CHUCKLE THINKING

  thoughts Day before yesterday was Ekadashi, a day observed by many Brahmin families. Interestingly, the practice of fasting on Ekadashi has scientific backing, as giving the stomach a break can help eliminate accumulated toxins and bacteria, promoting overall health. The hungry stomach eats the bad bacteria on this day. While some families opt for permitted foods like sabudana, avalakki, or uppittu on this day, swamijis and mathadhipatis often advocate for strict fasting, including abstaining from water (ನಿರ್ಜಲ ಉಪವಾಸ). They sometimes use phrases like 'God's blessings' or 'risk of Naraka darshana or rakshasa janma' to encourage adherence, which can be seen as emotional blackmail! Today's seniors were once the youngsters of yesteryear, and it's likely many of us didn't even keep track of Ekadashi days. This might be due to our parents prioritising our education, focusing on securing good grades and respectable jobs, and improving our socio-economic statu...

thoughts Chanakya Neeti contains profound advice on various aspects of life, including parenting. The royal advisor Chanakya who is also known as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta, was a genius and can be considered a master of all arts. The statement "Do not praise your son" ( पुत्रो न स्तोतव्यः  - Putra Na Stotavyah) might seem counterintuitive in modern parenting, but it holds deep wisdom when understood in its context. I can summarise it as follows: Chanakya believed that excessive and public praise, especially for children, could lead to ego, arrogance (ahankaar), and overconfidence. Children who are constantly told that they are the best, might develop an inaccurate self-perception, believing that they are superior without sufficient effort. Children should exercise humility. Praising children can hinder their willingness to learn, accept criticism, or work hard, as they might feel they have already achieved everything. Continuous learning and self-improvement are vital, as the ...

1thoughts Marriage, a timeless institution, is a cornerstone of society, yet its dynamics and longevity vary greatly across cultures and generations. Let's explore the trends and statistics surrounding marriage and divorce, highlighting both challenges and inspiring examples. Long-lasting marriages are a rare sight in the USA. While there's no single definitive answer to the exact data/statistics, here are some insights: Historically, the numbers are telling. In 1950, there were approximately 1.6 million marriages and 264,000 divorces in the USA. Although the number of divorces seems substantial, most couples didn't opt for divorce back then. Fast-forward to 2023, the data is alarming: 2,361,030 marriages versus 992,677 divorces. The present average duration of a marriage in the USA is complex, but statistics suggest it's less than 10 years, with a divorce rate ranging from 35-50%. Common reasons for divorce include lack of commitment, excessive conflict and arguing, fi...

  thoughts Let me confess that I was profoundly unhappy when the ceasefire was announced the day before yesterday. The question that's been lingering in my mind for the past two days is whether our expectations from Modi were too high or if he truly disappointed us. It's human nature to want to capitalise on an advantage, especially in a conflict with Pakistan. When we're gaining the upper hand, it's hard to accept an abrupt halt to hostilities. Initially, I shared this sentiment, but upon reflection, I've come to realise that the consequences of war would have been catastrophic.  No war is truly won; both sides suffer losses, and the victor's triumph is often bittersweet. The cost of war is staggering – we've already lost a Rafale aircraft worth ₹1,600 crore. The price tag for each missile fired from the S-400 system is estimated to be around ₹5 crore, while Barak-8 missiles cost approximately ₹4 crore each, and Akash missiles range from ₹2-3 crore. We also...

      thoughts Letter to Mohan Bhagavathji What have you done Sri Bhagavathji? Your recent statement in Pune has made various opposition leaders very happy. It is as if you have provided them with water in the desert. It is as if you have given an axe to the BJP's ideology of 'Katoge to Batoge' and 'Ek Rahoge to Safe Rahoge', which are being publicly stated in recent times. It is as if you have given the Left a tool to condemn. You said this in your speech on Vishwa Guru Bharat in the lecture series held in Pune on Thursday, 19th December 2024. "People who use controversies to become Hindu leaders are unacceptable. Every day a new issue or controversy is being created and how can this be allowed? This cannot continue. We need to show the world that India can live in harmony and unity. The one who built the Ram temple will not become a Hindu leader. The Ram temple has been built, the Shivling should not be inspected in every mosque." Let us also remember yo...

double-edged sword - money lost+health deterioration zeal for information Don't we feel that there is truth in it when we watch the above video? The rapid growth of hospitals in India raises an intriguing question: is it keeping pace with population growth, or are other factors at play? As we examine this trend, consider the rising burden of lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity, which is increasingly affecting Indians due to the adoption of western-style fast food and sedentary lifestyles. Obesity-related health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are on the rise, making it crucial to understand the drivers behind this shift. The correlation between changing dietary habits, physical inactivity, and the growing need for healthcare infrastructure is worth exploring. With many Indians embracing pizza, burgers, and KFC through food delivery platforms, it's essential to investigate the real drivers behind the growth of hospitals. Is the proportion of growth in hospit...