India’s Defence Strategy. Did We Get Things Wrong?

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1965 War, Brig. John Dalvi, Himalyan Blunder, Jammu & Kashmir, Sanjay Dixit, Shankar Bajpai

I must explain my unprecedented long absence from blogging. I was not well for more than the past month. It started with an attack of pharyngitis and laryngitis which later became a urinary bladder infection. The need for prostate surgery soon followed. I am resting and recuperating at home since I was discharged from the hospital on Sept 26, 2015. I have kept myself busy by catching up with my book reviews, which you will find in my website, “Prem Rao, Stories From A Story Teller,” and on my reading. 

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International Yoga Day

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Art of Living, Indian Army, International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United Nations, Yoga

In December 2014, addressing the United Nations for the first time, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi made a plea that the ancient form of meditation and exercise called yoga known to India for over 5000 years be celebrated by having an International Yoga Day. He was right in asking for this as yoga is increasingly becoming popular all over the world  with people embracing it irrespective of their age, gender or political affinity. Over time, his request was supported by over 175 member nations of the UN. 

Importance of Managing Money for the Youth

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financial literacy, managing money, young entrepreneurs

In the course of a conversation I had recently with people of my age (60 +) the topic turned, as it often will, to the youth of today. Some felt they were extravagant and spent as if there was no tomorrow. Examples were given of how there was a running battle in most households in urban India regarding the amount of money to be given to kids each month and the effect of peer pressure on these kids. Sure, some of them are big spenders. Here’s an article in Trak. in. which speaks of the spending power of kids these days. It claims that they spend about Rs. 6000 per month on cosmetics, mobile phones and apparel. 

Subroto Mukherjee and the Indian Air Force

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Air Marshal Sir Gerald Gibbs, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee, Indian Air Force

A friend on Twitter pointed me to this old film titled “Planes of Hindustan” on the website of the Imperial War Museum about the Indian Air Force which was officially established on October 8, 1932. I found it quite fascinating especially as it had has rare footage of the No. 1 Squadron of the Air Force commanded at that time by Squadron Leader Subroto Mukherjee.

Nari Shakti to the Fore : Republic Day, 2015

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Ashok Chakra, Capt Divya Ajith, Indhu Mukund, Lt Cdr Sandhya Chauhan, Major Mukund Varadarajan, Nari Shakti, Republic Day 2015, Sqd Ldr Sneha Shekawat, Wg Cdr Puja Thakur

Republic Day is one festive occasion I look forward to most eagerly every year, especially the military parade. This year’s parade was exceptional. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t as good as we would have wished it to be. There was a slight drizzle when the ceremonies started but the weather improved as the parade commenced. President Obama was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations this year, the first time a President of the United States had accepted this honour.

The Elevator Pitch: Courtyard Marriott’s Initiative

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Courtyard Marriott, Economic Times, elevator pitch, Entrepreneurs

Ah, the elevator pitch. We have talked and read about this for long.  The Entrepreneur says, “An elevator pitch is a conversation, or an ice breaker, that will (hopefully) lead into a deeper dialogue about the functionality, and specialty, of what you and your company can offer.” Often it is said that these 60 seconds are the ones that matter the most.

Admiral D K Joshi “Goes Down With The Ship.”

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Admiral D K Joshi, Chief of India's Naval Staff, Indian Navy, submarines in India

Yesterday, we saw the Chief of India’s Naval Staff hand in his resignation which was promptly accepted. Admiral D K Joshi submitted his resignation taking moral responsibility for the criticism against the performance of the Indian Navy over the last year. The Indian Navy, as you know, came in for a certain amount of flak after a series of accidents big and small. The sinking of the INS Sindhurakshak following a dockside explosion in August 2013 was shocking and this was followed by the recent accident involving the INS Sindhuratna.

Caring For Children With Cancer: Samiksha Foundation

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children with cancer, Samiksha Foundation, social causes

You see before you a room full of children of different ages. They all seem to be so immersed in what they are doing. Their faces speak of their enjoyment. Some of them giggle as they play, others are engrossed in coloring their activity books, while some are totally absorbed in reading their books, their bright eyes hungrily devouring the  pages.

Pak Tour of India: Yes or No?

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BCCI, cricket, India-Pakistan

As always in matters concerning Pakistan, news of a tour here by the Pakistani cricket team has raised strong reactions here in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has worked out an itinerary of two T 20s and three ODIs, to be held in December-January.

The Perils Of Sitting

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exercise, posture, sitting

I don’t know about you, but as an author, I spend a lot of time sitting. More in front of the computer. I would be keying in stories, blogging and so on , so much so that hours together pass in these activities. On top of that is another pastime, that of watching television. Honestly, I haven’t figured just how long I sit every day. I must do that one of these days.