Sufi poet and philosopher Bulleh Shah (1680-1757) says: “Parh parh alim fazil hoya, kadey apnay aap nun parhya he nai.” … More
Category: Human Interest
MY VISION OF A HAPPY NEW YEAR
The moment clock’s second hits midnight and the year 2022 departs, we step into welcoming 2023. Two images flash; one … More
The joy Of Old Hindi Film Songs
Living in Canada for the past 45 years, my nostalgic window often opens to the blissful sounds of popular Hindi … More
Return Policy Is Part Of Shopping Joy
I recovered and saved some money this month. Thanks to the hassle-free culture of buying and returning goods. It happens … More
MY 50 YEARS IN CANADA
Fifty years ago, after saying goodbye to India, I knocked on the door of Canada. The point of entry was … More
KILLING OF 16 MILLION MARKS THE REMEMBRANCE DAY!
It all happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” 1918, when the First World … More
A SCARY FUNNY STORY
: The real estate salesperson showed his client a house that, according to the neighbours, had not been occupied for … More
VERSATILE PUMPKIN, A SUPER VEGETABLE THAT FIGHTS CANCER:
I have strong feelings for pumpkins, mostly when left out in the chill of autumn nights during the Halloween season. … More
WRITING IS A CONSTRUCTION JOB
It is said, “Words are the tools of writing.” But not quite so! Instead, words are the bricks and mortars … More
DALIT IS NOT A DEROGATORY WORD BUT OFFERS IDENTITY
Is Dalit a derogatory word to describe a class of people who do not belong to the four Brahminic castes? … More
ENGLISH WORDS THAT NEED SPELLING CHANGES
With the English language, I always have an issue that relates to the spelling of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of words … More
FUTURE OF HUMANITY
Does humanity face a permanent extinction tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, a few years, or thousands, millions, or billions of … More
INTELLECTUALS OF INDIA: IRONY OF PUN
Being intellectual in India these days has an irony of pun in it. The ‘intellectuals’ rather be non-intellectuals to avoid … More
THE FRONT AND BACK BURNERS OF WORLD SCENES
The ongoing tragedies in the world become banal within weeks or months. Example: the Russia-Ukraine war. These get pushed into … More
GOING BACK WITH LIFEBUOY
In my nostalgic wash, Lifebuoy was the soap suitable for the body and the hair. Cheap and best, the choices … More
MY BRUSH WITH RASHTRIYA SWAMSEVAK SANGH (RSS)
Every Sunday, early in the morning, they used to shout from the street, “Parmodjee, Parmodjee,” but “Parmodjee” was always in … More
SALMAN RUSHDIE DIVIDES MUSLIMS BEING “FANATIC” AND “LIBERAL”
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, who announced a fatwa calling on all Muslims to murder Rushdie … More
Humanization Of Countries, Viruses And Everything Else By Promod Puri Do we have to blame a nation or nations for their … More
Review Of Mindset Views Restores Their Rationality
By Promod Puri. Distorted, false, or unrealistic information twist our thinking. As of result, our perceptions are flawed. Endeavouring for … More
PAISA, TAKKA, AANA, DUANI: SOME WORDS THAT BRING THE PLEASURES OF THE PAST
Besides memories, words also connect us to nostalgic moments that we embrace once in a while. Paisa is one word … More
DID THE BRITISHERS LOOT INDIA?
By Promod Puri Yes, the Kohinoor, tons of gold and jewellery got plundered by the Empire. Besides, according to one … More
MUSIC INSPIRES LEARNING PUNJABI: When a superstar of Punjabi music performs in Vancouver, it is more than an event of … More
FROM PRAKASH KAUR TO MOOSE WALA, AN EVOLUTION IN PUNJABI MUSIC
With my fondness and taste for Punjabi songs, I belong to the era when Prakash Kaur, Surinder Kaur, and Asha … More
INTRODUCING “WALNUT RAITA”
My creative senses sometimes spill over to culinary passion. The new creation offers an evolution in the popular Indian yogurt-based … More
COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS AND ‘SHIKWA’
Poet Sahir Ludhianvi says, “Aasman pe hai khuda aur zameen pe hum, the God is up there in the sky, … More
Stephen Hawking warned against contacting aliens. Scientists are doing it anyway
This year, two groups of astronomers plan to send messages containing information about humans and the location of Earth toward … More
HOW WE SPEND TIME
How do we use time from the morning when we get up till bedtime? The question is simple in its … More
WHO IN THE WORLD AM I?”
That is a big puzzle that confronts us once in a while. The question does not relate to our standing … More
WE’RE ALL FOOLS ONCE A WHILE OR QUITE OFTEN: IT’S NATURAL
Of course, we already have April Fool’s Day on the first day of the month. But let us give the … More
ONE BRAVE HEART MUST YIELD AND SURRENDER TO END THE HORRORS OF WAR
Let him overpower and occupy Ukraine, amass more to his vast kingdom, and paint how he paints his ‘red’ sprawling … 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. Neither do I debate if ‘de-Nazification’ in … More
HOPE FOR END TO UKRAINE CRISIS SOON:
There is always an end to the beginning. A start stops at someplace. That is the phenomenon of events in … More
BURQA, HIJAB CUSTOM NEED REVIEW
Muslim students and teachers forced to remove their burqas and hijabs in Karnataka and other BJP-ruled states led to considerable … More
Mindfulness In Walking
What is walking meditation? Brooke Schedneck, Rhodes College For Thich Nhat Hanh, the late Vietnamese monk who popularized mindfulness in the … More
REMEMBERING LATA THRU SOME OF MY MOST FAV SONGS
I belong to the generation that grew up listening to Lata Mangeshkar without missing any single day. All India Radio, … More
WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD!
Today’s world is in turmoil, violent, disturbed, depressing and daunting. Although we can say, it is an era of peace … More
Mother India:
She is a symbol of Mother India, fighting for the poor, fighting for the Dalits, fighting for justice, fighting for … More
FROM SAMBA NEAR JAMMU, ALLA RAKHA BECAME A TABLA LEGEND
From the village Ghagwal, near the town of Samba, about 40 km from Jammu, Allarakha Qureshi got his hands on … More
MY REMEMBRANCE DAY
It all happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” of 1918 when the First … More
RELIGIONS NEED TO BE FREE FROM FANATICS:
Fanatic Hindu, fanatic Muslim, fanatic Sikh, fanatic Christian, Jew, or Buddhist! These are the labels we often hear or assign … More
WHERE IS MY WRISTWATCH?
There it is in the back of my bedside drawer. Have I abandoned it? Not honestly. I’m keeping it but … More
THE HYPE OF PROTEIN AND THE TASTE OF GHEE:
Growing up in India, the most nutritious food item loaded with protein besides vitamin A and other healthy stuff was … More
THE SPIRIT OF JAMMU IN REVOLUTIONARY MARTYR UDHAM SINGH: I belong to Jammu, the city in the state of Jammu … More
REMEMBERING MY SCHOOL PRAYER: DON’T DITHER, DON’T DELAY:
In my school days, as the bell rang, all the kids assembled for the morning prayer, which was relatively secular. … More
AN ENCOUNTER WITH DEV ANAND
-by Promod Puri An episode happened when late Dev Anand, one of the most prominent and talented Bollywood stars of … More
EGO: AN OVERVIEW
(Warning: 992 words to step on this reading. 5 to 8 mts. reading) What is ego? It is the nature … More
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: I’M THE CAUSE, I’M THE CURE
By Promod Puri I often feel perplexed if the worldwide surge in climate campaigns and protests is approaching the desired … More
RAPE SPREAD IN INDIA:
It is disgraced and dreadful evil that is marking a permanent stain on India’s social fabric. The evil is the … More
FROM DAUGHTER’S DAY TO SON’S DAY, THE CALENDER IS FULL OF SPECIAL DAYS
Yesterday, it was Daughter’s Day, and now it’s Son’s Day. Tomorrow will be another ‘Day,’ a particular ‘Day’ dedicated to … More
Overpacked And over-wrapped, Packaging Is An Environmental Issue
By Promod Puri The other day for a nostalgic childhood recreation, I bought a medium-size kite from Amazon. The order … More
PALDI: A HERITAGE PLACE OF PRIDE FOR SOUTH-ASIAN CANADIANS
Paldi, named after a small town in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab, is located about seven miles southwest of Duncan, off … More
9/11 WORLDWIDE:
9/11 is the anniversary date of a significant terrorist attack on American soil on September 11, 2001. 9/11s have happened … More
WE ALL EVOLVING AND DISSOLVING IN ONE BIG POT CALLED UNIVERSE
Things get created; things get destroyed. In other words, what seems to be created is a step towards its destruction, … More
LISTEN TO BIRDS BEFORE DEMOLISHING STATUES
They are the perfect landing pads for birds to take a break from their flying activities or relieve themselves. That … More
Canada Day: Shall we cancel the celebrations or keep the tradition and move on?
by Promod Puri I am not enthusiastic to celebrate Canada Day this year, but I am not in favour of … More
GHETTO FORMATIONS AND OLD BAGGAGE:
There is an argument with a stereotyped conception that ethnic communities create ghetto formations and bring along old baggage while … More
WHEN WILL WE BREATHE FRESH AND DIRECT WITHOUT A MASK?
I heard our neighbours south of the border are now going to public places and leaving their masks at home. … More
END THE OLYMPICS FOREVER
Hosting summer or winter Olympics is not worth the trouble or the cost and the risks involved for a hosting … More
HE COULD NEVER GO BACK TO PAKISTAN, BUT MOTHER NATURE CARRIED HIS WISHES
He could never go back to his place of birth, the home of his childhood and youth years in the … More
WORLD BOOK DAY: “The wise man reads both books and life itself”
There has been a remarkable shift from the traditional reading channels. Reading printed books or magazines can be a nostalgic pleasure. Most of the information, knowledge, or wisdom we receive on a day-to-day basis is through the internet.
APRIL FOOLS’ DAY: “Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously.”
About April 1, he remarks, “this is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” Another quote from him, “Ah, well, I am a great and sublime fool. But then I am God’s fool, and all His work must be contemplated with respect.”
Albert Einstein asserts: “before God, we are all equally wise, and equally foolish.”
WHY WOMEN ACTIVE IN PROTEST
Women grow as much as 80% of India’s food – but its new farm laws overlook their struggles Bansari Kamdar, … More
‘The Mauritanian’ rekindles debate over Gitmo detainees’ torture – with 40 still held there
Lisa Hajjar, University of California Santa Barbara “The Mauritanian,” directed by Kevin Macdonald, is the first feature film to dramatize … More
FUTURE OF HUMANITY BASED ON TWO FACTORS
Anthropogenic changes cover human activities related to biophysical environments, natural resources, global warming, environmental degradation, ocean acidification and ecological collapse.
$ 1 MILLION OFFER TO STUDY IF CONSCIOUSNESS SURVIVES AFTER DEATH
Does consciousness or ‘Atma’ die too after bodily death? Or it survives to re-enter a new body. A Los Vegas … More
READING, THINKING AND WRITING ARE INTERCONNECTED
History tells us there have been many wise people, especially saints with divine attribution, who did not go through a voluminous reading of books. But their minds did the reading.
What is a protein? A biologist explains
Nathan Ahlgren, Clark University Editor’s note: Nathan Ahlgren is an assistant professor of biology at Clark University. In this interview, … More
A VISION OF 2021 AND BEYOND
As the year 2020 departs just at the moment clock hits midnight, we welcome the arrival of 2021. Two images … More
Little Misha lost her special friend, Poky the Puppy
The toy of her joy disappeared from her tender arms somewhere at the hotel while on vacation with her family. … More
Getting The Best Out Of Turmoil And Turbulence of 2020
Corona invasion has disciplined our lives, from masking to six feet distancing and restricting travels, socials and shopping.
Joys, engagements and ease of life navigated new options. A circadian lifestyle is one where a daily routine is possible with the least of disturbances and distractions.
REMEMBERING POET SHAILENDRA
In simple words, poet Shailendra wrote great poetry with deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions. His ‘shikva’ meaning complaint to God … More
Remembering Raj Kapoor
I was sitting by myself in the neighbourhood community centre’s Sauna room when a man walked in. “Good morning, how … More
TRUMP’S LEGACY: BREEDING TRUTHS OUT OF LIES
Conceived opinions and judgments influence our mindset viewpoint. And most of the time, our actions and reactions are based on retrieving the intellect from the installed position.
LIFE REVOLVES AND SURVIVES AROUND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance are the mantra that sustains us practically in most aspects of our lives. From personal health … More
VERSATILE PUMPKIN A SUPER VEGETABLE THAT FIGHTS CANCER:
I have strong feelings for pumpkin, mostly when left out in the chill of autumn nights during the Halloween season. … More
JALEBI: The Queen Of Indian Sweets
Enjoy Jalebi, the queen of Indian confection, straight or with milk, anytime, including midnight all alone and guilt-free craving for something sweet
PURGING OF USELESS LETTERS IN ENGLISH WORDS
The word ‘behaviour’ or ‘behavior’ behaves the same way no matter how one spells it.
WHY FEEL BORED?
Boredom is a very commonly expressed feeling even in this age when we have 24-hour entertainment at our convenience. There … More
TEACHERS DAY SHOULD BE IN HONOR OF JYOTI RAO AND SAVITRIBAI PHULE
September 5 is celebrated in India as Teachers’ Day synonymous with its second president, Dr. Sarvepilli Radhakrishnan, who also was … More
American environmentalism’s racist roots have shaped global thinking about conservation
“conservation will succeed only if it can support the goal of a dignified life for all humans and nonhuman species.” … More
UNCLE-JI AND AUNTI-JI
Uncles and aunty’s designations have become popular among the younger generation of South Asians to address their parents’ friends or … More
MY FIRST WRITING PEN MADE FROM A DRY TWIG
Handcrafted from a solid dry twig, with one end slightly chiselled and shaped like a nib. And the stem was smoothed to hold the Kalam.
For each word or few words to write, the Kalam received its ink while dipped into an inkpot. Together the pair was called “Kalam-dawaat,” that I used to carry with me to primary school. Often my school bag and my clothing got stains of the black ink.
What is the meaning and purpose of life?”
Seeking the meaning and purpose of human life is a behaviour issue at the individual level.
Meaning of life and purpose of life, I think, are two related terms.
AT AGE 92, THE SECRET OF MY FRIEND’S HEALTHY LIFE
It is under one medical term, called circadian rhythm. And Mr. Singh has kept it well under control with his disciplined daily regime.
A real understanding of the circadian rhythm is that all our body organs, down to their cellular levels, have body clocks working along with the brain.
Denialism: A Roadblock To Liberal Thinking
A recent example of denialism is when President Trump refuted the pandemic of COVID-19 in its early stage. And when most of India’s upper and wealthy class refused to accept the plight of migrant workers in their agonizing walks back to the villages during the peak Coronavirus lockdown.
American slavery: Separating fact from myth
Economists and historians have examined detailed aspects of the enslaved experience for as long as slavery existed. My own work enters this conversation by looking at the value of individual slaves and the ways enslaved people responded to being treated as a commodity.
MY SCHOOL TEACHER’S BRUTALITY
The moment I sat, the teacher, addressed as Masterji, called me up and asked why I was late. Before I could gather words to express myself, he gave me a hefty slap on my tender little face.
Humanization Of Countries, Viruses And Everything Else
By Promod Puri Do we have to blame a nation or nations for their respective involvement and stake in initiating … More
MY MEMORIES WITH “PEEPEWALE” BISCUITS
Since these crunchy cookies were contained in a ‘pipa,’ that is the reason they are called ‘Peepaewale’ biscuits here in Canada. Perhaps, it is a marketing approach by the manufacturers to draw the nostalgic feel and taste of the sweet goodies.
THE CAKE MY MOTHER USED TO MAKE
Our kitchen was very elementary but a conspicuous place in the house. Prominently featured was the built-in wall cabinet that … More
Open for “business” but no visitors:
“guloñ meñ rañg bhare bād-e-nau-bahār chale chale bhī aao ki gulshan kā kārobār chale.” Spring blossom in Queen Elizabeth Park, … More
CUBAN DOCTORS IN ITALY: HUMANITARIAN AND DIPLOMATIC
Cuba exports very few items that contribute to its economy. These are cigars, sugar, rum, pharmaceutical products, and medical services, … More
Remembering Khushwant Singh: His Colorful Life And Humor
By Promod Puri Perhaps the least revealed an aspect of Khushwant Singh’s colorful and long active life, was the fact … More
BITTERNESS IS HEALTHY
It may sound sweet that our fruits and vegetables are getting sweeter. While the bitterness in some of the known … More
Nationalism & Patriotism Are Threats To Global Peace And environment
By Promod Puri I have been anti-national since I understood the nature of its allegiance to the country one belongs. … More
My Curiosity For Banana Hanger And Other Interesting X-mas Gift Items
By Promod Puri Ever since it was first introduced in the kitchen accessories section of departmental stores I am still … More
She Was Not “Supposed” To Enter Kitchen
By Promod Puri I don’t know if she belongs to the class of housemaid, aka “bai”. If so, then her … More
Don Cherry’s Colorful Costumes Have Stains Of Racism Too
By Promod Puri This Cherry never blossomed to the changing realities of diverse and culturally rich Canadian society. Don Cherry’s … More
Stairs Excercise Controls Blood Sugar And For Healthy Heart
(This is an update to the article written a few years ago) By Promod Puri The fun in life includes … More
Going To A Movie Theatre In The Turmoils of Jammu And Kashmir
By Promod Puri It was the early ‘50s, and I still remember going to the Hari Theatre in Jammu. There … More
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