Warrier's blog

Friends Reader's Digest, September 2025 issue introduced some good books. One of them was "The Dispossessed", a novel by Ursula K LE Guin. I'm not a reader of novels. But somehow the 10 line intro in the Digest pierced through my thoughts. So sharing the Amazon link and description. M G Warrier A Books The Dispossessed https://amzn.in/d/0bjrnnlT The Dispossessed The novel features the development of the mathematical theory underlying a fictional ansible, a device capable of faster-than-light communication, which can send messages without delay, even between star systems. This device plays a critical role in the Hainish Cycle. The invention of the ansible places the novel first in the internal chronology of the Hainish Cycle, although it was the sixth to be published. Amazon description One of the very best must-read novels of all time - with a new introduction by Roddy Doyle 'A well told tale signifying a good deal; one to be read again and again...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, September, 2026 Part V Friends Recently I purchased a copy of "The Bhagavadgita" by S Radhakrishnan. Published by Harper, the book has 473 pages and is reasonably priced at 499. Reference to the content of the 86 page introductory essay by the author in one of the articles in a mainstream newspaper made me curious. The author gives well researched views about the content and context of BG. I found the introductory essay informative, secular and of universal relevance. First published in 1948, the Harper Collins edition came out in 2010. We will occasionally revisit Gita picking up one or two stanzas at a time, from the total 700 distributed in 18 chapters. Today I've copied the meaning of last stanza of the last chapter. M G Warrier A Current Affairs When Science & Technology are trying to break open the limits of the skye, at ground level, relationships are breaking : From families to nations, nations to world ...

Friends For a long time now, I have been responding in WhatsApp groups about the damage being done to the society by "Forwarded As Received" messages. Here's a book seriously discussing the issue. I've ordered my copy. Will come back to you on the subject ASAP after receiving it (expected by weekend). M G Warrier Random Reading : Forwarded As Received Review : "Forwarded as Received" by Saadia Azim - https://share.google/EwR5XWGnBpCU3JIfT https://amzn.in/d/0dnUBt3d Book Description WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE MUCH OF WHAT WE KNOW MAY NOT BE TRUE?>/B> Misinformation has never felt truer than it does today. Claims that once invited examination and debate now float freely and settle into everyday conversation as facts. Repetition lends them authority; famil-iarity gives them legitimacy. In this quiet transformation, falsehood does not announce itself. It embeds, circulates, and endures. This book examines how the seemingly ha...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, September, 2026 Part IV Recently, a friend asked me "Why you are wasting time, daily, preparing your own messages for sharing with friends?" Obviously s/he is not a regular reader of my daily messages. I once again explained : "Writing is my pastime and part of my regular exercise. Sharing is incidental." Thought of repeating this after reading the concluding sentence in yesterday's Speaking Tree article (ET). I quote : "To remain without action and merely await the turning of fortune could be detrimental to our well-being." Remaining active is dependent on several activities around. Long ago, I tried to give the example of morning tea : Holding a cup of tea in my hand in the morning is dependent on : My getting up in the morning. Someone else or myself making tea. Availability of gas, stove, gas-lighter, water, tea powder, milk, sugar, cup, spoon, vessel etc Description is illustrative, not exhaustive...

Kautilya's Arthasastra The 3 volumes of Kautilya's Arthasastra by R P Kangle were salvaged for future reference, when I disposed of 90 percent of my personal library few years ago. Yesterday I picked up Part 3 which is, kind of, a research paper on Arthasastra. Though the hierarchy responsible for governance has changed, students of public administration, social security and good governance will find some interesting lessons in Arthasastra. M G Warrier Random Reading : The Kautilya Arthasastra By R P Kangle Kautilya's Arthashastra Overview of the Text What it is : An ancient Indian Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. Author : Written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), royal advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Structure : Divided into 15 books (adhikaranas) and 150 chapters (prakaranas). Discovery : Lost for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1904 and first translated into English by R. Shamasastry in 1915. Cor...

Trump's 'lunacy' and ownership lessons - The Economic Times https://share.google/BnPRTLzI7P06n89UI Synopsis Donald Trump recently announced on Truth Social that the Moon is American property. This bold proclamation disregards the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which explicitly prohibits national ownership of celestial bodies. The piece emphasizes that rather than owning land, it is more essential to inhabit and care for these spaces. Ultimately, nations should reflect the collective commitment and investment of their people. My response : The Editor The Economic Times September 9, 2026 Chat Room Trump's asking for the Moon!* Apropos your editorial "Trump's 'Lunacy' and Ownership Lessons" (September 9), his interest in ownership rights is no surprise, given his real estate business/builder background. Following the Mughal Rajas of earlier centuries, he is trying to trespass, occupy and own geographies. What differentiates him from erstwh...

The book on my table today is the current issue of Prabuddha Bharatha* I found the Academic Research Paper on "Spiritual consciousness among the youth" published in the magazine interesting. Today's thoughts are inspired by the research paper. M G Warrier Spiritual consciousness among the youth Spiritual consciousness among the youth is rapidly transforming from a traditional, ascetic ideal into a modern blueprint for a fulfilling life. In an era dominated by hyper-connectivity, intense academic or career competition, and rising mental health challenges, spirituality offers young people an internal anchor. The title "Prabuddha Bharata" (Awakened India), originally manifested as the journal started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896, encapsulates this exact movement—the awakening of the nation's collective consciousness, spearheaded by its youth. The Modern Shift : Religion vs. Spirituality Modern youth are shifting away from rigid, dogmatic religious ritu...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, September, 2026 Part III Interesting responses : Yesterday, after reading my routine daily message, Shri A P Ramadurai from Chennai wondered : "I am always wondering how you manage such intricate articles !" My response was : "All I can say is, this is part of an exercise I'm regular with no expectations about results🙏" Another response from R Jayakumar reads : "I am greatly impressed that you never gave up the practice of responding to chosen News articles from your youth days to till date. It needs a tremendous will power. Many times you say, 'this is my response, but the editor did not publish '. Such occasions may have an discouraging effect, but you never give up your daily routine. That is great. With regards R Jayakumar" I tried to repeat : "As I said, for those who can enjoy, it is an interesting pastime, everyday digging out one or two topics to share one's views ...

It is an interesting pastime everyday digging out one or two topics to share one's views with friends. If you are lucky to get some feedback, that would be great and will refuel you for keeping the game going. I've been practising this joke of an activity for more than two decades now. My blogs, media responses, articles and books are all byproducts of this activity. Nice Day M G Warrier A Current Affairs BRICS Summit 2026 India set to pitch tech synergy for cementing BRICS - The Economic Times https://share.google/EyhZ3RhJRmfvC3uAr Excerpts : "India will push for closer research ties and greater government-to-government partnership across artificial intelligence, advanced computing, quantum technologies and semiconductor materials at the upcoming BRICS summit, officials said. The focus on these frontier technologies comes at a time when nations seek to counter growing AI monopolies and de-risk global semiconductor supply chains." I responded to this report...

"Completing Vyasa's Mahabharata" By Abhinav Agarwal https://amzn.in/d/08pztTZW Amazon Description : "Embedded within the primary narrative of the Mahabharata lie numerous sub-tales known as upakhyaanas or upakathas. These lesser- known stories play a vital role in completing the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata, thus giving this book its apt title. Unlike verse translations found in unabridged versions, the 67 upakathas presented here serve a different purpose. While they may appear as diversions, these narratives serve as vital threads, connecting the text and offering answers to lingering questions that readers may have. For instance, why did Ambaa, the princess of Kaashi, become the catalyst for Bheeshmas demise in a later life? The Ambaa upakhyaana holds the answers. Similarly, the stories of Sage Parashuraama reveal why a brahmana like him possessed warrior-like qualities. Two upakhyaanas shed light on this enigma. Additionally, the Yayaati upakhyaana elucid...

Good Morning Krishna & Bhagavad Gita Yesterday, in the context of Janmashtami, I had shared a WhatsApp forward giving some events in Krishna's life, saying Krishna lived for 125 plus years, some 5000 plus years ago. Stories are stories and dissecting and examining them for factual accuracy will be like peeling onion to locate seeds. A friend pointed out that the profile shared did not focus on Bhagavad Gita which made Krishna famous in recent centuries. Anshul Chaturvedi's* Teachers' Day message (Speaking Tree) came handy for responding : Lessons from S Radhakrishnan's Gita commentary - The Times of India https://share.google/PxM9LcuYWYudago6M M G Warrier *Anshul Chaturvedi Anshul Chaturvedi began his journalism career as a hard news journalist, in 1996, and shortly thereafter became the editor of local English dailies based in Jammu, specialising in topics such as the Kashmir militancy and the ISI, an unlikely starting point for someone currently managing...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, September, 2026 Part II Teachers' Day, 2026 Good Morning Happy Teacher's Day I've been enjoying student life, post-retirement (I retired on September 30, 2003 after serving different organisations for 40 years from age 19). I have found Krishna universally recognised as Jagad Guru : Lord Krishna is revered in Hindu tradition as Jagatguru or the ultimate teacher of the universe, and the title "Vishwa Guru" has also been prominently associated with ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as an extension of Krishna's divine will. Lord Krishna as Jagatguru Teacher of All Teachers: Lord Krishna is traditionally viewed as the supreme guru who delivered the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Universal Guide: His teachings transcend a single era or region, offering guidance on duty (dharma), devotion (bhakti), and liberation (moksha) for all of humanity. S...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, September, 2026 Part I Ashtami Rohini Good Morning https://youtu.be/4PlwOkBSjMQ?si=_X3vmQUknxk6LyXd The phrase "Krishn's skin tone and virtues of darkness" directly references a prominent theme published by The Times of India's Speaking Tree. The philosophy uses the literal meaning of Krishna's name and physical description to explore why humanity shuns darkness while cosmic, spiritual, and scientific laws actually celebrate it. 1. Krishna's True Skin Tone The Literal Meaning: In Sanskrit, the word Krishna translates directly to "black," "dark," or "dark blue." The Scriptural Imagery: Sacred texts like the Srimad Bhagavatam describe his complexion as Shyama-sundara—the "beautiful dark one". His skin is frequently compared to a fresh, water-laden monsoon cloud (Nava-megha) or the dark bark of the Tamal tree. The Artistic Shift: While traditional temple idols (like Ban...

https://youtu.be/xcG8DEbDBNA?si=GpXIi7ftddcfLR6F Where to Stop : (Author unknown)* “Kaun Banega Crorepati"- In a recent episode, Neeraj Saxena was the fastest to answer in the "Fastest Finger" round and took the hot seat. He sat very calmly, without shouting, dancing, crying, raising his hands, or hugging Amitabh. Neeraj is a scientist, a Ph.D., and a Vice Chancellor of an University in Kolkata. He has a pleasant and simple personality. He considers himself fortunate to have worked with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and mentioned that initially, he thought only about himself, but under Kalam's influence, he began thinking about others and the nation as well. Neeraj started playing. He used the audience poll once, but since he had the "Double Dip" lifeline, he got the chance to use it again. He answered all the questions with ease, and his intelligence was impressive. He won ₹3,20,000 and an equivalent bonus amount, and then there was a break. After the b...

Good Morning Three Cheers For RBI https://share.google/B8wFxWV9JD0kjlS3V India's Financial Health Checkup report is available. Media and analysts, for obvious reasons, are downplaying the central bank's role in the whole affair for obvious reasons. Figures speak : 📊 India's Forex & Gold Reserves India's total foreign exchange (forex) reserves reached an all-time record high of $729.33 billion for the week ended August 21, 2026. 📈 Breakdown of Reserves Total Forex Reserves: $729.33 billion Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): ~$591.3 billion Gold Reserves Value: ~$114.2 billion Physical Gold Stock: 880.52 tonnes Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): ~$18.85 billion Reserve Position in the IMF: ~$4.87 billion 💡 Key Drivers Surge in Inflows: Weekly jump of $12.42 billion driven by strong institutional flows and non-resident deposits. Economic Buffers: Robust external position bolstered by solid GDP growth (7.8% in Q1 of current FY) M G Warrier

Good Morning Only very recently I realised that Speaking Tree is not about spirituality or mythology or philosophy. Those who write the columns there are ordinary human beings like you and me. They may have more knowledge or a better way of expressing themselves more convincingly. But the subjects they handle are of consequence to all of us. We can easily relate the experiences they share and the stories they tell with our day to day real life experiences. These thoughts came to mind while reading this piece by a senior media professional, Sivakumar Sundaram : When a master weeps, a seeker learns - The Times of India https://share.google/u0RWgHqxYL0ATxz3s Excerpts : "I am a seeker. Like every seeker, i walk into temples of faith with folded palms and unspoken questions. We go to seek blessings, to seek protection, to offer gratitude and to seek answers to questions no human being can answer. Kailash Manasarovar is where seekers have always taken such questions. That mountain d...

Freeze The Moment & Help Manisha Koirala Appeals To India And China Amid Nepal Flash Floods: ‘We Are Facing The Brunt...’ | Bollywood News - News18 https://share.google/8Jpd2DUTsP8N7V61f Excerpts from the report : "Manisha Koirala has appealed for India, China and Nepal to work together as Nepal reels from devastating flash floods that have killed hundreds and left thousands missing. The actress, who was born in Kathmandu, also urged the international community to continue supporting the Himalayan nation while stressing that tourism must not come to a halt because of the disaster. Manisha spoke about the crisis at ‘In Solidarity with Nepal’, a special event led by spiritual leader Sadhguru on Sunday, August 30." Blame game and research can wait. The call, from whatever corner, to support the victims of the calamity, all of us need to listen. The appeal is to the responsible world leaders and their irresponsible followers who placed many of them, who are suffering fro...

When nature speaks, humanity must listen because trees and ecosystems communicate through quiet wisdom, biological signals, and interconnected roots that sustain all life on Earth. The Voice of the Speaking Tree Silent Wisdom: Trees stand through changing seasons, offering shelter, stability, and quiet lessons in resilience. Underground Networks: Forests communicate through hidden fungal networks (mycorrhizal networks) that transfer nutrients, water, and warning signals between trees. Environmental Signals: Trees register stress, drought, and damage through changes in their leaves, growth rings, and chemistry. Why Humanity Must Listen Ecosystem Balance: Ignoring the distress signals of forests leads to severe climate shifts, habitat loss, and resource depletion. Mindful Connection: Slowing down to observe nature restores human well-being and grounds us in a shared planetary community. Friends Last week I tried to draw the attention of the literate audience about the global responsi...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, August, 2026 Part IV Introducing Wayne Walter Dyer Wayne Walter Dyer (May 10, 1940 – August 29, 2015) was an American self-help author and a motivational speaker. Dyer earned a bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy, a master's degree in psychology and an Ed. D. in Guidance and Counseling at Wayne State University in 1970. Early in his career, he worked as a high school guidance counselor, and went on to run a successful private therapy practice. He became a popular professor of counselor education at St. John's University, where he was approached by a literary agent to put his ideas into book form. The result was his first book, Your Erroneous Zones (1976). This launched Dyer's career as a motivational speaker and self-help author, during which he published 20 more best-selling books and produced a number of popular specials for PBS. Influenced by thinkers such as Abraham Maslow and Albert Ellis, Dyer's ...

5 traits of good leaders - The Economic Times https://share.google/JYz0RZ5SghukheZzi Synopsis "Successful individuals demonstrate unwavering focus and genuine enjoyment in their endeavors. They possess strong emotional intelligence, showing kindness and empathy towards others. These people accept outcomes gracefully, learning from failures and making adjustments. They readily share credit and acknowledge contributions from their colleagues. Generosity defines them as they help others without seeking recognition." The author Hasmukh Adhia (born 3 November 1958) is a retired 1981 batch IAS of Gujarat cadre who served as the Finance Secretary and Revenue Secretary of India. He is considered as one of the key persons behind the architecture and roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax & Demonetization in India announced in 2016. He is the present Chairman of the boards of State public sector undertakings Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL) and Gujarat Mineral Dev...