Perspective is the lens shaped by experiences and culture through which we view the world, while opinion is a subjective belief influenced by perspective and can change over time. Both are key to understanding others and fostering meaningful dialogue.
On a cool December evening in Erbil, I walked without a set direction, letting the festive lights inspire my thoughts. I paused unexpectedly at the Vinery Café, savoring an affogato—a mix of hot espresso and cold ice cream. In this simple combination, I found a reflection of life: opposites like bitter and sweet, hot and cold, liquid and solid coming together to create something unexpectedly complete.
AI isn’t the villain of our story; it’s the loudspeaker. It takes our ancient habits—bias, outrage, overconfidence—and broadcasts them at machine speed. The real danger isn’t sentient silicon, but humans wielding powerful tools while still arguing about potato-to-dough ratios with the confidence of constitutional scholars.
We Bengalis practiced “healthy eating” long before it became fashionable — detoxing with nim-begun (neem and brinjal), finding protein in dal aar bori (lentils and dumplings), and strength in macher jhol (fish curry). Each meal balanced teto (bitter) for wisdom, mishti (sweet) for hope, and sorsher tel (mustard oil) for pure attitude.
In the ebb and flow of faith and philosophy, Sanatan Dharma stands not as an ancient relic but as a living continuum — ever-evolving, inclusive, and deeply human. From the Vedic hymns to the Bhakti verses and modern reinterpretations, it reminds us that true faith is not a system of control but a personal awakening — a journey inward, toward harmony with the eternal rhythm of existence.
We no longer live in the Information Age—we live in the Narrative Age, where stories, not statistics, define truth. From post-truth politics to Zohnerism’s sly manipulations, today’s reality is served like a dish—seasoned with emotion, simmered in belief, and shared across the grand kitchen of social media. The question isn’t just what’s true, but who’s cooking the story—and why?
Recent conversations in WhatsApp groups revolve around U.S. tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, sparking talks about India's self-sufficiency. Amid these discussions, a nostalgic tale from 1985 surfaces about a group of banking trainees in Kolkata who experienced financial difficulties, leading them to switch from costly Rothmans cigarettes to cheaper bidis. This quiet form of protest resulted in a successful appeal for an early salary. The self-reliance frequently shows itself through flexibility and unity.
During a WhatsApp chat with former classmates, a philosophical discussion emerged about spirituality and religion. The talk emphasized that genuine faith goes beyond physical places of worship. Hinduism illustrates philosophical diversity by accepting contradictions in harmony. One classmate’s Marxist perspective conflicted with this idea, expressing unease with unresolved contradictions. The insight is that truth often involves accepting contradictions, suggesting that philosophical and spiritual explorations do not have to adhere to strict ideologies but should instead recognize and investigate life's complexities.
During the 1970s in Japan, tea was the leading beverage, while coffee struggled to gain acceptance, despite Nestlé's strong marketing efforts. To address this challenge, Nestlé brought on psychoanalyst Clotaire Rapaille, who proposed focusing on children to create a positive link to coffee. The company introduced coffee-flavoured snacks, gradually introducing a generation to the drink. By the 1980s, this approach turned coffee into a cultural mainstay and contributed to Nestlé's success in Japan.
Sibaram Das reflects on his visit to Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidis in Iraq, exploring the interconnectedness of history, migration, and spirituality. He draws parallels between Yazidism and Hinduism, observing shared rituals and beliefs, such as reverence for sacred elements and the cyclical nature of time. His journey raises questions about the origins of faith and the universality of human experiences, leaving him with thoughts on migration and resilience.
In the digital age, ethical dilemmas arise regarding AI's role in recreating historical tragedies, such as the AI171 crash. While some see it as innovative, others view it as disrespectful to victims. Unlike thoughtful films, AI recreations lack emotional depth and often prioritize commercial gain. The use of AI in storytelling necessitates a careful balance between honoring memories and avoiding exploitation for sensationalism, emphasizing empathy and purpose.
