Author Archives: udaykumarvarma9834

World Environment Day was observed earlier this month with more than usual fanfare and ostensible concern. There were platitudes galore. It wasn’t surprising that most of the high-sounding statements were as hollow as they were insincere. The articulation of specialised knowledge patently manifested in articles and discourses reminded one of the description of an elephantContinue reading “Nature Based Solutions To Protect Environment”

The First Ship to Cross Atlantic using Steam PowerMachines are an integral part of human existence. That they dominate us is a reality, that they will dictate us control us is a distinct and proximate possibility. Artificial Intelligence(AI), Robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT), the smart machines and intelligent gadgets, are to define the trajectoryContinue reading “Triumph of Steam Power”

Arjumand Bano Begum died on 17 June,1631 during a childbirth. She was delivering her 14th child. She was only 38 then.But she was no ordinary mother, nor any common woman. She was the most beloved queen of Emperor of Hindustan, Shahab-uddin Muhammad Khurram, popularly known as Shah Jehan. He called her favourite queen Mumtaj Mahal.BornContinue reading “A Temple of Love”

The 1950s for the US was perhaps the best decade. Upbeat, economically and politically the world leader, champion of modernism and democracy, its citizens were enjoying a life style, affluence and freedom never experienced before. But along with also came the perverse and aberrant but pertinacious practices that inevitably transgress and destroys acceptable morality. AContinue reading “Atomic Beauties”

Close to 35 years ago, a young beautiful and ambitious girl took courage in her slender, delicate hands to participate in an event deemed taboo in her country. What followed was not only a sensation but a tale that saw incredible twists in the denouements that defined her life.How does one explain the transition fromContinue reading “Maria Kalinina – The Beauty That Feted Communist Russia”

Even those who don’t like or appreciate Cinema, would surely know something about ‘Wizard of Oz’, the 1939 film that created cinematic history. Its heroine, Dorothy, and the other protagonists Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion became household celebrities and gained a popularity rarely witnessed.The role of Dorothy was played by Judy Garland, just 17Continue reading “‘Dorothy’ of ‘Wizard of Oz’The Twin Legends”

On April 26, 1895, a criminal trial against Oscar Wilde, celebrated playwright and sharpest of wits, began. He was accused of gross indecency.If the French genius Voltaire about whom I wrote last week were to find a rival to match his wit, it would undoubtedly be this brilliant and notorious playwright from across La Manche.Continue reading “The Wit’s Last Stand”

“I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This extraordinarily perceptive and profound statement is the toast of liberals all over the world. Not only liberals but every reasonable human who believes in freedom of expression, takes it as an article of faith. Or, consider,Continue reading “Voltaire: Writer, Wit, Philosopher and Rebel”

Outlaws- daring men and women- who chose the wrong side of law, have many a time commanded a respect and adulation denied to many a kings and monarchs. They have rather made them envious and certainly angry.The legend of Robin Hood of the 13th/14th Century England fascinates all of us as a gripping, exciting andContinue reading “Louis Mandrin, The French Robin Hood”

“I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieved my illness is to keep creating art. I followed the thread of art and somehow discovered a path that would allow me to live.” Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese genius who has kept art firmament lit up for nowContinue reading “Pain, Fear and Hallucination that Pulsated her Creation: The extraordinary journey of Yayoi Kusama”