My working career in Winnipeg kicked off from the dizzying heights of scaffolding—balanced precariously between running the till at 7-Eleven, … More
Category: Human Interest
MY STORY IN CANADA: IT ALL STARTED IN WINNIPEG
It was October—Winnipeg had a sweet chill in the air, a prelude to the harsher “sweet chills” to come. I … More
“Boys Don’t Cry.”
Yes, they do. And they should. Crying isn’t a “feminine” thing that men should fear or suppress. Take a moment … More
Back Lane Environmentalists: A Tribute to Unsung Heroes
I want to extend my heartfelt salute to the unsung heroes of our city—the trash collectors who roam the back … More
WE HAVE CHOICES ON THE MENU OF LIFE
From surfing the tidal wave of options on Netflix to navigating the labyrinth of a Chinese restaurant menu, life seems … More
THEIR WRITINGS DO NOT REACH THE MASSES
In 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for the death of Salman … More
Procrastination and Prioritization: Navigating Life’s Responsibilities and Thrill-Seeking Habits
The morning prayer in school urged us to act promptly. Despite initial procrastination, I’ve learned the value of timely action. Procrastination can be seen as “strategic time management,” but responsibilities accumulate. It’s not just about laziness or poor time management, but mood management. While I aim to overcome procrastination, some thrill-seekers still indulge in it.
The Significance of Friendship: Exploring the Importance of Human Connections
The shift from grade 5 to grade 6 marked a significant milestone, as it saw the transition from learning the alphabet to crafting essays in English. Writing assignments included topics like “A Dog as Man’s Best Friend” and drafting formal applications for leave. The experience emphasized the value of friendships, from casual to best friends, offering mutual support and joy.
OLYMPICS: A BILLION-DOLLAR CIRCUS IN A WORLD OF CHAOS
While wars rage, poverty spreads, and basic necessities like clean water and functional hospitals remain a distant dream for many, … More
“Everything Matters, Nothing Is Important.”
“Everything Matters, Nothing Is Important.” Recently, I spotted this graffiti in Vancouver’s poorest and run-down area. And the message intrigued … More
Vahan Puja: The Unique Car Blessing Tradition in India
In India, the “Vahan Puja” is a ceremonial welcome for new cars, akin to a vehicle christening. Conducted by a priest, it involves rituals like washing the car, chanting mantras, and blessings for safety. The ceremony culminates with breaking a coconut for good fortune, reflecting India’s rich cultural traditions.
INTERNET: A PLATFORM THAT CARRIES BOTH TRUE AND FALSE INFORMATION
by Promod Puri Knowledge, for the most part, is created, developed and distributed. At this helm, we can discern its … More
The Moral Imperative to End Wars and Violent Conflicts:
The cries of humans suffering from poverty, starvation, disease, and epidemics, the devastation of global warming, the desperation of migrants … More
Music Directors who contributed significantly to the success of Hindi films
Sad songs, happy songs, and lively and festive songs have been integral to Hindi films. During the Golden Era of … More
DENIALISM A SERIOUS THREAT TO OUR SOCIETY:
When events unfold before our eyes or are reported through trustworthy sources, yet we deny them as non-events, we may … More
It does not apply in Canada: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
The perception that ethnic communities create ghettos and bring along old baggage while settling in Canada is a stereotyped conception. … 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
BY NATURE, WE’RE ALL SET IN THE “DEFAULT MODE NETWORK”
The dictionary meaning of the word default suggests a failure to act or inaction. But in the contemporary world, the … More
Study of self makes quite a sense
Sufi poet and philosopher Bulleh Shah (1680-1757) says: “Parh parh alim fazil hoya, kadey apnay aap nun parhya he nai.” … More
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?”
The quest for authenticity lies in the exploration of one’s true self, beyond societal expectations and influences. It involves discarding the false self constructed to please others and reexamining cultural norms. This pursuit leads to a sincere and natural authenticity, rooted in personal values and moral goodness. -by Promod Puri
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
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