In Telugu, there’s a telling proverb: “Ati vinayam, dhoorta lakshanam”—too much humility or subservience is often the hallmark of the cunning. Jagdeep Dhankhar, former Vice President of India, might just be the modern political embodiment of that phrase. The way he grovelled at times, bending backward in displays of loyalty that would make even a…
Whenever we get more than enough waiting time at the boarding gates in airports, what do we usually do? Get immersed in our phones — endless screen time or catching up with someone on chat. Or just doze off for a quick nap. Especially if you’re surrounded by tired travel companions reluctant to chat after…
Pasamylaram Chemical Explosion: Lessons Still Unlearnt Nearly eight years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a multinational chemical manufacturing facility. What struck me most was the seamless integration of technology—complete computerisation, live dashboards, and automated safety protocols that left nothing to chance. The plant operated non-stop, 24/7, 365 days a year, yet its track…
The Pasamylaram Chemical Plant Explosion A tragedy unfolded on the outskirts of Hyderabad near Patancheru, in Pasamylaram, where an explosion ripped through a chemical factory manufacturing pharmaceutical intermediates. So far, 47 lives have been lost, with many more battling for survival in hospitals. Adding to the horror, several of the plant’s 147 employees are reportedly…
Recently, Trump used the ‘f’ word without giving any pretension of tongue slip while being asked about the Israel-Iran conflict before boarding his aircraft. Using slang is not at all news these days, where it is uttered at the drop of a hat, thanks to the evolution of language to slanguage, courtesy of social media….
Grandparents and grandchildren have a separate connection. This becomes more evident in the absence of the intermediate generation – the parents. That situation for me and my wife as grandparents arose when my daughter and son-in-law had to leave the country in two different directions on official work, leaving the ten-year-old with us, albeit for…
A tragic bridge collapse in Pune claimed nearly 20 lives as people were swept away by the raging waters beneath. Even before the blame game could begin, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis squarely put the responsibility on those who chose to walk onto the bridge, despite a clear warning board cautioning against it. Technically…
The recent major car accident resulted in serious injuries to Indian Idol Pawandeep Rajan, leaving behind his millions of fans all over the world shell shocked. His wife, Arunita Kanjilal, is the runner-up of the Indian Idol of the same series and was not accompanying him in the car. The most envious and successful couple…
Will Pakistan ever publicly declare that it will not engage in cross-border terrorism or stop bleeding India by a thousand cuts? The answer—based on history and political reality—is a resounding no. That’s why the latest so-called olive branch from former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing willingness to engage in “peace talks” with India, must…
The answer to the title’s question seems to be yes if we go by what follows. A 3-col. story in today’s Indian Express drew my attention to pen this piece. The news goes like this. An elderly couple, Sayamma and Gangaram, living in Raykur village in Nizamabad district, were regularly visiting a court in Bodhan…
