ThoughtStains

We have all been through phases where we don’t know why we feel sad or gloomy, and similarly, we have also experienced times of happiness. Even though it’s not really us who want to be sad or happy or feel those emotions within us, there is something that compels us to experience them. It does not ask for our permission; on the contrary, it’s just out of our control. For example, when we see someone we know succeed, we feel something within us, maybe a voice. We can observe clearly that there is something within us that is not at ease now. Similarly, if someone we know fails, the same kind of conflict or buzz can arise within us. This phenomenon has been experienced by our ancestors, older generations, and us. It’s called the Ego (with a capital E). It’s something we are born with, and it is inevitable as human beings not to have it. But then the question arises: what can we do? How can we get rid of the buzz it produces or how can we minimize its control over us? The one possible answ...

The Second World War, a harrowing battle for power and status, has gifted us countless tales of bravery, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. These stories, recounted by surviving veterans, leave a profound impact on our values today. They remind us to cherish our current circumstances and inspire us to fight for peace, love, and freedom for all. Set in the Netherlands in 1941, shortly after the Germans took control, “The Resistance Banker” follows the journey of Walraven “Wally” van Hall, a banker at the Dutch State Bank. After a tragic incident involving a Jewish colleague who succumbs to threats from the Germans, Wally encounters a stranger on the streets of Amsterdam. This ex-Dutch marine introduces him to the “Resistance Fund,” a plan to use an existing trust fund to aid families of Dutch sailors affected by the war. Wally, driven by his determination to fight against the Germans despite threats to his loved ones, seeks his brother’s support for the cause. The film adeptly c...

Learning doesn’t happen by skimming through a book or merely memorizing information to pass a test. The real purpose of learning is to understand the world around us, but unfortunately, most people don’t take the time to deliberately learn and comprehend deeply. Instead, we tend to memorize what we need for our academic courses, only to forget much of it later in life. As a result, we fail to apply our knowledge effectively, and life often presents us with challenges. To become better learners and excel in exams, there are several techniques we can follow. The Feynman technique, the Pomodoro technique, and the 4Rs approach are highly helpful methods. To implement the Feynman technique, start by selecting a topic you want to learn and briefly skim through its subtopics. Then, explain the concept using simple terms, as if you were teaching it to a child. Take note of areas where you struggle to explain or understand fully – these areas need further study. Review and deepen your understan...

It is rare to witness individuals born into the ruling elite redirect their passions and professions elsewhere. Ravi Varma, however, defied this trend. Born into an aristocratic family with ties to the Travancore royal family, Ravi Varma’s artistic talents were recognized at an early age by his uncle, Bharani Thirunal Raja Raja Varma Koil Thampuran. Following aristocratic traditions, Ravi Varma received his education at the Palace. Yet, his uncle went beyond the customary curriculum and introduced him to the art of picture-making, particularly focusing on drawing. Raja Raja Varma became his tutor, sharing his knowledge to the best of his abilities. It is worth noting that Raja Raja Varma, perceiving painting as merely a hobby, never anticipated his nephew pursuing it as a profession, as such a notion was deemed unthinkable for an aristocrat. Nevertheless, Ravi Varma’s early training significantly contributed to his development as a skilled draftsman. Subsequently, he embarked on a jour...

The date of October 13, 1924, could never be forgotten, as one of the most bizarre incidents took place on that dreaded day or rather… night. It was an ominous night. The sky was pitch black. Moonlight adorned the streets through the canopy of the clouds, making the night beautifully terrifying. Not to mention the figures that could be seen lurking in the shadows in the cold, dark streets of London shrouded in black smoke. For Jack Douglas, it was just another late-night walk from work at the surgery, but little did he know his life was about to be tossed into a fiery pit of confusion. He decided to try out a different alley this time round and chanced upon a bar, which, despite it being around midnight, was still open. “A pub… open at this time..? Pretty Unusual… what does it matter, must be my luck!” thought Jack as he stepped into the odd and quirky building in the middle of nowhere. The pub, with its gleaming interior and the drinks, was the best place that Jack could have imagined...

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar—this name isn’t the most influential, not the most hated, not the most loved, but definitely the most controversial one in Indian history. Recently, the government inaugurated the new parliament building on the 28th of May, commemorating the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar. Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has received widespread criticism for his suggestion to rename the new parliament as ‘Savarkar Sadan’. Savarkar, one of the freedom fighters, remains highly controversial, attracting extensive criticism from various quarters. While every freedom fighter pursued their own path towards India’s independence, Savarkar’s methods have faced consistent scrutiny. Some examples include Bose’s willingness to collaborate with Germany to end British rule and Gandhi’s call for Indian youth to demonstrate loyalty by supporting the British. Even today, there are individuals who disagree with these approaches. However, while both Bose and Gandhi are resp...

Pride is a celebration of all things unique. A celebration of individuality, self-discovery and the achievements of all who dare to embrace their differences. Riding the wave of success from his recent two films, ‘Man and Wife’ (2022) and ‘A Lullaby for Yellow Roses’ (2023), filmmaker and queer activist, Rahul Roye kindly agreed to do an interview with THEPC and VFS to share his experiences and insights. Here are some excerpts from the interview. THEPC: In your movie, Man and Wife you have tried to bring light to the queer experience in India. What are some aspects of the experience that are overlooked that you want more people to be aware of? RAHUL: I, for one, have always seen the agencies of gender binary as more of a political tool put in place in order to preserve gender hierarchy rather than a biological factor. Although visibility is very crucial to garner acceptance, I would love to imagine a world where you wouldn’t need to be visible to gain acceptance. Rather than othering q...