Youth and Superstitions

They don't blindly believe in everything, yet most young Indians have their own superstitions, like considering a particular outfit lucky, or planning their day on the basis of a zodiac sign forecast. But, what is it that makes youngsters superstitious? Is it fear, peer presure or is it that superstitions can also lend wings, giving much needed confidence? These are some of the answers that I tried to find through the following piece.

Click here to read what makes the youth superstitious.

Michael Jackson's past lives

Who was Michael Jackson in his past life? The late popstar's death has opened up a regular Pandora’s Box, from which surprising information keeps popping up at regular intervals. The most recent is the hypothesis on Jackson’s previous birth. Walter Semkiw, an occupational therapist practicing in San Francisco -- whom I recently met when he was in India -- says that Jackson was the incarnation of Charles d'Assoucy, a 16th century French singer.

Click here to read more on Jackson's past lives and whether reincarnation actually happens.

Dak Bungalows in the Hills

Ever wondered how it would feel to stay in a centuries old bungalow right in the middle of a forest in the foothills of the Himalayas? More and more people are discovering the charms of a bygone era through a stay at the many Forest Rest Houses that throng the Indian hills, as I discovered for myself when I visited some of these rest houses in Himachal and Uttarakhand.

Click here to read why going back to these bungalows is like going back in time.

The case for renewable power

Not many people know that India has the potential to meet all its energy needs through renewable sources like wind, biomass, hydropower, ocean and solar energies -- which are available in abundance.It’s not as if the potential hasn’t been recognized -- India remains the only nation with a full-fledged ministry dedicated to new and renewable energy. Yet, renewables contribute only about 4% of power generation in the country today

Click here to read why renewable energy needs more power.

Of Mamata and Lalu

The Railways budget presented by Mamata Banerjee turned out to be a slugfest between her and Lalu Prasad Yadav, the earlier Railways chief. Mamata di was her usual fiesty self and Lalu bhai was in his typical rustic element. No wonder, sparks flew and the following tongue-in-cheek piece ensued.


Click here to read a 'Watercooler moment' on Mamata and Lalu's track record.