Do it yourself

Thought for the day "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." — Will Rogers (American, 1879-1935) Word for the day Bathos (n) insincere pathos; sentimentality; mawkishness Malice towards none Ain't "Rath Yatra" a communal phrase? Why a political campaign on a motorized vehicle not be termed a "Bus Yatra" or simply a "Motor Yatra"? First random thought this morning Why Indian middle class and media is taking unprecedented interest in US presidential elections? (a)    India's interests are now aligned more than ever with the US interests. (b)    More Indians now live an American dream than ever. (c)     We see reflection of our politicians in the two principal candidates. (d)    The entertainment quotient of present elections is highest ever. (e)     All of the above. (f)     None of the...

  Thought for the day "I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else." —John Keats (English, 1795-1821) Word for the day Hagiography (n) The writing and critical study of the lives of the saints; hagiology. Malice towards none History is always written by the victorious. First random thought this morning I do not know why - but everyone I talk to these days is talking about war. Some fear an Indo-Pak war; whereas some other go much further and want to talk about the possibilities of a full-fledged World War III. On a deeper inquiry I find that no one is prepared for a war. It is just fashionable. Surprisingly, the people of age 80 and above who do remember the destruction of WWII do not even want to think about a war. It is the people in 50s and 60s who are most interested in this talk. Perhaps, these are the people who want the script to be re-written. First they cou...

Thought for the day Land and sea, weakness and decline are great separators, but death is the great divorcer forever. —John Keats (English, 1795-1821) Word for the day Apparition (n) Anything that appears, especially something remarkable or startling, e.g., the surprising apparition of cowboys in New York City . Malice towards none The current inflation adjusted price of beer in US is down by 33% since 1952. During the same period, the inflation adjusted prices of cigarettes are higher by 350%. Replicate that trend in India during 1990-2050 and you get a great investment theme.   First random thought this morning Those who are worried about Trump winning the US presidential election are presuming: ·          US president is omnipotent and he could drive the economic, foreign and defence policies of the country as per his whims and fancies; ·   ...

Thought for the day My imagination is a monastery and I am its monk. —John Keats (English, 1795-1821) Word for the day Logophobia (n) An obsessive fear of words. Malice towards none Has anybody learned anything from the infamous Ishrat Jahan encounter episode?   First random thought this morning Since 1947, our politicians have used (and sometimes created) the tension at borders to invoke the feelings of nationalism and patriotism amongst citizens. In past few years social media has more than adequately supplemented the efforts of the politicians in igniting and fueling these feelings. The point worth pondering is, why do we need war & death to feel nationalist and patriot! Can't we be patriot in peace and prosperity? Seeking divine guidance After a refreshing Diwali break, I am back to my daily routine. During the break I resumed my research on the great epic Ramayana, after a break of 18year...

"Wish all our readers a joyous Diwali. May the new Samvat be propitious for everyone - full of peace, prosperity and pleasures." Thought for the day " I hope to stay unemployed as a war photographer till the end of my life." —Robert Capa (American, 1913-1954) Word for the day Stalwart (Adj) Firm, steadfast, uncompromising, strong and brave; valiant, e.g., a stalwart knight . Malice towards none सिद्धि बुद्धि प्रदे देवि भुक्ति मुक्ति प्रदायिनि। मन्त्र मूर्ते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोस्तुते ॥   First random thought this morning Diwali without Chinese goods could be an innovative means of wealth distribution. The rich traders who have made tons of money by importing Chinese goods and selling these in India over past decade of so will incur some losses on the inventory of the stuff they have already imported; the middle class households will spend little more money for Diwali decoration...

Thought for the day " This war is like an actress who is getting old. It is less and less photogenic and more and more dangerous." —Robert Capa (American, 1913-1954) Word for the day Compunction (n) A feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pain; contrition; remorse. Malice towards none How could Amar Singh, who has never been public servant, minister, police or judge, could save someone from going to jail? Will SC take suo moto cognizance of MSY's 'confession' and order an inquiry? First random thought this morning I am not sure whether many people noticed it, but to me it was rather too conspicuous. The MSY and his clan treat the State of Uttar Pradesh as grocery shop run by their family. In their discourse, they sound like 'owner' of the State. And we all know MSY family is not the only one that sounds like that. The first families in m...