Category Archives: Uncategorized

Artificial Intelligence- Genie Unbottled Part I The world today is seized with a concern and debate that surrounds the evolution and unprecedented acceptance of Artificial Intelligence driven applications and chatbots. This monumental disruption has evoked a debate rarely witnessed in recent history. Some call it a Printing Press moment, other decry it as an AtomContinue reading “A Printing Press or An Atom Bomb Moment?”

(Do we live our lives to their full potential? Do we ever reflect about the purpose for which we were born? In our own way, we, in varying measures, try to be successful, possibly purposeful. Following our instincts and inspirations, we seek our ambitions and choose to become selfish or altruistic, live upto our potentialContinue reading “Living to My Potential”

Emerging Frontiers But Mahua is emerging out of shadows. Its intrinsic and extrinsic qualities have begun to merit enquiry and interest. Increasing Recognition It has, however, been both a challenge and a formidable barrier to draw out Mahua from  the status of country liquor.  “We introduced Mahua in Goa, made under the IML (Indian-Made Liquor) category, aContinue reading “Magical Mahua-Part VII”

Traditional Distilling: Universal Taste Mahua enjoys a hoary tradition. It has been an essential part of the cultural and social life of many communities in India and its neighbourhood for centuries. Its mention in ancient and contemporary literature is a telling testament. Wine prepared from Madhūka flowers (Madhuca longifolia) finds mention in several Hindu, Jain and Buddhist literatureContinue reading “Magical Mahua-Part VI”

The Maple tree, standing tall and erect, was the abode and playground of a squirrel family. Watching the tree and the lively action that happened on its branches from my apartment window, was joyful, refreshing, reassuring. I saw the squirrels build a cosy nest and soon the young ones joined the family. Life for meContinue reading “The Tree, The Nest, The Squirrel”

The Elixir of Life “Wine comes in at the mouth, And love comes in at the eye, That’s all we shall know for truth, Before we grow old and die. I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.”                                      – WB Yeats Introduction  ‘Bottled poetry’ is how RL Stevenson describedContinue reading “Magical Mahua-Part V”

I visited Tamia, once a little known but abundantly blessed little village but with uncommon scenic beauty and serenity. My first visit was almost forty years ago, the last one over a decade back. And then came this visit, a long awaited one exciting me like a child, filling me with happy anticipation. My mindContinue reading “Rendezvous with a place I loved”

The Culinary Wonder Although primarily thought of as an ingredient in homegrown liquor, mahua has long been used in recipes both simple and complex. The culinary legacy of this fragrant flower is both fascinating and fantastic. That it has served the tribal communities in endless ways and has been a source of nutrition and energy,Continue reading “Magical Mahua-Part IV”

(Mahua flower is intoxicating in every way. It’s feel, its sight, its fragrance ensnares senses, mesmerises minds. In the hot summer months of April-May, when they decide to descend from their lofty perch to the dry earth, the carpet of pale white succulent and fleshy flowers offers a beauty and bliss difficult to define. InContinue reading “The Mahua Flower”

 Legend, Tradition and Folklore “Mahua, oh Mahua, thou art my love divine. Thou dost fill my heart with joy, and my soul with wine.” – A popular folk song  Trees always have had myths and stories, faith and beliefs, anecdotes and tales built around them. The ones who give a lot are treated as divinity. SuchContinue reading “Magical Mahua – Part III”