Thursday, August 21, 2025

Judge Caprio

Judge Frank Caprio, whose compassion in the courtroom touched millions through Caught in Providence, has passed away at 88 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

The "kindest judge in the world," he showed us that justice can be served with empathy, that authority can walk hand-in-hand with humanity. Beyond the courtroom, he was a devoted family main, God believer whose warmth reached far beyond TV screens. Certain episodes brought tears instantaneously.  Such was his kindness, humanity and sharp brains. 

Judge Caprio's legacy is not just in the cases he dismissed or the tickets he forgave, but in the countless lives he inspired to lead with compassion. His life was proof that even in positions of power, kindness is the greatest strength.

Rest in peace, Judge Caprio. Your example will continue to light the world of sympathy.

He would ever be remembered.  

Monday, August 11, 2025

Friendship!

Many can't continue their friendship after certain age. May be some exemptions; mostly forget their colleague. But I notice, women could vontinue their friendship even after retirement; but men part,  due to politics, ego and financial status; sometimes dementia.

Both in India and globally — and there are some interesting social and psychological reasons behind it.

Indian Perspective

Women’s Friendships

In India, women—especially in middle and older age—often form emotionally supportive networks. These ties may have roots in school, neighborhood, or workplace connections, and after retirement, they tend to nurture them through phone calls, WhatsApp groups, temple visits, or small gatherings.

Reason: Social conditioning encourages women to value emotional sharing and group cohesion over competition.

Practical factor: Many women retire earlier or have fewer geographic relocations due to job transfers, so they remain in touch with familiar circles.

Men’s Friendships

Men in India tend to have more activity-based or situation-based friendships (e.g., colleagues, cricket buddies, political allies). 

Once the shared context (workplace, club, business) disappears, the bond weakens.

Reasons:

1. Status sensitivity — after retirement, financial disparities become more visible and awkward.

2. Ego & politics — ideological differences often harden with age.

3. Lower emotional maintenance — men rarely make deliberate efforts to keep in touch outside of a shared activity.

Extra factor: For some, cognitive decline (including dementia) or health issues quietly reduce social engagement.

Global Perspective

Similarities:

In Western countries, studies also show women maintain larger, more emotionally rich friend networks in later life, while men’s social circles shrink after retirement.

A Harvard study (2017) found that older men without strong friendships are more prone to loneliness and depression compared to women.

Differences:

In some cultures (e.g., parts of Europe and East Asia), older men keep friendships alive through structured community groups—retired men’s clubs, morning coffee groups, chess clubs. This acts as a “replacement workplace” for social contact.

In Nordic countries, men and women alike often belong to lifelong sports or hobby associations, which helps them maintain ties into old age.

Key takeaway:

Globally, women are more likely to keep friendships alive due to a stronger emphasis on emotional exchange and regular communication. Men often need a shared context or structured activity to sustain bonds—and without it, the friendship fades.


Men’s friendships are more fragile neurologically and behaviorally compared to women’s in late life—it’s quite fascinating and ties into brain chemistry and social norms.

Here’s the deeper neurological + behavioral angle on why men’s friendships often fade faster than women’s as they age.

1. Brain Chemistry & Social Bonding


Oxytocin vs. Testosterone

Oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) promotes emotional connection and is released during trust-building conversations. Women’s oxytocin response is generally stronger and more easily triggered through talking, empathy, and shared experiences.


Testosterone can dampen oxytocin’s effects. Men typically maintain higher testosterone levels well into mid-life, which makes them lean toward task-oriented interactions rather than purely emotional ones.

Dopamine Pathways

Men’s brains often link friendship to shared activities (sports, work projects, problem-solving). Remove the activity, and the dopamine “reward loop” disappears — leading to less incentive to maintain the bond.

2. Behavioral & Cultural Patterns


Women’s “maintenance” style

Women tend to sustain friendships by checking in without a reason — calling “just to talk” or sharing small life updates. This keeps emotional intimacy alive.


Men’s “event” style

Men are more likely to connect around events or activities (game, meeting, trip). Once those events stop (retirement, kids moving out), the “meeting points” vanish.

3. Late-Life Cognitive Changes

Risk of Social Withdrawal

Men are statistically more prone to withdrawing socially after major life role changes (retirement, loss of spouse), sometimes because they identify strongly with their profession.

Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment

In both India and globally, studies show slightly higher rates of early cognitive decline in men compared to women. This subtly erodes social engagement even before diagnosis — people may “fade away” rather than deliberately break contact.


4. The Global Exception Patterns


In Japan, “old men’s cafes” and hobby clubs help men sustain bonds well into their 80s.

In Denmark & Sweden, mixed-gender community groups normalize men’s emotional sharing.

In urban India, some retired men’s WhatsApp groups are slowly becoming this “replacement workplace” — but still not as emotionally sustaining as women’s circles.

If you think about it, women’s lifelong “friendship maintenance” is like watering a plant regularly, while men’s is like meeting only during cricket season — once the season’s over, the grass gets dry.

I could also give you a set of small but proven habits that help men maintain lifelong friendships even after retirement — these come from cross-cultural studies and might surprise you.


It’s actually a subtle but very real dynamic in India — and it’s different from what you see in many Western or East Asian countries

Why old workplace rivalries linger longer in India

1. Workplaces as identity hubs

In many Indian careers, especially government, PSU, or large private firms, one’s position and authority become a huge part of self-worth.

After retirement, people often still carry the “I was the boss / I was the junior” mindset, which can quietly affect how they interact.

2. Hierarchy memory

In Western companies, flatter structures and job changes mean colleagues cycle through roles and forget rank differences.

In India, hierarchical relationships are deeply imprinted, so an ex-subordinate may still avoid casual banter with an ex-boss — even 20 years later.

3. Competition over post-retirement status

This could be political positions, association leaderships, community committees, or even housing society influence.

Rivalries can resurface in these smaller arenas, often mirroring old office politics.

4. Small professional circles

In many Indian sectors, the same few names keep appearing in conferences, alumni meets, and social events. Old grudges get refreshed rather than forgotten.

5. Reluctance to “lose face”

If two retired colleagues had a history of disagreement, making the first friendly move might feel like a loss of dignity.


This is less of a barrier in cultures where casual reconnection is normalized.

In contrast, in places like Canada or Australia, people change jobs more often, workplace hierarchies are weaker, and post-retirement friendships often ignore old professional tensions — because they’re not tied to lifelong status.

A short “cultural immunity” trick some Indian retirees use to break these ego barriers and revive old friendships without awkwardness.

Peculiarly , men fight among them , for political party reasons too. But women don't do that. There may be gossips but not betrayal 

It's my observation.  Others ma have some  different mindsets.

Anyway, wishing u all a happy friendship day

சிறுமதி படைத்த விகடன்

 அவள் விகடன் சேனலில் திருமதி.சுஜாதாவின் விரிவான பேட்டி நான்கு பகுதிகளாக வெளிவந்திருக்கிறது.


பட்டுக்கோட்டை பிரபாகரன் ஐயா, தனது  முகநூல் பக்கத்தில்  விளாசியுள்ளார். அவர்கட்கு நன்றி.  ஒரு காலத்தில் கல்கி, விகடன், குமுதம் போன்ற ஜாம்பவான்கள் தமிழ் எழுத்தாளர்களைக் கொண்டாடினார்கள். அவர்களும் வளர்ந்தார்கள்; எழுத்தாளர்களும் வளர்ந்தார்கள்.


ஆனால், இன்றைய தேதிக்கு படுமட்டமான ரசனையுடன், விஷமமாக திருமதி சஜாதாவை பேட்டி எடுத்து , வெளியிட்டு உள்ளனர்.  ப.கோ.பி அவர்களது பதிவை நன்றியுடன் கொடுக்கப் பட்டுள்து.

_____


உலகமே கொண்டாடும் புகழ் பெற்ற தமிழ் ஆளுமையின் பர்சனல் பக்கம் எப்படியிருக்கும் என்று அறிய எல்லா வாசகர்களுக்கும் ஆர்வம் இருக்கும் என்பதால்.. சுஜாதா கொட்டாவி விடுவாரா, கொசு அடிப்பாரா, அரித்தால் சொறிந்துகொள்வாரா போன்ற அதி முக்கியமான கேள்விகளை மட்டும்தான் கேட்கவில்லை. 

கேள்விகளின் நோக்கத்தில் திருமதியிடமிருந்து சர்ச்சையான பதில்களைப் பெற்றுவிட வேண்டும் என்பதே நோக்கமாகத் தெரிந்தது.

ஆனால் இதைப் புரிந்துகொள்ளாமல் திருமதி சுஜாதா வெளிப்படையாக உண்மைகளை எதார்த்தமாகப் பேசுவதாக நினைத்துக்கொண்டு தன் கணவரின் பலங்களை விடவும் பலவீனமான அம்சங்களையே பிரதானமாக சொல்கிறார்.


ஒரு வேளை சுஜாதா இன்றிருந்து அவரிடம் இந்தப் பேட்டி பற்றிக் கேட்டால் ஒரு புன்னகையோடு நகர்ந்து விடுவார். 


ஆனால் சுஜாதா என்கிற சிறந்த படைப்பாளியைத் தன் மானசீக வழிகாட்டியாக, ஆதர்ச நாயகராக, அபிமான எழுத்து நட்சத்திரமாக அவர் இருந்தபோதும், இல்லாத போதும் கொண்டாடும் லட்சக்கணக்கான வாசகர்களுக்கு இந்தப் பேட்டி வருத்தம் தந்திருக்கும் என்றே நான் கருதுகிறேன்.


மாமியார் மெச்சிய மருமகள் இல்லை என்பது போல மனைவி மெச்சிய கணவனும் அபூர்வமே. 


சுஜாதா என்கிற அறிவுஜீவி, நவீன சிந்தனையாளர், விஞ்ஞானக் கதைகளில் புதிய உலகம் காட்டியவர், அடுத்த இருபதாண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகான உலகை, நாகரிக கலாச்சாரப் போக்கைக் கணித்தவர் ஒரு சிறந்த குடும்பத் தலைவராகவும் இருந்தேயாக வேண்டுமா என்ன? அவர் சராசரி சிந்தனையாளர் இல்லை. ஆகவே அவர் சராசரி கணவரும் இல்லை. சராசரி அப்பாவும் இல்லை.


நான்கு பகுதிகளிலும் சொன்ன பதில்களில் சுஜாதாவின் இரக்கம், மனிதநேயம், பணத்திற்கு அடிமையாகாத தன்மை, ஆடம்பரத்தை விரும்பாத எளிமை இதெல்லாம் தேடிக் கண்டுபிடிக்க வேண்டியதாய் இருக்கிறது. 


அவற்றை அவரின் வெகுளித்தனம், குடும்பத்தின் மீதான அக்கறையின்மை, ஒரு வகை அலட்சியப் போக்கு, ரசனை குறைபாடு போன்ற பெரிதுபடுத்த அவசியமற்ற குடும்பத்தின் தனிப்பட்ட அந்தரங்க விஷயங்கள் ஓவர் ஷேடோ செய்துவிட்டன.


திருமதி சுஜாதா தன் கணவரைப் பற்றி வெளிப்படையாகப் பேச உரிமை இருக்கிறது. அது ரசனைக்குரியதா என்பதே பலரின் கேள்வி. சுஜாதா அவர் கணவர் மட்டுமல்ல, இரண்டு மகன்களின் அப்பாவும்கூட. அவர்களின் வாரிசுகளுக்கு தாத்தாவும்கூட. அவர்கள் இந்தப் பேட்டிகளைப் பார்த்தார்களா, அவர்களின் கருத்தென்ன என்று அவள் விகடன் விரைவில் ஒரு பேட்டி கண்டு வெளியிடுவார்கள் என்று நம்புகிறேன்.


இப்படிக்கு..

சுஜாதாவின் தீவிர ரசிகர்களில் ஒருவனாக வருத்தத்துடன் நான்.

___

'சுஜாதா' என்ற பெயரே அதிகமான வ்யூவர்ஸைக் கொடுக்கும் என்ற காரணத்தாலேயே, சுஜாதாவை, சுஜாதாவை மூலமே கேவலமாக சித்தரித்துள்ளது விகடன்.

இந்த நுணுக்கம் தெரிந்தே , விகடன் ஆசிரியர் குழுமம் விஷமத்தனமாக வெளியிட்டுள்ளது.  


லெகண்டரி எழுத்தாளர்களைக் கொண்டாடாவிட்டாலும், சிறுமைப் படுத்துவது என்னவிதமான சாக்கடைச் சிந்தனை? சிறுமதி படைத்த விகடன் .


எல்லோரும் எல்லாமும் & AI era(2/2)

 1. Resource Scarcity Won’t Disappear

Even with AI managing production and supply chains:

Physical limits remain — rare minerals, fertile land, water, energy sources.

AI can optimize distribution, but can’t create infinite resources out of thin air.

Example: Even if AI grows food perfectly, there’s still a finite amount of arable land and sunlight hours.

2. Individual Desire Will Keep Expanding

Human wants are elastic — the more we have, the more we want.

In an AI society, new luxuries will emerge (space tourism, gene enhancement, virtual realities) and become the “new essentials.”

Even if everyone gets the basics, status goods will still create inequality.

3. Unequal Capability Still Matters

AI might automate 90% of work, but the remaining 10% — leadership, creativity, cultural influence — will still be human-driven.

People with unique talents or influence will demand and receive more, breaking total equality.

Example: A famous musician in 2050 will still have privileges that a regular citizen won’t.

4. AI Can’t Remove Human Ego

Recognition, pride, and identity are emotional needs AI can’t erase.

Even if material goods are equal, people will still compete for influence, reputation, and power.

This competition naturally produces hierarchy.

5. Distribution Decisions Will Still Need “Rule Makers”

Even in an AI-run economy, humans (or a small group controlling AI) decide rules of allocation.

Whoever programs the AI will, intentionally or not, embed their own priorities — creating a new elite.

The dream collapses into “All for those who set the rules.”


💡 Conclusion:

Even in a future where robots farm food, AI manages logistics, and energy is renewable, “everyone gets everything” will hit the same age-old barriers: finite resources, infinite desires, unequal capabilities, and power concentration.

What about me?” will keep it from becoming a permanent reality.



 

எல்லோரும எல்லாமும் பெற வேண்டும் (1)

எல்லோரும எல்லாமும் பெற வேண்டும்"  எனும் கோஷம் கவர்ச்சியானது. சுண்டியிழுக்கும் வல்லமை மிக்கது. ஆனால் சாத்தியமானதா? 

Sounds inspiring, but as a realistic policy it collapses under a few hard truths—this is why it often remains a fantasy slogan rather than a workable plan.

Here’s why it’s more common in rebel or utopian rhetoric than in practical governance:

1. Resource Limits –

Every society has finite resources—food, land, energy, money, skilled labor. If everyone literally gets everything, the math doesn’t work. Even the most productive economies have to allocate and prioritize.

2. Different Needs vs. Same Wants –

In reality, people’s wants are infinite, but needs vary. Giving “everything” means trying to satisfy both, which leads to impossible demands—e.g., one person wants a yacht, another wants a private island, another wants both.

3. Economic Incentives –

If all things are guaranteed to all people regardless of effort, the system risks removing motivation for production, innovation, and service—unless people are culturally conditioned to work purely for collective good (which history shows is rare and hard to sustain).

4. Distribution Problems –

Even if enough resources existed, the logistics of delivering “everything” equally to everyone would be nearly impossible. The process of who gets what, when, and how can become more contentious than the resources themselves.

5. Human Nature –

Inequality often emerges from human ambition, competition, and preference. Even in egalitarian experiments (like communes), differences in contribution and decision-making eventually create new hierarchies.

Why rebels use this slogan?

It’s emotionally powerful—it promises absolute fairness and abundance, appeals to the frustration of the deprived, and paints the current system as unjust. But it’s rarely fleshed out with a sustainable plan, so it remains an idealistic battle cry rather than a governing principle. Let us turn the history very briefly. 


1.Marx & the Manifesto (1848)

Slogan spirit: Marx never used those exact Tamil words, but his core call — “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” — mirrors the sentiment.

Historical path:

Marx and Engels envisioned a classless society where private property was abolished and wealth/resources belonged to everyone.


This inspired the 1917 Russian Revolution, where Lenin’s Bolsheviks promised “Peace, Land, Bread” — essentially “everything for everyone” in a poor, war-torn society. Outcome:


Initially, land was seized from landlords and redistributed.

Soon, centralized state control replaced local ownership, production quotas failed, scarcity reappeared.

By the 1930s under Stalin, instead of equality, there was a rigid hierarchy with party elites enjoying privileges — the opposite of “everyone gets everything.”

Failure reason: Scarcity, inefficiency, human ambition, and power concentration.


2. Fourier & Utopian Socialism (early 1800s)

Slogan spirit: Charles Fourier, a French thinker, imagined “phalanstères” — self-contained communities where everyone would freely enjoy all life’s pleasures, no competition, and no poverty.

Historical path:

Fourier’s disciples tried to set up communal living experiments in France and the USA (e.g., Brook Farm, 1841–1847).

Property, food, and labor were to be shared equally; everyone’s desires (from basic needs to luxury tastes) would be met. Outcome:

Quickly collapsed due to poor economic sustainability, disputes over work contribution, and lack of skilled labor.

When resources ran short, the original “all share equally” idea turned into “some get more, others get resentful.”

Failure reason: Economic impracticality and interpersonal conflict.


3.  “Garibi Hatao” Era (1971 India)


Slogan spirit: While not identical, “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) implied that the government would ensure every Indian had essential needs — food, shelter, livelihood. Historical path:

Huge welfare promises were made; land reforms, bank nationalization, public distribution systems.

People believed it meant real, equal access to resources for all. Outcome:

Political centralization increased; corruption and inefficiency in distribution meant benefits rarely reached the poorest.


India remained poor for decades afterward; the gap between promise and reality widened.


Failure reason: Administrative inefficiency, political misuse of slogan power, and limited economic growth.




Sunday, August 10, 2025

வேகமெடுக்கும் உணவுக் கலாச்சாரம்

இந்த தலைப்பு குறித்து பலரும் தங்களது கருத்துக்களையும், கவலையையும் பதிவிட்டு விட்டனர். சமூக பிரக்ஞை உள்ள  அனைவரையும் அசைத்துப் பார்த்து விட்ட தலைப்பு.

சென்ற மாதம் கர்நாடகாவில் நிகழ்ந்த தொடர் இளம் வயது மரணங்கள் விவாதமாகியது. அப்புறம்?  வேறு எதுவும் நிகழவில்லை.  இரண்டு நாட்கள் பதறிவிட்டு , பின் மறந்தும் விட்டனர்.

உணவுப் பழக்க மாற்றம்,  நம் தலைமுறையின் மீது இறங்கும் ஒரு மெல்லிய கத்தி. 


இந்திய கலாச்சாரத்தில் 'சமையல்' அலாதியான இடத்தைப் பிடித்திருக்கும்.  பிறப்பு முதல் இறப்பு வரை, ஒவ்வொரு விசேடத்திற்கும் தனித்தனியான பிரத்தியேக உணவு - தின் பண்டம் இருக்கும்.  

காப்பரிசி, புட்டு, பொருளங்காய் உருண்டை, ஆடித் தேங்காய் , தினுசு தினுசாக பாயசங்கள், பலகாரங்கள், கொழுக்கட்டைகள், முறுக்கு - சீடை வகைகள், இனிப்பகள்... எண்ணி மாளாது.

உள்ளூரில் விளையும்-கிடைக்கும் பொருட்களை வைத்தும், கால நிலைக்கும் ஏற்றவாறு சமையல் வடிவமைக்கப் பட்டிருக்கும்.

ஆனால், கடந்த பத்து ஆண்டுகளில், நமது உணவுப் பழக்கம் முற்றிலும் தலைகீழாக மாறிவிட்டது. கண் முண்ணாலேயே சீரழிவு துவங்கி விட்டது.

இன்று 24 மணி நேரமும் பிரியாணி, சிக்கன், மீன் — எது வேண்டுமானாலும் தயார். ஆனால் இது எப்படி சாத்தியம்? இரவும் பகலும் ஆடு, மாடு, கோழிகளை வெட்டிக் கொண்டே இருப்பார்களா? டீப் ஃப்ரீசரில் குவித்து வைக்கிறார்களா? இல்லை.

நகரம் மட்டுமல்ல, சிறிய ஊர்களிலும் இன்று காலை ஆறு மணி முதல் இரவு பதினொன்று மணி வரை பிரியாணி எளிதாகக் கிடைக்கிறது.

ஆரோக்கியம் குறித்து பயம் இல்லை. விழிப்புணர்வு இல்லை. பசி தீர்க்கும் பொருட்டல்ல, trendடுக்காக  தான் இன்றைய உணவுக் கலாச்சாரம். 


KFC, McDonald போன்ற நிறுவனங்கள் விதைத்த விதை இன்று பல தலைமுறைகளின் தட்டில் வேரூன்றியிருக்கிறது.


இதன் விளைவாக, இளம் தலைமுறையினர் கூட இருதய நோய், சர்க்கரை நோய் போன்ற பிரச்சினைகளால் தவிக்கின்றனர். நம் கண்முன்னே பலர் திடீரென உயிரிழந்தாலும், சமூகத்தில் எந்தப் புத்திச் சுடர் ஏற்றப்படுவதில்லை.


மசாலாவை அள்ளி கொட்டி, கொதிக்கும் எண்ணெயில் வறுத்து வைத்தால், அழுகிய உணவையே கூட மக்கள் சுவையாக விழுங்குகிறார்கள். இது வெறும் பழக்கம் அல்ல — ஒரு ஆபத்தான அடிமைத்தனம்.


இந்த உணவுப் பழக்கத்தின் தாக்கம் வெறும் உடல் நலத்தில் மட்டும் முடிவதில்லை.

குடும்பத்தின் பொருளாதாரத்தையும் அது மெதுவாக சுரண்டிக்கொண்டு வருகிறது.

ஒரு குடும்பம் மாதத்திற்கு மருத்துவச் செலவிற்காக செலவிடும் தொகை, கல்வி அல்லது சேமிப்பிற்கு செலவிடும் தொகையைவிட அதிகமாகிவிட்டது.


ஒருகாலத்தில் சமையலறை வீட்டு இதயம். இன்று அது வெறும் பாத்திர அலமாரியாகி விட்டது.

அம்மாவின் கையால் சமைத்த சத்தான உணவின் வாசனைக்கு பதிலாக, பிளாஸ்டிக் பெட்டியில் அடைத்து வரும் “டேக்-அவே” வாசனையே நம் குழந்தைகளின் நினைவாகி வருகிறது.


மருத்துவமனைகள் நோயாளிகளால் நிரம்பி வழிகின்றன.

வயதுக்கு முன்பே இருதய அறுவை சிகிச்சை, இன்சுலின் ஊசி, கொழுப்பு குறைக்கும் மாத்திரைகள் — இவை இன்றைய இளம் தலைமுறையின் “சாதாரண வாழ்க்கை” ஆனது.

இதை ஒரு சமூகப் பேரழிவாக யாரும் அறிவிக்கவில்லை, ஏனெனில் இந்த பேரழிவின் சத்தம் சில்லறை சட்னி கிண்ணங்களிலும், வறுத்த மசாலா வாசனையிலும் மூழ்கிக் கிடக்கிறது.


நாம் சாப்பிடும் ஒவ்வொரு தவறான உணவும், நம் எதிர்காலத்தின் ஒரு சிறிய துண்டை நசுக்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது.

இது வெறும் உணவுப் பழக்கமல்ல — இது நம் தலைமுறையின் உயிர்நாடியை வெட்டும் ஒரு மெல்லிய கத்தி.

இதன் தோற்றம், நகர்மயமாக்கலில் துவங்கியது.  நகரங்கள் வளர, மக்கள் வேலை நேரம் நீள, வீட்டு சமையல் குறைகிறது; வெளியே சாப்பிடுதல் அல்லது வீட்டுக்கு உணவு ஆர்டர் செய்வது அதிகரிக்கிறது.

உலகளாவிய ஃபாஸ்ட்-புட் பிராண்டுகள் – KFC, மெக்டொனால்ட்ஸ், டொமினோஸ், ஸ்டார்பக்ஸ் போன்ற சங்கிலித் தொடர்கள் கிட்டத்தட்ட அனைத்து ஊர்களிலும் பரவியுள்ளன; இதனால் உள்ளூர் உணவுப் பழக்கங்களில் பெரும் மாற்றம் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது.

சூப்பர்மார்க்கெட்டுகளில் கிடைத்து வந்த,  உடனே சாப்பிடக் கூடிய உணவுகள் இப்போது எங்கும் கிடைக்கின்றன.


நம் நாட்டைப் போலவே,  பாரம்பரிய சமையல் கலாச்சாரம் கொண்ட நாடுகளிலும், மக்கள் முழு நாளும் விற்கப்படும் விரைவான, அதிக கலோரி கொண்ட உணவுகளுக்கு மாறி வருகின்றனர்.

சுகாதார தாக்கம் – அதிக எடை, டைப் 2 வகை நீரிழிவு, இதய நோய் போன்றவை இப்போது ஒரு நாட்டின் சிக்கலாக இல்லாமல், உலகளாவிய பிரச்சினைகளாகக் கருதப்படுகின்றன.இந்தியாவில் மாறுபாடு என்னவெனில்,  மாற்றத்தின் வேகம் மிகவும் அதிகம் — பாரம்பரிய சமையல் பழக்கங்கள் கடந்த பத்தாண்டில் திடீரென மாறிவிட்டன.

சிறிய நகரங்களிலும் வருடம் முழுவதும், நாள் முழுவதும் விரைவு உணவகம் சேவை சர்வ சாதாரணமாகி விட்டது.   இது பிற பல நாடுகளின் கிராமப்புற பகுதிகளுடன் ஒப்பிடும்போது அதிகம்


மசாலாவை கொட்டி, எண்ணையில்  பொரிக்கும் வகைதானே  ஃபாஸ்ட்-புட்? பாரம்பரிய உணவைக் காட்டிலும் பன் மடங்கு அதிக கலோரிகளைக் கொடுப்பவை இவை என்பதை எப்பொழுது புரிந்து கொள்வார்களோ?





Saturday, August 9, 2025

மகிழ்ச்சி எதில்?

We measure knowledge in schools,

talent in titles,happiness in coins,

and sorrow in the silence of death.

But joy is no marketplace.

A mountain of gold

and a humble cup of coffee

can both warm the soul—

one for an instant,

the other for a lifetime’s memory.


Death may spare us pain,

yet a single careless word

can cut far deeper.


Life knocks only once—

let every breath be sweet.

Better to leave with a smile in the eyes

than tears in the hands.


For the weight of a moment

is not in the clock’s ticking,

but in the shape of our thoughts

US crisis and Impacts on India

Donald Trump is indeed a businessman-turned-president — he had no prior political or diplomatic career before winning the 2016 U.S. election. His approach to international relations was shaped less by traditional diplomacy and more by business-style negotiation, where he often applied a “winner–loser” mindset rather than a “mutual benefit” one.

This style, combined with his blunt communication and tendency to publicly criticise or pressure other countries, made him appear arrogant to many foreign leaders. He often used tariffs, sanctions, and public threats as bargaining tools, which may work in high-stakes business deals but can alienate partners in the diplomatic world.

As for his attitude, it stemmed from a belief in “America First” — a doctrine that the U.S. should prioritise its own economic and strategic interests above all else. However, in execution, this sometimes looked like he expected other nations to align with U.S. policies without question, which gave the impression that he saw them as subordinate players.

This approach did indeed push countries like China, Russia, and even traditional allies to find common ground against what they perceived as U.S. overreach. India, while still maintaining ties with the U.S., also strengthened its independent foreign policy during that time.

2. Japan’s Technology-First Approach

Japan relies heavily on U.S. markets for its high-end cars, robotics, and electronics.

Politically and militarily, Japan is tied to the U.S. through a mutual defense pact — Tokyo depends on Washington’s security umbrella against China and North Korea.

Joining an anti-U.S. alliance would be against its entire post–WWII strategy.

3. India’s Limited Leverage


India’s main export strengths to the U.S. are generic medicines, IT services, and skilled labor.


While important, these are not irreplaceable — the U.S. could shift to the Philippines, Vietnam, or even domestic production if relations soured badly.


India also values its strategic partnership with the U.S. as a counterbalance to China, so cutting ties would hurt its own security interests.

4. Mutual Dependence on the U.S.

All three — Japan, China, and India — benefit enormously from U.S. consumer demand, technology, and investment

Breaking ties would cause massive economic damage to their own economies before it seriously crippled the U.S.


Even China, despite its rivalry, still has the U.S. as its largest single export market.

✅ Conclusion:

The “rest of the world vs. the U.S.” scenario sounds powerful in speeches, but in reality global supply chains and national rivalries make such unity almost impossible.

China will never truly empower India.

Japan will never abandon the U.S. security umbrella.

India will never risk alienating a major trade and strategic partner for China’s benefit.

The U.S. knows this — which is why it can afford to act aggressively without fearing a unified economic blockade.



Saturday, August 2, 2025

அமெரிக்க டேரிஃப் யுத்தம்

Trump's "Tariff Sketch" — Not Haphazard, but Strategic Moves

Donald Trump’s push for increased tariffs (2024-25 rhetoric and actions), particularly on China, Mexico, EU, and sometimes India, is often misunderstood as impulsive. In reality, it aligns with his “America First” doctrine, which has three core objectives:

a) Re-industrializing America

Tariffs are a tool to force supply chains to shift back to the USA.

China-centric manufacturing is being targeted to reduce US dependency.

Sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, steel, rare earths, etc., are being shielded for domestic rebuilding.

b) Rewriting Global Trade Norms

Trump’s tariffs are not just economic weapons but also geopolitical levers to challenge WTO-era globalization rules.

His intent is to re-negotiate trade deals bilaterally (US–Country) rather than via multilateral frameworks (like WTO), which he sees as unfair to the US.

c) 2024-2025 Election Strategy

Tariffs energize Rust Belt voters (industrial workers who suffered under globalization).

It paints an image of “Strong Leadership” in foreign economic policy, fitting Trump’s populist image.

2. Deeper Geopolitical & Economic Implications

a) De-coupling from China is Expensive, but Strategic

It's a slow, painful economic surgery to shift away from China.

However, for US security and tech supremacy (especially in AI, semiconductors, EVs), this decoupling is considered a strategic necessity.

b) Forcing Allies into “Friend-shoring”

Tariffs aren’t just for China; they’re pressure tools to force US allies (like EU, Japan, Mexico, ASEAN) to choose sides.

Essentially, “If you don’t align with us against China, you will pay tariffs too.”

3. India’s Silent Observation (The Mischievous Smile)

India’s silence is not indifference. It’s calculated patience. Here’s why:

a) China-US Tariff War is India’s Window

Every factory leaving China is a potential investment for India.

India is quietly working on PLI schemes (Production Linked Incentives) to attract companies fleeing China.

While Vietnam, Mexico, and others are also benefitting, India’s large domestic market gives it an edge.

b) India Wants Tariff Walls on China, but Not on Itself

India knows Trump's tariffs on China help level the playing field.

But India doesn’t want to be the next target of US tariffs.

Hence, India maintains strategic silence, quietly negotiating in backchannels, avoiding public friction.

c) Geopolitical Leverage

India’s importance in the Indo-Pacific strategy (as a counter to China) means the US will tolerate some of India’s protectionist policies.

India is using this leverage to stay non-aligned yet opportunistic.

4. What’s Coming Next?

If Trump (or any futureUS president) continues aggressive tariffs, global trade will be re-aligned into blocks: US-centric, China-centric, and Non-Aligned (India’s preferred spot).

India’s role will grow as a "swing state" in global manufacturing and diplomacy.

In Short:

Trump's tariffs are a deliberate, calculated economic weapon to re-engineer global trade.

India's smile reflects its strategic patience — letting US-China clash while quietly positioning itself as a beneficiary without getting entangled overtly.

Does the US Want to Stop India's Rise? — Partially True

US and India

The US has a dual approach towards India:

a) Strategic Ally against China (Wants India’s Rise)

The US needs India as a geopolitical counterbalance to China, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Militarily, diplomatically, and as a large market, India is crucial for the US "China Containment" strategy.

b) Economic Competitor (Cautious of India’s Industrial Rise)

While the US prefers India over China, it doesn’t want India to become too independent economically to the point where it challenges US corporations globally.

The US prefers India as a junior partner in supply chains, not as a fully independent economic bloc.

Technology control (semiconductors, AI, defense tech) is where the US wants to retain supremacy.

c) So, the US Policy is Not "Stop India" but "Manage India's Rise"

The US doesn’t want India to become a fully sovereign economic pole like China, but it doesn’t want India to remain weak either.

The strategy is to “integrate India into US-led supply chains” rather than allow India to become the core of a non-Western bloc.

3. BRICS & De-Dollarization — Absolutely Correct (But Subtle and Long-Term)

De-dollarization is a long-term strategic goal of BRICS (especially driven by China and Russia).India, however, has a more nuanced position:

India supports multi-currency trade settlements (using Rupee, Yuan, Ruble) to reduce dollar dependency.

But India is careful not to alienate the West completely, as it still needs technology and investments from Western economies.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Is India in a Cross road? Are we heading to a Chaos?

The youth of India, a matter of concern or hope? Let's turn back history  and learn from failed nations.

Without naming them, history shows these clear stages of decline:


❌ What Went Wrong?

1. Erosion of Educational Integrity

Politicization of curriculumLack of critical thinking; rise of dogma

Teachers underpaid in private schhols, undervalued, replaced with unqualified agents

2. Parental Disconnect & Cultural Collapse

Parents uninvolved due to economic stress or cultural drift.

“Leave it to the system” mentality

Children raised by internet + peer pressure

3. Normalization of Drugs, Violence, and Easy Money

Drug mafias, gangs enter campuses

“Success without effort” becomes aspiration

Law enforcement either absent or complici

4. Loss of National Identity & Purpose

Youth alienated from civic values

Disrespect toward language, elders, institutions

Extreme ideologies fill the vacuum

🌱 Part 2: India — Green Patches & Warning Signs

✅ Where Hope Still Lives

Many tier-2 and tier-3 towns, esp. in South India and NE, still nurture values

Teachers who double as moral mentors, not just syllabus finishers

Parents actively involved, especially in joint families

Institutions where merit > influence, and where ethics are discussed

⚠️ What’s Eroding Fast (in some states/zones)

Aggressive political indoctrination in young minds

Growing aspiration for instant success (influencers, reels, cheating via AI)

Drug abuse entering urban + even rural school circles

Teacher shortage → unregulated tuition mafia

Parents overwhelmed by tech, economy, and unable to supervise

AI misuse: Cheating, copy-paste culture, dependency

🧭 Part 3: What India Must Learn & Do (Urgent Steps)

1. Rebuild Parenting Culture

National mission: “Parents as first teachers again”

Local language parenting literacy: device use, AI rules, monitoring habits

Mandate parent orientation at school admission, and refresher meets

2. Redefine School Role in AI Era

Schools must teach:

✅ Resilience

✅ Self-discipline

✅ Ethics in tech use

✅ Civic identity

Add mandatory curriculum on digital wellness, ethics, and critical thinking

Every school must publish: AI policy, behavior code, and safety audit

3. Preempt Drug Culture

Routine drug awareness drives + school/college counselling

Student clubs for debate, arts, social action to channel energy

Partnerships with local police + NGOs: early prevention, not punishment

4. Teacher Protection & Upliftment

Restore teacher respect with real incentives

Make them digital mentors, not syllabus pushers

Micro-credentials for AI + character education + mental health

5. Localize Civic & Moral EducationVernacular + local heroes + current examples

Not abstract moral science, but community service + peer mentoring

“Each One Teach One” type drives for emotional connection

6. Institute Youth AI Usage Codes

Clear rules on:


Where AI can help (study support, language)Where AI must not replace effort (essays, answers, thinking)

Encourage AI-created content with human reflection (not copy-paste)

Use vivas, oral debates to verify learning

🚨 Part 4: Signs a Society is Slipping — Watchlist


Indicator &;What It Means


Teachers quitting in large numbers

--Moral and cognitive loss of structure

AI being used for cheating, not learning.

--Disrespect for effort

Drug abuse in Grade 8+

--Mafia is testing its market

Politics replacing school admin

--Institutions are hijacked.

Parents saying "we can't control anymore".

--Authority gap + child vulnerability

Students laughing at “values” Cultural detachment and risk of nihilism.


Before it become too late, let the nation woke up.

Parenting in AI era!

 1) What’s changing for Indian families in the AI era

A. New patterns in how children learn

Shortcut mindset: AI gives quick answers. Without guidance, students skip struggle time that builds reasoning and resilience.

Surface knowledge vs. deep learning: AI outputs can look “correct,” masking misconceptions and limiting memory formation.

Assessment mismatch: Homework can be AI‑generated, but exams still test recall and reasoning—creating a false sense of mastery.

B. Attention & wellbeing pressures

Infinite feeds: Short‑video/algorithmic content (reels/shorts) fragments attention and sleep; dopamine cycles make apps “sticky.”

Information tsunami: Children can’t easily evaluate credibility, especially in regional‑language content.

Mental health risks: Comparison, cyberbullying, body image issues, and doom‑scrolling are rising.

C. Safety & ethics challenges

Misinformation and deepfakes: Especially potent on WhatsApp/Facebook groups.

Sextortion, grooming, and financial scams: AI can personalize lures.

Privacy/datafication: Children’s data is collected widely; parents often don’t realize what’s being tracked.

D. India‑specific factors

High exam pressure: JEE/NEET/Boards create demand for shortcuts and “sure‑shot” answers.

Digital literacy gaps among parents/teachers: Particularly in rural and semi‑urban areas.

Language diversity: Many tools are English‑first; regional‑language AI is improving but uneven.

Policy backdrop: NEP 2020 pushes 21st‑century skills and digital learning; the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 sets rules for handling children’s data (under 18 need parental consent), but everyday enforcement at home/school is still evolving.

2) What are parents struggling with?

1. Knowing what children do on phones (lack of visibility).

2. Setting fair and realistic limits without constant fights.

3. Guiding AI use toward learning rather than answers/cheating.

4. Spotting risks early (mental health, scams, harmful content).

5. Helping in regional languages and with low digital familiarity.

6. Aligning with schools so rules and expectations are consistent.

3) What “good use of AI” looks like (a simple ladder)


Level 0 – Replacement: “Do my homework.” (Avoid.)

Level 1 – Hints: “Give me a hint, not the full answer.”

Level 2 – Co‑thinking: “Ask me questions to test my understanding.”

Level 3 – Reflection: “Compare my solution and explain what I missed.”

Level 4 – Creation: “Help me plan and build a project; show sources and alternatives.”


Parents and teachers should consistently steer students up this ladder.

4) Practical solutions for Indian parents (including rural/semi‑urban)

A. Family agreements & routines (works without high tech)

Create a Family Tech & AI Agreement (1 page, in your language):

Where & when: No phones during meals; no devices in bedrooms after lights‑out; common‑area charging at night.

What: Age‑appropriate apps only; turn off autoplay; limit algorithmic feeds.

How to use AI:

Try yourself first

Ask AI for hints, not full answers.

Write your own steps/logic; then compare with AI and note differences.

Disclose AI use in homework (“I used AI for: hints/explanations”).

What to do if…: Clear steps for cyberbullying/scam/explicit content (tell a trusted adult; save evidence; block/report).

Post it near the study area; review monthly.

B. Low‑friction phone settings (Android is common in India)

Install Google Family Link (or iOS Screen Time):

Set daily limits, app approvals, bedtime, content filters.

Weekly activity reports to review together.

Disable: Notifications for non‑essential apps; autoplay on video apps.

Enable: YouTube Restricted Mode; “grayscale” during study hours to reduce temptation.

Create a “Study Profile”: Only education and dictionary apps accessible from 7–9 pm on weekdays.

C. Teach AI for learning, not answers (scripts any parent can use)

Before AI: “Explain what you’ve already tried.”

With AI: “Ask it to quiz you with 5 questions from your textbook chapter.”

After AI: “Tell me one mistake you corrected after comparing with AI.”

For languages: “Ask AI to translate to your mother tongue and back, then explain differences.”

For maths/science: “Ask for a Socratic dialogue: ‘Don’t give answers. Ask me step‑by‑step questions.’”

Reflection habit: Keep a “Learning Log” (3 bullet points/day): What I attempted, what AI clarified, what I’ll try next.

D. Misinformation & safety basics (especially for WhatsApp)

Ask for source and date: “Who said this? When?”

Reverse check: “Has any credible Indian outlet or official handle posted it?”

Pause before forwarding: Wait 10 minutes; search for facts.

Money/privacy rule: No OTPs, QR scans, unknown links—even if message looks like a teacher/relative.


Deepfakes: Voice/video can be faked; verify with a callback or known code word.

E. Early signals to watch

Sleep problems, slipping grades despite “studying,” secrecy with devices, mood swings, money requests, or sudden new online “friends.”

If seen: reduce stimulation (cut short‑video apps), restore sleep routine, and talk to a counselor/teacher.

5) What schools can implement now

A. Clear AI policy (shared with parents)

Allowed: Brainstorming, language help, hints, quizzes, code review.

Not allowed: Submitting AI‑generated work as original.

Disclosure: Students list what AI did.

Assessment redesign to reduce copy‑paste homework:

Vivas/orals, in‑class problem‑solving, process portfolios (drafts + reflections), and project‑based tasks.

Randomized problem sets; different data per student.

“Show your reasoning” grading, not just final answers.

(Avoid betting on AI detectors alone; they produce false positives/negatives.)

B. AI‑aware pedagogy

Use AI as a tutor that asks questions, not a solver (teachers can model prompts in class).

Weekly “think‑aloud” sessions: students explain how they verified AI outputs.

Peer‑review circles: students critique each other’s reasoning vs. AI’s.