Today marks the 144th birth anniversary of Sri Ramana Maharshi, an emblematic figure in the spiritual landscape of India and a beacon of enlightenment in philosophy. Born on 30th December 1879 as Venkataraman Iyer in Tamil Nadu, his journey to spiritual awakening is as profound as it is inspirational. His early life in the village of Tiruchuzhi was unremarkable until a pivotal moment at the age of 16. In 1896, he experienced a profound "death-experience," a moment of existential clarity that unveiled to him the essence of his true "I" or "self." This experience was not just a revelation but a transformation, leading him to identify this force with Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism. This awakening compelled him to leave his uncle's home in Madurai and travel to the sacred hill of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai. Here, he adopted the life of a Sannyasi, a renunciate seeking spiritual liberation. Although he never underwent formal initiation, ...
The quote "If you want a new idea, read an old book," attributed to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist known for his work in classical conditioning, encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of creativity and innovation. This statement, simple yet profound, serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of knowledge and the hidden treasures within the annals of history. At its core, this quote challenges the modern predisposition toward valuing the new over the old, the novel over the established. In an era dominated by the relentless pursuit of innovation and the next big thing, Pavlov's words invite us to pause and reconsider the sources from which truly transformative ideas emerge. It suggests that within the pages of old books—texts that have weathered the sands of time—lies a wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and insights that have the potential to inspire and catalyze new thoughts in contemporary contexts. Reading an old book is akin to engaging in a...
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...