LEARNING IS LIFE

 Beyond Boundaries: The Limitless Opportunities of the World Wide Web World Wide Web (www) Day 2026, celebrated on August 1, is often themed "The Web That Educates" to showcase its digital influence. This day acknowledges the significant effect of the internet's most groundbreaking invention and highlights how the Web has changed communication, commerce, and access to information worldwide, while also celebrating the limitless opportunities it still provides. The World Wide Web, as a tool of the internet, has changed how we communicate globally, featuring notable thoughts from its creator, Tim Berners-Lee, and other digital innovators. Tim Berners-Lee, the Web's inventor, stated, "My vision is based on sharing, not exploitation." He also mentioned, "Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves." He believed that the original concept of the web was to create a collaborative space for sharing information. According to him...

  Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.24: Go for Brahman Realisation “The act of offering is Brahman; that which is offered is Brahman; the sacred fire is Brahman; the one who makes the offering is Brahman; Brahman is thus attained by those who, in their actions, are absorbed in contemplation of Brahman.” (Bhagavad Gita 4.24) Everything in an act of sacrifice is the Brahman, both the offerer and tools. The person making the sacrifice and the ladle used are spiritual or divine The oblation (ghee or butter) and the sacrificial fire are also the Supreme. That a metaphor for understanding one's brahmanic nature. Demystification is that 'Anyone fully absorbed in this divine state of action, sacrifice, reaches the supreme spiritual destination.' QUINTET Brahman, essence of all we see, Is matter, cause, and spirit free. The "I Am" we find, In every mind, True Self of all eternally. QUOTES FROM SCRIPTURES Here are some quotes about Brahman, the ultimate infinite real...

  Remembering Revolutionary Udham Singh on His Maryrdom Day Wikipedia post informs that Udham Singh (born Sher Singh; 26 December 1899 – 31 July 1940) was an Indian revolutionary belonging to Ghadar Party and HSRA, best known for assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of the Punjab in British India, on 13 March 1940. The assassination was done in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919, for which O'Dwyer was responsible and of which Singh himself was a survivor.Singh was subsequently tried and convicted of murder and hanged in July 1940. While in custody, he used the name Ram Mohammad Singh Azad, which represents the three major religions in India and his anti-colonial sentiment. INSPIRED QUINTETS Young Udham, with courage so grand, Saw injustice across the land. For Jallianwala's pain, He vowed to break the chain, And free India from the British command. Young Udham, with spirit so grand, Took a name that united the land. Ram, M...

 No pun and fun of ruling leaders, Gen Z and Alpha warned The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) supporters on the extreme right believe that while young people can express their hopes, they should do so with respect and not let themselves be used by politicians. With the current youth protests and political disagreements over national issues like exam leaks, education reforms and system accountabilty, the party insists on the importance of maintaining decorum and respect for leaders in power. They argue that opposition parties, anti-national groups, and foreign entities are using young people as political 'tools' to create chaos and disrupt the Prime Minister's ambitious vision for a developed India that is a leader on the world stage. LIMERICKS Young Gen-Z, Alpha bright, Be warned, don't question might. If laws you dispute, You'll be deemed a brute, And locked up, out of sight The lawmakers, a punny decree, Said, "Rights? Not for you, don't you see?"...

  For World Photography Day 2026, the theme is "HOME," encouraging people worldwide to share their unique views on belonging, identity, and place as we approach the celebration on August 19. Through home photography, individuals can document their towns, neighborhoods, or childhood homes to express their cultural identity, local heritage, and traditional surroundings. Home photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing the art of everyday life, feelings, and personal spaces in our homes. It emphasizes genuine, spontaneous moments instead of staged studio shots. You can take photos of your immediate living spaces, current communities, or places that hold emotional significance, comfort, or personal connection. Key elements highlighted by an AI prompt suggest focusing on these aspects at home. Candid moments: Capture genuine interactions, laughter, and everyday routines. Personal objects: Include beloved items, cozy furniture, or family heirlooms that tell a sto...

  Some rainy day photography ideas with a smartphone: Special Ahead of Photography Day World Photography Day 2026  is going to be observed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and is celebrated as part of World Photography Week from August 12 to August 26.  The informal global theme for 2026 is "HOME," and the wider celebration marks the rich history and art of the craft.  July and August are rainy months in India. With a basic camera and a smartphone camera, one can do reasonable photography on a rainy day using an umber to cover oneself and the camera. Some ideas of for photography could be as follows. Fall of rain drops on leaves and flowers Flying birds and running animals to escape rains Gushing water Rain drops dripping with ends of surfaces Sky overcast with clouds Splashes of water Streaks of falling drops across vegetation or building Water falling from vents Water reflections Water ripples Wet surfaces and their glossy details With experimentations and trialling,...

  Navigating Political Slurs: Gen-Z's Resilience in Focus Globally, it has been observed that the political slurs aimed at Generation Z often provoke swift digital mobilization, profound systemic distrust, and a retaliatory counter-culture. Instead of suppressing the youth, such rhetoric tends to backfire, enhancing civic engagement and reinforcing generational resistance. Currently, young individuals are adept at transforming derogatory remarks into online movements, memes, and digital political organizations. Occasionally, outrage spreads rapidly across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, bringing together peer groups. Frequently, these slurs exacerbate feelings of alienation and distrust towards institutional authorities. Hostile language undermines public discourse, diminishing the standards of mutual respect. A limerick BJP's Kangna, with words quite uncouth, Called Gen Z "gutter" and "filth," forsooth. With elegant flair, They shot back through the ai...

In July 2026, the Parliament of India enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at revamping anti-cheating regulations. This legislation introduces harsher penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years and substantial fines reaching ₹10 crore for organized syndicates, along with the establishment of fast-track courts to promote transparency in public examinations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Bill's approval, asserting that it strengthens India's examination framework. He cautioned that the "paper leak mafia" would face stringent legal action and highlighted the importance of technology-driven reforms. Nevertheless, among advocates for universal, equitable, and inclusive education, these testing reforms are likened to the saying "the tail cannot shake the dog." This suggests that high-stakes assessments are overshadowing the true educational objectives, rendering the system unaccountable fo...

  Entries invited for Findel CASTME Community Award 2026 Announcement for the awards for 2026 introduces four core award categories, with submissions primarily evaluated on their innovative, localized approach to boosting STEM awareness across the Commonwealth. Last date of sending the entries is September 30, 2026 at email address: castmeawards@gmail.com The Findel CASTME Community Award honours the community based projects focusing on families and STEM awareness, offering a voucher prize through collaboration with Findel International. The award is presented to an outstanding and innovative community project centering on mothers, fathers, carers, and children, or raising general awareness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in local communities. Entries. in the form of project report submission are judged based on a ten-point expert criteria system assessing local community impact. The winner is awarded by the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technolog...

 Against the Plunderers’ Grip: Tribal Truths and Modern Wrongs QUINTETS The Earth, a gift, a sacred shrine, Not meant for profits, so malign. To strip and sell, Brings climate hell, Let's treat this world with love divine. The planet's in a terrible plight, Tribal folks, they hold nature tight. Their ancient, wise ways, In these modern days, Show us how to make things right. Rich firms and rulers, quite grim, Their plundering causes us dim. Wake up, stand tall, Before they take all, And end this oppressive whim.

  According to thinker and philosopher jiddu Krishnamurti, authentic freedom is a mental state that is free from psychological influences, authority, fear, and history. He points out that real freedom should not be viewed as 'freedom from something'—which is merely a response. Rather, it is a self-sufficient, dynamic state of being that arises at the start of exploration, not as a target to reach later on. Here are a few specific quotes on freedom from Jiddu Krishnamurti’s talks and writings. Freedom is not a reaction; freedom is not choice. It is the vanity of man that deems because he has choice he is free. Freedom is a state of mind—not freedom from something, but a sense of freedom, a freedom to doubt and question everything. Freedom and love go together. Freedom is not an idea, it is not a matter of doing what you happen to like. To be free of all authority—your own or that of another—is to die to everything of yesterday, so that your mind is always fresh, always young, in...

 FREEDOM AS SPIRITUAL VIRTUE: NON-POEM Wanna be free! Freedom’s too demanding Stipulates freedom - The dissolution of ‘You’ The demise of ‘ego’ -=- Being free means - Being no-one Being nothing Being mysterious Lost in eternal ‘Unknown’ -=- Loose every thing you have Undo yourself wholly Now-n-here To be free for ever ARE YOU STILL INTERESTED IN FREEDOM !

 In many Eastern cultures, Bhava or Bhavana is seen as an inner feeling that deserves reflection and meditation to promote selfless actions. In Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the feeling of selfless friendship, known as Maitri Bhava or Sakha Bhava, is appreciated as a spiritual quality characterized by kindness, caring, and goodwill. Thus, the spirit of friendship can be developed, nurtured, and encouraged, which is beneficial. Having a close circle of friends is important for both social and personal well-being, as people tend to share more with friends than with anyone else. Reports indicate that many young individuals take their own lives due to a lack of friends to confide in, resulting in insufficient social support. HAIKU Feeling of friendship - Social support of well being - Acceptance of being ~*~ True friendship allows To be, respect differences To find life’s meaning  ~*~ Spirit of friendship Creates solidarity, amity That's 'maitri bhava' ~*~ Imbibe friendship ...

In Indian spiritual traditions, Sakha Bhav refers to a mindful emotional state of unity among individuals. This shared foundation is rooted in the friendship towards the Divine within each other. It is recognized as one of the five essential Bhavas - emotional states - in Bhakti Yoga, where the seeker perceives God not as a distant figure but as an equal and trusted companion. Essentially, sakha bhav embodies unconditional companionship, regardless of each other's social or worldly status. The core spiritual principles behind sakha bhav combine equality and intimacy, as friends engage with the Divine and each other in a manner that is free, warm, and casually intimate. The relationship characterized by sakha bhav is one of Radical Honesty, where friends embrace everything by sharing their deepest joys, secrets, anger, and insecurities without the fear of being judged. There is Unconditional mutual Support in the spiritual journey, evolving from a master-servant dynamic to a shared ...

Pic. : The UN The UN proclaimed International Day of Friendship is observed on July 30 every year since 2011 'with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.' The observance lays emphasis on 'involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity' and 'contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.' The UN deems the observance as 'an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems'.  "In a time when the noise of division grows louder ...

  HAPPY GURU PURNIMA TO DIGITAL AND VIRTUAL GURUS!  ~Lalit Kishore NEW AGE GURUS Modern-day gurus are the social media platforms and AI applications that act like trading ashrams, offering algorithms and mindless content for tailored feeds, taking the place of real teachers with constant streams of selected knowledge. Digital and virtual gurus deliver daily updates through short videos, while AI chatbots respond to questions, but they conceal their guru-like status behind monthly subscription costs and the potential for addiction. INSPIRED QUINTETS A guru of bytes, so grand, With algorithms close at hand. Your feed, a smart decree, Replacing you and me, In AI's mind-numbing land. A guru on screen, a short video bright, An AI chatbot, with answers day and night. But access to "truth," Costs a monthly, you see, And keeps you hooked, with all of its might. https://lalitkishorewrites.blogspot.com/2026/07/happy-guru-purnima-to-digita-and.html

  Contemplative Thought on Occasion of Guru Purnima Spirituality teaches us that the concepts of death and impermanence encourage us to appreciate the present moment, release our material attachments, and cultivate a deeper spiritual awareness. Life gains its value when we understand that it is finite, prompting us to concentrate on the here and now. Recognizing that everything in the material world is temporary allows us to loosen our grip on wealth, fame, status, and fleeting emotions. When we truly comprehend that all living beings experience the same delicate reality, it fosters compassion and enhances our love for one another. QUINTETS A teacher named Death, wise and grim, Showed life's beauty on a swift whim. "All things fade away, So seize the bright day, For impermanence brightens life's brim!" ~*~ A teacher, Death, with silent grace, Shows life's swift pace, time's fleeting chase. Each passing breath, A precious death, Gives meaning, urgency, and spac...

 Understand the Role of Gurus in Jainism A Jain guru serves as a spiritual teacher, known as a Panch Parmeshti, guiding seekers and disciples through rigorous ascetic practices and wisdom towards achieving pure right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. The Panch Parmeshti in Jainism consists of five supreme spiritual beings that deserve the highest respect and worship, including Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. In Jainism, a Guru symbolizes ascetic leadership and is one of the three essential pillars, along with Deva and Dharma. They offer atonement and spiritual guidance to disciples, while laypersons and seekers turn to the Guru for scriptural truths, self-reflection, and the journey towards detachment, also known as Aparigraha. In Jainism, the guru is honored through rituals like Guru-vandan or Guru-upashti, where respect and offerings are presented to the guru, who in return provides mantra recitations or blessings. JAIN GURU QUINTET A Guru, wise an...

  Guru Purnima 2026:  Doodle art and ABC poem DOODLE ART: ABC POEM ON GURU A: Awakens you to the Reality B: Brilliant and wise person to shed light on the ultimate purpose of life C: Craves for a nd leads an ego-free life D: Directs other on the path of self-realization E: Empowers you to get free from illusions, false hood and  ignorance

True spiritualists believe that purification of mind leading to self-knowledge or self-realization is ultimate aim of life. All techniques and methods like prayers, visitations of places of worship, celebrations of festivals; sitting through discourses or rituals are the masks over impure mind and mere pretentions. Even so called various yogic stages are externalizations that do not end your individuality or ego. Without purification of mind, all yogic performances are shows off to impress and build ego. Yoga camps are the examples of this short of masking of the impure mind in which there is someone to lead or guide and others to follow or imitate. So, pure mind which is called ‘Atman’ is the egoless state of human existence. All so called Gurus, in one or the other ways are the ‘clever impure minds’ creating followers or consumers of one or the other brand of externalizations or ‘cover ups’ in the name of ‘liberation’. One needs to work on oneself for self-enlightenment by puri...

  GURU PURNIMA MARKS OCCASION OF PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE OF YOGA BY ADIYOGI TO SAPTRISHIS  In the year 2026, Guru Purnima is being observed on July 29 to revere spiritual guides, art teachers, educators and teachers with a resolve to evolve and grow in spiritual intelligence and minimalize materialism.  According of Isha foundation [1], "The word 'Guru' in Sanskrit is translated as 'dispeller of darkness.' A Guru dispels the seeker’s ignorance, allowing him to experience the source of creation within. The day of Guru Purnima is traditionally the time when seekers offer the Guru their gratitude and receive his blessings. Guru Purnima is also considered an especially beneficial day to practice yogic sadhana and meditation."  Isha Foundation adds that Guru Purnima 'marks the first transmission of the yogic sciences from Shiva – the Adiyogi or first yogi – to his first disciples, the Saptarishis, the seven celebrated sages.'   Further, ‘the Adiyogi bec...

The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta -commemorating the Buddha's first sermon - is observed on Ashadha Purnima, which is the full moon day (Purnima) of the Ashadha month in the Indian lunar calendar. This same lunar date is also widely celebrated as Guru Purnima. In 2026, the observance falls on July 29. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta marked the formal launch of the Buddha's teachings. The sermon was delivered at the Deer Park in Sarnath, near Varanasi, to the group of five ascetics who were his former companions with the core tenets of Middle Way, avoiding the extremes of self-indulgence and severe self-mortification; desires as the cause of suffering and deep practice self-restraint to be awakened. It was formalized as a framework of 'Four Noble Truths' consisting of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to it; and the Eightfold Path for liberation through self-disciplined practice. Here are three quintets that describe the essence of the Buddha'...

 Based on the contribution of Jaipur based educator and researcher, the AI reports that Dr Lalit Kishore advocates for localized micro-science strategies and an active, three-stage instructional framework. His work primarily addresses the pedagogical needs of small, resource-constrained, or marginalized schools. He aims to replace rote learning with experiential, inquiry-based  general and STEM education. The AI adds the following features Kishore's work on micro science   Micro-Science Learning Strategy: Dr. Kishore’s micro-science framework adapts complex scientific principles to resource-limited environments.  Low-Cost & Improvised Materials: It replaces expensive laboratory setups with everyday items, recycled materials, and household objects.Toy-Based Pedagogy: It uses simple tools, techniques, and educational toys to build early scientific temper and interest.Information  Chunking: It breaks complex STEM concepts into highly digestible, bite-sized c...

 Under the July Full Buck Moon: Awakening Inner Wisdom On July's late night, quite grand, The Buck Moon lit up the land. Full, bright, and so low, A celestial glow, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, close at hand. ~*~ In Devshayan, the gods take rest, For months four, their slumber's blessed. With prayer and fast, A time to cast Off worldly lust, the soul's true test.

  The 11th International Gita Conference to be held at Kukukshetra University in November 2026   The International Gita Conference invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe every year to submit original research papers that explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in contemporary, philosophical, cultural, and applied contexts. The conference provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering deeper understanding of various philosophies of life precepts as illuminated in the Gita.  The 11th International Gita Seminar at Kurukshetra University, likely to held in the last week of November 2026, follows a strict two-stage electronic peer-review process. Submissions are managed through the official Gita Conference Portal.  Abstract Submission ·     Length: Must be between 300–400 words. ·     Languages: Accepted in English, Hindi, or Sanskrit. ·      Required Details: Title, author names, in...

India is supposed to be passing through the public discussion phase that surrounds the controversial Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, which amends the 2019 Act by removing 'self-perceived gender identity' and 'restricting legal definitions'. The ruling party holds that the proposed bill would eliminate the provision allowing individuals to self-perceive or self-determine their gender identity by promoting 'medical gatekeeping' that requires certification and evaluation by medical boards and district authorities rather than personal autonomy. However, the spirituality, as the hall mark of India, requires us to go beyond gender fluidity and permutation-combination in gender spectrum and totally avoid cisgender identity assigned at birth by external agencies to treat every one with same human rights or spiritual equity. Gender Identity from Spiritual Lens: A Poem  Beyond the blend, the shifting, countless ways, No gender roles, no bir...

Board game based learning at pre and early primary grades provides non-competitive environment for development visual-motor, literacy and numeracy skills Lalit Kishore Board games offer  immense opportunities for early learning across ability spectrum for development of visual motor skills, cognition as well as literacy and numeracy skills if used systematically, stated Jaipur based educator Dr Lalit Kishore whose abstract was accepted for an international conference in Hawaii of the United states. Accoding to Kishore, even neuro-scientific studies suggest that board games develop brain by activating its frontal lobes through non-verbal strategic thinking, performance of executive functions, anticipation, attentiveness, waiting for the turn, rule learning along with development of eye-hand coordination and dextercity of hands. He adds that the board games related to sight-vocabulary, numbers, classification, matching, spelling and many more can be played up from pre-primary to grad...