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BOOK REVIEW: INDIAN CARTOONISTS ON TIBET (1950-2025)

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BOOK REVIEW: INDIAN CARTOONISTS ON TIBET (1950–2025)

Kamlesh Tripathi

    Indian Cartoonists on Tibet (1950–2025) is a compelling visual chronicle of Tibet’s long and painful journey, told not through conventional history but through the sharp, fearless ink of India’s most fearless and leading cartoonists.

    Spanning over seven decades, the book captures the evolving relationship between India and Tibet. It highlights moments of solidarity, silence, diplomatic and moral dilemma and the tragedy of a lost homeland. At its heart is His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader in exile, a Nobel laureate and a global symbol of peace and compassion, whose life and legacy are reflected in these powerful illustrations. His ever smiling face has remained a remarkable expression of resilience despite the loss of his kingdom and homeland depicted grandly in the book. One can say so much about a man who kept smiling even after losing his kingdom? HH Dalai Lama’s early pictures will tell you that.

    The cartoons are far more than satire. They are acts of truth-telling. With wit and poignancy they reveal what headlines often miss: The heartbreak of displacement, the courage of resilience, the complexities of India-China relations, and the quiet strength of people who refuse to be forgotten. They also remind us that India not only lost a peaceful neighbour but also a serene Himalayan frontier.

    In a world where voices are often silenced, cartoonists become the storytellers of humanity, distilling complex realities into strokes that inform, provoke and inspire.

            The collection features 34 renowned Indian cartoonists as follows:

    Shankar, R.K. Laxman, Chandi, Ranga, Vijayan, Abu, Mario, Thackeray, Ninan, Puri, Kaak, Prriya Raj, Yesudasan, Varma, Nanda Soobben, Ravi Shankar, Ponnappa, Manjula, Morparia, Abe Gowda, Prakash Shetty, Mrityunjay, Unny, Jayanto, Shankar, Manjul, Sajith Kumar, Suku, Satish Acharya, Soumyadip Sinha, Narendra, Thommy, Krish and Eskay.

    The narration opens with an enlightened message from His Holiness the Dalai lama followed by a stimulating endorsement by Prof Samdhong Rinpoche.     The crisp foreword is by Tushar Gandhi, author and great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. The all-encompassing preface is by French born author, researcher and Tibetologist, Claude Arpi, followed by reflections (We The People of India and Friends of Tibet!) by Medha Patkar, Social Activist and founder of Narmada Bachao Andolan. And then you have ‘Smile over Tears’ by Sethu Das, Founder and Friends of Tibet Foundation.

    Each cartoon (in all 50 plus) is accompanied by Arpi’s peppy commentary, placing the drawings within the historical and political context of Tibet, China and the complex Indo-China relationship.

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama reminds us that humour should not demean others but bring people together. The ability to laugh at oneself creates common ground and makes laughter wholesome.

    Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche calls the cartoonist a uniquely important communicator and praises the collection and commentary as excellent, noting the power of visual expression to transcend spoken language.

    Tushar Gandhi, sees the book as an engaging visual chronicle of India’s relationship with China. The early cartoons, particularly those addressing the Nehruvian era, offer direct and often unsettling criticism of diplomatic decisions. The book, he says, is also a mirror of changing political ideologies, public consciousness and India’s ethical engagement with the Tibetan cause.

    Claude Arpi describes the book as the story of the tumultuous years in the life of the Dalai Lama and the fate of Tibet. Despite the global recognition of the Dalai Lama as a man of peace, the older world order (Power, money, violence, etc.) still prevails and the fate of the Tibetan people is ignored. Claude cities Dalai Lama’s favourite quote, “If it can be remedied, there is no need to be unhappy. If it can’t be remedied, what is the use of being unhappy?”

    Medha Patkar, the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, writes about, Tibet’s culture, surviving in exile and credits the Dalai Lama and his team for creating Dharamshala as a centre and symbol of the Tibetan freedom movement. She invokes the spirit of “We, the People of India and Friends of Tibet”, recalling the worldwide support for the Tibetan cause and urging continued solidarity with Tibetans.

    Says, Sethu Das, Founder of the Tibet Foundation: Friends of Tibet’s cartoon journey began with Mario Miranda (1926-2011), the celebrated cartoonist from Goa. As a steadfast supporter of the Tibetan cause, Mario served as an advisor for Friends of Tibet’s Festival of ‘Tibet 2000’ in Mumbai, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself. In one of our several conversations, His Holiness once asked me, “Why don’t you make your supporters laugh using cartoons instead of making them shed tears over photographs on Tibet?” It was this question that sparked the initial idea for Indian Cartoonists on Tibet.

    Published by The Alcove Publishers in association with Friends of Tibet Foundation, the book grew from a travelling exhibition into a powerful visual record. It is ultimately a tribute to art as resistance, memory and hope—and to the cartoonists who drew so that others could see.

               In these drawings, history smiles, protests, questions and sometimes grieves. And above all it remains the eternal smiling face of the Dalai Lama—a smile that says that even when a kingdom is lost, dignity, compassion and hope need not be.

(Kamlesh Tripathi is the son of the person who received HH Dalai Lama when he entered India in 1959)

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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STORY OF THE FOOLISH DEMON BAKASUR

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Bakasur was a very strong and powerful asur (demon). But he was also very foolish. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Bakasur was very ambitious. He wanted to rule over the world. But, he did not know how to achieve his objective. He thought deeply over the matter, still he could not find a solution. So one day, he decided to please Shiva by worshipping him in order to fulfill his ambition. He knew that of all the Gods, Lord Shiva was the easiest to please.
He sat outside his cave in the jungle to pray. Each day, he would religiously cut off a part of his body and offer it to the Lord. This went on for several days. At last Shiva was impressed with his devotion and loyalty. He appeared before Bakasur and told him to ask for any boon that he wished. Bakasur was overjoyed. He said, “O Almighty! Please grant me a boon that on whosoever’s head I place my hand, he should die instantly.” The boon was granted by Shiva immediately.
Bakasur decided to begin his conquest of the world with Shiva himself. He raced towards Shiva to place his hand on his head. Terrified, Shiva ran for his life. Bakasur chased him with all his might. They ran across hills and mountains and rivers and ponds. But Bakasur did not give up the chase. Shiva was at his wit’s end. He did not know how to get rid of the demon. At last, Shiva decided to seek Vishnu’s help to get Bakasur off his back. He raced to Vishnu’s abode and quickly explained the whole story to him. On learning about the evil designs of Bakasur, Vishnu was furious. He decided to finish him off. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I will take care of the rogue.”
Disguised as a priest, Vishnu suddenly appeared before Bakasur.
“Why are you running like this Bakasur? And where are you going?” He asked. The foolish Bakasur quickly narrated the whole story about Shiva’s boon to him. Hearing this, Vishnu burst out laughing, “You foolish asur, Shiva is running away because he has deceived you. His boon is simply not true.” Bakasur looked confused. “If you don’t believe me,” continued Vishnu, “why don’t you put your hand on your head. You will know immediately.” This idea appealed to the foolish demon. He promptly did so and died. Lord Shiva heaved a sigh of relief and thanked Lord Vishnu for saving his life.

QUOTES 8/9/26

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QUOTES

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Size unfortunately, is a proxy for importance. That’s why king’s ride elephants, and forbade plebeians to be mounted around them.
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They do not see eye to eye, but they sing from the same sheet.
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Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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Keep your goals small and doable. Small steps, big results, is what I keep reminding myself.
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All civilization has from time to time become a thin crust over a volcano of revolution…HAVELOCK ELLIS
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The Buddha said, “The past no longer exists, and the future is not yet here.” There is only a single moment in which we can truly be alive, and that is the present moment…THICH NHAT HANH
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Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists…JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH
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The difference of great players is at a certain point in a match they raise their level of play and maintain it. Lesser players play great for a set, but then less…PETE SAMPRAS
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Attitude at altitude
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There are two inscriptions engraved on the temple of Apollo at Delphi: “Know thyself” and “Nothing in excess”.
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Students rarely disappoint teachers who assure them in advance that they are doomed to failure…SIDNEY HOOK
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There are always two different consciousnesses in the human being, one outward in which he ordinarily lives, the other inward and concealed…As sadhana progresses, one begins to live more and more in this inner being and the outer becomes more superficial…SRI AUROBINDO
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POEM: SHOW-OFF

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Poem: Show-Off

Kamlesh Tripathi

A show-off wears his wealth upon his sleeve,
And boasts of all that he has achieved,
His car must shine, his clothes must glow,
So that the world will stop to know.

He speaks of his friends in high places,
And counts his victories, his trips, as his aces;
His watch glitters, loud and bright,
As he flexes his wrist in great delight.

He pictures each meal and vista that he sees,
He shows off each brand he owns, each thing he knows.
He doesn’t live for the moment’s grace,
Rather, he lives it up to put it on display.

He measures his worth in likes and praises,
He walks through life in borrowed ways.
For every smile, he needs an applause,
For every deed, a hundred wows.

But beneath the ostentatious show,
There beats a heart that fears to know:
That wealth may fade, and fame may flee,
And masks reveal what none can see.

The truly rich need not proclaim
their wealth, their wisdom, or their name.
Deep rivers make no sound
Modest trees bear fruit to ground.

So let the ‘show-off’ blare and scream,
And decorate his fragile shrine.
For those who truly know their worth
Need no display to prove their worth.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***

QUOTES 1/9/26

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Good thoughts in Bad times pulls you through. … Thomas Fuller

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Nothing is there to come, and nothing past, But an eternal now does always last. … Abraham Cowley
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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA capped it all in his far-reaching vision: “Arise, awake and see her seated here on her eternal throne, rejuvenated, more glorious than she ever was.”
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Variety is the spice of life.
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I will do what I say, I will also do what I don’t say … RAJNIKANTH
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Fear is reaction, courage is decision … WINSTON CHURCHILL
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If God did not exist we would have had to invent him, is a saying attributed to Voltaire.
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Old adage … If you torture the data sufficiently it will confess to anything.
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Life is like a sandwich! Birth as one slice, and death as the other. What you put in between the slices is up to you. Is your sandwich tasty or sour? … ALLAN RUFUS
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Old Hindi saying… A scabbard can’t fit two swords
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“what’s in a name?” Asks Bard, dismissively.
    “What things are called is unspeakably more important than what they are” counters Nietzsche
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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist … NIETZSCHE
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I don’t want to live alone. I just don’t want to live inside a cage of expectations .. CUE VIOLINS

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The cat never came out of the bag. But one evening I distinctly heard it mewing inside its sack, and I even believe I saw a claw through the canvas … This is a line from Rowdon’s Roof by DH Lawrence
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The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have … LOMBARDI, AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACH
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What gets measured gets managed … PETER DRUCKER
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A problem well stated is problem half solved.
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“Serious international sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words, it is war minus the shooting.”. George Orwell said in 1945
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Tagore once wrote … That ants grow wings before they perish
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Don’t walk in front of me … I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… Just be my friend … ALBERT CAMUS
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If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? … SHAKESPEARE
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Wordsworth was waxing far too poetic when he described childhood as “trailing clouds of glory.”
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All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances … WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT
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The baddies will more often than not outsmart the good guys
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“Doth protest too much” … An oft quotes SHAKESPEARE phrase
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George Bernard would say … Youth is the most beautiful thing in the world and what a pity it has to be wasted on children
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As a poet said, “White and weightless, snowfall makes no noise, falls as forgetting falls.
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The first rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do everything yourself because you can’t… Anthea Turner/Television presenter
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The art of delegation is one of the key skills any entrepreneur must master … Richard Branson/ business magnate
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In a large hotel, you become a room no.’ … Biki Oberoi 15/11/23
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I shall not be satisfied unless I produce something which shall for a few days supersede the last fashionable novel on the tables of young ladies… Thomas Babington Macaulay

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“Whose youth had seemed to teach that happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain” … Excellently summed up at the end of The Mayor of Casterbridge by Elizabeth Jane
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There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so … HAMLET
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Quote of the Day
“Learn a vocation that will help you through this world and the next. “
— Rumi —
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WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SAID
‘Nothing is vulgar. Mind makes it so.’
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Turkish proverb
If speaking is silver; then listening is gold. Listen thrice. Think twice. Speak once.
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Hamlet’s famous soliloquy. Where the young prince asks:
    ‘To be or not to be, that is the question’
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Once you’ve built the big machinery of political power, remember you won’t always be the one to run it … PJ O’ROURKE
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Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn’t have in your home… DAVID FROST
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If you live in lies, you will live in misery… OSHO
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We do not have the poet in us, to see and cherish the richness of our own lives … Raina Maria Rilke
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In a minute there is time for a hundred decisions that a minute will reverse… TS Eliot
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Opportunities multiply as they are seized … SUN TZU
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Genius, the saying goes, is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
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Politicians are nothing if not practical
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Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable and the next best … Bismarck, the 19th century German politician
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I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one object at a time … Charles Dickens
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The famous soliloquy … ‘To be or not to be, that is the question’ … Hamlet, Shakespeare
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All the world’s stage/And all the men and women merely players … William Shakespeare in As You Like it.
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It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves… William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar
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Hari Om Tat Sat … Vedic Mantra
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Rumi introduced himself, saying … I am neither Christian nor Jew, Neither Persian nor Muslim. I am neither the East nor West, Neither from land nor from water.
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Jami says … Whether or not ones goes to heaven or hell is doubtful, but the world can be turned into heaven by accepting that everyone’s right from his or her angle.
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The real meaning of economic equality is “To each according to his need” … Gandhi
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A city is as progressive as its people.
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I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say … VOLTAIRE
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Grief joys, joy grieves, on slender accident … Hamlet
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Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung… Hamlet
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The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge … Hamlet
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American wisdom: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But, if it’s broke, buddy, and it needs fixing, don’t jinx it.
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To cultivate equanimity we practice catching ourselves when we feel attraction or aversion, before it gardens into grasping or negativity… PEMA CHODRON
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GDP simply measures circulation of money in the economy, not whether or not the outcome of using that money is positive or negative… CAROLINE LUCAS

JANMASHTAMI: Celebrating Krishna’s Arrival

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JANMASHTAMI: Celebrating Krishna’s Arrival

Kamlesh Tripathi

    Janmashtami celebrates the stormy midnight birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, during the waning phase of the moon. The hour is symbolic.

    The story begins with Kansa, the tyrannical king of Mathura. A divine prophecy warned him that the eighth child of his cousin, Devaki, would cause his death. Terrified, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva and killed their first six children. The seventh child, Balarama, was miraculously transferred to the womb of Rohini, the first consort of Vasudeva and was thus saved.

    A comparison can be drawn with the Greek hero Perseus, who survives despite his grandfather Acrisius’ dastardly attempt to kill him. Though he is abandoned and left adrift in a wooden chest at sea with his mother, the gods protect him. On the other hand, Krishna, the eighth child of Devaki, is secretly carried away from the prison and saved, while Kansa kills infants in his attempt to escape fate. Both narratives show the failure of human power against divine will.

    Krishna was born in the prison of Mathura. Legend has it that when divine forces intervened, the chains of Vasudeva fell away, the prison doors opened, and the guards were overcome by sleep. Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the swollen Yamuna to Gokul, where he left him in the care of Nanda and Yashoda. In return, he brought back their newborn daughter.

    Although born to Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna became the beloved son of Yashoda and Nanda. He belonged simultaneously to the royal world of Mathura and the pastoral world of Gokul and Vrindavan.

    Krishna stole butter, teased the gopis, played his flute and wandered through the lanes of Vrindavan with his friends. His childhood is remembered not for grandeur but for mischief. Yashoda sometimes had to chase him, scold him and even tie him to a wooden mortar.

    The famous episode of Yashoda looking into Krishna’s mouth is especially symbolic. She saw the entire universe in it. The child she was trying to discipline was none other than the cosmic being himself. He is simultaneously the God, child, philosopher, prankster, warrior, lover, king and the cowherd.    

    In temples and homes, devotees fast and stay awake until midnight, waiting for the moment believed to be Krishna’s birth. At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is placed in a cradle. He is bathed and dressed in new clothes and adorned with flowers. Devotees sing bhajans and chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna as bells ring and conch shells are blown.

    In Maharashtra, the festival takes a particularly lively form through Dahi Handi. Inspired by Krishna’s childhood habit of stealing butter, young men and women form human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd or butter suspended high above the ground.

    In Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations have a special emotional intensity. These are the lands associated with Krishna’s childhood, his flute, his friends and the Gopis. Temples are beautifully decorated, devotional music fills the streets, and the atmosphere becomes one of collective remembrance. Even homes are decorated with jhankis of Krishna. Janmashtami is celebrated all over India and in many parts of the world by the Indian diaspora. In Dwarka, the main ritual and midnight Abhishek take place at 12:00 AM, marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

    Krishna’s greatest gift to humanity is his wisdom. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna became the charioteer of Arjuna and delivered the Bhagavad Gita. There he addressed one of humanity’s oldest dilemmas: That one must perform one’s duty without becoming enslaved by the fruits of action. Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana—you have a right to action, but not to its fruits.

    He also teaches balance. Life is neither entirely about renunciation nor entirely about indulgence. Krishna played the flute, loved music, enjoyed friendship, fought battles, ruled a kingdom and imparted spiritual wisdom. His life embraced the world without becoming imprisoned by it.

    To a child, he is the mischievous Kanha who steals butter. To a mother, he is the adorable little boy whom Yashoda lovingly disciplines. To a devotee, he is the supreme Lord. To a philosopher, he is the teacher of the Gita. To a lover of poetry and music, he is the flute-playing Krishna of Vrindavan. And to those facing moral dilemmas, he remains the divine charioteer of Kurukshetra.

    Janmashtami asks us to discover Krishna within ourselves. It is the courage to confront Kansa-like forces of fear and tyranny. The symbolism of his midnight birth is perhaps the most powerful message of all. When the world appears darkest, hope can still be born. When injustice seems invincible, righteousness can still emerge. And when life appears imprisoned by circumstances, a new beginning may be waiting behind the closed doors. That is the enduring magic of Janmashtami.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***

Rahim and Marcus Aurelius had identical thoughts

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Rahiman dhaga prem ka, mat todo chatkaay—don’t break the thread of love, says Indian poet Rahim.

Kamlesh Tripathi

    The wisdom of Indian poet Rahim (officially titled Khan-i-Khanan, meaning ‘Khan of Khans’) and Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, though separated by centuries, cultures, and geography, can be beautifully tied together through their shared understanding of human relationships.

    Rahim sees ‘human relationship’ as a delicate thread of love. Whereas Marcus Aurelius sees human beings as branches of one great tree. For Rahim, when the thread breaks, it may be tied again, but the knot remains. For Marcus Aurelius, when a branch is separated from the tree, it may be grafted back, but it will never be quite the same as a branch that continued to grow in natural unity with the tree.

    Both are therefore saying something very profound. We are all well-connected, but the breaking of that connection has consequences not only for the other person but also for your own self. Rahim’s popular couplet (Doha) says:

    “Rahiman dhaga prem ka, mat todo chatkaay;

     Toote se phir na jude, jude gaanth pari jaay.”

    Do not break the thread of love abruptly. Once broken, it may be joined again, but the knot will remain.

    Marcus Aurelius extends this idea from personal love to the whole of society. A person who hates or withdraws from another human being is like a branch cutting itself away from the tree. In separating himself from his neighbour, he unknowingly separates himself from the larger human community.

    Both Rahim and Marcus offer wisdom, hope and caution. A broken branch can sometimes be grafted back; and a broken relationship can sometimes be restored. Human beings possess the extraordinary capacity to forgive, reconcile and begin again. But repeated breaks make restoration increasingly difficult.

    Perhaps the two metaphors can therefore be joined into one: Love is the thread that binds the branches of humanity into one tree. When we break the thread, we wound a relationship. When we cut ourselves away from another person, we wound the larger tree of society. We may later tie the thread or graft the branch back, but the knot or scar always reminds us of what had happened.

    That is why the wisdom of both Rahim and Marcus Aurelius ultimately teaches us not merely to repair relationships, but to protect them before they break.

    Rahim gives us the thread. Marcus gives us the tree. Together they give us a philosophy of human connectedness: we belong to one another, and every unnecessary separation diminishes the whole.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, poet and columnist Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Like it and share it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***

POEM: LIFE IS A BIG CHEAT by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Poem: Life Is a Big Cheat

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Kamlesh Tripathi

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Life is a big cheat,
It took away my friend,
At lightning speed,
Breaking the circadian rhythm,

And gave no relief.

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Between life and death,
One wonders.
Who plays the devious trick?
Life points an accusing finger at death.
Calling it a thief.

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But death remains unmoved,
Silent as winter,
Answering no allegations,

In an attempt not to surrender.

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Life dismays its defeat,

While quietly counting,

The receding breaths,

When in the state of death.

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Death has nothing to say.
It needs no defence,
Requires no courtroom,
No confrontation.

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Its silence,
Is older than language,
Its footsteps,
Are lighter than ghost steps.

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Who would have thought,
Death would come so surreptitiously,
Slipping between,
An unfinished sentence,
On an ordinary day?

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One moment,
There was a heartbeat,
Keeping faithful time,
The next,
The clock continued alone.

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Life will ask,
Again and again,
Where did he go?
Who closed the door,
Without a farewell?

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The walls will listen,
The empty chair will remember,
His books will still hold the warmth
of forgotten fingerprints.

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His favourite cup,
Will wait patiently,
For the hands,
That will never lift it again.

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Even the wind
will hesitate
at the threshold,
as though expecting
his familiar step.

Grief is a strange companion.
It arrives as a storm,
then settles

Like dust upon every surface.

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It teaches us
that absence
has a shape,
a weight,
a voice
heard only in silence.

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If life is a cheat,
love is its confession.
For even when breath departs,
love refuses
to follow.

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It lingers
in remembered conversations,
in unfinished letters,
in the cadence of a name
spoken softly at dusk.

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So I will not argue
with life
or with death.
As neither will answer.

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Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

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Celebrating Independence Day at The Eiffel Tower & Liechtenstein … by Kamlesh Tripathi

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A Journey from London to Paris and Liechtenstein with India in the Heart

Kamlesh Tripathi

    We were up at three in the morning on Independence Day. The plan was to catch the famous Eurostar train from St Pancras International Station, London, from where trains depart for Paris and Brussels. Our train, Eurostar 9004, was scheduled to leave at 7:01 am London time.

    We left the hotel at 4:30 am, carrying a packed breakfast, and reached the railway station by five. Our coach driver, Barrington, drove us there. The security check was somewhat cumbersome, particularly because of our heavy luggage. After completing the formalities, we were effectively leaving the United Kingdom and entering continental Europe on a Schengen visa. About twenty minutes before departure, our gate number was announced. Our group occupied coaches 12 and 13, after walking past Gate 10.

    Soon, the Eurostar pulled out of Platform 10 at St Pancras. Paris, here we come! The journey to Paris took approximately two hours and twenty minutes. We arrived at Paris-Gare-du-Nord at 10:20 am London time. However, according to the Paris clock, it was 11:20 am, since Paris is one hour ahead of London. One interesting aspect of the journey was crossing the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel. The train travelled beneath the Channel for roughly 15 to 16 minutes on its way to France. Our immigration formalities had already been completed at St Pancras before boarding the train.

    During the journey, we enjoyed the packed breakfast we had brought from the hotel, accompanied by hot coffee. It was a simple breakfast, but tasted good.

    On reaching Paris, our local tour guide, Mr Senthil, an expatriate Indian from Tamil Nadu, welcomed us with a cheerful Vanakkam— Tamil Namaste. Soon, Paris began unfolding before our eyes.

    Our city tour took us past Place de la Concorde, the Opera House, and a Greek Orthodox Church displaying rich Greek architectural influences. We also saw the Golden Flame, near the Pont de l’Alma, associated with the tragic death of Princess Diana, and then proceeded to Les Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb is located.

    We stopped for lunch at an Indian restaurant called ‘Welcome India’. After lunch, at around two in the afternoon, we set off for the Eiffel Tower. The place was teeming with tourists. Paris, however, had another surprise in store for us. Everywhere one looked, one encountered reminders of literature and history. The names of Jules Verne, the celebrated author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, appeared on billboards and around public places. It reminded me of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s bust in Baker Street, London, where Sherlock Holmes continues to live in the imagination of millions.

    But the real adventure was still ahead. It took us nearly two hours to negotiate the security queues and finally reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower. The aerial view of Paris from the top was simply gorgeous. The summit had earlier been closed, but fortunately it was reopened, and we were lucky enough to obtain tickets.

    At the summit, there is even a Champagne bar. We had a drink there while looking down upon the magnificent city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower has three principal visitor levels—the first floor, the second floor and the summit. The elevators and stairs take visitors to the first and second levels. From the second-floor platform, a separate elevator takes visitors to the summit. The descent follows the same sequence.

    And then came the moment for which the entire journey seemed to have been waiting. We unfurled the Tiranga at the Eiffel Tower. There we were—Indians in a foreign land, standing before one of the world’s most recognisable monuments, celebrating India’s Independence Day. We sang our National Anthem with pride. The moment was deeply emotional. We were thousands of kilometres away from India, yet for those few minutes India seemed to be right there with us.

    We distributed pastries and cakes among fellow tourists and some of the service providers at the Tower. Their smiles and curiosity made the celebration even more memorable. After beholding the Eiffel Tower from above, we embarked on a river cruise on the Seine. The cruise was breathtaking. Paris looked entirely different from the river—its bridges, buildings and monuments forming a moving panorama.

    After an hour of free time, we drove towards the heart of Paris and reached the Champs-Élysées, the grand avenue of the city. In its own way, it reminded me of Kartavya Path in New Delhi—a broad, ceremonial avenue representing the character and grandeur of a capital city. We had a photo session there amid the glittering lights. And then, unexpectedly, we returned to the Eiffel Tower. Wow!

    It was around eleven at night, and the Eiffel Tower was brilliantly illuminated against the dark Parisian sky. Standing there and looking at the glittering monument, I could not help feeling as though Paris itself was joining us in celebrating India’s Independence Day. The best Independence Day celebration in a foreign land could hardly have been imagined. We finally reached our hotel around midnight.

    The 15th of August turned out to be the longest day of our entire tour—from 3 a.m. to midnight, from London to Paris, and from one unforgettable experience to another. It was exhausting, exhilarating and, above all, deeply patriotic.

    But that wasn’t all. There was another remarkable connection with 15 August waiting for us. On 20 August, we left Switzerland at around 9:30 am and travelled towards Wattens in Austria, passing through Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s smallest countries, with a population of only around 40,000 people. What fascinated us was that Liechtenstein, too, celebrates its National Day on 15 August.

    We took a guided mini-train tour around Vaduz. And then came another delightful surprise. The pre-recorded commentary accompanying the tour was available in Hindi! Of all the languages we could have expected in this tiny European principality, Hindi was the one that made us sit up and smile. It was India, India, all the way.

    As Indians travelling through Europe, we felt an unexpected surge of pride. Our national day had found a curious echo in this little country nestled among the Alps.

    Looking back, our journey had acquired a beautiful geographical and emotional symmetry: India on 15 August, Paris on 15 August, and Liechtenstein also celebrating its National Day on the same date.

    And on the 20th, our European journey became a culinary trinity of its own: Breakfast in Switzerland, Lunch in Liechtenstein, and dinner in Austria.

    From London to Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Alps, from the Tiranga to Hindi commentary in Liechtenstein, the journey was a reminder that patriotism does not necessarily become weaker when one travels away from home. Sometimes, being far from India makes you feel India even more deeply.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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EVERGREEN TEACHINGS OF ROMAN EMPEROR AND PHILOSOPHER MARCUS AURELIUS … by Kamlesh Tripathi

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EVERGREEN TEACHINGS OF ROMAN EMPEROR AND PHILOSOPHER MARCUS AURELIUS

Kamlesh Tripathi

   “He that is unjust is also impious. For the nature of the universe, having made all reasonable creatures one for another, to the end that they should do one another good, more or less according to the several persons and occasions, but in nowise hurt one another.” These profound words of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome, in his ninth book, continue to resonate with remarkable relevance even after two thousand years.

    They summarise the Stoic philosophy that justice is not merely a social virtue but a hallowed obligation. To be unjust is not only to wrong another human being, but is also to violate the divine order upon which the universe was founded. In a world increasingly polarised by selfishness, conflict, and indifference, this timeless teaching reminds us that our true purpose lies in cooperation, compassion, and mutual respect.

    Marcus Aurelius reckoned humanity as a single family. Every individual, irrespective of nationality, religion, race, or social standing, is gifted with reason. He therefore belongs to the same global community. Just as the organs of the human body work together for the well-being of the whole body, human beings are also intended to support one another.

    The eyes don’t compete with the hands. The heart doesn’t envy the lungs. Every organ performs its duty faithfully in the interest of the body. Likewise, society flourishes only when its members work in tandem and not in opposition. Aurelius’ contention that an unjust person is also impious tells us that morality is inseparable from spirituality. People think that piety consists merely of rituals, prayers, or visits to places of worship. Marcus Aurelius challenges this notion. A person who cheats, deceives, exploits, or humiliates is not morally and spiritually close to the Almighty.

    True worship resonates in one’s conduct. Every act of fairness, honesty, kindness, and generosity is an act of universal brotherhood. Conversely, every deliberate act of cruelty or injustice is an affront towards mankind. Modern society considers personal success above collective welfare. Ambition, competition, and material achievement are praised, sometimes at the expense of integrity and compassion.

    Marcus Aurelius warns us that success loses its value when it is built on another person’s suffering. Wealth acquired through exploitation, power gained through deception, or fame achieved by trampling upon others may seem impressive, but they leave the soul impoverished. Justice is the true measure of greatness. Another important aspect of this passage is the phrase, “more or less according to the several persons and occasions,” as people speak differently to different people depending upon their status and the occasion.

    Marcus Aurelius acknowledges that not everyone has the same abilities, resources, or opportunities. A king, a teacher, a physician, a labourer, or a parent each contribute to society differently. It is not the magnitude of one’s contribution but the sincerity with which one fulfils one’s duty that matters. A smile, a comforting word, an honest day’s work, or a helping hand may be as valuable as grand acts of charity. Every person has the wherewithal to make someone else’s life better. Equally significant is Aurelius’ exhortation that we should “in nowise hurt one another.” Harm is not confined to physical violence alone. Words can wound, prejudice can exclude, dishonesty can erode trust, and indifference can deepen suffering. In today’s well-connected world, where communication travels in lightning speed across continents, the responsibility to act with kindness and restraint is far greater than ever. Before speaking or acting, we should ask ourselves whether our conduct contributes to harmony or to division. History repeatedly warns about the consequences of abandoning justice. Wars, oppression, discrimination, corruption, and social unrest often begin with the belief that some lives matter less than others. Against this destructive tendency, Marcus Aurelius offers a simple yet powerful principle. Recognise the common humanity that binds us all. Differences in culture, belief, or status should never obscure our shared dignity. The teachings of Marcus Aurelius are both practical and relevant even today.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***