MY Articles

*By Dr Devan History is often shaped by the choices of nations and their leaders — choices that determine not only borders and alliances but also the destiny of generations. Ukraine, a land once known for its fertile fields, thriving industries, and cultural grace, stands today as a tragic example of how geopolitical miscalculations can devastate a once-peaceful nation. If Ukraine had chosen to remain aligned with Russia — of which it was once an inseparable part — rather than seeking Western protection, the war that ravaged its lands might never have occurred. Instead, it could have continued as the “breadbasket of Europe,” a paradise of prosperity and stability. Shared not only borders but blood, faith, and culture: For centuries, Ukraine and Russia shared not only borders but blood, faith, and culture. The roots of their civilisation trace back to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, the cradle of both Russian and Ukrainian identity. Their histories are deeply intertwined, with shared...

Bengaluru:  Shashikant Angadi, a former student of the Dharwad-based Basel Mission Boys High School, also has a unique distinction to his credit in the form of an in-house photographer. He has been taking photos of the school students for the past 30-odd years!  Not just BMHS:  It is not that he has been taking snaps of the kids of BMHS alone, as he has been doing so of many other schools in Dharwad. He was also involved in taking photographs of students in many different schools in Dharwad.  20 years for St. Joseph's High School and Disneyland School:  Likewise, he also took on the role of a still cameraman for St. Joseph's High School and Disneyland School. Shashikant Angadi was associated with both these schools for almost 20 years!  Still going to BMHS:  He still goes to the Basel Mission High School to take passport-sized photographs of the 10th standard students, and this practice has lasted more than 30 years! He also used to go to man...

* By Dr. Devan Human affairs run on information. Families, teams, organisations and nations succeed or falter depending on who knows what, when they know it, and how they act on it. Yet the question that trips up even the best-intentioned among us is deceptively simple: what should I tell, to whom, and when? Speak too much and you create confusion, breach confidences, or spark unnecessary alarm. Speak too little and you risk betrayal, professional disaster, or even harm. The skill of timely, truthful, and proportionate disclosure is not an optional social grace — it is a responsibility. At its heart this maxim — “tell people what they need to know, if they need to know” — is about discernment. It asks us to move beyond impulse or rigid rules, to weigh consequences and to communicate with moral clarity. In practice this requires four things: understand the need, judge the capacity, choose the manner, and accept the consequences. Let us examine each in turn. 1. Understand the need The fi...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction Selenium is a trace mineral—required by the human body in only microgram amounts—yet its role in health is profound. First identified as an essential nutrient in 1957, selenium has since been recognized as a cornerstone of antioxidant defense, immune function, thyroid regulation, and reproductive health. Too little selenium impairs vital processes, while too much can cause toxicity. Thus, selenium epitomizes the delicate balance of micronutrients in human health: small in quantity but mighty in effect. The Biochemistry of Selenium Selenium is incorporated into proteins in the form of selenocysteine, often referred to as the “21st amino acid.” These selenoproteins are central to antioxidant protection, redox balance, and hormone metabolism. More than 25 selenoproteins have been identified in humans, including: Glutathione peroxidases (GPx): Enzymes that neutralize harmful peroxides and protect cells from oxidative damage. Thioredoxin reductases: Maintain cellu...

* By Dr. Devan Introduction Medicine and nutrition are undergoing a paradigm shift. For decades, glucose has been viewed as the primary source of cellular energy, and treatments for metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and chronic disease have been largely constructed around this paradigm. Yet, recent discoveries highlight an ancient and powerful alternative fuel: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). This ketone body, produced naturally during fasting, ketogenic diets, or prolonged exercise, is more than a backup fuel. It is a signaling molecule, anti-inflammatory agent, epigenetic regulator, and a potential therapeutic powerhouse. The emerging science suggests that beta-hydroxybutyrate is not merely a byproduct of metabolism—it may well be the future of healing. What is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate? Beta-hydroxybutyrate is one of the three ketone bodies produced in the liver from fatty acids, alongside acetoacetate and acetone. Unlike glucose, which requires continuous intake, ketones are syn...

*By Dr Devan  Introduction Among the many festivals of the world, very few carry the weight of solemnity, reflection, and spiritual renewal that Yom Kippur does. Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is not celebrated with feasts, music, or dance, but rather with silence, prayer, repentance, and fasting. The Jewish people across the world observe it as a sacred time to reconcile with God, with their community, and with themselves. This day embodies the central theme of forgiveness and the possibility of new beginnings. Unlike festivals that emphasize external joy, Yom Kippur demands inner transformation. It reminds every human being, regardless of faith, that one must pause, look inward, and confront one’s actions and responsibilities. Historical Roots The origins of Yom Kippur can be traced back to the Torah. In the Book of Leviticus, the Israelites were commanded to set aside a day for atonement, humility, and reconciliation with ...

* By Dr. Devan In many parts of our country today, Hindus and Muslims continue to live in peace, sharing not only their neighborhoods but also their festivals, joys, and struggles. This quiet, everyday harmony between communities stands as a living proof that religion, by itself, is not a barrier to unity. It is people, their choices, and above all, their leaders who either strengthen this harmony or allow divisions to widen. History has often been written and interpreted through the lens of conflict, and one of the most painful chapters of the Indian story is the partition of 1947. The mass displacement, violence, and destruction of human lives that accompanied it have left scars that still ache in the collective memory. At the heart of this event was the idea that people of different religions could not coexist within a single nation—a proposition that was neither inevitable nor truly reflective of how ordinary Indians lived with one another. It is frequently argued that Gandhi, reve...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction India is a land of festivals, where every celebration carries a deep philosophical, cultural, and spiritual meaning. Among the many grand festivals celebrated across the country, Dussehra —also known as Vijayadashami —stands out as one of the most significant. It marks the victory of good over evil, righteousness over unrighteousness, and truth over falsehood. Dussehra is not merely a religious festival; it is a reminder of the eternal principles that govern life and society. It urges us to rise against the demons within and around us, to strive for self-mastery, and to uphold dharma in all our endeavors. Dussehra is celebrated with immense joy, color, and enthusiasm across India. Yet, its meanings, rituals, and legends vary from region to region, each adding to the richness of this festival. While in the north, the festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana , in the east, it is linked to Goddess Durga ’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahish...

*By Dr. Devan Criticism is as old as human existence. From the moment one begins to rise, to create, to stand apart, there will always be voices that try to pull one down. The great souls who transformed the world—Socrates, Christ, Gandhi, Buddha, Einstein, or even the entrepreneurs and innovators of today—were all met with resistance, ridicule, and hostility. Yet, they thrived while many of their critics faded into obscurity. Why? Because the negative energy of critics and enemies, like a boomerang, inevitably destroys themselves rather than the target they seek to wound. This phenomenon is both spiritual and psychological. It draws from ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, and the very laws of nature. Energy is never wasted; it flows, it transforms, and it returns. Negative energy, when projected outward, corrodes first the vessel that carries it. Hatred, envy, jealousy, and malice are like poisons—before they ever touch their intended victim, they seep into the bloodstream of the on...

*By Dr Devan  Folate(vitamin B9) is not only about preventing anemia or supporting pregnancy; it plays a critical cardiovascular role as well. How Folate Deficiency Affects the Heart 1. Homocysteine Accumulation Folate, along with vitamins B12 and B6, is required to convert homocysteine → methionine. Without folate, homocysteine levels rise (hyperhomocysteinemia). High homocysteine damages the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels), promotes clotting, and accelerates atherosclerosis. 2. Vascular Narrowing (Stenosis) Chronic damage leads to plaque formation and vessel narrowing in coronary, carotid, and peripheral arteries. This stenosis reduces blood flow, increasing risk of angina, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. 3. Heart Blocks & Arrhythmias Elevated homocysteine can also disrupt electrical conduction in the heart, predisposing to conduction blocks and arrhythmias. Folate deficiency is linked to QT prolongation and abnormal ECG changes. 4. Congenital Heart Defec...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction: The Grand Hypocrisy The greatest hypocrisy of our age is this: We entrust our money to corporations, our careers to corporations, our innovation to corporations— and not one of these is run by politicians or decided by votes. But when it comes to nations—the very destiny of humanity—we stubbornly insist on being ruled by the archaic, inefficient, and corrupt circus of vote-based politics. This contradiction is unsustainable. This illusion must end. Democracy Is Not Sacred, It Is Obsolete Democracy has been worshipped as sacred. But what has it delivered? Populism instead of progress. Rhetoric instead of results. Dynasties instead of meritocracy. Manipulation instead of vision. Let us be clear: Democracy is not freedom. Democracy is not fairness. Democracy today is simply the purchase of votes by the sale of promises. If democracy were a corporate structure, no business would last a single quarter. Politicians: The Wrong Breed of Leaders Politicians are perfo...

*By Dr Devan Ayudha Pooja, literally meaning the worship of tools or instruments, is one of the most unique and meaningful festivals celebrated in India. It takes place on the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, often referred to as Mahanavami. While Navaratri as a whole venerates the divine feminine energy in her various forms—Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati—Ayudha Pooja focuses on an entirely different yet convenient dimension of life: the tools we use to earn our livelihood, to create, to protect, to serve, and to sustain life. At its heart, this festival carries the profound message that all work is sacred. The instruments of one’s profession, whether as simple as a pen or as complex as a machine, are not just lifeless objects—they are extensions of human effort, intellect, and creativity. To honour them is to honour the dignity of labour itself. Origins and Historical Context The tradition of Ayudha Pooja is rooted in ancient India. References to it can be traced back to the times of k...

*By Dr. Devan A budget surplus is one of the clearest signals of fiscal discipline, economic prudence, and long-term stability in governance. While many nations run chronic deficits, there remain countries that stand apart, demonstrating to the world that living within one’s means is not only possible but advantageous. A budget surplus occurs when a government’s revenues exceed its expenditures over a fiscal period. This provides room for investment in infrastructure, health, education, and sovereign wealth funds, while also acting as a shield against future economic downturns. In this essay, I will explore which countries currently maintain budget surpluses, why they succeed in doing so, what structural characteristics enable this, and what lessons deficit-ridden nations may derive from their example. Defining the Budget Surplus A government raises money primarily through taxes, duties, royalties, and state-owned enterprise dividends. Against this revenue, it spends on public wages, d...

By Dr. Devan* When people look back at their lives from their deathbed, their minds often cut through the noise and focus only on what truly mattered. Patterns emerge from these reflections. One of the most common regrets heard from the dying is painfully simple yet profoundly telling: “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” This isn’t a casual remark; it’s a confession. It comes from those who sacrificed their time, their health, and their relationships chasing career milestones, wealth, or approval. They realize, too late, that life is not a ledger of achievements but a series of moments—moments they often missed while trying to “get ahead.” We live in an age that glorifies hustle, productivity, and constant movement. But the dying remind us that no one wishes they had answered more emails, attended more meetings, or climbed the corporate ladder faster. They wish they had been present—with their children, their partners, their friends, and themselves. They wish they had laughed more, taken...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction In the ever-expanding field of nutritional science, certain minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc have received deserved attention for their roles in human health. Yet, hidden among the overlooked trace elements is boron, a mineral that has silently shaped human physiology for centuries. It is neither glamorous nor widely studied, but recent research has brought boron into the spotlight as a fundamental, though underrated, nutrient. Modern agriculture, food processing, and dietary shifts have significantly reduced boron intake in daily diets. This quiet deficiency may underlie multiple health issues—from joint pain to bone weakness, from impaired cognition to reduced hormonal balance. Correcting this neglect may very well hold the key to regaining health, vitality, and resilience against aging. What Is Boron? Boron is a trace mineral naturally present in soil, water, and certain foods. Though it is not officially classified as “essential” in some n...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction For decades, the management of hypertension has revolved around one central dogma: reduce sodium intake to lower blood pressure. This principle, though supported by epidemiological studies, has often overshadowed other crucial dietary factors. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that the more fundamental determinant of blood pressure regulation is not merely sodium restriction but ensuring adequate calcium intake. Calcium, often considered only in the context of bone health, plays a decisive role in vascular tone, smooth muscle contraction, hormonal regulation, and renal function—all of which directly affect blood pressure. The human body is not designed to thrive on low-calcium diets, and chronic deficiency sets the stage for vascular rigidity, heightened sympathetic drive, and salt sensitivity. Thus, instead of focusing narrowly on sodium reduction, it may be more physiologically rational to prioritize optimal calcium intake as the first and fundamental st...