The Past of the Present is in the Future of the Now

"The Forwarding Epidemic: How Social Media is Killing Originality" In today's digital age, originality is gasping for air, suffocated by the relentless onslaught of forwards. The attention span of humans has shrunk to the size of a tweet, forcing us to settle for quick fixes and copy-paste solutions. Critical thinking has become a distant memory, replaced by mindless sharing and liking. The art of original research, experimentation, and experience is dying a slow death. Years of hard work and dedication are being reduced to mere forwards, stripping creators of their credit and authenticity. It's astonishing how effortlessly people can claim ownership of others' work, perpetuating a culture of intellectual laziness. This plague of forwarding is a virus, silently destroying creativity, skills, and IQ. It's a trap that enslaves us, leading to loneliness and boredom at a psychological level. But I refuse to surrender to this epidemic. Whether it's ...

On this Rakhi, I find myself reflecting on the profound influence of the feminine energy in my life. From my earliest memories, I have always been surrounded by the nurturing and inspiring presence of remarkable women—my Maa, Mami, Mausi, five sisters, my wife, daughter, and now, my granddaughter. Each of these incredible women has shaped my journey in profound ways. Shakespeare, in his exploration of sibling relationships, provides us with vivid portraits of family dynamics. In "King Lear," we see the stark contrast between the betrayal of Goneril and Regan and the steadfast loyalty of Cordelia . Similarly, in "Much Ado About Nothing," the relationship between Beatrice and Hero highlights the bandwidth of sisterly bonds and love. Shakespeare's insights into these relationships resonate deeply with my own experiences. Among my sisters, Chetna Didi on one end has always been the guiding light, while Charu and Anna, being the younger ones, brought a different ener...

  In the year 3228 BCE , in the city of Mathura, India, was born a child whose destiny was to profoundly transform the spiritual and temporal course of humanity—Sri Krishna. Over the span of his 125 years, Sri Krishna left an indelible mark upon the collective consciousness of mankind, illuminating the path of devotion, dharma, and the ultimate reality. His life serves as an example for people of the past, the present age, and indeed for future generations. He is revered as the perfect embodiment of divinity, with hundreds of millions continuing to revere him through prayer, chanting, meditation, and the practice of his teachings. His life has given rise to an immense body of artistic expressions, including poetry, music, painting, sculpture, and other fine arts.                                                             ...

In Kolkata's halls of healing, a horror unfolds Rape victims lie broken, their dignity sold Is it a crime to be a woman, to dream and to breathe? Why must their bodies be mutilated, their souls crushed beneath? Are they mere toys, playthings for men's lustful delight? Used and discarded, without a shred of remorse or light Why objectify and degrade, reducing them to mere flesh? And yet, Navratri's celebrated, with pomp and lavish mesh Durga and Laxmi enshrined, in temples high and grand But where's the reverence, when women are ravaged and disrespected in the land? Power and greed, a toxic brew, fueling men's savage might Leaving victims shattered, in endless, darkest night Oh Lord, have mercy no more, on these beasts in human guise Punish them, punish them, with justice in your eyes Let their cruelty be met, with consequences severe and true For the sake of women, broken, and dreams shattered anew - Ashutosh Tewari  My words echo, a heartfelt plea For a world where...

In the year of the 78th dawn of India's freedom, as the wheel of time turns toward 2047, the seer beholds a land of both splendor and trials. Hearken to the visions that unfold: 1. Poverty and Per Capita The shadows of poverty, though still present, will retreat somewhat before the tide of progress. The per capita wealth shall swell, yet not uniformly; disparities shall remain, weaving a bridgeable  gulf between both rich and frayed. 2. Religious Diversity The vibrant mosaic of India’s faiths shall endure. Hinduism, a river of ancient currents, shall see strands of extremism seeking to disrupt its flow. Yet, the spirit of moderation and tolerance, tempered by the wisdom of its sages, shall hold firm. Minority will find more tolerant voices in it fold and their leadership will shun reservation though a wee bit slow.  3. Prosperity by Community and State In the dance of fortune, the affluent will rise prominently from the western and southern realms. Among the states, those that...

O Divine and Sacred Mother Kundalini, the embodiment of opulence, grace, and transformative power, I humbly bow before you. Your energy, unfathomable and radiant, flows like a river of light from the infinite source, weaving through the tapestry of existence. Your grace is the touch of the cosmos upon the soul, and your power, an alchemical force that transmutes the ordinary into the extraordinary.  In the stillness of meditation, where Ashutosh, the seeker of truth, aligns his being with the divine rhythm of the universe, your presence stirs with gentle majesty. As he sits in reverent posture, his spine a column of sacred alignment, his breath a rhythmic hymn of life, you, the coiled serpent of divine potential, awaken from your slumber. With sublime grace, you rise through the sacred channels of his being, ascending from the base of the spine to the throat chakra, cleansing and purifying, dispelling the shadows of ignorance and the blockages of the soul. As you reach the brow cen...

**A Lifecoach’s Insights** (_Random thoughts structured as a Questionnaire_) For Ashu Read  urself, if u May so… It's valuable to periodically ask yourself some thought-provoking questions. Here are some I reflect on regularly: 1. What types of conversations, forwards, or news capture my attention? What truly is my mind’s diet? What actual is nourishing it? 2. Which activities keep my mind consistently engaged? 3. Is the nature of my activity or thought constructive or self destructive? 4. Do I respond with calm and balance to events, news, or activities, or do I react impulsively without much discernment? 5. Does my mind seek validation for its perspective, or does it judge others for not understanding simple truths? 6. Is my mind open and undefended, or is it confused? 7. What signs indicate that I need to regain control over my mind? 8. I often ask Ashu to observe how my family, friends, and colleagues react to my thoughts, feelings, and actions. Should I follow my untamed mind ...

The world of sports, meant to be a beacon of fair play, skill, and human achievement, has become increasingly entangled in the intricate webs of politics. Look at the recent history, viz Tour de France, 100 m sprints, Cricket and Football umpiring fiascos or Berlin Olympics etc.  The recent disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics serves as a stark reminder of this harsh reality. A mere(?) 100 grams over the weight limit led to her ousting, sparking a maelstrom of criticism on social media, finger-pointing within the team management and WFI, and even a heated debate in Parliament. In the midst of this chaos, two fundamental questions arise:  Is Vinesh Phogat a victim of circumstances or not?  And how would the nation have reacted if she had won a gold or silver medal, had she not been disqualified? The answer to the first question can be resounding Yes or a No.  Did Vinesh Phogat, an athlete who has dedicated her life to the...

If there is one place which always brings joy and peace is the company of Flowers, Trees and the complete green ecosystem around them.  Have you observed the symmetrical beauty which emanates from the chaos of branches and leaves of a tree. The quintessential Fibonacci algorithm which defines the eternal symmetry inherent in Nature, is so visible in the deepest part of a flower.  I always admire the selfless doing of this ecosystem which contributes more to our world by way of provisioning than any IT or Manufacturing company can ever do.  I may not be an activist or from a green peace NGO but I do play my role exchanging thanksgivings and gratitude with trees, flowers and their beautiful world.  At a more deeper level whenever I meditate amidst their presence I am blessed by the sharing of their eternal wisdom and peace. Their old age has seen it all. Their genetics transmissions carry more collective experience than mankind does.  I have an arrangement chalked...

Today, I embarked on an early morning shoot at our Society's Central Park, and the thrill of waking up at 5 am never gets old. Packing my gear, the excitement builds as I prepare for the day's adventure. My chosen setup for the day was my trusty Sony A7 III paired with the Tamron 100-400mm lens. It’s a bit like carrying around dumbbells in an open gym—the weight is noticeable, but it’s all part of the process. The weather was perfect—a cool breeze dancing through the air, making the plants and flowers sway gracefully like Sufi mystics in their timeless dance. This kind of weather not only enhances the beauty of nature but also enriches the overall photographic experience. I spent over an hour wandering the park, capturing the small, often overlooked details of nature. These hidden gems, whether a dew-laden spider web or a solitary leaf in the morning light, offer their own unique stories. I’m excited to share some of the images from today’s shoot. Each photo reflects the serene...