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Echoes of a Fallen Crown

  As I sat on the plush velvet chair, waiting for my name to be called, the grandeur of the oath-taking ceremony blurred into the background. My heart should have been soaring; this was the moment I had dreamed of my entire life. Instead, it felt heavy, as if a stone had lodged itself in my chest. The hall was filled with the who's who of Indian politics, their faces painted with false smiles and calculated congratulations. Cameras flashed, reporters buzzed, and yet, I felt utterly alone. My name is Deepak Sukhwinder, the soon-to-be Chief Minister of Delhi. A title I fought for, sacrificed for. A title I now wear like a crown of thorns. As I leaned back, my thoughts began to wander, pulling me into the labyrinth of memories I’d tried so hard to suppress. My Abba’s voice echoed in my ears, deep and commanding, yet filled with warmth. “Deepak, Dilip, you two are the roots of this family tree. Stay united, no matter what storms come your way.” Abba and Mama were everything to us. They...
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How to Make the Most of Your Sunday

  As a student, Sunday often feels like a bittersweet transition from the freedom of the weekend to the responsibilities of the week. It's the day that marks the beginning of the end, where the thought of assignments, projects, exams, and the endless stream of tasks seems to hover in the air. It's not uncommon to feel the dread creeping in – that mixture of anticipation and anxiety as Monday looms closer. But what if I told you that Sunday could be the secret ingredient to having a successful and stress-free week? The challenge isn't unique to students. As a corporate employee, my Sundays became a different kind of challenge. The relaxed feeling of the weekend is often overshadowed by the anxiety of the upcoming workweek. It is seen that employees have constant pressure of meetings, deadlines, and an overflowing inbox waiting to be tackled. For employees, Sundays become a battleground of balancing relaxation and preparing for another hectic Monday. Now, as a woman managing ...

Why is Thripunithura Athachamayam so famous in Kerala?

Athachamayam, a grand cultural fiesta, marks the commencement of Kerala state festival, Onam. Held in the historic town of Thripunithura, this colorful event unfolds with a magnificent procession showcasing Kerala’s diverse folk art forms. This annual celebration serves as a curtain-raiser to the ten-day Onam festival, capturing the essence of tradition, royalty, and communal harmony. Thripunithura , once the capital of the Kochi kingdom,  a center of art, culture, and administration   transforms into a cultural hub during Athachamayam . The streets come alive with a long procession of thematic floats, musical ensembles, and folk art performances such as Theyyam, Pulikkali, Kathakali and what not. The grandeur of the procession reflects Kerala's cultural diversity and unity, showcasing not just the region’s artistic richness but also the spirit of inclusivity that binds its people together. The History Behind Athachamayam The  origins of Athachamayam date bac k to the era...

It's High Time!! We Need to Act for the Western Ghats

Today, a devastating landslide in the hilly regions near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 63 lives, with 116 people injured and hundreds more believed to be trapped. This disaster, which coincides with heavy rainfall, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to heed the warnings and recommendations of the Gadgil Report. The recent landslide in Wayanad is not an isolated incident. Kerala is a state highly vulnerable to natural disasters and the changing climatic dynamics given its location along the sea coast and with a steep gradient along the slopes of the Western Ghats. Kerala is also one of the most densely populated Indian states (860 persons per square kilometer), which makes it even more vulnerable to damages and losses on account of disasters. The heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that swept through the region, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Such incidents highlight the fragile nature of the Western Ghats and the dire co...

Why Karkidakam is Considered a Sacred Month?

The Malayalam month of Karkidakam is known for its intense prayers, fasting, and austere lifestyle. Devotees across Kerala recite the Ramayana every day during this month, carrying out rituals believed to bring spiritual and mental benefits. This month is marked by heavy rains and the transition of the sun from one 'rasi' to the next, an event called 'sankramam'. This period, filled with rituals like lighting traditional lamps and chanting prayers to the Sun, is considered highly auspicious. Importance of Karkidakam Karkidakam, falling during the peak of the monsoon, is associated with a heightened risk of illnesses due to the weather conditions. This month is seen as a time for rejuvenation and preparation for the new year starting in Chingam. Traditionally, people use this time to purify their minds and bodies through Ayurvedic treatments such as uzhichil (massaging), medicinal therapies, and consuming Karkidaka Kanji, a special medicinal porridge. The Malayalam calen...

The People of Kerala and the Ramayana in the Month of Karkidakam

The people of Kerala read the Ramayana during the month of Karkidakam, which is also known as Ramayana month. I discovered something surprising: throughout India, this month is given great significance only in Kerala. This month is famous for dark clouds and heavy rains, and it's believed that people read the Ramayana to build self-confidence during these difficult days. The Ramayana, written by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan in Malayalam and known as Adhyatma Ramayana, is read in every Hindu home in the evenings. It is also recited in all temples of Kerala, both mornings and evenings, every day for one month. Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, considered the father of Malayalam language and literature, translated both great epics into Malayalam for the first time. Due to superstitious beliefs, they were not directly translated but written as 'Kilippaattu' (song of a bird), creating a new branch of literature. Since Karkidakam is considered the dark month, people give ...

The Joy of Reading!

Today is National Reading Day, a perfect occasion to explore the world of books and the joy of reading. Established to honor the legacy of P.N. Panicker, the father of the library movement in Kerala, this day reminds us of the profound impact reading can have on our lives. Let's look into the history and significance of this day, the types of books you can read, the advantages of reading, tips to fit reading into a busy schedule, and the role of technology in modern reading habits. The History and Significance of National Reading Day National Reading Day is celebrated on June 19th each year to commemorate the death anniversary of P.N. Panicker, a revered teacher and the driving force behind Kerala's library movement. Panicker's efforts in establishing local libraries and promoting reading have led to Kerala achieving a 100% literacy rate, a remarkable feat recognized worldwide. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19th as National Reading Day, extending the c...