Skip to main content

Posts

Sri Narayana Guru: One Caste, One Religion and One God

*By Dr Devan  Shree Narayana Guru was a social reformer and saint who fought against the caste system in Kerala, India. The Jayanti falls on the Chathayam day of the Malayalam month of Chingam, which usually corresponds to August or September. In 2025, Shree Narayana Guru Jayanti is on Sunday, September 7, and is a public holiday in Kerala, with schools, offices, and banks closed. The celebration honors the social reformer and saint who championed equality and fought against the caste system in Kerala and beyond.  *Key Aspects of Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti* *Social Reformer and Saint:* Sree Narayana Guru was a saintly figure and a social reformer who worked for the upliftment of the oppressed and marginalized communities through his spiritual and social initiatives.  *Focus on Equality:* He advocated for a society free from the constraints of the caste system, promoting his vision of a more just and equitable world. Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928) is one of the most enigma...

Sperm Count Decline: Scientific Projections Share a Scary Picture

*By Dr Devan  Scientific Projections 1. 2045: Zero Sperm Count (Shanna Swan) Epidemiologist Shanna Swan projected in her 2021 book Count Down that if current trends continue, the median sperm count could reach zero by 2045—a scenario that would, in theory, make natural conception virtually impossible . 2. What the Data Actually Shows A comprehensive meta-analysis (1973–2018) led by Hagai Levine found sperm concentration declined by about 51.6 %, and total sperm count by 62.3 %. The annual rate of decline has accelerated—from around 1.16 % per year overall, to about 2.64 % per year post-2000 . An earlier 2017 meta-analysis indicated sperm counts in Western countries fell by 50–60 % between 1973 and 2011—about 1.4 % per year . However, not all findings point to a dramatic global collapse: a 2025 Cleveland Clinic analysis found sperm counts among men without known fertility issues in the U.S. have remained largely stable, with maybe a very slight decline—nothing catastrophic . Beyond ...

Vitamin D Prevents Telemore Shortening

*By Dr. Devan Introduction Aging is an inevitable biological process, but science has shown that its pace and impact can be influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, and molecular factors. One of the most fascinating markers of biological aging is the telomere — the protective cap at the end of each chromosome. Telomeres act like the plastic tips of shoelaces, preventing genetic material from fraying during cell division. Over time, telomeres naturally shorten, leading to cellular aging and functional decline. Shortened telomeres are linked not only to aging but also to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysfunction. Recent research highlights a powerful ally in protecting telomere length: Vitamin D. Long celebrated as the “sunshine vitamin” for its role in bone health, Vitamin D is now recognized as a molecular guardian that influences aging at the genetic level. Its ability to prevent or slow telomere shortening makes it a critical nutrient for longevity, health, a...

Vitamin D: Recognised for its Essential Role in Bone Health and Calcium Regulation

*By Dr. Devan Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” has long been recognized for its essential role in bone health and calcium regulation. However, modern research has expanded our understanding of this remarkable nutrient, revealing its profound influence on immunity, inflammation, and cell biology. Among its most compelling roles is its protective effect against cancer. The Biology of Vitamin D Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. It can also be obtained through dietary sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy, and supplements. Once in the body, it undergoes conversion to its active form, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), which acts as a hormone. Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) present in nearly every tissue of the body, regulating the expression of hundreds of genes. This gene modulation extends far beyond calcium balance — it touches upon immune regulation, cell growth, and differentiat...

Sunday: A Universal Button, a Sacred Interlude...

*By Dr. Devan Sunday is more than just the last day of the week. It is a universal pause button, a sacred interlude, a gift of time that allows human beings to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect. Though its origins may be deeply rooted in religious tradition, its meaning today stretches beyond faith, touching every individual, regardless of culture, race, or belief system. To truly understand Sunday is to appreciate the art of rest, the balance of life, and the rhythm that keeps societies and individuals moving forward. The Origins of Sunday Historically, Sunday derives from the Latin phrase dies solis, meaning “day of the sun.” Ancient civilizations, including the Romans, dedicated this day to the sun god, recognizing it as a time of warmth, brightness, and renewal. Later, Christianity gave Sunday a new sanctity by declaring it the Lord’s Day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Judaism, the Sabbath traditionally falls on Saturday, while in Islam, Friday holds spiritual...

Gwalia Expands into Catering in Bengaluru, Eyes ₹1,000 Crore Sweets and Snacks Market

Bengaluru : Indian sweets giant Gwalia, one of the top five players in the country’s organised mithai and food segment, has entered the catering business in Bengaluru, marking its next big growth push outside Gujarat. Whitefield, HSR Layout and JP Nagar: The move comes after the company’s three Bengaluru outlets—in Whitefield, HSR Layout, and JP Nagar—recorded strong sales and consumer traction within a year of launch. Tremendous response: “We saw tremendous response from our customers in Bengaluru. Many asked if we could extend our offerings to weddings and corporate events. That’s when we realised the potential of catering here,” said Ayush Agrawal, Managing Partner, Gwalia (Bengaluru). A ₹1,000-Crore Market Opportunity : The Indian sweets and snacks market is estimated at over ₹1 lakh crore, with organised players like Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, and Anand Sweets accounting for a growing share. Within this, the catering segment—particularly weddings and large-scale events—is projecte...

Jeevan Shetty Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Bengaluru:  When you think of a banker, you imagine columns of numbers, files stacked high, and a man in a crisp shirt counting coins of responsibility. But for Jeevan Shetty, numbers were only half the story. His real currency was lines—simple, bold strokes that could make people laugh, think, and sometimes even squirm. A cartoonist being celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award: For over four decades, Jeevan lived a life of balance—by day, an employee at Syndicate Bank, and by night (and weekends), a cartoonist who sketched the world in his own irreverent style. If the bank gave him security, cartooning gave him freedom. And together, they made him who he is today: A cartoonist being celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Karnataka Cartoonists Association. The early sparks:  The seeds were sown during his college days. Jeevan’s sketches found space in campus magazines, but the influence was bigger than that. His brothers, Prakash Shetty and Harisc...

Id Milad-un-Nabi: A Spiritual Significance

*By Dr. Devan Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi or the Prophet’s Birthday, is one of the most revered occasions in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a figure who transformed history, redefined morality, and established a faith that today guides more than a billion followers across the world. To Muslims, this day is not just about remembering an event in history. It is a celebration of the coming of mercy, compassion, and divine guidance into the world. It is an occasion to revisit the life and teachings of the Prophet, to reflect on his message of love and justice, and to strengthen the bonds of community. 1. Historical Origins of Milad-un-Nabi The Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE, a year often called the “Year of the Elephant” in Islamic history. His birth took place in a society steeped in tribalism, superstition, and social injustice. Yet, it was into this environment that God chose to send His...

Onam: The Most Celebrated Festivals of Kerala

*By Dr. Devan Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals of Kerala, the lush green coastal state of India known as God’s Own Country. It transcends the boundaries of religion, caste, and creed, uniting people in joy, festivity, and cultural pride. Onam is not merely a festival but a celebration of Kerala’s heritage, its agrarian roots, and the eternal values of equality, prosperity, and community. The essence of Onam lies in its story: the return of Mahabali, the mythical Asura king who once ruled Kerala with justice, kindness, and prosperity. Though dethroned by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his people once a year. Onam marks this annual homecoming. It is a ten-day festival, with each day carrying significance, rituals, and a distinct cultural flavor. The Legend of Mahabali The heart of Onam is the story of Mahabali. He was an Asura king, but unlike most depictions of Asuras as tyrannical, Mahabali was known for his fairness, generosity, ...

Give, to Get What You Have Given

*By Dr. Devan Human beings are wired to desire—to want love, success, money, respect, and happiness. But few stop to realize that the only sure way to get is to give. The farmer cannot expect a harvest without sowing seeds. A student cannot expect wisdom without giving effort. A worker cannot expect promotion without giving performance. The principle is timeless: you must give first before life gives back to you. The question then is simple but piercing: What have you given? Giving in Personal Relationships 1. In Marriage and Partnerships A common mistake couples make is waiting to receive love, attention, or understanding before they offer it. “I’ll be kind when they are kind.” But the secret is to give first. A small act—a smile, a kind word, a genuine “thank you”—can change the tone of an entire day. Relationships thrive when both partners focus on giving instead of keeping score. Practical tip: Each day, do one small act of giving for your partner without expecting anything back. O...

If Karma is the Only Factor That Decides What You Get When It's Given, Act Accordingly

*By Dr. Devan Life runs on laws. Some are visible, like the laws of physics that govern motion, energy, and matter. Others are invisible, operating silently in the background, shaping human lives in ways more powerful than any physical law. Among these unseen forces, none is as profound, impartial, and inescapable as the law of karma. Karma is often misunderstood as a mystical idea or a vague threat, but in reality, it is a law of action and consequence, as precise and inevitable as gravity. Just as what goes up must come down, what we give out must return. If we truly accept that karma is the only factor that decides what we receive when it is given, then the implications are staggering. It means that our fate, fortune, and fulfillment are not determined by chance, by destiny written in the stars, or by the whims of others, but by our own choices. Every thought, word, and deed is like a seed. What we plant today, consciously or unconsciously, we will reap tomorrow. This is the essence...