A day of gathering ourselves together for the first Monday in June; the month when the monsoon breaks; it has arrived early this year. There is a gentleness in the air. We will see a resurgence of life. Schools will reopen.

Today's post records my sadness at the news of eminent publisher, Ravi Dayal's passing away yesterday in Delhi within 24 hours of lung surgery for cancer. Ravi was in a class of his own, a cut above the rest in world publishing.

Ravi knew me more than I did him as he saw me grow in the publishing industry. I have his letter of recommendation, written in hand; I value the letter which places me in context where he knew me best - as a business competitor - and I cherish the important experience of having known him. I am with his wife, Mala, daughter, Naina, and Sardar Khushwant Singh, Mala's father, in their sorrow.