Saturday, October 10, 2026
Double Remedy Day
Friday, October 09, 2026
BKU vs. VAS
There is really no fair comparison between the two movies. While both may share a similar underlying premise of a young woman falling in love with an older man, the similarities largely end there. The stories are set in different worlds, explore different lifestyles, and are told with distinct perspectives, themes, and storytelling styles.
Ultimately, cinema is a matter of personal taste. Some viewers may connect more deeply with one film, while others may prefer the other. A preference for one does not automatically make the other inferior. Appreciating or disliking a film is subjective, and different audiences will naturally respond to different narratives in different ways.
Thursday, October 08, 2026
White Ginger Lilies...
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Monday, October 05, 2026
East of Eden ~ John Steinbeck
East of Eden is a classic 1952 novel by John Steinbeck, often regarded as his masterpiece. It is a sweeping family saga set mainly in California's Salinas Valley and follows two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, across multiple generations. The novel explores themes of good versus evil, free will, identity, love, guilt, forgiveness, and the biblical story of Cain and Abel.
At its core, the story centers on:
The troubled Trask family, especially brothers who mirror the Cain and Abel rivalry.
The contrast between human cruelty and compassion.
The idea that people are not trapped by their past and can choose their own moral path.
Steinbeck weaves together American Historical fiction, family drama, philosophy of free will, psychological character study, history, and biblical symbolism into an epic narrative.
Many readers consider it one of the greatest American novels because it combines an engaging story with deep reflections on human nature and moral choice.
The story begins with Adam Trask, a gentle but troubled man, and his brother Charles Trask, whose resentment and rivalry echo the Cain-and-Abel theme. Later, Adam's sons, Caleb (Cal) and Aaron (Aron), repeat a similar struggle as they compete for love, approval, and identity.
One of the novel's most important questions is:
Are we destined to repeat the flaws we inherit, or can we choose a different path?
This is where the idea of Timshel ("thou mayest") becomes central. Steinbeck argues that people are neither trapped by fate nor guaranteed redemption. They have the freedom to choose who they become.
In one sentence
East of Eden is a sweeping family saga about good and evil, love and rejection, and the freedom each person has to choose their own moral path.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdMMrIzSFKB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
"Timshel" is arguably the central idea of East of Eden. You see it in action from chapter 25.
In the novel, the characters Lee, Samuel Hamilton, and Adam Trask discuss a Hebrew word from the story of Cain and Abel. Different translations render it as:
"Thou shalt" (a command)
"Thou will" (a prediction)
"Thou mayest" (you may choose)
Lee argues that"thou mayest" is the most profound translation because it means human beings are not doomed by fate, heredity, or their past. Instead, they have the freedom to choose how they act.
Why is it important?
Steinbeck's message is essentially:
You are not forced to be good.
You are not forced to be evil.
You have the freedom to choose.
That freedom is both empowering and burdensome because it means we are responsible for our choices.
The example from the Instagram post
The reel is pointing to a moment when Adam chooses his response to Cathy.
The significance is not that Adam "wins" or suddenly becomes healed. Instead:
He has been hurt.
He has reasons to remain trapped by the past.
Yet he chooses what to do next.
That's Timshel in action: choosing your path despite your circumstances.
A simple modern example
Imagine someone betrays you.
Fate: "You'll become bitter."
Command: "You must forgive."
Timshel: "You may choose."
You can become bitter, forgive, move on, seek justice, or do something else entirely. The power and responsibility are yours.
Why readers love this idea
Many readers come away from East of Eden feeling that it is less a family saga and more a meditation on a question:
"Am I condemned to repeat the mistakes of my parents and my past, or can I choose a different life?"
Steinbeck's answer is summed up in one word:
Timshel. "Thou mayest."
It means you always have a choice, even when your history, emotions, and circumstances seem to be pulling you in another direction.
That's why many people finish the novel feeling that "Timshel" is one of the most memorable ideas in all of literature.
The Flydubai FZ1073 Story: Fact, Perception, and the Search for Truth
The September 30 incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has rapidly become more than an aviation story. According to authorities, the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent cockpit incident involving the co-pilot, while passengers, crew, and off-duty pilots reportedly helped prevent a potential catastrophe. Investigations are ongoing, and aviation and security agencies continue to examine the facts.
Yet public opinion has split into two very different camps. War isn't over: Al-Qaeda praises flydubai co-pilot, calls for more attacks
One side sees the incident as a real-life story of courage. For them, the captain, crew members, passengers, and those who intervened represent ordinary people making extraordinary decisions under pressure. The praise directed at those involved reflects admiration for composure, professionalism, and human bravery in the face of danger.
The other side remains skeptical. Some question whether all reported details will ultimately withstand scrutiny, noting how dramatic elements, conflicting reports, and evolving narratives can make real events resemble a Hollywood screenplay. They argue that major stories often acquire layers of interpretation before all facts are established.
In many ways, the debate resembles the theme explored in the film Drishyam: the same sequence of events can generate multiple versions of the truth depending on who is telling the story. The Malayalam and Hindi versions themselves arrive at similar truths through different narrative paths.
Perhaps the lesson is that facts, stories, and perceptions are rarely identical. History records events, people construct narratives, and truth if ever often emerges only after time, evidence, and careful investigation separate certainty from speculation.
Butter ~ Asako Yuzuki
This book was discussed in one of our Cochin Book Club meets couple of years before and wanted to read it since then. Inspired by real events, based on the case of the “Konkatsu Killer” (Kanae Kijima), a con woman and gourmet cook convicted of poisoning her lovers, 'Butter' by Asako Yuzuki is widely considered a powerful and thought‑provoking novel. Translated into English by Polly Barton, this book blends crime fiction with social critique, exploring murder investigation, appetite, loneliness, body image, gender expectations, the meaning of pleasure, the relationship between women, food, and desire. It is unsettling but rewarding, with rich character depth and cultural commentary.
Sunday, October 04, 2026
Asian Games 2026
India’s showing at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan was both impressive and significant, marking the country’s second‑best performance in its continental history. India finished 4th overall, securing 85 medals — 21 Gold, 27 Silver, and 37 Bronze. This achievement underscored India’s growing stature in Asian sport, though it did not surpass the record‑breaking tally of 106 medals at Hangzhou in 2023.
What went well: India continued its dominance in kabaddi, with both men’s and women’s teams clinching gold. The women’s cricket team added another prestigious title, while athletics contributed strongly, particularly in relay events. Shooting and archery remained reliable medal sources, with compound teams sweeping podium finishes. Importantly, India expanded into new disciplines: MMA, soft tennis, and sailing delivered historic first medals, signaling diversification beyond traditional strengths.
What could be better: Despite the strong overall tally, India's gold count (21) was lower than the 28 achieved in 2023. However, hockey was a major success, with India winning gold in both the men's and women's events. The lower gold tally was primarily due to a decline in some other sports compared with the previous edition. To climb further up the rankings, India must convert more silver and bronze finishes into golds, and deepen its talent pool in sports where margins are narrow.
Tennis was the worst-performing sport and urgently needs a deep dive. The All India Tennis Association needs to put its internal differences aside and focus on the sport, which has traditionally delivered at the Asian Games. To see tennis return without a single medal is catastrophic. Suresh and Yuki, Yuki and Rutuja, and Sumit Nagal were all medal hopefuls.
Rowing was another huge disappointment because we did have the team to deliver. Last-minute changes made by the federation and the coach, reportedly without adequate consultation with the athletes, damaged morale. The entire matter could have been handled much better. The disagreement played out in the open and, in the end, India suffered, with the medal tally dropping from five to one.
Fencing, too, was a shocker. There has been very little to show for the sport since Bhavani Devi made a stellar push in Tokyo in 2021. Despite bringing a large contingent of 20 athletes to Nagoya, there was little to celebrate.
Equestrian sport finds itself in a similar situation, with athletes raising concerns over the selection process. Anush Agarwalla, who won gold in Hangzhou, also questioned aspects of the process in an Instagram post soon after the events ended.
Clearly, there are lessons to be learnt and they need to be addressed rather than brushed under the carpet. Celebrate the highs, but accept the lows and put the right corrective measures in place.
Significant highlights: The Games showcased India’s versatility. Breakthroughs in non‑traditional sports demonstrated the country’s expanding competitive base, while continued excellence in kabaddi, cricket, and shooting reinforced legacy strengths. The women’s 4x400m relay gold symbolized continuity with India’s storied track tradition, echoing past legends.
In comparison, 2023 Hangzhou remains India’s best‑ever campaign (106 medals, 28 Gold, 4th place). Yet, the 2026 tally of 85 medals and 21 Golds confirms India’s ability to sustain high performance levels. The challenge ahead lies in building on this consistency, converting near‑misses into victories, and ensuring breakthroughs in new sports become long‑term success stories.
Person‑wise Highlights & Records
Athletics
- Vithya Ramraj – Broke PT Usha’s 42‑year‑old national record in the women’s 400m hurdles; also won medals in both women’s and mixed 4x400m relays.
- Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi Choudhary, Vithya Ramraj – Won gold in women’s 4x400m relay, India’s lone athletics gold.
- Gulveer Singh – Secured silver in 10,000m and 1500m, plus a bronze in 5000m.
- Baranica Elangovan – Won India’s first‑ever Asian Games pole vault medal (bronze).
- Sawan Barwal – Marathon silver with a national record.
Archery
- Kumkum Mohod – Became the first Indian woman to win individual recurve gold.
- Chikitha Taniparthi, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep – Won women’s compound team gold.
- Chikitha Taniparthi & Sahil Jadhav – Secured mixed compound gold and an Olympic quota.
Shooting
- Neeru Dhanda – Won women’s trap gold, India’s first in 48 years; later paired with Kynan Chenai to win mixed trap gold with an Asian record.
- Suruchi Singh & Kamaljeet – Claimed India’s first Asian Games gold in 10m air pistol mixed team, setting an Asian record.
Golf
Pranavi Urs – Became the first Indian woman to win individual golf gold at the Asian Games; also won team silver with Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar.
Combat & Other Sports
Lovlina Borgohain – Won gold in women’s 75kg boxing, becoming only the second Indian female boxer to win Asiad gold.
Suchika Tariyal – Secured India’s first‑ever medal in MMA (bronze).
Jay Meena – Won India’s first‑ever medal in soft tennis (bronze).
Mirabai Chanu – Claimed silver in women’s 48kg weightlifting, India’s first Asiad weightlifting medal since 1998.
Team Sports
Men’s & Women’s Hockey Teams – Both won gold; women’s team ended a 44‑year wait for Asian Games gold.
Men’s & Women’s Kabaddi Teams – Both clinched gold, reaffirming India’s dominance.
Men’s & Women’s Cricket Teams – Both won gold, with Abhishek Sharma (61 off 28) and Tilak Varma (51*) starring in the men’s final against Pakistan.
India’s 2026 Asian Games campaign was defined by historic firsts — golf, soft tennis, MMA, women’s hockey, and trap shooting — alongside record‑breaking performances in athletics and archery. While the overall tally was lower than 2023, the breadth of achievements across traditional and new sports confirmed India’s emergence as a versatile sporting powerhouse.
India’s journey at the Asian Games has steadily evolved from modest beginnings in 1951 to becoming a consistent top‑10 nation. The best performance to date came at Hangzhou 2023, where India won 106 medals (28 Gold, 38 Silver, 40 Bronze) and finished 4th overall, its highest tally ever. In 1951 India had come second. India was the host nation twice once in 1951 and once in 80's when India was 5th in the medal tally.
Flydubai Crash Bid
Two off‑duty Flydubai pilots traveling as passengers (probably one South African, one New Zealander : Yet to be confirmed) took over, Assisted by passengers (including Yaniv Hayun, Asaf Rajuan, Shota Musaev) who physically subdued the co‑pilot. Together, they stabilized the aircraft and diverted to Tabuk.
Friday, October 02, 2026
The Real Luxuries
This illustration titled “the real luxuries” beautifully captures the essence of simple joys that often go unnoticed in our fast‑paced lives. Instead of equating luxury with wealth or possessions, it reframes the idea to highlight everyday experiences that nurture peace, connection, and fulfillment.
Religion, Politics and World Today
Gandhiji had said, "Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion means.”
Gandhi often emphasized that politics and religion are inseparable, because for him religion meant ethics, morality, and truth — not sectarianism.
He believed that politics without moral grounding would become corrupt, while religion divorced from social responsibility would be hollow.
This line is one of his most cited remarks on the fusion of spiritual values with public life.
Ethical Politics: Gandhi argued that true politics must be rooted in values like truth (satya) and nonviolence (ahimsa).
Religion as Morality: He used “religion” in the broad sense of dharma — moral duty — rather than ritual or dogma.
Modern Relevance: The quote is often invoked in debates about whether ethics, spirituality, or morality should guide governance.
There is a political denunciation, mixing religious appeals, accusations of election fraud, and criticism of BJP’s treatment of Muslims and its broader narrative strategies.
These are rants and a rant is a speech or piece of writing that is emotional, angry, and often repetitive, usually aimed at criticizing someone or something. It tends to use charged language rather than calm analysis. Rants often mix facts, opinions, and emotions without clear separation. They can highlight real grievances but usually exaggerate or generalize.
To evaluate a rant:
Check facts independently (verify claims with credible sources).
Separate opinion from evidence (what is emotional vs what is factual).
Understand intent (is it to inform, persuade, or provoke?).
Highly critical political rant targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. It accuses them of:
Collusion with Israel’s Netanyahu to repress Muslims in India.
Employing extremist thugs to commit atrocities against Muslims and destroy mosques.
Rigging elections with the help of the Election Commission.
Spreading false narratives that BJP members alone are truthful while ordinary citizens lie.
Using sycophants, zealots, and journalists to spread misinformation and stage political theatrics.
Hypocrisy regarding Hindus abroad: criticizes BJP for disliking Muslims while many Hindus live and work peacefully in Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh.
Inciting division between Hindus and Muslims, while ordinary communities coexist peacefully.
Targeting Muslim celebrities (e.g., Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan) as an example of BJP’s anti-Muslim stance.
Epstein files is an analogy for exposing politicians’ misdeeds, suggesting that dishonest leaders hide behind staged dramas.
A side by side comparison would look like below:
| Theme | Islamic Terrorist Threat Rant |
|---|---|
| Violence & repression | Claims extremist groups unleash atrocities against civilians, destroying communities and places of worship. |
| Hypocrisy of leaders | Condemns those who claim to defend Islam but commit violence, corruption, and oppression. |
| Recruitment & manipulation | Accuses groups of brainwashing youth, exploiting poverty, and twisting religion for political power. |
| Global destabilization | Frames terrorism as destabilizing nations, economies, and international peace. |
| Propaganda narrative | Says extremists spread lies that they alone are “true believers,” branding others as infidels. |
| Media & misinformation | Criticizes propaganda videos and online radicalization that glorify violence. |
| Community relations | Highlights that ordinary Muslims live peacefully, but extremists incite division and hatred. |
| Celebrity/figure examples | Points to attacks on public figures, journalists, or aid workers as proof of indiscriminate violence. |
| Overall charge | Portrays terrorism as a destructive ideology that spreads fear, chaos, and undermines Islam itself. Just as the rant you shared about Modi/BJP portrays them as destabilizing society, a rant against Islamic terrorism portrays violent extremist groups as the destabilizers — accusing them of hypocrisy, manipulation, and destruction of peaceful coexistence. |

























