Leading a CBSE school for close to 10 years has shown me just how painful it can be to deal with the government machinery.
There are days when you come very close to giving up; not because running a school is difficult, but because you're exhausted from constantly having to give. Even greed should have a ceiling. There has to be a point where they should just live & let live.
Every approval (fire, safety, kitchen, hostel, or any other clearance) seems to come with an expectation of money. Every government meeting happening in the proximity of our school, we are not requested but demanded to provide money, school vans, staff, and other resources.
An example: the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022. We were instructed to provide a couple of our school vans for advertisement. Huge posters featuring our Chief Minister and the Chess Olympiad branding were put up on our SCHOOL vehicles. A month after the event, when we requested that they be removed, we were told either to leave them as they were or remove them at our own expense (which was not cheap).
What disturbed me even more was hearing government officials openly say that corruption has always existed in TN, but under the current government, they no longer have to hide it or fear getting caught. Those words came from their own mouths.
I'm neither for nor against any political party. But when you endure one blow after another for years, it's only natural to feel relieved, and even celebrate, when the wind changes direction & you finally sense the possibility of a fresh breeze.
"Yoga is not a replacement for diabetes medication, food habits, walking, or medical advice. But it can be a useful support when practiced regularly and safely. For people living with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, the focus should be on movements that use large muscles, build strength gradually, improve body awareness, and help reduce stress. Here are five yoga practices to try".
Courtesy: Naveen Sharma, The New Indian Express
The monsoon has been weak this year. Our ponds are not even half full and normally they are brimming during this month.
We do not want to do deep borewell based farming.
We are shifting to crops that need much less water, so we won't do rice planting until the November rains.
Praying for rain 🙏
ரயில் பாதையில் தற்கொலை செய்ய முயன்ற தாயும் இரண்டு குழந்தைகளும்… தனது உயிரையே பணயம் வைத்து 3 உயிர்களை காப்பாற்றிய 9-ஆம் வகுப்பு மாணவி!
தனது உயிரைக் கூட பொருட்படுத்தாமல் மூன்று உயிர்களை காப்பாற்றிய 9-ஆம் வகுப்பு மாணவி ஸ்பூர்த்தி தற்போது சமூக வலைதளங்களில் பாராட்டுகளை குவித்து வருகிறார். ஒரு நொடியின் விழிப்புணர்வும் தைரியமும் மூன்று உயிர்களை காப்பாற்றியது.
கர்நாடகாவின் பெலகாவி மாவட்டத்தில் இந்த சம்பவம் நடந்துள்ளது. இரவு சுமார் 8.30 மணியளவில், பெற்றோருடன் காரில் பயணம் செய்து கொண்டிருந்த ஸ்பூர்த்தி, ஒரு தாயும் அவரது இரண்டு சிறிய குழந்தைகளும் ரயில் பாலம் வழியாக நடந்து செல்வதை கவனித்தார்.
அவர்களை தொடர்ந்து கவனித்துக் கொண்டிருந்த ஸ்பூர்த்திக்கு ஏதோ தவறாக இருப்பது போல் தோன்றியது. ரயில்வே கேட் மூடப்பட்டிருந்தது. ரயில் வரவிருந்த நேரத்திலும் அந்த தாயும் குழந்தைகளும் பாதையிலிருந்து விலகாமல் இருப்பதை பார்த்ததும் அவளுக்கு சந்தேகம் ஏற்பட்டது.
உடனே காரிலிருந்து இறங்கி ஓடி சென்று, அந்த தாயையும் குழந்தைகளையும் ரயில் பாதையிலிருந்து அகற்ற முயன்றார். ஆனால் அவர்கள் மறுத்தபோது, அது தற்கொலை முயற்சி என்பதை ஸ்பூர்த்தி உணர்ந்தார்.
ஒரு நொடியும் தாமதிக்காமல், அருகில் இருந்த மக்களை உதவிக்கு அழைத்து, அந்த தாயையும் இரண்டு குழந்தைகளையும் பாதுகாப்பாக ரயில் பாதையிலிருந்து மீட்டார்.
பின்னர் விசாரணையில், கடுமையான பொருளாதார நெருக்கடியால் அந்த தாய் தனது குழந்தைகளுடன் உயிரை மாய்த்துக் கொள்ள முடிவு செய்திருந்தது தெரியவந்தது. ஆனால் ஸ்பூர்த்தியின் தைரியமான செயலால் அந்த தாயும் குழந்தைகளும் புதிய வாழ்க்கையை பெற்றனர்.
ஒரே நொடியில் அழிந்து போகக்கூடிய மூன்று உயிர்களை, 9-ஆம் வகுப்பு மாணவி ஸ்பூர்த்தி தனது விழிப்புணர்வும் துணிச்சலாலும் காப்பாற்றியுள்ளார்.
இந்த சிறுமிக்கு சமூக வலைதளங்களில் பாராட்டுகள் குவிந்து வருகின்றன. இந்த தைரியமான செயலுக்காக ஸ்பூர்த்திக்கு ஒரு பெரிய சல்யூட்! 👏👏🙏🙏
This seems to be a modern narrative that seeks to portray Karna as a victim of caste discrimination. However, that is not what the Mahabharata says.
From his youth, Karna harboured deep resentment towards the Pandavas and became a close ally of Duryodhana. He was a co conspirator in Duryodhana’s attempt to murder Bhima through poison, a fact that Krishna later reminds him of when Karna speaks of Dharma:
“When the Kuru king (Duryodhana), acting under your counsels, treated Bhimasena in that way with the aid of snakes and poisoned food, whither had this virtue of thine then gone?” (Karna Parva - 91)
Despite his background, Drona admitted Karna into his gurukula and trained him alongside princes without discrimination:
“The Vrishnis and the Andhakas, and princes from various lands, and the (adopted) son of Radha of the Suta caste, Karna, all became pupils of Drona. But of them all, the Suta child Karna, from jealousy, frequently defied Arjuna, and, supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the Pandavas.” (Adi Parva - 134)
Karna later approached Drona privately seeking instruction in the Brahmastra specifically to defeat Arjuna. Drona refused this request.(Santi Parva - 2)
At the public exhibition of martial skills, Karna entered the arena uninvited and challenged Arjuna. Yet Drona did not prevent him from demonstrating his abilities:
“O Partha, I shall perform feats before this gazing multitude; excelling all thou hast performed! Beholding them, thou shalt be amazed.”
“Duryodhana was filled with delight, while Vibhatsu was instantly all abashment and anger. Then with the permission of Drona, the mighty Karna, delighting in battle, there did all that Partha had done before” (Adi Parva - 138)
Duryodhana was overjoyed and embraced Karna:
“Duryodhana with his brothers thereupon embraced Karna in joy and then addressed him saying, ‘Welcome, O mighty-armed warrior! I have obtained thee by good fortune…”(Adi Parva - 138)
Hence, no one shunned Karna and he joined the Kaurava side only out of jealousy towards Pandavas. One can keep listing the evil deeds of Karna throughout the epic. Only an ignorant will claim that Karna was “the only correct side”
All those discussing ease of doing business in Delhi seminars/Try to set a small shop in a city like Chennai/Bangalore/Delhi etc without bribing netas&babus/For 30 yrs hve given my students as a project &none succeeded/passed the course due to methodoligy etc:))RT @thekiranbedi
After we reported repeated ammonia gas leaks from Malanadu Ammonia Pvt Ltd close to a pvt HS school in Anainthanadarpatti village in Tirunelveli district, AD Industrial Safety and Health Ganesan said 'no leak' w/o even meeting victims (farmers). But plant manager admitted that ammonia had leaked during loading. After Collector's intervention, the same official found safety lapses & TNPCB reported rust and damage in the boiler. Ambasamudram Tahsildar recommended cancellation of the licence.
The plant was temporarily closed but later reopened, allegedly due to govt's weak arguments in the court. A few weeks ago, farmers again complained of an ammonia leak.
I don't know when State government will wake up. Will it act before a tragedy or only after one? 😞
@CMOTamilnadu
Temple revenues must be used for the upkeep of temples, not as welfare funds. Thanks to all activists who have been working relentlessly for years towards this, but Temples should ultimately be in the hands of Devotees. -Sg. @CMOTamilnadu
Congratulations to #ProfKamakoti Sir on being conferred the #PadmaShri by Hon’ble President of India. His inspiring leadership has enabled #HEIsinIndia#IITMadras to achieve unprecedented excellence in critical areas of innovation, deep tech and transformed the critical thinking in the education landscape . He has inspired each one of us to believe in our skill sets and abilities to outperform ourselves. @EduMinOfIndia@iitmadras@BharatInnov2026 #ProfKamakoti #IITMadras #Shakti #Cybersecurity .
It was an emotional evening as I sat in the Darbar Hall, witnessing Keralam's social and cultural icons being honoured by Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji 🇮🇳
Congratulations to:
📰 Shri P. Narayanan (Padma Vibhushan)
⚖️ Justice K.T. Thomas (Padma Vibhushan)
🎬 Shri @mammukka (Padma Bhushan)
🤝 Shri Vellappally Natesan (Padma Bhushan)
🙏 Kalamandalam Vimala Menon (Padma Shri)
Thank you PM @narendramodi ji for recognising these highly accomplished Malayalees.
Their work has enriched Keralam. Strengthened India. Continues to inspire generations.
A proud day for Keralam at @rashtrapatibhvn!
#PadmaAwards2026 #PeoplesPadma
A Proud Moment for Bharat 🇮🇳
A statue of Maharishi Sushruta has been installed at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the world's oldest surgical college and one of the most respected surgical institutions globally.
More than 2,600 years ago, Maharishi Sushruta documented advanced surgical procedures, including reconstructive techniques that laid the foundation for what is now known as plastic surgery. His work in the Sushruta Samhita remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of medicine.
This recognition is not just a tribute to an extraordinary physician—it is also a reminder of the rich scientific and medical heritage of ancient Bharat.
As the world continues to acknowledge these contributions, it reinforces the importance of studying, preserving, and celebrating our civilizational legacy.
From ancient wisdom to global recognition—Maharishi Sushruta's legacy continues to inspire generations.
contributions to healthcare and healing.
#MaharishiSushruta #IndianHeritage #ProudMoment #Swamimalai #RCSEd #GlobalRecognition @PMOIndia | @narendramodi | @mpprataprao | @secymoayush | @vaidyakotecha | @SuvenduWB | @wbdhfw | @lokbhavan_wb@WHO | @mdniy | @ccrhindia | @CCRAS_MoAyush | @DirectorCcryn | @AIIA_NDelhi | @nmpb1 | @NIAJaipur | @PIB_India | @PIBAYUSH | @DDNewslive | @sansad_tv | @AIRNewsHindi | @mygovindia | @MyGovHindi | @MIB_India |
I strongly condemn the mischivous term "two nations" in Amb Gor's statement. Joseph Vijay must immediately rebut Amb in his X. All nationalist forces in & out of TN must condemn this. This cannot be a slip. A diplomat like Gor won't use such a term workout deep thought
On behalf of our hard working employees of Zoho, I want to thank our beloved Prime Minister Modi-ji for mentioning us in his speech yesterday.
Sir, you inspire us to work harder, reach higher.
Bharat Mata ki Jai 🙏
@narendramodi
#WATCH | Delhi: At the Republic TV Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Sridhar Vembu is seated here. When our entrepreneurs operate with a 'Nation First' spirit and set their goals while understanding the country's needs, institutions are built, and the nation prospers. What has Sridhar Vembu achieved? I recently visited VivaTech in France. There must have been around 1.5-2 lakh young people present. The French President and I were visiting various stalls to see the work done by these young innovators. We visited the Zoho stall. I was amazed and felt a sense of pride to see the crowd of European youth gathered there. They were eager to understand this new global phenomenon. Perhaps it hasn't been discussed as much in India as I witnessed in France..."
(Source: DD News)
In the decade preceding @myogiadityanath’s tenure, UP suffered 47,509 cases of Encephalitis leading to 8,373 infant deaths.
34 million vaccinations and 21 million tap water connections later, comes the news that for more than 2 years running, UP has reported 0 deaths. Stunning.
On his Balidan Diwas, I pay homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman who dedicated his life to India’s development. His unwavering conviction, courage in public life and commitment to national interest continue to inspire generations. Dr. Mookerjee’s sacrifice remains etched in our collective memory. We reaffirm our commitment to building a strong and developed India, guided by the values he cherished and served till his last breath.