Geography class just got a lot more complicated.

On August 27, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a striking executive order: the American portion of Lake Ontario is officially being rebranded as Lake America. Trump directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update the domestic Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), justifying the change by claiming that the deepest channels and most of the lake’s water volume physically sit inside U.S. borders.

If this sounds familiar, it is because it is part of a pattern. The move mirrors a 2025 executive order that attempted to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America—an effort that mostly resulted in international blank stares.

Silicon Valley Picks Sides

The executive order has instantly fractured our digital maps. Tech giants Google and Apple quickly rolled out geo-fenced updates. If you open Google Maps inside the U.S., you will see Lake America. But if you log in from Canada or anywhere else in the world, it still reads Lake Ontario.

Not everyone is playing along, though. Legacy mapping services like MapQuest have publicly refused to implement the change, choosing to stand by the traditional name across all versions of their software.

The Backlash from Canada

The diplomatic response from Canada was swift and blistering. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford slammed the rebrand. They pointed out that the name Lake Ontario is over 400 years old, originating from the Iroquois word Ontarí’io (lake of shining waters)—a piece of history that predates the existence of both modern nations.

The resistance is not just international; it is domestic too. In the U.S. House of Representatives, bipartisan lawmakers have already introduced the Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act to starve the renaming project of federal funding. Early polls show that a solid majority of everyday Americans are also pushing back against the change.

Hormuz Strait

On September 2, Trump went a step further in that he proposed renaming the Strait of Hormuz to the Trump Strait in the midst of an ongoing military conflict with Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “Now that we have it under U.S.A. control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT???” Despite active clashes and ongoing attacks in the region, Trump asserted that the U.S. military now controls this vital oil shipping route—a claim as audacious as the proposal itself.

Could the Indian Ocean Be Next?

With nationalistic rebrands hitting the headlines, a bigger geopolitical question is floating around the internet: Is the Indian Ocean on the renaming anvil?

The Indian Ocean holds a unique title: it is the only global ocean named after a modern country. The name stems from the Indian subcontinent, which juts dramatically into the water to form the structural and cultural anchor of the northern basin.

Ancient Greek and Roman geographers officially locked in Oceanus Indicus (Latin for Indian Ocean) by the 2^nd century BCE because India centrally dictated the trade routes, cultural exchanges, and vital monsoon patterns linking East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

No Modern Rebrand in Sight

Despite internet rumors and trending social media debates, there is no official plan or international agreement to rename the Indian Ocean. Unilateral domestic decrees do not carry weight on global high seas, which are governed strictly by international maritime consensus under UNCLOS.

However, looking back through the history books, neighbouring regional powers have tried to pitch alternative names to challenge India’s symbolic monopoly over the ocean:

• Indonesian Ocean: In 1963, Indonesian President Sukarno ordered his navy to use this term to project post-colonial pride and assert naval dominance.
• Afro-Asian Ocean: Proposed by scholar Latif Ahmed Sherwani at a 1971 seminar to more equitably represent the two massive continents framing the water.
• Indo-Pak / Muslim Ocean: Historical alternatives floated by Pakistani strategists who argued that naming shared regional waters after a single country was inherently unfair.
• African Ocean: Periodically suggested by researchers to highlight the deep, distinct historical and economic ties of the western maritime zone to the African coast.
• Western Ocean: The term used heavily in Chinese literature, poetry, and navigation charts during the Ming Dynasty—most notably during the epic voyages of Admiral Zheng He.

The Psychology of Map Wars: Why Leaders Rename Landmarks

The psychology behind seemingly superficial geographic name changes is rooted in much more than mere whimsy. These acts are driven by dominance, symbolic projection, and the deliberate weaponisation of identity. While renaming a landmark may appear trivial on the surface, the underlying mental drivers are deeply embedded in human behavioural science.

The Leader’s Mindset : The Illusion of Absolute Control: Leaders who engage in political toponymy—the renaming of geographic features—are often propelled by a potent blend of hyper-nationalism and an urgent need for immediate gratification. Real policy is slow, complex, and frustrating. Changing a map provides an instant, low-effort illusion of absolute power and ownership. It satisfies a primal psychological need to mark territory and secure a legacy. It also offers a cognitive shortcut: a way to appear decisive without actually solving deep-seated, material issues.

The Populace : Tribal Belonging and Dopamine Hits: For citizens who support such initiatives, the mental state is fuelled by in-group bias and the comforting embrace of oversimplified narratives. During times of economic friction or trade disputes, a bold identity claim acts as a stabilising psychological anchor. Redrawing a boundary triggers a collective dopamine hit—a surge of patriotism that reinforces tribal belonging.

Strategic Othering: These gestures also provide a visible mechanism to other an adversary—asserting psychological dominance over a neighbour or rival. It feeds followers a sense of defensive superiority and tribal safety, reinforcing the idea that their identity is under threat and must be defended at all costs.

The Strategy : Weaponised Outrage and Media Control

Ultimately, these actions function as intentional political rage-baiting, carefully engineered to exploit the cognitive biases of both allies and rivals. By forcing tech platforms to redraw digital maps, the instigator provokes predictable outrage from opponents. This outrage cycle creates a powerful psychological feedback loop:

• Opponents mock or protest the change.
• Supporters interpret the outrage as proof that the move successfully disrupted the status quo.
• The Outcome – a purely symbolic gesture is transformed into a highly effective tool for media control, hijacking the public’s collective attention span.

Renaming landmarks is never just about names. It is about power, identity, and the manipulation of public perception. In an age of information overload and political polarisation, the map becomes a battlefield—and the victor is not the one who controls the land, but the one who controls the narrative.

The Takeaway

While maps of the Great Lakes are currently divided by IP addresses and political boundaries, the Indian Ocean remains secure. For now, centuries of maritime history and strict international hydrographic standards are keeping the world’s third-largest body of water insulated from political rebrands.

By Brig Azad Sameer (Retd)

When Samuel Johnson famously declared in 1775 that “patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel,” he was not denouncing genuine love for one’s country or community. Instead, Johnson was targeting a specific form of political theater: the weaponisation of national identity by those seeking to shield corrupt acts, deflect accountability, or inflate their own stature. Throughout history, whenever power fails on substance, performance takes over. Flag-waving becomes a substitute for virtue, and jingoism becomes an iron shield against criticism.

History’s most destructive autocrats exemplified this dynamic by elevating state-centric nationalism into a totalising faith. Adolf Hitler transformed German patriotism into a racialised crusade, using the defense of the Vaterland to justify territorial aggression, silence domestic opposition, and execute mass murder. Benito Mussolini exploited Italian irredentism, using the glorious myth of the Roman Empire to cover the brutality of his fascist regime and mask its economic failures. In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin cynically recast Marxism into Socialism in One Country and rallied the nation under the banner of the Great Patriotic War – a desperate plea to traditional Russian nationalism that consolidated his totalitarian grip and cleansed his bloody purges from public accountability. In every case, intense national devotion was demanded not to serve the people, but to insulate the leader from judgment.

This dynamic is not exclusive to totalitarians; it repeatedly manifests across democratic history as well. In ancient Rome, the Senator Catiline attempted to overthrow the Republic while wrapping his conspiracy in romanticised appeals to traditional Roman liberty. During the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, Maximilien Robespierre institutionalised state violence under the banner of republican virtue, branding any opponent a traitor to the Fatherland. Centuries later, during the American Red Scare of the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy weaponised anti-communist hysteria to destroy lives and consolidate power, framing criticism of his reckless overreach as disloyalty to the flag.

In the last 50 years or so we have seen this phenomenon coming alive in many parts of the world practiced by astute politicians who lack substance. The latest episode in this long, sordid trajectory is the geopolitical spectacle surrounding Lake America. In late August 2026, amid an escalating trade war and tariff dispute with Canada, an executive order from Washington officially declared that the US portion of Lake Ontario—a shared body of water whose Indigenous name Ontario predates both modern nations by centuries—would be renamed Lake America for federal usage.

Wrapped in rhetoric claiming to honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans, the declaration offers a textbook modern example of Johnson’s thesis. Renaming a shared, historic body of water does nothing to resolve trade deficits or economic friction; it is political posturing designed to offer quick, sensational victories to a domestic audience. It uses geography as a vanity project, wrapping diplomatic failure in the safe, unassailable cloak of hyper-patriotism.

The Lake America controversy reinforces why Johnson’s warning remains vital. True patriotism builds, preserves, and reflects humility in service to a society’s highest ideals. Scoundrels, by contrast, treat national pride as cheap currency—slapping a flag on an ego, weaponising national symbols to silence critics, and demanding applause for the performance. Whenever power insists that bluster is loyalty, history tells us to look closely at what that bluster is trying to hide.

The Residence

In November 2002, our Regiment returned to Devlali, Maharashtra, after a ten-month deployment in Rajasthan. I was allotted a residence—a modified British barrack built in the 1940s that had been converted into officer’s quarters. It featured three bedrooms, a drawing room, and a dining room, all arranged in a single, straight line.

The ceiling loomed about twelve feet high, and the roof, constructed of Kerala tiles, stood another six feet above that. The nights were intriguing, filled with mysterious creaking sounds emanating from the attic. My only real daily challenge was the doors. At eight feet tall, engaging the latches at the top required a buddy. Perhaps the engineers of the British era assumed all soldiers would be six feet tall.

Why This House?

Why did I choose this particular building as the Commanding Officer’s residence? The answer lies in a fond memory from 1987.

While attending a training course at the School of Artillery in Devlali, I dropped by the household of Major Mathew Adipuzha on a Sunday morning. Visiting married quarters for breakfast was a sacred bachelor officer’s ritual, and it took place at this very same house.

During breakfast, Mrs. Elsy Adipuzha had a brainwave: she wanted to demonstrate her newly acquired driving skills. Major Mathew, well aware of her level of expertise, normally refused to let her behind the wheel. His condition that morning was clear: she could drive only if someone else sat in the co-driver’s seat. Suddenly, she had her volunteer—me.

We took our places in the car. She started the engine, pressed the clutch, and smoothly shifted into first gear. Everything suggested she had mastered the art of driving. Then came the horror show. The moment she released the clutch, she slammed the accelerator. The car lurched violently forward, rammed straight into a tree, and stalled. While we escaped unhurt, Major Mathew spent his entire month’s earnings getting the vehicle fixed.

Housewarming: A Clash of Faiths

The day before I officially moved into the quarters years later as the CO, Subedar Major Thangaswamy approached me. “Sir, the Pundit has said there should be a Havan at your residence tomorrow. The auspicious time he has chosen is 5:00 AM.”

“No issues,” I replied. “I will shower and be ready by 4:30 AM so the Gods will be pleased with me.”

I suspect the Pundit wanted to pay me back for all the grueling soldierly tasks I had assigned him over the months, from the Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) to small arms firing.

A Havan (also known as a homa or homam) is a sacred Hindu fire ritual where offerings like ghee (clarified butter), grains, and herbs are made into a consecrated fire in a Havan Kund (fire-pit) while chanting Vedic mantras.

The Sunday morning Havan went off beautifully. However, that afternoon, the Syrian Orthodox Church Priest arrived to bless the Commanding Officer’s home. He proceeded seamlessly through his rituals until he entered the third bedroom. There it stood—the Havan Kund, still smouldering, under the watchful eyes of a row of Hindu deities.

The priest stopped dead in his tracks. “Sir, if you are a true Christian, then you must follow the very first Commandment in letter and spirit.”

I looked at him calmly and replied, “All officers of the Indian Army are trained to internalise and adopt the religious customs of the soldiers they command. It is an inherent part of building trust and rapport. I believe even Jesus Christ would be perfectly fine with it.”

An Enduring Legacy

Even now, whenever we cross paths, Veteran Colonel Mathew winks at his wife and remarks, “Here comes your driving instructor!“

I always smile when he says it. I remember not just the crash, but the historic house that stood witness to it—the house I chose, years later, to be my own. I didn’t select it for its grandeur, but for its stories. It serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best decisions are made not by logic, but by memory—and that the finest faith is the one that opens its arms to all others.

A Surprise After Marriage

After our marriage in 1989, Marina moved into our family home to live with our parents. One of the first things that surprised her was finding my father and mother sleeping in separate rooms.

“Since when have they been sleeping separately?” she asked.

“After our father retired.  Our grandparents too slept separately,” I replied.

Having lost her own mother at a young age, this arrangement was entirely new to her. Decades later, while on a long drive, a radio jockey discussing Sleep Divorce brought back a wave of nostalgia – and prompted me to reflect on our own situation.

What Is Sleep Divorce?

A sleep divorce is the conscious decision for partners to sleep in separate beds or different bedrooms. Far from signalling the end of a relationship, it is an increasingly popular practice used to eliminate nighttime disruptions such as snoring, temperature differences, or clashing work schedules.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than one-third of people regularly sleep in a different room from their partner. The concept has been widely covered in the media, and numerous celebrities have publicly discussed sleeping separately from their spouses.

A SleepFoundation.org survey found that couples choose separate sleeping arrangements for various reasons. Some benefit greatly; others eventually return to sharing a bed. The pros and cons of a sleep divorce likely vary from situation to situation.

Why Couples Do It

Partners who snore, toss and turn, work odd hours, or prefer different room temperatures often choose a sleep divorce. Data shows that those who sleep separately gain an average of 37 minutes more sleep per night and report improved relationship satisfaction – because they are less irritable and exhausted during the day.

The term sleep divorce carries a negative connotation, but for some couples, sleeping apart actually leads to increased closeness and intimacy. For us, good-quality sleep has translated into better relationship health through improved communication and reduced conflict and irritability.

The Benefits

• Better Health: Fewer sleep interruptions, deeper sleep cycles, and reduced fatigue.
• Less Resentment: You stop blaming your partner for waking you up, which minimises daytime conflict.

The Drawbacks

• Requires Space: You need a spare bed or bedroom, which can increase housing or furnishing costs.
• Loss of Intimacy: Midnight cuddling and the psychological comfort of having a partner next to you are reduced.

Working Through It

If you and your partner are considering a sleep divorce, experts recommend several strategies to maintain connection while sleeping soundly:

• Maintain Intimacy: Schedule dedicated time for sex, cuddling, or simply catching up on your day before heading to your separate rooms.
• Frame It as a “We” Problem: Approach the conversation collaboratively.

Marina’s main complaints about my sleep patterns were classic:

• “Your snoring keeps me up!“
• “You hit the sack and fall asleep in five seconds, while I take forever to fall asleep.”
• “If you come to bed after I’m asleep, your movements wake me up, and it takes me ages to get back to sleep.”

We soon realised that we have different sleep styles – and that both of us deserve to feel rested. Marina works in a high-pressure environment as a Pharmacy Manager. She needs her sleep.

No Win

I realised I snore like a helicopter. I also realised I could never win an argument with Marina—because the wife is always right. So, I moved into the guest bedroom, leaving the master bedroom to Marina.

Try a Compromise

If you don’t want to commit to separate rooms, consider alternative compromises: two separate mattresses pushed together, a larger bed, or two separate duvets.

Consult a Somnologist

If disruptions are severe – constant kicking, heavy snoring, gasping – consult a sleep specialist. Treating underlying medical issues can often resolve the need for sleeping apart entirely.

Sex

The most important aspect of a sleep divorce is the one many dare not discuss. We realised that intimacy did not diminish; in fact, it felt better without the pressure of sharing a bed – especially after Marina hit menopause.

Maintaining Connection

For many couples, the only real touchpoints in an otherwise hectic day are the moments before bed and first thing in the morning. If you are sleeping separately, be mindful of how you will get that daily time for contact and intimacy. We snuggle on the couch after dinner or watch a TV show or movie together before sleeping. Being intentional about time together for us help prevent a feeling of disconnection over time.

If you and your partner are on different pages about sleeping together or apart, talk it through. Build in exceptions and compromise. Remember: neither option is objectively better. What matters is what works best for the two of you.

The Cycle Continues

The cycle of sleep divorce continues with us – inherited from our parents, adapted to our own needs, and likely passed on to the next generation. It is not a failure of marriage. It is an acknowledgement that love and sleep are not always compatible – and that sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for your partner is to give them their own bed. And their own peace. And the gift of a good night’s rest.

The Meme That Started It All

On social media, a meme was making the rounds about colonoscopy—or more precisely, about the bowel preparation stage that precedes it. And rightly so. The bowel prep phase, which involves drinking a laxative solution or taking tablets to flush the colon clean of stool and food particles, is widely considered the most unpleasant part of the entire process. Yet it is essential. A clean bowel enables the doctor to identify and remove polyps that could otherwise develop into cancer.

When Should You Consider a Colonoscopy?

It is advisable to discuss colonoscopy with your doctor if:

• You are over 45 years of age.
• You are over 40 with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
• You have noticed a change in bowel movements, bleeding, or pain—regardless of your age.

While cancer screening is the primary reason for colonoscopy, the procedure can also detect other issues such as ulcerations, inflammation, diverticula (pouches) along the colon wall, strictures (narrowed areas), unexplained chronic diarrhea, or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

The Canadian Context

In Canada, routine colorectal cancer screening using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is recommended for average-risk adults aged 50 to 74. While FIT is the non-invasive standard screening tool, colonoscopy is typically recommended for those at high risk—such as individuals with a family history—or if a FIT test result requires follow-up. Our family doctor has been prescribing my annual FIT since I turned 50.

In 2022, my FIT revealed traces of blood in my stool, leading to my first colonoscopy. Five polyps were removed from my colon. Colon polyps are common, usually benign growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, affecting approximately four in ten people. Mine were benign. Polyps are of many types. Not all polyps run the risk of transforming into a cancer. Only neoplastic polyps (essentially non-malignant tumours) runs this risk. Not all polyps become malignant. Only 5 to 10 percent do and that too, over a long time, usually 10 years or more. But removal of neoplastic polyps are always recommended, to overcome the potential risk. More the number of polyps greater the risk. In2025, I underwent a repeat colonoscopy, resulting in the removal of three more polyps. My next scheduled colonoscopy is in 2028.

Polyps can also be detected by ultrasound scan although this is not the standard screening tool, it is a non-invasive option which risks non detection of small polyps. Hydro colonic Ultrasound and 3D ultrasound which simulates a colonoscopy view are specialised non-invasive procedures.

Incidence of colorectal cancer has become fairly high globally and particularly in North America. Studies have found a very high correlation between red meat consumption and the incidence of colorectal cancer. If you simply compare the global heat maps of red meat consumption and incidence of colorectal cancer, it shows a striking similarity.  The correlation is even higher in the case of processed meat and this type of cancer. The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), which is the specialized cancer agency of the WHO, classified processed meat (bacon, sausage, hot dogs, ham, deli meats, and pepperoni) as a Group 1 “carcinogenic to humans” agent in October 2015. This classification was based on sufficient evidence that consumption causes colorectal cancer. .On the other hand it is to be noted that consumption of white meat does not bear any direct correlation with incidence of this type of cancer.  Other risk factors are smoking and alcohol.

Preventing colorectal cancer involves regular screening (beginning at age 45) to remove precancerous polyps, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and limiting red/processed meats. Key lifestyle changes include quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol, and ensuring adequate calcium/vitamin D intake. 

Addressing the Fears

Common fears surrounding colonoscopy centre on the preparation process, potential pain, embarrassment, and the anxiety of what might be found. Yet the procedure itself is safe, routine, and remarkably effective in preventing colorectal cancer. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, involves light sedation that keeps you comfortable, and is performed by professionals in a private setting. Finding polyps is not a negative outcome—it is an opportunity to remove them before they can become cancerous.

My only logistical challenge was the requirement to be dropped off at the hospital and picked up an hour later. Hospitals do not permit patients to drive for six hours following the procedure—a precaution against the lingering effects of light anaesthesia. I enlisted the help of a family friend, a small inconvenience for such an important health measure.

A Window into the Procedure

During the procedure, I observed the doctor’s actions with fascination. A long, thin, flexible tube—roughly half an inch in diameter—equipped with a light source and a high-definition video camera at its tip was carefully inserted. The doctor manipulated the tip to navigate the curves of the colon. The tube contained channels for air or carbon dioxide inflation to improve visibility, a water spray to clean the lens, suction to remove debris, and tools such as snares or forceps for biopsies and polyp removal.

The camera transmitted high-definition, live video to a monitor, allowing the physician to examine the colon in real time. I watched alongside him. Using wire snares passed through the colonoscope, he deftly cut off the polyps, each one immediately suctioned out.

“You appear to be a master at video games,” I remarked. “You must be outsmarting your kids!”

“I have to be,” he replied with a smile. “This is my everyday job.”

The Bottom Line

If you are on the fence about whether to undergo colonoscopy, have a conversation with your doctor, family, peers, and friends. Sharing experiences and information can alleviate fears and help you make an informed decision. Remember: the best colon cancer screening is the one that gets done.

A Quantum Leap in Gunnery

The induction of the 155mm Bofors Guns into the Indian Army in 1987 was a quantum leap, bringing computing power into the field of gunnery for the first time. Until then, we had relied on cumbersome manual procedures: logarithmic tables, range tables, graphical instruments, and handheld calculators. The arrival of computers promised speed, precision, and a radical new way of thinking.

In our Regiment, I took on the responsibility of training our soldiers on these new machines. Adhering to the old military adage, It is easier to put a new idea into a military mind, but next to impossible to take out an old one, I selected our youngest soldiers for the first batch. The experienced Havildars and Naiks (Sergeants and Corporals) would wait; I reasoned that old habits had not yet taken root in the younger men.

Sepoy Nem Pal: A Star in the Making

The class began in earnest. Among the trainees was Sepoy Nem Pal, a highly intelligent soldier with nimble fingers and a fierce desire to excel. He was the ideal candidate.

After a few days, we moved on to the procedures for engaging targets. I demonstrated the steps, tasked the men with practicing, and was shortly summoned by our Commanding Officer.

Fifteen minutes later, I returned to find Nem Pal visibly worked up. He approached me anxiously. “Sir, it works perfectly when you do it on the computer. But when we do it, nothing happens. Why?“

Lacking a logical answer, I shot back with authority: “It is because you do not wash your hands in the morning with soap and water. When you touch the computer with dirty hands, the Computer God becomes displeased, and you fail.”

Nem Pal rushed out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned and tried again. Fifteen minutes after that, he came back to me, looking entirely puzzled. “Sir, I did wash my hands properly with soap and water. Still, I do not get the desired results.”

That, I realised, was the Indian Army way of handwashing. There was no set drill for it. No standard operating procedure. Everyone developed their own method—or none at all.

A Different Kind of Training

On landing in Canada, gardening became my hobby. Marina always insisted I wear gloves while gardening, but I found them uncomfortable and mostly avoided them.

One spring weekend, we decided to eat out for lunch. As I changed after gardening, Marina said, “Look at your fingers! They are so dirty. Please clean up before we set out.”

I spent the next several minutes scrubbing dirt from under my nails. After that day, I wore the gloves.

The Technician’s Secret

Years later, my career shifted from the military to corporate leadership. While serving as the CEO of a pharmacy chain in Canada, I was visiting one of our local stores when I noticed a young pharmacy technician putting on four pairs of gloves, one over the other.

Amused, I asked her why.

“Every time I handle a different medication, or if a glove touches a non-sterile surface, I simply peel off the top layer to reveal a clean glove underneath,” she explained.

“Where did you learn that protocol?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“I worked part-time at a fast-food restaurant in high school,” she said. “The manager taught me this technique to save us from constantly washing and drying our hands between orders.”

The Power of Standard Protocols

What a brilliant operational shortcut. It was efficient, hygienic, and practical—born not in a sterile hospital or a pharmacy school, but in a fast-food kitchen.

Like any discipline, whether it is operating a sophisticated Bofors artillery computer or maintaining medical hygiene, success relies entirely on standard operating procedures. True discipline begins at home, is reinforced at school, and becomes locked in at university or the military academy. Sometimes, it is passed down by a restaurant manager to a pharmacy technician, where that simple habit might one day save a life.

As for the Computer God? I like to believe that by now, Sepoy Nem Pal has made his peace with Him. Perhaps, somewhere, he is still meticulously washing his hands – just in case.

The 1978 Lecturette: A Case for Co-Education

In 1978, during my Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, we were given a slip containing three subjects for a five-minute lecturette. The subject I chose was co-education.

At the time, Sainik School admitted only boys—though today, girls are also cadets. My central argument was simple: imagine the transformation if girls were present in our classrooms.

My central argument was simple: imagine the transformation if girls were present in our classrooms. Our turnout would become impeccable. Haircuts would be crisp, uniforms sharply ironed, brass polished to a mirror shine, and shoes gleaming. Furthermore, our performance on the sports field and in academics would soar to new heights.

Studying and playing together would help cadets interact with the opposite sex naturally and confidently—a quality I personally lacked. It would provide a platform to shatter traditional gender roles, especially within the defence forces, encouraging cadets to pursue their ambitions without limitations.

Classroom discussions would bring out a wider range of opinions, broadening horizons and enhancing critical thinking. Ultimately, co-education would foster a motivating environment where students strive harder.

Every cadet, without exception, would conduct himself like a true gentleman.

The motive? To impress the girls.

A Theory Untested

I cannot say with certainty whether this theory would have worked back then. In my day at Sainik School Amaravathinagar, Tamil Nadu, we had no female cadets to test it.

However, with girls now thriving in Sainik Schools across the country, I believe the boys are performing far better than we ever did. As women join various Indian defence academies, the positive ripple effect continues.

I like to think that somewhere, my 1978 lecturette was ahead of its time.

Matthew’s parents had arrived in Canada, and his wife, Alice, had just given birth to their second child. Their eldest son, Chacko, was in sixth grade. Every day, the school bus dropped him at the doorstep precisely at 3:00 PM.

The Panic

But that day – the second Monday of November – when Ammachi (Grandmother) glanced at the clock, it read 3:20 PM. Chacko had not arrived.

Worried, Ammachi stepped outside to look for her grandson. By the time the clock showed 4:10 PM, Chacko had reached home.

Appachan (Grandfather) asked, “Where is Ammachi? “

Chacko and Appachan went out searching but could not find her.

The Call

Chacko called Matthew and explained what had happened. Matthew immediately dialed emergency services and informed the police. The police officer asked for Ammachi’s details. Matthew provided all the descriptions and added, “She is wearing a nightie.” Somehow, he managed to explain to the officer what a nightie was.

“A 60 year old lady walking on the streets in a nightie,” it was a difficult pill for the Canadian police officer to swallow.

Three police cruisers soon circled the neighbourhood, searching. And there they found her – Ammachi, shivering from the cold, sitting alone in a bus shelter. The officer gently placed her in the warm car and brought her home.

The Explanation

On the first Sunday of November at 2:00 AM, clocks in Canada move back by one hour for Daylight Saving Time. That morning, every clock in the house should have been set back by an hour.

Matthew had forgotten to do this.

Computers, cell phones, and car clocks adjust themselves automatically. But wall clocks with hands and a face do not. They must be turned forward in second Sunday of March and backward in first Sunday of November – by hand, by memory, by care.

That day, the clocks in Matthew’s home were still running on yesterday’s time. Ammachi, trusting the wall clock, had stepped out an hour too early.

The Lesson

The missing grandmother was found. The family was reunited. And Matthew learned, as many have before him, that Daylight Saving Time is not just about changing clocks, but about remembering—because sometimes, the cost of forgetting is far greater than an hour lost.

A Bold Step Forward

The Canadian government has proposed the long-awaited Safe Social Media Act aimed at online safety, including a ban on social media platforms for children under 16. The measure would create a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada and target different types of harmful online content. This proposed ban follows similar action taken in Australia, where the measure took effect last December.

Other countries are also considering youth social media bans, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and South Korea. Malaysia has enacted a ban on social media accounts for users under 16, while Brazil now requires youth accounts to be linked to those of a legal guardian to ensure supervision. French legislation limiting social media age to 15 was approved by the National Assembly in January, is approaching a final vote, and is likely to be in place for the start of the school year in September.

Proponents argue that such a ban is necessary to rein in social media companies that have resisted regulation, and that it could help combat growing evidence of health impacts from screen use and social media among children.

Unlike Australia’s blanket ban, Canada’s bill features an incentive loop: tech companies can sidestep the ban if they can prove their platforms have built-in safeguards that minimize harm to minors.

How Would a Social Media Ban Work?

Combating online harms for youth is more complicated than simply keeping them off platforms. Regulations must be watertight, and penalties stringent. Social media companies must be held accountable for the harms that exist on their platforms. At the same time, new regulations should not come at the expense of strong privacy protections.

Privacy Risks

Enforcing a ban presents significant privacy risks. Under Australian law, platforms looking to verify a user’s age can either request copies of identification documents, use a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or make inferences from data already available—such as how long an account has been held.

The potential data collection alone is concerning. To be effective, such measures would need to apply to all social media users regardless of age. It is difficult to discern between a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old by appearance alone—whether in person or online through biometric systems. Platforms would have to increase surveillance to identify user age, resulting in even more privacy concerns.

Evading the Ban

Research suggests many Australian teens are evading that country’s ban, while Australia’s online safety watchdog said in March that social media companies were not fully complying. A Molly Rose Foundation study found that 61 percent of 12-to-15-year-olds in Australia continue to hold social media accounts despite being banned, while 70 percent said it was easy to beat the ban.

Children’s Mental Health: The Case for Intervention

Advocates of the ban argue that restricting access would improve children’s mental and physical health while curbing growing online addiction. They contend that platforms must be required to make their products safer and less addictive for young people—not simply to target children.

The impact of social media on children under 16 involves unique vulnerabilities, as adolescent brains are undergoing a critical period of rapid development. Medical professionals warn that frequent social media use during these formative years can alter parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and sensitivity to social rewards.

The Negative Effects

The issues faced by children and youth are also faced by adult social media users. The negative effects generally fall into several categories:

Mental Health and Brain Development

• Depression and anxiety due to long screen time.
• Infinite scrolling triggers dopaminergic pathways, reinforcing addiction-like habits and shortening attention spans.
• The constant chase for likes makes users hyper-sensitive to peer feedback and social punishment.
• Problematic social media use is likely linked to lower life satisfaction.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

• Exposure to digitally altered or AI-generated images fosters distorted perception of body shape and lifestyle.
• Posts that normalise dangerous dieting habits, restrictive eating, or purging put children at risk.
• Cyberbullying leads to depression and body disorders.

Social Skills and Communication

• Inability to read body language leads to frequent misunderstandings in real life.
• Facing a person directly becomes intimidating when messaging has become the default.
• It becomes easier for youth to participate in cyberbullying or exclusion without seeing the immediate damage.

Physical Health and Lifestyle Disruptions

• Late-night scrolling causes severe sleep deprivation, eroding daytime cognitive performance and memory.
• Screen time frequently replaces essential physical exercise, academic focus, and real-world family interactions.

Exposure to Exploitation and Dangerous Content

• Platforms can inadvertently route children toward self-harm tutorials, illegal acts, or dangerous viral challenges.
• Privacy risks result from sharing highly personal or explicit photographs.
• Lack of robust verification on apps leaves children vulnerable to extortion, blackmail, or sexual grooming.

Education: The Missing Piece

Platforms must be legislated to implement steps for youth education on online dangers before they begin using these platforms. This is akin to mandatory youth driver’s education before putting someone behind the wheel of a car. Education to prepare youth for social media use is already part of Australia’s online safety regime.

A Cautionary Note

There are significant concerns that such a ban could become a band-aid fix for the larger problem of social media regulation—by putting the onus—and the privacy risks—onto ordinary Canadians. A ban, however well-intentioned, is only as good as its enforcement. And enforcement, in the digital age, comes at a cost we may not yet fully understand. The question is not whether we should protect our children. The question is whether we are willing to protect them without sacrificing their privacy—and our own.

A Radical Break from Colonial Design

The Indian National Army (INA), or Azad Hind Fauj, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, was deliberately crafted to dismantle the rigid class, caste, and religious divisions that the British colonial military system had engineered. Under Bose’s visionary leadership, the INA established a radically inclusive template – a secular, egalitarian, and united India in miniature.

1. Dismantling the “Martial Races” Class Structure

The British Indian Army was strictly organized around the colonial theory of Martial Races. This pseudo-scientific doctrine held that only certain ethnic groups and castes – Punjabi Muslims, Jat Sikhs, Gurkhas, Rajputs – were biologically and culturally fit for combat. The British grouped these men into segregated, single-class regiments to prevent inter-community mixing and to avoid another unified rebellion like the 1857 uprising. Bose overturned this structure entirely:

• Classless Regiments: He abolished segregated, caste-based, and religion-based infantry units. Soldiers from all regions, castes, and social classes lived, trained, and fought side by side in integrated platoons.
• Unified Messing: In sharp contrast to British camps, where separate kitchens were maintained for Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs to respect dietary caste codes, Bose enforced common kitchens. All soldiers ate the same food together – a revolutionary step that directly shattered traditional caste and religious barriers.

2. Dual Streams of Personnel

The workforce of Bose’s INA drew from two distinct socio-economic streams:

• The Military Elite (Prisoners of War): Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 professional soldiers captured by the Japanese in North Africa and Southeast Asia formed the INA’s backbone. These were trained, disciplined soldiers from the traditional peasant-martial backgrounds of British India.
• The Labour and Civilian Masses: Bose heavily recruited from the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia – Malaya, Burma, Singapore, and Thailand. This group included wealthy merchants who provided financial backing, English-speaking white-collar clerks, and tens of thousands of impoverished, illiterate Tamil plantation labourers. This massive influx of civilian working-class volunteers democratised the military hierarchy.

3. Religious Composition and Secular Integration

Bose’s INA was a masterful realisation of inter-faith harmony. While Hindus formed the numerical majority (mirroring India’s demographics), Muslims and Sikhs held exceptionally high-profile leadership and combat roles. Key aspects of religious integration included:

• Top-Tier Leadership: Bose deliberately placed leaders of different faiths in critical command positions. Notable examples include General Shah Nawaz Khan (Punjabi Muslim, commanding the Subhash Brigade), Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal (Hindu), and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (Sikh). The British inadvertently cemented this image of inter-faith unity when they tried these three specific officers together during the famous 1945 Red Fort Trials.
• Secular Symbology: Official greetings, language, and symbols were stripped of specific religious connotations to ensure universal belonging.
• Language: Hindustani – a blend of Hindi and Urdu written in Roman script – was made the official language to bridge cultural gaps.
• Greeting: The secular phrase Jai Hind (Victory to India) replaced religious salutations as the universal greeting.
• National Anthem: The anthem, Subh Sukh Chain, was a Hindustani adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Jana Gana Mana.
• Brigade Names: Brigades were named after prominent secular and national heroes from diverse backgrounds – such as the Gandhi, Nehru, Azad (after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad), and Subhash Brigades.

4. Gender Inclusivity: The Rani of Jhansi Regiment

Under Bose’s visionary leadership, the INA established a radically inclusive template—a secular, egalitarian, and united India in miniature – that gave equal space to women.

In a pioneering move for any World War II-era military, Bose formed an all-female combat unit: the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. It was led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later Sahgal), a Malayalee Hindu doctor. The regiment drew hundreds of young civilian Indian women from Malaya and Burma, representing multiple religious backgrounds – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. These women were trained in advanced combat, firearms, and tactics alongside male soldiers, shattering traditional gender and social roles in one decisive stroke.

Yet, it appears that present generations have largely forgotten the sacrifices, valour, and devotion to duty demonstrated by the INA’s women. Their stories – of marching into battle, of smuggling arms, of enduring imprisonment – deserve not just a footnote in history books, but a prominent place in the nation’s collective memory. Forgetting them is not merely an oversight; it is a disservice to the very idea of India they fought to create.

The present generations appear to have forgotten about the sacrifices, valour and devotion to duty demonstrated by the INA’s women.

5.  Summary of Differences

Feature	British Indian Army	Bose’s INA
Recruitment Basis	Martial Races theory (selected castes/ethnicities)	All-inclusive (professionals + civilian labour masses)
Regiment Structure	Segregated by religion, caste, and class	Completely integrated and classless
Dining (Messing)	Separate kitchens to maintain caste/religious purity	Common kitchens (all communities ate together)
Official Language & Motto	English; regimental religious war cries	Hindustani; Jai Hind
Women’s Role	Non-combatant / nursing only	Active combat infantry (Rani of Jhansi Regiment)

Epilogue

Long before independent India’s Constitution enshrined secularism and equality, Bose’s INA had already practised them on the battlefield – with common kitchens, integrated regiments, and women in combat. It was not merely an army; it was a vision of the nation Bose hoped to liberate. And though the INA did not win military victory, its legacy quietly shaped the forces that eventually won India its freedom.

If the women of Rani of Jhansi Regiment could do it then, the Indian women of today can do it better!!!

The Unwritten Truce

My first assignment to the Kashmir Valley – along the Line of Control (LOC) – came in 1987. I was a young Captain, serving as the Artillery Observation Post Officer with a Punjab Battalion. Fifty metres across the LOC lay the Pakistani post. By an odd coincidence, it was manned by a Punjab Battalion of the Pakistani Army. Between us lay a few hundred meters. Zero No man’s land. Classic eyeball to eyeball. Despite the 24/7/365 vigil, an unwritten truce prevailed. There was hardly any exchange of fire.

The area we defended was shaped like a tongue jutting into Pakistan, surrounded on three sides by Pakistani territory. Behind us loomed a massive mountain range with a single pass – Sadhana Pass. Local lore had it that when the Indian Army chased out Pakistani intruders in 1948, various mountain tops were captured as our forces rolled forward. The posts were named after the wives of the Company Commander who had captured them. Thus, the posts bore names: Sadhana, Ragini, Bimla, Thaya, and others.

The Companion

Our only source of entertainment was the transistor radio. At times, by positioning the antenna at a precise spot and angle, we could catch Sri Lankan Broadcasts. Otherwise, it was mostly Radio Pakistan. That little transistor was my life line; my window to the world, my music teacher, and, as I later discovered, my secret weapon.

But we listened to one programme religiously: Binaca Geetmala – the weekly Hindi film music countdown hosted by the iconic Ameen Sayani from 1952 to 1994. It ranked popular Bollywood songs based on record sales and listener requests. To me as with most Indians, Bollywood music was a passion. He provided details about the film from which the song came, including the producer, director, and lead actors. Sayani also shared behind-the-scenes stories about popular composers, lyricists, and playback singers.

The most popular Hindi film song programme on Akashvani (All India Radio) dedicated to the armed forces during the 1980s was Jaimala, which was broadcast on the Vividh Bharati service daily at 7:00 PM. It featured Hindi film songs requested by soldiers stationed in far-flung, remote border areas. Popular film stars and celebrities of the 1970s and 80s were often invited to present their favourite songs. While Jaimala was a top favourite, other shows that soldiers listened to were Aap ki Pasand and Bhoole Bisre Geet,

Romance of a Nation

Back then (and perhaps even now) social decorum often restricted the outward expression of intimacy. So, Bollywood music functioned as the primary language through which the Indian psyche conceptualised and experienced romance. These melodies provided a vital emotional outlet, using poetic metaphors of nature and longing to articulate feelings that remained unsaid in the pragmatic reality of everyday life. The music transformed the modest dreams of the salaried class into something cinematic and grand. Ultimately, these songs not only provided a backdrop for love, they also defined the very aesthetic of courtship, teaching an entire generation how to pine, how to woo, and how to find beauty within the boundaries of their social fabric.

A Daughter’s Question

In 2010, our daughter Nidhi was pursuing a B Sc at York University, Toronto. She had chosen an optional subject that intrigued me: The Music of Bollywood Films. The course explored the cultural evolution, history, instrumentation, styles, and societal impacts of Indian cinema’s soundtracks—from the days of Alam Ara through the films of Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand, covering roughly 1940 to 1970.

Nidhi began quizzing me:

“Inhi logon ne, inhi logon ne…”

I answered without hesitation: “Pakeezah. Lata Mangeshkar. Filmed on Meena Kumari. Music Director: Ghulam Mohammed. Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri.”

“Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya?”

“Mughal-e-Azam. Lata Mangeshkar. Filmed on Madhubala. Music Director: Naushad. Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni.”

“Matwala jiya dole piya?”

“Mother India. Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi. Filmed on Nargis and Sunil Dutt. Music Director: Naushad. Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni.”

“Jane Kya Tune Kahi?”

“Pyaasa. Geeta Dutt. Filmed on Waheeda Rahman and Guru Dutt. Music Director: S.D. Burman. Lyricist: Sahir Ludhianvi.”

The quizzing continued for two weeks. I managed to answer about sixty percent – a feat that surprised even me.

The Secret Revealed

Nidhi wanted to know how I knew so much about Bollywood music. I smiled and revealed my secret: the transistor radio during my first Kashmir deployment.

Then I asked a question with genuine authority: “Why are songs from that era only about three minutes long?”

She did not know. I showed off my knowledge, courtesy of Binaca Geetmala and Ameen Sayani.

In those days, music was recorded on His Master’s Voice (HMV) records. Each record could hold about three to four minutes of audio. Placing the grooves too close together significantly reduced sound quality. For optimal sound quality, three minutes was the recommended duration. The constraint of technology shaped the art – and the art, in turn, shaped a generation.

Luckily for me, this very question came in the final exam and Nidhi got it right!!!!

Epilogue

Decades later, sitting in Canada, answering our daughter’s university questions about Bollywood’s golden era, I realised something: the lonely months at the LOC, the crackling transistor, the voice of Ameen Sayani – they had given me more than entertainment. They had given me a cultural education that would one day bridge continents and generations.

And somewhere in Kashmir, on the windswept posts named after forgotten wives, I imagine the ghosts of those songs still linger, three minutes at a time.

A Grandson’s Demand

Our daughter Nidhi and son-in-law Jay were away on a week’s vacation, and four-year-old James, our beloved grandson, came to stay with us. For three days, all went smoothly. Then came the demand.

“I want my Daddy!” James announced with unmistakable conviction.

“Don’t you want your Mummy?” I suggested hopefully.

An emphatic “No. I want my Daddy!” was his only answer.

I managed the situation with a video call that brought both parents onto the screen simultaneously. But the episode left me pondering: What creates such a powerful bond between father and son?

A Canadian Birth

James was born in Canada, where hospitals strongly recommend natural birth whenever possible. Nidhi and Jay attempted this, but the baby’s position necessitated a C-section. Throughout the process, Jay remained by his Nidhi’s side – as is customary in Canadian hospitals, where husbands stay with their wives during childbirth.

Immediately after the C-section, something significant happened. James was placed on Jay’s chest for skin-to-skin contact. That moment, I believe, forged a bond that continues to this day.

It is Jay who bathes him, feeds him, plays with him, and helps with school assignments. The attachment is palpable and profound.

The Science of Support

Having a spouse accompany a mother during delivery is not merely a cultural preference – it is strongly recommended by experts and supported by evidence-based studies. A supportive, trained partner acts as a crucial advocate, providing emotional comfort and physical aid that measurably improve both the birth experience and health outcomes.

Emotional Support and Reduced Anxiety

The presence of a trained husband significantly decreases a mother’s anxiety during labour. Through reassurance, encouragement, and a familiar loving presence in a high-stress environment, he provides comfort that no medical professional can replicate. This support empowers the mother, helping her feel safe and more in control – leading to a more positive birthing experience.

Training for expectant couples in Canada is readily accessible through the public health system, which offers comprehensive prenatal and postnatal education through both in-person and online formats. These programmes cover essential topics ranging from pregnancy health and the stages of labour and delivery to newborn care and breastfeeding techniques. By equipping parents with knowledge and practical skills, these courses help build confidence and reduce anxiety, ensuring that families are better prepared for the transformative experience of welcoming a new child.

Physical and Practical Support

A spouse’s role extends beyond emotional comfort. He can assist with pain management through counter-pressure on the back, gentle rubbing, or breathing techniques. He handles practical tasks – wiping a brow, providing water, helping the mother move or change positions to aid labour. Research indicates that continuous partner support can lead to shorter labour times and reduced need for medical interventions, including pain relief medications.

Advocacy and Safety

Perhaps most crucially, a spouse acts as an advocate – communicating the mother’s needs and preferences to medical staff when she is unable to speak during intense labour. In busy hospital settings, he ensures she receives timely care and that her concerns are addressed. He helps her understand procedures and ensures her birth plan is respected, facilitating truly informed consent.

Bonding and Shared Experience

Being present allows the father to witness his child’s birth directly, creating an immediate, powerful bond with both mother and baby. Sharing this intense, life-changing experience deepens the emotional connection between partners in ways nothing else can. In the immediate postpartum period, the partner can assist with skin-to-skin contact, help with the first feeding, and support the mother as she begins her recovery.

The Proof in a Four-Year-Old

All this science explains what I witnessed in a simple four-year-old’s demand: “I want my Daddy!” James’ preference was not a rejection of his mother, but a testament to the bond forged in those first moments of life—when father and son met skin-to-skin, and a lifetime of connection began.

In demanding his daddy, James was simply expressing what the research confirms: that fathers matter from the very beginning, and that presence at birth is not a luxury but a foundation.

The Senior Subaltern

Back in 1986, I was the Senior Subaltern – the Big Brother to all the Subalterns of the Regiment. The Senior Subaltern as the term suggests is the senior most subaltern or the junior most Captain. He generally must have a PhD in mischief management. He functions as a high-stakes professional translator, skillfully turning the Colonel’s terrifying roars into gentle suggestions that the junior officers can understand and survive.

He is a walking paradox who can enforce iron-clad discipline on the parade ground while simultaneously serving as the mastermind behind every legendary prank in the Officers’ Mess. To the juniors, he is a scary mentor who knows all their secrets; to the seniors, he is the only one who can keep the young pups from accidentally saluting a tree or a lamp post or generally keeping them away from one miscellaneous chaos or the other.  Ultimately, he is the regimental glue – one with the heavy responsibility of keeping the youngsters out of harm’s way from the Adjutant’s crosshairs.

One morning, after the Mandir Parade, a delegation of young officers led by the legendary (late) Captain Pratap Singh, MVC, approached me. They looked like they had just cracked a secret code.

“Sir,” Pratap began, “Our boys say you’re a pro at the Sanskrit aartis and shlokas, though a christian from Kerala. We stood right behind you today to see if you were actually reciting or moving your lips like a Bollywood extra. You were surprisingly good….. But we have one question.”

Then came the trap.

The Ritual Showdown

For those who haven’t been to a Mandir Parade, it ends with a classic call-and-response with the Pandit (the Regiment Chaplain):

• Pandit: प्राणियों में  Praniyon Mein… (Among all living beings…)
• Response: सदभावाना हो  Sadbhavana Ho! (May there be goodwill!)
• Pandit: विश्व का Vishw Ka (For the universe)
• Response: कल्याण हो Kalyan Ho (may there be Well-being)
• Pandit: भारत माता की Bharat Mata Ki (To Mother India)
• Response: जय हो Jai Ho (Let there be Victory)

The Unexpected Answer

Lieutenant Gulshan Rai Kaushik stepped forward with a smirk. “Sir, what exactly did you say when the Pandit called out ‘Praniyon Mein’?”

Without missing a beat, I replied, “Sambhavana Ho!”

Kaushik froze. “Sir, its Sadbhavana (Goodwill), not Sambhavana.”

I kept a straight face. “Look, Kaushik, for a Mallu like me, it’s Sambhavana. If you don’t believe me, go ask any Malayali soldier in the Regiment. It’s a regional variation.“

Now, what I didn’t tell him was that in Malayalam, Sambhavana (സംഭാവന ) means a donation or contribution. So, while everyone else was praying for universal goodwill, I was essentially praying for a Divine Donation.

Fire Support from Our Second-in-Command (2IC)

Just then, our 2IC, Major Mohan Krishnan, walked toward us. He was a certified war hero from the 1971 Battle of Jarpal – a man who had stared down enemy tanks and was mentioned in dispatches. He directed the artillery fire, fighting alongside Major Hoshiyar Singh PVC of 3 Grenadiers as the Observation Post Officer. He was also, conveniently, a fellow Mallu, a hard core variety.

“Don’t take my word for it,” I told the youngsters. “Ask our 2IC.”

The juniors gathered their courage. “Sir,” Kaushik asked, “what is the correct response to ‘Praniyon Mein’?“

Major Krishnan didn’t even blink. He barked out: “SAMBHAVANA HO!”

The Verdict

The junior officers were stunned. Two Mallu officers, one a war veteran and the other a Senior Subaltern, both confidently shouting for sambhavna in the middle of a prayer. Now sambhavna in Hindi meant possibility or probability which in the context of the prayer made little sense to us. They couldn’t possibly guess our intended prayer for divine donations. They began to wonder if there was some secret Malayali Sanskrit they hadn’t been taught by their parents.

The Major walked away coolly. I followed him with a smirk.

The best part? The Pandit’s next line: Vishwa ka Kalyan Ho (May the world have well-being). In Malayalam, Kalyanam (കല്യാണം) means Marriage. So, while the rest of the Indian Army was praying for world peace, we Mallus were basically chanting for a World Wedding Festival, (for which divine donations were initially requested.)

The young officers never questioned my Sanskrit again. To this day, I think they’re still wondering if we were genuinely confused – or if the Mallu Mafia has its own hilarious way of keeping faith.

Ultimately, I realised that leadership isn’t about being technically flawless in every prayer; it’s about the unspoken loyalty that connects a Regiment. Because at the end of the day, a soldier doesn’t follow a dictionary – they follow a leader who speaks their language, even if that language is a hilarious Mallu version of the truth.

On 16 December 2025, I attended the Mandir Parade during the Diamond Jubilee of our Regiment – 75 Medium Regiment (Basantar River,) I had a terrifying realisation: I might have forgotten my ATM PIN, my wedding anniversary, and where I parked my car, but the aartis and slokas I learned forty years ago were still part of my DNA, still rearing to go.

This wasn’t my first spiritual flashback. Back in 2017, during a trip to Kashmir with my Sainik School buddies, the local Religious Teacher saw me reciting verses with such gusto that he handed me the gaumukhi shringi (that fancy horn-shaped copper vessel). I held it with the confidence of a man who knew exactly what he was doing. I was also secretly hoping I wouldn’t accidentally pour holy water down my own sleeve!

What began as a leadership lesson became something far deeper. The aartis and slokas I learned in the Mandir, the hymns I heard in the Gurudwara, the prayers I offered at the Peer Baba’s shrine in Kashmir, and the Lord’s Prayer I whispered each morning and evening – they all came to feel like different doors to the same Sacred Room.

Decades later, standing at the Mandir Parade of our Regiment’s Diamond Jubilee, I understood that I had not merely memorised verses. I had absorbed a lesson that transcends religion: that faith, in all its forms, is the language of trust – and in the Army, trust is everything.

How did a Christian boy end up as a part-time Pundit?

It all started in 1982 when I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  Our Regiment was like a multi faith buffet: one battery of Brahmins, one of Jats, and one from the South, even more multi faith. Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AN Suryanarayanan, took one look at my work-in-progress Hindi and decided the best cure was immersion therapy. He posted me to the Brahmin Battery. Our Battery Commander, late Major Daulat Bhardwaj, gave me the ultimate leadership pep talk: “To command Brahmins, you must become a Brahmin. You must be mentally alert, morally straight, and spiritually superior.”

I said, “Sir, the Academy made me physically tough, but I’m a Christian. My spiritual ‘superiority’ usually involves a Sunday hymn and a bit of bread afterward.”

Major Daulat wasn’t having it. “Get to the Mandir Parade. Learn the mantras. Rote-learn those until you’re singing them in your sleep.”

A month later, I was a lean, mean, chanting machine. I did have a moment of panic thinking about the Ten Commandments – specifically the part about no other Gods before Me – but I figured the Almighty was probably fine with it. After all, I was pretty sure that He wouldn’t be mean enough and just waiting to push me into hell at the slightest provocation.

More seriously, all officers of the Indian Army are trained to internalise and adopt the religious customs and practices of the men they command. It is an inherent part of the trust and rapport-building process.

The Test Behind the Mandir Parade

In 1986, I was the Senior Subaltern – the most senior Captain or Lieutenant in the Regiment – tasked with supervising, mentoring, and maintaining discipline among the junior officers.

One morning, after the Mandir Parade, the young officers approached me, with Late Captain Pratap Singh, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous), leading the pack. Captain Pratap spoke for the group. “We heard from our soldiers that you are well versed with the aartis and slokas recited in the Mandir. We wanted to check for ourselves. We stood behind you during the Parade to see if you were merely lip-syncing. You came out with flying colours.”

Their curiosity now piqued, and Captain Gulshan Rai Kaushik pressed further – दिल मांगे मोर Dil Mange More (The heart wants more.) They needed answers as to how had I learned all the aartis and slokas – especially being a Malayalee Christian.

I smiled and explained. It had begun in my early days with the Regiment, when Lieutenant Colonel AN Suryanarayanan and Late Major Daulat Bhardwaj had taken it upon themselves to rechristen me – not as a convert, but as a Brahmin in spirit. To command men of faith, they taught me, one must first understand their faith. And to understand, one must participate. What began as a leadership lesson had, over time, become a part of who I was.

Kashmir: Where Atheism Goes to Die

On my first assignment to the Kashmir Valley as a young Captain in 1987, my belief in God Almighty was instantly rekindled – not through theology, but through the sheer inhospitality of the terrain: sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, avalanches, thin air deficient in oxygen, altitudes above 10,000 feet. If you want to find God, don’t go to a cathedral or a temple; go to a mountain road where one wrong turn sends your jeep into a gorge that doesn’t even have a bottom.

I was with a Punjab Battalion. On Sundays, attendance at the Mandir and the Gurudwara was mandatory. It was a Parade, which in Army-speak means: You will be spiritual, and you will be spiritual at 0800 hours sharp.

Then there was the Peer Baba shrine on the road to Headquarters. Legend had it that if you didn’t stop to pay your respects, your vehicle would develop a sudden urge to fly off a cliff. I became a very frequent visitor. Between the Mandir, the Gurudwara, the Peer Baba, and my own morning & evening Lord’s Prayer, I had a feeling that I must be the most spiritually insured man in Northern Command.

I, a Christian by birth, continued my own rituals – the Lord’s Prayer each morning and evening, a habit instilled by my father. It was right there in Kashmir, amidst the swirling snow and the will-my-jeep-survive-this-turn terror, that I finally cracked the code on Secularism. In the Army, secularism isn’t some fancy political theory – it’s essentially Spiritual All-Risk Insurance. I realised that whether I was chanting a sloka, bowing at a Gurudwara, nodding to the Peer Baba, or whispering the Lord’s Prayer, I was knocking on different doors of the same cosmic office. I wasn’t entirely sure who was signed in on the duty roster that day – Jesus, the Gurus, the Hindu Deities, or the Baba – but considering the sub-zero madness and the bottomless gorges, I figured it was best to keep all of them on speed dial. After all, when you’re 10,000 feet up, you don’t argue with the Management; you just make sure you’re on good terms with the entire Board of Directors.

Siachen: The High-Altitude Prayer Meeting

During later years of field service, I had a stint at the Siachen Glacier – the world’s highest battlefield, a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, renowned for its treacherous terrain, freezing cold at minus 40 degrees Celsius, crevasses, avalanches, and, lastly, enemy action. Statistics reveal that since 1984, when the Indian Army first occupied Siachen, more lives have been lost to the weather than to enemy action.

At minus 40 degrees, your breath freezes, your tea and everything else turns into a brick, and your brain starts wondering why you didn’t join the Navy. In Siachen, everyone is religious and your dependence on faith increases exponentially each following day. When the ice beneath your feet groans like a hungry monster and the air is too thin to support a conversation, let alone a firefight, you start talking to whoever is listening upstairs. Faith isn’t a luxury there; it’s the only thing that keeps you from checking your sanity at the base camp.

The Conclusion of a Confused Christian

Looking back, I understand now that the Indian Army’s genius lies not in imposing a single faith, but in embracing all faiths as one. The Army doesn’t care which door you use to enter the Sacred Room, as long as you show up. I learned that trust is the real currency. If my men saw me chanting their slokas, they knew I wasn’t just their officer; I was one of them. In the end, who kept me safe through the shelling, the avalanches, and the sub-zero madness? Was it Jesus? The Guru Granth Sahib? The Peer Baba? Or the Hindu deities?  I like to think they all took turns. And honestly, considering the frequent messes that I got into, they probably needed teamwork. I honestly hope that this genius of the Indian Army is not changing its colours anytime soon.

Besides, considering your duty as a warrior, you should not waver. Indeed, for a warrior, there is no better engagement than fighting for upholding of righteousness. – Bhagavad Gita 2.31

You are my Protector everywhere; why should I feel any fear or anxiety? – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on Ang (page) 103.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to attack you and we sent upon them a wind and armies of angels you did not see. And ever is Allah, of what you do, seeing. – Surah Al-Ahzab 33:9

On the morning of Sunday, 8 March 2026, I moved my clock forward by one hour to mark the beginning of Spring Daylight Saving Time. As I tuned into the news, a dramatic rescue operation caught my attention. About two dozen ice fishers had become stranded after the ice shelf they were standing on broke away from the shoreline in Georgian Bay, Ontario. The massive sheet drifted approximately two kilometre from shore before splintering into several sections, leaving some people partially submerged in the freezing water.

Following the report, the newscaster offered a fascinating explanation of the different types of ice found in Canada – each colour-coded to indicate its density, age, and, most importantly, its safety level. While white ice is the most common, environmental factors such as compression, water content, and impurities can produce a surprising spectrum of hues.

White Ice: Opaque and Weaker

White or opaque ice forms when snow falls on existing ice, melts, and refreezes, or when slush freezes rapidly. Its cloudy appearance results from countless trapped air pockets. While common, white ice is only about half as strong as blue ice of the same thickness and demands cautious treatment.

Blue Ice: The Strongest and Safest

Blue ice is the gold standard of ice safety. Dense and ancient, it has been compressed over years by the weight of overlying snow, forcing out nearly all air bubbles. This density causes the ice to absorb longer wavelengths of light (reds) while scattering shorter ones (blues), giving it its distinctive transparent azure appearance. Found primarily in deep lakes or at the base of glaciers, blue ice is the strongest variety – just four inches (10 cm) is typically sufficient to support a person’s weight safely.

Grey Ice: A Sign of Danger

Grey ice signals trouble. Its dull, dark appearance indicates the presence of water or active melting and deterioration. Commonly seen in spring or on fast-moving water, grey ice is dangerously unstable and incapable of supporting significant weight. It should be avoided entirely.

Red Ice: The Watermelon Snow Phenomenon

Red or pink ice, often called watermelon snow, results from blooms of microscopic algae (Chlamydomonas nivalis) living on the snow’s surface. These organisms produce a red pigment to shield themselves from intense solar radiation. Common in British Columbia’s mountainous regions and the Arctic during spring and summer, this phenomenon tints the snowpack in shades ranging from faint pink to deep crimson.

Green Ice: A Marine Mystery

Green ice typically appears in marine settings, particularly in icebergs formed when seawater freezes to the underside of ice shelves. Scientists believe its emerald or jade hues result from high concentrations of iron oxides—derived from rock flour—trapped within the ice.

Black Ice: Clarity in Disguise

The dreaded black ice is a thin, nearly invisible, and highly slippery layer of transparent glaze ice that forms on roads, bridges, and walkways. Appearing as a wet patch on dark pavement, it occurs when moisture freezes instantly, often during early mornings or after light rain/melting snow. It poses a severe, unexpected danger to drivers and pedestrians resulting in many slip, falls, crashes, etc.

Conclusion

This colour-coded guide serves as a vital reminder that ice is far from uniform. Whether walking, fishing, or simply exploring, understanding these distinctions can mean the difference between a pleasant outing and a life-threatening emergency.

In December 2025, I travelled to India to attend the Diamond Jubilee of our Regiment – 75 Medium Regiment (Basantar River.) My journey from Toronto to Delhi and onward to Kochi aboard Air India’s Boeing 777-300ER was a revealing experience – one that showcased a promising transformation still in progress.

The Tata Turnaround: A New Era Begins

After decades of political interference and red-tape, Air India’s 2023 privatisation and takeover by the Tata Group was a watershed moment. Their ambitious five-year plan to modernise the fleet and enhance customer experience is beginning to bear fruit. The operational improvements were immediately noticeable: proactive updates on email and Whatsapp about gate changes and exceptional baggage tracking across Toronto, Delhi, and Kochi provided an incredible sense of reassurance after long-haul travel.

Onboard Experience: Highlights and Missed Opportunities

Service & Hospitality: The standout feature was the cabin crew. Their service was exceptional – warm, proactive, and genuinely attentive. The welcome ritual of a hot towel and chilled orange juice set the tone for a journey marked by outstanding hospitality.

Dining: The culinary presentation and quality were impressive, easily surpassing many competitors on the Toronto-India route. The well-curated bar selection and thoughtful non-alcoholic options added a touch of sophistication. However, the rigid, religion-based meal labelling—’Hindu Non-Veg‘, ‘Vegetarian Jain‘, ‘Muslim Meal‘ – felt out of place in a modern, global airline. Simplifying categories to ‘Indian Non-Vegetarian’, ‘Vegetarian’, etc., would be more inclusive and pragmatic. After the dinner was served, I took the tomato sauce and inscribed a cross over it and converted it into a Christian meal.  Luckily for me, we were flying over the Atlantic!

Seat & Comfort: Here, the experience faltered. Despite pre-selecting my seat, I found the 2-3-2 configuration on the 777-300ER disappointingly cramped for Business Class. The middle seat strips away any sense of privacy. My own seat’s recline mechanism was faulty, with faded markings on the controls – a clear sign of deferred maintenance. While the cabin crew heroically converted it into a bed, even they couldn’t restore it for landing, necessitating a last-minute seat change. Passenger aircraft seats should be refurbished every 15-20 years; this aircraft’s cabin felt overdue.

In-Flight Entertainment: This system urgently needs an overhaul. The screen resolution was mediocre, the film library dated, and the regional language selection was woefully inadequate – just two Malayalam and one Thamizh film in a sea of Hindi cinema. For a global airline serving the diverse Indian diaspora, this is a significant oversight. No wonder the Thamizhans are up in arms against imposition of Hindi!

The Operational Reality: The Pakistan Airspace Factor

A unique operational quirk defines this route. Due to Pakistani airspace closures, Air India’s Delhi-Toronto flight takes a longer westward path via Vienna for refuelling. The return flight, however, often benefits from strong tailwinds (jet streams) and flies direct. This explains the stopover in Vienna, where passengers remain onboard for two hours, a necessary but noticeable operational constraint.

Verdict: A Strong Contender with Clear Potential

Air India’s Business Class under Tata is a compelling proposition. The core service is excellent, the food is a highlight, and the operational logistics are handled with impressive transparency. It is a marked and welcome improvement.

Would I fly it again? A definite YES, but with clear caveats. Choose your seat carefully – avoid the middle at all costs. Temper your expectations for in-flight entertainment and seat modernity. If those aspects are upgraded to match the stellar service, Air India will not just be a good choice, but a leading one.

The airline is on the right path. It feels like a phoenix still stretching its new wings – a few feathers are still settling into place, but the flight is already impressive.

The fragile economic relationship between North America’s largest trading partners reached a breaking point this week. Following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement of a strategic trade partnership with China, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a scorched-earth ultimatum on Truth Social: “If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.”

While Trump initially signaled openness to Canadian trade autonomy, the rhetoric soured after Carney’s Davos speech, where he claimed the “US-led world order had been ruptured.” Trump retaliated by rescinding Canada’s invitation to his Board of Peace, asserting, “Canada lives because of the United States.”

1. The Pivot to the East

Despite the threats, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, clarified that the government is not seeking a full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Beijing but rather a “resolution on critical tariff issues.” Under the new agreement with President Xi Jinping:

• Canola Oil: Chinese levies will drop from 85% to 15% by March.
• Electric Vehicles: Canada will slash tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100% to the most-favoured-nation rate of 6.1%.

Carney framed the deal as essential for a “new world order,” aiming to reduce Canada’s 75% export dependency on a volatile U.S. administration.

2. The Mutually Assured Destruction of Trade

The escalating conflict poses severe structural risks to the U.S. economy, specifically across three critical sectors:

3. The Energy Shock

U.S. Gulf Coast refineries are architecturally locked into Canadian heavy crude. Billions have been invested in cokers and hydrocrackers specifically designed to process thick Canadian bitumen.

• Irreplaceability: With Venezuelan and Mexican heavy crude production in decline, Canada now provides over half of all U.S. crude imports.
• The Fallout: A 100% tariff would effectively starve U.S. refineries or force a catastrophic spike in gasoline and diesel prices for American consumers.

4. Food Inflation: The 2026 Potash Crisis

American farmers face a Potash Crisis that could double fertilizer costs by Spring 2026.

• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Despite some tariffs being lifted in late 2025, the Trade Commissioner Service warns that renewed 100% duties on Canadian potash—a primary source for U.S. agriculture—would jeopardise the 2026 planting season and trigger historic food price volatility.

5. Defense Sector: The Golden Dome at Risk

The U.S. defense sector is currently scrambling to secure aluminum and cobalt for the Golden Dome—a next-generation integrated air and missile defense system.

• Strategic Shift: The U.S. has been using Defense Production Act (DPA) funds to finance Canadian mining projects in Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
• The Irony: Trump’s proposed tariffs would tax the very minerals the Pentagon deems “essential for national security” to counter China, effectively subsidizing the cost of U.S. defense through American taxpayers.

6.  The Automotive Breaking Point

The integrated just-in-time supply chain of the Great Lakes region faces collapse. With tariffs on parts—including engines and transmissions—potentially reaching 100%, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association warns of:

• Price Surges: Thousands of dollars added to the price of every North American-made vehicle.
• Manufacturing Exodus: Production slowdowns and massive layoffs as automakers struggle to restructure supply chains that cross the border up to seven times during a single build.

7. The Water Bomb

Trade disputes have significantly strained the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. While these remain distinct from commercial pacts like CUSMA, current tensions are destabilizing their implementation: 

• Diplomatic Disruptions: In March 2025, the U.S. administration abruptly excluded Canadian mayors from a longstanding White House meeting during the annual Great Lakes Day summit, citing “diplomatic protocols”. This unprecedented break from tradition raised fears that shared environmental resources are becoming “collateral damage” in trade rifts.
• Water as a Trade Lever: Growing concern exists that the U.S. may leverage shared water management in future trade talks, potentially revisiting demands for bulk water diversions to drought-stricken American regions.
• Regulatory Conflict: Friction is mounting within joint management frameworks as American shippers argue that stricter Canadian environmental standards create a competitive disadvantage.
• Risk of Treaty Termination: Although it has endured for over a century, the Boundary Waters Treaty can be terminated with 12 months’ written notice. Escalating trade wars could lead either nation to withdraw legally, ending mandates for joint consultation on pollution and diversions.

8. Criticality of Critical Minerals

As of early 2026, tariffs have severely disrupted industries reliant on minerals essential for defence, manufacturing, and energy. 

• Integrated Supply Chains: The U.S. remains heavily dependent on Canada for gallium, niobium, aluminum, palladium, and platinum—minerals deemed crucial for electronics and military technology. Canada serves as a vital storehouse, meeting approximately 25% of U.S. uranium demand and providing essential feedstock for nuclear energy and defense.
• China’s Strategic Advantage: Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have allowed China to position itself as a more stable alternative. For instance, a 25% tariff on Canadian nickel may force U.S. manufacturers toward cheaper Indonesian nickel, which is largely controlled by Chinese mining companies. This undermines Western efforts to secure strategic autonomy.
• National Defence Vulnerability: Mineral supply chains support advanced systems like precision-guided munitions, F-35 fighter jets, and secure communication networks. Trade disputes that escalate production costs or delay manufacturing directly impact military readiness and the strategic autonomy of both nations.

9. Conclusion

Trump is facing limited domestic pressure to resolve the U.S.-Canada trade standoff and appears politically positioned to wait Canada out. His administration has prioritized other trade deals and framed Canada as a low-priority partner.

There is little pressure from US businesses. While some US industries (e.g., auto, agriculture, tourism) are affected, there’s no unified business lobby pressuring Trump to resolve the dispute. His 51^st state rhetoric and claims that Canada cheated resonate with populist messaging.

To improve the nutritional health of Canadians, Health Canada has implemented new regulations requiring milk and margarine producers to more than double the vitamin D content in their products. While fortification has been mandatory for decades, these updated standards aim to ensure a greater portion of the population meets the daily recommended intake.

New Standards for Daily Essentials

The fortification levels have shifted significantly to combat widespread deficiency:

• Milk: Increased from approximately 2.3 mcg to 5 mcg per cup.
• Margarine: Increased to 13 mcg per 50g (roughly three tablespoons).
• Alternatives: While not mandatory, yogurt, kefir, and plant-based beverages are now permitted to include increased vitamin D to ensure those opting for non-dairy lifestyles still receive adequate nutrition.

The “Sunshine Vitamin” Challenge

According to Health Canada, one in five Canadians is deficient in vitamin D. This is largely due to Canada’s high latitude; for six to eight months of the year, the sun’s angle is too low for the skin to produce vitamin D naturally. Studies indicate that the risk of deficiency doubles during these darker winter months, making dietary sources and supplements—such as drops or pills—essential.

Why Vitamin D Matters

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that enables the body to absorb calcium, the building block of strong bones and teeth. Maintaining adequate levels is vital for:

• Bone Density: Reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis as bone cell renewal slows with age.
• Disease Prevention: Research suggests low vitamin D is a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

A 2023 report from Statistics Canada confirmed that 20% of Canadians aged 6 to 79 have levels below health requirements. Notably, the data shows that individuals who consume at least one glass of milk daily are significantly less likely to face deficiency than those who do not.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The amount of vitamin D required daily is measured in International Units (IU) or micrograms (mcg):

Age Group	Recommended Daily Dose
1–70 Years (Including pregnancy/lactation)	600 IU (15 mcg)
71+ Years	800 IU (20 mcg)

Optimizing Vitamin D Absorption: The Role of Fatty Meals

Taking vitamin D supplements with a fatty meal can significantly enhance their absorption compared to taking them on an empty stomach. Dietary fat facilitates this process by forming micelles—tiny molecular structures that transport fat-soluble vitamins like D into the bloodstream. Research indicates that individuals who consume vitamin D supplements with a high-fat meal experience a greater increase in serum vitamin D levels than those taking the same supplement without food. To maximize absorption and effectiveness, it is advisable to take vitamin D alongside meals containing healthy fats such as yogurt, milk, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, or fatty fish.

Simple Ways to Boost Vitamin D Intake

• Upgrade Your Breakfast: Use fortified milk instead of water when preparing oatmeal.
• Creamier Soups: Replace a portion of broth in stews or chowders with milk.
• Coffee Break: Switch from a “splash” of milk to a latte (half milk, half coffee).
• Smoothie Power: Blend smoothies with milk and fortified yogurt for a double dose of bone-building nutrients.
• Weekly Fish: Incorporate fatty fish like salmon or mackerel into your meal rotation at least once a week.