My Musings

Musings....... Famous English writer and philosopher Aldoux Huxley once said and I quote " Facts do not seize to exist because they are ignored. ". In the times of fake news and alternative news jargon that we all seem to be bombarded with through whatsapp forwards and other social medium, Huxley would have considered rephrasing his quote. For all I know I may have believed many of the news that I have read through whatsapp forwards, and I consider myself the educated lot. I dread not think about the uneducated. Alternative news, or fake news as they are popularly known has the potential to make or break Governments as it has shown multiple times, create communal riots and even turn neighbours who till then were living harmoniously, into foes. The only way to fight fake news is with facts and I hope the civil society, us netizens and social media enthusiasts take it upon themselves to create a reform. Taking the pledge to stop sharing fake news, taken individually will...

Musings....... Its the beginning of a new year once again and here we are with the usual fireworks and festivities the evening before. In many countries around the world including India it is customary to countdown until 12:00 AM when the clock chimes in, and we officially enter a new year in the Gregorian tradition.  However, there are other traditions too the world over. The residents of Scotland mark the arrival of New Year with the Hogmanay holidays. The Scottish Hogmanay origins date back to the pagan rituals that marked the time of the winter solistice. Roman celebrations of the hedonistic winter festival of Saturnalia and Viking celebrations of Yule contributed to the Hogmanay holidays in Scotland. During the Middle Ages, the pre-existing pagan winter festivals were overshadowed by the feasts surrounding Christmas and the New Year was moved to coincide with Christian holy days. Following e reformation in Scotland, Christmas celebrations were discouraged and gift giving ...