The kitchen tap was leaking again. With a sigh, I called a plumber. A few minutes later, a middle-aged man walked in — calm, steady, carrying a faded toolkit. I watched him…
-
-
When no one is looking
On 8th April, 2025, when Japan’s electronic toll collection system unexpectedly failed for 38 hours, the toll gates were opened to allow free passage of vehicles. In most countries, that might have…
-
Bishnoi community: India’s original environmentalists
In the year 1730, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur (in modern-day Rajasthan, India) ordered the felling of khejri trees (Persian mesquite) in the village of Khejarli to provide wood for a new…
-
Sikhism: Rich in philosophy, customs and traditions
Sikhism, a monotheistic religion originating in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, is rich in philosophy, customs and traditions. Its founder was Guru Nanak (1469-1539). Sikhism believes in One…
-
Dr. Jane Goodall: Pioneer of primate ethology
Dr. Jane Goodall (1934-2025) was a true icon in the fields of primatology, anthropology, conservation and environmentalism. In her passing away on October 1, 2025, at 91, the world has lost a…
-
Paying for aroma – Nasreddin Hodja’s verdict
From time to time, whenever the chief judge who governed the village and gave judgments in the court was absent, the role was given to the Mulla Nasreddin Hodja. It was under just such…
-
Longing for God
Kabezya-Mpungu, the highest god, had created the sky and the earth and two human beings, a man and a woman endowed with reason. However, these two human beings did not, as yet,…
-
The story of the rainbow
Once upon a time, all the colours in the world started to quarrel; each claimed that she was the best, the most important, the most useful, the favourite. Green said: “Clearly I am…
-
The dew drop
As the sun rose, a dew drop became aware of its surroundings. There it sat on a leaf, catching the sunlight and throwing it back out. Proud of its simple beauty, it…
-
The parable of Brother Leo
An old legend tells of a monastery in France well-known throughout Europe because of the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo. Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit…