"A Bronx Tale" is a compelling crime and coming-of-age drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, released in 1993. The film is a powerful narrative set in the 1960s Bronx, New York, revolving around the life of a young Italian-American boy, Calogero Anello, who is torn between his admiration for a local mob boss, Sonny, and his hard-working, honest father, Lorenzo. The story kicks off when Calogero witnesses Sonny, the charismatic yet feared gangster, commit a murder. When the police arrive, Calogero chooses not to identify Sonny as the shooter, beginning a complex relationship between the boy and the mobster. Sonny takes Calogero under his wing, nicknaming him "C," and introduces him to the ways of organized crime. This mentorship provides Calogero with a seductive glimpse into a world of easy money and respect, contrasting sharply with his father's values of hard work and honesty. Lorenzo, portrayed by De Niro, is a bus driver who goes to grea...
Swadesamitran, a pioneering Tamil newspaper, was founded in 1882 by the visionary and social reformer G. Subramania Iyer, a man who dedicated his life to the ideals of nationalism, social justice, and progressivism. Born in Thanjavur in 1855, G. Subramania Iyer was not only a journalist but also an ardent supporter of India's freedom struggle and a firm believer in social reforms. He was the founder-editor of The Hindu newspaper as well, before parting ways with it to focus entirely on Swadesamitran. Through his journalistic endeavors, Iyer wielded the pen as a weapon against injustice and colonial oppression, setting an exemplary standard of fearless, ethical journalism. G. Subramania Iyer’s deep involvement in the Indian independence movement was evident through his editorials in Swadesamitran, which often critiqued British colonial rule and highlighted the importance of Swaraj (self-rule). His writings inspired a sense of political...
The quote in the image is attributed to Fernando Pessoa, a Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic, translator, publisher, and philosopher, often considered one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century. The quote reads: "I bear the wounds of all the battles I avoided." This quote encapsulates a profound and somewhat paradoxical truth. It speaks to the inner conflicts and the regrets one might have about the actions not taken or words not spoken. Pessoa's words suggest that there is a cost to avoidance, a psychological and emotional toll that comes from shying away from challenges, confrontations, or difficult decisions. Avoidance can be a defense mechanism, a way to protect oneself from immediate pain or discomfort. However, Pessoa's quote hints at the long-term consequences of such avoidance: the accumulation of wounds from battles never fought. These are not physical scars but mental and emotional ones—regrets, what-ifs, and reflecti...