading, a pseudo-diary, a space for venting and celebrating, and a simple method of really thinking about the “Fletcher Experience”.

So, though I can’t boast that any other technological skill or knowledge has improved dramatically over the past 8 months, I now proudly acknowledge and accept the new blogging part of my multi-faceted Fletcher identity. I am an Indian, an American, a female, a tennis player, a tea drinker, a history enthusiast, a dreamer, a buyer of organic goods, and…a BLOGGER.

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I didn’t get a single line of a single paper done.

C’est la vie. And now I’m swamped, how the heck did that happen??

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So this is officially the first time that I have ever remained at my academic institution during an official “break” or a “recess” (Summer, Winter, Spring, anything). I made this momentous decision after looking through my pocketbook and finding little more inside than photos of my cousins in India, business cards accumulated through “networking” events that I have never used, and a nickel. Needless to say, graduate school has been an exercise in financial restraint, as evidenced most clearly by my jetting off to the tropical location of my heated dorm bedroom.

However, I have found Spring Break at Blakeley (the graduate dorm that many Fletcher students live in) to be refreshing and relaxing. The communal kitchen (yes, it is shared among 60 people) is rarely crowded these days, so I can cook and eat in peace and quiet. The laundrey machines are fantastically free, and I am always able to bathe when I please. The relaxed mentality has afforded more opportunities to have long conversations with those who have stuck around, as we commiserate over our financial woes and discuss the various options for Spring Break in Boston. Trips to the gym have been stress-free, and I have been excited to get the treadmill of my choice on each occasion this week.

I keep having this idea that I should also get some work done (I haven’t seen the inside of the library yet, but I hear that it is also quite empty), but it is difficult to abandon the time-honored “Spring Break Mentality” that has a philosophical objections to doing schoolwork during a recess. The rooster on the alarm clock is shushed a few more times during Spring Break mornings, as the little “must work” voice is constantly ignored and increasingly marginalized.

There are only five precious days remaining of this recess, and it would behoove me to kick the relaxation into high gear right now. Because, lurking around the corner, are the slings and arrows of Finals. Perhaps I will remember this time fondly as I am creating all-night relationships with the library carrols and the midnight coffee man, or perhaps I will regret that I did not use this time for more academically productive activities. Only time (and perhaps a vigilant professor or two) will tell that story. Until then, I take my leave of this blog to venture out in search of NY Times Crossword Puzzles, new NetFlix, and yoga gear.

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I know people who are in the Bahamas, Turkey, Florida, even NYC for Spring Break. Well, I’m here, in Boston, and it’s great. I’m cleaning my place, organizing. I have TIME, and it’s a glorious thing. Of course, my goal is to plow through a paper before going back, but I’m thinking that’s a rather lofty goal….

I woke up this morning at 9am! That’s sleeping in for me, I can’t ever sleep in past 9am, no matter what time I go to bed. Someone told me I could one time, if I really wanted to, but I just didn’t. I don’t really like to get up past then, I feel like a huge part of my day is gone, GONE! Then I think about how many people are sleeping a good deal past 9 am, and I cut myself a little slack. But that doesn’t make me get up any later.

Either way, I watched Daily Show and the Colbert Report today, which I’ve sorely missed.

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In a fit of procrastination last week, I ended up watching Black Hawk Down. I had never seen it before nor have I ever read the book by Mark Bowden, although I’ve now been inspired to. I did not expect the movie to predominantly feature the actual Battle of Mogadishu and was therefore a little shell-shocked by the end. Of course it is a Hollywood dramatization (something I do take into account)and I recognize that it tells the story from an American point of view, but it still amazed me and provides me with an appreciaton for soldiers in combat. In such a modern age, I was surprised that war still involved guns and soldiers running from one building to another in order to dodge bullets. Yet, as my friend pointed out, it was a modern war fought with modern weapons–the Black Hawk helicopters for one–so I’m not sure why I was so taken aback.

I could certainly see why President Clinton was reluctant to get involved in Rwanda, especially when scenes from Mogadishu were being broadcast to the American public–the CNN effect in action. I don’t think it justifies a lack of earlier intervention in Rwanda on the part of the U.S., but again, I can understand it better after seeing what it must have been like in Mogadishu. While I don’t remember (I wasn’t as involved with international politics at 12) and can’t remember enough about the literature at the moment, I don’t think Clinton garnered enough support for Rwanda because he had crossed the “Mogadishu line.”

As an American, Black Hawk Down automatically made me think of U.S. soldiers currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. It gave me a new-found appreciation for the fear and courage that each of them must have any time they encounter a conflict zone. I don’t think I could do it. It also made me value the fact that we have so many members of the military here at Fletcher and that we can here their experiences and first-hand accounts of what has actually gone on in some of these places. They really are a great addition to the student body and I’m glad that Fletcher is open to ensuring that their voice is heard at the school.

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When I was 12 years old, my idea of a perfect birthday treat was a day of cricket under the glare of equatorial sunshine with heaps of yummy food. Seventeen years later, it appears, very little has changed. Beer, the new entrant, and gentler sunshine served as perfect embellishments… It was just fantastic.

Sun starved for many moons, the predictions of good weather were indeed serendipitous (pun intended… “serendipity” is derived from Serendip, the ancient Greek name for Sri Lanka). Blissfully unaware that elaborate preparations had already been made for cricket on the Fletcher Fields, I actually sent out an email to the social-list-serve encouraging all to join in. As I arrived I was stunned to see scores of people already playing cricket – my surprise was understandable as on our best days we seldom have more than half a dozen stragglers trying to come to terms with the complexities of the game. A surprise cricket match must indeed be an oddity!

The surprise didn’t stop there though. I was pelted with water balloons by dozens people who weren’t even playing cricket – just when I was feeling well loved!!! Fortunately the attack was well planned and there was a rehabilitation program…. I was provided with dry clothes, plenty of food, beer and gifts (my favorite being a hydration pack filled with… yes, more beer!). One subsequent email by one of the unlikely stars in the game, American, Todd Wassel (MALD 06) will be treasured -
“Happy birthday dude. You’re the only one that can make cricket understandable for me…Rock ON!!!”

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A Fletcher contingent recently descended upon the Kennedy School to hear Ambassador Robert Blackwill deliver a talk on US-India relations. I have heard him speak before, but I always enjoy what he has to say – and how he says it. He kind of reminds me of a portly roman general flip flopping about in his calcei. I just find it funny. I only wish I were taking notes with an amphora of vinum candidum by my side, but those Kennedy School folk aren’t as generous as Fletcher.

At the KSG Forum, Ambassador Blackwill said that India and the US are ‘natural allies’, and elaborated on five areas where this common bond is most prevalent: our shared intolerance of terrorism, commitment to WMD non-proliferation; dealing with the rise of Chinese power; ensuring the reliable supply of energy from the Persian Gulf; and keeping the global economy growing.

The recent civilian nuclear energy cooperation deal between the natural allies has brought about a lot of histrionics. There is talk of bilateral relationships and strategic cooperation upping the non-proliferation regime. I think critics who point out that this bilateral deal with America has diminished India’s stature and that it is a departure from our ‘hallowed’ foreign policy are mistaken. I think it’s important to recognise the importance of change in today’s world. If we hadn’t taken this opportunity, the same critics would have bemoaned of us having a reactive foreign policy. I personally think the deal is a step forward –India’s nuclear weapons program has become acceptable, legitimate and non-threatening to the existing nuclear order unlike those of Iraq, North Korea and Iran. This is a logical culmination of the efforts of Indian diplomacy – and in particular the Jaswant Singh-Strobe Talbott dialogue that sought to develop a mutual understanding of each other’s security perspectives. The United States and India, once ‘estranged democracies’ have realised that they have common security interests especially regarding terrorism post-9/11, the spread of WMDs, and the rise of China with its implications for Asian security.

By agreeing to separate its large civilian and small military nuclear programs, India has acknowledged its commitment to minimum nuclear deterrence that provides for its nuclear security interests vis-à-vis China and Pakistan. India has readily agreed to continue its voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing and agreed to participate in future negotiations on the FMCT. India also committed to prevent the spread of nuclear technologies by strict export control laws (these are similar to those imposed by the Nuclear Suppliers Group), which are in place.

I’m looking forward to seeing how exactly the US Congress passes this legislation.The current U.S. Atomic Energy Act prevents India and other countries that have not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from acquiring a wide range of U.S. military technology that includes components that could be used for nuclear programs. Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Fred Upton (R-MI) have already launched a coalition that will oppose congressional approval of the nuclear deal with India. There is support within Capitol Hill – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) Joseph Crowley (R-PA) recently sent a letter of support for the agreement to all members of Congress. Both previously served as co-chairmen of the India Caucus. The US also needs to put this proposal through the 45 member Nuclear Supplier’s Group. We’ll see what happens.

Among other things, spring is here (or not, insert New England joke here) and we recently played a fine game of cricket yesterday on the Fletcher field – it was great fun. I was getting a bit worried when my Palestinian friend was hurling projectiles aimed at my skull that would have made Henry the eighth blush. Of course, I learnt later that he was told that I was “occupying” the crease.

Oh, and a recent fletcher fad is juggling – no, really. Inspired, and taught by an expert who has been known to juggle fire clubs in DC’s Dupont circle (having raised two dollars in the process), the threat of graduate school debt and unemployment have made some of us learn this skill. At any point in time, outside (or inside) the library, some of us can be found juggling bean bags, or hastily made crumpled paper balls. See photographs. Needless to say, we have become hopelessly addicted to the sport. Our sensei supports our habit by an uninterrupted supply of chocolate chip banana bread. …Anything to get away from that-must-not-be-named.

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