Blind Tradition

 

Too many people hold on to traditions they don’t understand, customs they never questioned, and practices that no longer make sense in today’s world. Tradition without questioning can trap generations into following an irrational path 

 

We like to do things because ‘this is how my grandmother used to do it’, ‘this is how my father did it.’ We do things without first asking why. Our ability to think and discern is sacrificed at the altar of unquestioned traditions. Sense is needed more than sentiments.

 

We inherit traditions but what happens when what we inherit is not  understood for the context and relevance which may have changed with time? There are traditions that are meaningful and relevant even today. But there are many customs which are neither aligned to logic nor common good. 

 

So often, so many of us carry forward the habits, beliefs, and fears of our elders without realizing how deeply they shape our thought processes, choices, relationships, and even our responses to opportunities. We exist in a new reality but blindly follow old practices without confirming their relevance.

 

Buddha said, ‘do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations; do not believe in anything because it is rumoured and spoken by many… After observation and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and gain of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.’

 

Use the questioning mind, let logic dwell

Wisdom lies beyond blind tradition spell

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Intouchable

Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy French aristocrat and Abdel Sellou, his Algerian caregiver, formed an unlikely friendship that inspired film 'The Intouchables'.

In 1993, Philippe, a quadriplegic due to a paragliding accident, met Abdel, a young Algerian immigrant with a troubled past, including time in prison for theft. Despite their differences, they formed a strong bond, with Abdel becoming Philippe's caregiver and confidant.

Abdel's irreverent humor and carefree attitude helped Philippe overcome his depression and find joy in life again. Together, they shared adventures, like racing through Paris in Philippe's modified wheelchair and playing pranks on each other.

The title has a dual meaning. In the beginning, Driss is reluctant to care for Philippe, seeing him as "untouchable" due to his disability, similar to the historical discrimination Driss faces himself. Later, the two become "intouchable" in a figurative sense, becoming a team that can overcome any obstacle and is no longer held back by their limitations.

Their story continues to inspire, showcasing the power of friendship and human connection. When we truly connect as humane beings, we unite just as we are meant to be... members of the same team!

Two human beings can never be untouchable

Connect to become one and truly intouchable

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Arusuvai

Arusuvai is a Tamil term meaning ‘six tastes’. It refers to the traditional South Indian culinary principle of balancing sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent flavours in food to make it healthy and complete 

 According to Ayurveda too, different tastes come from different minerals needed by our body. So consuming it with every meal helps with our physical wellness. A balanced meal should contain preparations that have all these tastes.

 

The habit of developing varied taste preferences, is achieved through repeated exposure and mindful consumption. We can train our brain to appreciate new flavours by consistently trying new foods, focusing on all our senses while eating and allowing our brain time to adapt. 

 

Our brain takes around 8-15 tries to adapt to a new taste. Beyond the taste, we must pay attention to the smell, texture and even the sounds the food makes. Hence we must avoid ‘fog eating,’ where you eat without being present. We must give our senses more time to process the food.

 

 We must try a wide variety of foods to be exposed to new flavour profiles through the practice of Arusuvai. Besides health benefits, Arusuvai develops an open mind to different cuisines. Rather than insist on the same old single taste, we welcome the rich diversity that is served by others.

 

Arusuvai makes for a palate so fine,

With all flavours bringing joy divine!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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NO BARRIERS written on 10 Nov'2025

Last Saturday was the Preview Night of ‘Festivals of Goa’ on occasion of the 10th anniversary exhibition at the Museum of Goa, celebrating Goa’s culture, community & heritage. It showcased over 90 artists and over 100 artworks, all celebrating the diversity of various art forms. 

Speaking on the occasion, founder Dr Subodh Kerkar underlined how the art & culture are unifying factors in times where divisive forces seek to widen the chasm between communities. He has been consistently seeking to connect and bring together artists to celebrate the joyful togetherness of distinct diversities.

 

Music, art, and culture are universal languages that transcend borders, boundaries and differences, connecting people from diverse backgrounds. They are powerful mediums of expression that know no bounds. They facilitate exchange and understanding among different cultures and communities. They promote inclusivity, embracing diversity and individuality.

 

We see genres like jazz, rock and classical music with global influences and appeal. Artists draw inspiration from diverse cultures. Cultural Festivals too showcase global cultural richness. The creative arts bring people together, overcoming barriers. Cross-cultural influences spark innovation and creativity. They foster empathy and understanding among diverse groups.

 

However, respecting the cultural origins of others remains a challenge. Also, protecting traditional arts in a globalized world is crucial. It is important to ensure inclusivity and access to cultural expressions. Music, art and culture are bridges that connect humanity, celebrating our shared creativity and diversity. They help the world to be one of no barriers!

 

'No barriers' will make our world so fine

In harmony, diversity will surely shine!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Willing to Wait

Shafali Verma wasn’t even part of the team. She was called up when Pratika Rawal was injured. She played the stellar hand in winning the Women’s World Cup for India. She opened with the bat, scoring a brilliant 87 at a quick pace.  

South Africa were going well with the chase when the skipper asked Shafali to bowl. She got two wickets in two, one of which was of the star, Marizanne Kapp and India got the match under control. This was special as Shafali is not a regular bowler.

 

She accepted the opportunity when offered, first shining with the bat and later unexpectedly with the ball. There were other good performances from other team mates, but Shafali’s efforts are special as she came in last minute.

 

She was watching the matches on TV. Yet she showed that she was fully aligned to playing the game, when called to play. Although not in the playing team, her focus and zeal was not lesser than the ones on the playing field. It was no mean task to have the willingness to wait!

 

Teams are empowered by the ones who are not weighed done by the ‘waiting’… by those who maintain the preparedness to play. We must be willing to wait and willing to play, when opportunity comes our way!

 

Be willing to wait when out of the way

Give only your best when called to play!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Flawed

’You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful’  - Amy Bloom

 

All of us want to be the best or the second best. Similarly, when we build our team, we seek for perfection. But an obsession with perfection is detrimental. It makes us unable to accept our flaws, other people’s flaws and unable to accept untoward events that happen in life. 

 

In ‘Don’t sweat the Small Stuff’; Richard Carlson suggests ‘making peace with imperfection’. A vicious cycle begins when instead of conceding the error; we engulf into guilt and berate ourselves. We refuse ownership of the mistake and enter a state of denial, often blaming someone else. 

 

The fact is, we will err, and often we will err repeatedly. We must be patient and calmly note the reasons for the mistake, and simply try to avoid it in the future. Making peace with flaws extends to others as well. It is unreasonable to expect perfection from our colleagues, particularly given our own lack of perfection. 

 

Life is imperfect. Things go wrong. We must learn to accept such things. The world is imperfect, we are imperfect, but that need not stop us from being happy. Happiness comes when we come to terms with our flaws and those of others. 

 

Accept that you will find yourself flawed

Others around too are of the same board!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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LIGHT WITHIN

Today we celebrate the Festival of Lights where the lights signify victory of good over the evil. Diwali or Deepavali has many legends associated with it. In North India, it is associated with Ramayana where people of Ayodhya welcomed Rama (after a 14-year exile) by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa). In Goa, it is commemorates the defeat of Narakasura at the hands of Krishna & Satyabhama.

Founder of Jainism, Mahaveer is said to have attained Nirvana on this very day. Additionally as the day, chief disciple of Mahaveer, Gautam Swami attained complete knowledge, makes Diwali an important Jain festival. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as the day of the release from prison of their sixth Guru, Hargobind along with 52 other princes with him, from detention in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.

For the Hindus, the festival marks the triumph of good over evil and the homecoming of goodwill and faith. For the Jains it is a celebration of complete knowledge. For the Sikhs, it is a struggle for freedom. And it is a confluence of all these reasons that will add meaning and purpose to our lives.

To banish the darkness, it is not enough to light lamps. The battle for freedom from darkness needs the lighting of the lamp within. We have to connect with values of equality, justice and peace for all. We need to connect to knowledge and a better understanding with what’s happening around us.

To banish the darkness shade
Light the lamp within instead!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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