Rodevra Republic

A moment from Saiyyan How many of us have heard the song of the nightingale—or the bulbul, as we know it? At some point in our lives, we are likely to have heard its voice. The red-vented bulbul is not uncommon even in cities, often seen perched on flowering trees and shrubs. The nightingale is known for its astonishing range, capable of producing a remarkable variety of sounds. Its song has long been regarded as one of the most melodious in nature, which perhaps explains why it has been so celebrated in literature and music across cultures. You may be familiar with the song Saiyyan by Kailash Kher . What many may not know is that the inspiration for this song came from an intimate and deeply moving moment in nature. Kailash Kher once shared an experience from his home in Mumbai: “There was a nightingale around my house who would often sit on a tree in front of my room. I have always loved nightingales, and I felt, in some way, she had grown comfortable with my presence. I would ofte...

Laughing through tife with Charlie Chaplin He does not have proper clothes to wear, nor does he have proper shoes, but he dances nevertheless, wanting to enjoy the moments. His shortcomings don't hold him from taking on life. We may think his situation his heartbreaking, but humour is not found in a comfortable life conditions; it is found in sadness. We find all the sad things happening in Charlie Chaplin's life funny... they are funny because they are not happening to us!

A quiet moment across generations—where time, care, and continuity come together This is a beautiful and sensitive portrayal of three ages—three generations brought together in a quiet moment. The child appears tearful, perhaps having insisted on being with her grandmother. The mother, in a gentle act of understanding, has brought her to the doorway and set her down. One can notice the child’s small foot still resting on the mother’s, as if reluctant to let go completely. There is something deeply human in that transition. The grandmother, seated at her spinning wheel, seems absorbed in her work. To the child, the motion of the wheel must be fascinating—the transformation of loose fibre into thread, almost like a quiet act of creation unfolding before her eyes. There often exists a natural affinity between the youngest and the oldest, and this bond is delicately suggested here. The grandmother’s presence offers a different kind of comfort—one that is unhurried and rooted. The sett...

Drawn into a world that is ever more connected, and yet increasingly overwhelming It is strange that, as a young boy, I felt my life was largely my own. Events unfolding in the outside world, though seemingly important, appeared distant and irrelevant. With time, one is compelled to face a different reality—that each of us is deeply affected by the sway and movement of global events. What we do, as individuals and as nations, has consequences that reach far beyond our immediate world. Our inventions have, in many ways, collapsed time and distance. There is now a relentless movement towards an interconnected world—of global supply chains, instantaneous capital flows, social media, transnational networks, climate change, mass migration, and ever-increasing complexity. We are, whether we recognise it or not, part of this vast web. I have often heard it said that the world is round. Today, it feels as though it has shrunk to the size of a ball at our feet. As a child, I might have kicked i...

This message brings us face to face with a rather morbid reality. Somewhere at the back of our minds we know it, but often find it difficult to come to terms with it. In this mood, it reminds me of the Mera Naam Joker song, “Kehta Hai Joker Sara Zamana”, particularly the lines: अपने पे हँस के जग को हँसाया बन के तमाशा मेले में आया धक्के पे धक्का, रेले पे रेला है भीड़ इतनी पर दिल अकेला ग़म जब सताये, सीटी बजाना... In many ways these lines offer an apt response to such a poignant thought. There is no time to brood. One accepts the reality expressed in the song and deals with it positively, almost as if whistling one's way through life. The ‘joker’ has proverbially harboured many sorrows, but conceals them behind a facade of mirth. The image of the clown who hides sorrow behind laughter has appeared many times in art and cinema, the classic example being Charlie Chaplin. In many ways Raj Kapoor emulated his style, and in Mera Naam Joker this influence found complete expression. As R...

A Kerala snake boat in motion—where rhythm, devotion, and collective effort merge into a living tradition What an incredible piece of culture this is. I was not aware, until recently, of how deeply the boat race is woven into the fabric of Kerala’s life. Traditionally, each village has its own boat, and it is regarded with a reverence that is almost devotional. It is not merely a vessel, but something that is honoured and cared for like a living presence. This spirit is clearly visible in the way the boat is ceremonially launched. The making of the boat itself follows precise calculations, as laid down in an ancient treatise. There is both science and tradition at work here. Even the treatment of the wood reflects a deep understanding of nature. The hull is coated with a mixture of fish oil, ash from coconut shells, and eggs. This makes the surface smoother in water, reduces absorption, and in turn lowers resistance. It is a simple yet remarkably effective solution. But what perhaps br...

Just to be sensitive to Nature and consider it as an integral part of our existence can help reveal its wonders and secrets that can make our lives so much better. The idea of our seperatedness with Nature is our biggest folly. But if we extend love and compassion to cover within its remit all living beings; Nature in all its perfection and beauty, we stand a chance for survival in the long run. Here is a passage from 'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Caroll that is a brilliant example of sensitivity to Nature in all its beauty and splendour: "I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again." Another technology innovation inspired by Nature is from humpback whales. The bumps on the leading edge of the humpback whale's flipper give it a hydrodynamic advantage. These bumps, called tubercles, make hu...

Mr Sunak’s sharply tailored style, admired by many but perhaps not entirely approved of by the ever-discerning Jeeves Jeeves would certainly have little reason to complain, as his master, Mr. Sunak, probably has a better dress sense than he could ever imagine, even at his finicky best. His suits are crafted to the highest standards of Savile Row, with fabrics sourced from mills in England and Scotland. But Jeeves might wear a faintly disapproving look when it comes to his master's shirts, which are not from England but bespoke creations from an Italian brand. The skin-tight fit would certainly not be to his liking. Coming to the trousers, he would be most aghast that they finish well above the ankle. But his master merely dismisses him with a wink, saying that it makes him look slick and perhaps a wee bit taller. Much to Jeeves's pleading, Mr. Sunak refuses to listen on the matter of lapel size and his preference for thin ties. The idea had been planted in his master's m...

A solitary moment—where abundance and emptiness quietly coexist Some of you may be familiar with the work of Robert Frank , the Swiss photographer and documentary filmmaker. He was among the most influential photographers of the mid-20th century, known for his nuanced and often ironic portrayal of American life—very much from an outsider’s perspective. The photograph above, in many ways, is reminiscent of that sensibility. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly advancing, consumer-driven society, it quietly captures something deeper—a sense of isolation that persists despite material abundance. The pursuit of more does not necessarily fill the inner void. Frank’s own words perhaps capture this duality best: “Black and white are the colors of photography. To me, they symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair to which mankind is forever subjected.” This interplay of hope and despair—two enduring human conditions—finds resonance elsewhere as well. In an Indian cinematic context, the...

Prof. Sumantra Ghoshal—whose phrase “smell of the place” invites a deeper way of understanding organisations and life   An interesting talk—but more than the management idea itself, what stayed with me was the phrase “smell of the place.” There is perhaps no sense more primal or deeply rooted than that of smell. Neuroscience tells us that smell is closely linked to emotion and long-term memory. Have you noticed how a familiar fragrance from childhood can instantly bring back vivid memories? I experienced this recently when I used the old green Cinthol soap—the one in the red wrapper that we used as children. The moment I used it, a rush of childhood memories came back, almost as if they had been waiting quietly. There is a reason for this. Unlike other senses, smell bypasses the thalamus and goes directly to the olfactory bulb—the brain’s centre for processing scent. This area is closely connected to the amygdala and the hippocampus, which are responsible for emotion and memory. Th...

A Zen garden reminds us that fallen leaves and changing seasons are part of its beauty. There is a Zen story in which a master was teaching the king of Japan the art of gardening. The master trained the king for three years and asked him to create his own garden during this time. The king worked on the palace garden itself and employed one thousand gardeners to implement everything down to the minutest detail. He brought in the most exotic and colourful plants, created beautiful pathways, ponds, meditation areas and rock sculptures. Everything was swept and cleaned regularly, including dead leaves from the ground and even from the branches. At the end of three years, the time for the test had come. The king visited the garden a day before the master was to arrive and inspect it. He was satisfied and certain that the master would be very pleased. Everything looked perfect and idyllic, like a picture from a fairy tale. The next day the master arrived at the garden, accompanied by the kin...

Discovering one's Ikigai often begins with a quiet moment of reflection. Discovering one's Ikigai often begins with a quiet moment of reflection. Living in one's Ikigai is the new mantra. It has long been a way of life for the Japanese, but it is now an idea the world is beginning to take notice of. Essentially, it means entering a state of flow where one acts according to one's basic nature, doing what comes naturally. There is no studied or conscious effort in the activity, but rather a sense of enjoyment, of being completely absorbed in it, where the activity itself seems to dictate the action rather than the conscious mind. Imagine an artist in the midst of creation, a musician completely lost in the music, a player on the verge of scoring a goal, or Rohit Sharma at the moment he hit the final six. These are moments when one loses oneself and reaches a higher state of awareness from which the action flows almost effortlessly. Ikigai is a collection of such moments w...

Kintsugi: The Wabi-Sabi Art of Beautiful Repair Trust the Japanese to give us the beautiful concept of Wabi-Sabi , so closely aligned with their way of life and living. It is an aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection. It accepts the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death. It is simple, slow and uncluttered, and reveres authenticity above all. It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind. Through Wabi-Sabi we learn to embrace liver spots, rust, tarnish, frayed edges, and the slow march of time they represent. It acknowledges the natural progression and the extinguished gloss of that which once sparkled. It reminds us that beauty is fleeting. To discover Wabi-Sabi is to see the singular beauty in something that may at first appear decrepit or even ugly. Wabi-Sabi is underplayed and modest — the kind of quiet, undeclared beauty that waits patiently to be discovered. It is a mellow beauty that is striking but never obvi...

Trees connected beneath the surface — a reminder that strength often comes from unseen relationships An example was recently given that within the diverse ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest there are certain hyper-dominant tree species that are hugely successful. They make up nearly half of the rainforest after fending off competition. This example was used in the context of companies that build cumulative advantage over a period of time. By leveraging these advantages, they win over competition and grow larger and more powerful, eventually eliminating competitors. However, recent research on plant ecosystems reveals a fascinating level of co-thriving between them, rather than competition. A tree’s most important means of staying connected to other trees is a “wood-wide web” of soil fungi that links vegetation in an intimate network. This network allows the sharing of an enormous amount of information and resources. It appears that nutrient exchange and helping neighbours in times of ...

An unlikely vegetable couple — the rugged yam and the elegant lauki — and their sweet offspring. There is a view in many quarters that the potato and onion make a fantastic couple, and often we find that one cannot do without the other. In a way they are inseparable. I am assuming the husband is the potato and the wife the onion. I know onions have the tendency to make others shed tears, but it would be unfair to qualify her as the wife for this reason alone. Like many husbands, the potato is dull, bland and boring, and it requires the onion to spice things up a bit. It is her extra zing that keeps their relationship going merrily along. And their children? They must of course be the baby potatoes and the spring onions! If you ask me, the most unlikely couple must be the lauki (bottle gourd) and the suran or jimikand (yam), if not for anything else but for their totally incompatible looks and demeanour. The bottle gourd is fair, with a firm and fine complexion, and quite shapely as w...

In the Upanishadic view, zero and infinity are not opposites but expressions of the same ultimate reality The Hindu scriptures contain a profound metaphysical understanding of zero and infinity, which together represent the totality of reality. The Isha Upanishad , in its celebrated shloka ( Om Poornam-adah Poornam-idam ), expresses this beautifully: Creation is Infinite, Absolute and Complete by itself. Every piece of creation arising from the Whole, from the Absolute, is also complete in itself. There is completeness here (in us) and there (in the Creator and Creation). Taking away infinity from infinity makes no difference to infinity. The Infinite cannot be made finite, and therefore all differentiations that appear as finite forms are, in the ultimate analysis, expressions of the Infinite. In this context, the concept of zero does not mean emptiness or voidness, but rather devoidness in the sense that Reality is devoid of all differentiations. In itself it is emptied of all manif...

From the simple geometry of a circle emerges Pi, a number that quietly points toward infinity To me, Pi has a special significance. Just to think of it as a number extending into eternity, without a single digit out of place, is strangely reassuring. And what causes it? A simple relationship between the circle’s diameter and its circumference. The impossibility of squaring the circle makes Pi transcendental. The transcendental meaning of Pi suggests a deeper realization: that reality does not represent the linear (conscious) and circular (unconscious) aspects as separate, but rather as expressions of a central relationship between the two. From a more holistic perspective, Pi may be seen as describing the dynamic relationship between linear and circular ways of understanding. The linear represents clarity and precision, while the circular represents paradox and continuity. Both the diameter (line) and the circumference (circle) must ultimately be reconciled. One way of imagining this i...

Woh shyam kuch ajeeb thi will rank as one of the most romantic songs in Hindi film music thanks to Gulzar getting into the skin of the characters for its story adaptation and Waheeda’s understated acting.  The lead characters moving back and forth in time reminiscing about their past love is beautifully portrayed and  masterfully rendered in the lyrics as well, Woh shaam kuchh ajeeb thi, yeh shaam bhi ajeeb hai. There are deft cinematography touches as well where Rajesh Khanna as Arun reminisces of his rejected love with, Woh kal bhi paas paas thi, woh aaj bhi kareeb hai . He looks up at the Howrah bridge as the boat passes under, signifying crossing over to the present.  What stood out was the B&W cinematography by Kamal Bose, who won the Filmfare award for the Best Cinematographer. You will notice he too moves back the camera, creating more width, as if to make way for the melody to expand. Something about the music. Hemant Kumar’s Rabindra Sangeet influence cannot...

The Emperor’s New Clothes: sometimes it takes the innocence of a child to reveal the truth others are afraid to see I came across this quote a couple of days back: “Trust cannot come unless one is honest.” In all its simplicity lies a profound truth. There is nothing that degrades the soul more than untruth, because the foundation of our existence is based on Universal Truth. With every lie, every pretence, every fakeness, we distance ourselves from this singular Truth. The point is, if we are seekers of Truth, how can we be untrue? Entire lives may be spent propagating and upholding an image of the self that is based on falsity. It is like wearing a mask which appears so real that it becomes permanent, impossible to tear off. In such a situation, trust comes at a premium, because one is dealing not with a person but with a version of that person, a mask steeped in untruth. This reminds me of the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes . The Emperor is deceived into believing that he is wea...

There was once a restaurant in Japan where the elderly waiters and waitresses suffered from varying degrees of memory loss. It was called a “restaurant of mistaken orders” , where most of the time the orders went wrong. Of course the patrons did not mind. In fact, many considered it a soul-enriching experience. It was one way they could show kindness and a sense of inclusiveness toward the people serving them. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences come not from perfection, but from understanding and kindness The people taking orders may be making mistakes; they may be imperfect in some way. But they are certainly not inadequate. You may have heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Each snowflake takes a form that is perfectly suited for its journey. While the universal force of gravity gives them a shared destination, the vastness of the air allows each snowflake the freedom to take its own path. They are on the same journey, yet each travels differently. Along this gravity-driven...

In Einstein’s space–time continuum, past and future exist within the same structure of time, rather than flowing separately What would you say of a language, and its people, that uses the same word for yesterday and tomorrow? In Hindi, that word is kal . What a remarkable conception of time this is: moving away from the idea of a strictly linear passage of time to one where the past and the future converge in the present. Whether kal means tomorrow or yesterday becomes clear only through grammatical structure or from the context of the present moment. Our senses tell us that time flows. We think of the past as having slipped out of existence, while the future remains even more shadowy, its details still unformed. The “now” of our conscious awareness appears to glide steadily onward, transforming events that once belonged to the unformed future into the concrete but fleeting reality of the present—only for them to be quickly relegated to the fixed past. Hidden within this lies a remark...

A young voice, shaped by resilience Can you recognise this child singer — one who would later go on to become a well-known playback voice in Hindi cinema in the 1990s? There is a deeply touching incident from her early life. She was barely eleven when her formal entry into the world of music was being planned. A programme had been organised by the Punjab Association, with the support of names like Raj Kapoor and Pran. She was to perform on 12 April 1971. Tragedy struck the day before. On 11 April, her father passed away following a cardiac arrest. And yet, she went ahead and performed. Encouraged by family and well-wishers, she took to the stage the very next day. Her performance left a deep impression on the audience. When it was later announced that her father had passed away just a day earlier, there was not a dry eye in the hall. She was awarded a scholarship of ₹250 to pursue her music. Over time, she went on to build a remarkable career — one that spanned generations. Few ...

The gut contains a vast neural network—the Enteric Nervous System—often described as the body’s “second brain” Which organ in your body has capabilities that surpass all your other organs, and even rival your brain? It is the gut. A lot is happening behind the belly button. What we have there is our second brain. You’ve probably used it countless times before; it’s just that when you did, you probably referred to it as gut instinct . New research is showing that this age-old phrase is surprisingly accurate. The second brain influences our judgment, and much else besides. Known as the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) —enteric meaning “to do with the intestines”—it is an extensive network of brain-like neurons and neurotransmitters wrapped in and around our gut. It contains about 100 million neurons, more than in either the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system. Most of the time we are unaware of its existence, as its primary function is what one would expect: managing digestion. Yet ...

In Zen teaching, a single gesture may convey what words cannot In the 13th century there lived a Zen master, Mumon Ekai , who compiled forty-eight koans, or lessons, which he presented to his students during their training. One such lesson is “Gutei’s Finger,” and it goes as follows. Whenever he was asked a question about Zen, the master Gutei would simply raise one finger. A young attendant boy began to imitate him. When visitors asked the boy what his master had taught about Zen, he too would raise his finger in the same way. When Gutei heard of the boy’s mischief, he seized him and cut off his finger with a knife. As the boy screamed and ran out of the room, Gutei called out to him. When the boy turned his head back toward the master, Gutei raised his own finger. In that instant, the boy was enlightened. The question then arises: what was the significance of Gutei raising his finger every time he was asked a question about Zen? And more importantly, how did the boy suddenly attain ...

Astronauts returning from lunar walks reported that moon dust carried a distinctive smell—like burnt gunpowder Now that a rover from a lunar lander has begun exploring the Moon, a natural question arises: what does the place smell like? When we enter a new environment, one of our first sensory contacts is often through smell. It sends subtle signals that tell us we are truly present in that place. The scent becomes part of memory, anchoring the experience in a deeply personal way. Nothing is more primordial or deeply rooted than the sense of smell. Some scientists believe this is because smell is one of our most ancient senses. It reaches back to the earliest stages of evolution, when single-celled organisms interacted with the chemicals in their environment. In that sense, smell has the longest evolutionary history of all our senses. Astronauts who walked on the Moon reported that lunar dust smelled like spent gunpowder , as though someone had just fired a carbine. Yet this is puzzlin...