Varghese T Thomas

Culture is changing Place of worship has become noisy & louder and the place for ideas, innovative and critical thinking is becoming silent. Spirituality needs silence and the campuses needs voices. Religious places should maintain silence for what they expect to attain and the campuses should be noisy with all its beauty, warts, democratic culture and set up. “There should be a rush of peace and serenity when one enters a place of worship” – noted by the Madras High Court. How many of our religious places can claim this status today? Places of worship – a noise nuisance The ringing of bells and the call to prayer over loudspeakers from a religious place can be lovely reminders of reverence and joy to its listeners. But what about others? Let’s excuse them for the time being for this. But what about prayers and sometimes hate speeches are aired on blasting loudspeakers? Since we live in a land of multiple religion, faith and diversity and yet united in ways we celebrate...

"There are two things we should give our children: one is roots and the other is wings". – Author Unknown. My understanding of the quote: Roots, which would allow our children to stand firmly and to steadfastly hold their grounds in a world which is constantly trying to change them into something else. And Wings, which allow them to soar to great height, freely, unbounded and far away. That means, teachers give children the roots to grow and the wings to fly. A teacher should always been passionate about an education for children that goes beyond just traditional academia. Children will learn the “core” subjects to the best of their ability if their personal learning style is identified and supported and they will learn it at their own pace. It is much more important as an educator, to focus on the children’s emotional and social education, which in my opinion will have much more far reaching importance for their future lives, for their happiness and well-being. O...

Our Voice By Varghese T. Thomas 1st February, 2021 We have the right to agree or disagree. But no right to oppose. Today it is activists, journalists and opposition MPs. Tomorrow, you and me – anyone who oppose Modi and his team of Hindu rashtravadis can expect a jail term without any warrant. • Manipulate • Marginalise • Harass • Intimidate • Discredit • Creates social divide • Silencing To where this government is dragging our country with the above seven or more mantras? The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — which is dealt with by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Modi’s preferred instrument for sowing terror into those who disagree with his policies — sedition has become the new route to ensuring lengthy pre-trial incarceration. This is how the Modi government has been keeping civil rights activists and journalists in jail without trial. Only an opposition that sets aside its petty ego and opportunism, and unites across the N-E-W-S, and resp...