This story is dedicated to the memory of the late Shri Ravi Jain, who, despite his battle with cancer, took the time to review this story and provide invaluable feedback. May his soul rest in peace. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It may be older than Hinduism, as you find mention of the first Jain Tirthankar in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures. Buddhism came much later. Jainism was in prominence more than three thousand years before the advent of...

Who was Nathu Vinayak Godse and why did he kill Mahatma Gandhi? Was he a fanatic, a man consumed by ideology, or a product of his time? The question is complex and, for an answer, we will have to delve deeper into the life of Godse. History does not offer simple answers. Mind you, Godse was not a mindless killer. He was articulate, politically aware, and deeply convinced of his beliefs. Yet his act—taking the life of an unarmed, elderly man who symbolised peace and non-violence—makes little...

In Kerala, Munroe islands are slowly sinking. Scientists believe that these magical islands may totally vanish in next three decades. The islands are nature’s gift to man and sadly nature has decided to take them back. As a matter of fact, two of the eight islands are already sinking and wear a deserted look. Climate change researchers call it, “India’s first sinking island.” We had come for rest and relaxation but what we found was a living poem—fragile, luminous, and trembling against time....