The wisdom of animals compared to humans is a matter of perspective. While humans measure intelligence and wisdom by certain … More
Author: Promod Puri
Retired after 40 years of career in journalism. Former publisher and editor of The Link, a South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper from Vancouver, BC. Now a freelance writer. Published my first book titled "Hinduism:beyond rituals,customs and traditions". The book is educational dealing with all the facets of Hinduism.
Websites: promodpuri.com
progressivehindudialogue.com
promodpuri.blogspot.com
FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY FOR PERSONAL AND WORLD PEACE
Flexibility isn’t just about bending over and touching our toes; it encompasses the ability to adapt and change. Flexibility is … More
DON’T JOIN THE ARMED FORCES; IT CREATES MENTAL HEALTH CRISES AND SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
Joining the armed forces for the sake of serving the motherland always results in destruction, devastation, and deaths. In fact, … More
Drones: The Modern Weapons of Mass Destruction
Once, birds dominated the blue sky. Today, that same sky is often darkened by drones, casting streaks of comet-like lights … More
VEG AND ETHNIC FOODS HELP FIGHT HIGH GROCERY BILL
In Canada today, the issue of escalating food prices has become a focal point of concern. While this is a … More
The Impact of Boycotts and Sanctions on Russia: A Closer Look
Since Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, the Western Bloc, spearheaded by the USA, swiftly responded … More
Unravelling the Dynamics of Thought: From Conception to Destiny
Gandhi’s profound insight echoes through time: thoughts are the architects of destiny. From the moment a thought takes root in … More
Life Is A Game Of Soccer/football
By Promod Puri All our thoughts, perceptions and subsequent actions are influenced and regulated by the consciousness of the “landscape … More
SIGNIFICANCE OF PERCEPTION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN ADVANCEMENT
This 601-word (four-minute reading) essay is written about the significance of perception that is not based on our physical senses … More
India elections: ‘Our rule of law is under attack from our own government, but the world does not see this’
Sandhya Fuchs, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam On a crisp winter morning in February 2023, I meet one of my South Delhi … More
NEOLOGISM: THE WORLD NEEDS SOME REPAIRS AND CHANGES IN ALL ITS SYSTEMS AND ORDERS:
Neologism means to introduce a new word or new senses of existing words. In its expanded definition, neologism also involves … More
CASE FOR SEPARATING GOD FROM RELIGION
God and religion are two separate identities. If we look at the genesis of religion, there was no God; instead, … More
DISCOVERING THE AUTHENTIC IMAGE OF SELF INVOLVES DISCARDING THE ONE CREATED BY SOCIETY
The term “authentic” is an adjective in various contexts, such as authentic cuisine, art, or expression. Beyond denoting genuine or … More
WE’RE ALL FOOLS ONCE IN A WHILE; LET US CELEBRATE APRIL FOOL’S DAY
Today marks April Fool’s Day on the first day of the month. But let us give the traditional custom of … More
HOW WE DEFINE OR MEASURE HAPPINESS: by Promod Puri with ChatGPT input In the ongoing discourse surrounding global happiness, Finland’s … More
Besides Humans, Everything Else Has Consciousness Too
By Promod Puri What sets humans apart from inanimate objects like spoons, tables, stones, or anything else? Both are physical … More
CALL TO BOYCOTT ELECTIONS IN INDIA
Given the authoritarian and arrogant rule of the Modi government with the weaponization of the laws and the Enforcement and … More
SATNAM WAHEGURU: A COMPANION IN SOLITUDE
“Satnam Waheguru” – two simple yet profoundly meaningful words encapsulating the essence of spiritual connection. In the solitude of contemplation, … More
NATIONS AND PEOPLE DON’T INITIATE OR OPT FOR WARS; THEIR RULERS DO
(With an informative explanation from ChatGPT) 687 words. In the current tense and fierce worldwide rundown, where wars, battles, fights, … More
A view of the Human crisis through desperate Migrants
What is the Darien Gap? And why are more migrants risking this Latin American route to get to the US? Sara … More
THE CASE FOR WORLDWIDE ABOLISHING Of THE ARMED FORCES AND DISMANTLING OF ARM FACTORIES
In this article, I’m not going into the genesis of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas bloodshed or the ongoing battles … More
THE CALL OF HUMANITY: CEASEFIRE, SURRENDER, RAISE THE WHITE FLAG, SIT DOWN AND NEGOTIATE TO END THE WARS
There is always an end to the beginning. A start stops at someplace.But changes transform the scenario, landscape, and distinctiveness … More
Pope wants Ukraine to Raise a white flag to end the war with Russia
I got so excited to catch this news item reported by the Canadian Press (source Associated Press) on March 9. … More
THE WORLD NEEDS A NEW POLITICAL SYSTEM OF EVOLVING RATIONALISM BASED ON HUMANISM
EDIT by Promod Puri In my social, religious, and political sentiments that influence my behaviour and outlook toward society, I am … More
ATHEISM’S CONTRIBUTION IN SPIRITUAL PURSUITS
God and religion are synonymous influences subjected to evolution in humankind’s ongoing social construction. In this evolution, atheism can also … More
Humans and animals
INTRODUCING SWEET POTATO RAITA
One of the most popular, versatile, easy-to-prepare and stomach-friendly side dishes in the Indian culinary delights is the tasty and … More
REMEMBERING THE PAISA THAT ENRICHED MY CHILDHOOD: Besides memories, things also connect us to nostalgic moments that we embrace once … More
Intellectual Humility: Acknowledging what we don’t know is as essential as asserting what we know.
CAN THE SANE WORLD LAUNCH AN ARMED INTERVENTION ON THE PALESTINIAN FRONT?
International Court of Justice gave its verdict; the United Nations passed resolutions, one likely to come when G20 nations meet … More
RELIGIONS ARE MORE THAN BELIEFS, GODS AND GODDESSES
Religions offer more than rituals, customs and traditions, dos and don’ts, gods and goddesses. In fact, they also embody profound … More
TRANSFORMATION OF INDIA’S DEMOCRACY
by Promod Puri As per his motives based on flawed knowledge and limited perception of Hinduism, a transformation of India’s … More
Political extremism of the Left and Right is as dangerous and alarming as religious fanaticism.
What do your blood test results mean? A toxicologist explains the basics of how to interpret them
Brad Reisfeld, Colorado State University Your blood serves numerous roles to maintain your health. To carry out these functions, blood … More
The nature of complaining
This piece is written somewhat satirically about our social behaviour of reacting and getting upset more than necessary about small … More
WHAT IS PRANA PRATISHTHA THAT INVOKES THE LORD RAM IDOL
The sprawling Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram was inaugurated on January 24 in Ayodhya. The ceremonial and sacred word … More
THE PLIGHT OF MUSLIMS IN INDIA: “Jayen toh jayen kahan.”
As the thought of writing this piece popped up, I was reminded of an old Hindi film song penned by … More
IRON-WILLED NIKKI HALEY DEFIES TRUMP’S LEAD IN THE REPUBLICAN BID FOR THE WHITE HOUSE
Punjabi by nature and steered by her temperament, Nikki Haley remains unyielding to drop out of the Republican nomination race … More
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
(320 words, 2mts. of reading time) Staying in an environment exclusively reserved for the self leads to an experience called … More
RENAMING PAPPAD AS SPICY NACHO
The traditional Indian paper-thin spicy wafer called ‘pappad’ is not spelled right in English. It misses the sound of ‘r.’ … More
SEEKING WORLD PEACE THRU DEMOLITION OF BORDERS
I begin this essay with words of wisdom and sanity taken from ancient Hindu scriptures and a Tamil poem written … More
AYODHYA TEMPLE INAUGURATION
North India is experiencing a cold wave, accompanied by heightened religious fervor surrounding the Ayodhya Ram temple’s inauguration. As government institutions and educational facilities close, the community engages in celebrations. The temple’s impending consecration on January 22 represents a significant moment, built on the site of the former Babri mosque.
AMAZING TRUMP: A NARCISSIST BATTLING ON SEVERAL FRONTS
Deeply entrenched in multiple lawsuits, from financial fraud to election subversion and defamation, it’s incredible how Donald Trump handles them … More
“Hindu sentiments Are Hurt”
What is that delicate and feeble Hindu Sentiment that often gets hurt? We hadn’t heard about it till in the … More
Do Atheists And Non-religious people Need To Have A place for Congregation?
Church without God: How secular congregations fill a need for some nonreligious Americans Jacqui Frost, Purdue University Shared testimonies, collective … More
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY AND WHY THE WORLD NEED IT
Among the philosophers and academic scholars studying human behaviour, intellectual humility is one of the favourite topics of deliberation and … More
MODERN WARS CAUSE MORE DEATHS AND DESTRUCTION THAN ANCIENT WARS
Modern wars do not have front lines or dedicated battlegrounds, and soldiers don’t clash one-on-one. The battles happen remotely. The … More
MY VISION OF A HAPPY NEW YEAR
The moment clock’s second hits midnight and the year 2023 slips away in the realm of history. We step into … More
BESIDES THINKING AND OTHER FUNCTIONS, HUMAN BRAIN CREATES LIVE IMAGES, TOO
The function of the brain is not only to produce thoughts and process thinking, knowledge, and information but also to create images of what we imagine, perceive, and receive in our mental and cognitive senses.
THE GENIUS OF O.P. NAYYAR CONTINUES TO ENTERTAIN US WITH HIS LIVELY COMPOSITIONS
A noteworthy approach in Nayyar’s compositions was that he believed the film songs must be lively and entertaining. By Promod … More
REALIZING THE AUTHENTIC IMAGE OF SELF
(Authentic: 2023 The Word Of The Year) Every year, Merriam-Webster selects the word of the year. This year, its chosen … More
India’s goddesses of contagion provide protection in the pandemic – just don’t make them angry.
Tulasi Srinivas, Emerson College Hindus in India have had a helping hand – several in fact – when it comes … More
Geopolitical chess game: Why India has no interest in serving as a western pawn
Shaun Narine, St. Thomas University (Canada) Canada’s deepening divide with India following its accusation that the Indian government was responsible … More
During cold and flu season Does chicken soup really help?
Colby Teeman, University of Dayton Preparing a bowl of chicken soup for a loved one when they’re sick has been … More
“GOLGAPPE” IN COSTCO: AN AMBIENCE OF INDIA IN CANADA
As Costco started selling ‘Golgappe’ aka ‘Pani-puri,’ while samosas and dosas become the popular snack food in Canada, ghee retails … More
EGO: AN OVERVIEW
(992 words, 5 mts. read.) What is ego? It is the nature of a person’s attitude and expression of opinion … More
WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD?
Today’s world is in turmoil, violent, disturbed, depressing, and daunting. A never-ending scenario of combats and conflicts, a war, a … More
THE TRAGIC STORY OF THE WORLD TODAY
by Promod Puri (361 words) The world today faces turbulence, turmoil, wars, and strives. Perhaps, never before in its history, … More
DEMOCRACY DYING IN INDIA, AND FASCISM TAKING BIRTH
Fascism is a system run or led by a dictator who has complete power in every aspect of a nation. … More
IMPORT OF KHALISTAN MOVEMENT HELPS MODI IN NEXT ELECTION
by Promod Puri Desperately trying to rope Modi in its ring to contain growing Chinese influence and domination in Asia, … More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ashaji, Jaaiye aap kahan jayenge
Born Sept.8,1933, Asha Bhosle, who turns 90 today, has been an icon of Indian film music as a playback singer. … More
BESIDES EVEREST AND KILIMANJARO, MORE SUMMITS ON THE WORLD SCENE
The word summit to me was that of Mt. Everest, Kilimanjaro, or other world mountain peaks. But in the last … More
OUR HISTORY: From “Hindoos” to South Asian Canadians
Insensitivity and ignorance have been part of Canada’s racist history. Immigrants, especially from the “visible minority” communities, not only faced … More
DO POLITICAL PARTIES NEED IDEOLOGY TO GET TO POWER
Do political parties under a democratic structure need to base themselves on their distinctive ideologies, or can they do away … More
WHAT MOTIVATES AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Even with few exceptions, the American civil rights movement has never been led on a political platform. Instead, religion has … More
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS UNDER MODI RAJ
Expressing joy and celebrating India’s Independence Day under the autocracy of Modi, the prime minister, represents hypocrisy, an extreme case … More
EVERY CREATION FACES ITS ELIMINATION ALSO, LIKE CLOUDS IN THE SKY
Things get created; things get destroyed in the universe. In other words, what seems to be created is a step … More
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
In split second, rather much sooner, memories can take us to revisit some interesting spots in our lives. For me, … More
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF VANCOUVER:
A floor lamp, a desk, a speaker, a couple of mugs, and a clipped cord. These items sit on the … More
“Defence,” nationalism and patriotism are chips of the same block to help create chaos and clash in the world.
MOON MISSIONS A CASE OF MISPLACED PRIORITIES
(436 words, 120 seconds read) Missions to the moon never excite me. Instead, the explorations cause my earnest and questioning … More
WITH THE RISING OUTCRY FOR INDIA AS A “HINDU RASHTRA,” KHALISTAN ASSERTS ITS RALLY IN PUNJAB AND ABROAD
By Promod Puri Is the Khalistan movement, the demand for separation from India, dead, dormant or alive? It depends on … More
JAI SRI RAM: A message of devotion and greetings is now a weapon of terrorist attacks by ‘Hindu saviour’ goons.
George Orwell: The Animal Farm Writer Born in India
English novelist, essayist, and critic George Orwell was born on June 25, 1903, near Gopal Sah High School, located in … More
HOW I OBSERVE CANADA DAY EVERY DAY
by Promod Puri Early in the morning, when I wake up, the first thing I see from my bedroom window … More
ONCE INSIDE THE BODY, DOES A DRUG KNOW WHERE TO GO
When you take aspirin for a headache, how does it know to sail straight to your head and alleviate the … More
KARMA HINDUISM:
Hinduism also belongs to those who neither go to the temple regularly and ritualistically nor involve themselves in either meditation … More
There are moments in daily life that need celebrations with smiles.
REALIZING THE AUTHENTIC IMAGE OF SELF
Individually who in the world are we? The question does not relate to our standing or relevance in society. Nor … More
THE DOORS TO THE SIKH WAY OF LIFE OPEN WITH SEVA AND LANGAR
The entry doors to knowing Sikhism and perceiving or experiencing its spiritual messaging and humanitarian traditions are Seva and Langar. … More
MODI’S CELEBRATED VISIT TO THE USA AS A STATE GUEST
Modi and Biden will embrace and hug each other in a few days when the Indian prime minister rings the … More
Societies are assimilating and appear homogenized in big cosmopolitan cities worldwide. Cultures are becoming events only. -Promod Puri
What really started the American Civil War?
Robert Gudmestad, Colorado State University The U.S. citizenship test – which immigrants must pass before becoming citizens of the United … More
LIFE’S JOURNEY CONTINUES WHILE SAILING THRU OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Our past is an assortment of joyous, rough, memorable, and learning experiences. In contrast, our future lies in the prospect … More
NAGIN: THE MUSICAL BLOCKBUSTER (1954) THAT STILL ENTERTAINS WITH ITS SONGS
Most of us from India who were born, raised, or entered teen and adult age in the ’50s and ’60s … More
CHILD PRODIGY GHAZAL MAESTRO MASTER MADAN
Yun naa reh reh kar hamein tarsaaiye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0vDvwYE59Q Heyrat se tak rahaay hain jahane wafaa mujhe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1chOBbhkYhE These two ghazals … More
MY MOTHER’S KITCHEN
Our kitchen was very elementary but a conspicuous place in the house. Prominently featured was the built-in wall cabinet that … More
PYAASA: THE MOVIE THAT ALWAYS STAYS IN MY MIND
I was in grade 7 when I visited my elder sister in Ambala during the summer vacation. My brother-in-law was … More
WHY I’M NOT ATTENDING THE KING CHARLES CORONATION
I’m not going to attend King Charles’s coronation on May 6. The particular reason is that I don’t know what … More
SIKHISM DWELLS IN ITS SAINT-SOLDIER PHILOSOPHY
By Promod Puri Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh represent two distinct aspects of Sikhism. In the evolution of … More
KISHORE KUMAR: One Of The Greatest Singers And Entertainers India Has Ever Produced.
By Promod Puri The most artistic and versatile natural talent the Hindi film industry ever embodied was Kishore Kumar. His … More
A colossal wastage like a house on fire up in smoke
Imagine you stuff your shirt and pant pockets with dollar notes. Once these overflows, you fill up all your kitchen … More
NEOLOGISM: THE WORLD NEEDS SOME REPAIRS AND CHANGES IN ALL ITS SYSTEMS AND ORDERS:
Neologism means to introduce a new word or new senses of existing words. In its expanded definition, neologism also involves … More
EDIBLE CITY SIDEWALKS AND PARKS
During my college days in the City Beautiful Chandigarh, while walking or cycling its streets, I wondered why not grow … More
WE’RE ALL FOOLS ONCE IN A WHILE; LET US CELEBRATE APRIL FOOL’S DAY
(This article was first written two years ago, now rewritten with some contributions from ChatGPT) Today marks April Fool’s Day … More
WARS POSE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY:
In this article, I’m not going into the genesis of the Russia-Ukraine war. Neither do I debate if ‘de-Nazification’ in … More
DESPITE BEING FINANCIALLY WELL OFF, WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NOT RETIRE
Philanthropist and billionaire Vancouver businessman Jim Pattison is 94 years old. Born October 1, 1928, he will complete 95 later … More
WHERE IS THE END OF WAR:
Traditionally, the right to trigger war in most cases rests on one single highest authority. Under ‘self-defence’ and ‘just cause,’ … More
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