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Pavan K Varma

Pavan K Varma

The Times of India

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Just Like That | A philosopher with a camera

Just Like That | A philosopher with a camera

Bandeep Singh believes he is blessed by Naga Sadhus. In my view, they are also lucky to have someone of his calibre to chronicle their elusive and...

previous day 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Live life full, not in excess or to prolong the lifespan

Live life full, not in excess or to prolong the lifespan

In India, life expectancy has risen from 25.4 years in 1800 to 70.82 today. A balanced life and positive attitude may be key to aging better.

24.02.2025 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Opinion | Two Indias: Flawless Planning For VIPs, Deadly Chaos For The Public

What happened at New Delhi Railway Station on 15 February was due to lack of planning and systemic neglect, but above all, the root cause was the...

20.02.2025 10

News18

Pavan K Varma

Khajuraho and Konark: Where the sacred and sensual converge

Khajuraho and Konark: Where the sacred and sensual converge

The erotic art of Khajuraho and Konark reveals the contrast between historical and contemporary views on morality

17.02.2025 30

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Opinion | Indian Elections And The Vicious Cycle Of Freebies

Opinion | Indian Elections And The Vicious Cycle Of Freebies

Because freebies are given, structural reform of the economy does not take place; and because such essential reform does not take place, freebies are...

11.02.2025 10

News18

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | From struggle to success: The quiet triumph of Bimla’s family

In urban chaos, success stories often remain untold. Bimla and Rakesh, a couple who faced adversity, prioritized education for their children. 

10.02.2025 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | The hidden stories behind Pandit Jasraj’s rise to greatness

Pandit Jasraj’s success was built on relentless riyaz and sadhana

03.02.2025 20

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Parade that announced the birth of the Republic

The Republic Day Parade is now a spectacular event. Yet, perhaps, the warmth and enthusiasm, and the genuine sense of wonderment and pride, that were...

26.01.2025 8

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Decolonising the Indian mind: Beyond political freedom

While India's independence was a monumental achievement, the remnants of colonial influence endure in language, education, and cultural preferences

20.01.2025 20

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Bim Bissell: A visionary who empowered Indian artisans

Bim Bissell, co-founder of Fabindia, was a cultural force who transformed traditional Indian textiles into a global brand while empowering 90,000...

13.01.2025 20

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

From subjugation to revolt: India’s response to imperial arrogance

British colonisation in India had transitioned from cautious diplomacy under Sir Thomas Roe to overt dominance by Lord Clive.

06.01.2025 20

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | From Turbulence to Triumph: Air India’s New Avatar

Air India is reinventing itself with thoughtful service upgrades, and cultural nuances like a creative safety video and a soulful fusion soundtrack.

30.12.2024 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Remembering Ghalib: A poet’s legacy and the fight to preserve his haveli

Ghalib’s poetic brilliance, deeply infused with Sufi ideals, transcends religious boundaries.

23.12.2024 7

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in memory

It happens far more to very successful people. When their careers are on the ascendant, people know everything about them — fame, money, lifestyle,...

15.12.2024 4

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Opinion | The Enemy Within: How Political Infighting Is Crippling India

12.12.2024 5

News18

Pavan K Varma

To speak of despondency, and hope, through poetry

Poetry is compressed thought, with the ability, in its sheer brevity and imagery, to jolt the mind out of surrounding mediocrity

17.11.2024 5

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | From sartorial freedom to seafood feasts: Goa’s enduring allure

Goa’s relaxed atmosphere and rich Indo-Portuguese culture invite visitors into a world where daily worries feel distant

10.11.2024 4

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Rhythm, Rasa, and Reverence: Why classical dance captures India’s soul

Classical dance isn’t mere entertainment but a sadhana or practice, resonating with the spirit of Diwali and other festivals in India.

03.11.2024 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Art, obscenity, and hypocrisy: Why Mumbai Customs got it wrong

The mandate of Mumbai Customs is to confiscate contraband, not pronounce moral judgement on great works of art.

27.10.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | The ignoble western bias in Nobel Prizes

We in India give too much importance to western recognition. It is time we institute our own global prizes, and objectively judge those who judge us

20.10.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Ravaan’s leela: The scholar, the devotee, and the fallen king

Ravaan was a brilliant scholar and a devout devotee of Shiva, revered in parts of India. Yet, it was his refusal to heed wise counsel that led to...

13.10.2024 5

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Autumn is here, and so is the time for celebration

I urge you, in the early mornings, and at dusk, to feel the coming of autumn, and the subtle but unmissable season of interregnum between monsoons...

06.10.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

If cleanliness is next to godliness, it’s time to clean up temples

For Hindus, religion is a highly individualised pursuit. A devotee is concerned about his moksha, the satisfaction of his wants, and less about...

29.09.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Power and loyalty: The wheel of history

When leaders fall, the dip in the loyalty quotient precipitates the betrayal immediately, and the adulation for the new rising star is instantaneous.

22.09.2024 2

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

MK Rasgotra turns 100: A legacy of diplomacy, elegance and wisdom

Known for his elegance and wisdom, Rasgotra’s career and personal anecdotes continue to inspire the foreign service community

15.09.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Chandigarh: Embracing Indian identity beyond Le Corbusier’s vision

Over time, the city has adopted an Indian personality, flourishing with vibrant markets and cultural charm, despite the legacy left behind by the...

08.09.2024 4

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Opinion | Why Supreme Court’s Stand Against ‘Bulldozer Justice’ Should Be Welcomed

Written By: Pavan K Varma News18.com Last Updated: September 06, 2024, 19:31 IST New Delhi, India The Supreme Court came down heavily on 'bulldozer...

07.09.2024 30

News18

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | English, and India's legacy of languages

As we emerge from Macaulay’s legacy, we are still adrift from our mother tongues and retain a sense of heenta or inferiority to our own languages.

01.09.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Natwar Singh’s wit and arrogance of spirit

Kunwar Natwar Singh was passionate about books, and he wrote several himself, the first being an edited tribute to EM Forster.

25.08.2024 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | The power of silence: Embracing maun vrat for inner peace

The practice of resolving to abstain from speech, maun, is an ancient one in India

18.08.2024 9

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

The people’s poet who bridged divides through lyrical simplicity

Nida Fazli's work, influenced by both Sufi and Bhakti traditions, resonated with audiences across linguistic and cultural divides

11.08.2024 20

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Bismillah Khan and the shehnai: A legacy of innovation in music

From his early days in Benaras to leading the nation into Independence with his shehnai, Khan’s legacy is a testament to his musical genius

04.08.2024 3

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Away from the spotlight, a remarkable President

As a person, R Venkataraman was exceptionally polite, carrying his many distinctions lightly. In his work style, he was a bureaucrat-politician

28.07.2024 7

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma

Just Like That | Devotees of Shiva, Kanwariyas should soak in the spirituality

The miracle of procreation is also a gift of God and there is nothing wrong in associating Shiva with it. The Lingam is the replica of the dome of...

21.07.2024 10

hindustantimes

Pavan K Varma