Articles by Pavan K Varma
Just Like That: A mellow ode to the gramophone and vinyl
The transition from analog to digital was not just technological—it was philosophical. Music was no longer a physical possession but a string of ones and zeros
Published on May 04, 2025 12:31 PM IST
Just Like That| British museums: Curators of plundered Indian wealth, culture
Among the most evocative looted object is Tipu Sultan’s mechanical tiger, a wooden automaton depicting a tiger mauling a British soldier
Published on Apr 27, 2025 11:16 AM IST
Science behind Indic calendar & time-cycle
Students should be aware of the remarkable tradition of science behind our sophisticated cycle of time
Published on Apr 19, 2025 10:40 PM IST
Just Like That | Voices of faith: A dialogue between religions
In March, I spoke at the 'Voices of Faith' conference in London, discussing Advaita philosophy amid diverse religious dialogues emphasizing unity over division.
Updated on Apr 13, 2025 04:16 PM IST
Just like that: Exploring the artistic world of Jatin Das and his legacy
Jatin graduated from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai in the early 1960s. After a few years in Mumbai, he permanently relocated to Delhi.
Published on Apr 06, 2025 08:49 AM IST
Just Like That: To preserve, cherish the classical is the mark of a civilisation
Change is unavoidable and has happened in the past as well. One significant example is the transition from the Dhrupad to the Khayal gayaki in classical music.
Updated on Mar 30, 2025 09:53 AM IST
Just Like That: A personal Shalimar Bagh in Delhi’s spring
What is amazing is that Ghulam Nabi Azad pursued his enduring romance with nature throughout his exceptionally demanding and successful political career
Updated on Mar 22, 2025 03:51 PM IST
Just Like That | Holi: An opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others
The celebration of Holi is related to season and sowing. It marks the arrival of spring, with its riot of colours, a new phase in the annual cycle of change
Published on Mar 17, 2025 11:18 AM IST
Just like that: Navras School, a ray of hope to revive Patna’s cultural scene
For the last three decades and more the once verdant artistic landscape of Patna has become more like a cultural desert
Updated on Mar 08, 2025 09:55 PM IST
Just Like That | A philosopher with a camera
Bandeep Singh believes he is blessed by Naga Sadhus. In my view, they are also lucky to have someone of his calibre to chronicle their elusive and mystic lives
Updated on Mar 02, 2025 02:33 PM IST
Live life full, not in excess or to prolong the lifespan
In India, life expectancy has risen from 25.4 years in 1800 to 70.82 today. A balanced life and positive attitude may be key to aging better.
Updated on Feb 22, 2025 10:19 PM IST
Khajuraho and Konark: Where the sacred and sensual converge
The erotic art of Khajuraho and Konark reveals the contrast between historical and contemporary views on morality
Published on Feb 16, 2025 07:00 AM IST
Just Like That | From struggle to success: The quiet triumph of Bimla’s family
In urban chaos, success stories often remain untold. Bimla and Rakesh, a couple who faced adversity, prioritized education for their children.
Published on Feb 09, 2025 08:00 AM IST
Just Like That | The hidden stories behind Pandit Jasraj’s rise to greatness
Pandit Jasraj’s success was built on relentless riyaz and sadhana
Published on Feb 02, 2025 08:00 AM IST
Parade that announced the birth of the Republic
The Republic Day Parade is now a spectacular event but perhaps the genuine sense of wonderment and pride that were earlier its hallmark have reduced.
Published on Jan 25, 2025 07:57 PM IST
Just Like That | Decolonising the Indian mind: Beyond political freedom
While India's independence was a monumental achievement, the remnants of colonial influence endure in language, education, and cultural preferences
Published on Jan 19, 2025 08:00 AM IST
Just Like That | Bim Bissell: A visionary who empowered Indian artisans
Bim Bissell, co-founder of Fabindia, was a cultural force who transformed traditional Indian textiles into a global brand while empowering 90,000 artisans
Published on Jan 12, 2025 07:00 AM IST
From subjugation to revolt: India’s response to imperial arrogance
British colonisation in India had transitioned from cautious diplomacy under Sir Thomas Roe to overt dominance by Lord Clive.
Published on Jan 05, 2025 08:00 AM IST
Just Like That | From Turbulence to Triumph: Air India’s New Avatar
Air India is reinventing itself with thoughtful service upgrades, and cultural nuances like a creative safety video and a soulful fusion soundtrack.
Published on Dec 29, 2024 08:00 AM IST
Remembering Ghalib: A poet’s legacy and the fight to preserve his haveli
Ghalib’s poetic brilliance, deeply infused with Sufi ideals, transcends religious boundaries.
Published on Dec 22, 2024 08:00 AM IST
Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in memory
It happens far more to very successful people. When their careers are on the ascendant, people know everything about them.
Published on Dec 14, 2024 08:09 PM IST
Just Like That: AI is a game changer but press enter with a note of caution
At its best Artificial Intelligence is a technology—truly advanced no doubt—which can facilitate human endeavour.
Published on Dec 08, 2024 12:44 PM IST
Just Like That: It will be a long day without you, my friend
One thing I learnt from Deepak Singh’s passing away is that one must never postpone the simple pleasures of life for later
Updated on Dec 01, 2024 04:45 PM IST
Just Like That: Around a bonfire, the eternal debate over rebirth
The counter view is that all this talk of rebirth is simply because human beings are unwilling to accept the finality of death.
Updated on Nov 23, 2024 12:54 PM IST
To speak of despondency, and hope, through poetry
Poetry is compressed thought, with the ability, in its sheer brevity and imagery, to jolt the mind out of surrounding mediocrity
Published on Nov 17, 2024 08:00 AM IST
Just Like That | From sartorial freedom to seafood feasts: Goa’s enduring allure
Goa’s relaxed atmosphere and rich Indo-Portuguese culture invite visitors into a world where daily worries feel distant
Published on Nov 10, 2024 08:00 AM IST
Rhythm, Rasa, and Reverence: Why classical dance captures India’s soul
Classical dance isn’t mere entertainment but a sadhana or practice, resonating with the spirit of Diwali and other festivals in India.
Published on Nov 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Just Like That | Art, obscenity, and hypocrisy: Why Mumbai Customs got it wrong
The mandate of Mumbai Customs is to confiscate contraband, not pronounce moral judgement on great works of art.
Published on Oct 27, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Just Like That | The ignoble western bias in Nobel Prizes
We in India give too much importance to western recognition. It is time we institute our own global prizes, and objectively judge those who judge us
Published on Oct 20, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Just Like That | Ravaan’s leela: The scholar, the devotee, and the fallen king
Ravaan was a brilliant scholar and a devout devotee of Shiva, revered in parts of India. Yet, it was his refusal to heed wise counsel that led to his downfall
Published on Oct 13, 2024 07:00 AM IST