SPLASHES

“SPLASHES: A Compilation of Blog Posts by Saibal Ray (2007-2009)”

“SPLASHES” is a vibrant collection of personal reflections, essays, cultural commentary, and engaging online conversations penned by Saibal Ray between 2007 and 2009 on his personal blog. This compilation captures the free-flowing spontaneity of a thinking mind grappling with society, politics, culture, and personal sentiments, bringing together diverse expressions under one thematic umbrella of ‘splashes’ — moments of unfiltered thought and observation.

At its heart, SPLASHES serves as a fascinating socio-cultural diary of the late 2000s in India, where Ray oscillates between the deeply personal and broadly political. The collection begins with reflections on his hometown and its languid yet revealing river Sutunga, setting the tone for many other posts that blend nostalgia, philosophy, and social commentary. Political essays like “The Verdict: Parliamentary Election 2009, India” and “Election ’09: Let’s Not Forget India is a Federal Nation” highlight Ray’s sharp observations on Indian democracy, touching on themes like anti-incumbency, the changing political landscape, and the challenges of federalism in a diverse country.

Equally compelling are his socio-philosophical musings. Essays like “Emotion, Love, and Gender” and “A Few Words on Male Chauvinism” delve into questions of human emotion, gender dynamics, and societal conditioning, offering candid, sometimes provocative, reflections. His piece “An Essay on Folk Cinema” introduces an original concept of urban folk cinema, suggesting a democratisation of filmmaking as a reflection of city cultures — a unique idea in the digital age.

Interspersed with these are poetic vignettes and introspective writings like “A Drop of Life”, “A Prayer”, and “Shadow”, where Ray explores existential themes through minimalist prose and metaphor, often evoking a sense of quiet melancholy and hope. Romanticism surfaces in entries like “A Love Story” and “It’s All Crap”, blending personal narratives with evocative imagery, while entries such as “I’m Single & I Love It” reflect on solitude with humour and acceptance.

A distinct highlight is the inclusion of “An Orkut Conversation”, an unfiltered chat that captures the zeitgeist of early Indian social media culture. It blends casual dialogue with serious reflections on feminism, personal freedom, and societal constraints, bringing a conversational, relatable element to the book.

Together, SPLASHES is more than just a collection of blog posts—it is a curated tapestry of a mind navigating through personal musings, public discourses, and cultural reflections. Saibal Ray’s writing is casual yet thought-provoking, blending observation with introspection. This compilation captures the pulse of an era while staying deeply personal, making it relatable to readers interested in human reflections, socio-political musings, and cultural narratives. Whether you read it cover to cover or dip in and out, SPLASHES invites you to experience the ripples of an inquisitive, reflective mind.