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India's Budget 2024-25: Steering Towards Sustainable Prosperity

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The Indian Budget for 2024-25 stands as a beacon of fiscal responsibility and visionary governance, charting a course towards a sustainable and inclusive future. Below is a tabular summary capturing the essence of this fiscal blueprint. 1. Infrastructure: Record allocation of 11.11 trillion rupees for infrastructure creation. 2. Fiscal Management: Fiscal deficit targeted at 5.1% of GDP; divestment target at ₹50,000 crore. 3. Taxation: Stable tax slabs; retention of current direct and indirect tax rates. 4. Economic Corridors : Introduction of three major railway corridors for enhanced logistics and GDP boost . 5. Tourism : Special projects for boosting tourism, especially in island regions like Lakshadweep. 6. Social Welfare : Continued focus on poverty reduction and welfare schemes like PM SVANidhi and PM Kisan Yojana . 7. Women Empowerment : Focus on 'Nari Shakti', with increased female enrolment in higher education and healthcare benefits. 8. Environmental Sustainability: ...

Under Pressure to Survive: My Lifeline in a Rice Cooker

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  Pressure Rice Cooker : "The Unsung Hero in Our Kitchens: A Journey Through Time and Culture" Cooking has always been an art, but sometimes it's the tools that make the artist. Recently, while cooking my own meal, I realized how indispensable the pressure cooker has become in our lives. It's more than just a kitchen appliance; it's a culinary revolution that has spanned centuries. In this blog  we'll embark on a journey through the history of the pressure cooker, exploring its evolution and how it's become a vital part of various cuisines, especially South Indian cooking. From Steam Digesters to Kitchen Revolution: The Early Days The story of the pressure cooker begins in 1679 with French physicist Denis Papin. His "steam digester," a precursor to the modern pressure cooker, was a marvel of science designed to reduce cooking time using steam pressure. It was a groundbreaking idea, but not without its flaws – mainly, the risk of explosions due to...

Ganesh Swaminathan - Exec Profile

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  𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 & 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 AI in 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Introduction: Over the past three and a half decades, I have embarked on a journey that intricately weaves together the worlds of technology, society and business. It's not just about embracing technological advancements; it’s been a quest to harness these innovations for business excellence, human and social empowerment, and global impact. Professional: 37-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲: Evolving alongside the technology landscape, from traditional computing to advanced areas like Cloud Computing, AI, AR/MR, Digital Twins, IBNs, M2M Commerce and Blockchain. 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: Committed to evaluating cutting-edge technologies, engaging strategic partners, and empowering people, society, and businesses through innovative and impactful solutions. 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: I...

Eras of Excellence: The Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli Saga - A Cricketing Chronicle

Introduction In the midst of a heated yet fascinating debate with my brother-in-law, a question that has long intrigued cricket enthusiasts worldwide resurfaced: Who is the greater cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli? This question, often a centerpiece of passionate discussions among cricket aficionados, led me down an intriguing path of numbers, records, and unforgettable moments on the cricket field. As I delved deeper into the statistics and stories that define these two icons, I realized that this wasn't just about comparing numbers; it was about celebrating two distinct eras of cricketing brilliance. This blog is a culmination of that exploration – a deep dive into the careers of Sachin and Kohli, offering insights that go beyond mere numbers, and into the heart of what makes them true legends of the game Comparison Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, two of the most iconic batsmen in cricket histo...

The Price of Piety and Pageantry: A Call for Re-evaluation

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Cultural Significance or Resource Squander?   In a world where the grandeur of temples and the glitz of global celebrations are often seen as benchmarks of cultural significance, it's time to ignite a discourse on the essence of these expenditures. Are these lavish outlays a mere squandering of resources or an intrinsic facet of our human fabric? A Sacred Journey Through Opulence and Need   Firstly, let's take a sacred journey through the opulent corridors of temples, mosques, churches, and synagogues worldwide. Magnificent edifices stand as testaments to human devotion, often brimming with offerings from those seeking divine blessings. Yet, in the shadows of these architectural marvels, lie poverty and need. Imagine if the wealth accumulated in the hundis and donation boxes was redirected towards education, healthcare, or poverty alleviation. Could we then witness the true manifestation of divine will? The Spectacle of Entertainment and Disparity   Shifting our gaze to ...

Journey of Renewal: Lessons from the Padithurais of Kumbakonam

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My reflections on the past, present, and future through a  journey in Kumbakonam's mystical "padithurais"—a tale of memory, spirituality,  wisdom, and hope. Inspiration to write this tale came from the above song. :-) Once upon a time in Kumbakonam, a town where temples stood like sentinels guarding ancient wisdom, lived a young boy named Kannan. The river Cauvery whispered secrets through its flowing waters, and Kannan, whose curiosity was as boundless as the river itself, would often visit the town's many padithurais to listen to the river's tales. For the uninitiated, "padithurai," pronounced "Padi-thurai," is a Tamil word referring to the ghats or steps leading down to a river. These padithurais serve as communal gathering spots in many towns and villages along the Cauvery. They hold emotional and spiritual significance, offering spaces for holy dips, prayers, and ceremonies. The belief is that the flowing waters cleanse both body and soul,...

Updating Mindsets - A Technological Fable by JiYes (GS)

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Introduction: Greetings to all, especially to those who believe that traditions are the unchanging pillars of life. I'm JiYes (GS), and I invite you to journey through a modern fable that I've penned. As we age, we often clutch onto traditions like a safety blanket, fearing the brisk winds of change. But what if I told you that holding onto the essence of tradition while embracing the beauty of change could yield something truly magical? My tale, "Updating Mindsets - A Technological Fable by JiYes (GS)" explores this very idea through the lens of Apple and Steve Jobs. Let this story serve as a gentle nudge, urging us to update our understanding of traditions, much like we would update the software on a smartphone for optimal performance. Updating Mindsets - A Technological Fable by JiYes (GS) Tradition as Foundational Code, Innovation as Future's Software: The Apple Paradigm of Updating Algorithms of Wisdom In the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley, Stev...

An Evening @Fashion Waves - An Intersection of Threads - Where Every Stitch Tells a Story and Every Corner a Tale

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Discover the soul of Bangalore through Asrar Ahmed and the characteristic charm of Ibrahim Sahib & Lakshmana Mudaliar Streets—the heartbeat of my city. 🌟 A tale where every stitch and corner speaks. 👀👇 #FashionWaves Prologue: Imagine a vibrant labyrinth of streets—namely, Ibrahim Sahib and Lakshmana Mudaliar Streets—where history, culture, and commerce coalesce. Nestled next to Commercial Street, these avenues present a harmony of the old and new. It was here that my wife Latha, my daughter Krithika, and I embarked on an evening soiree to shop for designer fabrics. Intrigued? Let's untangle this tapestry of human stories. Latha - My companion for life and shopping  Latha, my wife and a veteran of these bustling lanes, orchestrated our shopping spree. Our goal was simple: Our Daugther Krithika needed designer fabrics for an upcoming family event. Under Latha's seasoned guidance, we discovered Fashion Waves—a hidden gem at the cultural crossroads of I...

Snapshots and Space Suits: The Apollo 11 Selfie That Almost Was!

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Hold onto your space helmets as we launch into a humorous tale from the Moon's surface! Join Armstrong, Aldrin, and the Hasselblad 500EL for an adventure filled with iconic images and a fictional selfie conversation that captures the lighter side of exploration. Prepare for laughter that's out of this world! Armstrong and Aldrin had landed on the Moon, and the Hasselblad 500EL was ready to document history. The two astronauts were capturing iconic images, but amid the seriousness of the mission, a whimsical conversation unfolded. "Buzz," Armstrong said, snapping pictures of the Lunar Module and the mesmerizing landscape, "what do you say we take a selfie? You, me, and this beautiful Moon." Aldrin's eyes twinkled inside his helmet. "A selfie? With this Hasselblad? Neil, that's one giant leap for photography!" Armstrong chuckled, imagining the possibility. "Imagine the headlines, 'Astronauts Capture First Lunar Selfie!' It'd ...

No Show, All Substance: The Shallow Stardom of Cinema vs. The Real Superstars of ISRO

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Hollywood, Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood – a myriad of woods that fuel the fire of global entertainment. They enthrall us with grand spectacles, larger-than-life characters, and budgets that often rival the GDP of a small nation. But when was the last time a movie truly educated or elevated us as a society? Enter ISRO's Chandrayaan III mission, an accomplishment that touched the moon at a fraction of the cost of a Hollywood blockbuster. Here's an endeavor showcasing the brilliance of human intellect, not the shallow sparkle of stardom. While celluloid heroes prance in fake worlds, ISRO's scientists, looking so simple and yet so profound, like our own family members, stood with rapt focus, steering the Vikram Lander to the lunar surface. Over 100 crore people watched real-life heroes, in control of destiny, not a scripted fantasy. Where is the glitz? The glamour? You won't find it here, because ISRO's mission is substance over show. No shallow entertainment but a c...

A Beacon Through Generations: My Father's Diligent Recordings & Haridoss Giri's Timeless Teachings

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Introduction I want to share a personal guiding light in my life: a story of King Virasena and the Ashta Lakshmi, narrated by Haridoss Giri when I was in 8th standard in person in a grand discourse. My father, with unending dedication, would attend and record such discourses and play them back for us, weaving a connection to our heritage. Those recordings were not mere lessons; they were heartfelt wisdom, a beacon guiding me through confusion, fear, and superstition. When I think back to this tale of courage and patience,  I hear both Haridoss Giri's passionate voice and feel my father's love and commitment. This tale isn't just a myth; it's a reminder that we have the power to overcome fear, a living part of our family's legacy, a testament to my father's dedication, and a symbol of virtues that shape our lives. It's more than a story; it's who we are, a beacon for us all. Let's embrace it with all our love, and heartfelt appreciation for our father...

The Paradox of Superstardom: Does Follower-ship Define Genius, or Is It Merely an Illusion?

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Rajinikanth: The Mass Hero In a world enamored by the glitz of cinema and mass adulation, Rajinikanth stands as a towering figure. Referred to as the "Superstar" of Indian cinema, he's celebrated with a fervor that transcends borders. But what does it mean to be a true superstar? Rajinikanth's charisma, on-screen persona, and his ability to draw crowds are undeniable. But does this make him a genius? The thunderous applause, the widespread recognition – are these the hallmarks of true brilliance? Or is there something deeper, something overlooked in the shadows of fame? Does follower-ship define genius, or is it merely an illusion? Where do we draw the line between popularity and profound intellectual accomplishment? In the paradox of superstardom, what is the real measure of a person's genius? The Lonely Path of True Geniuses Contrast the fame of Rajinikanth with the solitude of the following geniuses, who carved paths so unique that they often went un...

Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1/2 power 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale

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Introduction:- Have you ever found yourself pondering the mysteries of probability, only to end up utterly bamboozled by numbers and chance? Or maybe you've made a bet, confident in your calculated odds, only to find that reality had other plans? Welcome to the quirky world of "Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1 2 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale." This story isn't just a mathematical curiosity; it's a playful reminder that life often laughs in the face of probability. Grab your calculators, hold onto your bicycles, and join me on a whimsical journey through numbers, bets, and the unpredictable nature of... well, chance itself! Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1 2 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale A Friendly Wager A group of friends were lounging by the window one day, debating probabilities and mathematics. One of them playfully proposed a bet, "I bet the first person to pass our window will be ...

A Grand Surprise Remembered: Independence Day Celebrations with KS and Covansys Colleagues

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The Prelude: Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Day Have you ever been part of a grand surprise that united colleagues across cities and celebrated a nation's pride? Journey back to a special Independence Day, where KS's masterstroke turned a routine train stop into an unforgettable celebration at Covansys. If you were there, you'll remember; if not, you'll wish you were. If you know KS, you'll definitely read, like, and share this story. If you don't, prepare to be introduced to KS, Covansys, and the unforgettable art of fun at work. Though KS is no longer with us, his spirit, wisdom, and extraordinary ability to bring joy continue to inspire. The Unfolding Tale: Unity, Surprises, and an Independence Day to Remember In the thriving tech company Covansys, with leadership and teams spread between Chennai and Bangalore, (and Mumbai too) a special leader stood tall. KS, the boss, was renowned for running the company like a tight ship, yet he was equally...

Proud to Introduce Nikhita Nandakumar: A Radiant Young Intellectual and a Creative Blog Writer

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Introduction:- I am excited to feature this first blog post from Nikhita, my talented niece, fresh and sizzling like a hot chappathi off the stove! She shared this gem with me for review, but it's so captivating that I'm thrilled to present it in my blog openmind.ganeshs.net just as she penned it. With a flair for intermingling personal anecdotes, her creativity makes this piece exceptionally relatable, especially to her peers. Dive into her world. Her first blog as she wrote it. I'm honored to offer you the first taste, and I hope you will savor it as much as I did. Please show your support with shares and comments, as we cheer on her delightful journey into the world of writing. Happy reading! Her writing elegantly unveils the exciting maze of finding the perfect start, breathing life into mundane objects like an Ariel fan, and drawing wisdom from ancient texts like Chanakya's teachings. With her unique blend of humor, warmth, and insight, she weaves an engaging narra...

This is All India Radio. The news, read by [...]: A Symphony of Kumbakonam with a Murphy Transistor

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This is All India Radio. The news, read by [...] these words still echo in my mind as I reflect on my younger days in the enchanting town of Kumbakonam. My father and I and our family lived in our humble abode filled with the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee and the sounds of our beloved Murphy Transistor. A Shared Connection Our connection was rich and diverse: lively news bulletins, thrilling cricket matches, melodious movie songs (especially Mukesh, Rafi), captivating dramas, and the soul-stirring Carnatic music that my father especially loved. These were not just sounds but the symphonies of our life. Historical Moments Through our Murphy Transistor, we lived the joy of Gavaskar's centuries, the anticipation and shock of the 1977 elections – with Congress losing royally in UP, MP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, leading to a dramatic political upheaval. We also felt the excitement of MGR sweeping the assembly in 1977 and1980, the profound sadness of Indira Gandhi's assassination...

Harmony of Souls: My Spiritual Odyssey with Radha, Kunti, and Draupati

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Harmony of Souls: My Spiritual Odyssey with Radha, Kunti, and Draupati In the vast expanse of ancient tales lies a resonance that defies the chains of time, echoing the pulse of human longing and our unwavering quests. Radha, Kunti, and Draupati, luminaries in the annals of Indian spirituality, stand as symbols of love, resilience, and surrender. Their interactions with Krishna showcase the myriad ways the human spirit intertwines with the divine. This poem, while being a tribute to these iconic figures, also mirrors my own odyssey, seeking the same profound connections. ஆத்மாக்களின் இணக்கம்: ராதா, குந்தி மற்றும் திரௌபதியுடன் எனது ஆத்மார்த்த தேடல் பயணம். நமது பழங்காலக் கதைகள் மனித ஏக்கத்தின் துடிப்பையும் நமது அசைக்க முடியாத தேடல்களையும் எதிரொலிக்கின்றன. இந்திய ஆன்மீகத்தில் ராதை, குந்தி, திரௌபதி ஆகியோரின் கிருஷ்ணாவுடனான தெய்வீகத்துடன் பின்னிப் பிணைந்த தொடர்புகள் அசாத்திய அன்பு( ராதை ) , அசாத்திய பொறுமை( குந்தி) மற்றும் முழு சரணாகதியின்( திரௌபதி) அடையாளங்களாக நிற்கின்ற ன . இந்தக் கவ...

In Pursuit of the Divine: Three Souls, One Quest

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  Throughout the annals of spiritual literature, there exist tales that transcend time, tales that echo the profound yearnings of the human soul. Radha, Kunti, and Draupati are three such luminous figures, each representing a unique facet of devotion, surrender, and quest for the divine Purushottam Krishna. Their narratives, rich in emotion and introspection, showcase the journey of the soul as it seeks to merge with the ultimate reality. This poem draws inspiration from their unwavering search, intertwining their stories with my own spiritual odyssey, echoing the universal longing for divine connection and realization. Whispers of Change The turbulent river of my past has stilled, Yet its source, vibrant and unyielding, lingers still. From the tempests that once raged deep within, Now arise gentle breezes, heralding a serene begin. Beyond the Known Krishna, in you, countless souls find their guide, Your eternal wisdom, the beacon where truths reside. Though I've navigated realms v...

Journey to Surrender

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  The Quietening Fury The fury of the river in my life has toned down, But the spring that served as its source remains vibrant and profound. The once fierce storm that could fell great trees is no more, Replaced by a gentle, caressing breeze I simply can't ignore. A New Dawn With previous springs having ebbed away, A new craving emerges, compelling me to pray. These new springs shall be different, unique, Not to be wasted, for a purpose, they'll speak. A Spiritual Surrender While I deciphered complexities of math, science, and tech, The super soul's wisdom was always just out of reach, just a speck. In spirituality, I find my ultimate and final surrender, Much like Pattinathar, Valmiki, and Arunagirinathar, I too am a convert, a transcender. Divine Intervention It is on the Supreme God I rely, For health of mind, body, senses, as days go by. May my ears never lose their ability to discern His divine tunes, As I tread life, dancing to both its joyous and mournful runes...