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Article by Dr.Gayatri Mohapatra (742)

A dream is a wish your heart makes!

Dec. 1, 2020, 7:01 p.m.

Cher being Cher is always in the news! Cher is an American singer and actress who got her start as half of Sonny and Cher in the 1960s. She has since amassed international fame and popularity, wit…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (814)

Amrita Pritam ... a dance of purposeful chaos!

Sept. 1, 2021, 6:32 p.m.

"To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life" -Pablo Neruda Amrita Pritam is considered the first prominent female Punjabi poet, novelist, essayist and the leading 20th-c…

Article by Dr. Gayatri Mohapatra (744)

SAY THAT YOU CARE!

Sept. 5, 2021, 6:13 p.m.

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing th…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (1058)

Faiz Ahmed Faiz: The renowned writer & poet!

Sept. 15, 2021, 4:27 p.m.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz is one of the greatest Urdu poets of the twentieth century. He is remembered for his revolutionary verses, soulful poems of love with a whimsical subtelty.Born on February 13, 1911…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (726)

Alys Faiz: An extraordinary life!

Sept. 22, 2021, 2:31 p.m.

Alys Faiz, nee George - 1915-2003 - was the English wife of the Pakistani poet, writer and leftist, Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Alys was born in London, but she later became a naturalized citizen of Pakistan…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (672)

A friend in need is a friend indeed! The divine friendship!

July 14, 2021, 3:27 p.m.

"Knock, And He'll open the doorVanish, And He'll make you shine like the sunFall, And He'll raise you to the heavensBecome nothing, And He'll turn you into everything."Jalal Ad-Din Rumi When I was…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (688)

The essence of Brahmar geet: Gopikas teach Uddhava divine love!

July 7, 2021, 3:39 p.m.

After Krishna defeated Kamsa, King Ugrasena told Krishna that Mathura kingdom belonged to him and he would serve as his attendant and Krishna's directions would be supreme. In spite of enjoying all …

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (626)

A lie could cost you everything!

June 30, 2021, 3:42 p.m.

One Night 4 college students were playing till late night and could not study for the test which was scheduled for the next day. In the morning they thought of a plan. They made themselves look dirt…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (594)

The Olympic Day was introduced in 1894 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympics on June 23 in Paris. It is marked to promote participation in sport regardless of age, gender and athletic abili…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (552)

Hotel Quarantine: How its done across the world!

June 16, 2021, 3:49 p.m.

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a tremendous impact on almost every aspect of modern life, especially how people travel and meet each other in our interconnected society. Since the early 2000’…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (633)

The Teddy Stoddard Story To Teach is to learn Twice!

June 9, 2021, 3:55 p.m.

"You can't direct the wind but you can adjust the sails." There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th-grade class on th…

Article by David Hilton (666)

Gobekli Tepe: A glimpse into our origins!

June 2, 2021, 3:59 p.m.

When talking about ancient historical sites we often think of well known structures such as the pyramids of Egypt, Angor-Vat, Machu Pichu the Colosseum of Rome and others. However one of the most imp…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (728)

The turtle who held Earth on his back!

May 21, 2021, 4:05 p.m.

The World Turtle is a mytheme of a giant turtle supporting the world on its back, which occurs in Hindu mythology, Chinese & Japanese mythology, Norse and the mythologies of the Indigenous people…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (571)

Eid in Lockdown

May 12, 2021, 4:08 p.m.

If the crescent Moon is sighted tonight, then the Gulf countries will be celebrating their Holy festival on May 12, 2021, and if not, then on May 13. Saudi Arabia follows the Umm al-Qura calendar and…

Article by David Hilton (523)

So what has Donald Trump been up to?

May 5, 2021, 4:12 p.m.

On January 6 2021, the world observed in dismay as thousands of supporters of then President Donald Trump protesting voter fraud allegations stormed the United States Capitol building. It was one of …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (596)

A small story from mahabharat!

April 28, 2021, 4:14 p.m.

Once, it so happened that Lord Krishna's charioteer, Daruka waited outside with the chariot ready. Lord Krishna was taking an unusual amount of time to get ready that day and the charioteer became i…

Article by David Hilton (571)

Wonders of Sigiriya!

April 21, 2021, 4:19 p.m.

Sigirya, an ancient rock fortress located in Sri Lanka is one of the worlds most stunning historical sites. Often less talked about in comparisonwith other sites like the Egyptian Pyramids or Ind…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (595)

Candle in the night!

April 14, 2021, 4:22 p.m.

Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it--Bertolt Brecht For a generation that has grown-up without knowing Safdar Hashmi, it is important to write about his pa…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (641)

The enchanting world of water lilies!

April 7, 2021, 4:27 p.m.

Fully grounded in the earth, aspiring toward the divine, blooming from within toward the light. The water lily is the flower of the underworld-the place of creation! All through my childhood, I hav…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (554)

The frugal billionaires!

March 24, 2021, 4:31 p.m.

"Become a millionaire not for the million dollars, but for what it will make of you to achieve it"-Jim Rohn We enjoy reading about how Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, lives in a modes…

Article by Jagadananda Dwivedi (522)

A modern day interpretation of Mahabharata!

March 17, 2021, 4:35 p.m.

One of the biggest epics known to mankind, the Mahabharata is a vast treasure of knowledge and wisdom. It is said in the ancient texts, that after the end of the Mahabharatha War, a Youth went to th…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (569)

Shivoham!

March 10, 2021, 4:36 p.m.

The Maha Shivratri festival always reminds me of my stay in Varanasi & the frenetic fervour with which this festival is celebrated in "Bhole Baba ki Nagari". Located on the banks of the holy Gan…

Article by SunheriSufi (558)

A Cow, A Trans Person And Six Biharis: A Real-Life Fable !

Feb. 17, 2021, 4:41 p.m.

“It’s hypocrisy of men makes these hills grim.” — Jack Kerouac The cow, the trans community and the state of Bihar have been much in the national news. This is a tale of all …

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (606)

THE BULBUL OF INDIA...BHARAT KOKILA SAROJINI NAIDU!

Feb. 10, 2021, 4:44 p.m.

We have all grown up reading about Sarojini Naidu in our history classes and read some of her poems which were included in the English language curriculum. I still remember her poem "The bangle sell…

Article by David Hilton (498)

GAMESTOP: HOW THE SMALL FISH TOOK ON WALL STREET AND WON!

Feb. 3, 2021, 4:56 p.m.

One of the most talked about stories this past week that is still unfolding as this piece is written has been hard to believe trades being carried out with the shares of GameStop. Many if not a…

Article by SunheriSufi (551)

Visionary Feminism

Jan. 13, 2021, 4:58 p.m.

On Januray 14th, the winter turned into summer and a clear blue sky was dotted with hundreds of brilliantly hued kites, in many parts of India, celebrating Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan, in which kite …

Article by SunheriSufi (597)

BUGS IN AMBER

Jan. 6, 2021, 5:17 p.m.

“Someday, somewhere – anywhere, unfailingly, you’ll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.” ( Pablo Neruda) A vigorous ga…

Article by David Hilton (593)

The Great Conjunction: Mayans, Monoliths and the Beginning of the Age of Aquarius!

Dec. 16, 2020, 5:32 p.m.

Jupiter and Saturn’s Great Conjunction of 2020 will be their closest encounter since 1623. What makes the 'Great Conjunction 2020' event so rare is that the last recorded occurrence of it dat…

Article by David Hilton (662)

PREDICTIVE PROGRAMMING: COINCIDENCES OR CONDITIONING?

Dec. 30, 2020, 5:38 p.m.

Predictive Programming is the theory that major changes or events taking place in our world have been previously depicted through fiction and popular culture and media. These could be due to pure c…

Article by SunheriSufi (629)

Brief Encounters With Che Guevara!

Dec. 23, 2020, 5:46 p.m.

Sometime back, I came across this book, ‘Brief Encounters With Che Guevara’ by Ben Fountain, in my favorite bookshop i.e Midland Bookshop (Shop No-20, Aurbindo Place Market, Hauz Khas, Ne…

Article by SunheriSufi (574)

Why I named My Dog ‘Marlon Brando’!

Dec. 9, 2020, 6:11 p.m.

Sometime back, I adopted a dog from the Friendicoes shelter here in New Delhi. He is a young Boxer male and was typically dumped outside the shelter at night. Outwardly, except for being thin and a l…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (603)

A dream is a wish your heart makes!

Dec. 2, 2020, 6:16 p.m.

Cher being Cher is always in the news! Cher is an American singer and actress who got her start as half of Sonny and Cher in the 1960s. She has since amassed international fame and popularity, with …

Article by James Leach (581)

Oakland. 1989.

Feb. 24, 2021, 6:20 p.m.

This is a short story about Huey. P Newton, the co-founder of the Black Panther for Self-Defense Party. Over almost a decade, the organisation sent shockwaves around America, arming themselves agai…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (575)

The dilemma of declutter!

Nov. 25, 2020, 6:23 p.m.

Some time ago, when the COVID pandemic broke out and we were all locked up in our homes, I read the book Essentialism – the disciplined pursuit of less – by Greg McKeown. In the subconsci…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (566)

Diwali with a Difference: Reaffirmation

Nov. 11, 2020, 6:27 p.m.

‘’There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.” (Leonard Cohen, Selected Poems 1956-1968) In just about a month and a half, the year 2020 will end. Perhaps, for a…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (548)

Navratra Reminiscences!

Oct. 28, 2020, 6:35 p.m.

Thank You,Karuwaki Readers:Twenty-twenty has been diabolical, angst ridden and gloomy. An unknown virus has created havoc and we still are reeling under its vicious impact. Our way of life and living…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (531)

Shaken not Stirred!

Nov. 4, 2020, 6:43 p.m.

Goldfinger was the first "James Bond" movie I saw at the theatre, in the small sleepy town of Cuttack where I grew up. One of the best Bond theme songs during the opening credits, courtesy of Shirle…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (594)

Creativity is timeless!

Oct. 7, 2020, 6:55 p.m.

The popular perception is that creativity and old age do not mix. (Grandma Moses,an American folk artist) Creativity is certainly the domain of the young, yet not in the way that many of us wou…

Article by David Hilton (524)

Rethinking 9/11: Do we really know the full story?

Oct. 14, 2020, 6:59 p.m.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are the author’s personal opinion and are not endorsed by our page/website. All information has been fact-checked to our full capability and has…

Article by V Sai Venkat (552)

Pathani Samantha – The Star of Odisha

Sept. 30, 2020, 7:03 p.m.

Chandrasekhara Singha Samanta, was an Indian Astronomer and scholar who measured the distance from earth to the sun with a bamboo pipe and many other traditional instruments. Back in the day, he was …

Article by David Hilton (543)

An Alarming Application of A.I and Technology in China

Aug. 26, 2020, 7:07 p.m.

With the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic and Hong-Kong protests, practices of the Chinese government and state institutions have come under increasing scrutiny across the world. The brutal resp…

Article by James Leach (528)

Somewhere in Northern California

July 1, 2020, 7:13 p.m.

The heat had fallen away in the dark. The humidity had gripped the air; guarded it, protected, and patrolled it like an invisible prison warden. The night had negotiated its release. The air now fe…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (615)

When Northeast meets South!

Oct. 9, 2020, 7:20 p.m.

Cultural worlds are fluid and always evolving, as humans keep moving towards light & beauty. Assimilation and migration are intrinsic to any society. Assamese culture is the synthesis of the cul…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (930)

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER: AN OFFICER & A GENTLEMAN

July 26, 2020, 7:31 p.m.

“His life was gentle; and the elementsSo mixed in him, that Nature might stand upAnd say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!”(Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: Act V, Scene V) An offi…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (498)

Nothing's impossible“It always seems impossible, until it is done.”

July 18, 2020, 7:38 p.m.

Nelson Mandela's staunch efforts against apartheid, racism, and social injustice rightly radiate far beyond the continent of Africa. He is a global icon who has been making an imprint on the world fo…

Article by James Leach (528)

Capturing the City: The Rise of Online Street Photography

Sept. 2, 2020, 7:41 p.m.

Street photography is cementing itself as one of the 21st century’s dominant art forms. As we try to navigate down the speeding motorway of modern life- street photography holds up a chic &ls…

Article by James Leach (631)

The A-Z of Britain

Aug. 10, 2020, 7:51 p.m.

A-Afternoon Tea: We begin with the historic snack of the British upper class: scones served with clotted cream and jam, an assortment of dainty sandwiches and, of course- tea. Its creation is cr…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (560)

EUPHORIA:Here’s to the Dreamers & Music Makers

Aug. 19, 2020, 7:53 p.m.

In life, music occupies that place of unutterable fulfilment which just words cannot express. But, when words and storytelling interlace themselves with the power of music, the experience shoots to a…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (588)

World Elephant Day: A Child’s Passionate Appeal

Aug. 12, 2020, 7:56 p.m.

Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.Y…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (579)

Mother: The First Teacher

Aug. 5, 2020, 7:58 p.m.

We, Odiyas, are emotional people. We forge deep personal bonds and intimate connections, not just with our fellow beings but also with the Divine. While the world calls Him “Jagannath”, …

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (879)

LOVE IN THE TIMES OF CORONA

July 29, 2020, 8:01 p.m.

The biggest lesson this pandemic has taught us is the importance of relationships and our loved ones. Since the last four and a half months, we have been unable to meet. There are so many restriction…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (469)

We will fight this together!

June 14, 2020, 8:09 p.m.

SUICIDE! The word caught all our attention, didn't it! Especially a young, talented, celebrity committing suicide is so unbelievable! The truth is suicide attracts everybody's attention but not the…

Article by David Hilton (574)

Words have Power: Choose Them Wisely!

Oct. 20, 2021, 2:31 p.m.

Disclaimer: Part of this work is inspired by the research of Mr Vivek Chaturvedi (ex Navy Officer), Ms Saj Smith (U.K based activist), Mr David Hilton & other independent contributors from across…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (449)

The God of Urdu Poetry!

Oct. 27, 2021, 10:40 a.m.

I first read about Mir Taqi Mir in Kushwant Singh's historical book,Delhi, wherein he wrote about the various eras which have shaped Delhi.The book tells the story of how Mir fell in love with a marr…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (371)

Tragedy At AstroWorld!

Dec. 8, 2021, 11:35 a.m.

On the 5th of November, in Houston Texas thousands of young people had gathered to attend ‘Astroworld’. Astroworld is a theme-based concert and festival created by the American Rapper Tra…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (377)

Christmas is the day that holds all time together!

Dec. 22, 2021, 5:13 p.m.

It's that time of the year when the whole Christmas panoply–the trees, the lights, the Nativity scene, tinsel etcetera is for the central reason for celebrating Christmas: honouring the birth…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (400)

The curse of the sages-Samba Dashami!

Jan. 12, 2022, 11:44 a.m.

Konark or "konarka" refers to the corner that worships the SunGod,Aditya.The name of Konark temple is an amalgamation of two words--Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning the Sun.The region is also cal…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (390)

Magawa the Hero Rat

Jan. 19, 2022, 12:33 p.m.

Rodents, particularly rats and mice, feature in literature, films, cartoons, myth and legends.Rodents are hugely prevalent throughout our audiovisual culture. Hollywood A-list actors, from Willem D…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (374)

"Abide with me ...Change and decay in all around I see... O Thou who changest not, abide with me"

Jan. 26, 2022, 4:28 p.m.

The freedom which we enjoy today is the result of the toil and countless sacrifices made by thousands of sons and daughters of our country.In committing themselves to this mission with spirit and g…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (349)

The Battle of Rezang La! Story of Incredible Bravery!

Feb. 9, 2022, 11:36 a.m.

Almost everybody knows about the disastrous Sino India war in 1962 which was an embarrassing dark blot in Indian military history.However,the thing that really fascinated me is that through this trag…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (330)

The wise poet Kalidasa & the grace of the goddess!

Feb. 16, 2022, 11:45 a.m.

Kalidasa,the classical Sanskrit author is often considered ancient India's greatest poet and playwright.His plays and poetry are primarily based on the Vedas, the Rāmāyaṇa, the Mahābhārata and …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (315)

The memory of a great name!

Feb. 23, 2022, 8:10 a.m.

Kavi Pradeep is widely regarded as one of the most well-respected patriotic poets and song writers during India’s freedom struggle.Born as Ramchandra Narayanji Dwivedi,Pradeep was an Indian poe…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (294)

Shiva, its symbolism, the significance and essence of Mahashivratri!

Feb. 28, 2022, 12:05 p.m.

Shiva the auspicious, as we know him today is an amalgamation of various older non-Vedic and Vedic deities. He is the great ascetic, the master of fertility, the master of poison and medicine, and L…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (262)

Gujjiya!The signature sweet of Holi!

March 16, 2022, 4:28 p.m.

With Holi festivities just around the corner,i came across a video with a catchy headline "Holi special Gujjiya making in mega factory in Ghaziabad "!The demand for this particular sweet has increa…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (245)

Significance of Chaitra Navratri!

March 30, 2022, 12:06 p.m.

The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights.While the Sharadiya navratri is more famous there are four Navratri festivals which are named after the …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (340)

The Pity Of War!

April 27, 2022, 11:29 a.m.

Why do wars begin? It is usually because ‘Wars are good business’, according to Milo Minderbinder, Joseph Heller’s fictional character from the novel Catch 22. The lust for power…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (304)

The art of uninterpreted sounds:Dil ka Sukoon!

May 11, 2022, 3:26 p.m.

A pathbreaking artiste & visionary composer, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was responsible for bringing the Santoor to the global centre stage.Santoor as an musical instrument had been an accompanimen…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (320)

The science of determining Time!The Story behind "Aaj ki Tithi"

May 18, 2022, 4:46 p.m.

In the words of writer Jodi Picoult:"Parents aren’t the people you come from. They’re the people you want to be, when you grow up.” Well my Dad always told me" if you know where yo…

Article by Dr Gayatri Mohapatra (295)

In search of perfection!

June 8, 2022, 4:24 p.m.

"We all are men, in our own natures frail, and capable of our flesh; few are angels". pic source:internet William Shakespeare, Henry VIII While he may not be an angel, Amir Khan is definitely …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (232)

The divine chariots of jagannath puri!

June 29, 2022, 1:23 p.m.

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is among the most revered Vaishnava sites in India and the current temple was built by Anantavarman of the Chodaganga dynasty in the 12th century. The deities in the sanc…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (189)

The beginning of the Buddhist lent, Asalha Puja!

July 13, 2022, 12:56 p.m.

A celebration of beginnings, commemorating not just the Buddha’s first sermon but also his conception and the day he renounced his royal life to become an ascetic. Asalha Puja also known as …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (201)

The Dilemma of public opinion!

July 20, 2022, 4:49 p.m.

Rudyard kipling said "who can account for the fathomless folly of the public"?While there is no source of public opinion,It is thought to be spontaneously general with a collective instinct. …

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (137)

The old order changeth yielding place to the new!

Sept. 14, 2022, 10:05 a.m.

(Morte d'Arthur, Alfred,Lord Tennyson) With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, an era has ended. Her eldest son, the former Prince of Wales, Charles, heir to the throne since he was three years ol…

Article by Karuwaki Speaks (93)

The Tradition Of Mahalaya!

Sept. 21, 2022, 11:07 a.m.

‘That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet’: wise words from the poet Emily Dickinson and one which has been playing in my mind ever since the fragrance of the ‘Shiu…