Old Age – Blessing or Curse

16 Feb

We are living longer … but are we prepared for old age?

In this episode of Back to Basics, Ram and Ramu share real experiences of senior living.

One stayed five years in one of India’s most admired senior citizens’ home at Coimbatore — and walked out.

The other weighs the pros and cons, and may choose it in his seventies.

A thoughtful conversation for those 60+, and for families planning the years ahead.

How the Lalita Sahsranamam came to us

27 Jan

This is the story of the divine origin of the Lalita Sahasranamam.

The eight Vāk Devis, embodying the eight sacred facets of Goddess Saraswati, came together to compose this powerful and timeless hymn. Through the boundless grace of Lord Hayagriva, this divine knowledge was revealed to Sage Agastya, for the spiritual upliftment and welfare of all humanity.

This video reflects on the sacred story behind the Lalita Sahasranamam—its origin, its divine transmission, and its enduring spiritual significance. A gentle reminder of how wisdom, devotion, and grace flow together through the Mother’s thousand names.

How did the Vishnu Sahasranama come to us

27 Jan

Have you ever wondered who recorded the Vishnu Sahasranama and how this sacred hymn was preserved?

In the Mahabharata, Sage Ved Vyasa composed it, and Bhishma Pitamaha recited it on the battlefield, answering Yudhishthira’s questions on Dharma. It is believed that Sahadeva carefully recorded this divine narration, which was later passed down through tradition.

This powerful story and its significance were beautifully narrated by Maha Periyava, reminding us why the Vishnu Sahasranama holds such deep spiritual importance even today.

Wings Without Roots – Leadership | Values | Women

27 Jan

In the mad rush for growth and valuations, are building blocks like Values, Culture, Managerial Mentoring, and Strategic HR disintegrating. Why are there so few women CEOs and Entrepreneurs? What are the barriers to their development?

This edition of Back to Basics with Mythily Ramesh explores these issues. Based on her experience of over 35 years she provides deep insights on what is causing disharmony at work. She beautifully blends solutions with spirituality. Mythily is an alumnus of Guindy college of Engineering and IIM Ahmedabad. She has worked in leadership roles at Wipro and is currently the Co-Founder and Managing Director at NextWealth.

Video

Psychology | 80% Girls | Why

27 Jan

In recent years, Psychology has emerged as one of the most popular career choices, with colleges across India and globally reporting 80–90% female students in Psychology programs.

What is driving this strong trend? In this episode of Back to Basics, host V Anandkumar (VAK) speaks with Krittika and Ananya, Master’s students in Psychology, to explore the reasons behind the growing interest in Psychology—especially among women—and to break down what studying Psychology really involves. In this Podcast, we discuss:

  • Why girls are naturally drawn to Psychology as a career
  • Is Psychology a science or a liberal arts discipline?
  • How modern Psychology connects with ancient Eastern philosophy and Indian scriptures
  • Career roadmap after Psychology: degrees, specializations, and job options
  • Scope of Psychology in India and abroad

This episode is especially valuable for students, parents, and educators exploring career options in Psychology, understanding the gender gap in Psychology education, and learning about the future of Psychology as a profession.

Avoiding Financial Mistakes: Insights for Young Investors

24 Dec

In this episode of Back to Basic’s we look at some of the simple tools that we can all use to build wealth. This is especially of importance to a young couple starting their financial journey. We look at the mistakes we made in our career and how the youngsters can avoid that.

Is it feasible for a young couple in urban India to aim for a corpus of ₹100 crore? What are the fundamental principles of investing? How can one discern clarity amidst the noise? Just as Arjuna required guidance from Krishna, how can an investor find a reliable wealth advisor? What is SIF ? Is there a crash coming – How do I plan for that ? What are the 3 Golden rules of a sensible investor?

In this edition of Back to Basics, Deepak Jain helps answer these questions in a simple manner. He emphasises on the power of Compounding and importance of Asset Allocation. Think long terms – the next 25 years a disciplined investor can make a lot of wealth riding on the growth story of India.

Highlights of podcast are in these time slots

5.55 – 8.04
11.14 – 12.12
21.41 – 23.28
32.05 – 34.06

Gita : The Yoga of Life

1 Dec

In this episode of Back to Basics, Devanand Ji explains the synergy between Yoga and Gita. A certified Yoga Teacher from Bihar School of Yoga, Devanand Ji exemplifies a life guided by the Gita’s teachings. He touches on important practical points on how to apply the profound teachings in your day to day life. Please watch and benefit from his insightful perspectives.

If you want to start your journey with the Gita – get a copy of Oh Man! Read the Gita – A simple easy to read book by Sri Krishna.

Launch of Back To Basics – Podcast

25 Nov

This Blog started in 2010 and has had a great history with many million views and a loyal follower base. Over time viewers are reading less and seem to prefer watching Videos.

Along with the Blog I am happy to launch a Podcast Series called – Back To Basics.

Here we look at issues in our daily life with a sharp lens. We interact with Passionate, Committed, Truthful individuals from diverse backgrounds. We learn from them the secret of navigating life’s volatility – and how they have knowingly or un knowingly implemented the teachings of the Gita

In the 1st episode, we discuss with Dr. Sanjay Kaul, a leading periodontist, the fundamentals of oral health, emphasising the significance of gum care. The 30-minute conversation touches on the evolution of eating habits, traditional remedies, and interesting facts.

We have other interesting topics planned for the next set of Podcasts. These topics include Gita & Yoga, Old Age – Blessing or Curse, Building Wealth over the next 25 Years .. etc. The plan is to have one episode every fortnight.

Kindly Subscribe to the channel and shared your feedback on the 1st Podcast

Gita Day – Dec 1

19 Nov

Gita Day is around the corner.

Gita Day (Gita Jayanti) is on Monday, December 1, 2025. This day marks the occasion when Lord Krishna revealed the profound knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. This happened on the battlefield. This auspicious day is celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha. It is also known as Mokshada Ekadashi.

This is an opportunity to get started with the Gita. Oh Man ! Read the Gita is a simplified version of the Gita to help people get started.

A Discussion and Q&A on the Book is planned for 22nd Dec. The focus is on the application of the teachings of the Gita in daily life. This applies across all age groups.

Please join the discussion. Questions from the audience are encouraged.

22nd Nov 4 to 5 pm IST

Google meet link
https://meet.google.com/yuc-atvy-czj

Oh Man! Read the Gita – Book Launch

13 Oct

Launched on Janmashtami, Oh Man! Read the Gita has been doing well.

The Website https://ohmanreadthegita.com was launched

Talk to Vidya – an Upcoming Podcast reviewed the book – https://youtu.be/zbonkwTu28M?si=to0P3IeY7W6SrcIY

Dr Hansaji Yogendra unveiled Oh Man! Read the Gita on 16th Sep. Hansaji is a globally acclaimed Spiritual Yoga Guru and director of the renowned Yoga Institute at Santa Cruz, Mumbai. It is the oldest organised yoga Center in the world.

Hansaji loved the title and simplicity of the book Oh Man! Read The Gita. She praised the compilers. They performed a great service. They brought the message of the Gita in a simple to read manner. In her 30-minute talk, she highlighted the core aspects of the Gita. She enthralled the audience with her fluency, clarity, and powerful oratory. Her key message was that the Gita is a guide for daily life. It offers powerful teachings for everyone.

Readers are loving the book and have shared positive feedback on Amazon. Here are some sample feedback

Loved the book.. to explain the key teachings of Bhagavad Gita in such simple style/language, is not easy. The author has managed to do that. Highly recommended!

This book is not just a summary- it is an illuminating guide that captures the essence of the original text.

Every chapter is distilled to its key message allowing the readers to grasp profound knowledge without being overwhelmed by detail. Clear and accessible to modern readers.

Great book on the Gita, provides an understanding of the text in a very simple and profound manner. The book covers all 18 chapters of the Gita and provides further essays that discuss various important topics. A very comprehensive text on all chapters and especially important today as the Gita provides us with key learning’s we can incorporate in our day to day life. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn about the Gita.

Nicely compiled in an easier to read format and in simple language. This would be an excellent gift that parents can give to their children. They will appreciate it in years to come

Get your copy. It’s also a great idea to gift this book during Diwali to near and dear ones. Enough of Kaju Katli & Dry Fruits. Try something different. Book is available in Amazon worldwide – Physical & eBook.