Mother Of All Deals

 

Besides forcefully interfering in the home issues of fourteen different countries, and castigating a sitting president of a nation, Donald J Trump, the President of the US, did something incredible in oblivion. His unpredictable and audacious nature forced India to diversify its trade and break the two decade long streak of not signing an FTA with the European Union. 

On the 26th & and 27th of January, India signed a deal with the EU, which they call ‘The Mother of All Deals’. And so as the name suggests, it is the mother of all deals, as it caters 25% of the global GDP, encompasses 1/3rd of the global trade, unlocks preferential access of $75 billion in exports, abolishes tariffs on 9425 lines of Indian exports, thus accounting to 99% of the Indian exports, and most importantly integrates 27 economies in one single agreement connecting 2 billion people across the globe.

Undoubtedly, India and Europe made this deal to offset Trump tariffs. As the reports suggest, Europe has been experiencing deteriorating economic stability driven by sluggish growth, high debt, and structural weaknesses, with GDP growth potential slowing from ~1% to 0.5% over the next five years. India on the other hand, initiated its GST 2.0 which cushioned the consequences of 50% tariffs on the Indian exports which jeopardized major export industries in India. 

So the India–EU Free Trade Agreement talks does bring to the fore the question, 'Have we wimped out on our long-standing “protectionist” position by moving out of the WTO regime?' The answer is not to abandon them, but to transform them. The WTO that was supposed to level the playing field has proved helpless in the face of uneven tariff wars, unilateral sanctions, and geopolitical bullying. In this fractured global order, the strategic FTAs sought by India are not a jettisoning of protectionism but a recalibration of it.

With a few exceptions, the nation is not resisting multilateralism so much as remedying its paralysis by piecemeal market openings and vigilantly protecting its domestic interests. The agreement with Europe thus signals a strategic, not ideological, shift from protectionism to economic resilience in which sovereignty is maintained not through isolation but through diversified engagement.

-Soham Sonar

Where Presence Becomes the Journey

 

One of my most surreal experiences has been standing in front of the Ganga on a quiet evening, where the water keeps moving, bells ring in the distance, and monks chant mantras. You close your eyes, say a small prayer and suddenly the air feels lighter and slower. You don’t do much there, you just exist. And somehow, that is enough to make it one of life’s best moments. Travel often begins like this. Not with checklists or planned destinations, but with a moment. A moment where you pause just to feel something. In Rishikesh, it feels peaceful, in Goa, it feels cheerful, and in places like Jaipur or Varanasi, it feels chaotic, yet deeply alive.

When travel makes space for such moments, it's slow tourism. It is not about how many places you visit, rather about how deeply you experience each and every spot. You stop counting attractions and start noticing every small detail. Here, travel is more about presence than movement. Yet, not every place asks for stillness. Some places are meant to be loud, crowded, and constantly moving. This is where loud tourism finds its meaning. The chaos and overlapping sounds are not distractions, but the identity of these places. Cities like Mumbai or Bangalore feel alive because so much happens at once, the rituals, conversations, and daily life unfolding together. Even amidst the rush, there are moments worth noticing.

Over time, travel starts to feel like a conversation. Not a loud one, just an exchange happening quietly between you and the place. The way you enter a city, how long you stay, what you choose to notice, all of it adds to that exchange. On National Tourism Day, it feels right to think about more than just travelling, and focus on what it asks of us. Because being a traveller also means remembering that this place isn’t new to everyone, it’s someone else’s everyday life.

Visitors eventually leave. With memories, with moments, with pieces they carry back home. But the place stays, it absorbs the footsteps, voices, and habits. It changes, slowly, with every person who passes through. Maybe tourism isn’t only about discovering new destinations, but also about becoming more aware of ourselves, and of how deeply we move through such new spaces. So the next time you travel, even if it is in your own city, try to slow down the experience. Take that local transport to experience the hustle, and above all, stay present. Let the place meet you halfway.

- Mrunmayee Pataskar 

Seva Paramo Dharma: The Spirit of the Indian Army

 

In the final days of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, amidst the thick jungles of Sylhet, a young officer stepped on a landmine and critically injured his leg. In such a terrible situation he asked for a khukri (the Gorkha knife) and cut his own leg off, saying, "Now go and bury it!" and further continued to perform his duties as a soldier. This is Indian Army. This is Major General Ian Cardozo.

For the Indian Army, the list of such courageous acts goes on. 'Indian Army Day' is celebrated on 15th January nationwide for honoring soldiers' sacrifices, recognizing their key role in national security, and showcasing their expertise through parades and displays. While these are important, the day is also an opportunity for all Indian citizens to understand that the Indian Army's role is not limited to defending borders, but also involving in essential rescue operations and protecting the nation from internal threats which shows their dedication to the welfare of the nation. Indian Army Day signifies the historic moment in 1949 when Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief from the last British Commander-in-Chief General Sir FRR Bucher, symbolizing full Indian control over its armed forces post-independence. Thereafter, the Indian Army continues to build on its proud legacy. From taking command, the forces have consistently protected the nation from uncertainties, with the motto, "Seva Paramo Dharma" (Service before Self).

The Indian Army is not just a symbol of courage, strength and sacrifice, but it embodies the values that endure beyond conflict. The power of the Indian Army is not measured just by its military capability, but by its principles of patriotism, loyalty, humanity and professionalism that form its foundation. Driven by ethical warfare and selfless duty, the Indian Army is a respected pillar of world security and a constant source of pride for India. Indian Army Day serves as a annual reminder to every citizen of their responsibilities towards the nation. The most significant contribution to their unwavering dedication is for all Indians to develop civic sense and maintain communal harmony. By internalizing these principles, the civilian population ensures that the sacrifices and continuous efforts of the Indian Army are honored and the nation is truly worthy of their protection and efforts.

-Rachana Chintakindi 

A Mindful Step Towards Shared Mindfulness

 

Closing our eyes and taking a deep breath seems like a very simple activity to do, but it has a deeper connection to the mind and soul than we realise. You FEEL different. This new feeling is the energy that is rejuvenated in your body and brain by the courtesy of an ancient practice known as meditation. Once you regularly start meditating, you can sense your focus strengthening, your thoughts being more organised and anxiety unclenching its fists from your throat for once. In today's world of chaos, meditation acts as a tool for you to regulate yourself, your temper and understand your social surroundings without the fog of anger, jealousy and envy.

Anxiety finds its way in our minds due to our newly adopted fast-paced lifestyle. This lifestyle allows very short time to be ourselves, to have free thoughts and to rest, be it in the form of social media doom-scrolling or binge-watching endlessly. These sort of activities leave a feeling of void in our brains when paused, eventually causing us to fall right back into it. The solution? Reclaiming your lost focus! The sooner you realise this, the sooner you get to be your ideal self. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) finally realised the long lost importance of meditation in the current scenario and made an effort to promote shared mindfulness, positivity and mental and physical well-being in individuals all over the world. Thus, the 21st of December, which is also the Winter Solstice, was proclaimed as the 'World Meditation Day'.

Meditation has its origins deeply rooted in the ancient Indian culture. From the extensive religion of Buddhism, to the Vedas and the Vedanta, the importance of meditation or 'Dhyana' is discussed profoundly by ancient Indian scholars. It even traces as far back as the ancient period of the Indus Valley Civilization in the form of meditating figures in lotus postures. Though it has been an integral part of our culture as a form of Yoga, the modern generation has been ignoring it for many years now. It is only through shared realisation of mental well-being throughout the world that people have started reviving this technique and have started giving it a crucial slot of time in their 'busy' schedules. Meditation is the best practice to achieve improved focus, positivity and overall good mental health. That's why, when you sit down in the lotus position you realise that not only your body, but also your mind slows down to a speed where you are actually able to comprehend your own thoughts. Understanding one's own thoughts might sound absurd, but it is just as crucial as treating only the part of your body that hurts. That is the power mindfulness gives you. When you learn to isolate each strand of thought from the fibers of your mind, you get to know your thoughts better and eventually, you get to know yourself better. 

Meditation calms one's mind in mysterious ways a common man can't comprehend. Whether it be the stress of completing your assignments on time, handling projects in office or having FOMO due to your friends and colleagues, meditation acts like a sacred ritual in your daily life by offering you the mental clarity it takes to make these important decisions in a way that gives you an upper hand at excelling. One may not realise the importance of meditation in a few sittings, but once it is integrated in the daily routine, they can feel many positive implications on their life. Remaining calm can be a very helpful trait in today's world. When societal pressure, peer pressure, responsibilities, stress and impossible deadlines overwhelm an individual, being calm helps us focus and navigate through some of the most burdensome decisions life throws at us. In this world of getting lost in other's thoughts and conforming to the trending opinions, find time to meditate, and in the process, you'll find yourself.

-Krutika Mali 

लक्ष्मीकांत बेर्डे: एक अवलिया कलाकार

 

विनोदाचा जादूगार—ज्याच्या कलेचे चाहते साऱ्या जगभर पसरलेले —असा यशाला गवसणी घालूनही साधेपणाची शाल अंगावर पांघरून राहणारा, सरळ, गुणी आणि अपार मेहनती कलाकार म्हणजे आपल्या सर्वांचे लाडके लक्ष्मीकांत बेर्डे उर्फ लक्ष्या. त्यांच्या कार्याबद्दल लिहिताना मनात एकच प्रश्न घोळत राहतो—सुरुवात नक्की कुठून करावी? कारण त्यांची विनोदबुद्धी असो, निरभिमान व्यक्तिमत्त्व असो, की वेळेची अचूक जाण—योग्य क्षणी साधलेला खेळ आणि त्यावर उमटलेली प्रेक्षकांची टाळी—या साऱ्या गोष्टी विलक्षण आणि अविस्मरणीय आहेत.

कधी त्यांनी लोकांना दुःख विसरून मुक्तपणे हसायला भाग पाडलं, तर कधी नकळत डोळ्यांत पाणी आणलं; आणि कधी मनाच्या कोपऱ्यात दडलेल्या प्रश्नांना स्पर्श करत विचार करायला लावलं. ते केवळ चित्रपटांपुरते सीमित राहिले नाहीत—अनेक नाटकांच्या माध्यमातून त्यांनी थेट प्रेक्षकांच्या मनात घर केलं. आणि मग हा अवलिया कलाकार आपलाच कधी झाला, हे कळायच्या आतच तो आपल्या आयुष्याचा भाग बनून गेला. एका सामान्य घरातला मुलगा, केवळ आपल्या कलेवर अपार श्रद्धा ठेवून स्पर्धेच्या रणांगणात उतरतो आणि पाहता पाहता त्या लढ्याचा बादशाह बनतो—हेच तर लक्ष्या मामांच्या प्रवासाचं खरं सौंदर्य आहे. खरं तर हा सारा प्रवास शब्दांत बांधून ठेवणं कठीणच—कारण ही जादू शब्दांपलीकडची आहे.

 त्यांचं कुठलंही पात्र असो, प्रेक्षकांना ते नेहमी आपलंसं वाटत राहीलं. एखादा माणूस जेव्हा त्यांच्या कुठल्याही भूमिकेत गुंततो, तेव्हा ती भूमिका विसरूच शकत नाही. म्हणूनच त्यांच्या प्रत्येक कलाकृतीला जणू शंभर नंबरी सोन्याचा तेजस्वी स्पर्श लाभलेला असतो. पण मला विशेष भावतं ते त्यांच्या धडाकेबाज चित्रपटांमधून उलगडणारं मित्रासाठीचं नितांत सुंदर प्रेम—राहून राहून वाटतं, आयुष्यात मलाही असा मित्र हवा! पडद्यावर दिसणारी त्यांची बनवाबनवीतली भूमिका, त्यातून साकारलेलं अफलातून मनोरंजन आणि जागा मिळवण्यासाठीची अविरत धडपड—या साऱ्यात सामान्य माणसाच्या जगण्याचा खरा संघर्ष ठळकपणे उमटतो. आणि म्हणूनच ते पाहताना आजही आपण नकळत त्यात रमून जातो. धुमधडाकासारख्या चित्रपटांतून त्यांनी एका मुलाला स्वप्न पूर्ण करण्यासाठी लागणारा आधार दिला—तोही हास्याच्या हलक्याशा स्पर्शातून मनापर्यंत पोहोचवत. वेगवेगळ्या रूपांत, कधी स्वतःच्या वडिलांनाही शेरास-सव्वा शेर ठरणारी चलाखी दाखवत, तर कधी तरुण पिढीच्या बदलत्या विचारांना चपखल उदाहरणांतून अधोरेखित करत, त्यांनी प्रेक्षकांना अक्षरशः वेड लावलं. साधा, सोपा वेष… पण त्यामागे दडलेली प्रभावी व्यक्तिरेखा—लक्ष्या मामांचा हा ठसा आजही लोकांच्या मनावर तसाच कोरला आहे.

स्वतःवर तुटून पडलेल्या दुःखांचे डोंगर शांतपणे सहन करत, इतरांच्या चेहऱ्यावर हास्य फुलवण्यासाठी दिवस-रात्र झटणारे लक्ष्या मामा मला माझ्या आयुष्यातील खरे नायक वाटतात. स्वतःची आर्थिक परिस्थिती हलाखीची असतानाही त्यांनी गरजूंच्या मदतीकडे कधीही पाठ फिरवली नाही—कारण त्यांच्या माणुसकीचा झरा कधी आटला नाही. सहकाऱ्यांच्या मते, लक्ष्या मामा मनापासून विचार करणारे, आपुलकीने काळजी घेणारे व्यक्तिमत्त्व होते. त्यांच्या दृष्टीने लहान-मोठा असा कोणताच भेद नव्हता. दिग्दर्शक असो वा पडद्यामागे काम करणारा साधा कर्मचारी—सगळ्यांसाठी ते तितकेच मोलाचे होते.

आजही त्यांच्या आठवणींचे किस्से आमच्यापर्यंत पोहोचतात, तेव्हा घरातील वडीलधाऱ्यांचे डोळे नकळत पाणावतात. आणि आमच्याही मनात एक हळवा विचार येतो—अनुभवता आलं असतं तर किती बरं झालं असतं! लक्ष्या मामा आज आपल्यात नसल्याची उणीव कायम मनात रेंगाळत राहते. पण म्हणतात ना—

जिन लम्हों को हम बयां नहीं कर पाते,

वही अक्सर हमें जीने का पैग़ाम दे जाते।

जो इंसान हमें कभी मिल नहीं पाए,

वही यादों में हमेशा के लिए समा जाते।

-शांभवी कुलकर्णी