Roots and Reflections - Exploring Ideas, Experiences and Wisdom

Baldness, or hair loss (alopecia), can arise from a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. In India, hair loss and baldness are becoming more prevalent, affecting both men and women. It's estimated that about 85% of Indian men will experience some degree of baldness by the time they reach 50. Reports suggest that around 40% of Indian men start noticing hair loss before they turn 30. Furthermore, 1 in 4 Indian women experience significant hair thinning due to hormonal and nutritional issues. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore report higher rates of hair loss, likely linked to pollution and stress. This problem isn't limited to India; baldness is a worldwide issue, causing many individuals to struggle with feelings of inferiority as a result. In America, baldness is a common concern that affects millions of men and women. About 50 million American men deal with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), while around 30 m...

India's National Games is a multi-game event that occurs periodically wherein athletes from various Indian states and Union territories are gathered. To this end, the National Games is India's biggest domestic sports event, comparable to a national-level Olympics. The National Games started in 1924 with the first edition, then called the Indian Olympic Games, held in Lahore, British India. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) required this event to help create a sports culture throughout the Indian territory. In 1940, it was officially renamed the National Games. Initially, the Games were organized annually, but due to logistical and financial issues, they became infrequent. The inaugural National Games were held in Lahore (in undivided India) in 1924. The Games in their modern incarnation were established in New Delhi in 1985. In 2022, the 36th National Games, for the first-ever time as hosts, occurred in Gujarat. After this, the 37th edition took place in 2023, competing wher...

The observance of Tila Ashtami is associated and connected with the celebration of Shivratri. Maha Shivratri is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kashmiri pandits. This festival of Shivratri has a special importance in the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, and it is celebrated in a distinct, unique, and special way by the Kashmiri Pandits all over the world. The Shivratri to KP’s commences on the first Tithi - day of Falgun Krishanpaksh in the first fortnight of this auspicious month, lasts for a fortnight, and culminates or comes to a close with Teela Ashtami. In all important festivals of Sanatan Dharma, there is the practice of giving offerings to one's dead ancestors called Pitras in Hindu mythology, and the observance of Tila Ashtami is concerned with offering light to dead ancestors on the eighth day after Mahashivratri.  It is a practice and norm with the Kashmiri Pandits that the Shivratri Prasad, such as wet walnuts and bread made from rice flour, is distributed among n...

Jammu city truly deserves the title of the city of temples, as you can find temples, shrines, and other religious sites in every corner. These places of worship symbolize mutual brotherhood and communal harmony, attracting people from various faiths. One of the oldest and most renowned temples is the cave shrine of Peerkho, located near Panjthrithi in Jammu. It draws a large number of devotees, especially on Purnimashi, Amavaysa, Eakadashis, and Soomwars (Mondays), who come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. This cave temple is a significant pilgrimage site, often bustling with visitors. Many believe that their wishes are granted by visiting this cave and honoring Lord Shiva, whose natural idol is enshrined there. As one of the oldest temples in the city, it experiences a considerable influx of devotees on auspicious days. Additionally, the shrine sees a large number of worshippers during major festivals in Jammu, such as Shivratri, Raksha Bandhan, and Shraven ...

                                          The Yagyopavit ceremony is an essential ritual and sanskar among the 16 sanskars of Brahmins, and it is mandatory for all male children. In contrast, girls are exempt from wearing the sacred thread as a result of the Yagyopavit ceremony. However, it is important to note that our religious scriptures do not prohibit the Yagyopavit ceremony for girls. The texts state that girls have the same right as boys to participate in this thread ceremony. In the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Yajñopavita ceremony, also known as Upanayana, is a significant ritual for young boys, marking their initiation into formal education and the study of sacred texts, particularly the Vedas. This ceremony holds particular cultural and religious importance within the Kashmiri Pandit tradition. According to the Hareet Sanhita and Prashar Sanhita, women are categorized in...

  (Main Entrance of Temple) The city of Jammu is renowned for its ancient temples and numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites. With a wealth of sacred places and temples, Jammu attracts tourists from across India year-round, earning it the title of the City of Temples. Notable tourist attractions and sacred sites in Jammu include Bahu Fort, Khali Mata Mandir, Mahamaya Temple, and Hari ki Podi Temple by the Tawi River, as well as Raghunath Temple, Ranbishwar Shiv Mandir, Pheer Kho Shiv Temple, Hanuman Temple, Aap Shambu Temple, Shiv Dham on Canal Road, and many more. Among these, the ancient and revered Kailash Mandir is located in the Chinore area of Jammu, just 6-7 kilometers from the Jammu Bus Stand. This temple is close to the well-known Aap Shambu Mandir, where devotees visit daily to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.  The Kailash Temple is located in a quiet and scenic area surrounded by dense forests, rather adding to its beauty. An interior road connects this Kailash Temple with ...

As India being 75 years old on 26 January, it entertains the 76th year into its existence. The country has traversed various phases in life for these 76 years, probably maturing to a living and vibrant republic. However, it is rational to take stock of what has been achieved through gains and pains along its journey, especially through the prism of its Constitution. The Constitution, having come into effect from January 26, 1950, stands for democracy, socialism, secularism, equality, fraternity, and social justice. The Constitution is the lifeblood of our republic. The preamble of the Constitution of India, as amended to July 2024, states:"We the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic." It was on November 26, 1949, that the Constitution was officially adopted, enacted, and given to the people. Hence, the people of India, in 1949, finally resolved to form a democratic, socialist, secular republic and...

According to the ‘Neelmat-Purana’, the Kashmir valley, referred to as ‘Sharda Bhoomi’, represents ‘Poorn-Prakriti’ (whole Nature). This valley has been the birthplace of countless saints throughout history, including the notable Mirza Pandit, who emerged on the surface of ‘Sharda Bhoomi’ on the 1st lunar day of the month of ‘Posh’ in 1801 Bikrami, which corresponds to the year 1744 A.D. Born a Brahmin, Mirza Pandit was a follower of ‘Sanatan Dharma’. The term ‘Sanatan’ signifies ‘Anadi’ (without beginning) and ‘Anantha’ (endless), representing that which is eternal and everlasting. ‘Dharma’, as defined by the ‘Vedas’, refers to the principles of reality that are intrinsic to the nature and design of the universe. ‘Sanatan Dharma’ employs ‘yoga’ as a means to achieve ‘Moksha’ (Salvation). The Vedanta philosophy posits that appearances are illusory and that the only true reality is what lies beyond these illusions, known as ‘Brahman’. The existence of these illusions is attributed to ‘Ma...

India being the largest democracy in the world makes elections, votes, and voters key determinants in its functioning. Elections are important for the functioning of democracy where selection of a representative is concerned. Voter partaking in those elections is one of the hard nuts to crack for democracy. Almost, one can say elections are the very soul of democracy as they provide opportunities to citizens to choose their own governing force. To recognize the importance of voters, every year on the 25th of January, India celebrates National Voters Day to celebrate the establishment of the Election Commission of India. It is the 14th National Voters Day to be celebrated in 2025 since the establishment of the Election Commission in the year 1950. To promote awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy by prompting participation in the electoral process. It shows an individual that there is one way in which he/she can make a difference to ensure the promising future of the na...

Pandit Prem Nath Bhat was a prominent Kashmiri Pandit lawyer, journalist and social activist. He was known for his dedication to public welfare, particularly in the realm of Kashmiri Pandit rights and justice. It was on the fateful day of 27th December 1989 at 3 PM that the great soul Pt Prem Nath Bhat fell to the bullets of the assassins and was martyred because of his love and patriotism for the country. Pt Prem Nath Bhat was advocate by profession and he was a household name in whole Kashmir. The martyrdom of Prem Nath Bhat came as a rude shock to the nationalists and the Kashmiri Pandits. However the Kashmiri Pandits take great pride in the martyrdom of the great son of mother India. He left his mortal frame for the cause of the unity, sovereignty and integration of Jammu and Kashmir. He was the active member of RSS and a true activist of the Nagbal Prabandak Committee and it was Bhat Shaib who played an instrumental role in the unity of the Kashmiri Pandits and he moulded the youn...

The Maha Kumbh is a unique religious, cultural, and patriotic gathering that takes place every twelve years. The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during January-February 2025 is particularly special, as it follows a long gap of 144 years. This event holds great spiritual significance, and taking a holy dip during the mela is believed to purify the soul and grant salvation, known in religious terms as Moksha. The Maha Kumbh Mela represents a convergence of faith and Indian identity, drawing people from across the country who share a common Hindu faith and culture. It serves as a time for spiritual reflection, cultural celebration, and social interaction, embodying the essence of Indianness. During the Kumbh or Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj transforms into a mini-India, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian faith, traditions, nationalism, and patriotism. People from various regions come together to bathe in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, fully embra...

                                                       The Z-Morh Tunnel is situated in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This 6.5 km bi-directional tunnel connects Gagangir and Sonamarg, areas that were often isolated during heavy snowfall. The tunnel features 6.5 km of approach roads leading to both entrances. At an elevation of about 2,637 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, it ensures year-round access and facilitates travel for passengers. Additionally, the tunnel includes a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape route designed for both emergency evacuations and potential railway use. Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), it is recognized for its effectiveness in navigating difficult geographical conditions. The tunnel was developed not only to enhance civilian travel but also to support military logistics in t...

                                                                                                                                                                                      India’s startup ecosystem is among the largest in the world, boasting over 90,000 registered startups and over 100 unicorns as of 2025. The government’s Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, laid the groundwork for fostering innovation, simplifying business regulations, and providing funding support to budding entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister declared sta...

The RK Bharati Foundation observed the death anniversary of Shri R.K. Bharati on January 12, 2025, paying tribute to the renowned journalist and literary genius. Born on January 19, 1937, in Kakran village (Kulgam), then part of Anantnag district, Bharati received his early education at High School, Kulgam. While his parents, Nath Ram Pandit and Rajrani Pandit, envisioned him taking over the family business, their inquisitive and sensitive son, a voracious reader, felt drawn to a different path. Against his family's wishes, he secured a position as a teacher in the education department. Bharati's passion for education deepened. While working as a school teacher, he earned his BA, BT, and postgraduate degrees in Hindi and English. In 1972, he pursued an M.Ed. as a regular student at the Government College of Education, Srinagar, where he formed a close bond with the principal, Syed Agha Ashraf, a renowned educationist. Though initially a student-teacher relationship, their conne...