A tagged Faw pigeon from the marshlands of southern Iraq landed unexpectedly on my verandah in Erbil, turning an ordinary morning into a journey through heritage, sport, and culture. Revered for its endurance and aerial artistry, the Faw pigeon is more than a bird—it is a living symbol of Iraq's rich traditions, celebrated in prestigious competitions and cherished by generations of breeders who see the sky as their arena and these remarkable birds as champions.
The Pompeii Lakshmi, an ivory statuette crafted in India nearly 2,000 years ago, was discovered among the ruins of Pompeii, buried beneath the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. Whether depicting Lakshmi or a Yakshi, the figurine stands as compelling evidence of the vibrant trade and cultural exchanges that linked ancient India and Rome across vast maritime networks.
একজন মানুষ মারা গেলে তার শেষযাত্রায় কাঁধ দিতে আমরা অনেকেই ছুটে যাই। কিন্তু সেই মানুষটি যখন বেঁচে ছিল, যখন সে নীরবে সাহায্য, সমর্থন বা শুধু একটু সহমর্মিতার অপেক্ষায় ছিল, তখন আমরা কতজন তার পাশে দাঁড়িয়েছিলাম? মৃত্যুর পরে শ্রদ্ধা জানানো সহজ। জীবনের কঠিন সময়ে পাশে দাঁড়ানোই কঠিন। হয়তো সত্যিকারের পুণ্য শেষযাত্রায় কাঁধ দেওয়ায় নয়, বরং জীবিত একজন মানুষের দুঃসময়ে তার হাত ধরে রাখার মধ্যে।
A senior executive illustrates the difference between "chickens" and "fish" in organizations. Chickens seek visibility and recognition, while fish work silently, solving problems and ensuring smooth operations without fanfare. Despite their vital contributions, fish often go unnoticed and face criticism for lacking visibility. Their departure disrupts productivity as organizations mistake noise for value. To thrive, organizations must recognize and reward true contributions rather than mere visibility.
Parallel Dimension is more than an art project—it is a quiet yet powerful conversation across cultures and centuries. Through the evocative work of artist Ranajit Sinha, the warrior traditions of the Crow tribe of North America and the Konyak Nagas of Nagaland come face to face, revealing shared values of resilience, pride, and survival. This narrative explores how art dissolves borders, reconnects forgotten histories, and mirrors our shared humanity.
The trip to Ajodhya Pahar highlighted the joys of spontaneous travel, filled with unexpected detours and events. Initially intended as a short outing, it evolved into a memorable adventure featuring a traditional breakfast and an unexpected summer rainstorm. We enjoyed the serene landscapes, rich cultural ties, and chances to observe wildlife. Ultimately, the experience emphasized that the journey's enjoyment and discoveries were more valuable than simply arriving at the destination. This trip underscored how unplanned moments can create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the surroundings.
From the silent yogis of the Indus Valley to the fiery Vedic altars, from Buddha’s forest meditations to the soaring philosophy of the Upanishads, Sanatan Dharma evolved like a living river of consciousness. This journey through India’s spiritual evolution reveals how ritual, meditation, devotion, and Advaita Vedanta fused into a timeless civilisation—renewed again by Ramakrishna and Vivekananda for the modern world today, globally
In Erbil, mornings have shifted from the tense drone activity to a calmer atmosphere following a ceasefire. Despite this pause in violence, geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran persist, influencing global markets, especially India's oil-dependent economy. India's historical, cultural, and energy ties underscore its careful diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens strive to maintain stability in their daily lives amid ongoing uncertainty. This situation reflects the complex interplay of conflict, diplomacy, and economic reliance shaping regional and global dynamics.
Caught between two equally tempting choices, we often wait for perfect clarity that never comes. This reflection on Buridan’s donkey explores how overthinking leads to paralysis—and why a simple act, even a coin toss, can break the deadlock. Sometimes, progress begins not with certainty, but with the courage to choose and move forward.
A movement born of tragedy has stepped into the political arena. What began as a cry for justice is now a candidacy—raising urgent questions about power, purity, and survival. Can moral clarity endure within political machinery? This is not just a test of one voice, but of the system itself—and of our collective refusal to normalize what should never be normal.
