The Glory of Hindavi Swarajya and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti...

The Glory of Hindavi Swarajya and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti...

Some days are not planned. They simply unfold like blessings.

As a postgraduate in History, I have spent years reading about empires, policies, war and peace and revolutions. Books in the libraries made me  walk through centuries, at times turning fragile pages in books from archives into vivid stories. But sometimes, history does not remain in books. It steps out and stands beside you.

That is what happened to me when I found myself celebrating the 396th Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in Delhi on 19th February as well celebrating the same in the majestic fort at Agra. 

The morning began with praising his glories in Maharashtra Sadan at Delhi. As people gathered to honour him, I felt a quiet pride rising once again within me. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has always been held in very high in reverence by me and I could see his greatness unfold itself once again. What made the moment even more special was the presence of a living descendant of his royal lineage, Hon’ble ex Member of Parliament, Shrimant Sambhajiraje Maharaj, a bridge between the 17th century and today. In that gathering, Shivaji Maharaj did not feel like a distant historical figure, more so since I got an opportunity to  rock the symbolic cradle, 'paalna' with Baal Shivaji. Later as we garlanded his statue, he felt alive, relevant, and inspiring.

I have always felt that our textbooks never did justice to many great kings and kingdoms who are a great part of Indian  history. The Cholas, Pandyas,  Marathas, Rajputs, Ahoms  were mentioned but not celebrated with the depth they truly deserved. 

Shivaji Maharaj was often described as a regional warrior even though he was far more than that. In fact, he was the first visionary who propounded the idea of Hindavi Swarajya, self-rule rooted in justice, dignity, and pride. We celebrated the day in enthusiasm with powadas, dhol, tashe, lezim and the twenty one gun salute. 

Afternoon unfolded itself beautifully too as destiny took me to Agra, known for the Tajmahal and other forts.  As I walked into the fort, I felt that not many may really comprehend that it was the silent witness to a rare kind of courage. It was here that a young Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj only approximately thirty-six in age ,stood up strongly in the court of the powerful and mighty  emperor, Aurangazeb and refused to bow in spirit. Insulted, kept under watch, surrounded by the might of an empire  he remained unbroken and planned his escpae. 

As I walked those streets and on the ramparts of the fort in Agra, I did not just see stone walls, I saw great self-belief and determination. I imagined the planning, the patience and the unimaginable intelligence behind his legendary escape. The famous fruit baskets were not merely a clever trick. They were a statement  that self-respect cannot be imprisoned, that great leaders have intellect beyond imagination and that Swarajya is an idea too powerful to be caged. 

As I was thinking of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's greatness, my thoughts also went to Pratapgad and the encounter with Afzal Khan. That time too , Shivaji Maharaj did not panic at the thought of facing a massive army and a burly general known for his brutality. He prepared himself and his team thoroughly. Wearing armour beneath his clothes and carrying the famous 'wagh nakh' , the tiger’s claw , he walked into a meeting that could have ended his life. And all this when he was just twenty-nine, and was mourning the death of his wife,Rani Saibai and needed to be with his small son the young Sambhaji. Yet he kept his personal life and kingly duties separate like a true king and resorted to "mantra yuddha", war of nerves. 

When Afzal Khan attacked him, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj responded with courage and great presence of mind. What could have destroyed Swarajya became one of its defining victories.

This was not just bravery. It was strategy, intelligence, and faith in his mission. Both these milestones in history will remain unparalleled in brilliant strategy.

For me , that day felt extraordinary. In the morning, I celebrated his birth. By afternoon, I stood in the city where his courage had stunned an empire. It was not nostalgia it was something deeper. A quiet gratitude that life had unfolded  this moment of reliving history and destiny without me even asking for it. 

Shivaji Maharaj was not great only because he won battles. He was great because he restored confidence in the people. He showed that governance can be just, that women must be respected, that culture is a source of strength, and that dignity is non-negotiable. His vision of administration, his naval foresight, his moral courage, all of it continues to guide us even today.

Some opportunities are organised by institutions. Some are arranged by destiny.

That day, it felt as though history placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and made me relive glory.

For a student of History, it was meaningful.

For a daughter of this soil, it was sacred. 

Jai Bhawani , Jai Shivaji.  Har Har Mahadev...

R.Vimala,  lAS,

Resident Commissioner & Secretary, 

Government of Maharashtra & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

The Importance of Love in the Age of AI...

The Importance of Love in the Age of AI...
Delhi is all set to host the AI Summit even as Artificial Intelligence is becoming an inseparable part of our lives. Maharashtra, one of India’s most forward-looking states, will be presenting it's roadmap for leveraging AI in agriculture, climate resilience and inclusivity. The vision is ambitious with smarter farming, climate adaptation, equitable growth, responsive governance.
Without any doubt, at the centre of all these grand designs are not machines  but individuals. Beyond doubts, rainfall predictions will be useful to farmers, adaptive learning platforms will be accessed by students, data dashboards will be used by administrators and new tools and innovations will be led by entrepreneurs. Behind each of interfaces are human beings with aspirations, anxieties, relationships, and responsibilities.
And above all this is love which is the foundation of every human life. 
For all the criticism which is directed at the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, its perceived westernness, its week-long celebrations of roses, chocolates, bears and gifts, it continues to exist. Whether observed quietly or celebrated exuberantly by young hearts, it refuses to disappear just like AI.
As a student of a convent school, I remember Valentine’s Day not as a spectacle but as a gentle celebration of affection and goodwill. We talked about Saint Valentine and the idea of commitment, sacrifice, and the sanctity of relationships. It was less about display and more about meaning, a reminder that love is steadfast, not seasonal.
In truth, love can never be confined to that one day.
We experienced love long before we understood the word, in the safety of our mother’s womb, in the warmth of parents and grandparents, in the laughter of siblings and friends. As we grew up, love guided us even when we were corrected.  That  occasional reprimand at school, a stern word at home was often love disguised as discipline.
Back then love was more subdued perhaps not always publicly displayed but certainly existed and was deep.
Today too, we are surrounded by love but this time it is tied with Artificial Intelligence. From our phones predicting preferences or guiding and goading us to buy roses and gifts to governance systems analysing vast datasets, AI is  omnipresent and we are engulfed in it. 
And yet, just as love cannot be reduced to a single romantic relationship, AI cannot be reduced to mere automation and technology.  
When we look at Maharashtra’s plans for AI in agriculture the intentions are not limited to technological advancement but focus on providing support to individuals. It is about protecting farmers from unpredictable climate patterns, increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and preserving ecological balance. Behind every algorithm lies concern for human beings and livelihoods.
AI for climate resilience is not just modelling temperatures but safeguarding future generations. AI for inclusivity is not just digital platforms but about ensuring that no citizen is left behind due to geography, disability, or economic status.
When guided by empathy, AI becomes an extension of collective care and ensures that the delicate balance between scientific development and human emotions is maintained. 
As much as we get engulfed in love, we are also being enveloped by AI. One nourishes the heart while the other augments the mind. One binds communities while the other connects systems. One is ancient, instinctive, heartfelt and the other is a part of our intellect , modern and engineered.
The danger is not in AI itself, but in allowing intelligence to function without humanness.
Machines can calculate risk, but they cannot feel compassion. They can optimise systems, but they cannot experience moral responsibility. They can generate responses, but they cannot love which is an emotion uniquely human.
The passion that drives a scientist, the dedication that sustains a civil servant, the perseverance of a farmer, the creativity of an artist are forms of love expressed through work. Our commitment to building ethical AI frameworks is also based on our love for society and the future generations.
Perhaps Valentine’s Day, despite its evolution and excesses, serves as a symbolic reminder that love must be nurtured intentionally. It must be expressed, protected, and practised  not confined to one day.
Similarly, Artificial Intelligence must be shaped intentionally. In the words of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi it must be governed ethically, deployed responsibly  and remain anchored in human values.
Both love and AI are here to stay and the question is not whether AI will dominate our lives, nor whether Valentine’s Day should be celebrated. The real question is whether how will we preserve the tenderness that defines us in an age of accelerating artificial intelligence.
Our success in this will ensure that the future will not be a cold world of algorithms but a humane society where intelligence expands possibility and love uplifts everyone.

R.Vimala,  IAS, 

Resident Commissioner & Secretary, 

Government of Maharashtra & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

पियूष बन जाए विष फिर भी रचूँगी कमाल...

पियूष बन जाए विष फिर भी रचूँगी कमाल...

कवी हूँ मैं
AI से परे
भावनाओं से घिरे
कभी उल्लास से भरे
कभी उलझनों से डरे
कभी आंसुओं के भंवर में
कभी मुस्कानों से सजे
कभी दर्द में कराहते
कभी सिसकियों में बहे
यंत्र नहीं हूँ
ना यंत्रों से रची
शायद इस लिए कुछ घबराती
तकनीकी जादू जब देखती
पल में रचे जाते शब्दों के महल
पर मेरी कलम में कहाँ वो पहल
जो संघर्ष, पीड़ा से उथल-पुथल
जीते जी धड़कता हर पल
अनुभव के रस शब्दों में घोल
भटकती, सोचती, उलझती रहती
शायद यही मेरी कमज़ोरी
या मेरी सब से बड़ी ताकत
धीमी हूँ, अधूरी हूँ,
पर सच्ची हूँ—
मानवी हूँ…
और यही मेरी खासियत
यंत्र नहीं हूँ मैं।
मेरे शब्द बेजान नहीं,
मेरे घावों की रौशनी हैं।
मेरी हर पंक्ति में
एक अधूरा दिन सोता है,
एक टूटी शाम जगती है,
एक दबी हुई चीख...
धीरे-धीरे जो भाषा बनती है।
यंत्र तुरंत उत्तर दे देता ,
पर मैं…
मैं उत्तर कहाँ दे पाती ?
इस लिए शायद उलझती
कभी भटकती ,कभी गिरती
कभी संभलती और रुकती
पर कभी ना हारती
मानव हूं...मानवी..
हृदय और बुद्धि की बेजोड़ मिसाल,
पियूष बन जाए विष फिर भी रचूँगी कमाल।

मन विमल 

This Too Shall Pass , A note for Young Minds...

This Too Shall Pass , A note for Young Minds...

Last week, my son called from Goa. There was a slight urgency in his voice,  the kind that makes a parent instinctively pause.

We have always shared a warm friendship alongside our mother–son bond. We speak openly. We laugh easily. We disagree and return to conversation without hesitation. So when he told me about yet another suicide in his college, my heart sank.

Sadly, this was not the first such incident.

The institution has been reaching out. Counselling support, mental health initiatives, faculty interventions, the efforts are visible and definitely sincere. And yet, the question lingers in the quiet spaces :  What is still going wrong?

Perhaps it is not one reason. Perhaps it is a quiet accumulation of many small burdens.

Why are some young minds still feeling so alone?

Is it the absence of deep companionship?

Is technology creating connection without closeness? Is it pressure , academic, social, internal?

Is it confusion about purpose? Or is it simply the exhaustion of trying to be strong all the time?

Perhaps it is not one reason. Perhaps it is a silent accumulation.

Today, students live in a world of constant comparison, very different from what their parents knew. Opportunities are wider  but so are expectations. Exposure is global  but so is comparison. Technology connects but it also amplifies inadequacy. Success is visible. Achievement is glorified. Struggles are hidden. Failures looked down upon. 

A single scroll can make an ordinary day feel like a personal failure. Add to that academic stress as marks become measures of worth, careers uncertain when  placements become identity. Added to this maybe relationship struggles and the silent fear of disappointing loved ones. All this can become overwhelming. 

No doubts, these can be difficult moments, and feel like end of the world. But emotions move and circumstances change.

The Gita reminds us:

“मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः

आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत”

Pleasure and pain, heat and cold , they come and go. They are temporary. Endure them patiently. (Gita 2.14)

This is not a dismissal of suffering. It is reassurance. What you feel right now can be real but it is not permanent.

A failed exam is not a failed life.

A rejection is not the end of possibility.

A dark phase is not the final chapter.

We often misunderstand courage. We imagine it as silent endurance but true strength is reaching out.

It is saying, “I need help.” It is walking into a counselling room. It is calling a friend at midnight and if one friend is busy reaching out to another.  

And of course communicating with your parents who have moved heaven and earth to ensure you get admitted into a renowned college and receive the best education.  Surely,  our parents who have never hesitated to soil their hands to remove us from any dirt can never be our enemies.

Actually silence without communication leads to  suffocation.

Even Arjuna, the warrior, felt overwhelmed on the battlefield. He did not suppress his confusion,  he expressed it. He asked. He listened. He sought clarity. Every confusion has value. It means you are thinking, searching, engaging. If Arjuna could pause and question, so can we.

Another verse from the Gita offers a quiet reassurance:

“उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्”

Lift yourself by yourself; do not let yourself sink. (Gita 6.5)

Courage is not the absence of fear but staying, holding on to one more day. Asking for help. Calling a friend. Walking into a counselling room. Admitting, “I am not okay.” Strength is not silent suffering. Strength is connection.

If you feel alone, please know  your absence would create a silence far heavier than the struggle you are currently facing.

There are people who care. Sometimes they may not express it perfectly. Sometimes they may not understand immediately. But that does not mean they are not willing.

Reach once. If that door does not open, reach again. Try another. Keep knocking.

Your life is not defined by one semester, one decision, one setback.There is more waiting for you than you can currently see.

Perhaps philosophy maybe less useful than small anchors in difficult times. In such moments, a walk by the sea, coffee or a shared meal with a friend, gentle music may provide relief. 

The sunrise arrives regardless of any dark yesterday to brighten your day. 

To the students navigating pressure, confusion, comparison, please remember, your presence matters more than your performance.

Your struggles are chapters, not conclusions.

And when the weight feels unbearable, reach out. Your institution, your friends, your family  someone is willing to listen, even if imperfectly.

Neither your marks nor your setbacks and confusion define you.

You are more than a semester or an exam, more than a comparison chart.

Life will test you just as it tests everyone. But it also surprises, heals and opens doors you cannot yet see.

Please give yourself the time to reach those doors.

And if you are reading this while struggling, pause. Breathe. Call me or someone. Seek support within your institution. Professional help is not weakness; it is wisdom.

The world needs your presence not your perfection.

As a parent, I do not have all the answers. But I have hope. And definitely is enough to carry us through the darkest hours. Above all , the most important reminder is that no storm or dark night is bigger than the sun which will surely rise. 

R.Vimala, IAS, 

Resident Commissioner & Secretary, 

Government of Maharashtra, 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

vimshine@gmail.com 

Velvet for the ears with Pankaj Tripathi...Ab Cinema Suno...

Velvet for the ears with Pankaj Tripathi...Ab Cinema Suno...

There was a time when stories didn’t need screens. They lived in voices, in the warmth of grandparents and parents saying “Ek tha Raja…”, in bedtime tales, in long train journeys where imagination did the work which endless reels are doing today. Those stories didn’t come with visuals, yet they created vivid worlds in our imagination livelier than any display today.
But somewhere down the line, life changed !
Families became nuclear with busy schedules , fragmented attention and very few having time to sit, listen or read. And storytelling once a shared as a family ritual slowly shifted to watching videos or short clips and scrolling. Yet one thing remained constant, our craving for  stories which fit into our lives. That’s where Velvet comes in, not as just an app but as a cultural return to listening. Having discovered it accidentally while scrolling, I am now hooked on to listening to stories. 

Velvet is India’s First Cinematic Audio Storytelling Platform. It describes itself with a simple but powerful thought: “Ab Cinema Suno.”  And this is not just a tagline but a creative philosophy.
Velvet is built on the belief that cinematic storytelling does not need a screen. It can exist purely through sound, through performance, music, silence, rhythm and emotion the same way cinema makes you feel, but with the intimacy of audio.
In an age where visuals dominate everything, Velvet is doing something quite revolutionary by making listening cool again.Yet Velvet is different from audiobooks. It’s an immersive experience of a story, like you are inside it.
Velvet is definitely for the youth and Gen Z whose lives are fast paced. They want to read but are caught up college, exams, internships, commute, gym and so reading gets postponed forever.
Velvet fixes that because you can listen while  travelling, working out, cooking, before sleeping and in between study breaks. Basically it turns your dead time into story time. The the best part is that it brings back that storytelling culture we’re losing. Being cinematic it is unlike regular audiobooks. It is designed to feel like a film in your ears.
What is most attractive is that it has Pankaj Tripathi’s voice behind it. A voice with magical depth and calm, emotional as well as comforting.
Pankaj, a respected actor and performer,  is also  Velvet’s Creative Partner and Co-Founder shaping the storytelling tone of the platform by making it more  grounded, authentic and  culturally rooted.
He sums it up beautifully : “What interested me in Velvet was the possibility of approaching sound with the seriousness usually reserved for cinema.” And so his voice carries the magic that makes you want to pause everything and just listen.
Also ,Velvet isn’t a random content platform. It’s being built by people who understand performance and narrative deeply. So Vikas Kumar, a well known actor and dialogue coach in Indian cinema is it's content lead.  Akshat Saxena designs growth and partnerships to scale Velvet nationally. Varad Bhatnagar is developing multi-season IPs and narrative worlds
This reflects that Velvet is not just another audio app but trying to create an ecosystem.
India has always been a storytelling nation with folk tales, epics, oral traditions, theatre and cinema. Cinematic audio is the next phase and Velvet is leading it.
Velvet’s upcoming direction includes celebrity-led flagship programmes, live audio storytelling experiences, regional expansions (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi), collaborations with radio networks and content platforms, automobile integrations including stories in cars !
In fact, being reasonably priced has already shown strong traction with 75+ hours of original content, 15,000+ subscribers, 200,000+ app installs.
This is not a small experiment but a growing movement.
The biggest emotional win of Velvet is that it brings back the lost experience of oral storytelling.
So if you miss stories, want meaningful content, want to read but don’t get time, want something calming but powerful then Velvet is for you. Put on your headphones,  stop scrolling, Ab Cinema Suno...

R.Vimala,  IAS,  

Resident Commissioner & Secretary, 

Government of Maharashtra & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

From Kartavya Path to Vijay Chowk : When the Republic Became a Celebration and a Symphony

From Kartavya Path to Vijay Chowk : When the Republic Became a Celebration and a Symphony
A personal reflection on Republic Day’s uniqueness and my first Beating Retreat

Republic Day celebrations in Delhi are known for their  distinct majesty, something that cannot be captured fully in photographs or in televised frames. On that day ,Kartavya Path becomes a living corridor of national pride, where India walks forward in step with history, strength and culture.
And so when  I got an opportunity to witness this year’s 77th Republic Day celebrations in Delhi I was very excited.
What made this year special was not only the scale of the celebrations, but the uniqueness of its spirit a perfect blend of heritage, strength, culture and the rising power of Nari Shakti.
The arrival of Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble Vice President C.P.Radhakrishnan and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi added solemn dignity to the celebrations. The presence of global leaders, President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made it more meaningful as they witnessed the strength of Indian democracy and the warmth of India’s civilisational diplomacy.
The Investiture Ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla, was  a moment of pride and reverence.
Equally inspiring were the thrilling acrobatics on motorcycles, performed by the women of the forces. Their balance, confidence and fearless precision were not just entertainment but a message that India’s daughters are not merely participants in the nation’s progress they are team mates in it's driving force.
The parade also showcased the breathtaking beauty of the tableaux each one a moving story, a cultural signature, a proud identity of a state. And for me, there was a special surge of pride in witnessing Maharashtra’s tableau, centred on our benevolent Shri Ganesh the remover of obstacles, the symbol of auspicious beginnings. It felt as though Maharashtra had brought not just artistry, but blessings to Kartavya Path.
Alongside culture, there was also a powerful reflection of India’s growing capability military strength, discipline, and modern preparedness presented with dignity and confidence.
If pride had a visual expression, it would be that extraordinary moment when the skies opened in celebration. The four Mi-17 1V helicopters, flying in Dhwaj formation, showered flowers over Kartavya Path. It was a gentle contrast, military aircraft, symbols of strength, delivering not force but flowers. And that, perhaps, is India in its truest spirit: power with compassion, strength with grace.
 The Tri-services tableau, featuring replicas of weapon systems associated with Operation Sindoor including BrahMos, Akash, and the S-400 air defence system was a reminder that peace is not accidental; it is protected.
The DRDO’s advanced hypersonic glide missile (LR-AShM) displayed India’s expanding scientific ambition, while the Navy’s tableau highlighting the mighty INS Vikrant spoke of maritime pride and strategic readiness.

 The fly-past, with formations like Vajraang and Vijay, featuring aircraft including Rafale, Su-30 MKI and MiG-29, drew every eye upward. In those roaring engines, one could hear not noise but reassurance.
Yet, amid the power and precision, it was art that made the day truly complete. The performance by 2500 artists curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on “Vande Mataram” was a reminder that India’s greatest strength lies not only in her weapons, but in her soul.
There are moments when a song becomes more than melody it becomes identity so as Vande Mataram rose in chorus, one could feel the collective heartbeat of a nation.
The Republic Day parade reminded us once again: India is ancient in soul, modern in strength, and united in spirit.
But this year, what stayed with me the most was not only the grandeur of the parade on the 26th January. It was what came after what the Republic saves for its final chapter,  the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
If Republic Day morning is a proclamation bold, bright and resounding then the evening of 29th January is something far deeper. It is not a spectacle alone. It is a salute, a thanksgiving, and a closing prayer offered by the nation to those who guard it.
This was the first time I experienced Beating Retreat in person, and I can say without hesitation: it is one of the most stirring national ceremonies one can witness.
As the evening descended, Vijay Chowk transformed. The illuminated grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block formed a breathtaking backdrop almost as if history itself was standing at attention.
The Beating Retreat Ceremony held at Vijay Chowk is unlike any other event where the solemnity of tradition is combined with the beauty of music. It originated in the 17th century England as a signal for soldiers to return to their fort at sunset, drums beating to call them back from patrol, the evening gun marking the close of the day.
In India, this ceremony took a uniquely dignified form in the 1950s, introduced after Independence as a ceremonial tradition. Conceived by Major G.A. Roberts of the Grenadiers Regiment, it evolved into a signature event of national life, an evening where the Republic bids farewell to its celebrations, and turns inward to reflection.
As the Massed Bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF marched in synchrony, tunes flowed some familiar, some stirring, all deeply moving. There was a rhythm in their steps, a unity in their formations, and an unmistakable message: our freedom is guarded every day, often quietly, always faithfully.
The atmosphere changed. It became quieter. More reverent and powerful. Music with Military Precision. 

When the Massed Bands began marching, I felt something I had not expected. It was awe not just because of the grandeur of the setting, or the sheer number of performers but because every movement carried the unmistakable imprint of training, focus and purpose. Each step landed as if it had been rehearsed not for weeks, but for years. Every formation was exact measured, symmetrical, almost mathematical in perfection.
It was precision that felt sacred. Every movement, every turn, every formation carried the unmistakable stamp of discipline.
And in that discipline was a lesson: this is how the nation is protected through training, coordination, alertness, and unwavering commitment.
For the first time, I could see the greatness of our Defence Forces in a way beyond uniforms and ceremonies.
The evening was musical, but their precision reflected dedication to the cause of safeguarding our nation, silently and steadfastly. 

Beating Retreat 2026 also  carried themes that resonated strongly with the over-arching theme of  150 years of Vande Mataram and the rising spirit of Nari Shakti. It celebrated not only tradition but contemporary India confident, prepared, and inclusive.
The formations were breathtaking Garuda Vyuha, tributes to Operation Sindoor, and other displays that blended heritage with modern military identity. There was a clear message that India honours her past, protects her present, and prepares for her future. The evening began with the iconic march ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ followed by The Pipes and Drums featuring a range of patriotic compositions which were mesmerising.
The Indian Air Force, Navy and Army bands, CAPF  then took turns to enthral the audience with powerful and inspiring tunes and stirring renditions of ‘Vijayee Bharat’, ‘Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai’ and ‘Aye Watan, Aye Watan’.
In the finale, the Massed Bands played ‘Bharat Ke Shaan’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. The ceremony concluded with the timeless patriotic tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’, performed by the Buglers.
However it was Vande Mataram which evoked deep-rooted emotions of love and respect for the motherland.
Then came the moment which I shall always remember, the sunset bugle call, the lowering of flags and the slow, dignified conclusion with the Hon’ble President riding back.
In those few minutes, the crowd was silent with emotion as if the nation was pausing to express gratitude.
I understood, perhaps for the first time, that the greatest strength of a nation is not only in its missiles or its marching columns or its mighty machines. It is in the discipline of its defenders, in the precision of their steps, in the silence of their sacrifice and in the music they offer to the nation before returning to guard it again.
The Republic Day celebrations ended but the clocks continued to chime because while we sleep, the forces  stand steadfastly. The celebrations on Kartavya Path were like the sunrise while the Beating Retreat was like an evening prayer at Vijay Chowk.Not ending but echoing glories of our nation.

R.Vimala,  IAS, 

Resident Commissioner & Secretary,  

Government of Maharashtra & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Sankranti , Haldi-Kumkum and the Courage to Change Our Thinking...

Sankranti , Haldi-Kumkum and the Courage to Change Our Thinking...

Yesterday, we celebrated Sankranti Haldi Kumkum with a group in Delhi. The warmth of togetherness, laughter and shared memories filled the room much like countless such gatherings across Maharashtra and beyond.
Sankranti, especially in Maharashtra, is inseparable from tilgud, a sweet reminder to spread warmth as the sun begins its northward journey. It is also a time when womanhood is celebrated through Haldi Kumkum.
Haldi, turmeric, by itself, is auspicious used in rituals, kitchens, and healing since time immemorial. Kumkum is something girls are introduced to in childhood, long before marriage even enters their imagination.
And yet, somewhere along the way, these two simple, pure symbols became tightly bound to marriage.
So much so that a woman who loses her husband is quietly pushed out of such celebrations. She is no longer considered suwasini or sowbhagyavati. In many parts of the South, she is labelled amangali, inauspicious. The loss of a partner becomes not just grief, but becomes the reason for lifelong social disqualification. 
What is striking is the contrast !
A man who loses his wife becomes a widower but he is never barred from religious, social, or cultural functions. No ritual excludes him. No label of inauspiciousness follows him. Why then such a different yardstick for women who face the same loss?
Isn’t it time we asked ourselves why?
I, for one, have never observed this exclusion. So, a couple of years ago, when I organised a Haldi Kumkum at my office in Pune, where I was posted ,all women were included.  Some women who were widows became emotional because they were unfamiliar with such inclusion and had been facing humiliation. It was a reminder of how deeply such silent exclusions wound, and how healing simple acceptance can be.

Recently, a member from another group objected to the very nomenclature “Sankranti Haldi Kumkum”' stating it was inappropriate . We changed the name of the event but it made me pause. Is the problem and the discrimination really in the ritual or are they in our minds?
When did turmeric, a symbol of purity, health, and prosperity, become a marker of marital status? When did kumkum, worn by little girls with innocence and joy, turn into a reason to deny dignity to a woman who has already endured loss? We also need to think about the cause of this exclusion. Such restrictions are not divine mandates. They're social constructs made by us  which can be changed with realization. 
Traditions are meant to bring communities together , not divide them. Rituals are meant to comfort, not exclude. If such exclusions due to man-made customs begin  to hurt, perhaps we need to question their appropriateness. 
Maybe the real Sankranti, the true transition is not in the movement of the sun, but in the evolution of our thoughts and thinking.
And perhaps, the sweetness of tilgud will truly matter only when it is shared unconditionally with all women widowed or otherwise. 

R.Vimala,  IAS, 

Resident Commissioner & Secretary, 

Government of Maharashtra, 

Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scolar 

( Views expressed are personal as yet )