Riots

There seems to be an assumption that the riots currently occurring in England are somehow odd or atypical. People who take this view don't know their British history. Riots have been the time honoured protest of the lumpenprolitariat. This is not to excuse the behaviour, only to contexualise it - and why should riots only happen in places like Dhaka? The few people I have spoken to here about the English riots seem bemused about events and to a certain extent amused. "Look", they seem to be suggesting. "it can happen to you as well, so don't be too ready to criticise us when social order breaks down". Fair enough!

Today we held an exhibition of student's work at the Shilpalka, the state art gallery. The exhibition was a success despite the conditions of the art gallery, which is in a state of complete disrepair. The roof seems to have been removed and water pours into the building. One wonders what has happened to the exhibits?