Forbes India Fourth Anniversary Special Issue; JX Board Member David Nash

Senior oil executives like David Nash usually like to stay under the radar so I was really grateful to my friend for agreeing to be interviewed at short notice for this annual event issue. David is the only non-Japanese member of any Japanese Exploration and Production Board and has been in the industry for 40 years. His relationship with Japan stretches back nearly that far too. David worked for Shell and BP for 18 years before joining Mitsubishi Oil in 1993. His narrative is inspirational and he deserves the place among international thought leaders that Forbes India and I have given him. David's insights into the oil and gas industry are revealing as well as informative and he has many more interesting thoughts that I didn't have space for. I really appreciated David's work to perfect and hone the expression of his ideas. The editor supervising this special issue actually sent David's "as told to" round to the rest of the editorial team as an example for colleagues to emulate. Given that out of all my outlets, Forbes India has the maximum number of draft-writing stages, this was high praise. In our line of work praise is a rare phenomenon -we are constantly giving, writing, producing so feedback time scarcely exists. Any appreciation therefore means a helluva lot to a hack. UPDATE; Within a few days of going online, David Nash is climbing the list of most read Forbes India articles -up to number six so far. You go, David, and by the way, my AP colleague took a great portrait of you for Director of Photography Dinesh Krishnan!

"Sonia Gandhi" in the New Left Review

The New Left Review has just gotten round to reading my book, which the journal describes as "A primer on dynastic form." Ah well, since the Left and dynasties do not traditionally make the best bedfellows, no surprise there, then. But the journal has certainly devoted a lot of space to this review.

Inside Story Half Hour on Al Jazeera English; the Maoist insurgency

Al Jazeera English consistently examines in depth many of the big stories. It is the international television network that most nearly chimes with what concerns citizens round the world rather than just what matters to Europe and the USA. My colleagues in Doha, AJE headquarters, rarely give me a whole lot of notice, as is the case in the news world, but one hour to studio for this Inside Story half hour programme June 1st 2013 was a big ask from a standing start with me in my west London clothes and no make up when the car journey alone averages 45 mins. Still, Nick, my producer, we did it, didn't we; we linked up successfully with Delhi and we had a fairly civilized panel discussion on the Maoist situation in India.

Sunday Express; The Forgotten Tibetans of Nepal

Thanks to stunning access provided by Dolma Ecotours CEO, Tsering Lama 7.000 ft above sea level in the Langtang mountains of the Himalayas, a whole world of Tibetan culture has been opened up to me. It was a transformational experience to be in the village of Bridim, embedding with Bridim villagers -mainly Tsering's family and relatives since whole villages in this region are inter-related, learning about ground conditions for Tibetans. Tsering is a senior leader in the region, very knowledgeable about Tibetans and the Himalayan terrain. You need expert leaders and guides in these areas so he or his brother were with me at all times; climbing, descending, moving around Bridim. I still remember the mist surrounding the stone houses, set in a semicircle, the sun rising behind the village, the water-driven prayer wheels, the prayer flags fluttering in the wind. No broadcaster or journalist can get access into these hidden areas in the mountains without special ground guides who know what they are doing and are conscious of health and safety issues so I was in good hands. Tsering is committed to revitalising his village and the region, which is losing its young. He is creating opportunities for employment and utterly dedicated to empowering the Tibetans of the region. He is an extraordinary character who could easily have progressed a commercial career for himself in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

The Benefit of Hindsight Campaign

I am sure that there are things we all regret or wish we had done differently. Take a look at this campaign and see if you would like to add your thoughts.

Luxury brands at the Belgian Ambassador's residence

Interesting to meet with luxury brands like Godiva chocolates at the Belgian Ambassador's residence. Having opened widely in China, they are now heading for India. Fascinating to hear about the history of the family-owned chocolate company and others. One of my Leading Lights, Rakesh Rawal, organised and chaired very well. Excellent food was served and guess what was in my goody bag!

With movie stars Shabana Azmi, Waheeda Rehman and poet Javed Akhtar at 51, Buckingham Gate

Sitting inches away from screen legends Waheeda Rehman and Shabana Azmi with her husband Javed Akhtar whom I have interviewed for the BBC was magical, since it was in the intimate and surreal environment of the Bollywood suite at 51, Buckingham Gate, the Taj group's high end apartments located next to their London hotel. The suite has its own large viewing screen with an incredible sound system. Waheeda was entertaining, narrating stories of how she imposed clauses on her film producers through her career. Shabana was very good humoured, at one point sending herself up, and the three of them happily answered questions. The session was followed by a lunch cooked by the Michelin-star Taj chef. Watch out for 51, Buckingham Gate in one of my features soon.