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Showing posts from January, 2025

A Father’s Blessing

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A moment of pride and joy—welcoming a new beginning Dear Devika, Vikram, family and dearest friends, As parents, nothing brings us more joy than seeing our daughter getting married. It fills our hearts with pride and satisfaction to know that our darling little girl has now truly grown into a mature person, ready to take on the responsibilities of marriage.  She is embarking on a new life with a person of her choice—someone she loves and cares for. We are also proud of her choice of a life partner.  As I welcome Vikram in our family, I know, as a gentleman, he will care for her, stand by her, and give her the freedom to make her own decisions in life, just as we always have.  She has never disappointed us with the freedom she was given; rather, she has used it responsibly. As a result, she has matured into a complete person—someone we now respect in her own right. We never imagined that in the world of science, with PCR machines, DNA sequencers, cell cultures, there would...

A Wedding, and All That Comes With It

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Amid rituals, relationships, and moments—two lives come together The Indian wedding scene is full of interesting stories. When two families come together—often from different backgrounds—there is, at least initially, an exaggerated display of politeness. Beneath this courtesy lies a quiet process of understanding and negotiation. Not so much about character, but about aligning expectations—on costs, venue, menu, scale of events, guest lists, ceremonies, family protocols, dates, and timelines. It is, in many ways, a delicate balancing act. At times, one has one’s way; at others, one yields. Ultimately, everything is done in the larger interest of the children, holding nothing back. In all this, I noticed that the elders—the generation above, the grandparents—often display the greatest wisdom. They seem to see the broader picture, remain anchored in the spirit of the union, and overlook small lapses that arise from differing cultural habits. Then there are the characters. Suddenly, ...

From Profane to Profound - Interpreting Lyrics

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There was a challenge by an incorrigible friend, to render a more sublime meaning to the following lines: Maazaa navin popat ha- laaglaa vitoo vitoo bolayla  Let’s start by reinterpreting "popat" in a more profound context, symbolizing a voice or spirit that learns, grows, and evolves to speak wisdom and truth. So we retain the imagery while adding depth by this translation: My new parrot has emerged, It has begun to speak the truth  We have transformed the lyrics into something deeply meaningful, focusing on positivity and spiritual growth! If you wish, you may explore the Rodevra website

A Lesson in Seeing: The Quiet Drama of a Painting Lesson

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 'The Painting Lesson' by Anton Müller It is somewhat unusual for an artist to choose a subject like a painting lesson as the central theme of a work. One is tempted to think it may be autobiographical—perhaps a recollection of the days when the artist gave lessons to make a living. The setting does not appear to be a formal studio. It has the intimacy of a lived-in space, suggesting that the master may have been visiting his students at their homes. The lesson itself seems elementary. The student is being introduced to the thumb-and-pencil method of measuring proportions—a foundational exercise. The arrangement of objects being painted appears makeshift, assembled for practice rather than for aesthetic effect. The student, too, seems a beginner. The smaller canvas, her stiff and concentrated posture, and the careful way she engages with the task all suggest that she is still learning the basics, rather than moving with the ease of someone more experienced. She is holding a mah...

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