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Warriors of Light

Warriors of Light

In the Katha Upanishad, a parable of the “chariot” elucidates the intricate relationship between the body, the senses, the mind and the self (Atman). The chariot, a metaphor for the body, is akin to a vehicle that ferries the true self through life…

Multitude

Multitude

Certain concepts are embedded in ancient wisdom, guiding generations, and the idea of the multitude is one such concept. In the national anthem of India, written by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), the multitude is hailed as the absolute sovereign…

Four Nos and Four Yeses

Four Nos and Four Yeses

Had India and China been friends, the 21st century would already have been Asian. With peace within itself, being vastly more developed, and flourishing regional trade, what is not there on this planet that is not here?…

Our Success Must Not Fail

Our Success Must Not Fail

Who does not like success? Human beings are driven to succeed from early childhood. Parents celebrate when their toddler learns to stand up, speak its first words and go to school. Then, in school, from studies to sports, children compete, and by the time they become adolescents, their personalities are formed around it…

Altermodern

Altermodern

Over the past several months, I have been deeply immersed in the profound trilogy penned by esteemed philosophers Michael Hardt (b. 1960) and Antonio Negri (1933-2023) about how the modern world works and is likely to change.

Just Another Gear in the Desire Machine

Just Another Gear in the Desire Machine

In the winter of 1989, I visited Pune for the first time. I worked in the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, as Project Manager for Airframe and System Integration in the ‘Akash’ missile project…

A Life of Service is a Life Lived Well

A Life of Service is a Life Lived Well

Life is a journey, and like in other journeys, we encounter numerous co-travellers — family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and even strangers — who share parts of the path with us. Each co-traveller brings unique experiences, perspectives, and support, enriching our journey in various ways…

The Utility and Futility of a Human Life

The Utility and Futility of a Human Life

I am running into my seventieth year. Born on February 10, 1955, I have lived a somewhat uncertain life with some cardiac electrophysiological issues since childhood and, later, coronary artery disease that necessitated multiple angioplasties, a bypass surgery, and two stents…

The Secret of Life

The Secret of Life

Who I am? Why was I born? Why are people born in different conditions – some in poor families, some in rich, some in developed countries, some in conflict-prone areas and amidst astute poverty and depravity?…

The Promise of a Blue Economy 

The Promise of a Blue Economy 

Every age brings its own flavour. As a university student, I have seen computers arriving and much later, the smartphone revolution. Talk of AI and Robotics marks the present times, but what is most promising and potentially transformative is the access to millions of small islands in the oceans that cover over three-quarters of the earth’s surface…