Globalisation: Balancing Sovereignty & Opportunity

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings7 Comments

Globalisation interlinks economies and cultures worldwide, fostering growth and collaboration while challenging national sovereignty. This complex relationship presents opportunities like job creation and cultural exchange, but also raises concerns about diminished autonomy due to multinational corporations and international agreements. Balancing the benefits of globalisation with safeguarding national interests requires strong institutions, strategic engagement, and the preservation of cultural identities amidst powerful global influences.

Akshay Tritiya: A Beacon of Eternal Goodness

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents6 Comments

Akshay Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a significant day in Indian culture, celebrated for its auspiciousness in Hindu and Jain calendars. This day marks the birth of Lord Parashurama, the beginning of the Mahabharata, and the descent of the Ganga. Rituals include holy baths, starting new ventures, and charitable acts. Akshay Tritiya also represents lasting prosperity and love, especially for families celebrating significant life events like weddings, highlighting its enduring significance in society.

A Road Trip to Remember: Ranchi to Rourkela & Back

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes14 Comments

This road trip from Ranchi to Rourkela for Tania's cousin's engagement on April 25th was a blend of careful planning and unexpected detours, emphasizing family and resilience. Traveling with Tania, recovering from surgery, we prioritized comfort and safety, opting for a longer but better route. The journey included moments of spirituality, challenges with terrain, and the support of family. Ultimately, this trip became a cherished memory, reflecting life's unpredictable yet navigable nature.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Call for Unity Against Terrorism

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings12 Comments

The recent horrific attack in Pehalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed at least 28 innocent lives, including foreigners, highlighting the tragedy of faith-based terrorism. Eyewitness accounts describe targeted killings based on religious identity. This incident underlines a need for urgent reforms in India’s counter-terrorism strategies and global cooperation against terror, emphasizing resilience, unity, and a commitment to peace in response to ongoing violence and psychological warfare.

Cha Dao: Embracing the Way of Tea

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Epicurean Mosaic6 Comments

During a stay at Rose Villa Heritage Homestay in Takdah, we experienced the ancient art of Chinese tea brewing. Our host shared the profound ritual that transformed tea preparation into a meditative practice, emphasizing patience, mindfulness, and connection with nature. Through each step, we discovered that the ceremony reflected deeper life philosophies, revealing the beauty in simplicity and the significance of being present in each moment.

Thor: The Versatile Banana Stem in Bengali Recipes

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Epicurean Mosaic8 Comments

'Thor,' the banana stem, embodies the essence of Bengali cuisine, illustrating resourcefulness and sustainability. This often-discarded plant part transforms into dishes like Thor Ghonto and Thor-er Bora, celebrated for their simplicity and depth of flavor. Beyond nourishment, Thor reflects cultural heritage and familial bonds, preserving wisdom from past generations. It symbolizes a connection to nature and the importance of utilizing every part of the harvest.

Tok Dal & the Delhi Summer: A Tangy Memory of Home

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Epicurean Mosaic8 Comments

The memories of Delhi's summer heat evoke thoughts of relief found in Tok Dal, a cherished dish from childhood. In a modest home, Ma expertly combined tangy raw mango with lentils, creating a comforting meal that soothed through its simplicity. Cooking was more than nourishment; it embodied family wisdom, tradition, and love. Even now, making Tok Dal transports me back to those precious moments, reminding me of home.

Hilarious Tales of an Inebriated Road Trip

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings12 Comments

In the 1980s, I was a banker at the Aligarh Main Branch. My colleagues and I went on a road trip to a wedding 225 km away. What started as a workday commute turned into a party filled with impromptu dancing and drunkenly altering road signs. We made it back to work on time but faced confused colleagues because of the misleading signs. Despite the chaos, the trip became a memorable experience, highlighting how unexpected mishaps can create lasting memories.

Vande Mataram: The Anthem Born from a Cricket Dispute

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History8 Comments

The Indian Premier League celebrates cricket, but its connection to patriotism is profound. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's anthem "Vande Mataram" emerged from a heated cricket match in 1873, where he faced humiliation from Colonel Duffin. This incident sparked a legal battle symbolizing resistance against colonial rule. Ultimately, his powerful words united Indians in their fight for independence, reshaping the nation's historical narrative.

India & the Sea: An Enduring Bond Etched in Waves & Wind

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History10 Comments

India's National Maritime Day, observed on April 5, honors the historic voyage of the SS Loyalty in 1919, symbolizing India's maritime legacy. It highlights the nation's ancient seafaring traditions, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that shaped its civilization. The Indian Ocean served as a conduit for commerce and cultural dialogue, with influences reaching Southeast Asia, reflecting a history of collaboration, adaptability, and shared heritage that continues to inspire today.