Enjoy Jalebi, the queen of Indian confection, straight or with milk, anytime, including midnight all alone and guilt-free craving for something sweet
SWAMI AGNIVESH: A PROGRESSIVE HINDU CRUSADER
A man with a world vision of one humanity, he argued that people should be allowed full freedom of movement across borders through the elimination of passports and immigration laws.
RULERS AND LEADERS ARE THE CRIMINALS OF 9/11s, NOT THE NATIONS
In the call out for sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism, or just for “defence,” battles are fought, soldiers fight and die, the accountability falls on the nation’s states, but not on the leaders in the long run.
Swing Like A Pendulum
People with a free mindset attitude swing like a pendulum. Passing through the Centre, they move to the social or…
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…
WHY INTELLECTUALS NOW RIDICULED IN INDIA:
Being intellectual in India these days has an irony of pun in it. The ‘intellectuals’ rather be non-intellectuals to avoid…
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…
National Parks: Where the indigenous people were forced out to cultivate wilderness.
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.”…
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…
Her identity is biracial
I don’t accept Kamala Harris has to represent herself with Black identity only. Her real identity of being biracial is…
Cultures, religions, and ideologies must change. If not, they face natural deterioration.
Two Overly Used Popular Sayings:
“BE POSITIVE”:In rational and balanced thinking we can’t ignore some negative facts in front of us.” “FORGET THE PAST, LIVE…
COVERING RACISM WITH “FIG LEAVES”
Having few friends of different religious or race backgrounds does not qualify a person being secular.
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.
CONGRESS ONLY HOPE TO SAVE DEMOLITION OF DEMOCRACY IN INDIA
Quite a damage has been done to the institution of democracy in India by the Modi brigade at every level of the Indian political, social, economic, educational, and religious grounds. All under seize by the autocratic rule of Modi-Shah.
Culture and national identity
In a multicultural Canadian society there are a multitude of cultures, traditions and religions, with lot more sub banners within each group. It is a myriad with a diversified web which gives Canada an image of acceptance and tolerance.
Book Review: Purva Grover’s The Trees Told Me So is playwright’s delight
Originally posted on Vishal Bheeroo:
Book Review: The Trees Told Me So Author: Purva Grover Publisher: Niyogi Books Rating: Four and…
Emerging Role Of Freeland In Liberal Party Of Canada
In the current rapid movements of Freeland, from one job to another, establishes her versatility that she can fit into any ministerial role with confidence.
How Howard Thurman met Gandhi and brought nonviolence to the civil rights movement
A growing number of African-American leaders closely followed Gandhi’s campaigns of “satyagraha,” or what he termed as nonresistance to evil against British colonialism. Black newspapers and magazines announced the need for an “American Gandhi.”
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.
LABELLING OF US VOTERS
“When you hear of “the Black vote,” “the Jewish vote” or “the Latino vote” as a kind of shorthand to describe a voting bloc, it’s probably wrong.
CUBA HATES AMERICA BUT LOVES TO HAVE US DOLLAR
Leftist bhagats of late Fidel Castro may still be reciting the virtues of Cuba’s brand of socialism.
RELIGION HAS BEEN THE MOTIVATING FORCE IN AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Even now, with very few exceptions, the American civil rights movement has never been led on a political platform.
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.
Temples And Other Range Of options In Hindu Worshipping Practices
“Temple-Hinduism” is an expression introduced by Vasudha Narayanan, Professor of Religion, University of Florida. The terminology is not an academic phrasing, nor does it reflect a new sect in Hinduism. It is an interpretation of Hinduism related to the devotional practices of rituals and prayers in the temple’s iconological environment.
Koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Khudaaye….
One of the spiritual gems of Guru Arjan Devji, that portrays the essence of all religions: “Koi bole Ram, Ram; koi khudae….”
Here is the English translation of the Shabad:
Some call the Lord ‘Ram, Ram’, and some ‘Khuda’.
HINDU DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES
Besides the devotional practices at dedicated places like temples, home, or public shrines, a striking and environmental sensitive and gratifying feature of Hindu worshipping practices and reverence is the deification of natural landmarks like rivers, lakes, mountains, plants, and animals.
RIG VEDA: HE KNOWS, PERHAPS He DOES NOT KNOW
Who really knows?
Who will here proclaim it?
Whence was it produced?
Whence is this creation?
The gods came afterward,
with the creation of this universe.
Who then knows whence it has arisen?
Whence this creation has arisen—
perhaps it formed itself, perhaps it did not
the one who looks down on it, in the highest heaven,
only He knows or perhaps He does not know.
even, only He knows – or perhaps He does not know.
– Rig Veda 10:129, translation: Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty, Author, Indologist, and Sanskrit Scholar.
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.
DEMOCRACY DYING IN INDIA AND FASCISM TAKING BIRTH
Fascism is a system that is run or led by a dictator who has full power in every aspect of a nation. To achieve and maintain that hold, a fascist ruler suppresses any opposition and criticism. A false sense of aggressive nationalism and patriotism gets developed and promoted.
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.
Do We Care About Statues
Last Sunday, June 7, it was a cheering feeling for me when the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol got pulled down as a result of the killing of George Floyd by the police in the US.
WHERE IS GOD AMID CORONAVIRUS?
The business of religion, like any other business, is down. But this business is exceptional. In principle, besides being a medium to seek God’s grace and express gratitude, religion should reveal the path to discern and realize the nature of the Creator.
Buddhist and Hindu philosophies help us see clearly, act wisely in an interconnected world
Indian thinkers have been reflecting on interconnectedness for more than two millennia. I study Indian philosophy, and I believe this diverse tradition offers rich and timely insights about how people might better understand global interconnectedness today and act more wisely.
NANAK DUKHIYA SABB SANSAR SO SUKHIYA JIS NAAM ADHAAR
The sufferings could be innocently or naively self-inflicted, from fellow beings, or other causes. Elements of nature and the so-called fate also play minor or significant roles to accompany man’s lifelong journey through calamity and disaster.
PASSING THROUGH RACIST PASSAGE OUR HISTORY FROM HINDOOS TO SOUTH ASIAN CANADIANS
Immigrants, especially from the “visible minority” communities, not only faced racial discrimination in most aspects of their lives in Canada, but they could also discern reflections of bigotry and segregation in their labelings.
In the early part of the twentieth-century immigrants from the Indian subcontinent were all classified as “Hindoos.”
Humanization Of Countries, Viruses And Everything Else
By Promod Puri Do we have to blame a nation or nations in their respective involvement and stake in initiating…
Coronavirus Pandemic Falls Heavy On India’s 200 M Lowcaste Population
Long before the outbreak of COVID-19, a more pernicious form of social distancing was widespread across India: the Hindu caste system. In one form or another, this system – which has existed in the region for over a millennium – has long ensured social segregation based on one’s place in the hierarchy.
Mantra: An Ingrained Feature In Hinduism
By Promod Puri Peace in all the cosmic environments influences peace in humankind as well An ingrained feature in Hinduism…
HUMANIZING EVERYTHING FROM MOON TO VIRUS
“We find human faces in the moon, armies in the clouds; and… ascribe malice or good-will to everything, that hurts…
Equality And Duality are Themes In Hindu Mantra:
ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यतेपूर्णश्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥ “ Om purnam adah purnam idampurnat purnam udachyatepurnasya purnam adayapurnam evavashishyate”. An ideological…
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…
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.
A CASE FOR FULL AUTONOMY TO STATES TO KEEP INDIA UNITED
By Promod Puri Because of its vast linguistic and cultural plurality, as represented by most of its states, suggesting India’s…
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…
Guru Nanak’s Message of Divine Order
Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak Likhyea Naal. Hukmae Andhar Sabh, Bahar Hukme Na Koe These are the two separate edicts from…
WHEN LORD SHIVA CURSED FARMERS
It may be related to the current lockdown environment, but the story goes like this: Once Lord Shiva, for some…
History Of Hinduism
The foundation of Hinduism possibly began …
1918 FLU PANDEMIC KILLED 12 MILLION INDIANS, AND BRITISH OVERLORDS’ INDIFFERENCE STRENGTHENED THE ANTI-COLONIAL MOVEMENT
Cremation on the banks of the Ganges river, India. Keystone-France via Getty Images Maura Chhun, Metropolitan State University In India,…
RITUALS IN HINDUISM
The liberalism in Hinduism has encouraged genesis of rituals. Over its long history, rituals generated to build up a…
Book Review: Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions
by Acharya S.P.Dwivedi Promod Puri is a distinguished South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism,” he tried…
A Divine vibe in the beauty of Rhododendron. QE Park, Vancouver
US Presidential Race
And the rest of the news from across the border is Bernie Sanders has quit the Democratic nomination race. He…
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,…
AT AGE 92, THE SECRET OF MY FRIEND’S HEALTHY LIFE
The other day I received a phone call from an old friend of mine after quite a long time. Old…
SANKHYA SCHOOL OF HINDUISM
BY Promod Puri The rationalist and liberal thought in Hinduism is the very basis of Sankhya school, which is one…
INDIA AND CORONAVIRUS: LACK OF ACCESS TO HANDWASHING FACILITIES AMONG POOR MAKES FIGHT EVEN HARDER
Christophe Z Guilmoto, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and Thomas Licart, Université de Strasbourg India introduced a national…
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,…
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…
Where Is God In The Midst Of Coronavirus
By Promod Puri Churches, temples, mosques, or Gurdwaras may not be much congregated these days due to the Coronavirus epidemic…
WHERE IS GOD THESE DAYS?
By Promod Puri Churches, temples, mosques, or Gurdwaras may not be much congregated these days due to the Coronavirus epidemic…
“CHINESE FLU”
Trump calls it the Chinese flu. It could be expected from him given that he decerns issues at a very…
I CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHEN
The ongoing tragedies caused By humans do not get, from most, A line in the poetry of poets, A page…
RELIGION HAS GUIDING ROLE IN POLITICS
By Promod Puri Whereas rituals, customs, and traditions furnish symbolic and distinctive identity to religion, the pathways to the divinity…
I Can’t Understand It
When the ongoing tragedies of human sufferings caused by humans do not get from most, a line in the poetry…
Democracy In The USA Very Expensive Route To Elect A Govt.
Democrat aspirant Michael Bloomberg is the 12th richest man in the world with a net worth of over $60 billion.…
THESE’RE NOT RIOTS BUT VIOLENT BLITZ ON MUSLIMS
Once again I say these are not riots between Hindus and Muslims. What has happened are violent and barbaric attacks…
Shaeen Bagh Women Protest Unique
Indian women protest new citizenship laws, joining a global ‘fourth wave’ feminist movement Women in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh neighborhood are…
Internet: A Platform for both false and true information
By Promod Puri Education does not stop after school, college, or university studies. Rather it continues. Pursuing knowledge in the…
Blasphemy And Apostasy In Islam Are More Political Than Religious
Pakistani Islamists march to protest the Supreme Court lenient treatment of Asia Bibi, a Christian Pakistani woman accused of blasphemy,…
What Causes Native Chiefs Opposition To Gas Pipelines
Among the First Nation communities, there are Hereditary Chiefs and the “elected” chiefs. And this institutional binary is the primary…
Kejriwal’s Simple Ideology Is Good Governance
Delhi election straight three-time winner Arvind Kejriwal is politically neither a Leftist nor a Rightist. His politics is simplistic in…
THE BINARY OF LEFT AND RIGHT
The trait of being socially or politically Left or Right is that the Left is anti-religious and the Right is…
What Does Goddess Kali’s Unusual And Scary Look Mean
By Promod Puri In my understanding of Hinduism, there is more in its nature of study and deliberations than just…
DEMOCRACY CRADLE OF DICTATORSHIP
Democratic freedoms breed authoritarianism. Consolidation of power, achieved through democratic means, is a tempting phenomenon. Regimes are slowly being wrapped…
BJP’S LEGACY COMPARED TO CONGRESS
If the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India is responsible for the structural damage of democracy in India under the…
NEED TO GO BEYOND GDP
Elected politicians all over the globe often boast about their economic achievements when their countries’ GDP goes up. And countrymen…
The Home Of Indian Muslims Has Always Been India, And Will Always Be India
HERE ARE THE “PAPERS” By Promod Puri As the thought of writing this piece cropped up, I was reminded of…
MINDSET IS NOT A FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE, but it can be
By Promod Puri Distorted, false, or unrealistic information twist our thinking. As of result, our perceptions are flawed. Endeavoring for…
TOGETHER:
In the company of two An ambiance of Warm serenity. Joys and thrills In its rains and shines, Hikes and…
Satnam Waheguru: Both A Prayer And Mantra
By Promod Puri “Satnam Waheguru,” two simple words of profound spiritual significance. A companion in solitude, Satnam Waheguru, where the…
INDIA TODAY
While the Lathi-raj, enforced by the police and goons, is in full swing, the BJP bhagats are kept ignorant and…
Radical Changes In India’s Secularism Thru New Citizenship Act
Protests have engulfed Assam since the National Register of Citizens was published in August 2019. They have intensified since the…
A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL 2020
In the spirit of exchanging New Year greetings, we wish peace and happiness for all humanity. Human beings, animals, plants,…
My 2020 Vision:
A peaceful world No poverty Respect for human rights Welcome refugees. -Promod Puri
Besides Vancouver’s Alluring Image It’s Also A City of Homelessness
By Promod Puri “Canada is the best country in the world.” Alongside Vancouver prides itself with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd…
Political Anarchism Brewing In India
When political opposition becomes ineffective, or it is almost non-existence, political anarchism takes place led by leaderless young revolutionaries against…
India’s New Citizenship Act Discriminatory Towards Muslims
by Promod Puri There have been some severe and quick fundamental transformations taking place in India to reweave the social…
Getting Rid of Clogging Identities
By Promod Puri Nationality, caste, color, creed, ritual-based religion: do we still have to wear these badges? When these identities…
WHO KNOWS!
I’ve heard, you’ve heard: “Humans beings are the most Intelligent and favorite Creation of God.” Birds, cats, dogs, donkeys….. Probably…
CONDEMNING THE SILENCE
Those in India and of Indian origin abroad, who are aware of the present tense situation in the country because…
BITTERNESS IS HEALTHY
It may sound sweet that our fruits and vegetables are getting sweeter. While the bitterness in some of the known…
Understanding Satsang And Its Virtues
By Promod Puri In Hindu and Sikh religious activities, Satsang is a popular religious tradition. It is group participation that…
Kudos to Gambia Seeking Justice For Myanmar Muslims
By Promod Puri Hats off to the Republic of The Gambia, one of the world’s smallest countries in West Africa,…
Nationalism & Patriotism Are Threats To Global Peace And environment
By Promod Puri I have been an anti-national ever since I understood the nature of its allegiance to the country…
Politics Of Left And Right Are Not The Solutions To Tackle Rape Problem
The four suspects in the Hyderabad rape case have been killed by the police. Most people, including the parents of…
Applaud Or Condemn The “Police Justice” In India?
The four suspects in the Hyderabad rape case have been killed by the police. Most people, including the parents of…
