Women on the Go

A Spectacular Night for Women’s Cricket

Last night was a spectacular one for women’s sports as the Indian women’s cricket team delivered an exemplary performance to secure India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup. The tournament had its share of surprises, but the Indian women beat the odds with grace, resilience, and pure sporting spirit.

Just two years ago, during the men’s ODI World Cup, India entered as favorites — yet fate had different plans. The two World Cup journeys couldn’t have been more different. The men’s series was surrounded by political overtones and expectations, and in some places, we saw unruly crowds and misplaced aggression. The true spirit of sportsmanship seemed to fade amid the noise.

In contrast, the 2025 women’s series was a celebration of effort, teamwork, and dignity. Every match reflected respect for the game and its global spirit. It wasn’t an easy path for the Indian women, but their determination and composure defined the triumph.

At the end of the day, cricket transcends gender. It’s about passion, perseverance, and pride in representing one’s country. Congratulations to the Indian women’s team for taking Indian cricket to new heights — proving that excellence knows no boundaries, and the spirit of the game shines brightest when played with heart.

The War Beyond Worlds

The War Beyond Worlds

We are part of a war — not one fought between nations or political ideologies, but between two transcendental forces. These are not forces bound by matter or form; they have mastered the art of rising above the material realm.

Once a force evolves into a transcendental one, it no longer abides by human definitions of good or evil, divine or demonic. It becomes something beyond — a pure essence of nature itself.

In this higher state, the conflict is not between morality or power, but between the fundamental elements of creation. It is like the eternal struggle between the mind and the heart — two essential aspects of human existence, constantly in motion, constantly at odds, yet incomplete without the other.

And when the basic forces of creation clash, the result is chaos — not destruction, but divine commotion. For in that turmoil, the forces rediscover and reaffirm their transcendental essence.

Vedic enslavery

Most of us struggle to believe in the idea of a *celestial nature* — a force that reminds us we are only a tiny part of a vast creation. Accepting this truth humbles us; it strips away the ego and teaches us to surrender to something greater than ourselves.

Yet, many ideas within the Vedic tradition offer a very different vision. They speak not of surrender but of mastery — of transcending the celestial order to become the *chakravarthy*, the ruler of the universe.

In this view, the world is not something to coexist with, but something to command. The Vedic impulse, at its core, seeks to dominate the divine rather than to dwell in harmony with it. It celebrates power, control, and a kind of spiritual monopoly — the belief that divinity can be invoked, directed, or even subdued through ritual and will.

By contrast, the celestial nature invites reverence. It asks us to celebrate the divine, not to enslave it.

So when you encounter pride in the so-called glory of the Vedic age, pause for a moment. Ask what that pride is built upon — a reverence for the divine, or an urge to possess it.

Because sometimes, what we call empowerment is only another form of enslavement — not of the divine, but of ourselves.

The Power of the Mind and the Role of Awareness

The Power of the Mind and the Role of Awareness

Have you ever wondered why certain things rarely appear before us—like a venomous snake?

It’s because we’re collectively alert to their danger. When we see a snake, our instincts kick in: we act quickly, alert the right people, and ensure the situation is handled safely.

The same happens during a fire. The moment we see flames, we respond—by calling for help or trying to extinguish it.

And yet, despite our vigilance, snakebites and fire accidents still occur. Why? Because there are always small gaps in our alertness.

Sometimes, even with full awareness, such incidents seem to increase—more snakes appearing, more fires breaking out. This points to something beyond our immediate control.

In truth, many unfortunate events don’t just depend on our external alertness. They’re also influenced by the power of the mind—a subtle force that shapes our awareness and experiences. When the mind is strong and focused, it has the power to prevent many of these incidents from happening at all.

But when our mental strength weakens, even the sharpest alertness loses its effectiveness.

I may not fully understand what affects the power of the mind, but I’m certain of one thing: when we are rooted in strong values, our mental power grows. And with that inner strength, we can face the world with greater clarity, awareness, and peace.

Fighting the Cards Played by the Dark

Fighting the Cards Played by the Dark

— A metaphor for resilience in uncertain times

Life doesn’t always deal fair hands.

Sometimes, it feels like the “dark” — that deep, quiet force of chaos, fear, injustice, or despair — is shuffling the deck behind the scenes. And just when you think you’ve caught your rhythm, it plays another card against you.

Grief.

Betrayal.

Burnout.

A loss you didn’t see coming.

A system that was never built for you to win.

These are the cards played by the dark.

We all meet them eventually. The trick is not to fold — but to learn how to fight back. Not with naive optimism or toxic positivity, but with a clear-eyed strategy. With resilience. With your own hand — one that you can build, over time, card by card.

1. Name the Card

The dark works best in shadows — it counts on you not fully seeing what you're up against.

Naming what’s happening is the first counter.

Not just “I feel off.”

But: “This is fear of being abandoned again.”

Or: “This is grief disguised as anger.”

Or: “This is shame, telling me I’m not enough.”

You can’t counter a move you haven’t named.

2. Play the Opposite

Every card the dark plays has a counter — even if it’s small.

Against shame, play compassion.

Against despair, play one small action.

Against silence, speak a single truth.

Against injustice, resist — even quietly.

Sometimes the counter feels weaker than the threat. But when you play it consistently, it changes the whole rhythm of the game.

3. Build Your Deck

You’re not just surviving — you’re collecting cards. Skills. Lessons. Boundaries. Beliefs that held when the rest fell apart.

You’re building a hand that gets stronger over time.

You learn to recognize certain plays before they even hit the table. You see the shape of betrayal before the knife twists. You smell burnout coming and pivot early. You remember that you've survived worse.

Your deck becomes your history, your healing, your tools — and your proof.

4. Use Unpredictability as Power

The dark assumes you’ll play predictably.

But what if you didn’t?

What if, when cynicism was the expected play, you chose grace?

What if, instead of lashing out, you paused?

What if you moved toward someone instead of retreating?

What if you set a boundary instead of begging for approval?

Sometimes the most powerful move is the one the darkness never sees coming.

5. Know When to Fold — and Rest

This isn’t a call to endless resistance. It’s not about being strong all the time.

Some cards can’t be countered in the moment. Some battles aren’t yours to fight today. Some hands you let go of — not in defeat, but in strategy. To rest. To gather yourself. To wait for a better hand.

That’s not quitting. That’s wisdom.

Final Word: Your Hand Is Stronger Than You Think

There will be days the dark plays hard. It will throw fear, confusion, and silence like trump cards meant to break you.

But every time you choose to stay awake, stay kind, stay in motion — you play a counter.

And the more you do, the more the dark loses its grip.

So build your deck. Keep your hand ready.

And when the next card is played against you, smile.

You know how to play back.

The Power and Resistance of Mapping

The Power and Resistance of Mapping

Mapping is a crucial tool in the hands of government agencies. Whether it's socio-economic mapping, crime mapping, or other forms, this process equips policymakers with the data they need to make informed decisions and fine-tune public policies.

However, during these mapping initiatives, a particular section of society often attempts to obstruct or discredit the process. Their resistance raises important questions.

Why would anyone oppose data collection unless the data reveals patterns they would rather keep hidden? Often, those who portray themselves as the most vulnerable or marginalized are the loudest critics of mapping efforts. In many cases, this opposition doesn't stem from genuine concern—but from fear of exposure.

Criminal elements, in particular, resist mapping because it can uncover behavioral patterns, hotspots, and networks that help authorities contain and prevent crime. When data reveals the truth, those with something to hide naturally feel threatened.

If someone fears their own data being recorded or analyzed, it's a red flag. It suggests that the truth such data could reveal might not align with the narrative they've been promoting.

More Than Just a Light: Why Light Overcomes Darkness

More Than Just a Light: Why Light Overcomes Darkness

In a world often shrouded in uncertainty, pain, or confusion, we cling to symbols of hope—images, ideas, or even people who seem to shine against the odds. One such symbol is light. We often say, “Let your light shine,” or “Be the light in the darkness.” But have you ever wondered why light can dispel darkness so effortlessly?

It’s not because light is stronger than darkness in a conventional sense. It’s because light is more than just light—it is presence, it is clarity, and above all, it is a declaration that something is, where darkness offers only absence.

Darkness Isn’t a Force—It’s a Void

Darkness isn’t a force that fights or resists. It has no substance. It’s simply the absence of light. You can’t pour darkness into a room—you can only remove the light.

This understanding changes everything.

We often view our struggles—our anxieties, doubts, or fears—as powerful enemies. And they do feel powerful. But like darkness, they often thrive in silence, secrecy, and neglect. They are the byproducts of something missing: clarity, love, truth, connection, courage.

So when you introduce “light”—a kind word, an honest conversation, a moment of self-reflection, or simply showing up for someone—you’re not engaging in battle. You’re replacing what was missing. You’re being more than just a light.

More Than Illumination

A candle in a pitch-black room doesn’t need to fight to be seen. Its presence alone changes everything. Similarly, a person who radiates compassion, integrity, or authenticity doesn’t need to argue or shout to make a difference. Their mere presence pushes back the unseen weight around them.

This is true on a personal level too. When you “shine”—not with perfection, but with purpose—you become a source of guidance not only for yourself, but for others. Your light isn’t just a tool. It’s a testimony.

Be More Than Just a Light

To be more than just a light is to understand your impact isn’t about force, size, or visibility. It’s about essence.

When you speak truth with love, you’re more than just a voice.

When you stay kind in a harsh world, you’re more than just polite.

When you show up—consistently, quietly, faithfully—you’re more than just present.

You are transformative.

In the end, darkness can never win—not because it’s weak, but because it doesn’t have what light has: substance, intention, and presence.

So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by shadows—doubt, fear, injustice, loss—remember this:

A light can face full darkness not because it is stronger than darkness, but because it is more than just a light.

And so are you.