India, Sept. 6 -- I have decided to write about an odd subject this Sunday. It's not political, but it is topical and it is certainly important. More than anything else it fascinates me. And, truth be told, we all spend a lot of time talking about it. In fact, it is usually the core of our casual comments. Most of us refer to it unthinkingly. Now have you guessed what I'm referring to? Probably not. Here's the answer: The weather!

It has taken me decades to realise how my attitude to the weather has changed not just as I've grown older but also as I've changed countries. This monsoon I love the sound of the falling rain. I find it comforting, re-assuring and calming. Bright sunny days in July and August have disconcerted me. Dark clouds ...