In a previous post, an attempt was made to hint at the subjective nature of freedom, and how it is often a trade-off between freedom and stability or security. I hope it also brought out the point that often there is no direct relation between freedom (as meant in common usage) and happiness. Having said […]
Author: raman
Crusader against Nature!
The lone building under construction appears to be a symbol of human encroachment into a natural paradise. In a few years, more buildings will come, replacing the greenery all around. Futher, the borewells drilled for supplying water to these dwellings will quickly deplete the water table. Wastes created in this new settlement will find its […]
Arbitrary and Gender Biased Laws In India
What do you call a law that is designed (intentionally or otherwise) as a tool for women to harass their husbands (or male partners)? What do you call a law under which only a man can be charged for a crime that both men and women are perfectly capable of? If your answer is “gender […]
How Much is “Freedom” Worth?
There was once wolf that one day strayed into a village and met a domestic dog. They talked to each other and became friends, as you would expect of distant cousins who run into each other by chance. The wolf was hungry and the dog shared a few of his biscuits with the wolf, who […]
I Know That…
It is not the fault of the Rock that a gentle fruit falling on its surface is smashed to smithereens;It is not the fault of the Candle that flies burn themselves up in its flame; It is not the fault of the River that it floods the numerous villages on its banks; It is not […]
Back to College!
Yesterday I met up with two friends from college, and though we did not discuss anything specific from our college days, I guess it got my mind into a college mode. There is no other explanation to why I would see a dream yesterday night, about me joining college again to improve my marks! As […]
The Mass Appeal of Martyrdom
In most contests, dead men cannot compete with those still alive. But when it comes to evoking deep sentiments such as patriotism, blind following, and ignorant hatred, the living mortals of this world are no match for their brothers and sisters whose bodies found their way back into the earth. Yesterday, 23-Mar, was the […]
Why you shouldn’t give lift to hitchhikers in Kerala
Some time last week, when I was driving on National Highway (NH) 47 with my wife and daughter, some high-school students standing on the side of the road indicated with their gestures that their destination was in the same direction as we were travelling, and that they would like to come with us. I didn’t […]
Importance of being Honest
It seems that while a large majority agrees that people should be honest most of the times, many of them also think that it is okay to lie in some of the very specific cases “if the situation demands it”. There are also some, who are of the opinion that it is okay as long […]
The Right to Live, and to Die
This is a thought that I have always had, and wanted to share. However, a news item that I read today, which said social activist and Iron lady of Assam Irom Sharmila will be flown to Delhi today to appear in court in connection with a case charged under IPC 309 (attempt to commit suicide) […]