The Buzz & Beyond

  Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Legacy of Controversy and Tribute The state of Indian politics has deteriorated to such an extent that even the passing of a former Prime Minister could not escape controversy. Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 92. Tributes poured in from all corners, yet many eulogies sparked debates over his legacy—both celebrated and critiqued. A Mixed Legacy: Praise and Criticism In Indian tradition, it is considered inappropriate to speak ill of the deceased. However, this does not justify exaggerated eulogies that distort reality. While Dr. Singh’s virtues as a kind and ethical person are undeniable, a fair assessment of his political journey requires acknowledgment of both his successes and failures. Dr. Singh’s decency and strong ethical grounding were often seen as his greatest assets, but in politics, they became vulnerabilities. He was widely regarded as a capable economist ...

Punjab is on the brink of a significant demographic transformation, one that threatens the cultural and religious balance that has defined the region for centuries. The political strategies of parties like AAP and Congress, centered around vote bank politics, are accelerating this shift. If left unchecked, Hindus and Sikhs, the two predominant communities in Punjab, could soon find themselves in the minority. Unforatunately, this is the scenario in the whole of India, not only in Punjab.  The change is being driven by a two-pronged strategy: the Islamization of geography and the Christianization of society . On one hand, there is a concerted effort to convert large segments of the Dalit community to Christianity, aided by foreign funds and local political parties' patronage, particularly, the Congress party. On the other, Muslims are being resettled in areas where there was previously little to no Muslim presence. While natural migration or upward social mobility is understandable...

பாரதியின் ஞானப் பாடல்கள் பாரதி ஒரு தன்னுணர்வு கவிஞன். இன்று நாம் FBயில் ஒரு பதிவிட்ட பின் பல பேர்களை டேக் செய்கிறோம். லைக்கும் கமெண்டும் வரவில்லையென்றால் சோர்வடைகிறோம். நம்முடைய பதிவு நன்றாக இல்லாவிடினும், யாரவது அதை சொன்னால் கோபம் கொள்கிறோம். ஆனால் பாரதியோ அப்படியல்ல. "எமக்கு தொழில் கவிதை" என்றான். இருந்தும் அவனுடைய கவிதைகளை யார் படிக்கின்றார்கள் என்று கூட அறிய வாய்ப்பற்று போனான். feedback அல்லது பின்னூட்டம் பற்றிய கவலைகள் இல்லாது கவிதை புனைவதையே தொழிலெனக் கொண்டவன். பாராட்டையும் ஏசல்களையும் மறப்போம், யாராவது படிக்கிறார்களா என்று கூட தெரியாத போதும் கவிதை பாடுவதை அவன் நிறுத்தவில்லை. அவனது கவிதைகளை படிக்க படிக்க ஞானம் நம்முள் ஊற்றெடுக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு முறையும் புதிய பொருளை உணரும் வண்ணம் அவனது கவிதைகள் புனையப்பெற்றன. அவநதய ஞானப் பாடல்கள் பற்றி கொஞ்சம் பேசுவோம். (அலச என்னிடம் அறிவில்லை). பாரதி ஒரு பன்முகக் கவிஞன். நாட்டுப் பற்று, மொழி்ப் பற்று, சமயப் பற்று இவற்றிற்கு விரோதமி்ல்லாத வகையில் அனைத்து உலக மக்களையும் அனைத்து மொழிகளையும், அனைத்துச் சமயங்களையும் நேசிக்கும் பண்பு, சொல் புதி...

Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. While his eventual retirement was anticipated, it was widely expected he would continue playing for at least another year. Many feel the BCCI failed to give him the farewell he deserved. A persistent myth has surrounded Ashwin's career: the false notion that he underperforms and takes fewer wickets overseas compared to India. This criticism is particularly ironic given the inconsistent performances of several current Indian batsmen who consistently retain their places despite poor form. In contrast, Ashwin, arguably the world's best spinner, has constantly faced scrutiny. A comparison highlights this disparity: over a five-year period, while Virat Kohli averaged 32 with the bat, Ashwin averaged 21.09. His bowling strike rate of 20.89 further emphasizes his value as a bowling all-rounder, consistently maintaining a batting average close to or above his bowling average. This consistency over 1...

 Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma, is a spiritual and disciplined activity embraced by many. Observed on specific days of the week or during festivals, fasting involves abstaining from food entirely, consuming fruits, or adhering to a simple diet once a day. Some even go to the extent of not drinking water during their fasting period. In Sanskrit, fasting is called  Vrat , which conveys meanings like promise, resolve, devotion, and commitment, though it has no exact translation. Significance and Purpose of Fasting Fasting is undertaken for various reasons: Spiritual Purification : It is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and rejuvenate the inner body. Self-Discipline : Fasting fosters self-control and mental focus. Devotion : It is a means to please Bhagwan (God) and deepen one's connection with the divine. Another term for fasting in Sanskrit is  Upavaas . "Upa" means near, and "Vaasa" means stay, signifying "staying cl...

Mahayuti's Victorious Turnaround in Maharashtra Elections Following a disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a remarkable victory for its Maha Yuti Alliance in Maharashtra, boasting an impressive strike rate. Of the 145 seats contested, the BJP secured 132 victories, resulting in a striking 91% success rate. Factors contributing to this turnaround include a significant increase in women voters, support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and consolidation of Hindu votes, helping the BJP improve its less-than-stellar Lok Sabha results. The elections also witnessed notable polarization in Maharashtra. One of the most discussed welfare initiatives was the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," which provided women with a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500. This initiative was particularly well-received by rural women, who benefitted directly from the grants, which were credited to their accounts without access for their male ...

  Election season is upon us, with excitement brewing after the elections in Haryana and the U.S. Presidential elections. Predicting election outcomes has proven to be a challenge, as recent forecasts crumbled under unexpected results. Will we witness similar surprises in the Maharashtra elections? In just two days, Maharashtra will conduct its state elections. This is a crucial opportunity for the BJP, which faced disappointment in the recent Lok Sabha polls, where the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) triumphed by winning 30 out of 48 seats. This setback to NDA has energized the Indi Bloc. A victory for the MVA in Maharashtra could compel Congress to court leaders like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, potentially destabilizing the Central Government and giving the INDI Bloc another shot at power. The state is currently experiencing unprecedented polarization. The concept of “vote jihad” is frequently discussed, and the significant turnout from the Muslim community has bolstered Congress'...

  The Sacred Significance of the Tilak or Bindi The tilak or bindi, a small mark often adorned on the forehead, is a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practice in India. While it may seem like a simple cosmetic accessory in modern times, its origins and significance are far more profound. A Symbol of Devotion and Purity Traditionally, the tilak or bindi is applied after bathing, a ritual cleansing that prepares the body and mind for spiritual practices. It is considered a sacred mark, often associated with a specific deity or spiritual tradition. The color and shape of the tilak can vary, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. White:  Associated with purity and knowledge, often worn by Brahmins. Red:  Symbolizes courage, energy, and passion, often worn by Kshatriyas. Yellow:  Represents prosperity and creativity, often worn by Vaishyas. Black:  Connected to spiritual power and detachment, often worn by ascetics and those practicing rigorous spiritual discipl...

We, Indians, do greet each other with “Namaste”. Both of our palms are placed together in front of our chest and our head bows down while saying the word, “Namaste”. This greeting is common for all – Elders to younger ones, to people of our own age, to elders, friends, relatives and even strangers. Namaskaaram is one of the five forms of formal traditional greetings mentioned in Sanatan Dharm.  At times, people think that Namaskaaram refers to prostration but it actually refers to paying homage. Namaste could be just a casual or a formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of Worship too.  Namaste, a Sanskrit word is a combination of two words – Namah and Te. This means, I bow to you. My greetings, my salutations or prostration to you. It is also literally intrepretted as Na (not) + Ma (mine) + Astu (aste)(and so it is…). This means “not mine and so it be…” The spiritual meaning of this is to negate or reduce the ego present in the presence of another.  The real mee...

The Significance of Lighting a Lamp In many Indian homes, a lamp is lit daily before a deity. This practice, often seen during rituals, festivals, and even daily worship, holds deep spiritual significance. But why do we light a lamp? Light as a Symbol of Knowledge Light is often equated with knowledge, while darkness symbolizes ignorance. The divine, considered the source of all knowledge, is represented by light. By lighting a lamp, we pay homage to this divine knowledge. Just as light dispels darkness, knowledge eradicates ignorance. It is the true wealth, the foundation of all achievements. The lamp, burning brightly, serves as a witness to our thoughts and actions. The Spiritual Significance of a Traditional Lamp While an electric bulb can also illuminate darkness, a traditional lamp carries a deeper spiritual meaning. The oil or ghee, the fuel for the lamp, symbolizes our desires and negative tendencies. The wick represents our ego. As the lamp burns, the oil is consumed, signifyi...

அமாவாசை தர்பண மந்திரங்களின் தமிழ் அர்த்தம். ஸ்தல சுத்தி: - தர்பங்களை கையில் எடுத்துக்கொண்டு தர்ப்பணம் செய்யும் இடத்தை துடைக்க வேன்டும்.ப்ராசீனாவீதியுடன். பிறகு தர்பைகளை எறிந்து விட வேண்டும். அபே தவீதா விச ஸர்ப்ப தாதோ யேத்ரஸ்த புராணா யே ச நூதனா: அதாதி தம் யமோ வஸானம் ப்ருதிவ்யா அக்ரனிமம் பிதரோ லோகமஸ்மை. ஓ யம தூதர்களே நீங்கள் இங்கு யமன் உத்திரவினால் தங்கி இருக்கிறீர்கள் அல்லவா. வெகு காலம் இருப்பவரும் இப்போது வந்தவர்களுமான நீங்கள் இடத்தை விட்டு தாமே செல்லுங்கள். பித்ரு தர்ப்பணம் செய்யும் வரை எங்களுக்கு இந்த இடத்தை யமன் சொந்தமாக செய்திருக்கிறார். பித்ருக்களும் இந்த இடத்தில் வந்து தங்குவதற்கு தக்க இடம் என எங்களுக்கு தந்தனர். அபஹதா அஸுரா ரக்ஷாகும் ஸீ பிஶாசா யே க்ஷயந்தி ப்ரித்வீ மனு அன்யத்ரே தோ கச்சந்து யத்ரைஷாம் கதம் மன; என்று சொல்லி கருப்பு எள்ளை இந்த இடத்தில் கையை திருப்பி இறைக்கவும். இந்த இடத்தை அண்டி வசிக்கின்ற அஸுரர், ராக்ஷசர், பிஶாசர், முதலியவர் ---பித்ரு கர்மாவுக்கு விக்னம் செய்பவர்கள் --இந்த இடத்தை விட்டு அவர் மனம் எங்கு செல்கிறதோ அங்கு செல்லட்டும். உபவீதி--பூணல் வலம். தீர்த்தத்தால் ப...