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In 2015, when ISIS took control of major parts of Syria, along with millions of people killed, one major casualty was the ancient ruins of Palmyra. As it became clear that the city was going into the hands of ISIS, Qassim Abdullah Yehya and Khaled al-Asaad, the custodians of the archaeological artefacts of the city, evacuated the city museum and shifted many of these valued objects of heritage to another location.

Paraman was one such regular, the street violinist, who had positioned himself between an artist and a beggar. In our culture, the members of the Pulluva community, to which he belonged had the traditional role of creating exquisite music using two delightful musical instruments- a single-string local fiddle and a round mud pot with a tight wire wound across it.

The United Nations and the International Court of Justice that functions under it have certain jurisdiction over settling border disputes between the countries. There are international laws to assist them in such matters. There are many border treaties in place globally, many adhered to, and many breached on a routine scale. There are also borders in place in the seas and the skies. Maritime borders are often contested, breached, and heavily guarded too.

Scents surround us all the time, but we cannot record them for posterity. Hence, we make perfumes, scented candles, and potpourri to capture and re-experience the fragrances that help refresh our memories and dreams.