On August 10th, Ecuador commemorates a defining moment in its history, the day our country began its path toward independence and nationhood. It is a day to honor the values that have shaped Ecuador: freedom, dignity, peace, and the unwavering commitment to international cooperation.

This year, as we mark 56 years of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and India, we celebrate more than a number, we celebrate a relationship that is expanding in depth, vision, and human connection.

It is also, for me, a meaningful moment: I complete one year as Ambassador of Ecuador to India — a country I deeply admire for its cultural richness, its democratic vitality, and its global leadership in innovation, health, and sustainability. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of witnessing the warmth of Indian society and the enormous potential that exists between our two nations.

In recent interviews with Indian media, I have emphasized that Ecuador sees India not only as a strategic partner but as a country with whom we share a profound understanding of the global challenges and opportunities of our time.

“India’s civilizational depth and future-oriented dynamism make it a natural partner for Ecuador. We are working together to create new pathways for trade, education, innovation, and cultural exchange,” I noted in one such conversation.

Ecuador has been actively strengthening its presence in India through expanded trade links, tourism promotion, educational partnerships, and initiatives in technology, food security, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy.

India’s recent and historic decision to open its Embassy in Quito is a turning point in our bilateral relations. It reflects a growing political will to deepen cooperation with Latin America and signals a closer connection with Ecuador in particular.

At the same time, the sixth round of Political Consultations between our two countries, scheduled to take place this year in New Delhi, will serve as an important opportunity to align our shared priorities and open new doors for collaboration.

Under the leadership of President Daniel Noboa, Ecuador is pursuing an agenda of institutional modernization, economic diversification, and international openness. In this context, India is a vital partner especially in sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Ecuador offers Indian investors real opportunities supported by a dollarized economy, legal predictability, and strategic access to the Pacific and Latin American markets. Investment prospects in agro-industry, infrastructure, mining, and clean energy are increasingly attractive, and we welcome Indian companies seeking to expand their global footprint.

One of our most iconic contributions to the world is Ecuadorian cacao, recognized internationally for its fine aroma and quality. Recent scientific findings place its origin in Ecuador over 5,000 years ago. Through our Trade Office in Mumbai, we are promoting our chocolate as a premium, sustainable product with deep cultural roots, perfectly suited to India’s refined tastes and evolving consumer landscape.

We are also investing in tourism promotion, offering Indian travelers a boutique and transformative destination — from the Galápagos Islands to the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the Pacific coast. Ecuador is a place of biodiversity, heritage, and wellness, and our e-visa system makes the journey smoother and more accessible for Indian visitors.

Beyond trade and tourism, we continue to build lasting ties through education and culture. We are expanding academic mobility, fostering university partnerships, and encouraging collaboration in science, innovation, and the creative industries. These people-to-people connections form the human foundation of our diplomatic engagement.

In this spirit of mutual respect and solidarity, I also wish to express Ecuador’s deep condolences and support for the people of India following the recent terrorist attacks. Ecuador stands firmly with India in condemning all forms of terrorism and reaffirms its commitment to peace, dialogue, and the protection of human life.

As I shared during Ecuador’s National Day celebration in New Delhi:

“Though our countries may be far apart on the map, we are close in spirit, united by a respect for diversity, for nature, and inclusive development. As Ambassador, I am committed to nurturing this relationship with transparency, determination, and warmth.”

This anniversary is more than a diplomatic tradition. It is an opportunity to look ahead to imagine a future of shared progress, cooperation, and goodwill between Ecuador and India. Let us build that future together.

Viva Ecuador! ¡Viva India!
Long live Ecuador–India friendship.

By H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador to India

What Do Flash Floods Tell Us?

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the vast, open plains of Texas, regardless of the location, when rain descends with unbridled fury, it ceases to be a source of life and instead becomes an agent of widespread destruction. Flash floods have today become a grim reality for countless people across the globe. While every flood carries its own unique narrative, the discernible increase in their intensity and frequency unmistakably points to climate change as the overarching cause. The recent catastrophic flash flood in Texas is not an issue confined to the United States alone; it serves as a grave warning for the entire world, and India is certainly no exception. Here in our own Himalayas, we also witness the relentless havoc of heavy rainfall and flash floods. In India, the monsoon is an intrinsic part of our natural cycle. Agriculture relies heavily on its bounty, and our land is nourished by its waters. Yet, that very rain sometimes transforms into a destructive force, obliterating entire villages. Despite decades of experience, what has been observed in recent monsoon seasons, particularly in the Himalayas, has been deeply unsettling. Global warming has undeniably intensified these events.

The Hill Country region in Texas is often referred to as 'Flash Flood Alley.' Its distinctive geographical contours, the rocky and clay-like composition of its soil, and the inherent potential for intense downpours – all these factors combine to render flash floods exceptionally hazardous. The recent devastating flood there involved extreme rainfall, inherently unstable ground, and the compounding influence of climate change. In mountainous and rocky terrain, the soil's capacity to absorb water is limited. Consequently, this water flows directly and rapidly into rivers and streams, generating perilous flash floods in an astonishingly short time. In the recent disaster, over 120 individuals lost their lives, and more than 170 remain missing. While floods are not a novel phenomenon in that area, the current floods are unprecedented in their intensity and widespread impact. This collectively points towards a new and alarming 'pattern,' with climate change serving as the undeniable underlying cause.

Historically, warm weather and irregular monsoons or atmospheric rivers have characterized Texas. However, it is now being ravaged by extreme flooding. This clearly indicates that the impacts of climate change are not exclusively confined to the polar regions or the Himalayas; they are being felt with increasing intensity across every continent. While it is certainly incorrect to attribute every single disaster of this kind directly to climate change, it is even more erroneous to deny the undeniable consequences. While every individual storm, flood, or extreme rainfall event cannot be solely blamed on climate change, the scientific evidence conclusively proves that the elevated global average temperatures and increased atmospheric humidity are making these events more intense and unpredictable. Warmer air possesses a greater capacity to hold water vapor (humidity), a principle clearly elucidated by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. This principle states that for approximately every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 7 percent more moisture. This heightened humidity leads to a greater accumulation of energy within the atmosphere. When atmospheric conditions become conducive, such as when a mass of cold air collides with warm, moisture-laden air, this stored energy is suddenly released in the form of precipitation. As a result, we experience sudden and exceptionally intense downpours. What might have been a moderate rainfall event under cooler, normal conditions now escalates into extreme precipitation due to rising temperatures. Flash floods, therefore, are a sharp consequence delivered by climate change. As the climatic equilibrium falters, rainfall events that were once considered mild are now transforming into severe catastrophes.

Having personally studied climate patterns, hydro-climate models, and regional precipitation for several years, I can affirm that this is not merely a personal opinion but a reality grounded in robust scientific observations. Climate change does not just cause temperatures to rise; it fundamentally alters the very nature of rainfall itself. This leads to alternating periods of severe dryness and extreme rainfall, and predominantly, an overwhelming sense of unpredictability.

The colossal flash floods in Texas, the record-breaking heat waves sweeping across Europe, and the rampant forest fires devastating vast areas in India and globally are all symptoms of a single, grave crisis: a rapidly warming world. For instance, the escalating warmth of the Gulf of Mexico's waters is rendering storms more intense and destructive than ever before. Conversely, in European nations like Greece, Spain, and France, brutal heat waves are severely impacting public health, and wildfires are becoming increasingly common. These wildfires not only endanger fragile ecosystems but also release enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further accelerating warming, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle. We frequently categorize these events as 'natural disasters,' engaging in temporary discussions and provisional repairs. In reality, the situation is far more complex and perilous. Unrestrained urbanization, unsustainable and unbalanced land use, escalating industrial pollution, and uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions have collectively intensified these events, making them increasingly unpredictable and incomprehensible. This catastrophe is not confined to developed or specific nations. Just a few months ago, on May 28, a dam tragically collapsed in the Mokwa area of Nigeria due to torrential rain, claiming over 700 lives. This starkly illustrates that while the effects of climate change are universally felt, developing countries disproportionately bear the brunt. Despite their minimal contribution to pollution, they often lack the adequate financial resources or technological capabilities to confront these escalating crises. Even a desert nation like the United Arab Emirates, which typically awaits rain for an entire year, is now experiencing sudden, powerful downpours that submerge its roads and cities. Countries with extensive resources like China are also struggling to manage the increasingly complex challenges posed by floods and storms. All these examples unequivocally tell us that climate change is not a problem for the distant future, but a pressing issue of today… right now.

India's own Himalayas and the Western Ghats are not exempt from this escalating threat. The catastrophic Uttarakhand floods in June 2013 served as a stark, historical warning of the mounting dangers in mountainous regions. Triggered by unprecedented, heavy monsoon rainfall and destructive cloudbursts, this horrific event led to widespread flash floods and landslides, tragically claiming thousands of lives and devastating pilgrimage routes and essential infrastructure. This profound disaster within the Himalayan ecosystem was a clear harbinger, demonstrating the immense destruction that can result when intense precipitation combines with geographical instability! The Malin village landslide in the Pune district of the Western Ghats in July 2014, while a decade has passed, remains an indelible memory. Triggered by relentless monsoon rains, this tragedy saw the entire village buried under a mound of earth, claiming many lives. It stands as a vivid example of the perilous risks associated with unstable mountain slopes and intense precipitation. In Himachal Pradesh, the heavy rainfall this month led to numerous instances of flash floods and landslides. Similarly, in May, Northeast India experienced comparable events. This collectively underscores the critical need for more efficient and timely early warning systems today. Scientific bodies like the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) have unequivocally demonstrated that human activities are the primary drivers of climate change. The Paris Agreement represented a collective global commitment to overcome this crisis. The 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set within the Paris Agreement is not merely a scientific figure; it is an incredibly crucial threshold. Beyond it, we risk triggering irreversible environmental changes, more severe and widespread climate-related disasters, and a global climate system that will evolve in an increasingly uncontrolled and unpredictable manner. Yet, unfortunately, leaders continue to disregard this escalating crisis.

The flash floods in Texas and the disasters in the Himalayas are not just stories to evoke fleeting sympathy; they are a robust warning of imminent danger. Villages have been obliterated by flash floods resulting from the bursting of glacial lakes. Torrential floods, raging wildfires, and severe droughts are recurring with alarming frequency and accelerating speed. If we fail to address climate change with the seriousness it demands and in a timely fashion, our future will undoubtedly be fraught with hardship. Our Earth is now approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than it was historically, precisely the limit we aimed to avoid. Today, the urgent need is for concrete action. Acknowledging and actively confronting climate change is no longer a matter of choice, but an absolute necessity. The battle for the future, from Texas to the Himalayas, truly rests in our own hands.

Why India urgently needs an Information Warfare Doctrine?

The latest confrontation along India’s borders reflects that war has a deadly new front – the smartphone. In a recent press note, the government described how even as our forces struck terror bases across the Line of Control (codename Operation SINDOOR), “a fierce information war has been ongoing online.” Pakistan-backed operatives unleashed “a campaign… full of lies and misinformation” aiming to distort facts and inflame public opinion. India countered with “facts, transparency [and] strong digital vigilance” – a defensive, ad hoc rebuttal of tweets, videos, and memes. But that response was reactive, piecemeal and narrowly focused. It showed that in modern conflict, our narratives are as much a battlefield as our borders – and that India has no formal doctrine for fighting this digital threat.

Today, every skirmish, strike or sabotage is swiftly followed by a barrage of propaganda and half-truths. We see it in heated town-hall debates when some influencer’s viral clip twists military success into sectarian hatred. We feel it when students learn that videos they trust on WhatsApp may have been manipulated or altered.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh himself has warned that “unconventional methods like information warfare… space warfare and cyber attacks are posing a big challenge in today’s times”. In March 2025, he reiterated that India’s adversaries “do not always come with traditional weapons; cyber-attacks, misinformation campaigns, and space-based espionage are emerging as new-age threats”. If our Defence Minister says the enemy now uses lies as weapons, why don’t we have a formal rulebook to meet it?

Alarmingly, India’s institutions have mostly scrambled rather than strategised. After a terror attack in J&K, our foreign ministry might brief the press on kinetic retaliation – but the disinformation blitz that followed was handled by a fact-check here, a clarifying tweet there. The government has indeed taken some action: in December 2021 and January 2022, it identified and blocked dozens of Pakistan-backed media outlets and social channels. For example, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry used new IT rules to shut down 35 YouTube channels and two websites run from Pakistan for spreading anti-India “fake news”. These channels – viewed by hundreds of millions – had churned out lies about our Army, Kashmir and even elections, stoking communal discord. Intelligence agencies flagged these networks as part of a coordinated campaign to “divide India on the lines of religion” and inspire violence. Cracking down on that network was necessary, but it also highlights a grim fact: we were playing whack-a-mole with one enemy, and the mole keeps popping up. Worse, the threat is evolving.

Consider the rise of deepfakes. Bad actors now have tools to create startlingly realistic fake videos of anyone, public figures and private citizens alike. Parliament has taken notice. In July 2023, the government replied that it was “cognizant of the risks” posed by AI-generated deepfakes. The answer pointed to sections of the IT Act that criminalise online impersonation and to rules forcing platforms to remove offending content within 24 hours of a complaint. Yet these legal weapons are blunt. They address symptoms (a viral post here, an insulting tweet there) but not the disease. They leave us fighting fires instead of drafting a comprehensive fire suppression plan. India cannot afford to remain so reactive. Other powers long ago wove information warfare into their military planning. China’s doctrine openly prioritises “Three Warfares” – psychological, media and legal warfare – as part of its military strategy. Even in the US, the Pentagon has information operations manuals and cyber doctrines to align the whole government’s response.

India has none of that publicly. We have committees (as far back as 2008, the Integrated Defence Staff noted the need for working groups on “communications and information warfare”), and we have individual agencies on cybersecurity. But we lack a coherent Information Warfare Doctrine – an umbrella strategy to defend and, if needed, strike back in the battle of narratives. This gap is dangerous. We face a hybrid threat environment every day: drones buzzing borders and Russian TV-style spin on our newsfeeds are parts of the same campaign.

Our Defence Minister warned only a few months ago that hybrid and grey-zone tactics are growing challenges for our military. Yet civilians and soldiers alike have received scant guidance on this front. Schools do not teach media literacy at scale. Security forces train to shoot down drones, but who trains them to shoot down a viral tweet?

The Finance Ministry took down some fake economic news websites, and the Election Commission flagged manipulated images during elections, but all these splinter efforts raise the question: who is the field general for India’s information war? A formal doctrine would force us to answer that. It would say where the responsibilities lie – what role for the military, for the intelligence agencies, for the foreign office, for social media companies – and how to coordinate among them. It would outline defensive steps (building hardened communications, digital verification labs, cyber-intelligence units) alongside offensive steps (psychological operations, strategic messaging cells, legal pushes against hostile propaganda outlets).

Already, we see signs that some ammunition exists: the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has empowered fact-check units and transparency rules, and courts have upheld takedowns of divisive content. But a doctrine could connect those tools to our national interest. It could say: “When foreign trolls try to disrupt an Indian election, we respond with our clarion of truth – and we have a playbook to do it fast and decisively.” The need is urgent. Falsehoods can travel across the internet in seconds, mobilising mobs, scaring markets or undermining morale before truth is even cobbled.

In India’s last few crises, governments have been caught flat-footed by viral misinformation, scrambling to correct the record. By contrast, our armed forces practise intricate war games for physical battles, but few drills exist for information warfare. As Rajnath Singh warned in Mhow, we face an era where “frontier technologies” and unconventional threats demand new readiness. Only a doctrine can ensure we don’t stay perpetually one step behind the enemy in the new fighting domain. India has finally awakened to the cyber threat; now it must do the same for information as a weapon.

A comprehensive doctrine, backed by political will, would be a clarion call: that the age of online scoundrels and deepfake disinfo has a match in Indian resolve. Otherwise, we risk letting malicious narratives and foreign trolls erode national unity and security. In the 21st century, a false tweet can spark violence as surely as a bullet. It is time India named its adversary, drew its battle lines in cyberspace, and fought back with purpose and policy.  

Living in a world metastasized by emojis and short-form communications, the soft power of manners is a timeless and potent arsenal for evolution that has been conveniently misunderstood as ineffective. Words have always been the foremost form of expression that impacts human beings on a day-to-day basis. Some of the most impactful words that not only impact others but also bring a sense of calm and peace within are 'SORRY', 'PLEASE', and 'THANK YOU'. Often underestimated, these three powerful words, when used consciously on a day-to-day basis, can change the trajectory of any potentially cumbersome situation towards a peaceful space. When we carry these words, we reflect grace, empathy and human connection. Often overlooked, these simple words carry the seed of something mighty, capable of growing swiftly into a tree that grounds, connects, and nourishes human relationships.

SORRY - It is not just confined to the admission of fault. It is an acknowledgment of contribution in hurting someone intentionally or intentionally defining care. A simple 'sorry' can melt walls, soften anger, and pave the way for dialogue that can open doors to forgiveness. Unfortunately, in today’s time sorry is viewed as a bruise on ego, but in reality, it is an act of courage. What’s important is to realize that a “sorry” without sincerity is like a bridge with no foundation that collapses under the weight of expectation. It’s not about saying the word, but meaning it.

PLEASE - A minimal and soft word in form, yet vast in meaning. It carries no force, yet its influence often reaches further than any command. In moments where power could easily overshadow kindness, this soft syllable restores balance with elegance, whether spoken to a child, a waiter, or a stranger. It is a quiet act of respect that conveys, ‘I honour your effort.’ In an environment that rushes to demand, ‘please is the pause that invites connection because true power isn’t in demanding, it lies in asking with grace.

THANK YOU - A gentle bow of gratitude. A way of expressing I care, I value, I appreciate. A simple thank you is humble enough to fill in the gap between the rich and the poor. An eight-letter word with the power to make someone feel respected and seen. Whether it’s the domestic help working tirelessly in your home, the vegetable vendor under the scorching sun, or the auto-rickshaw driver navigating busy streets. A simple, sincere “thank you” can brighten their day. It’s more than courtesy; it’s an act of recognition. It tells them, “I see you, I value your effort, and I respect your work. Try it and watch the magic unfold.

In today’s era, strength is glamorised as noise, loud equals confidence, pushy is defined as powerful and quiet is referred to as weak. But that is the biggest myth. True strength manifests in calmness, composure, connectedness, and it shows in the courage to say SORRY, humility to say PLEASE, and the sagacity to say THANK YOU. Sometimes, it’s not grand gestures but small, sincere words that transform a life and remind us how powerful kindness can truly be.

AUTHOR’S QUOTE :
Sorry, Please and Thank you - Three sacred words so small, yet soul’s true song, when spoken with truth, heal the heart and right the wrong!

Kamiya Arora
( Author and highly celebrated Dj of India )

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Argentina carries historic significance and marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

For the first time in 57 years, an Indian head of government has undertaken a bilateral visit to Argentina. While Indian prime minister’s, including Modi himself,  have previously traveled to Argentina most notably during the G-20 Summit in 2018, this is the first formal bilateral visit since Indira Gandhi came to Argentina in 1968, nearly six decades ago.

Modi’s meeting with President Javier Milei occurs at a unique juncture in global affairs, as India emerges as a major power on the world stage. With a population of 1.45 billion, India has recently surpassed the People’s Republic of China to become the most populous country in the world. Its expanding influence is both a reflection of its demographic strength and the result of sustained economic development.

India’s remarkable economic trajectory has propelled it to the position of the world’s fifth-largest economy, with credible aspirations of becoming the third-largest by the end of this decade. This growth is not just a matter of statistics: it reflects a broader transformation with in Indian society. Hundreds of millions have ascended into the middle class, creating one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets on the planet. While challenges persist and many citizens still face economic hardship, the overall improvement in the standard of living is undeniable.

This transformation has not occurred by chance. It is the product of deliberate and systematic economic liberalisation that began in 1991. India’s pivot toward a market-based economy, away from the rigid state-controlled model of the past, laid the groundwork for this impressive growth. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership since 2014, these economic reforms have not only continued but deepened. The shift has been away from what was once described as a transition from the “British Raj” to a “License Raj”-a system mired in excessive regulation that stifled innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, India’s policy direction fosters private enterprise, supports innovation, and actively seeks global partnerships to advance its development goals.

It is within this positive context that the bilateral relationship between India and Argentina is gaining strategic momentum.

India is now one of Argentina’s top six trading partners, with bilateral trade standing at approximately USD 5 billion. Argentina is a major supplier of soybean oil to India, the largest, in fact, and the third-largest source of sunflower oil. These figures underscore the growing interdependence between our economies and the complementarity of our respective strengths.

Equally important is the expanding footprint of Indian investment in Argentina, particularly in the mining sector. Indian companies have shown keen interest in lithium exploration, especially in the province of Catamarca. They are also venturing into copper and gold exploration. Governor RaúlJalil’s recent visit to India, aimed at strengthening these relationships, reflects the shared intent to further build upon this foundation.

These investments are crucial for India as it seeks to develop a robust and sustainable electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. A secure and diversified supply of critical minerals such as lithium is essential for India’s EV and renewable energy ambitions, and Argentina stands out as a vital partner in this regard.

In the energy sector, relations are also expanding rapidly. YPF Chairman HoracioMarín has led two high-level delegations to New Delhi, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with leading Indian energy firms. This agreement is an important step toward positioning Argentina as a future energy supplier to meet India’s immense and growing demand. Politically, Argentina remains deeply grateful for India’s longstanding support on the Malvinas Question at

The United Nations, particularly at the Decolonisation Committee. India, with its own rich historical experience of decolonisation, lends moral weight and a principled voice to the matter, one that resonates globally. Defense cooperation has also seen steady progress. The armed forces of both nations engage in mutual exchanges, joint training opportunities, and knowledge-sharing.

Special emphasis has been placed on the training of mountain troops and participation in university-level defense studies, laying the groundwork for greater interoperability and strategic understanding.

Nuclear collaboration is another emerging area of mutual interest. Both countries are working toward finalizing a memorandum of understanding between their respective nuclear regulatory bodies. This agreement could pave the way for deeper cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, with promising prospects in technology transfer, safety standards, and research collaboration. A firm and unequivocal stance against terrorism unites India and Argentina. Both nations have experienced the devastating impact of transnational terrorism and recognize the importance of international cooperation in countering it. Following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which nearly 30 lives were lost, Argentina was among the first nations to express solidarity and condemnation. This gesture reaffirms the shared commitment of both governments to global peace and security, a cornerstone of President Milei’s foreign policy doctrine.

The breadth and depth of India-Argentina cooperation extend far beyond what a single article can encompass. From trade and energy to defense and diplomacy, the relationship has evolved into a truly multifaceted partnership.

Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Argentina is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a renewed and pragmatic push toward deeper engagement. This trip may well be remembered as a turning point-a fresh beginning that consolidates mutual trust and opens new avenues of cooperation.

As two democracies with shared values, a strong belief in multilateralism, and a high degree of objective economic and strategic complementarity, India and Argentina are poised to usher in a new era of partnership. With a history of diplomatic ties dating back nearly eight decades, the groundwork has long been in place. Now, with new momentum and visionary leadership on both sides, the potential for collaboration is boundless.

This bilateral visit reminds us that while geography may separate our nations, shared aspirations and mutual respect bring us closer together. The relationship between India and Argentina is not only historical-it is also forward-looking, ambitious, and full of promise. 

President Donald Trump’s surprise military strike on Iranian nuclear sites has sent ripples far beyond the Middle East, impacting strategic calculations in the Asia-Pacific region. The June 22 U.S. attack—using B-2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles—helped end the 12-day Iran-Israel war, but also signaled a shift in Trump’s foreign policy doctrine.

I believe true success isn’t just about wealth — it’s about inner strength and a smile that lasts through challenges

In the corporate world, we have traditionally defined success by the size of our paycheck, our position in the hierarchy, the number of people in our network, or the profits on our balance sheet. But that is a very limited way of perceiving success.

In businesses today, we need to have a strategy, a creative edge, right decision making (intuition), sharpness, and speed. While this requires the right skillsets, vision and resources, it also needs something deeper-the strength, clarity and life force energy that comes from within. Just as we do not forgo our hygiene in the pursuit of our business goals, one can no longer ignore one’s mental hygiene either, no matter what our profession is. To take good care of our minds, spiritual practices like meditation, reflection, and contemplation on timeless wisdom can be of great help. Unless we take care of our minds, any success we achieve is going to be short-lived and elusive.

We can’t play the role of a CEO or a manager all day. Who are we when we are sleeping? Are we an entrepreneur or a manager or a team lead? Just like sleep offers rest from all these labels, a few minutes of meditation or spending time in silence offers rest to the mind. And that brief pause gives you enormous energy to accomplish your goals with a smile on your face each day. Spirituality is not a detour from success; in fact, it is what gives it depth and sustainability.

Intuition, Not Just Information

Many business leaders will tell you: that one big idea, that one breakthrough, just flashed in their mind. Innovation and a clear vision of a future are products of an intuitive mind. And when our mind calms down, intuition is right there. A few minutes of meditation every day can bring you more awareness, clarity, and the right nudge.

Success without intuition is like walking blindfolded through a forest. You may have all the data, but data alone doesn’t give us insight. That insight is born in silence, when the stress and worry settle, and the intuitive intelligence begins to rise.

Competition Without Comparison

Competition becomes stressful when it turns into comparison. On the race track, we do not win by looking around to see who’s catching up; we win by singularly focusing on our own game. Pulling others down does not make one rise. We may be the market leader, but we need to see if we have outdone ourselves in any measure. Success comes when we improve our own past performance. All we need to do is, aim for growth over ego.

To win big, we do not have to isolate ourselves and live in perpetual insecurity. We must acknowledge others and the good work they do. A good relationship is never a deterrent to competitive spirit or ambition. When perceived in the right sense, it can, in fact make us better people and overall add value to our enterprises. We don’t have to be cunning or rude to be competitive and ambitious. We can be competitive, successful, and friendly at the same time. In one meal, we can have raita, and we can also have payasam. Nothing prevents us from having both.

Leadership Beyond the Ego

A good leader is not a dictator. Leadership is about listening, collaborating, and communicating, calmly, and confidently. Most of business is communication. Even the greatest ideas can fail if not communicated properly. Most of the disasters in businesses happen due to impulsiveness. One makes an impulsive decision that is followed by endless regret. For communication to be effective, it should be devoid of impulsiveness. Great communication, with a sense of confidence, is the outcome of a meditative mind. Communication with a calm, clear mind and a holistic vision, which involves the interest of all, helps us grow in business and personal life. At the root of highly effective communication is meditation, because that kind of clarity can come from silence alone. This forms the basis for happiness and abundance, which is what everyone wants at the end of the day.

Spirituality brings immense happiness in our lives, which is the goal of creating wealth. Suppose we have all the wealth of the world, but we are miserable. What good is that wealth? Wealth should bring us physical comfort and happiness in life. If it doesn’t achieve this goal, it remains unfulfilling.

With meditation, we can culture our mind to respond instead of react, and see the bigger picture. Just because an idea failed in the short term does not mean it will never work. It may just be a factor of time. When one has a bigger vision, the mind will not get stuck in trivial challenges or be discouraged by them. To take big decisions on what will work in the long run and what won't, one needs to be able to see the big picture, an ability that comes effortlessly with meditation.

And when communication happens from such an intuitive space, it builds teams, inspires trust, and makes businesses thrive, and not just survive.

Team spirit is built on celebrating diversity- diversity of personalities, their flaws and qualities. Everyone in your team doesn't need to be like you, and they shouldn’t be. Focus not on personalities, but on the goal. If the goal remains the priority, you’ll find ways to take everyone along.

This will help build a deeper and more meaningful bond among the teams. They will go back with renewed energy, calm, creativity, and a sense of enthusiasm to do more. There are two types of joy. One is the infant joy of receiving something and another is the more mature joy that comes from giving, which is long-lasting. I would urge everyone to experience the latter by contributing to society.

We don’t have to do what we cannot do for society. We will never be expected to give what we cannot give. But what we can do for others, within our means and by stretching ourselves a little outside of our comfort zone, we must do. It is not just in the millions we make, but in the quality of our giving and how we uplift others. One must consider one’s work sacred; earn for ourselves, and also share. Business, at its best, can become a tree that gives shade to many.

Maintaining a work-life balance is necessary today. When life outside work is rich and meaningful, your work too becomes more focused and productive. Meditation and spiritual wisdom allow you more time to build this beautiful balance skillfully. To attain peace, you do not have to run away to the Himalayas. You can be right where you are, and dive deep within to the cave of your heart, to find stillness and comfort.

Success is not just about what you get but who you become in the process. Do you smile more? Or does it disappear at the first sight of a challenge or a failure? See for yourself how strong your smile is; that is the real measure of your success.

African Unity Nite 2025 in Oman: A Bridge of Heritage, Solidarity, and Sustainable Development

Under the patronage of the African Committee in Oman, the African Unity Nite 2025 held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ruwi, was a splendid celebration of African culture, tourism, and international cooperation. The theme, “Visit Africa: Familiarizing the World with Africa’s Tourism Potential”, highlighted the richness and diversity of African heritage while underlining the significance of sustainable tourism and economic growth.

Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, has shown a steadfast commitment to fostering peace and supporting humanitarian efforts across Africa, particularly in Sudan. In collaboration with the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (UNASDG), the Sultanate has played a pivotal role in launching initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, and economic development.

A special acknowledgment goes to Sheykh Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Hamdani, Ambassador of Oman to the UNASDG, whose unwavering support and dedication have significantly strengthened the bridge of cooperation between Oman and Sudan. His leadership, along with that of His Excellency Dr. El Nazeir Ibrahim Mohamed Abu Sail, International Legal Advisor and Strategic Advisor, and fellow Ambassador of UNASDG, has been instrumental in advancing strategic partnerships and fostering sustainable 

When former presidents speak out, it's not politics, it's prophecy.

In the better days of American democracy—if such days can still be spoken of without irony—former presidents understood their silence as service. They returned, after their tenure, to the quiet dignity of private life. To stay silent was not apathy; it was trust. Trust that the system would hold, that the Constitution could weather the next storm, that democracy, however flawed, would self-correct.

That era is over.

In recent weeks, an extraordinary thing has happened. Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and President Joe Biden have all returned to the stage—not to endorse candidates or reflect on legacy, but to issue a warning. A constitutional warning. A democratic cry. They did not name names. They didn’t have to.

Their collective intervention breaks a long-standing tradition not out of vanity, but necessity. What we are witnessing is not camaraderie—it is survival. These are men who once campaigned against each other, governed in ideological opposition, and wrestled for legacy. Today, they stand on the same ground, not because they agree on policies, but because they fear there may soon be no ground left to stand on.

This is not politics as usual. This is guardianship. And it is miserable.

George W. Bush, who has stayed largely silent since leaving office, speaks volumes in his absence. His few words, when offered, cut through the noise, quiet, deliberate rebukes that suggest deep unease. Even his reticence has become a kind of dissent.

What binds these presidents now is not partisanship, but a shared dread that the guardrails of American democracy—electoral legitimacy, judicial independence, the peaceful transfer of power—are buckling. They are watching, in real time, the erosion of the very structures they once swore to uphold.

Yes, America has survived deep fissures before: the Civil War, Watergate, even the traumas of 9/11. But the current crisis is different. It is not just institutional; it is moral. It is not merely about policy—it is about whether truth can hold against conspiracy, whether law can outlast loyalty, whether leadership can exist without fear.

Former presidents do not raise their voices easily. When they do, it means the alarm has already been ringing too long. What we are hearing now is not the usual noise of an election cycle. It is a last-ditch call from those who know the system from the inside. Who understands how close we may be to tipping from dysfunction into collapse.

There is no joy in this chorus. Only dread.

And perhaps that is the lesson of this moment. That even the most powerful among us are powerless when democratic norms give way. That misery, not ambition, is what calls them to speak. And that, when history looks back, it may judge them not by the offices they held—but by the alarm they sounded, too late or just in time.

Author Bio: Prof. Sasmita Palo teaches at the School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and research, her work focuses on organizational behaviour and leadership.