Pitri Paksh-Visiting An Honoured Tradition: Part II

Significance of Daan The ritual of Daan, or the act of giving, finds special significance during Pitri Paksha, as emphasized in several Hindu scriptures. This practice is not only extended to fellow humans—particularly Brahmins and the poor—but also to various living beings, including birds (notably crows), insects (such as ants), and animals (like dogs andContinue reading “Pitri Paksh-Visiting An Honoured Tradition: Part II”

Why Is Bangalore So Green?

“In the heart of the city, where concrete stands tall,Green roots whisper stories of rains that fall.Beneath the shade of old trees wide,Bangalore breathes, while elements with it glide.” Bangalore’s boldest definition is its greenery. The rich, divergent, and colourful arboreal landscape presents a uniqueness seen in no other Indian city. Tree lined streets, sprawlingContinue reading “Why Is Bangalore So Green?”

Journey Beyond The Festival

As the 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi comes to a close, millions of devotees will bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, immersing His idols in rivers and seas with a mixture of reverence and sadness. Yet beyond the ritual lies a more profound question: What remains after these ten days? While the vibrant energy of devotion mayContinue reading “Journey Beyond The Festival”

Varanasi-Divine Chaos

Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, stands as a place where chaos and divinity intertwine seamlessly. If ever a place defined chaos in its purest form, it is Varanasi — a chaos that has persisted through millennia, uninterrupted and unmitigated. The origins of Varanasi, also called Benares or Kashi, stretch back to antiquity. It isContinue reading “Varanasi-Divine Chaos”

The Magical Mulberry-Part II

The succulent sweet fruits of Mulberry That this wonderful tree has played a seminal role in providing to the civilized world, one of the finest products of nature representing both luxury and beauty; and remains an abiding tribute to both the enterprise and refinement of human race, does not take away from it the privilegeContinue reading “The Magical Mulberry-Part II”

A Budget Asserting Confidence of an Incumbent Government

‘Flat’, ‘without Substance’ and ‘a budget from a government on its way out’ are some of the epithets that greeted the Interim budget presented earlier in the day. Clearly, these were voiced by the critics, not from the  economist community, but largely from the  opposition parties. And yet, if the budget had incorporated any major policy initiative,Continue reading “A Budget Asserting Confidence of an Incumbent Government”

Indian Ber Part I

(Ziziphus mauritiana) Nature seldom creates without purpose. And some she creates with endless generosity. Among such creations are some exceptionally rich and gifted trees, whose every part is of use to humanity. ‘Neem’ readily comes to our mind if we look around for such a tree. It is a tree par excellence. Its leaves, fruits,Continue reading “Indian Ber Part I”

Significance of Media in India’s Science Diplomacy: Part II

Given the remarkable progress in scientific and technical realm, I will argue that the projection of these achievements must be integrated into the overall strategy of the country’s science and technology policy. Recent milestones such as the successful launch of Chandrayaan and the audacious solar probe mission showcase India’s burgeoning prowess in space exploration. The ability toContinue reading “Significance of Media in India’s Science Diplomacy: Part II”

India’s National Calendar: Part II

Unravelling the Threads of Time The  Calendar Reforms Committee’s task was formidable, made more difficult by the fact that around that time, there were over 30 calendars in use in different parts of the country, each calendar having its unique narrative, obsessing the minds of the people in that region and reflecting a deep power struggle of hegemonic assertions. The competingContinue reading “India’s National Calendar: Part II”

‘Anhonee’

Jewel in the Satpuras: The Hidden Village Anhonee is a small village hidden in the heart of Satpuras, nestled deep in the forests of Chhindwara. The nearest place of renown is the famed Pachmarhi, a hill station coveted for a rare solitude and solace.  Perhaps fortunately, it is still to find a place on the radar ofContinue reading “‘Anhonee’”