Venkataramanan Ramasethu

India, a land of profound linguistic diversity, has long been a cradle of civilization. In a momentous decision, languages such as Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali have now rightfully earned their place among the classical languages of India. Each of these languages carries within its essence a rich legacy, cultural depth, and historical significance, and their inclusion in this category honors the wisdom of the past while inspiring future generations to embrace their linguistic heritage. Marathi, the voice of the great Maratha rulers, has always been a symbol of resilience, valor, and devotion. From the literary brilliance of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram to the poetic grace of modern literature, Marathi has nurtured an intellectual and cultural renaissance that resonates across time. Pali, the language of the Buddha's teachings, holds a sacred space in the hearts of millions. Rooted in the ancient traditions of spirituality and wisdom, Pali is more than ju

Coping with stress and disillusionment as a student or fresher in the optometry profession is not an easy journey, but it's one filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. You stand at the threshold of a profession where your work can have a profound impact on people's lives. However, the pressures of study, internships, exams, and the uncertainty of starting your career can often cloud your vision, leaving you feeling stressed and disillusioned. But remember, it's in these challenging moments that you are truly being shaped. Embrace Stress as a Teacher Stress is an inevitable part of any ambitious pursuit. As a student or fresher, the key is not to eliminate stress, but to learn how to navigate through it. “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” says an African proverb, reminding us that adversity builds resilience. Understand that the stress you are experiencing is a sign that you are growing. The more challenges you face, the more capable you

"The Painted Veil," a 2006 film directed by John Curran, is an evocative adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s 1925 novel of the same name. Maugham, one of the most celebrated writers of his time, crafted this narrative with his trademark insight into human emotions and moral dilemmas. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, redemption, and personal growth through the story of Kitty Garstin, a shallow young woman trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, and her husband, Walter Fane, a bacteriologist. Their strained relationship leads them to a remote Chinese village during a cholera outbreak, where their personal struggles unravel against the backdrop of a dying world. The film beautifully captures the spirit of Maugham’s work, offering a nuanced portrayal of its complex characters. Naomi Watts brings to life Kitty’s journey from frivolity to self-awareness, while Edward Norton delivers a restrained yet intense performance as Walter, a man whose passion for science

Unseen Foundations: The Legacy of Parental Love and Sacrifice Parents hold on to their children with an unwavering, quiet strength. From the very first moments of life, they nurture, protect, and guide with love so deep that it often goes unnoticed in the everyday rush of life. But as time passes, it is the children who must eventually learn to loosen the bond, not because they want to, but because life takes them in new directions. They spread their wings, charting new courses, chasing dreams, and creating lives of their own. As children move forward, they become absorbed in their own journeys. The milestones of their youth, once cherished and celebrated by their parents, become memories pushed aside by new experiences, new challenges, and their own accomplishments. Their lives fill with moments that define them—careers, relationships, passions, and the pursuit of meaning. In the rush of building their futures, the presence of their parents, once so central, seems to fade into the bac

A Reflection on Experiential Learning: By Venkataramanan Ramasethu In a world teeming with knowledge at the click of a button, the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin still echoes profoundly, reminding us of the timeless essence of experiential learning. "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." These simple words encapsulate a powerful message about the human learning experience. Learning, in its truest form, is not passive. It demands active participation, a dive into the depths of action where theory meets practice. This quote serves as a guiding beacon for educators, mentors, and leaders across all disciplines, urging them to evolve beyond traditional rote methods. The distinction Franklin makes between hearing, participating, and actively engaging is subtle yet significant. It's about creating an environment where learners are not mere recipients of information but are active participants in constructing their knowledge. In our ende

As a Senior Consultant Clinical Optometrist and Educator at Sankara Nethralaya and the Elite School of Optometry, Kolkata, my journey with this esteemed institution began in 1996 as an undergraduate at the Elite School of Optometry, Chennai. I had the honor of being a founding member of the Optometry Department at Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata, in 2002. With over 25 years of experience, I have dedicated myself to educating and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate optometry students, guiding them through internships and fellowship programs. In addition to my clinical expertise, I hold postgraduate degrees in Hospital and Healthcare Administration, and a doctorate in Management Studies with a specialization in Human Resource Management. My lifelong mission remains the service of both the patient and academic communities with unwavering commitment. Venkataramanan Ramasethu

"Reflections on Freedom, Love, and Truth: Insights from Jiddu Krishnamurti" "Chasing after gurus and their systems around the world, reading the latest books about this and that seems utterly pointless to me—you may travel around the Earth, but you will still have to come back to yourself." – Jiddu Krishnamurti, The First and Last Freedom "Have you noticed that love is silence? It happens when you hold the hand of a loved one, when you look at a child with love, when you absorb the beauty of the evening. Love has no past or future, just as the extraordinary state of silence is beyond time." – Jiddu Krishnamurti, Bombay Talks "Unfortunately, most parents believe they are responsible for their children, and this sense of responsibility makes them tell their children what they should and shouldn't do, who they should and shouldn't be. Parents want their children to have a stable position in society. What they call responsibility is pa

Navratri Golu, the vibrant festival that decorates homes with beautifully arranged dolls and idols, is much more than a display of artistic craftsmanship. It is a deep-rooted celebration of tradition, culture, and spirituality, observed primarily in South India. The Golu, or "Bommai Kolu," is set up on steps, where each tier represents a cosmic layer of existence, ranging from the simplest forms of life to the most divine. The practice of Golu dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire, where it was traditionally encouraged as a way to preserve and promote art, culture, and knowledge. The dolls and idols displayed in Golu are symbolic of gods, goddesses, saints, animals, and mythological stories. At its core, Golu celebrates the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), marking the triumph of good over evil, which is the very essence of Navratri. The number of steps in a Golu varies, but it is typically arrang

The essence of art transcends mere aesthetics or decoration; it delves into the realm of provoking thought and evoking emotions. The bold declaration that "Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable" captures the dual nature of art as both a balm and a catalyst. This perspective suggests that art holds a transformative power, serving as a refuge for those in distress while also possessing the audacity to challenge and provoke those at ease. It is this unique ability to navigate the spectrum of human emotions and societal norms that underscores the profound impact of art on individual and collective consciousness. In this context, art becomes a dialogue, a form of communication that bridges disparate experiences and viewpoints. It encourages reflection on our condition, beliefs, and the status quo. Moreover, art is not just seen or heard; it is felt. It resonates on a deep, often unspoken level and has the capacity to change us, to make us see wha

"Dead Poets Society" (1989), directed by Peter Weir and penned by Tom Schulman, is set against the backdrop of Welton Academy, a conservative and elite boarding school in Vermont during 1959. The film stars Robin Williams in a transformative role as John Keating, an unconventional English teacher who ignites his students' passion for poetry and philosophy, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and self-expression. The talented ensemble cast includes Ethan Hawke as the introverted Todd Anderson and Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry, a passionate yet conflicted young man. Keating's unorthodox teaching methods, driven by the philosophy of "Carpe Diem," clash with the school's rigid academic traditions and societal norms. His iconic line, "Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary," becomes a rallying cry for the students, urging them to follow their passions and appreciate the fleeting nature of time. The film's

“The East reveres Buddha, the West reveres Christ. Both taught love as the secret of wisdom. The earthly life of Christ was contemporary with that of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who spent his life in cruelty and disgusting debauchery and perversion. Tiberius had pomp and power; in his day millions trembled at his nod. But he is forgotten.  Those who live nobly, even if in their day they live obscurely, need not fear that they will have lived in vain. Something radiates from their lives, some light that shows the way to their friends, their neighbours perhaps to long future ages. I find many people nowadays oppressed with a sense of impotence, with the feeling that in the vastness of modern societies there is nothing of importance that the individual can do. This is a mistake.  The individual, if he is filled with love of mankind, with breadth of vision, with courage and with endurance, can do a great deal. Every one of us can enlarge our mind, release our imagination, and s

The Chandi Path is one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, embodying profound spiritual wisdom and immense historical significance. Rooted in the Markandeya Purana, this sacred scripture forms part of the larger narrative of Indian mythology and religious practices that date back thousands of years. At its heart lies the worship of the Divine Mother, known as Durga or Chandi, who symbolizes the eternal cosmic power. This text is a collection of hymns, mantras, and stories, primarily centered around the victories of Devi Durga over the forces of evil, depicting her as the ultimate embodiment of strength, protection, and grace. The Chandi Path narrates the destruction of the demons Mahishasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha, illustrating the perennial struggle between righteousness (dharma) and unrighteousness (adharma). This allegorical battle is symbolic of the internal struggles that each individual faces. The demons represent ignorance, ego, and negative forces, while the God

Vanchinatha Iyer, more commonly known as Vanchinathan, is one of those extraordinary yet often unheralded figures in the annals of India's freedom struggle. Born in 1886 in Sengottai, Tamil Nadu, during a time when the air was thick with the relentless tug of colonial repression, Vanchinathan's life and actions became a fiery symbol of rebellion against British oppression. His indomitable spirit and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on India's road to freedom, even though history has not always shone its brightest light on his contributions. India, at the turn of the 20th century, was engulfed in waves of nationalist uprisings. The cry for swaraj or self-rule resonated in the hearts of many Indians who had endured years of economic exploitation, racial discrimination, and the ruthless suppression of dissent. Tamil Nadu, particularly, was a cauldron of revolutionary fervor, with figures like Subramania Bharati and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai playing s

Khudiram Bose, a name that echoes through the corridors of India’s fight for independence, was a soul who embraced sacrifice for the nation at an age where most begin to understand life. Born on December 3, 1889, in a small village in West Bengal, Khudiram’s life was a testament to unflinching courage, youthful exuberance, and a deep-seated sense of patriotism. From a tender age, he was drawn to the ideals of freedom and justice, inspired by the growing nationalist fervor that swept across India under the British colonial rule. His early involvement in the revolutionary movements led by figures like Aurobindo Ghosh and the Anushilan Samiti was the beginning of a journey that would ultimately culminate in his martyrdom. At merely sixteen, Khudiram embarked on a path that few dared to tread, committing himself wholly to the struggle for independence. His belief was unwavering – that India’s freedom was worth any cost, even his own life. On April 30, 1908, Khudiram, along with

Today, on the occasion of Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, we honor and remember a leader whose life was an embodiment of simplicity, humility, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Shastriji's journey, from his early days of struggle to becoming the Prime Minister of India, serves as an eternal reminder of what true leadership stands for—service above self. Shastriji’s philosophy of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" encapsulated his deep understanding of India’s core—the strength of its farmers and soldiers. In a time when the country was recovering from the aftermath of war and economic challenges, his words not only motivated but united the nation towards a common goal of self-sufficiency and resilience. What makes Lal Bahadur Shastri an extraordinary figure in our history is not just his political acumen but his deep connection with the common man. His simple lifestyle, untainted by the allure of power or luxury, resonated with millions. His integrity was his greatest

On this Gandhi Jayanti, we pause to reflect on the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the epitome of peace, truth, and nonviolence. His ideals have transcended time, inspiring generations across the world to pursue justice, equality, and harmony. In a world often marked by division and conflict, Gandhi's message is more relevant than ever. His unwavering commitment to Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) challenged oppression and gave rise to a new form of resistance—one grounded in dignity and moral courage. Gandhi’s leadership in India’s independence movement was not merely a fight for freedom from colonial rule, but a larger struggle to reclaim the humanity that binds us all. Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." His words remind us that the path to a just society begins with each of us. By choosing love over hate, truth over falsehood, and compassion over indifference, we can honor his legacy not only in word but also

Mahalaya marks a significant day in the Hindu calendar, serving as the curtain-raiser to the auspicious festival of Durga Puja. It is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Bengal and beyond. One cannot think of Mahalaya without invoking the timeless, resonant voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. His recital of the Chandipath, aired on All India Radio since the 1930s, has transcended generations, becoming synonymous with the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth. Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahalaya broadcast is not just a religious chant but a deeply immersive experience. His voice has a unique cadence, full of devotion, reverence, and strength, which evokes powerful imagery of the battle between good and evil. The recitation paints the mythological tale of Goddess Durga slaying the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. The history of this broadcast stretches back to the colonial era when it was first aired in

On this special day, we remember one of the finest actors ever to grace Indian cinema, Sivaji Ganesan, who was born on October 1, 1928, and left us on July 21, 2001. His unparalleled talent, dedication, and passion for the craft have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Sivaji sir was more than just an actor—he was an institution of art and emotion, a force who brought life to each of his roles with a level of intensity that remains unmatched to this day. His performances were not merely acts; they were deep explorations of human emotions. From kings to commoners, from mythological characters to social revolutionaries, he portrayed every role with such conviction that he made the audience believe in the worlds he created. Films like Parasakthi (1952) established his reputation as a force in Indian cinema, with his stirring monologues and emotional depth. His roles in Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959) and Thiruvilaiyadal (1965) were landmark performances that ceme