TeaTimeTreats: Belgian Research Scholars visit Khalsa College

Belgian Research Scholars Visit Khalsa College, Mesmerized by Artifacts at History Centre

Amritsar, February 3: A 16-member high level delegation, comprising of teachers, research scholars and students from Lueven University, Belgium today visited historic Khalsa College campus. They were mesmerized by the heritage building structure of the 1892-built Khalsa College, artifacts at Sikh History Research Centre before a brief interaction with the faculties and students of College.

The delegation which was led by Dr Bert Broeckaert, Professor World Religion at Lueven, near Brussels was received by Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and Principal Dr.Atam Randhawa on arrival at the campus. The European team, said they, were on a visit to Punjab to know the rich cultural heritage of Punjab and wanted to explore the Sikh architect and history.

KCGC Member and College’s Global Alumni Convener, Dr Davinder Singh Chhina who was instrumental in bringing the delegation to the campus said they saw the century old historical archive at Sikh History Research Centre. They saw the artifacts, rare books, journals and museum and took the tour to vast 300 acres campus and majestic building, renowned for its Indo-Sarcenic architecture.

Dr. Chhina, along with Dr.Rajbir Singh, told delegation members that the College’s heritage structure symbolizes cultural synthesis and secular traditions as campus features have been meticulously preserved and restored, maintaining heritage aesthetics while serving modern academic needs. While welcoming delegation, RMS Chhina said it was an honour and pleasure to welcome Belgian academicians at College as institution stand at the intersection of education, heritage, and cultural memory.

The campus, he said was a living archive. “Its architecture - an elegant blend of Sikh, Mughal, and Indo-Saracenic styles - reflects the cultural plurality of Punjab and symbolizes dialogue rather than division. Over more than a century, this institution has witnessed colonial rule, reform movements, independence, Partition, and the evolution of modern India - remaining, throughout, a centre of learning and service”, said he.

Dr.Atam Randhawa said within this historic setting, the Sikh History Research Centre holds special significance. Established in the early twentieth century, it is one of the earliest institutions dedicated to the systematic study of Sikh history. Its rich collections of manuscripts, archival records, newspapers, art, and material culture provide scholars with rare primary sources that illuminate not only Sikh religious history, but also the broader social and political history of South Asia.

He added that the visit from Leuven University, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities, is especially meaningful to them as it reminds about pursuit of knowledge transcending borders, languages, and cultures. He further said there are strong possibilities for academic dialogue between Lueven University and the College in the areas of archival studies, religious history, colonial and post-colonial scholarship, and digital preservation of historical sources. Nele Armand M., Jonathan, Christian, Dagmar Eulalie R., Johan, Jennifer, Karel Filip Louis, Merie Agnes I., Neter-Jan Hendrik L, Axel Roger J.J., Grisja Gino C, Mallys Christine H., Kate, Rik others.

#SikhHeritage #KhalsaCollege #LuevenUniversity #CulturalExchange #Amritsar

 

TeaTimeTreats: Tensions in the Strait

Tensions in the Strait: A Game of Nuclear Roulette

Shaheen P Parshad

The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran have brought the world to the brink of a catastrophic conflict. The recent threats of military action by the US President have been met with defiant warnings of a "regional war" from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As the situation continues to unfold, it's clear that diplomacy is the only viable option to prevent a devastating war.

The current standoff is rooted in Iran's nuclear ambitions and the US's attempts to curb them. The 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran's nuclear program, was abandoned by the US in 2018, leading to increased tensions. Iran has since resumed enriching uranium, prompting the US to impose crippling sanctions. The recent protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and government brutality, have further complicated the situation.

The US has dispatched a significant military force to the region, including an aircraft carrier strike group, amidst threats of military strikes against Iran. In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate against any attack, threatening to target US bases and interests in the region. The risk of miscalculation and escalation is alarmingly high.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with regional actors like Qatar and Oman attempting to facilitate talks between the US and Iran. However, trust is in short supply, and significant obstacles remain. Iran's demands for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to nuclear enrichment are unlikely to be met by the US, given its concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

The potential consequences of a conflict are dire. A war would disrupt global oil supplies, causing economic chaos and potentially pushing the world into recession. The humanitarian toll would be catastrophic, with millions of Iranians facing the brunt of the conflict.

Despite the challenges, diplomacy remains the only way to prevent a war. The US and Iran must engage in meaningful talks, addressing each other's concerns and working towards a mutually acceptable solution. Regional actors and international organizations must also play a role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions.

As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the stakes are higher than ever. The path to de-escalation is narrow, but it's the only one that can prevent a disaster.

The international community must urge restraint and diplomacy, pushing the US and Iran to step back from the brink. The alternative is unthinkable

@The New York Times, @The Economist

#IranUSConflict #DiplomacyOverWar #NuclearDeal #MiddleEastTensions #GlobalSecurity

TeaTimeTreats: Shadow Over the Strait

Shadow Over the Strait

Shaheen P Parshad

The US and Iran are dancing on the edge of a precipice, their decades-long rivalry threatening to engulf the Middle East in chaos. The recent exchange of threats and deployment of warships has pushed the region to the brink of war. Diplomacy seems like a distant memory as both nations prioritize power over prudence.

The current standoff is a toxic cocktail of historical grievances, ideological differences, and strategic interests. Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups are legitimate concerns, but the US's own record in the region is far from spotless. The drumbeat of war is loud, and the consequences would be catastrophic.

The human cost of conflict would be devastating, with millions caught in the crossfire. The economic fallout would be equally dire, disrupting global oil supplies and sending shockwaves through the international economy. Yet, the sabre-rattling continues, fueled by nationalist fervor and vested interests.

Iran's leaders have consistently demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries, but escalation would be a suicidal gamble. The US, too, has its own red lines, making it difficult to envision a peaceful resolution. The situation is a perfect storm, with both sides trapped in a cycle of action and reaction.

The international community's response has been predictably muted, with key players prioritizing their own interests over global stability. The UN's role has been reduced to issuing statements, while regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel are quietly backing their horses.

As tensions escalate, the space for diplomacy narrows. The longer the standoff continues, the more entrenched positions become, making a return to dialogue increasingly unlikely. The world watches with bated breath, hoping against hope that cooler heads will prevail.

In the meantime, the people of the region can only wait and prepare for the worst. The shadow of war looms large, a constant reminder of the fragility of peace in the Middle East.

The question on everyone's mind is: will diplomacy triumph, or will the forces of destruction prevail? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the stakes are high, and the consequences will be far-reaching.

@timesofindia

#TOI #TimesOfIndia

@ndtv

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@thehindu: #TheHindu #Hindu

@indiatoday

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 #USIranTensions

TeaTimeTreats: A Dance on the Edge of War

Tensions Escalate: A Dance on the Edge of War

Shaheen P Parshad

The Middle East is a powder keg, and the latest moves by the United States and Iran have pushed it closer to the brink. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region has sparked a heated exchange between Washington and Tehran, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard commander warning that his forces are ready to retaliate against any aggression.

The situation is complex, with both sides engaging in a delicate game of cat and mouse. The US has been vocal about its concerns over Iran's nuclear program and its treatment of protesters, while Iran sees the US presence as a threat to its sovereignty. The recent protests in Iran, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and arrests, have added fuel to the fire.

As the world watches with bated breath, it's clear that diplomacy is the only way to prevent a full-blout conflict. But with both sides dug in, it's unclear if either is willing to back down. The US insists all options are on the table, while Iran vows to defend itself against any attack.

The economic stakes are high, with oil prices and global markets sensitive to any escalation. The international community is on high alert, with European airlines already canceling flights to the region. It's a waiting game, with everyone watching to see who will make the next move.

In this high-stakes game of geopolitics, it's easy to forget the human cost. Thousands of lives are at stake, and the prospect of war is a grim reality. The world must come together to urge restraint and push for a peaceful resolution.

The question on everyone's mind is whether the US and Iran can step back from the edge. The answer lies in diplomacy and dialogue, not military might. It's time for leaders to prioritize the people over politics and work towards a solution that benefits all.

As tensions continue to simmer, one thing is clear: the world is holding its breath, waiting to see what happens next.

The future of the Middle East hangs in the balance, and it's up to the leaders to ensure that it's a future of peace, not conflict.

@TheNewYorkTimes, @Reuters, @AlJazeera, @BBCNews, @TheGuardian, @TimeMagazine, @Forbes, @Bloomberg, @CNBC, @HuffPost

#IranTensions #USIranConflict #DonaldTrump #IranProtests #MiddleEastTensions #NuclearDeal #IranNuclearProgram #USMilitary #Geopolitics #IranSanctions #IranRetaliation #GlobalSecurity #OilPrices #IranProtestCrackdown #DiplomaticTensions #IranUSTalks #IranMissileProgram #RegionalTensions #InternationalRelations

TeaTimeTreats: When Doves Take Flight

 

Punjabi Welcome, Patriotic Zeal, and Call for Peace Mark CNI Moderator’s Historic Visit

AMRITSAR, JANUARY 25: The pulsating beats of the Punjabi ‘dhol’ with youth sporting traditional Punjabi attire matching step to these, tricolour balloons representing peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation, and white doves symbolizing ‘peace’ lent a perfect flavour to the first visit of The Most Rev Dr Paritosh Canning, Moderator, Church of North India Synod.

Soon after landing in the city a day before, he was accorded a traditional Punjabi welcome, which included a procession for almost half-a-kilometre. During a special worship service organized at St Paul’s Church, Court Road, Amritsar, the Moderator was greeted with garlands and released white doves into the sky, a symbolic gesture of “Pax in Terris” (Luke 2:14) that underscored the event’s focus on peace.

A procession to the Church Porch, led by clergy and church leaders, featured the release of tricolour balloons representing peace, prosperity, and progress for the nation. A welcome dance and a series of audio-visual presentations highlighted both the Moderator’s ministry and the Diocese of Amritsar’s ongoing outreach in education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

In his address, The Most Rev Dr Paritosh Canning called on the Christian community to stand firm in faith while extending love and compassion to all, emphasizing the need for religious freedom, justice, and inter-faith harmony.

The Right Rev Manoj Charan, Bishop, Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, added that the visit had reinforced the commitment of the diocese to peace, justice, and inter-faith dialogue, besides inspiring the diocese and all, who work for it, to deepen their service to the community.

The event has strengthened ties among all the dioceses of the CNI and set a renewed vision for collaborative social action, signalling a continued dedication to peace, justice, and inter-faith harmony throughout the region.

@CNI_Synod @DioceseOfAmritsar @BishopManojCharan @ModeratorParitoshCanning

#CNI #ChurchOfNorthIndia #DioceseOfAmritsar #ModeratorVisit #Peace #Unity #Faith #InterFaithHarmony #Justice #PunjabiWelcome #PatrioticZeal #PaxInTerris #ChristianCommunity #India

TeaTimeTreats: Iran's Brutal Crackdown

Iran's Brutal Crackdown: A Nation Held Hostage

Shaheen P Parshad 

The international community is finally taking notice of the atrocities unfolding in Iran, where the regime's brutal crackdown on protests has left thousands dead and countless more silenced. The UN Human Rights Council's decision to deepen scrutiny of Iran's actions is a welcome step, but it's a damning indictment of the global community's delayed response.

For months, Iranians have taken to the streets, demanding change and an end to the regime's iron grip. What they've gotten is bullets, arrests, and executions. The regime's tactics are a calculated attempt to instill fear, and it's working – for now.

But the world is watching, and the regime's actions are being documented. Witnesses describe scenes of indiscriminate violence, with security forces firing live ammunition into crowds and targeting protesters with precision. The death toll is staggering, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to over 5,000 killed.

The Iranian government's narrative is predictable: protesters are "terrorists" and "rioters" backed by foreign adversaries. But this is a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the regime's own failures. The protests are about more than just economic hardship – they're about the Iranian people's desire for freedom, dignity, and an end to the regime's suffocating grip.

The international community must do more than just condemn Iran's actions – it must hold the regime accountable. This means imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible for the violence and supporting independent investigations into human rights abuses.

The Iranian people are not asking for charity or intervention; they're asking for solidarity and support. They want the world to acknowledge their struggle and amplify their voices. As the UN's Volker Turk said, "The killing on the streets of Iran may have subsided, but the brutality continues."

The regime's actions are a stark reminder that the Iranian people's struggle is far from over. The international community must stand with them, and demand an end to the regime's brutal repression. Silence is complicity, and it's time for the world to take a stand.

The Iranian people's resilience is inspiring, and their demands for justice and freedom will not be silenced. The regime may think it's winning, but history is on the side of the Iranian people.

- @TheHindu

- @IndianExpress

- @TheTimesOfIndia

- @TheWire

- @ScrollIndia

- @TheCaravanMag

- @OutlookMagazine

- @IndiaToday

- #IranProtests

- #IranRevolution

- #FreeIran

- #HumanRights

- #JusticeForIran

- #IranUnderAttack

- #StandWithIran

- #IranianVoices

TeaTimeTreats: Sam's Big Breakout

Sam's Big Breakout

Shaheen P Parshad

After his thrilling tour of the Soxytoes headquarters, Sam, the Zero-Waste Champion sock, was basking in the glory of his previous adventure. He had solved the mystery of the missing socks, earned a tiny medal stamped with the company's "Zero-Waste Champion" logo, and become a beloved mascot in the office.

But disaster struck. The office's notorious dryer, still rumbling from its earlier sock-vortex incident, swallowed another pair of socks belonging to the CEO himself. This time, the stakes were higher – the CEO had a crucial client meeting the next day.

Determined to solve the mystery once and for all, Sam hatched a plan. Under the cover of night, he snuck back into the laundry room, navigating through piles of dirty towels and abandoned buttons. He discovered a hidden compartment in the dryer's control panel, filled with lost socks from years past.

Sam rallied the lost socks, and together they devised a plan to escape the dryer and create a sustainable future for all socks. With a burst of energy, they jammed the dryer's mechanisms, shutting it down. The office was in chaos, but Sam and his new friends led the way, showing everyone how to repurpose and reuse.

The CEO, impressed by Sam's initiative, declared the office a "Sock-Safe Zone". From then on, Sam's medal was upgraded to "Sustainability Superstar," and he got a cozy new spot in the office's green lounge.

The office became a hub for sustainable innovation, with Sam at the forefront, inspiring colleagues to think creatively about waste and resource management. And Sam, the humble sock, proved that even the smallest heroes can make a big impact.

@Soxytoes @EcoOffice @GreenBiz #ZeroWaste #Sustainability #SockHero #EcoInnovation #OfficeLife #SustainableFuture