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Glimpse of India – History of Science and Technology in Indian Subcontinent

History of Science and Technology in Indian Subcontinent

Hand-propelled Wheel Cart (3000-1500 BCE)

source

Some of the earliest developments in science and technology are credited to the Indian subcontinent and this makes me feel proud.

1) Going back to the pre-historic period. Indus Valley Civilisation (3300-1300 BCE) existed in this part of the world and a number of inventions were made during this period. The elaborated drainage system, brick houses, urban planning, metallurgy and handicrafts from Indus Valley Civilisation have been studied for a long time. Agriculture got systematic planning in this age. Sophisticated irrigation and drainage system also highlighted Indus Valley society.

2) The ancient religious texts included huge numbers, Yajurvedasaṃhita containing numbers as big as 10^12.

3)The earliest Indian astronomical text ‘Vedānga Jyotiṣa’ (1400 -1200 BCE) has details of astronomical calculations and calendar studies. 27 constellations, 7 planets, 12 zodiac signs and eclipses were also known to Indians at that time.

4) ‘Sushruta Samhita’ (6th century BCE) is an ayurvedic text that has 184 chapters with 1120 illnesses explained. About 700 medicinal plants have been mentioned with the preparation of medicines. Sushruta was the first person to perform cataract surgery.

5) Panini’s morphological analysis was followed by people around the world until the twentieth century.

6) Iron smelting began in India as early as the 11th or 12th century.

Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro on the bank of Indus river.

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7) Kautilya’s Arthashastra (3-4 century BCE) mentions the making of bridges and dams. Mining of diamonds also started first in India.

8) During 1st century BCE, the school of Atomism, Vaisheshika was founded with the philosophy that atom is the smallest particle that cannot be divided further.

Ashoka pillar, Vaishali, Bihar (272-231 BCE)

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9) Most probably, the spinning wheel that helped in many inventions in future was originated in India.

10) India is proud to be the first to describe 0 as an individual number. Aryabhata was the person to use the number for the first time. All inventions after the invention of 0 were technologically advanced.

11) Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose was the first person to use semiconductor junctions to detect radio waves. He also invented a device called a crescograph that could detect very small motions within plant tissues.

You can find all of India’s inventions and discoveries 👉 here.

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi

#BlogchatterA2Z #AtoZChallenge

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Glimpse of India – Kings and Kingdoms of India

Kings and Kingdoms of India

India has been one of the most sought after countries in the world. Fertile Gangetic plains, abundance of minerals, rivers and seas full of pristine water; our country is blessed with nature’s rich diversity. Rulers and invaders from around the world tried to capture the state from time to time. Fierce wars, mutinies to cultural fusion and intellectual exchange, the interaction with the other regions is reflecting in our lives.
History of India is so vast that shortened version will only lead to more curiosity. I’m doing the same. Brace yourself and go on the discovery to know about the Kingdoms who ruled and influenced India in the past 2500 years.

Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, Maurya Empire (322-187 BCE) is the largest political entity known to have existed in India’s history. Under the rule of Ashoka, it was expanded to about 5 million square Km. In the next 1500 years, India was ruled by various Dynasties.

The rule of Gupta dynasty is known to be the Golden age of India because academics, science, religion and political administration reached new heights during this period (319-543 CE).

In the period between the 7th and 11th century, the Tripartite struggle controlled the country that lasted for two centuries.
The struggle was between the Pratihara Empire, the Pala Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire. From the fifth century, Chalukya, Chola, Pallava, Chera, Pandyan and Western Chalukya empires controlled south India.

Delhi Sultanate was founded in 1206 CE by Central Asian Turks. Based mostly in Delhi, Sultanate covered a large part of India. The empire is famous for being one of the few to defeat Mongols.

Many Hindu states like Vijayanagar, Gajapati, Ahom, Rajput states like Mewar emerged as big powers. The 15th century saw the rise of Sikhism. In the beginning of the 18th century, the Mughal empire suffered a decline which led others like Marathas, Sikhs, Nawabs of Bengal and Mysoreans to come into power.

Late 18th century to middle of 19th century. India was colonised by British East India Company. Dissatisfied with their rules, people of India rebelled against British government in 1857. 20th century beginning witnessed Indians struggling for freedom, blessed with the same on 15th August, 1947.

You might be interested in the chronology of events in Indian history. Hyperlinks have been added to help you satisfy your curiosity.

Kuru dynasty (c. 1200 BCE – 500 BCE)

Magadha dynasties

Ancient southern dynasties

Foreign invaders in north-western India

Satavahana dynasty (c. 271 BCE – 220 CE)

Vakataka Dynasty (c. 250 – c. 500 CE)

Indo-Scythian rulers (c. 90 BCE – 45 CE)

Indo-Parthian rulers (c. 21–100 CE)

Western Kshatrapas (c. 35–405 CE)

Kushana dynasty (80–225)

Nagas of Padmavati (early 3rd century–mid-4th century)

Pallava dynasty (275–882)

Kadambas of Chandravalli at Chitradurga (345–525 CE)

Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad (350–1024 CE)

Rai dynasty (c. 524–632 CE)

Maitrakas of Vallabhi(470–776 CE)

Chahamanas of Shakambhari (6th century – 12th century)

Chalukya dynasty (543–1156)

Shashanka dynasty (600–626)

Harsha dynasty (606–647)

Gurjara-Pratiharadynasty (650–1036 CE)

Rashtrakutas of Manyaketha (735–982)

Pala Empire (c. 750–1174)

Paramara dynasty of Malwa (9th century to c. 1305)

Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri (850–1334 CE)

Chandra dynasty (900-1050)

Hoysala dynasty (1000–1346)

Sena dynasty rule over Bengal (1070–1230 CE)

Eastern Ganga dynasty(1078–1434)

Kakatiya dynasty (1083–1323 CE)

Kalachuris of Kalyani(Southern) dynasty (1130–1184)

Chutiya dynasty ruled over eastern Assam (1187–1524)

Bana dynasty rule over Magadaimandalam (c. 1190–1260 CE)

Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

Bahmani dynasty (1347–1527)

Barid Shahi dynasty(1489–1619)

Imad Shahi dynasty(1490–1572)

Adil Shahi dynasty (1490–1686)

Nizam Shahi dynasty(1490–1636)

Qutb Shahi dynasty(1518–1687)

Ahom dynasty ruled over Assam (1228–1826)

Baro-Bhuyan (1576-1632)

Musunuri Nayaks (1323–1368)

Reddy dynasty (1325–1548 CE)

Vijayanagara Empire(1336–1646)

Wodeyar dynasty (first rule, 1371–1761)

Gajapati Kingdom (1434–1541 CE)

Maharajas of Cochin(Perumpadapu Swaroopam, 1503–1964)

Mughal Empire (1526–1857)

Mewar Dynasty

Suri dynasty (1540–1555)

Chogyal, monarchs of Sikkim and Ladakh(1642–1975)

Maratha Empire (1674–1881)

The Muslim vassals of the Mughal/British Paramountcy (1707–1856)

Savanur State

Kingdom of Travancore (1729–1947)

Sikh Empire (1801–1849)

Emperors of India (1857–1947)

Dominion of India (1947–1950)

Dominion of Pakistan(1947–1956)

(Chronology courtesy – Wikipedia)

Kings and Dynasties of India video 👉

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi

#BlogchatterA2Z #AtoZChallenge


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Glimpse of India – Joyous Ride through food lanes of India

Joyous Ride through food lanes of India

Inspired by rich heritage and magical herbs, Indian food is nutritious and health-oriented when cooked with passion 💕

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The inviting aroma of Indian food is due to the herbs and spices used to cook the meals. Spices are an integral part of Indian recipes. Cardamom, coriander, turmeric, fennel, peppercorn, mint, carom seeds, red chillies are some of the ingredients required for Indian recipes.

I found that food is a common connection among all living creatures. Food when cooked and served passionately, brightens up the moment.

Let me take you on a joyous ride through lanes of Indian food. Twenty-nine states of India prepare food in their authentic style. The exclusivity being difficult to match, you have to visit the state to relish the food from that place! Sounds like an impossible job? Worry not. Thanks to globalisation, the world has been shortened by experienced chefs all over the world:)

Kashmiri Wazwan

source:

Photo credit: Suresh Hinduja for Hyatt Bangalore

Wazwan is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine prepared using lamb or chicken. The lavish meal is normally cooked during celebrations.
Rogan josh (Kashmir)

Rogan Josh is an integral part of Kashmiri cuisine. Wazwan is incomplete without this richly flavoured, spicy lamb curry.
Bisi Bele bhath from Karnataka

A wholesome lentil-rice meal, Bisi bele bhath has its origin in Mysore. It takes as many as 30 ingredients to perfect this recipe:)

Authentic Andhra meal

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Lavish use of spices, seafood (in non-veg variation), lentils, rice, pickles and chutneys occupy the largest place in Andhra thali.

Assamese thali

Assamese food is simple with exotic, bold flavours. Sour vegetables, duck and pigeon make the meal different from the rest of India.

Goan Pork vindaloo

A fiery, spicy dish from Goa, Pork Vindaloo is popular globally. Vindaloo is served with pork in authentic Goan restaurants. Though ‘aloo’ means potato, the original recipe doesn’t contain potatoes. Restaurants in the UK serve potato-version of Vindaloo.
Maharashtrian poha

Poha is a low-calorie breakfast of flattened rice rinsed and mixed with spices and nuts. Garnished with coriander leaves, poha is a delicious meal when cooked to perfection.

Rajasthani thali

Rajasthani food is influenced by the lack of water in the state. The dishes that stay fresh for long and can be eaten without heating are the speciality of this region. Dal-baati-churma, gatte ki sabzi, bajra roti, kachoris are the best things to try.

Gujarati Khaman dhokla

Fermented gram flour and yoghurt batter is steamed, tempered with mustard seeds and served with coconut/coriander chutney.

Masala Dosa

Most popular south Indian delicacy, dosa is prepared by making a thin crust of rice and lentils. A filling of potato/onion/paneer, spices and herbs are folded in the crust. Dosa is served with sambar and coconut chutney.

Hyderabadi Biryani

A speciality from Hyderabad, Hyderabadi Biryani is cooking rice with meat, spices, saffron, curd and a lot of ghee. Hyderabadi biryani is believed to have been originated in the kitchen of Nizam of Hyderabad.

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This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi

#BlogchatterA2Z #AtoZChallenge

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Glimpse of India- Exploring Buzzing Bazaars

Pic Credit-

Glimpse of India- Exploring Buzzing Bazaars

If you want to absorb the true essence of India, visit its Bazaars brimming with enthusiastic people. Those who are unaware, Bazaar is the name given to markets which sell goods at a relatively low price. We get more variety in Bazaars that translates into more choice. You can say that air-conditioned Malls provide better ambience and better variety, why would someone go to crowded Bazaars? And who wants to walk a mile or two (In bazaar you have to walk because the streets are narrow) when they have luxurious vehicles at their disposal?

Pic Credit Wikimedia Commons

I understand your query. Online shopping is comfort but street shopping is love. India is famous for its thronging bazaars and people like me won’t let the ritual die out. So guys! I’m sharing my views on why I love to shop in bazaars:)

Pic Credit Wikimedia Commons

1) Variety, Variety and Variety

Expose yourself to the variety these bazaars. These ethnic hubs are open for one and all. Local shoppers, tourists and idlers enjoy the crazy ride equally.
As Paulo Coelho said,
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
For extensive India experience, get enchanted by the magic called Bazaars:)

Pic Credit- Wikimedia Commons

2) Everyday Fair

These bazaars are popular shopping hubs where people gather to purchase grocery, garments, furniture, books and exotic fast food. There are posh malls in every corner of the country but people are accustomed to buying from traditional markets, bazaars. They hang out for familiar ambience, a variety of goods and a huge difference in prices from the malls.

3) No formalities

You don’t have to dress up in your best to hit the bazaar. Everyday clothes and footwear are more than sufficient to explore. In addition, such dress-up is comfortable moving around on foot. No formalities ensure you are comfortable and the natural best of yourself.

Pic credit- Mumbai Street Shopping

4) Openly Displayed goods

What I love about these bazaars are openly displayed goods and services. You’ll get an idea of what all a shop has inside without actually going inside. There are many stalls and hawkers who don’t even have proper shops to keep the stock.

5) No dearth of enthusiasm

The enthusiasm and energy shopkeepers, hawkers and buyers display in a bazaar is quite infectious. You can find hawkers advertising his products by shouting loudly. One sells his goods keeping in mind that if he charges more, the next shop will offer a lower price to the customer. Bazaars are truly customers paradise.

6) Reduced Prices – Who doesn’t mind saving a buck

Huge difference between the prices is the main reason customers ditch posh malls and head to bazaars. Electronic goods, clothes, home appliances, books; when everything is available at 25-50% less, nobody can refuse unless they have excess money to trash.

Pic Credit- Wikimedia Commons

7) Be an Explorer – You never know what treasure you find in these packed streets!

Some of the best-treasured things have been purchased from bazaars. These places are usually hundreds of years old. One can find amazing craft work, silk and thread work directly from the artisans. This beauty you will never find in malls and if by chance you find, the price will be out of your reach.

8) Meet the artisans
If you are lucky enough, you can meet the artisans working on their art pieces. Another good incentive to explore India’s happening bazaars:)

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi

#BlogchatterA2Z #AtoZChallenge


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Glimpse of India- Atithi Devo Bhava

Glimpse of India- Atithi Devo Bhava

Guests play an important part in our lives.
Guests. Invited guests. Uninvited guests. Short-stay guests. Long-stay guests. Indians welcome all kinds of guests with open arms. We reschedule our work when a guest is scheduled. Guests are served better food than what we eat every day. There’s excitement over the arrival of the guest. A separate room and toiletries are made available to the esteemed person(s). Children are instructed to behave obediently in front of the visitors. We insist our guests extend their stay and make us feel elated.

This is India.

We believe in the ancient Sanskrit verse – ATITHI DEVO BHAVA.

‘Athithi‘ is the person who visits without a fixed calendar date.
(A-tithi where ‘A means without’ and ‘tithi means date’.)

‘Devo‘ is God.

‘Bhava‘ is Be/Is.

Hence the meaning of the complete phrase ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ is “The Guest is (akin to) God”. It aptly defines the culture and moral values we Indians possess.

Though the picture is fading with time, our history depicts some wonderful stories to demonstrate the Indian values. Our blooming tourism industry has adopted the verse ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ as their tagline. The aim is to educate local people regarding good manners and etiquettes while dealing with foreign tourists. It inculcates the sense of responsibility in the Indian people to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.

To win the confidence of foreign tourists and make India a preferable tourist destination, the govt of India is leaving no stone unturned. With brand Ambassadors like Amir Khan to Amitabh Bachchan to PM Narendra Modi himself, ‘Incredible India’ is one of India’s most cherished tourism campaigns.

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi

#BlogchatterA2Z #AtoZChallenge

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Things to do in Tripura

Pic credit: Unakoti Sculptures

Tripura- The Road Less Travelled

Sprinkled with the colours of art, history and tradition, Tripura is blessed with nature’s undisturbed charm. To begin with let’s check some interesting facts about Tripura.

1) Only one national highway, NH44 connects Tripura to the rest of India.
2) Tripura is the third smallest Indian state after Goa and Sikkim.
3) More than half the area of Tripura is covered with forests.
4) Tripura is one of the most literate states of India with a literacy rate of about 88%.
5) The distance between Tripura and Kolkata was 350 km before the partition of India which was increased to 1700 km after partition.
6) Tripura got its name from ‘Tripura Sundari’ temple in Udaipur.
7) Tripura is world-famous for bamboo products, wooden carvings and hand-woven cloth.
8) Tripura is home to world-famous heritage sites in Unakoti, Pilak and Devtamura.

Pic credit : Location of Tripura in India

Things to do in Tripura

Traditional practices mixed with modern culture gives a unique recognition to Tripura. The state boasts of gigantic sculptures of Hindu deities that have been chiselled out of the hill and that are believed to date back to between the 8th and 9th centuries. Bamboo carvings, religious celebrations, local dance and music attract tourists from all over the world.

Tripura State Museum

Pic credit: Tripura State Museum

Situated in Agartala, Ujjayanta Palace that was once the palace of the kingdom of Tripura is now the State Museum. The palace stands tall on the banks of two lakes surrounded by gardens. The impressive galleries of The State Museum showcase art, culture, lifestyle, tradition and craft work of northeast India.

Akhaura Border Post

Pic credit: The Border Post Between India and Bangladesh in Akhaura

Akhaura, the India-Bangladesh border is famous as the Wagah of the East. In the beating retreat, flags of the two countries are lowered with a mutually coordinated performance.
Agartala-Akhaura check post is the second largest trading centre with Bangladesh after Benapole and Petrapole in WB. Not only a big trading point between India and Bangladesh, but Akhaura border is also a famous tourist spot.

Tripura Sundari temple

Pic credit: Tripura Sundari Temple

Tripura Sundari temple is situated in Udaipur, about 55 km from Agartala. It is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. *Shakti Peethas are the places that got enshrined due to the falling of the body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered in Aryavartha in grief. The temple, in the shape of a tortoise is also known as Kurma Peeth. The magnificent ‘Tripura Sundari Temple’ is one of the holiest places in India and a popular tourist spot.

Ujjayanta Palace

Pic credit: Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala

Ujjayanta Palace was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1900. The palace has three high domes, curved wooden ceiling, beautiful flooring and majestic doors. Mughal-style gardens enhance the beauty of Ujjayanta Palace.

Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary

Pic credit: Walk Through India

Located in Bishalgarh, Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its clouded leopards. Variety of other animals can be spotted in the dense forests of Agartala.
The sanctuary has an artificial lake and natural botanical gardens.

Pic credit: Unakoti Sculptures

Unakoti Hills

An ancient pilgrimage of Lord Shiva, Unakoti enchants us with rock cravings from 7th century. Natural green environment, rocky mountain backdrop and waterfalls, this is one of the must visit places of India.
The most spectacular feature of Unakoti hills is the 30ft tall head of Lord Shiva, also known as the Unakoteswara Kal Bhairava.

How to Reach Agartala

By Flight:

Agartala airport is connected to the major cities of India through Guwahati and Kolkata.

By Train:

Trains are available to Agartala from Lumding in Assam. Lumding is connected to New Delhi.

This post is a part of the #XploreBharat BlogTrain hosted by
Aditi, Esha, Maheshwaran, Preeti, Saba,Pragun, Sanjota, Sudip, Suhasini andSupriya

Finally a big shout out to our sponsors KAIV and FABZANIA for taking this Blog Train experience even further.

KAIV

KAIV is a personal grooming accessory and appliances brand offering a wide range of world-class products.

FABZANIA

FabZania is an upcoming Food, Travel, Entertainment and Lifestyle web portal.

Today the #XploreBharat Blog Train has reached ‘Panoramic Ripples‘ to explore Tripura from ‘ Beautiful Bhuj and the White Desert, Great Rann by Sthuti‘
‘ The next stop of #XploreBharat Blog Train is Payannur, Kerala by Maya Bhat.

Passing the baton to Maya!

Pic credit: Unakoti Lost Hill Of Faces

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Theme Reveal #AtoZChallenge

Theme Reveal #AtoZChallenge

Finally, it’s the time of the year when bloggers from around the world gear up for the #AtoZ blogging challenge. The aim is to improve the visibility of their blogs in search engines. The rank grows, the audience multiplies and the blogger rises to his potential best.
I got to know about the challenge of Blogchatter and learnt a few tips from fellow blogger friends.
For me, it’s the first opportunity to grab the limelight. A lazy writer like me who enjoys her comfort zone more than anything else in the world needs a push, or more precisely, motivation in the right direction to become visible in the action sphere. This reason being adequate, I signed up for the A to Z Challenge with zeal.
The challenge before entering the main challenge itself is to select the theme on which one can write a post every day for a month.

Global AtoZChallenge

I’m a ‘Lifestyle And Social Blogger’ and my theme should be in sync with my blog. Keeping this in mind and targeting a theme to keep myself (and my readers) motivated for a long month of April, I committed myself to write on the uniqueness of my country India. India is such a vast country that we can write volumes on it. Distinct cultures bestow various hues and diversity imparts flavour to vibrant India. What’s better than my country to write an everyday column!

Guys! Follow my A to Z Challenge journey and explore the sweet and spicy traits of my India:)
I will be sharing my #AtoZChallenge posts with hashtags #AditiWrites and #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi on social media for your ready reference.


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Skill India or Reservation- What’s Your Take?

Skill India or Reservation- What’s Your Take?

Wisdom is in guiding the youth towards the right path. The next thing that comes to our mind is the channel to escalate the right movement. With population soaring high and opportunities stuck to limited, only well-planned action can save our youth. In the scarcity of employment, basic needs of food, shelter and clothing are not met; competing with world powers can occur only in dreams.

Training Human Power

The ‘Skill India’ campaign was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 with an aim to impart skill training to 400 million Indian people by the year 2022. The step is in sync with the policies of many developed countries.

These are the various skill development schemes launched by the Indian government.

1.Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

2.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

3.Financial Assistance for Skill Training of Persons with Disabilities

4.National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

5.Craftsmen Training Scheme

6.Apprenticeship training

7.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra

8.Skill development for minorities

9.Green Skill Development Programme

The sole aim of Skill India is to direct the nation in the right direction. Development of skills not only imbibes confidence in the candidate but also prepares him to earn respectful living. Reservation is similar to giving alms to the person in need; appears more like begging if the person at receiving end is not deserving. I want to stress on these words. Demanding reservation is like begging if the person is not worthy of the position.

  • To me, the idea of Reservation is not relevant after the point when fake identities sprout up to enjoy the benefits meant for the needy.
  • People seek reservation for being what they are for generations. Nobody wants to lag behind in the crazy race for prestigious positions.
  • Our population is so high that getting into a good educational institute or securing a dream job is quite difficult. Students prefer to grab the opportunities in other countries.
  • Imparting skill training to the youth of the country is a thoughtful step. The reservation has a few limited benefits while Skill India is aiming at long time achievements.

In my opinion, skillful training for young people is better than reserving seats for them. Inculcate the habit of earning through decent means and stop feeding them with alms of reservation.
If we want to build the nation of strength, promote talent and not the reservation.

Must have read this proverb:
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”


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#MeToo Already Losing Intensity?

#MeToo Already Losing Intensity?

Following in the steps of their Western counterparts, Indian women dared to speak up against the sexual predators. This time the war was gender-specific. Voices snubbed for a long time suddenly got a passage that led to an outburst. India’s patriarchal culture doesn’t allow women to do something against men at such a grand level. Women are often afraid to speak up against men because the ultimate power is in the hands of the men. In spite of knowing very well that woman is the one who gives birth and dedicates herself to make this world livable, man constantly tries to prove his superiority through his physical power.

It’s ironic that the woman who as a mother, protects the man from the harshness of life, falls prey to his cruelties. It is she who gives him the lesson of love and he, in turn, gives her the taste of hatred and violence.

The voice of the woman has been silenced for centuries. Abuse, of any kind, is not shareable; this is what the woman learns by heart since childhood. She is taught that freedom comes with some restrictions meant for women only. Though different societies offer different levels of freedom to women, it’s always less than men and to a substantial amount.

Every woman has her #MeToo story. Horrible incidences of unwanted touches, abuses and curbing of equal rights, woman faces all while finding her position in the society. To establish herself is much difficult for a woman than it is for a man. The simple reason being our men-centric society where rules are made for the convenience of men. It doesn’t mean that all men misuse their so-called power. There are many who are the epitomes of ethics and morals. The irony is that people are more receptive to negative traits.

When #MeToo reached India, I was happy. Thought that now women will find the courage to tell their stories and the age-old ritual of hiding sexual attacks will be dumped. From Bollywood to politics to corporates, men with dark history were ashamed and boycotted by some courageous ladies. Many powerful people came under scan and their sexual crimes were revealed.

Days into the campaign and I can sense the fall in its intensity. From page one to page three to somewhere between random pages, #MeToo is losing the grip. They find other things more important. There are political dramas, movies release, celebrity marriages and much more. Women safety was always a concern and it will always be, but something so obvious doesn’t need hype.

Good thing is that many biggies fell by the wayside as more women gathered courage to tell their #MeToo stories. The bad is that these big names run our country and hence can’t be bracketed among accused for long. Our legal history proves that.

You would have noticed that the women coming up to tell their #MeToo stories are power women. What about meek and timid women who lack the courage to say their tales? Majority of Indian women don’t dare to speak up and this is the beginning of the fall of #MeToo campaign in India. I said campaign. The Wave has not reached masses as yet to be entitled as a movement. Women from humble backgrounds need support to tell their side of the story. Can we raise our voice to turn this campaign into a movement?


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My Bollywood Inspired Bucket-List

My Bollywood Inspired Bucket-List

My affair with Bollywood dates back to the day I landed on planet Earth. Bollywood songs sneaked into my mom’s lullabies from the corners of The Record Player, my father’s inseparable companion. As I opened my eyes to explore the world, larger than life Bollywood movies miraculously tampered with my thoughts. Growing up with Bollywood was like a dream I didn’t want to be woken from.

Travelling the world with an open mind has always been my dream. The dream got wings when Lufthansa asked to share Blind Date with the world. How could my fetish with Bollywood stay away from my travel list? First of all, what is Blind Date with the world?
“Travelling to a place I’ve never been to yet has a strong possession in my mind. A place I know nothing about but would love to visit without hesitation.”
Lufthansa got me thinking and the best I could create was the Bollywood inspired bucket list.

Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone starrer Tamasha was shot in Corsica. I wish to visit a place that has a scenic coastline and adventurous hiking trails like this Mediterranean island.
A dream destination for sure. 😍

My travel dreams are hacked by Spain’s beautiful road trips and breathtaking sea-diving. Thanks to the crazy trip of the protagonists in ‘Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara’. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol have moments of their lifetimes as the story unfolds.

My blind date with the world must have adventure and excitement like showcased in this movie.

I’m literally crazy to go on a ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ trip with friends. Boys in the movie get perfect clicks at mysterious Chapora Fort in Goa. I want to explore nature’s hidden gems through my blind date with the world. Mystery adds enthusiasm to the travel vibes.

Ah! The never-ending bucket list gave a beautiful shape to my date with the world. I want more of everything from explorations. With dreams in my eyes, I’m waiting for a call saying,” Ja Simran Ja, jee le apni Zindagi;)”

Why do you love the world? Share your bucket list with #Lufthansa and get a chance to win The Blind List, an unforgettable enriching experience by Lufthansa. Click here to start!

I’m writing this post for Lufthansa in association with IndiBlogger


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Freedom of Media- A Fading Dream

Freedom of Media- A Fading Dream

Media today reflects what it is paid to. I’m crying spade a spade for some strong reasons. Sure enough that the media and journalism were born to make truth heard loudly. How accurately facts are broadcasted depends on the freedom of media. People accept what they read, watch or hear. Those who exploit this reality, get the biggest chunk of cake. What you receive in your daily news feed is planned. Shocking but true. Sometimes (or many times) facts are twisted to the limit where we can’t identify the difference.

Mainstream media is mostly controlled by the government and big business organizations. Alternative media, on the other hand, challenges the Mainstream and hence the government.

Switch on the television and they will recite what they’re paid for. Newspapers, journals are written for the powerful people. Media is free to express but when it gets paid, only the money speaks.

You must check the latest stats on the World Press Freedom Index. The suppression of journalists is rising every year. And this is no longer limited to Turkey and Egypt. Every country is facing hostility towards media. Politicians and big businesses buy or take other measures to control media. The irony is that the common person is not able to differentiate between the right and the wrong.

Sadly India is ranked 138 among 180 countries who curb freedom of speech. Norway and Sweden top the list with first and second position respectively. North Korea is at the end because of obvious reasons.

Pictures Credit: 2018 World Press Freedom Index —
https://rsf.org/en/rsf-index-2018-hatred-journalism-threatens-democracies

RIP ‘Freedom of Media’!

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What’s your Happiness Quotient?

What’s your Happiness Quotient?

It was shocking to find India amongst the unhappiest countries of the world. Out of 156 countries ranked on the happiness scale, India stood at embarrassing 133. Yes, I’m talking about the latest World Happiness Report by UN. They have Pakistan at 75, China 86, Nepal 101 and Bangladesh at 115! After many years of calculating GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we’re now more interested in finding GNH (Gross National Happiness) which is a better, holistic approach to measure development. Finland is the happiest country and Burundi is the unhappiest one! Curious to know about the factors to calculate GNH? Here these are-

🌸Sustainable, equitable, and socio-economic development

🌸Environmental conservation

🌸Preservation and promotion of culture

🌸Good governance

What does this mean?
India loses out on the above factors.

There’s no dearth of talent, income is rising as never before, opportunities are plenty and freedom has more dimensions.
But!
Indians are the among the embarrassing unhappiest!
Why?
Here I put my point of view.

🍁Indians don’t love their country. (Correct me if I’m wrong!)

Honestly, I feel that Indians lack sincerity towards their country. They want a good education, job opportunities, amenities, freedom and above all the Democratic government to abuse when their wishes are not fulfilled.

But they don’t want to give back to their country. They deface public places, create nuisance whenever they get an opportunity to, criticise the government for not providing them smallest of things and fantasy to move to the developed country for a ‘better living’

🍁Indians don’t value their Culture

Indian culture has been the oldest and the wisest of all cultures. It is nurturing cultures all over the world. What an irony that Indians don’t give due respect to their own culture. The departure from cultural roots is a matter of concern.

Image courtesy http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2018/

🍁 We don’t recognise the real Happiness

What is happiness? With continuous development, the perception of happiness has changed drastically. Materialistic things find their way to our heart while human relations take a backseat.

Being an Indian, I’m not happy with the unhappy rank of India.

Let’s go back and discover happiness from the ruins of our glorious past.

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