MY Articles

By Dr Devan*   Human life is not an isolated stream flowing in solitude. Rather, it is a confluence of legacies, values, and actions that shape not only our own destiny but also the destiny of those who come after us. One of the most profound truths, recognized across cultures, religions, and philosophies, is this: the blessings of the good that you do do not stop with you—they flow onward to your children, and often even further, nourishing generations yet to come. This is not merely a moral sentiment; it is a law embedded in the fabric of existence. Every act of kindness, every righteous deed, every compassionate choice creates ripples in the river of time. While those ripples do benefit us, they rarely end with us. They extend to the very bloodline we have brought into this world, passing unseen blessings to our children. In this essay, I shall explore this principle in depth—from spiritual, psychological, cultural, and even biological perspectives—showing how the good that we d...

By Dr Devan* A 19-hour fast (often called OMAD — One Meal A Day or a 19:5 time-restricted eating window) sits between standard intermittent fasting and prolonged fasting. It pushes the body into deeper metabolic changes than shorter fasts, but without the stress of multi-day fasting. Here are the key benefits supported by research and clinical observation: 1. Metabolic Benefits Improved insulin sensitivity – By keeping insulin low for long stretches, your cells respond better to it, helping in blood sugar regulation. Lower fasting glucose – Can reduce baseline blood sugar levels, which helps in type 2 diabetes prevention and management. Shift to fat metabolism (ketosis) – After ~14–16 hours, glycogen stores deplete, and the body starts producing ketones, leading to fat loss. 2. Cellular Repair & Longevity Autophagy activation – The body clears damaged proteins, malfunctioning mitochondria, and cellular debris, potentially reducing cancer and neurodegeneration risk. Reduced inflam...

  By Dr Devan*  Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna – the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu belief, Krishna’s arrival on earth was not just the birth of a divine being but also the beginning of a profound spiritual era. It is celebrated with great fervor across India and by Hindu communities worldwide, often with fasting, devotional singing, reenactments of Krishna’s childhood, and temple decorations. Mythological Significance In Hindu scriptures, especially the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna’s birth is described in detail. It is said that over five thousand years ago, Mathura was ruled by the tyrant king Kansa. A prophecy revealed that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be the cause of his downfall. Fearing this, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, killing each of their first six children. The seventh child, B...

By Dr. Devan* For decades, the ATM has been a symbol of convenience. You could withdraw cash without entering a bank branch, day or night. Yet, despite technological leaps in every sector, the ATM remains restricted by outdated boundaries. Most machines still limit you to your own bank for deposits, and often charge a fee for withdrawals from others. In an era where money moves digitally at lightning speed, such limitations feel archaic. It is now the time for a Universal ATM — a machine that allows you to deposit and withdraw from any bank account to any other bank account, instantly. Whether you hold your account in a large national bank, a small co-operative, or even a purely digital institution, you should be able to walk up to any ATM and complete your transaction without thinking twice about “which bank it belongs to.” The infrastructure for such a system already exists. Payment gateways, real-time settlement networks, and biometric verifications are mature technologies. Linking ...

  A high-level Cost-Benefit Analysis - Sharavati Valley PSP, Karnataka ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By  Shankar Sharma , Power and Climate Policy Analyst Synopsis: A diligent analysis of all the costs and benefits, known as CBA , is considered essential all over the world as an economic decision-making tool to ensure that the overall benefits of a project proposal are at least 1.5 times the total costs. Whereas CBA is not being effectively deployed universally in India, its criticality in determining the true economic viability of large-scale and high-impact projects cannot be ignored. Hence, a discussion paper discussing various aspects of such an analysis is expected to benefit all such projects through continuous improvements in its methodology as applicable to India. As a case study, the project proposal for the 2,000 MW Pumped Storage Project in the  Sharavathi LTM sanctuary in Karnataka is considered. ...

By Dr. Devan* There is no such thing as a coincidence in the grand design of life. Every step you have taken, every detour you thought was a mistake, every delay that frustrated you, and every encounter—pleasant or painful—has been an essential thread in the fabric of your journey. You are neither late nor early. You are exactly where you are meant to be, in the precise chapter of your life’s story, on the exact page written for you by the silent hand of the universe. We often worry about whether we have missed opportunities or taken the wrong turns. But the truth is, the universe has its own geometry—its timing and alignment. The people you meet, the challenges you face, and the lessons you learn are synchronised with your readiness to receive them. You could not have met certain people before you grew enough to understand them. You could not have handled certain blessings before you developed the capacity to hold them. And you could not have faced certain challenges before you gather...

By Dr . Devan The universe operates not on isolation, but on exchange. Every breath we take, every relationship we build, every opportunity we receive is part of a greater system of give and take. Yet, too often, we find people expecting blessings, respect, wealth, and love—without ever having given anything themselves. This is a fundamental error in both thinking and living. You receive only when you give. Not just materially, but in words, in acts, in spirit. This is not just a moral philosophy—it is a cosmic law. 🌱 The Law of Reciprocity At the heart of every religion, spiritual tradition, and human connection is a timeless principle: Give, and it shall be given unto you. This is not metaphorical. It is literal, practical, and universal. If you want love, you must first give love. If you want respect, you must speak with respect. If you seek help, you must have helped others. If you hope for kindness, you must act kindly. If you desire wealth, you must create value—for someone els...

SCALING LIFE: IAD’s Integrated Medicine for Effective Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis Morbidity and Disability in India Funded by the Gates Foundation India accounts for over 40% of the global burden of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that severely impacts rural communities. The Indian National Filaria Control Programme was launched in 1955. Subsequent policy prioritised disease elimination through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and vector control. However, despite the Government’s Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) services through the provision of free hygiene kits (bucket and soap), advanced filarial lymphedema (ISL stage 2 & 3; WHO grade 4-7) patients continue to struggle with incapacitating disability because of poor treatment options. The Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) in Kasaragod, Kerala, has pioneered a globally acclaimed, integrated medicine approach that combines modern medicine with Ayurveda and Yoga, following...

By Dr . Devan The future is not a distant phenomenon waiting to arrive. It is quietly forming under our feet—sometimes quite literally. Imagine this: each time you walk, run, or even shift your weight, you’re generating energy. Now imagine that energy being stored—inside your shoe—and ready to power your phone, smartwatch, or any USB device via a retractable cable. This is not science fiction. This is the next frontier in personal tech—kinetic-powered smart soles embedded with a powerbank and retractable charging mechanism. Let’s explore the vision, feasibility, and profound implications of this concept. The Vision At the heart of this concept is a beautifully simple idea: Why let the energy of walking go to waste when it can be converted into electricity and stored? Every step you take exerts force. That mechanical energy can be harvested using piezoelectric or triboelectric materials embedded in the sole. When synchronized with miniaturized energy storage units and a retractable USB...

Bengaluru: ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru Hosts Successful Field Day on Arka Sahan: Showcasing the Future of Annona Cultivation. A Field Day dedicated to ‘Arka Sahan’, a high-performing hybrid of Annona (custard apple), was held on 31st July 2025, in Sulivara village, Bangalore South, attracting enthusiastic participation from farmers, scientists, horticulturists, and agribusiness stakeholders across the region. The event was organised by the ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, to demonstrate the field performance, agronomic benefits, and market prospects of Arka Sahan—an improved custard apple variety developed by IIHR. Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, IIHR, inaugurated the Field Day and emphasised the role of resilient, climate-smart crop varieties in boosting rural livelihoods. “Arka Sahan is a transformational variety for marginal and dryland farmers. Its adaptability, excellent fruit quality, and high consumer demand offer real opportunities f...