An IJS is an idea whose time has come

‘There are several advantages in having an Indian Judicial Service’  | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Over the past few days, social media has been awash with several memes. Of these, there is one that appears to be the best — “For the first time, a fire brigade has ignited more fire than what it extinguished.” … Read more

The struggle for soul in algorithmic art

The world has undergone a profound transformation in perceiving, creating, and consuming art, knowledge, and talent. In earlier times, quality was a revered rarity. A symphony by Mozart or a novel by Tolstoy stood as timeless masterpieces because they emerged from an era where scarcity defined value. The limited access to such works heightened their … Read more

From Madras to Chennai – The Hindu

Like the heritage structures nestled in the corners of the city, sometimes dwarfed and eclipsed by the shiny skyscrapers, or busy flyovers, Madras is alive and well. | Photo Credit: Getty Images It’s early morning (at least by my standards!), and I can hear the cries of “Puttu, Idiyappam, Puttu, Idiyappam” wafting into my consciousness. … Read more

Medicine and God – The Hindu

Theoretically, a doctor of modern medicine cannot be a theist but I see that there are many reasons for him to be. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The major argument of practising doctors of modern medicine against alternative systems of medicine is the “lack of scientific evidence”. Modern medicine is built on the bedrock of … Read more

Missing sparrows – The Hindu

Sparrows have become rare in urban areas. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Of the many birds, the tiny house sparrows had caught my imagination in my school-going years. A flock of sparrows have turned my tiled house into their abode unauthorisedly and refused to vacate. They felt as if they too have a minor share … Read more

Addressing the generation gap – The Hindu

Seniors should allow the younger generation space to lead their own lives. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Do you want to capture the nuances of the evolving relationship of seniors with adult children? When the children are young, these relationships are often warm and supportive. However, as the children grow more independent, usually around age … Read more

The making of Asia’s next tiger

As I landed in Da Nang, central Vietnam from Hanoi, greeted by the soft, salty air of the coast, my pickup driver struck up a conversation. He seemed exhausted yet content. “The last few months of winters have been hectic,” he said with a weary smile. “More than twenty international flights arrive daily now. At … Read more