The Dreamer's Diary

For years now, we have lamented the decline of reading habits among the younger generation. The blame often falls on technology—streaming services, social media, smartphones, and now AI—which, we argue, have left little to the imagination. At times, it appears we are witnessing the death of the printed word. But perhaps this narrative is incomplete. Perhaps, beyond pointing fingers at technology, we need to pause and ask ourselves: are we truly providing the kind of quality, engaging, and thought-provoking content that could rekindle the charm of books and print media?   The Impact of the Digital Age  It is undeniable that the rise of virtual media, rapid technological innovations, and the omnipresence of smartphones have transformed the way we consume information and entertainment. Long-form reading has faced competition from quick, visually stimulating content designed to provide instant gratification. For science fiction, fantasy, or thoughtful narratives, these fast-p...

Nearly two hundred thousand years ago, modern humans, Homo sapiens, first emerged in the savannas of Africa. At that time, they were not the only human species on Earth; several other human species were scattered across different parts of the globe. In Europe, there were the robustly built Homo neanderthalensis, or Neanderthals. Meanwhile, the mysterious Denisovans lived in the caves of Central Asia, and in Southeast Asia, the diminutive Homo floresiensis survived. The great human family thus consisted of several different species. When Homo sapiens began their journey northward and eastward out of Africa, they encountered these other humans. In the icy caves of Europe, they met the Neanderthals—strong and physically powerful, but fewer in number. In the mountainous valleys of Central Asia, the sapiens confronted the Denisovans. This is not just a story of competition or conflict—it is also a story of remarkable mixing. Modern genetic research has revealed that encounters between these...

Oh, absolutely—who needs books or thinking for themselves these days? Being “intellectual” is so passé! Let’s just celebrate mediocrity and worship stupidity, especially if it comes with a sparkly, consumer-friendly bow. But hey, call me old-fashioned, but I still cling to that cliché about class being permanent and darkness not lasting forever—how original of me, right? Reading today, is often perceived as a scholarly activity, primarily associated with the digestion of textbooks and academic materials. However, the act of reading encompasses a much broader spectrum, including fiction, non-fiction, historical accounts, and research-based works.  Ability to Think Between the Lines One of the most critical skills developed through extensive reading, particularly of literature that requires interpretation, is the ability to think between the lines. Engaging with complex narratives, whether from a novel by Jane Austen or a philosophical work by Jean-Paul Sartre, Ray's study on using i...

  Bhakt: Our Media this time ( 2025 Pakistan wa*r) has really gone overboard !. They have lost all credibility! Again, Bhakt: However, the Non-Bilogoical Superman has changed how the world used to perceive India. The world now respects our country like never before! Even this time, we have taught 'them' a lesson.  Me: Who told you?  Bhakt: Our Media!  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Bhakt: I know everything about Communism.  Me: How come?  Bhakt: My uncle was a Naxalite.    ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ T: I stopped the War, so I am the real Hero! M: I started the war, so I am the real Hero! Indian Army: And we were playing Ludo! ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Bhakt: We won the War!  Normal People: Oh? Congratulations to the Indian army and us! But why did it come to this? Bhakt: Stupid anti-national, due to that horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir. Enough is enough! Normal people: What about them?  Bhakt: We are workng on it.  Norm...

Childhood is a sacred time meant for exploration, learning, and, above all, enjoying the simplicity of being young. Reality shows, in their quest for the most compelling content, may unwittingly pressurize children to adopt behaviors or attitudes that are beyond their years. Children’s reality shows are popular, but they often harm kids more than they entertain. Here’s why:   Robbing Kids of Their Childhood Childhood should be about playing, learning, and having fun—not performing for cameras. Many reality shows push children to act like adults, taking away their innocence. Kids should be allowed to be kids, not forced to impress judges or audiences. Capitalism Over Childhood  These shows care more about money than kids. TV networks want high ratings and sponsors, so they create drama and competition, even if it hurts the children. Instead of focusing on profits, these shows should protect kids’ mental and emotional health.   Too Much Pressure and Unhealthy Comp...

Amidst all the backlash, rebuke, and name-calling directed at West Bengal’s yesteryear's academic system—particularly at the school level during the Communist era—my generation grew up in an environment that, despite its flaws, fostered a culture of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Today, after spending more than two decades in different parts of the country, mostly in Northern India, I realize with clarity that the education we received in Bengal, though often criticized for lacking a so-called "competitive spirit," instilled in us values that make us proud. Unlike the education system prevalent in North and Central India (the Hindi belt), our system encouraged independent thought, questioning, and a broad engagement with literature and history beyond prescribed textbooks.   Encouragement to Think, Question, and Explore   One of the most defining aspects of our education was the freedom to think and ask questions( no, that time it was not labelled as an...