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Pavan K Varma

Articles by Pavan K Varma

How the Constitution came to represent our civilisational ethos

When political leaders brandish the Constitution, they should be aware of how much pan-Indian thought went into its preparation

Spirited debates took place on several issues: Universal suffrage, which some thought was premature, until Jawaharlal Nehru put an end to the debate by saying “the voice of a peasant is as precious as that of a professor” (AFP)

Opinion

Published on Jun 14, 2025 10:12 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Deepika Padukone and the debate about work culture in Bollywood

How many of those who are pontificating on work-life balance, would have made this a priority when they were struggling and far from the success they now enjoy?

Deepika Padukone requested for a more regulated film industry, in which actors have the option of creating the right balance between work and leisure, career and personal life. (IANS)

India News

Published on Jun 08, 2025 10:07 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | The healthiest diet is the one rooted in moderation

Why do fad diets hold such appeal? The answer lies in our collective impatience and the modern cult of instant transformation

Extreme diets often advocate severe restrictions—eliminating entire food groups, drastically slashing calories, or promoting unsustainable eating patterns (Unsplash)

India News

Published on Jun 01, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That: Why a Delhi couple’s artistic passion shines through the mundane

They are both products of the College of Art in the city. Sanjay’s passion is photography. Shampa’s obsession is painting

The terracotta temples are found only in Bengal. They were built by the regional kings and zamindars starting from the 15th century, some for their personal use within their homes, and others outside for the public.

India News

Published on May 25, 2025 02:15 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Meet the Charvakas, the most modern of our ancient thinkers

What is significant is that the Charvakas argued their viewpoint with great logic and insight

In an age of religious fundamentalism and blind faith, the Charvakas’ insistence on evidence-based reasoning remains strikingly relevant (HT PHOTO)

Opinion

Published on May 17, 2025 08:30 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Trenches in Delhi: Childhood memories of 1962 China War

Those trenches were curiosities, places to play. The gravity didn’t strike me then, but it was clear New Delhi wasn’t beyond the reach of Chinese aggression

As a child during the 1962 India-China war, the one other thing that struck my impressionable mind with indelible clarity: Against an external enemy, all Indians would unite. (AFP)

India News

Updated on May 11, 2025 01:02 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That: A mellow ode to the gramophone and vinyl

The transition from analog to digital was not just technological—it was philosophical. Music was no longer a physical possession but a string of ones and zeros

...But very hazily, as a child I remember that gramophones were the magic that allowed you access to music apart from the radio. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

India News

Published on May 04, 2025 12:31 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That| British museums: Curators of plundered Indian wealth, culture

Among the most evocative looted object is Tipu Sultan’s mechanical tiger, a wooden automaton depicting a tiger mauling a British soldier

In 1937, the Kohinoor, the ‘pride of India’, pared down to European tastes, was embedded in the British crown. (AP File Photo)

India News

Published on Apr 27, 2025 11:16 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Science behind Indic calendar & time-cycle

Students should be aware of the remarkable tradition of science behind our sophisticated cycle of time

We don’t have to necessarily follow all the rituals of the past, but we must not be so deracinated as to be completely ignorant of our own heritage (PTI)

Opinion

Published on Apr 19, 2025 10:40 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Voices of faith: A dialogue between religions

In March, I spoke at the 'Voices of Faith' conference in London, discussing Advaita philosophy amid diverse religious dialogues emphasizing unity over division.

There is so much ignorance in people not only about their own faith but also that of others. (Representational image)

Opinion

Updated on Apr 13, 2025 04:16 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just like that: Exploring the artistic world of Jatin Das and his legacy

Jatin graduated from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai in the early 1960s. After a few years in Mumbai, he permanently relocated to Delhi.

The Sahitya Akademi was publishing a book of poems on the Pankha, compiled by Jatin, and he wanted me to contribute a poem within the next hour. (HT photo)

India News

Published on Apr 06, 2025 08:49 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That: To preserve, cherish the classical is the mark of a civilisation

Change is unavoidable and has happened in the past as well. One significant example is the transition from the Dhrupad to the Khayal gayaki in classical music.

Dholavira, an excavated site of the ancient city of Harappa civilisation, in Gujarat. (Alamy Stock Photo)

India News

Updated on Mar 30, 2025 09:53 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That: A personal Shalimar Bagh in Delhi’s spring

What is amazing is that Ghulam Nabi Azad pursued his enduring romance with nature throughout his exceptionally demanding and successful political career

New Delhi, Mar 04 (ANI): A picturesque view of India Gate on a clear day with blooming flowers, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (Vipin Kumar)

Opinion

Updated on Mar 22, 2025 03:51 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Holi: An opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others

The celebration of Holi is related to season and sowing. It marks the arrival of spring, with its riot of colours, a new phase in the annual cycle of change

In 17th century literature, Holi is primarily linked to agriculture, a carnival to express the hope that the land will remain fertile. (HT Photo)

India News

Published on Mar 17, 2025 11:18 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just like that: Navras School, a ray of hope to revive Patna’s cultural scene

For the last three decades and more the once verdant artistic landscape of Patna has become more like a cultural desert

Jaya Seal Ghosh, Bickram Ghosh, Dr L. Subramaniam, and Kavita Krishnamurthi at the Festival of Literature on Music in Patna (bickramghoshofficia)

India News

Updated on Mar 08, 2025 09:55 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | A philosopher with a camera

Bandeep Singh believes he is blessed by Naga Sadhus. In my view, they are also lucky to have someone of his calibre to chronicle their elusive and mystic lives

Hinduism is an amazingly picturesque religion in its practice, rituals, and esoteric diversities. A captivating aspect of this vast canvas is the Naga Sadhus. (Bandeep Singh)

Opinion

Updated on Mar 02, 2025 02:33 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Live life full, not in excess or to prolong the lifespan

In India, life expectancy has risen from 25.4 years in 1800 to 70.82 today. A balanced life and positive attitude may be key to aging better.

Mumbai, India - May 7, 2017:People participate in a laughter club as they celebrate World Laughter Day at the Nana Nani Park in Girgaon Chowpatty, in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, May 7, 2017. World Laughter Day takes place on the first Sunday of May of every year. The first celebration was on January 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India, and was arranged by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement. (Photo by Kunal Patil/Hindustan Times) (Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

Opinion

Updated on Feb 22, 2025 10:19 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Khajuraho and Konark: Where the sacred and sensual converge

The erotic art of Khajuraho and Konark reveals the contrast between historical and contemporary views on morality

Khajuraho Group of Monuments(Varun Pyasi on Instagram )

Opinion

Published on Feb 16, 2025 07:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | From struggle to success: The quiet triumph of Bimla’s family

In urban chaos, success stories often remain untold. Bimla and Rakesh, a couple who faced adversity, prioritized education for their children.

In the crevices of our sprawling metropolises, teeming with ambition and municipal chaos, some success stories quietly unfold—stories that don’t make headlines but keep alive the vibrancy of the human spirit(Pixabay)

Opinion

Published on Feb 09, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | The hidden stories behind Pandit Jasraj’s rise to greatness

Pandit Jasraj’s success was built on relentless riyaz and sadhana

Classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away at the age of 90 on August 17. (Photo by Prakash Singh / HT Archive)

Opinion

Published on Feb 02, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Parade that announced the birth of the Republic

The Republic Day Parade is now a spectacular event but perhaps the genuine sense of wonderment and pride that were earlier its hallmark have reduced.

26 January 1950 - President Rajendra Prasad taking salute at the first Republic Day Parade at Irwin Stadium - HT Photo.

Opinion

Published on Jan 25, 2025 07:57 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Decolonising the Indian mind: Beyond political freedom

While India's independence was a monumental achievement, the remnants of colonial influence endure in language, education, and cultural preferences

Decades of political struggle and the most remarkable acts of courage and sacrifice of countless Indians preceded the proud unfurling of the Tiranga and the descent of the Union Jack on August 15, 1947.(Getty Images)

Opinion

Published on Jan 19, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | Bim Bissell: A visionary who empowered Indian artisans

Bim Bissell, co-founder of Fabindia, was a cultural force who transformed traditional Indian textiles into a global brand while empowering 90,000 artisans

Bim Bissell (Picture courtesy: Udyogini.org)

Opinion

Published on Jan 12, 2025 07:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

From subjugation to revolt: India’s response to imperial arrogance

British colonisation in India had transitioned from cautious diplomacy under Sir Thomas Roe to overt dominance by Lord Clive.

In 1922, when tried for stoking ‘disaffection’ against the British Empire, Gandhi told the bewildered British judge: ‘I am, therefore, here to submit not to a light penalty, but to the highest penalty'(Alamy Stock Photo)

Opinion

Published on Jan 05, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That | From Turbulence to Triumph: Air India’s New Avatar

Air India is reinventing itself with thoughtful service upgrades, and cultural nuances like a creative safety video and a soulful fusion soundtrack.

Opinion

Published on Dec 29, 2024 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Remembering Ghalib: A poet’s legacy and the fight to preserve his haveli

Ghalib’s poetic brilliance, deeply infused with Sufi ideals, transcends religious boundaries.

Opinion

Published on Dec 22, 2024 08:00 AM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in memory

It happens far more to very successful people. When their careers are on the ascendant, people know everything about them.

In 1980, Pancham married Asha Bhosle, and together they created magic (HT archive)

Opinion

Published on Dec 14, 2024 08:09 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Just Like That: AI is a game changer but press enter with a note of caution

At its best Artificial Intelligence is a technology—truly advanced no doubt—which can facilitate human endeavour.

There is this unsustainable yet growing mythology, that AI will soon make human intelligence redundant.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Just Like That: It will be a long day without you, my friend

One thing I learnt from Deepak Singh’s passing away is that one must never postpone the simple pleasures of life for later

Alas, this winter has come, and Deepak is no more there to sit there in the sun.

Just Like That: Around a bonfire, the eternal debate over rebirth

The counter view is that all this talk of rebirth is simply because human beings are unwilling to accept the finality of death.

Priests offer evening prayers on the banks of Ganga in Varanasi. The reigning deity Shiva, supposed to be the very symbol of Brahman, is ajanman, unborn. (AFP File Photo)

India News

Updated on Nov 23, 2024 12:54 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

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Pavan K Varma

When political leaders brandish the Constitution, they should be aware of how much pan-Indian thought went into its preparation

How many of those who are pontificating on work-life balance, would have made this a priority when they were struggling and far from the success they now enjoy?

Why do fad diets hold such appeal? The answer lies in our collective impatience and the modern cult of instant transformation

They are both products of the College of Art in the city. Sanjay’s passion is photography. Shampa’s obsession is painting

What is significant is that the Charvakas argued their viewpoint with great logic and insight

Those trenches were curiosities, places to play. The gravity didn’t strike me then, but it was clear New Delhi wasn’t beyond the reach of Chinese aggression

The transition from analog to digital was not just technological—it was philosophical. Music was no longer a physical possession but a string of ones and zeros

Among the most evocative looted object is Tipu Sultan’s mechanical tiger, a wooden automaton depicting a tiger mauling a British soldier

Students should be aware of the remarkable tradition of science behind our sophisticated cycle of time

In March, I spoke at the 'Voices of Faith' conference in London, discussing Advaita philosophy amid diverse religious dialogues emphasizing unity over division.

Jatin graduated from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai in the early 1960s. After a few years in Mumbai, he permanently relocated to Delhi.

Change is unavoidable and has happened in the past as well. One significant example is the transition from the Dhrupad to the Khayal gayaki in classical music.

What is amazing is that Ghulam Nabi Azad pursued his enduring romance with nature throughout his exceptionally demanding and successful political career

The celebration of Holi is related to season and sowing. It marks the arrival of spring, with its riot of colours, a new phase in the annual cycle of change

For the last three decades and more the once verdant artistic landscape of Patna has become more like a cultural desert

Bandeep Singh believes he is blessed by Naga Sadhus. In my view, they are also lucky to have someone of his calibre to chronicle their elusive and mystic lives

In India, life expectancy has risen from 25.4 years in 1800 to 70.82 today. A balanced life and positive attitude may be key to aging better.

The erotic art of Khajuraho and Konark reveals the contrast between historical and contemporary views on morality

In urban chaos, success stories often remain untold. Bimla and Rakesh, a couple who faced adversity, prioritized education for their children.

Pandit Jasraj’s success was built on relentless riyaz and sadhana

The Republic Day Parade is now a spectacular event but perhaps the genuine sense of wonderment and pride that were earlier its hallmark have reduced.

While India's independence was a monumental achievement, the remnants of colonial influence endure in language, education, and cultural preferences

Bim Bissell, co-founder of Fabindia, was a cultural force who transformed traditional Indian textiles into a global brand while empowering 90,000 artisans

British colonisation in India had transitioned from cautious diplomacy under Sir Thomas Roe to overt dominance by Lord Clive.

Air India is reinventing itself with thoughtful service upgrades, and cultural nuances like a creative safety video and a soulful fusion soundtrack.

Ghalib’s poetic brilliance, deeply infused with Sufi ideals, transcends religious boundaries.

It happens far more to very successful people. When their careers are on the ascendant, people know everything about them.

At its best Artificial Intelligence is a technology—truly advanced no doubt—which can facilitate human endeavour.

One thing I learnt from Deepak Singh’s passing away is that one must never postpone the simple pleasures of life for later

The counter view is that all this talk of rebirth is simply because human beings are unwilling to accept the finality of death.

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