by Promod Puri I am not enthusiastic to celebrate Canada Day this year, but I am not in favour of … More
Category: Human Interest
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
Challenges and Deadends of Information Stream in the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web was originally envisioned as a free, interconnected network of online sites. However, the rapid growth of online content has led to concerns about managing harmful and fake information. This has prompted both tech firms and governments to grapple with the balance between free information flow and responsible governance. Regulatory efforts and internet shutdowns in some regions further complicate this complex landscape.
‘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 Sweetest Delight of Indian Cuisine
Jalebi is a beloved Indian sweet known for its crispy texture and sugary syrup. Made with yeasted flour and ideally fried in desi ghee, it is often enjoyed by hand. Popular combinations include Jalebi with ice cream and Jalebi immersed in boiling milk, the latter having soothing properties for coughs. Its cultural significance also adds charm to its reputation.
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
The Importance of Circadian Rhythm for a Robust Immune System
Promod Puri received an inspiring call from his 102-year-old friend, Mr. Singh, who maintains exceptional health without relying on medications commonly associated with old age. This is attributed to his disciplined adherence to circadian rhythm, which involves synchronized body clocks and is crucial for overall health and a robust immune system, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Nurturing Logical and Well-Grounded Thinking Through Active Brain Engagement
Distorted information skews our perceptions and influences our actions. Brain activity is crucial for logical thinking and is increasingly replaced by technology. Political, religious, and social mindsets are heavily influenced by misinformation. Fixed mindsets hinder growth, while rational, flexible mindsets can adapt to a changing world, fostering progress and understanding.
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
WRITING IS A CONSTRUCTION JOB
By Promod Puri It is said, “Words are the tools of writing.” But not quite so! Words are the bricks … More
A BOX OF TOFFEES
I was 10-year-old when one day I severely broke my right arm. A local pehlwan, as the practice or custom … More
Home Sweet Home: The bliss of “Chajju Ka Chobara”
by Promod Puri Back in 1972, when I immigrated to Canada and made my first home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that … More
Featuring Moon In The Hindi Filmi Songs
While space scientists can continue their exploration of the moon and establish more communication links with the cool-light planet, I … More
FREEDOM TO MOVE IN OUR OWN “GLOBAL VILLIAGE “
Centuries ago, people used to migrate from one place to another for reasons which were natural calamities, local violence, or … More
Inhumanity Sweeping The World
“Inhumanity, it seems, is contagious. In Italy, babies and children have been repeatedly kept at sea for days by a … More
Two Overly Used Popular Sayings:
1. “Be Positive.” What is wrong being negative? Rather Keep the balance, and be rational. 2. “Forget the past…..” … More
“Please Remove Your Shoes”: Is It Custom, Hygiene Or Both
By Promod Puri The sign on the front door read, “please remove your shoes.” It was not a Hindu temple, … More
Passion For Buying New Clothing, But How Much We Need
By Promod Puri I confess a feeling of guilt erupted within me after buying a pair of pant the other … More
How People Cleaned Teeth In Olden Days
People worked for healthy teeth long before nylon brushes hit the market. Mila Davidovic/Shutterstock.com Jane Cotter, Texas A&M University Dental … More
Some Island Countries Are On The Verge Of Drowning
An atoll in the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the South Pacific that’s in danger of disappearing due … More
SIMPLE LIVING: THE ULTIMATE JOY OF LIFE
(This article is an approach to get into the praxis of simple living and to realize its efficacy. The article … More
Canada Needs To Help Millions Of Displaced Inside Their Own Countries
Megan Bradley, McGill University Record-breaking years for refugee flows have become the norm. UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, just … More
Rabba Hun Kee Kariye: A Powerful Documentary On ’47 Genocide
Why? That is a big question mark Rabba Hun Kee Kariye does not answer. Nor does it intend to answer. … More
The Historical Building At Main And 6th In Vancouver
By Promod Puri The grey stucco building at the south-east corner of Main Street and 6th Avenue in Vancouver was … More
Remembering Komagata Maru
Statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, May 23, 2019 “One hundred and five years ago the Komagata Maru steamship arrived … More
Garbage Is An Escalating World Problem
by Promod Puri Countries worldwide seem to be facing an escalating problem as to where to dump their daily accumulation … More
WHEN I WORKED AT 7-ELEVEN STORE:
Recently I read an interesting article on 7-Eleven stores and their worldwide growth in 17 countries besides the ones in … More
Peepaewale Biscuits
Every time I notice these in the Indian grocery stores, even at the Walmart, my recurring memories fly me back … More
Manusmriti And America’s Jim Crow Laws Against Blacks
by Promod Puri An objective parallel can be drawn between the racial caste system, known as Jim Crow in the … More
Why I’m Not Buying Self Driving Car
By Promod Puri Ever since the car manufacturers introduced the Cruise Control feature, I have rarely used it. And I … More
A Love Story Hacked By Mahatma Gandhi
This story is not an attempt to downgrade his personality, but it reveals how Gandhi became from ordinary to an … More
Nepal’s Menstrual Huts
Nepal’s menstrual huts: what can be done about this practice of confining women to cow sheds? Sara Parker, Liverpool John … More
NOOR JEHAN’S VOICE KNOWS NO BOUNDRY BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN:
Audibly residing forever in the hearts of Hindi filmy music lovers is Noor Jehan’s renditions of Aawaz de kahan hai … More
PARTY IN MY LONELY ABODE!
I have company in my lonely abode Arriving and departing, the door is open and revolving The guests come, … More
TRAVEL ADVISORY: India Changing Names Of Its Major Cities
It is the case of old wine in new bottles. And a lot of new bottles are needed by some … More
SEEKING SOLACE AMID POVERTY AND HUNGER
Convert us, We’re adaptable But we’re poor. We’re hungry too. Passing by a temple, a man of god advised “come … More
“Adarsh Bahu” University Certification
“Adarsh Bahu,” that is not the title of an old Hindi movie or a forthcoming Bollywood release. But it is … More
Concept Of Truth In Jeopardy
Have we lost our grip on the truth? Shutterstock Arie Kruglanski, University of Maryland The concept of truth is under … More
Time To End Cricket Hype With Football
(Looking at the growing worldwide popularity of the game of football, this article is about the importance of the sport, … More
With Small Doses Of Capitalism Cuba Can Achieve Its Socialist Idealism
Part 1: Life In Cuba Rather than the politics of communism or socialism, the face of Cuba is much … More
Court Considering Case For Chimps As Persons
NY Times April 9, 2018 By Jeff Seb, director of the animal studies program at New York University. You might … More
Padmaavat Glorifies Immolation Custom & Stereotypes Muslims
By Promod Puri Hyped, and promoted by the controversy, I got induced to view Padmaavat on the big screen. Besides, … More
Carbon Capturing Worth Believing To Save Environment
By Akshat Rathi Most of us don’t change our minds. Whether the issue at hand is the repeal of net neutrality in … More
INDIAN MAID: But 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
Joy With Old Hindi Filmi Songs
By Promod Puri Living in Canada for the past 45 years, my nostalgic window often opens to the blissful sounds … More
Despite Difference Of Opinion Friends Are Friends
In a reflective piece, Promod Puri recalls his early education in English and the importance of friendship fostered through writing assignments. He introduces Ramkishen, a long-time friend who, despite his affable nature, exhibits troubling anti-Muslim sentiments. Puri expresses hope for a change in Ramkishen’s views while cherishing nostalgically his childhood writing experiences.
Embracing the Present: Past, Future, and Life’s Journey
The narrative emphasizes the importance of living in the present while acknowledging the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. It discusses how our experiences shape our identity and future through imagination and memories. Each moment is depicted as a gift, with past experiences serving as valuable lessons and society’s heritage.
SEEKING WAY TO END TERRORISM
In recent weeks, there has been one major terrorist attack in Afghanistan where over 150 people died, and two such … More
THOUGHTS ON THOUGHT
CREATION, CULTIVATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THOUGHT By Promod Puri Simple Thought: Infuse purity and ethics in thoughts, base karmas on … More
TOLERANCE OR ACCEPTANCE
Jagessar Das M. D. President Kabir Association of Canada People all over the world talk about tolerance, such as racial … More
Why it’s easier for India to get to Mars than to tackle its toilet challenge
By Shyami V. Ramani In 2013, India became the fourth country in the world (after Russia, the United States and … More
Life as a Game of Soccer: Lessons and Insights
Life is likened to a soccer game, influenced by our environments and collective experiences. Individual choices and societal norms shape our paths, determining achievements and challenges. Success depends on stamina, discipline, and luck, while obstacles persist throughout. Ultimately, the game concludes, reflecting the interplay of effort and external factors.
My Canada Day Salutation Goes:
1. To all the volunteers who strive for dedication and devotion preparing the divine langar and washing dishes in Gurdwaras … More
The Art of ‘Agree to Disagree’ and its Implications
The phrase “agree to disagree” is often used to save face after failing to reach an agreement. This compromise maintains egos but yields no progress. India and Pakistan have engaged in this for over 68 years without resolving their hostilities. A humorous anecdote illustrates the futility of this stance. Ultimately, “agree to disagree” may be a cop-out.
Trump Has Great Plan For America
(Wamiq Misbahi in NY Times)Trump is a man with a vision for America, not a specific vision, a great … More
Grouse Grind Meditation
Grouse Grind Meditation/ as posted in Tripadvisor Climbing the 2.9 km steep Grouse Grind mountainous hike in North Vancouver, … More
LIVING IN THE PRESENT
By Promod Puri This brief article is inspired by widely acclaimed Vancouver-based spiritual writer Eckhart Tolle’s “Power of Now”. It … More
THE OLYMPIC SHOW
A multi-million-dollar sports carnival of athletic strength and spectacle by physically super human beings has started in Rio De Janeiro … More
Sports Is Show Business
The basic reason to involve oneself in sports is to seek and maintain healthy body. Recreation comes next. But in … More
Hinduism and Vegetarian Diet
By Arran Stephens The overwhelming majority of the world’s Hindus live in India, which has the largest vegetarian population on … More