Feeling bloated after meals? Gastroenterologist shares the benefits of post-meal ‘fart walks’ to ease discomfortGoing for a short walk after meals – popularised as “fart walks” on social media – is a simple way to get your digestive tract moving and ease bloating. Published on: May 27
IIT Madras graduate rejected ₹10 LPA job for UPSC, later found success through trading: 'Never give up'An X post detailed the man’s 12-year struggle through UPSC preparation, failed career shifts, heartbreak and unemployment before finding success through trading Published on: May 27
Man serves lemon juice as prashad in office prank, colleagues’ reactions go viralA light-hearted office moment captured on Instagram shows lemon juice being served as prashad. Published on: May 27, 2026 4:47 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link Office life can feel repetitive at times
India opens ₹15,000 crore race to build AMCA stealth fighterThe shortlisted bidders are: Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Larsen and Toubro plus Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge plus Bharat Earth Movers Limited Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:56 PM IST By Shishir Gupta Share via Copy link
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asked the international community for urgent help to prevent disaster in his country, which is under a U.S. energy blockade, in a speech to the UN Security Council on Tuesdayc(May 26, 2026). “I call on the international community to mobilize to
Javed Akhtar reflects on philosophy, reading habits and Salim Khan’s health
Javed Akhtar reflects on philosophy, reading habits and Salim Khan’s health; take a look
Javed Akhtar reflects on philosophy, reading habits and Salim Khan’s health; take a look
At the launch of The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar shared a brief health update about Salim Khan
Published on: Mar 06, 2026 4:59 PM IST By Aadrika Sominder Share via Copy link The lawns and halls of India International Centre in New Delhi turned into a lively meeting ground for writers, artists and thinkers on Thursday evening, as former Rajya Sabha member Pavan K Varma launched his latest book, The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River. Published by Penguin Random House, the book explores Hindu philosophy and the broader Hindu worldview, reflecting on the tensions between pleasure, spirituality and everyday life. Javed Akhtar, Pavan K Varma and Advaita Kala The evening drew a packed audience and brought together several prominent names from Delhi’s cultural and intellectual circles. Among those in attendance were screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, architect Sunita Kohli, classical dancer Shovana Narayan, columnist and public relations expert Suhel Seth, and artist Jatin Das. The discussion was moderated by author and screenwriter Advaita Kala, who steered the conversation through themes of Indian philosophy, culture and the evolving interpretation of Hindu thought. Jatin Das and Shovana Narayan Akhtar, who had read the book closely before the event, spoke at length about its distinctive style and ideas. Reflecting on his reading experience, he said the book stood apart from conventional works on religion and philosophy. “I’ve never read a book quite like this before. In many ways it feels like a genre of its own,” he said. “It’s also the kind of book you can finish in one go because the ideas grip you so strongly. It binds you with its thoughts and doesn’t let you go,” he said.About the book
Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River reimagines a familiar parable with a striking reversal: this time, it is the woman who carries the monk across the river. The story follows Guru Brihaspati and his celibate disciples, Kevala and Gyan, whose lives are unsettled by the mysterious Mandakini. Over five days, guru and disciple engage in an intense philosophical debate about what truly constitutes a fulfilled life. Blending philosophy with storytelling, the novel examines the uneasy relationship between the sacred and the sensual. Rather than offering easy answers, it places its characters at the centre of difficult choices, asking whether the quest for transcendence can coexist with the pull of earthly love. Speaking about the book, Varma said, “At its heart, the story looks at the constant tension between spirituality and desire. Can the two exist in harmony, or must one always deny the other? In today’s time, when there is so much hypocrisy around ideas of pleasure and purity, I felt it was important to explore this honestly.”Javed's recommendations for the youth
The conversation also touched upon reading habits and the importance of books for younger generations. When asked about works he would recommend for young readers today, Akhtar suggested a few titles that challenge conventional thinking and encourage deeper reflection. “One book I would certainly recommend for today’s time is God Is Not Great,” he said, referring to the work by journalist and author Christopher Hitchens. He also suggested reading Akbar: The Great Mughal by historian Ira Mukhoty, adding that it offers a compelling perspective on the Mughal emperor and the period.‘Salim is fine now…’
During the interaction, Akhtar also spoke briefly about his longtime collaborator and close friend Salim Khan. The two writers famously formed the legendary screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, responsible for several landmark Hindi films in the 1970s. Sharing an update on Khan’s health, Akhtar said, “Salim is fine now. He’s okay and recovering. He’s sitting on a chair and talking, and I mean, he has improved.” The evening concluded with a lively exchange between the speakers and the audience, turning the book launch into a broader conversation on philosophy, literature and the role of ideas in contemporary India. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aadrika Sominder Aadrika Sominder is a writer, but foremost an avid reader. With an unwavering commitment to the craft, she is convinced that there is nothing else she was meant to do with her life. Beyond the world of words, her hobbies include snacking and taking long trips.Read More Htcity Books Javed Akhtar Salim Khan News / Htcity / Htcity Delhi Junction / Javed Akhtar Reflects On Philosophy, Reading Habits And Salim Khan’s Health; Take A Look See Less News / Htcity / Htcity Delhi Junction / Javed Akhtar Reflects On Philosophy, Reading Habits And Salim Khan’s Health; Take A LookThe lawns and halls of India International Centre in New Delhi turned into a lively meeting ground for writers, artists and thinkers on Thursday evening, as former Rajya Sabha member Pavan K Varma launched his latest book, The Lady Who Carried the Monk Across the River. Published by Penguin Random House, the book explores Hindu philosophy and the broader Hindu worldview, reflecting on the tensions between pleasure, spirituality and everyday life.
The evening drew a packed audience and brought together several prominent names from Delhi’s cultural and intellectual circles. Among those in attendance were screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, architect Sunita Kohli, classical dancer Shovana Narayan, columnist and public relations expert Suhel Seth, and artist Jatin Das. The discussion was moderated by author and screenwriter Advaita Kala, who steered the conversation through themes of Indian philosophy, culture and the evolving interpretation of Hindu thought.
Akhtar, who had read the book closely before the event, spoke at length about its distinctive style and ideas. Reflecting on his reading experience, he said the book stood apart from conventional works on religion and philosophy. “I’ve never read a book quite like this before. In many ways it feels like a genre of its own,” he said. “It’s also the kind of book you can finish in one go because the ideas grip you so strongly. It binds you with its thoughts and doesn’t let you go,” he said.
The story follows Guru Brihaspati and his celibate disciples, Kevala and Gyan, whose lives are unsettled by the mysterious Mandakini. Over five days, guru and disciple engage in an intense philosophical debate about what truly constitutes a fulfilled life.
Blending philosophy with storytelling, the novel examines the uneasy relationship between the sacred and the sensual. Rather than offering easy answers, it places its characters at the centre of difficult choices, asking whether the quest for transcendence can coexist with the pull of earthly love.
Speaking about the book, Varma said, “At its heart, the story looks at the constant tension between spirituality and desire. Can the two exist in harmony, or must one always deny the other? In today’s time, when there is so much hypocrisy around ideas of pleasure and purity, I felt it was important to explore this honestly.”
“One book I would certainly recommend for today’s time is God Is Not Great,” he said, referring to the work by journalist and author Christopher Hitchens. He also suggested reading Akbar: The Great Mughal by historian Ira Mukhoty, adding that it offers a compelling perspective on the Mughal emperor and the period.
Sharing an update on Khan’s health, Akhtar said, “Salim is fine now. He’s okay and recovering. He’s sitting on a chair and talking, and I mean, he has improved.”
The evening concluded with a lively exchange between the speakers and the audience, turning the book launch into a broader conversation on philosophy, literature and the role of ideas in contemporary India.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: CBSE Class 11 Amitabh Bachchan impresses Javed Akhtar as he recreates Zanjeer moment Lucky Ali Slams Javed Akhtar Over Hindu-Muslim Remark Javed Akhtar Turns 81 Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar to be presented Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Sahitya Samman Happy Birthday Javed Akhtar Zakir Khan reacts to Javed Akhtar's dig at comics using cuss words in jokes Farah Khan says Rakesh Bedi used to visit Javed Akhtar's home for free alcohol Lucky Ali Calls Javed Akhtar Siri’s Big Upgrade
Jimmy Kimmel brutally mocks Trump for skipping son Don Jr's wedding, ‘This is a guy who…’Jimmy Kimmel addressed President Trump's absence from Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding, mocking his RSVP posted online. Published on: May 27, 2026 5:05 PM IST By Shweta Kukreti Share via Copy link Jimmy Kimmel
1 days ago
Byju Raveendran, once celebrated for building one of India’s biggest edtech companies, is now battling fresh legal trouble overseas. A Singapore court has reportedly sentenced the Byju’s founder to six months in jail in connection with a contempt case tied to non-compliance with court orders
1 days ago
Red Balloon Aerospace has launched India's first indigenous super-pressure balloon. Named VISTA, it ascended to 25 km carrying payloads from seven partners. This technology offers a cheaper alternative to satellites for various applications. The company aims for balloons to stay aloft for months
1 days ago
A team of Chinese researchers has developed a handheld cancer detection device capable of identifying early-stage cancer biomarkers from just a single drop of blood, a breakthrough that could potentially make cancer screening faster, cheaper, and far more accessible in the future
1 days ago
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) said the CBSE examination results have been marred by "massive irregularities" and demanded an independent judicial inquiry and constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth the truth behind the "entire scam"
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Election Commission to consider a representation seeking that Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail slips have time stamps that record the exact moment that an elector casts his or her vote, Live Law reported
1 days ago
The fallout between Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani during the Don 3 controversy has now become quite public, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a non-cooperation directive against the Dhurandhar star. Amid this
1 days ago
The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday acquitted religious leader Asumal Harpalani, also known as Asaram Bapu, of charges related to the gangrape and sexual assault of a minor, PTI reported. However, a bench of Justices Arun Monga and Yogendra Kumar Purohit upheld his conviction for rape in the case
1 days ago
Bhatia and Theegala could spring a surprise at Charles SchwabBhatia and Theegala could spring a surprise at Charles Schwab Published on: May 27, 2026 3:33 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Fort Worth , Indian origin golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala could spring a surprise when they tee off at
1 days ago
Noida International Airport: Paresh Maity’s art takes flight of fancyIndian artist Paresh Maity’s two public art installations will be part of the Noida International Airport that is expected to be operational from June 2026. These include six huge panels and a bell installation represent
1 days ago
The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code bill seeking to ban polygamy and make the registration of live-in relationships compulsory, even as the Opposition demanded that it should be sent to a select committee for scrutiny
1 days ago
LIC shares fall 3 percent as reports say India plans 2 percent stake sale to institutional investors. LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) shares slipped 3 per cent intraday on Wednesday, following the reports suggest the government is planning to sale 2 per cent stake from the insurance behemoth next
1 days ago
The rupee slipped 8 paise to 95.78 against U.S. dollar in early trade on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) on elevated crude oil prices as fresh U.S. strikes dampened optimism for an imminent U.S.-Iran peace deal. Forex traders said escalating U.S.-Iran conflict is again boosting safe-haven demand for the
1 days ago
‘India is dirtiest country’: Vlogger praises Sri Lanka, critiques India’s tourism decline due to poor cleanlinessShenaz Treasury criticised India's cleanliness issues, stating they deter tourists and compared the poor civic sense in the country to that in Sri Lanka. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
Demolish all illegal structures within 15 km of international border: Amit ShahDemolish all illegal structures within 15 km of international border: Amit Shah Published on: May 27, 2026 2:00 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the authorities to
1 days ago
Canada said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) it will temporarily ban residents from three African countries amid an Ebola outbreak. Residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be banned from entering Canada for 90 days starting on Wednesday (May 27, 2026)
1 days ago
Stray dog at Hyderabad airport lounge seen eating leftovers, sparks hygiene debateA stray dog spotted at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport lounge in Hyderabad has gone viral after being seen eating leftovers. Published on: May 27, 2026 2:03 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link A video
1 days ago
Kareena Kapoor's nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 desi hacks to beat the heat naturally at home: Wala roots to…To combat heat, Rujuta Diwekar recommends adding vetiver roots to water, applying henna to the hands and drinking buttermilk with spices. Here's how they help. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
San Francisco-bound Air India flight, airborne for over 8 hours, returns to Delhi after technical snagAir India further added that the flight landed safely in Delhi and will undergo a technical inspection. Updated on: May 27, 2026 2:28 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link An Air India flight
1 days ago
Amazon invested over £15 billion ($20 billion) in Britain in 2025, keeping the on track to deliver its planned £40 billion investment in the three years to the end of 2027, it said on Wednesday.Investments in 2025 included the launch of new operational sites
1 days ago
, who left in March from its India used-car CEO role, has joined company as cofounder.Pune-headquartered EMotorad, founded in 2020, is backed by the likes of Panthera Growth Partners, Green Frontier Capital and Binny Bansal's xto10x."What EMotorad has built is genuinely exciting
1 days ago
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham termed "problematic" the role of Pakistan as a mediator in the United States' war with Iran. Mr. Graham's remarks came as Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said he is not in favour of Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords
1 days ago
Ashneer Grover once shut down his pitch with ‘Tu baith jaa yar’. Now he’s headed to Y CombinatorAn entrepreneur has shared his journey from being dismissed by Ashneer Grover to getting into the world’s most prestigious startup accelerator, Y Combinator. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts Published on: May 27, 2026 2:34 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Jaipur, Around 100 gharial hatchlings have emerged from four nests in the Palighat area of the
1 days ago
Cardiologist explains why ‘normal’ stress test does not mean arteries are clean, shares 5 symptoms to look out forA stress test does not give the total picture of the cardiac blood vessels. As such, the risk of heart attack remains, shares Dr Yaranov. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
Organisational intelligence, the new growth pivot for enterprises, is emerging as a key differentiator between growth and stagnation of organisations. The key to being on the greener side of this phenomenon is the ability to learn faster and knowing how to put that knowledge into execution
1 days ago
Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers' union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)
1 days ago
