Kashmir has long been a land of secularism and pluralistic traditions, producing remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in shaping its history. From Kota Rani, the last Hindu queen of Kashmir known for her administrative acumen, to Habba Khatoon, whose poetry continues to resonate with generations, the region has celebrated female intellect and leadership. Spiritual figures like Lalleswari (Lal Ded) and Rupa Bhawani have left an unforgettable impact on

The three Industrial Revolutions brought distinct learning and social changes to India, but their impact was shaped by colonial exploitation and, later, post-independence progress. The First and Second Industrial Revolutions occurred under British rule, leading to the decline of traditional artisanship and indigenous industries. The First IR turned India into a raw material supplier while dismantling its thriving textile and handicraft sectors, pushing a large population into agrarian distress. The

Governance in the 21st century is undergoing a transformation driven by the rapid evolution of technology. Among the most influential forces shaping policy frameworks is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics. India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a thriving democracy, is leveraging these technologies to enhance decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and foster inclusive development.  As we stride toward Vision 2047 of transforming India

The growth narrative is typically a hopeful and optimistic macro narrative. It keeps the public-at-large focused. However, the story at the micro level is often more nuanced. At the individual level, layers of influences and pressures distract the energy and resources from the macro-level directional orientation. Such a mismatch often distorts the process of growth. It is paramount that we are aware of the drivers in charge of our thoughts,

On a frosty afternoon, I visited the bustling Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.  Amidst a sea of enticing food stalls, the longest queue snaked its way to Bassetts Ice Cream—not for the avant-garde choice of flavors but for its legacy. Founded in 1861, America’s oldest ice cream brand has been serving scoops from the same 125-year-old marble countertop since 1892, when the market became operational. Despite the winter chill, I

“It is important to accept our similarities and differences—man, woman or third gender, we are all searching for a glimpse of divinity in everyday life… The soul is neither male nor female.” As we grapple to understand our gender roles since childhood, often confused with the patriarchal induction imparted by elders during our growing-up years, these words by Narthaki Nataraj put a lot of age-old discomfort to rest. She clearly