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SPEAKING TREE: THE MEANING OF LIFE

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THE MEANING OF LIFE
SPEAKING TREE ECONOMIC TIMES
NAJIB SHAH


    Hope, wrote Alexander Pope, lies eternal in the human breast. To never despair, even in the bleakest of winters. And, nothing exemplifies this more than the soul-stirring story of Viktor Frankel, who survived the horrors of Auschwitz through his search for the meaning of life.
    In his ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ written after his liberation from the concentration camp, he talks about the source of his will to live. To paraphrase: we are bound to face adversities. How you handle these vicissitudes is determined by your attitude. And, attitude is something that each of us controls. This determines what becomes of you mentally and physically. This is true also of suffering that is a part of life–without suffering and death, human life would not be complete. The test is how we react to the suffering.
    We need to have a higher purpose– a goal that will help us overcome the challenges. Frankel quotes. Nietzsche, ‘He who has a why to live can bear almost any how’, to explain this.
    The meaning of life is found in our choice to do the right thing. Frankel helped his fellow prisoners by emphasising that striving for meaning, not power nor pleasure, is what keeps us alive.
    These lessons are even more relevant today. A positive attitude, willingness to take responsibility and a purpose in life will help each of us find meaning in our lives. Life is, after all, far too precious to fritter away aimlessly.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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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)

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AGE AND ACHIEVEMENTS: 5 LIT LUMINARIES

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AGE AND ACHIEVEMENTS: 5 LIT LUMINARIES

    What is the right age to achieve something in life? Is 40 years, too little time, or adequate time to achieve something in life? Let us consider the lives of five luminaries of the 19th century who were more or less contemporaries and who became world-renowned figures in their short lifespans. Let’s start with Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk, a spiritual guru and a literary luminary, lifespan 12 January 1863- 4 July 1902, a total of 39 years. Then you have the American writer Edgar Allan Poe, who was born on 19 January 1809 and died on 7 October 1849, a life span of 40 years, followed by the French writer Guy De Maupassant, born on 5 August 1850 and passed away on 6 July 1893, a life span of 42 years. On the rostrum, there is also Nikolai Gogol, a Russian writer of Ukrainian origin. He was born on 20 March 1809 and he died on 21 February 1852, a life span of 42 years. And last but not least, we have Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short-story writer born on 29 January 1860, and he died on 15 July 1904, at the age of 44. They all left behind a phenomenal legacy of success and heaps of lessons for future generations within the ebbs and flows of their limited lifespan.

    The mean life expectancy in the 19th century was 40-45 years. Global life expectancy today is around 72 years. There are two offshoots to this. One, the subject authors lived for around ninety to a hundred per cent of the average life expectancy of those times. Two, they only lived for a minus-plus of some forty years – a period, perhaps, too short for any milestone achievement, barring sports and maybe some other careers. When we compare 40 years with today’s life expectancy, it is only 55%. So then, does life expectancy have anything to do with your major achievements? The case study of the quintet doesn’t say so. There are authors, poets, and literary figures from other countries too, who gained fame but died very young, prominent among them is John Keats, to cite an example, who died at the age of 25. So, isn’t it ironic that some in a short lifespan of 25-40 years made gigantic strides, while others couldn’t manage to do that even in a century?

    In the 19th century, when these five were alive, they witnessed watershed changes in their countries. Some major events were as follows: India had the First War of Independence in 1857. The British East India Company was replaced by the British Crown in 1858. Russia had the Crimean War between 1853 and 1856; the Caucasian War, between 1817 and 1864; and the capture of Tashkent by the Russian Army in 1865. In addition, Alaska was sold to the US in 1867; the Russian-Turkish War happened in 1877, and the Russian famine in 1891. Alexander III, the emperor of Russia, passed away in 1894, and the first congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) was held in 1898 in Minsk, now in Belarus. In America and Europe, slavery was abolished through an act; the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, which overlapped with the 18th and 20th centuries, respectively, led to massive urbanisation. Construction of the Suez Canal commenced in 1859, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean through the Red Sea, providing a more direct shipping route between Europe and Asia. The Islamic gunpowder empires (Ottoman Empire, Safavid and the Mughal) were formerly dissolved, and European imperialism brought much of South Asia, Southeast Asia and almost all of Africa under colonial rule. It was also marked by the collapse of the Spanish, Zulu Kingdom, First French Empire, Holy Roman and the Mughal Empire.

    Even with all the hullabaloo in their country and continent, there was calm and composure in these five lit luminaries. They had a single focus, just like Arjuna’s concentration – the eye of the fish, and that was to keep writing till their last breath. Though born in a Bengali Kayastha family in Calcutta, Swami Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his guru, Ramakrishna, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self. Therefore, service to God could only be rendered by service to mankind. Anton Chekhov, even when he fell sick in 1885, kept writing till he died of tuberculosis in 1904. Some of them even had financial problems, leading to trying times to obtain education, and some even had to support their education by writing scripts for magazines and even by selling fish. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, the second child of actors David and Elizabeth Poe. His father abandoned the family in 1810, and his mother died the following year. He became an orphan, yet he fought back to become one of the most formidable writers of short stories. When Maupassant was 11, his mother, an independent-minded woman, divorced her husband. Afterwards, Maupassant lived with his mother, who was the single biggest influence on him, but that entailed hardships. Gogol lost his father at the age of fifteen, yet he aspired to become a writer.

    The short lifespan of these great writers only teaches us that achievements are not a function of your age.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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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)

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BOOK REVIEW: INDIA’S GREATEST SPEECHES by Nitin Agarwal

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Hi friends. I’ve just finished reading this book titled ‘India’s Greatest Speeches’ compiled by Nitin Agarwal. The publisher of this book is Grapevine India Publishers Ltd. The title was published in 2014, but it got to my hands late. The price of this book is Rs 195. It comprises 325 pages. Most of these speeches are available in the archives. Yet, I would say Nitin has done a good job of providing them in a readymade platter.  The selection of speeches and the introduction of the personality before each speech is also quite absorbing. At times, we feel we know a celebrity quite well, but when you start reading about them, you feel otherwise.

Overall, it’s a stimulating collection of thoughtful speeches delivered by some of the most prominent personalities of India. But then, one viewpoint could be, why read these speeches at all? What do you gain from them? Well, let me tell you. Behind every speech lies the covert and overt accomplishment of the personality. Rather, the essence of an orator’s personality, which knowingly or unknowingly, directly or indirectly comes out for the betterment of the common man. There is a verse in the Gita that says, ‘Masses follow the classes.’ Moreover, speeches often silhouette the inveterate mindset of the orator. It, at times, even doubles up as a mini biography of the personality.

Set to inspire, the book includes some of the most stirring and eloquent addresses by Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mother Teresa, JRD Tata, Abdul Kalam, Narendra Modi and many other influential Indian leaders.

The book starts with a short insight from the Bhagavad Gita. It then goes on to cover twenty-five speeches of 23 cynosure personalities of India. One will find a good amount of historical perspective in some of the speeches. Almost all speeches are loaded with aspects of challenge, failure, success, struggle, decision making, telling tough tales and life lessons and ultimately, the making of those towering personalities.

An interesting pattern that inadvertently emerges from the book is the ground feel of what India and the bigwigs of India were, towards the end of the nineteenth century, when Swami Vivekananda delivered that famous speech in Chicago in 1893. And it extends to almost a decade and a half after independence, say 1965. It also gives you a flavour of how India changed after 1965, because of the altered mindsets of Indian personalities, which included their viewpoints, their values and even their ambitions.

The world today has become extremely complex. Competition has intensified, and struggles have become longer and even tougher. Global perspectives have taken over issues, and nothing is isolated; most things are transparent. The speeches post 1965 in the book reflect that in some way or the other. The collection of speeches extends from 1893 to 2014.

There are two speeches of Mahatma Gandhi delivered in the years 1912 and 1922. When you read these speeches, you get an eerie feeling as to how different India has become since then. Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s famous and daring statement before the Lahore High Court Bench exhibits his jasba … passion for his motherland–India. The narration is a bouquet of important speeches.

In the year 1937, Veer Damodar Savarkar, then president of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, delivered a speech in Karnavati defining Hinduism. There are other master pieces from Tagore in 1941, and Dr Radhakrishnan in 1947. Then you have the famous speeches of Subhas Chandra Bose—Give me Blood and I promise you Freedom, and Nehru’s ‘Tryst with Destiny.’

In the year 1948, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel delivered his famous speech at Calcutta Maidan on the unification of states. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a very important leader of Jana Sangh (now BJP) in the year 1965, addressed a full house on Integral Humanism.

One is really moved by the humbleness of Mother Teresa when she made that historic speech in 1979 upon the acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize, and JRD Tata’s superlative speech in the year 1982 on his Historic Flight Re-enactment, and the famous speech of Mrs Gandhi, her last in 1984, after which she was assassinated.

Who can forget Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous 2001 address at the United Nations General Assembly? And, Natayana Murthy, in 2007, during the pre-commencement address at New York University, describing his volatile journey.

There are two Speeches by Prime Minister Modi delivered in 2014, at FICCI Ahmedabad and the Independence Day, that outline India’s future and what he intends to do for the country. The speech of Par excellence Ex-President, APJ Abdul Kalam, in 2011, defining the vision of India, can never be forgotten. It is superb and so very educational.

On the creative side, there is AR Rahman’s 2009 Oscar Awards Acceptance address and Shah Rukh Khan’s famous ‘Courage in Success’ delivered in 2013.

Lifetime Achievement Awards don’t come easy. Everyone knows about the struggle Azim Premji had to undertake to establish his mighty company. His speech on the occasion at the Economic Times Awards in the year 2013 is also in the list of speeches.

And last but not least, the making of the world champions. Sports achievements are one of the toughest, where you start alone, and if you’re not successful, you go into a depression followed by oblivion. There are three wonderful speeches by Viswanathan Anand, 2007, Speech at NIIT Chennai, Abhinav Bindra, 2013, GoSports Foundation Conclave and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, 2013, A Farewell to Cricket.

Overall, it’s an interesting read if you want to know about these personalities and their tedious journey to success.

The list of speeches:

  1. Swami Vivekananda, 1893, The Chicago Address (Opening Day)
  2. Mahatma Gandhi, 1912 Banaras Hindu University Speech
  3. Mahatma Gandhi, 1922 The Great Trial of 1922
  4. Shaheed Bhagat Singh 1930 Statement before the Lahore High Court Bench
  5. Veer Damodar Savarkar, 1937 Presidential Address, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, defining Hinduism.
  6. Rabindranath Tagore, 1941, Civilisation’s Crisis, The Last Testament of Tagore
  7. Subhas Chandra Bose, 1944, Give Me Blood and I Promise You Freedom
  8. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, 1947, Speech as First Vice-President of India
  9. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 1947, Tryst with Destiny
  10. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, 1948, Speech at Calcutta Maidan
  11. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, 1965, Lecture on Integral Humanism
  12. Mother Teresa, 1979, Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance
  13. JRD Tata, 1982, Historic Flight Re-enactment
  14. Indira Gandhi, 1984, The Last Speech
  15. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 2001, United Nations General Assembly Speech
  16. Narayana Murthy, 2007, Pre-commencement address at New York University
  17. Viswanathan Anand, 2007, Speech at NIIT, Chennai
  18. AR Rahman, 2009, Oscar Awards Acceptance
  19. APJ Abdul Kalam, 2011, Vision of India
  20. Abhinav Bindra, 2013, GoSports Foundation Conclave
  21. Shah Rukh Khan, 2013, Courage in Success
  22. Sachin Tendulkar, 2013, A Farewell to Cricket
  23. Azim Premji, 2013, Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance, Economic Times Awards
  24. Narendra Modi, 2014, Speech at FICCI, Ahmedabad
  25. Narendra Modi, 2014, Independence Day Speech

 Reviewed and written by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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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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Travelogue: Switzerland: The Scenic Mount Titlis and Lucerne by Kamlesh Tripathi

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SUMMIT, MOUNT TITLIS

     With its breathtaking landscapes, Switzerland is a dream destination for travellers worldwide. On the 19th of August, our European tour peaked as we journeyed to Mount Titlis, one of Switzerland’s most iconic spots. Nestled in the Uri Alps, Titlis is a place that seamlessly blends natural beauty with adventure, offering an experience unlike any other.

    We set out from our hotel at 8:30 AM and arrived in Engelberg, known as the “City of Angels,” by 10 AM. Engelberg serves as the base for the Titlis expedition and is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding Alps. Mount Titlis rises up to 3,238 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Western Alps, making it a truly captivating sight. Titlis straddles the cantons of Obwalden and Bern, with the summit divided into two peaks—Gross Titlis and Klein Titlis—both accessible by cable car.

    As I stood atop the mountain, the scenes brought to mind both historical films set in these majestic surroundings and Bollywood classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, where the Alps became the backdrop to a romance that has remained etched in the hearts of many. The crisp, refreshing air at such a high altitude made the surroundings feel otherworldly, almost as though I had stepped into a postcard. The beauty of the place is a mystery that defies words or even technology, leaving one in awe of nature’s grandeur.

    Reaching the summit, we were treated to unforgettable views. The illuminated glacier cave was a particular highlight, allowing us to step into the heart of a magnificent ice wonderland. The famous Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, added an exhilarating twist to our adventure. As we walked across the bridge, we gazed out at the surrounding snow-covered peaks and glaciers far below, further enhancing the feeling of being on top of the world.

    The journey to Titlis required two cable car rides: from Engelberg to Stans, and then from Stans to the summit. As we ascended, the views became even more spectacular, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Alps. At the top, we spent time exploring the shops, sampling Mövenpick ice cream, and simply soaking in the surrounding beauty. Paragliders soared gracefully through the crisp, clear sky, adding a sense of serenity to the scene.

    The Ice Cave at Titlis was another must-see, with its incredible ice sculptures that seemed to defy the imagination. The Cliff Walk, with its dizzying heights and stunning vistas, provided the kind of thrill that only the Swiss Alps can offer. Though Titlis may be considered a more accessible option compared to Jungfraujoch for those seeking to explore the Swiss Alps, both are equally spectacular in their own ways.

    By 1:15 PM, it was time to descend. We headed to Trubsee, where we were treated to a delicious Indian lunch featuring Pav-Bhaji, Dhokla, Gajar Halwa, Roti, and Rice. It was a welcome and flavorful meal after the exhilarating experience at the summit. After lunch, we made our way back to Engelberg before continuing our journey to Lucerne.

    Lucerne, with its rich history and stunning architecture, was our next stop. Our visit began with the poignant Lion Monument, a tribute to Swiss mercenaries who lost their lives during the French Revolution. The monument, which depicts a dying lion, is a powerful symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Legend has it that the sculptor, frustrated with not being paid, subtly cursed the city by shaping the lion within the outline of a pig—a symbol of disrespect in the artist’s eyes.

    Next, we visited Schwanenplatz, a bustling market area by the lake, where ducks leisurely lounged by the water’s edge. The market was a haven for souvenirs, with Swiss watches, knives, and chocolates in abundance. After exploring the market, we boarded a dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne. The cruise was a delightful experience, featuring Swiss folklore music and traditional instruments. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a Bollywood song and dance session on the upper deck, which added an unexpected touch of excitement to the evening.

    By 9 PM, we returned to our hotel at Seedamm Plaza, reflecting on the many unforgettable experiences of the day. Mount Titlis, Lucerne’s Lion Monument, and the dinner cruise had truly marked the climax of our tour. An unexpected highlight was learning that Switzerland had honored Indian film producer Yash Chopra with a bust in Interlaken, acknowledging his contribution to promoting the country’s stunning landscapes in his films.

    Our trip to Switzerland was nothing short of a magical spell. Whether it was the majestic views from Mount Titlis, the historical significance of Lucerne’s monuments, or the cultural richness of the Swiss folklore music, Switzerland proved to be a destination that offers something for everyone. It was a journey filled with adventure, history, and warmth, one that we will cherish forever.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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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)

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Visit to Cologne Cathedral and the cuckoo clock factory in the Black Forest, Germany … by Kamlesh Tripathi

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In the afternoon, we set off for Germany. Our destination was Cologne. We planned to visit the renowned Cologne Cathedral after dinner at an Indian restaurant called Rangoli. Sunset in Europe is quite late in August, so we could go sightseeing even after dinner. Since it was the holiday season in Europe, there wasn’t much traffic either. We reached the restaurant by seven, after a four-hour drive. After dinner, we took a leisurely walk to reach the Cologne Cathedral.

     The following day, we were to travel across Germany through the Black Forest and reach the Rhine Falls (waterfall) in Switzerland and then to our hotel, Seadamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, Zurich. The drive was through the mystique Bavarian Alps with misty mountains and fast, lane-observing traffic. The weather was cold and overcast. We left at eight in the morning, towards the Black Forest. While negotiating the scenic mountain windings in the Bavarian Alps, I kept nostalgically recollecting my good old days in the thick of those absorbing musical instrumentals of my all-time favourites streaming in a sequence on my mobile. I was reminded of the best scene of Dr Zhivago when Omar Sharif runs up to the room above, and breaks the glass pane to have one last glimpse of Julie Christie from the window as the image of the sledge pulled by horses, carting her, starts diminishing in the snowy surroundings. This is when the melodious ‘Lara’s theme’ fills the ambience in the movie theatre. This is followed by the ‘Love theme’ from Romeo and Juliet, by Dutch violinist Andre Rieu, and then comes the famous Scarborough Fair (some call it a hymn) by British flautist Adrian Bret. What followed was the fond memory of the great Richard Burton and his famous Alistair Maclean movie ‘Where Eagles Dare’, which had so much to do with the Bavarian Alps located in Germany and Austria.

      The Black Forest in the German language is called ‘Schwarzwald,’ which is famously known for the Cuckoo Clock Industry, Cloud Fisheries Industry and the Black Forest Cake.

    We reached the car park of the Cuckoo Clock factory at about 1.45 PM local time. The place is known as Titisee-Brietnau, where clocks are manufactured. It also manufactures glass toys. We were given a live demonstration on how clocks are made. We also saw a live show of a Cuckoo Clock that squeaks and chimes at two in the afternoon, and the dancing dolls come out to dance with their partners. In the deep recesses of Germany, we had a rather sumptuous lunch in great style and variety. We were served Dahi Vadas, Veg Pulao, Grilled Chicken, French Fries, Cutlets and Pastries. The group shopped to its delight and was all for the traditional Cuckoo Clock.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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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 designed for our readers, including children and adults, and feature a diverse range of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to contribute 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

Pakistan: An Atrocious Copy-Paste Master … by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Operation Sindoor was launched on 7 May 2025, in retaliation for the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, in which 26 civilian tourists lost their lives.

    Pakistan is an atrocious copy-paste master. After having lost the plot, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif implemented several measures to create a false image among the Pakistani public that they had emerged victorious. This, despite their Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) having called his Indian counterpart to request a cessation of hostilities.

    After the temporary suspension of armed hostilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur air base in Punjab on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to boost the morale of the armed forces. Modi’s visit came just days after Indian armed forces executed Operation Sindoor with clinical precision. Air Force Station, Adampur, was one of the active bases during the mission. PM Modi was welcomed with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” as air warriors and soldiers celebrated the operation’s success. Copying the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move, Shehbaz Sharif also decided to visit the forces. However, lacking the courage to do so effectively, he merely stood on a tank to address them. He was widely ridiculed and trolled for this: Khet mein tank, jeet ka prank.

    The Government of India formed seven all-party parliamentary delegations to visit various countries as part of a strategic diplomatic outreach, aiming to garner international support and convey India’s stance: that India is a peace-loving nation suffering from terrorism originating in Pakistan. As expected, Pakistan mimicked this move too, sending a delegation under Bilawal Bhutto abroad to falsely portray Pakistan as a victim rather than a perpetrator of terrorism.

    But this act of imitating India isn’t new for Pakistan. It began with Mohammad Ali Jinnah himself. In his piece ‘Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah’, Dr B. R. Ambedkar describes Gandhi and Jinnah, noting that Jinnah and the Muslim League copied Gandhi and the Congress even before India’s independence. The Qaid-i-Azam of Pakistan simply followed Gandhi’s lead. The politics between these two iconic figures became a contest of one-upmanship from Jinnah’s end. If Gandhi was the Mahatma, Jinnah had to be Qaid-i-Azam. Pakistan has always believed in copying India, a pattern visible even during Jinnah’s lifetime. Jinnah didn’t innovate; he imitated Gandhi.

    Politics in the hands of these two great leaders turned into a competition of extravagance. If Gandhi was known as the Mahatma, Jinnah insisted on being known as Qaid-i-Azam. If Gandhi had the Congress Party, Jinnah ensured the existence of the Muslim League. If the Congress had a Working Committee and an All India Congress Committee, the Muslim League had to have its own Working Committee and Council. A session of the Congress was inevitably followed by one of the Muslim League.

    If the Congress issued a political statement, the Muslim League had to issue one too. If the Congress passed a resolution of 17,000 words, the Muslim League’s resolution had to be at least 1,000 words longer. If the Congress President held a press conference, the Muslim League President followed suit. If the Congress addressed the United Nations, the Muslim League made sure not to be outdone.

    Gandhi insisted Jinnah admit he was one of the Muslim leaders; Jinnah insisted Gandhi admit he was a Hindu. This dynamic is clearly depicted in Ambedkar’s piece, ‘Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah’.

    During the partition, Jinnah and the Muslim League imitated Gandhi and the Congress Party. This could have been a great moment for the Congress to reflect, mock, and point out Pakistan’s persistent habit of mimicry, showing that the mindset of Jinnah and the Muslim League carried on into the Pakistani state post-partition and portraying Congress as the lynchpin of India.

Instead, the Congress began mimicking Pakistan—and in doing so, fell from grace. Big opportunity lost.

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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INTO THE SUNSET YEARS by Kamlesh Tripathi

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    As we continue to grow old, our perspectives and lifestyles keep changing. Life is never static, they say. The only permanence is impermanence. The way we see the world at 20 is vastly different from how we perceive it at 40, 60, or even 80. Though it’s often said that age is just a number. The number subtly but significantly influences how we view the remaining time on Mother Earth, and how we choose to live in it. If we consider the average human lifespan as 100 years, the first 50 mainly involve learning, growth, and striving, while the second half leans towards reflection, realignment, and seeking deeper spiritual meaning.

    From the moment we are born, we can imagine a hundred years ahead, when the world seems filled with immense opportunities. The future expands like Parkinson’s law, filling the available hundred years. It appears to be brimming with opportunities, ambitions, and several ladders to climb. There’s a blend of excitement and apprehension. But success isn’t guaranteed. The path ahead is tough and winding. At this stage, the focus is on acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and laying down the foundation for a meaningful career and life. We put effort into education, training, and competition. The aim is to secure positions in top institutions or prestigious jobs that offer stability and high rewards. Once these goals are attained, our focus naturally shifts. The initial craving for academic success gives way to pursuits of professional, social, and financial achievement. These are early energetic years of ambition and diligent effort, reaching their peak in climbing the corporate and social ladders. These initial years are about proving oneself and establishing identity and worth in a demanding world. Although moments of introspection occur, the main focus remains on external achievements, recognition, financial security, and maintaining one’s social standing. The mind stays alert, the spirit driven. The challenges are seen as obstacles to overcome rather than signs to slow down.

    However, as time advances and we approach retirement, something shifts. We start to realise that our time on Earth is limited. There is a gentle yet persistent awareness that our stay here is temporary, and life is, in fact, a journey. At the peak of our professional success, many of us begin to experience a spiritual void, long concealed by material pursuits and external ambitions. This often marks the beginning of the search for inner peace, mostly after you retire. Thoughts about the next phase, the second innings, begin to surface. Questions once ignored now become central. What is the purpose of all this? What lies beyond this life? How should one prepare for the journey hereafter? The ancient Hindu tradition comprehensively captures life through its four ashrams. It provides a roadmap of life’s journey in the stages of Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa.

    As we approach life’s sunset, Shloka 2.22 in the Gita starts reminding us that the body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. The decay of the physical body is not an end, but a transition, much like changing clothes. The Shloka softens the fear of death by framing it as a natural and graceful process of renewal. It emphasises detachment, acceptance, and the continuity of the soul’s journey:

‘Vāsānsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya
navāni gṛhṇāti naro’parāṇi,
tathā śarīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇāni
anyāni saṁyāti navāni dehī.’  (Just as a person gives up old garments and puts on new ones,
so does the embodied soul discards worn-out bodies and takes on new ones).

    Although conceived in an era bereft of mechanical clocks and the Gregorian calendar, they continue to offer timeless wisdom. Today, with our lives measured meticulously in minutes and milestones, we are more aware than ever of time’s passage. This awareness also serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and live consciously. Ultimately, age isn’t merely about growing old. It is about growing wiser. It teaches us that ambition must be balanced with awareness. Success must eventually give way to surrender, and while youth is about becoming, age is about understanding. Life, after all, is not a race but a journey, a fleeting passage through time. May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace. Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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21/7/25 Speaking Tree: Radha Rukmini:Two Facets of Love in Krishn Lila

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(Times of India 21/7/25. Speaking Tree: Radha & Rukmini: Two Facets of Love in Krishn Lila by Ganesh Kolambakar)

    In Krishn’s divine lila, love reveals itself in many shades, not to confuse us but to awaken us. At first glance, Krishn’s bond with Radha may seem puzzling, especially since Rukmini was his lawful consort. Yet across centuries, temples, songs, and hearts remember Krishn not as ‘Rukmini-Krishn’ but as ‘Radha-Krishn’.
    Radha and Rukmini are two expressions of the Divine force. They symbolise two dimensions of love– the worldly and the transcendental, the composed and the consuming. They are not in conflict but in complement, reflecting the soul’s journey towards the divine.
Rukmini, the queen of Dwaraka, embodies maryada, the love that lives within the boundaries of dharm. She is Lakshmi incarnate, graceful and steadfast. Her love stands for a sacred partnership rooted in harmony, order, and purpose. She represents Apara Shakti, Krishn’s manifest energy that sustains worldly life.
Radha, the gopi of Vrindavan, is Krishn’s Hladini Shakti, his bliss, inner song. Her love transcends all boundaries. It is romantic, yes, but not merely earthly; it’s the soul’s cry for union with the Infinite. Radha is Para Shakti, the soul’s longing for the Divine, unbound by law or logic. She is not another love; she is love itself, raw and pure.
To a layperson, Radha and Krishn’s romance is emotionally relatable, a tale of longing, stolen glances, and secret meetings under moonlit skies. But to the seeker, it reveals a profound truth: that the soul, like Radha, yearns not for a husband or a protector, but for oneness with the Divine Beloved. This is why their love stirred saints and poets alike. Meerabai, too, wept and sang for Krishn, not as a king but as her eternal lover. Her devotion mirrored Radha’s fearless and boundless love, pure, sacred, and beyond the bonds of this world.
Rukmini’s love is the temple. Radha’s the sacred fire within. Rukmini walks with grace, and Radha dances in divine ecstasy. Both are true. Both are sacred. One represents Krishn’s presence in worldly life. The other reveals Krishn in the innermost heart. Sri Aurobindo saw Radha as the symbol of the psychic being – the soul’s flame moving toward the Divine. In this light, Radha and Krishn are not two lovers, but the seeker and the sought. Their union is not merely emotional. It is spiritual and cosmic.
Some traditions view Radha and Krishn as Shakti and Shiv, two forms yet ultimately one. Rukmini represents Krishn’s role in society and dharm. Radha is the inner music, his hidden joy. Both are divine movements of the same truth.
To truly understand Krishn, one must embrace both these aspects. He is the cowherd of Vrindavan and the sovereign of Dwaraka. He is Radha’s eternal beloved and Rukmini’s devoted husband. One whispers the mystery of divine ecstasy. The other upholds the strength of divine grace.
Krishn’s lila unveils love in its fullness. In Krishn’s world, love has many faces. Each of them is sacred. Through them, we do not just learn how to love. We learn how to become Love itself.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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TRAVELOGUE: LONDON EYE TO EIFFEL TOWER,

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    We landed at Heathrow, London, Terminal 4 at 2.30 pm London time. By the time we left the airport, it was six. The group arrived at the Holiday Inn Express Terminal 5 hotel at 7:00. Our check-in was followed by a continental dinner. The daylight in London lasted till nine. As a result, one felt one had eaten lunch instead of dinner.

    The following day, we departed for London sightseeing after an English breakfast.  We travelled to London City Centre, crossing zones 3, 2 and 1. Our travel guide was Sari, and the coach driver was Sam. We first visited the Natural History Museum, followed by the Victoria and Albert Museum. There were brick-laden houses on the way. We passed through the Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner, the statue of the Duke of Wellington on his horse, the Fountain of Opera, Trafalgar Square—Nelson’s Column and its four lions, considered zero miles for London, where Bollywood movies are shot. We attended the ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace, held every other day. It’s a royal ceremony that we were able to shoot. The royal guards change shifts in a formal ceremony, accompanied by the marching band. Next was the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square and 10 Downing Street.

London Eye
West Minster Abbey

          We crossed the Thames riverfront humming an old classic, ‘Scarborough Fair’. The symbol of the two dragons, indicating you’re in London, was superb. The city of London is colloquially known as the Square Mile.

    The ‘London Eye’ (Ferris Wheel) gave a panoramic view of the city of London. It has 32 capsules. It takes 32 minutes for a circle with 32 people, reminding you of the 32 boroughs of London. One capsule represents one borough.  

London Bridge

    The next was the Phantom of the Opera, the Tower Bridge on the left of the London Bridge. We drove past the London Bridge and the fire monument of the 16th century. We also had a bite and a stroll on Oxford Street, followed by dinner at the Hot Plate Restaurant.

London Bridge

    The following morning, we were up at three to board the famous Eurostar train to Paris from St. Pancras International Station, London.  The train was at 7.01 am. We left the hotel at 4.30 in a coach to reach the station by five. The security check at the railway station was tedious because of the luggage. After security, one technically leaves the territory of the U.K. and enters Europe on a Schengen visa after immigration. Twenty minutes before departure, we were informed of our gate number. We sat in bogies 12 and 13 after walking past gate 10. Soon, the Eurostar train 9004 to Paris left platform 10 from St Pancras Railway Station. After a point, it entered Europe, leaving behind the U.K. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Paris. We were there at 10.20 am, exactly two hours and twenty minutes of travel time, but by the clock, it was three hours and twenty minutes because the continent of Europe is one hour ahead of the U.K. time. There are breathtaking tunnels under the English Channel. The train crosses them in about 35 minutes on the way to Paris-Gare-du-Nord railway station. The local tour guide in Paris was Senthil, an Indian expat. He began with a Vannakam—Tamil Namaste. The tour commenced with the Opera House and the Greek Church, rich in Greek architecture. Next was the Golden Flame and the bridge where Lady Diana died in a car accident. Then followed the Place De La Concorde, Macaline, Shawn Elizey, and the famous Eiffel Tower.

    Later, we visited Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb in Les Invalides. At 2 pm, after lunch at ‘Welcome India’, we left for the Eiffel Tower. It was jam-packed with umpteen souvenir shops. The names of French authors Jules Verne and Victor Hugo graced many shops and public spaces in Paris. It reminded me of the statue of Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street.  It took an hour to get across the security gate and reach the summit level of the Eiffel Tower. The aerial view of Paris from there was splendid. The summit level was earlier closed. Later, they opened it. We were lucky to get the tickets. We had a drink in the Champagne bar. The Eiffel Tower has three floors: the first, the second, and the summit level. The pillar elevators and the stairs take you to the first and second levels. To reach the top of the Tower from the second level, one needs to locate a separate elevator meant for it. In the same sequence, one can come down. After beholding the Eiffel Tower, we undertook a river cruise on the Seine River.

PARIS CITY FROM IFFEL TOWER

    We reached our hotel at eight. After some free time, we drove down to ‘The Champs-Élysées’, the main street of Paris. We had a photo session there under the glittering lights. Thereafter, we went to the Eiffel Tower again. It was an amazing sight to see it lit up Eiffel Tower at eleven at night. It was the longest day of our tour—from 3 am to midnight and from London to Paris.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Marks a Day of Peace

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His Holiness The Dalai Lama

    The birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is celebrated annually on July 6 by Tibetans and Buddhists worldwide. This will be his 90th birthday. He was born in 1935 in Taktser, a small hamlet in north-eastern Tibet. His Holiness is not only the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also a global symbol of peace and compassion. His birthday is much more than a mere celebration of his life. Rather, it is an occasion to reflect on his teachings and the pristine values that he upholds.

    Tenzin Gyatso was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was just two years old. By the age of 15, he assumed full political authority in Tibet during a period of rising tensions with China. In 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he was compelled to flee to India, where he has lived in exile ever since. From his base in Dharamshala, he continues to lead the Tibetan people spiritually and politically, canvassing for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue globally.

    Despite his forced displacement, the Dalai Lama has never strayed from his goal of peace. He remains a man who continues to smile despite losing his kingdom. His advocacy for peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, recognising his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibetan struggle. He has become an icon of conscience in a world torn apart by conflict and intolerance over the decades.

    The Dalai Lama is regarded as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His birthday is observed with reverence and gratitude as followers reflect on his teachings. They renew their commitment to ethical living, non-violence, and spiritual practice.

Celebrations usually involve prayer ceremonies, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Monasteries conduct long-life prayers for His Holiness, while laypeople light butter lamps, hang prayer flags, and offer incense. Songs, dances, and traditional Tibetan opera are performed in honour of the occasion. Elders share stories of the Dalai Lama’s life and the values he promotes. Children often dress in traditional attire.

    In Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the festivities are especially lively. Tibetans and international visitors gather at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Dalai Lama’s main temple, to participate in religious rituals and listen to speeches honouring his contributions to world peace and the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Beyond the Tibetan community, many non-Buddhists and global admirers of the Dalai Lama also take the day as an opportunity to reflect on his universal preachings. Schools, universities, and spiritual centres may organise meditation sessions, peace talks, or humanitarian activities inspired by his teachings.

    The Dalai Lama’s birthday acts as a global reminder of the power of kindness, empathy, and inner peace. His fundamental message — that all human beings deserve happiness and that compassion is the basis of true peace — resonates with people from all walks of life, regardless of religion or nationality. He often says, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

    As the Dalai Lama advances into the later years of his life, his birthday also prompts questions about the future of the Tibetan movement and the succession of the Dalai Lama institution. Despite humongous uncertainties, his ongoing commitment to peace offers hope and inspiration to millions.

    In a world often perceived as fractured and unstable, the Dalai Lama’s birthday provides a moment to pause and reconnect with core human values. It is not merely a day to honour a revered spiritual teacher but also an occasion to renew a global commitment to compassion, understanding, and peace. Such magnificent personalities are born perhaps once in a millennium. My salute to him.

(The writer Kamlesh Tripathi is the author of ‘Awadh Assam and Dalai Lama … The Kalachakra’)

Written by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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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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