Warrier's blog

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, August, 2026 Part I Good Morning Long long ago, I used to pick up old copies of Psychology Today magzine from a footpath bookseller in Thiruvananthapuram. Later, I have read some Psychology and Psychiatry books to know more about the activities of human mind. Didn't learn or understand much. But the revelation that normal individuals cannot understand or comprehend the mind of an insane person itself made me interact with abnormal behaviour differently. I have mentioned in my book "Open Book Of Happy Memories" (2023) about three cases of insane behaviour which I had observed in close proximity : https://share.google/hSaTmg4m3RvN5LhQe M G Warrier A Restoring Self-confidence : Psychology Today Restoring self-confidence is built through action and reality-based competence rather than empty positive affirmations. Core strategies include taking concrete steps, challenging your inner critic, and adjusting how you compa...

Good Morning I was feeling lazy today. I gave a subject and asked Google Aunty to write something on the subject. Suggested using Reader's Digest. Here it is : M G Warrier Make the most of your life Making the most of your life, based on classic wisdom from Reader's Digest, centers on simple daily habits : practicing gratitude, setting clear goals, and nurturing close relationships. Core Life Lessons Be Grateful : Appreciate small daily blessings to boost your mood and health. Set Goals : Create simple plans to give your days clear purpose and direction. Help Others : Connect with people around you by performing acts of kindness. Live Now : Focus on the present moment instead of worrying over the past or future. Healthy Daily Habits Stay Active : Move your body every day, even if it is just a short walk. Rest Well : Get enough sleep and turn off screens early to relax. Stay Close to Family : Spend dedicated time with the people you love. Bonus : A WhatsApp forward : ...

Good Morning I don't endorse everything said in this piece(link below). But, borrowing an idea from something we quote often, I respect the freedom we get to express our thoughts, which people exercise miserly resulting in chaos later. The Frontline Weekly | The ants assemble! - Frontline https://share.google/lUXuW8hkAqGLSgkjR If the link opens, you can read an intro to a special edition a popular Indian magazine (Born in 1984) is bringing out covering the history in making. M G Warrier

Spotting the differences This was my response to an analytical piece "Why Gen Z India Stir is Different" published in ET on July 27, 2026 : "The events, 'spontaneous' gathering of tens of thousands of youth from different walks of life for a common cause at a sensitive location and the crowd 'clinching' a victory of sorts by forcing a minister to resign have been celebrated elegantly. It is now for the central government and the people to decipher the message and show the wisdom to repair the system which was responsible for the developments that caused the breakdown of the architecture, in the first place. The birth of CJP or the forced resignation of one minister have no parallels in the protests which threatened the regimes in Nepal, Bangaladesh and Sri Lanka except in the role of Gen Z. Earlier the real issues like corruption, inefficiency and sagging trust in governance are addressed, the better for India." M G Warrier

Good Morning M G Warrier Significance of AUM In the Upanishads, AUM (Om) is defined as the primeval, imperishable sound representing the entire universe, ultimate reality (Brahman), and the inner Self (Atman). It encompasses past, present, and future, serving as the ultimate tool for meditation and spiritual liberation. Structure and States of Consciousness The Mandukya Upanishad breaks down the sacred syllable AUM into four parts, mapping them directly to human states of awareness and cosmic reality: A (Akara): The waking state (jagrat), representing outward-facing consciousness and the physical world. U (Ukara): The dreaming state (svapna), representing inward-facing consciousness and the realm of mental dreams. M (Makara): Deep sleep (sushupti), representing a state of integrated rest where desires and dreams vanish. The Silence (Turiya): The fourth transcendent state, representing pure infinite awareness, peace, and the ultimate unified Self beyond the three spoken syllables....

Paradox of choice - The Economic Times https://share.google/CGlwYDuiTEcBMA34B Excerpts : "Decision-making presents challenges due to overwhelming choices and the fear of regret. Humans often face an anguish of freedom when choosing between attractive options. Krishn advised Arjun to embrace his duty and focus on moral responsibilities. Detaching from outcomes and cultivating a calm mind are essential for sound decisions. Arjun's reflection led to victory after applying these principles." This is not about philosophy. This is about a dilemma all of us face in everyday life. Too many choices or options available. Which dress to wear? Whether focus on health and family, or struggle for a wealthier, brighter future in some corner of the world? Whether plan short-term or long term, when it comes to career, savings etc? Whether to WFH(Work From Home) or go to Office? Whether to cook food at home, or order, or go out and eat? What to eat? Menu Card is not a Card, it's a b...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, July, 2026 : Part IV Remembering E X Joseph July 24, 2026 is second Memorial Day of E X Joseph. We had maintained a cordial, brotherly relationship ever since we met sometime in 1964. Prayers M G Warrier A Adieu, E X Joseph https://www.warriersblog.com/2024/07/adieu-e-x-joseph.html Excerpts : Dear Joseph *** "When we met first in 1964, I was still a teenager and you were Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Employees Association. You had come to address us (employees of AG's Office, Thiruvananthapuram) and all of us were amazed by your oratory which received continuous applause from the audience. We were not aware of your MA Economics background then. After restoring recognition of the Association, you left AG's Office and pursued journalism, law, writing poetry and books and what not, till recently, before giving up the practice in Supreme Court as Senior Advocate." *** During his stay in ...

Reserve first half for regular business The intro to the detailed report on disruption of proceedings in Parliament on front page in The Economic Times on July 21, 2026 (Detailed report was on page 2) captioned "Opposition Stalls LS on Opening Day; Stir Likely to Continue" engaged my attention. Perhaps, all Media Current Affairs desks keep such templates easily accessible for use any day during the period some legislative house is in session. So that, with appropriate update, this can be used without wasting time. I also have preserved a draft response ready for use, occasionally. So far, my response on this subject has not been published. Today... Sharing submitted version* : The Editor The Economic Times July 21, 2026 Chat Room Reserve first half for regular business This refers to the report "Opposition Stalls LS on Opening Day; Stir Likely to Continue" (July 21). Legislatures across the country, from upper house of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) to Loca...

Bergson’s philosophy of laughter https://share.google/yqgTPTlAHaIkwiVMS Nobel Lauraette Henri-Louis Bergson ( 18 October 1859 – 4 January 1941) was a French philosopher who was influential in the traditions of analytic philosophy and continental philosophy, especially during the first half of the 20th century until the Second World War, but also after 1966 when Gilles Deleuze published Le Bergsonisme. Leaving laughter for a moment, let's look at Bergson and his philosophy briefly : https://amzn.in/d/05hKWddy "Bergson and His Philosophy" by John Alexander Gunn is a landmark work that provides a detailed analysis of Henri Bergson's philosophical beliefs, a notable French philosopher of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Gunn dives deeply into Bergson's philosophical views, clarifying his thoughts on time, intuition, and the essence of reality. He delivers Bergson's ideas in a straightforward and understandable manner, making them accessible to...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, July, 2026 : Part III A Geetanjali https://youtu.be/HIEF4LIVMf4?si=ZLloaCYiOXoQWS9- B Econo-reflections : Dr T V Gopalakrishnan Developing Kochi as an International Financial and Forex Trade Hub under the auspices of RBI. Know more : https://econo-reflexions.blogspot.com/2026/07/a-vision-for-keralas-economic.html?m=1 C M G Warrier : Blogs & Links Explore the daily curation of articles, essays, and spiritual insights on Warrier's Blog, authored by former RBI General Manager M. G. Warrier. D Books M G Warrier https://amzn.in/d/0fywGd9s Kavitha Rao & Charukesi Ramadurai Everything You Wanted To Know About Freelance Journalism* https://amzn.in/d/001WS2aJ Reviewed @Amazon by M G Warrier : A comprehensive guide to freelance journalism Reviewed in India on 24 February 2021 Finding that post-retirement I have taken up freelance journalism as a hobby, my friend mentioned about this book during a recent interact...

AAARRRRGGHH!!!" by Rosemary Counter I was reading the six page article "AAARRRRGGHH!!!" by Rosemary Counter, published in Reader's Digest India (July 2026) that explores the psychological and physical mechanisms of aggravation*. It details how everyday frustrations push individuals from mild irritation to full-blown rage, and how introspection can help manage these reactions. In psychology, aggravation and anger are complex emotional states characterized by frustration, irritation, and the impulse to attack or defend. Exploring the psychological roots of aggravation and learning evidence-based management tools are detailed in the Psychology Today Basics of Anger. Aggravation typically surfaces when your goals are blocked, boundaries are crossed, or self-esteem is threatened. Understanding how and why these emotional responses occur can help you better manage them. Here are the core concepts and methods associated with aggravation : Hidden Triggers : Aggravation ...

Random Reading : In praise of rituals Meaning of life - The Economic Times https://share.google/iMOpjXo5Wmu1DCU3y Synopsis Rituals turn fear into hope. An example is when there comes a time when a deep question arises - with whom will I share my life? At such a juncture, dating becomes an important modern ritual. By definition, a ritual is an established, structured sequence of actions or behaviors often prescribed by religion, tradition, or social custom. These practices are repeated in a set, precise manner to mark significant life events, foster social unity, or create moments of mindful reflection and stress relief. In this article, Prithwis Datta elucidates the context and significance of traditional rituals and explains how new rituals evolve. Knowingly or unknowingly, many of us become part of some rituals or perform rituals which are not traditionally recognised as rituals. This writer classifies daily good morning messages, dating, weekly group video calls etc under ritual...

Random reading : Why should we not believe in God? https://share.google/BNYXrzLw5cl7OfBEB Hasmukh Adhia is a former finance secretary. The question he has raised here is worth pondering over. Perhaps an analysis with inputs about : Benefits of not believing/believing, Losses of not believing/believing may bring clarity. The content of this article can double up as such an analysis. I cannot further elaborate the existence of otherwise of a power centre receiving, processing and responding to our prayers. It's easier to believe that there's something supernatural in everything we consider natural. A friend used to quote an imaginary conversation between a man and God : Man : "My friends are not sure about your existence. Please give me a couple of tricks with which I can convince them." God : "Ok. Try this. Ask one of them to stop breathing till you ask to restart. Or Let one of them create a flower or a seed without using any of the things which are already th...

Random thoughts : Expressing Emotions While discussing how people express their feelings, one criticism was that people like me ration our smiles and suppress our real emotions. Fair observation indeed. My thoughts went back to sometime during last Century when I was watching a chat in an informal group of friends where Surya Krishnamurthy was present. One of them asked Murthy : "Murthy, why you look always grim and serious?" Murthy explained : "You are right. But how can one be happy when people around are unhappy?" That triggered a discussion on happiness. I too agree, a grim face makes people around also gloomy and serious. Psychology Today gives the following helpful guidance : Expressing emotions helps relieve stress, deepens relationships, and prevents the mental and physical tolls of bottling things up. Experts suggest framing feelings with "I feel..." statements rather than "You make me feel..." to communicate honestly without sparking...

Welcome To Warrier's Friends' COLLAGE, July, 2026 : Part II Good Morning A Random Reading : Voltaire Last week, one day, I was skipping through the pages of "Candide and Other Selected Writings" by Voltaire (2022 edition, Rupa). Read the short story "An Adventure in India" again. The advantages of bailing out one's writing as story are many. One can mix fiction, satire and reality in a pre-decided proportion. Synopsis : Voltaire's short story "An Adventure in India" (often included in his short romances) is a philosophical tale where the Greek philosopher Pythagoras travels to India. He converses with locals, witnesses religious fanaticism, and experiences the deep wisdom and contradictions of ancient Hindu traditions. Here is how the main events unfold in this classic Enlightenment satire: The Journey: Pythagoras travels to India on a quest for ultimate wisdom, meeting local Brahmins (scholars/priests) to learn about ancient s...

World Without Money* M G Warrier The thought of a world without money has fascinated me since my childhood days. Of course the reason for hating money those days was that I didn’t have money and my friends and neighbors enjoyed making me jealous by showing off the money power they possessed before me and others in my position. Take my own case, now. I have completed a somewhat successful career in a bank, have a bank account and have last year gained the status of a senior citizen. Still, I feel, the fellow who invented money and his followers who made it currency have done more harm than that unlucky wise man who invented atom bomb. Of course, now the reasons for my hatred towards money are more mature than jealousy. For a moment, imagine, man gets out of the clutches of money, or there is no money in the world. All symbols from $ to the one recently figured out for Rupee vanishes, everything else remaining the same. Yes, science and technology, all results of research so far, li...

Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, Chapter V Section 15 : Prayer This can be considered the final prayer of a person leaving his body after completing his assigned work in this world : The face of Truth is covered with a brilliant golden lid; that do thou remove, O Fosterer, for the law of the Truth, for sight. O Traveller, O Yama, O Surya, O Hiranyagarbha, take away thy rays, curb thy brightness. I wish to behold that most benignant form of thine. I myself am that person, and I am immortal. (When my body falls ) may my vital force return to the air(cosmic force), and this body too, reduced to ashes, (go to the earth)! O Fire, who art the syllable 'Om,' O Deity of deliberations, recollect, recollect all that I have done. O Fire, lead us along the good way towards our richest(deserts). O Lord, thou knowest, everybody's mental states; remove the wily evil from us. We utter repeated salutations to thee. (The man who has combined meditation with rites is praying to the sun in his dyi...

When Upanishads meet quantum secrets Synopsis : "The primary feature article in The Times of India's Speaking Tree column for July 9, 2026, is titled "When Upanishads meet quantum secrets". Co-authored by Shambo Samrat Samajdar and Shashank Joshi, the piece explores the profound intersections between ancient spiritual texts and modern quantum physics. Additionally, the July 9 edition features a companion blog post authored by Pandit Kashinath Mishra titled "Bhavishya Mallika Predictions: Shiva's Divine Grace, Destiny Change & Cosmos", which delves into cosmic destiny and spiritual healing. You can read the full text and access further spiritual insights directly on the Times of India Speaking Tree portal, or watch the daily discourses on the Speaking Tree YouTube Channel." Reading some Upanishadic affirmations in one place, I thought why not share the content with others! In my case, thoughts take a diversion when something more interestin...

Good Morning Random Reading : Trade marks of identity From time immemorial, the dress one wear, the jewelry, facial makeup, what you carry in your hands, the style of walking and so on gave an indication of the person's identity and character. If in doubt check : The different attires, ornaments and weapons of Kathakali characters : https://share.google/aimode/nyajsRnqQlPJxySvZ OR Ravi Varma paintings of deities : Raja Ravi Varma revolutionized Indian visual culture by blending European academic realism with traditional Hindu iconography. His breathtaking oil paintings and subsequent chromolithographs gave millions of everyday people access to divine imagery, earning him the title of the "father of modern Indian art". Some of his most celebrated paintings of deities include: Saraswati: Often considered his most iconic piece, the Hindu goddess of music, knowledge, and the arts is depicted gracefully with a veena. Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity is typi...

The Editor The Economic Times July 6, 2026 Chat Room* Dear RBI, Let's Talk Monetary Apropos "A Little More Conversation" by Mythili Bhusnurmath (July 6), a call for more openness in the formulation and implementation of monetary policy by RBI is timely. Perhaps the architecture of the policy formulation mechanism in RBI has got decoupled from that of Federal Reserve in recent times. In the process of setting up MPC, without disturbing the statutory expectations from the central bank, GOI ensured that the deciding voice in monetary policy formulation will remain with government. This has almost silenced the 'Open Market' spars between RBI and GOI. Stakeholders other than GOI can contribute more in monetary policy formulation by proactively responding to RBI's formal policy announcements. M G Warrier Mumbai *Published on July 7