The tabooed thoughts

I recently read Democrazy during a long train journey from my hometown to Chennai, and it was quite an engaging experience. The book offers a satirical take on democracy, exploring why ordinary citizens often feel they can question the system but find it difficult to bring about meaningful change. While referencing the famous phrase “for the people, by the people”, it examines how the idea sometimes appears complicated in practice, despite being outlined in one of the longest constitutions in the world. The author uses humor and sharp observation to present scenarios that oscillate between amusing and thought-provoking. The narrative describes different forms of challenges faced by citizens—such as bribery, exploitation, and bureaucratic hurdles—through a cast of fictional characters: a head of government, an ambitious family member, a veteran party member, an influential industrialist, a sincere journalist, a socially active citizen (particularly on social media), a strict school prin...

A guilt that engulfs each fleeting second A thought that echoes, a yo-yo's relentless motion A pain that slowly freezes the heart A thorn that pierces every conscious moment A void that suffocates, blocking deep breaths A letter sent too late, forever unsent Memories haunt, a bittersweet refrain Longing to turn back time, to ease the pain A weight that presses, a constant strain A grief that gnaws, a heart in vain Searching for solace, a peaceful place But guilt's dark shadow follows, a relentless pace Time may heal, but wounds remain Scars that linger, a constant strain The guilt of loss, a burden I bear A weight that presses, a heart that's bare The what-ifs whisper, a haunting sigh A regret that echoes, a lonely cry In silence, I weep, a heart that's torn A grief that lingers, only to stay. -Bharathi Senthilkumar

 A lone tree  claimed  the land,    Lost in its own silence .  It  held fast , though winds did roar,  And birds sang,  unheard .  Fixed in its gaze , The cows moved, the clouds drifted.  For how could a rock ever truly smile?  Or a desert ever truly weep? - Bharathi Senthilkumar

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, many artists and creative professionals are growing concerned. Just as the Industrial Revolution automated manual labor, AI now seems to be taking over intellectual and artistic work. From writing and research to art and learning, it’s quite agonizing to watch AI make even our minds complacent. Sure, AI offers the benefits of speed and efficiency. But if we start accepting vague reproductions of a lifetime’s work, it raises serious concerns about how we express perspectives. The key difference between human-made and AI-generated art lies in emotion . Every word, brushstroke, and musical note carries the weight of personal experience, cultural shifts, and societal narratives. Art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, struggle, and human connection. AI can be a useful tool, but it shouldn’t replace human artistry. It lacks the ability to feel, dream, or rebel —qualities that define great art. Instead of letting AI...

The privatization of space travel is moving at an incredible pace. Once dominated by government agencies like ROSCOSMOS NASA and ISRO, space exploration now sees private companies taking center stage. Boeing and SpaceX, in particular, have been pushing boundaries, making space travel seem more accessible than ever. It almost feels like the vast gap between Earth and the stars is shrinking, not just in distance but in technological advancements. One of the most anticipated missions in this new era is Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, set to embark on its first-ever crewed flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. After years of delays, this mission is crucial in proving that Starliner can stand alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in safely transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. What makes this mission even more exciting is the presence of Sunita Williams, a seasoned astronaut with a remarkable history. She is set to make history once again as the first woman to fly on a ma...

The hallways feel different now—   quieter, as if they know we're leaving.   Laughter that once filled the air   now lingers only in memories,   like echoes of a song that’s almost faded.   Mornings used to bring familiar voices,   inside jokes, hurried footsteps,   plans made over coffee and late-night dreams.   Now, the silence settles in,   a quiet reminder that things are changing.   We mapped out our days together,   marked moments we thought would last forever.   But time has its own way of moving forward,   pulling us gently toward what’s next.   So I hold on to these memories,   folding them carefully like old letters,   knowing that even as we step away,   a part of us will always stay.   - Bharathi Senthilkumar