During the 1965 war, a helicopter carrying senior Indian officers mistakenly approached a Pakistani-occupied post, nearly landing there. The pilots, disoriented by a sandstorm, avoided landing and later landed at a friendly post. This near-capture incident highlighted the chaos of war.
Jaideep, a modern child, received a video game, contrasting the author's childhood, where games involved physical activity and self-made toys. The author describes simple joys like caring for animals and the excitement of discovery, highlighting how play has evolved with time.
A ferry capsized on the Sutlej in 1982, killing 24, mostly school children, due to an overloaded, unsafe boat. Negligence, lack of safety measures, and delayed rescue efforts contributed to the tragedy. The event highlighted systemic failures and the importance of prioritizing safety.
The author, an Indian Army officer, recounts his experiences with celebratory secularism during Navratras. He describes religious practices like fasting, animal sacrifice (bali), and shared prasad involving rum. He reflects on reviving the bali ritual after returning from a peacekeeping mission, and the diverse greetings he receives from ex-servicemen.
In 1990s Shimla, fog enveloped the town, fostering a unique culture. Jackets and umbrellas were integral to identity and childhood, symbols of shared memories and belonging. Though cars have altered the landscape, the essence of this walking culture remains, a cherished heritage.
DECADES ago, my working parents hired a boy named Lokender to take care of my youngest brother, who was then an infant. He came from the outskirts of our town and was barely an adolescent. Lean and soft-spoken, he carried...
A friend, swayed by a rising market, invested heavily, losing money and suffering severe stress-induced hypertension. His health improved when the market rebounded. The doctor advised him to prioritize inner peace over financial gains, leading to his recovery and acceptance of a step back from trading.
The author fondly recalls her time as an Army wife, highlighting the joys of camaraderie, frequent moves, and creating a welcoming home. The kitchen was central, memories of family and friends intertwined with cooking and shared meals. Cherished objects evoke laughter and love from that era.
A mute, stray dog, 'Silent,' was rescued. Despite its handicap, it was loving and protective. The dog fell ill, was treated with care, and eventually recovered. After five years, Silent silently disappeared, likely sensing its impending death, leaving a lasting impact.
Pakistan, emboldened after the 1962 war, launched an offensive in 1965, using superior Patton tanks. Despite this advantage, well-trained Indian Centurion crews prevailed due to the Centurion's survivability and the Pattons becoming bogged down, shattering the myth of Patton's invincibility.
The author reflects on aging, observing how his parents' nostalgia and conversations mirrored his own future. Their past in Pakistan, lost relatives, and buried treasures become his present. He now grapples with sleeplessness, reliving memories, and understands the cyclical nature of life and relationships.
THE recent deluge in Punjab reminded me of the time when my village faced the fury of floods almost two decades ago. Our house stood on the outskirts, surrounded by lush-green fields, and was considered one of the safest. But...
Sepoy Bhagirath deserted the Indian Army but later returned, was punished, and redeployed. During the 1965 war, he bravely laid cables under fire, aiding in the capture of the Ichhogil Canal, and was killed in action, transforming from a deserter to a martyr.
The narrator befriends 'Monk' at an ashram. After the narrator's phone is stolen, Monk, despite his own tragic loss of family, consoles him. The narrator realizes Monk's perspective on loss and gains a new appreciation for the value of things.
Floods devastated both sides of Punjab, blurring the border and causing immense suffering. Water, once a source of contention, became a destructive force, contaminated and unusable. Rescue efforts faced challenges, and the ecological impact was severe. The tragedy highlighted the shared plight and irony of the situation.
Married couples universally clash over temperature preferences, leading to thermostat battles. The author, preferring cooler temperatures than his wife, devises a plan to manipulate their AC. He hires a technician to adjust the display, only to discover his wife had made a similar request earlier in the summer.
Ancient philosophers valued leisure and balance alongside work. Modern life prioritizes busyness, but science shows benefits of downtime. The key is finding rhythm: effort and aspiration with repose and reflection. Embrace lightness by resting, laughing, and prioritizing balance.
The Bishnoi community in Mukam village practices strong environmental conservation based on 29 principles, including protecting animals and trees. They famously sacrificed lives to save trees and inspired the Chipko Movement. Their eco-centric lifestyle, even in death, demonstrates a deep respect for nature and a progressive approach to conservation.
A soldier dreamt he met a captivating executive named Nicole during a boring knowledge management lecture. He woke up to find he was asleep, having a vivid fantasy sparked by a yoga posture. The company and woman were figments of his imagination.
A pack of dogs won their case in 10 days, a sharp contrast to the slow pace of human trials in India. The author satirically highlights the irony, noting the disparity in judicial speed and suggesting that justice favors certain clients, while many humans languish in legal limbo.
The 1988 Punjab floods near the border forced villagers to seek refuge on a bundh alongside the author's troops. Despite immense hardship, the people showed resilience and the army provided aid. Villagers trusted the army for relief distribution, demonstrating their faith.
Punjab floods devastated communities. A newspaper photo of an elderly woman in a flooded home symbolized the suffering and resilience of flood victims. Her composure represented courage, survival, and the need for long-term aid and policy changes to prevent future vulnerability.
The Tribune, a constant companion for over 45 years, serves as a daily teacher. It offers insightful reflections, historical context, diverse opinions, and essential information on rights and responsibilities. It has evolved digitally, remaining a respected source of knowledge and wisdom for all.
The author reflects on the influence of teachers, citing examples like Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Kalam, Tagore, Gandhi, and Mandela. These figures instilled values and knowledge, proving that teaching transcends the classroom, ultimately celebrating the 'eternal spirit of the guru.'
The author finds intellectual freedom and joy at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, a former Viceregal Lodge. It was gifted by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who prioritized scholarship over a ceremonial presidential retreat. The institute fosters deep thinking and research, enriching the nation with ideas.
A friend, known for his booming voice and love of English literature, was prescribed a month of silence by his doctor due to strained vocal cords. The author, concerned, attempts to offer encouragement by reframing the silence as an opportunity for introspection and spiritual growth, similar to the practice of Maun Vrat.
The author encountered a terrible road in rural India, despite road signs. This highlighted citizens' apathy towards the state's responsibility, even in cities, reflected by poor infrastructure and broken government promises. The barber's cynical view on the road's construction underscored this collective attitude.
Moving triggered a rediscovery of a letter from the author's grandmother, revealing her support and pride during the author's training. The grandmother, a progressive figure, provided unwavering encouragement and shaped the author's values and aspirations, becoming a guiding influence. The letter brought back fond childhood memories and highlighted the grandmother's impact on the author's life.
Seeking a female driver led to unexpected reactions, exposing societal biases. Jokes and doubt from friends highlighted ingrained stereotypes. Despite celebrating women's achievements, a woman driver was met with ridicule, revealing a disconnect. Real change requires embracing women in everyday roles, not just high-profile ones.
An aunt, her son, and the narrator walked 16 km to Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib, despite family doubts. Driven by determination and a shared desire for the long walk, they started at dawn. After encountering sunrise, villages, and a near-fall, they reached the gurdwara, celebrated with langar, and considered it a test of mental strength.