A Jesuit Feast

It’s a story of God’s wonderful work in his creation.It’s the tale of a man, running after the worldly glory, turning into a soldier of Christ.It’s a life that dared to be different;Dared to swim against the currents of the time to defend the mother church.

July 31, brings celebration among Jesuits, all over the world, for, it’s the feast day of their founder, St Ignatius.

He was born in 1491, in a minor noble family, in Spain. He was the youngest of the thirteen children. He lost his mother at the early age. Right from his childhood days, he dreamt of becoming a great soldier. Having taken as a page in the court of Spain, at the age of 16, he already started living his dream and soon he was appointed for a night. Eventually, he found himself as an officer, leading a wing of the Spanish army. Young Ignigo (It was frequently represented in medieval documents as Ignatius (Spanish "Ignacio"), had two goals -the first- to be the greatest soldier, and the second to win over the princess.

December 21, 2012

December 21, 2012 - Is the world going to end? This is a billion dollar question today. Is the human race going to perish totally from the face of the earth? Is this only media hype or is there any truth behind it? The young, the elderly and the old, all seem to be engrossed in the mystery of December 21, 2012...Doomsday!

December 21 being the last date in the Mayan long count calendar, prediction about the planet X or Nibiru colliding the earth, rumours about the planetorial allignment in the milky way galaxy- have left even the intellectuals in a bay of confusion.

Rising Political Drama in Karnataka

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The state of Karnataka is ruled by Congress for decades, except that of Janata Party coming into power for a short while in late 80’s. The lukewarmness, lethargy and the deteriorating inspiring leadership in the party, slowly pave way for new waves in the state politics.

If we focus on our neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu, there is a power shift every other election. The tug of war between Jayalalitha and Karunanidhi, gives an option to people to be democratic in their choice, giving chance to each, alternatively.

Need to Educate the Educators

A few years ago, when we were children, and received a chocolate, as a pat on our back, we felt extremely happy. Today, patting on the back of a good student, we cannot think of offering a chocolate, when their expectation is in line with MP3 players, IPod, Laptop etc. With time human needs, human thinking has changed drastically, especially over the past few years.

Let's Create a Better India

Yet another day, yet another year to hold our heads high and salute the national flag to commemorate the independence of our nation. 66 years ago for the first time, when the tri-colours flew freely, high in the sky, I am sure there were thousands of them, who had taken up the responsibility to set the country free, which demanded them to sacrifice their sweat and blood. No wonder centuries of determination and single minded vision toppled the mighty English empire. Hats off to all those great men and women, who made us feel proud to say that we are Indians, by giving their todays’ for our bright tomorrows.

Memories of Mahatma

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“Friends and comrades the light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere…our beloved leader Bapu as we call him, the father of the nation is no more. Perhaps I am wrong to say that; nevertheless we will not see him again… and that is a terrible blow, not only for me, but for millions and millions in this country”, the words of Nehru, at the funeral of Gandhi tell the tale of the man who master minded the future of this nation. A peace lover, non violent, man of the century, father of the nation, a true Karma yogi, a visionary and a true human- Mahatma Gandhi continues to live in the lives of millions of Indians . Oct 2, is the day to remember the deeds of this holy soul who walked on this earth and scripted the story of liberation of our nation.

Threat to Secular Democracy

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“What shall I do? What’s the future of my children?” tears filled in her eyes, a Bodo woman was crying her heart out during the recent and ongoing crisis in Assam. Her situation sites at the rising insecurity, intolerance and denial of human rights in the country. In a moment when the nation is in crisis and chaos due to various and many pressing problems, it’s apt to reflect on our democracy.

Democracy is a universal value, based on the free expression of the citizens of a nation, to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and people’s full participation. Democracy calls for a people centered nation; a nation by the people and for the people. Holistic growth of every individual and the collective growth of the community among the many goals of democracy. We, Indian’s are privileged to be the citizens of a secular democratic nation.

Anna Fast: Wrong Means to Right End

India having 125 crore of population is the largest democracy in the world and the second largest population. It’s quite common in India to be unconstitutional, undemocratic, self-centered and least bothered of common good. Looking back at the history, it is also common in India to rebel, to protest and to seek for change. India is yet again on move; on move against corruption. India is on move to build a clean and a just society.

Human Beings and the Mysterious Universe

As a child whenever I cried or felt disturbed, my mother would make me glance at the sky, beautiful stars and the moon and console me. More than often I was satisfied and happy with such glances. As I started growing up, people again pointed at the sky telling me there lies the heaven.  Though such arguments do not interest me anymore, one thing I realize at this point of my life, that human has a mysterious relation with rest of the universe.

Yoga

One of the most profitable industries today, a reason to attract thousands of foreigners to this ancient land, a path to inner calm and serenity, Yoga has its roots in the ancient India. Yoga is a tool for attaining inner peace and serenity. It’s a treasure humanity has ever received. It’s an art of restructuring of the body and the spirit.

It’s a matter of pride to know that it is the sages of India who first invented this art of Yoga. Human life on this earth, moves through the mysteries of pain and suffering. The search that began to understand the mystery of life and to find a way to overcome inevitable suffering led to the invention of yoga. It may be surprising to know that through the methods of concentration and physical discipline and controlling the mind, one can, not only attain inner peace, but also understand the hidden mysteries of the universe

Assam: A Cry Amidst the Violence

“Where will we go? What is the future of my kids? What shall I do?” a woman from the Assam relief camp broke into tears, having been severely affected by the violence all around. Footages on national television channels showed the victims crying their hearts out.

India is often known to the world community for its TOLERANCE. At this point I remember a group of thinkers, who questioned long before and the question still holds - When was India really tolerant? Was it tolerant during the anti Sikh riots or is it tolerant when the Dalits who suffer discrimination everyday? Was it tolerant when thousands of people were massacred and women raped in Godhra carnage or is it tolerant now as the death toll of victims of Assam riots is rising every day? Is India really tolerant?

Human Search for Meaning

Victor Frankl, retrospecting on his experience in the Nazi concentration camp and after deep reflection, puts his observations in a book titled, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’.