In India along with books of chick-lit genre written by the ilks of Chetan Bhagat, the books of another genre that sell well are those based on the characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Some authors like Devdutt Patnaik call their books as re-tellings, which of course is nothing new. Retelling is perhaps as old as … Continue reading How far can one deviate in retelling our Itihasas and Puranas?
Why Bhagavad Gita is the ultimate self-help book
You would not find the Bhagavad Gita in the self help section of a library or a book store. It is good that it is so. A book of the stature of Bhagavad Gita should not be reduced to the level of popular, (maybe even best seller) self help books which give a feel good … Continue reading Why Bhagavad Gita is the ultimate self-help book
today flowers blossom in me
This post is in response to the prompt of Indispire Edition 307 – “Share any recent happening that has sparked joy in you”. To avoid repetition, I am re-sharing an old post. Similar feelings came to me while travelling to a distant place in Bengaluru a couple of days back. Even though it was a … Continue reading today flowers blossom in me
the fake heroes of our times
I have a feeling that if films had been invented in 15th century, in stead of Shakespeare, it is the lead actor of his plays whose anniversary we would be celebrating. The heroes of ancient times were warriors, kings and gods. The Sanskrit word which can be thought of nearest in meaning to the word … Continue reading the fake heroes of our times
One can travel for food to these Odisha temples
https://youtu.be/xbF5xuXCyog In a previous blog post I had written disapprovingly about attending a Gita Jayanti celebration and coming back without hearing a single sloka of Bhagavat Gita but with a stomach full of food. I liked the food though. In many temples like the one I have mentioned about, elaborate dishes are prepared only on … Continue reading One can travel for food to these Odisha temples
Should we be excessively worried about the economic slowdown?
Knowing full well that economic slow down is an inevitable part of debt driven economy, should we blame the government of the day? Should we also create a panic situation by demanding that the patient who is suffering a normal fever be put in an ICU? If we follow Ray Dalio's explanation of economic models, … Continue reading Should we be excessively worried about the economic slowdown?
How we celebrate Gita and Gandhi Jayanti
According to the Hindu calendar, this is the month of Margashira. It is supposed to be the most auspicious month of the year. In Bhagavat Gita Lord Krishna says- ‘māsānāṁ mārga-śhīrṣho ’ham ‘. I am margashirsha among the months. Today is Gita Jayanti – the anniversary of Bhagavat Gita. The Gita in the title refers … Continue reading How we celebrate Gita and Gandhi Jayanti
How I met my books
The Little Clay Cart Some of the interesting books I have read are associated with their own interesting stories about how I came across the books or, in what circumstances I read the books. While helping my father-in-law arranging his home library a couple of years back I came across an Odia version of the … Continue reading How I met my books
watchings of idle hours 11 : the art of eating mindfully
Cultures can be widely different in their values and practices. But human emotions and individual human values have the elements of universality that transcend cultural differences. When the tiny country of Japan became a world economic power post world war II, it came with its side effects. Post retirement, salary man Takeshi Kasumi finds out … Continue reading watchings of idle hours 11 : the art of eating mindfully
Nobel Intentions 2
From the social media trends it appears that Indians are divided as to whether to welcome the fact of a persons of Indian origin winning the Nobel prize in economics. Many Indians, as usual, felt proud - particularly those from Bengal and JNU, while some smelt a conspiracy. I will remain sceptical. Nobel for economics, … Continue reading Nobel Intentions 2
