TeaTimeTreats: Barkat Ki Baarish

Valley's Version of Christmas Carol Celebrates Hope and Resilience

Shaheen P Parshad

Christmas carols have always been a source of peace and hope for me, which is why I love listening to them throughout the year. The nostalgic melodies and uplifting lyrics have a way of transporting me to a place of serenity, where the troubles of the world seem to fade away. While traditional carols hold a special place in my heart, an occasional twist can make them even more meaningful, especially around Christmas.

While I only expected a traditional carol when the emcee at 'Barkat Ki Baarish', a Christmas celebration organized by the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, announced a choir from Jammu-Kashmir (a region under the purview of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI), I was pleasantly surprised.

It was the first-ever Kashmiri version of a popular, modern Hindi Christmas carol ‘Khamosh raaton ki thandi hawaon se…” (from the cold winds of the silent nights…).  Paired with the soulful sigh of the saxophone, their rendition of the Nativity story conveyed a message of hope and resilience.

The fact that just nine months prior, Pahalgam had witnessed a horrific terror attack, yet they were singing about 'peace, hope, love, and joy'. The choir's performance was a poignant reminder that hope can thrive even in the darkest times. The birth of Lord Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago brought an end to the cold and silent reign of sin, instilling hope, peace, love, and joy in the hearts of His believers.

Their version of the carol resonated deeply with me, reminding me that my worth and abilities aren't defined by external circumstances, but by how I choose to utilize my talents. As I listened, I felt a sense of renewal, a call to use my own talents with firm faith in the One Who blessed me with them. It was a powerful reminder that we all have the capacity to make a difference, to be agents of hope and change in our own small way.

The Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop of Amritsar, beautifully summed it up: "God sent us His love in the form of His Only Begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, on Christmas, over 2000 years ago. May His love inspire us to be beacons of hope, compassion, and peace, shining brightly in our communities and beyond."

The carol was a reminder of the power of faith and our own ability to define our destinies. The Jammu-Kashmir choir's performance will stay with me, a beacon of hope in these uncertain times. As I looked around the gathering, I saw people of all ages and backgrounds, united in their quest for hope and peace. It was a truly uplifting experience, one that I will cherish for a long time to come.

As the people of Jammu-Kashmir continue to rebuild and heal, their version of the Christmas carol is a powerful symbol of their faith and determination. In the words of the carol, from the cold winds of the silent nights, a new dawn is breaking, bringing hope and peace to all.

 

TeaTimeTreats: Indo-US Relations

 Ties That Bind: A New Chapter in India-US Relations

Shaheen P Parshad

The India-US relationship is poised for a breakthrough, with both nations working diligently to strengthen their strategic partnership. The air is thick with excitement as discussions on defence, energy, and technology cooperation gather momentum. It's a match made in heaven, with both countries standing to gain immensely from this alliance.

The defence sector is one area where India and the US are making significant strides. The recent agreement on the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems and Excalibur guided artillery munitions is a testament to the growing trust between the two nations. India's acquisition of additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and Stryker infantry combat vehicles will only enhance its defense capabilities. As India looks to bolster its security, the US is emerging as a key partner in this endeavour.

But it's not just defence that's driving this partnership forward. The US-India TRUST initiative is a bold step towards collaboration in cutting-edge technologies like AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing. The innovation potential is vast, and both countries are eager to tap into it. The partnership between NASA and ISRO is a shining example of what's possible when two nations come together with a shared vision.

Energy security is another area where India and the US are finding common ground. As India looks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the US is emerging as a key partner in the transition to renewable energy. The US-India Energy Security Partnership is a welcome move, and India's decision to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a full member is a significant step forward.

As India and the US navigate this new chapter in their relationship, one thing is clear – the possibilities are endless. With a shared commitment to democracy, innovation, and progress, this partnership has the potential to redefine the global landscape. The future is bright, and it's only just beginning.

----EOM

TeaTimeTreats: Vande Mataram

Echoes of a Nation's Heartbeat

Shaheen P Parshad

As the winter evening descends, the scent of jasmine and the soft chanting of a timeless melody fill the atmosphere. Vande Mataram, the national song of India, has been a beacon of hope, a symbol of resistance, and a testament to the country's struggle for independence. Its melody, a harmonious blend of Sanskrit and Bengali, has become an integral part of Indian culture, evoking emotions and patriotism in every Indian heart.

As India celebrates 150 years of its national song, it's a moment to reflect on the power of music to inspire and unite a nation. Vande Mataram's journey is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage, its struggle for freedom, and its commitment to unity and diversity. The song's adoption was not without controversy, but it has emerged as a powerful symbol of India's diversity and inclusivity.

The echoes of Vande Mataram continue to reverberate through the nation's history, a reminder of the countless sacrifices made for India's freedom. From the streets of Kolkata to the hills of Kashmir, the song has been a rallying cry for generations of Indians, inspiring them to fight for their rights and freedoms. The song's melody has been the soundtrack of India's struggle for independence, a symbol of hope and resistance against colonial rule.

As the nation comes together to celebrate this momentous occasion, let's remember the power of Vande Mataram to inspire and unite us. In the words of Prof Avinash Singh, former Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Technology and Management, Shillong, “Yes, the story of Vande Matram is the story of India's struggle for independence, its rich heritage, culture, and unity in diversity. Let this analogy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay be a concert for togetherness and oneness, rather it's tactical misuse of dividing the country on parochial lines. One needs to read Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 'Anandamath' to know the importance of our national song.”

 May its melody continue to echo in our hearts, guiding us towards a brighter future, where every Indian can live with dignity, pride, and hope. Let's celebrate the spirit of Vande Mataram, a song that has become an integral part of India's identity, a symbol of its strength and resilience.

 The story of Vande Mataram is a story of India's journey, a journey of struggle, sacrifice, and triumph. It's a story of the country's rich cultural heritage, its diversity, and its commitment to unity. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let's remember the values that Vande Mataram represents – courage, compassion, and unity. May the song's melody continue to inspire us to build a stronger, more inclusive India, where every citizen can live with pride and dignity.

 

 

TeaTimeTreats: Glimpses of the setting sun

 Sun peeking through the trees, lighting up the wild green vibe 🌞🌳 #NatureVibes

TeaTimeTreats: Glimpses of nature

 As the winter evening unfolds in Amritsar, the sun drifts toward the horizon, casting its golden glow through the trees, where red roses bloom in the foreground, whispering the promise of a serene sunset at 3:30 PM on December 11, 2025.

TeaTimeTreats: Planet on Ventilator

 Planet on Ventilator: Leaders Lost in Ego Dance

Shaheen P Parshad

The world teeters on the brink as politicians bop to the beat of their own drums. Climate chaos rages, inequality gins up, and misinformation spreads like wildfire – but who's bothered? Leaders are too busy perfecting their social media angles, tweeting trivia, and calculating their next power play.

Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are rewriting the script for humanity, but politicians are stuck in a bad Bollywood rerun – same old speeches, same old blame game. The script's gone stale, but the show must go on. Global hunger gnaws at 318 million people, inequality yawns wider than the Grand Canyon, and poverty's grim reaper still stalks the land. Yet, the chatter's all about cricket, politics, and who wore what to the last rally. Hello? Planet calling politicians!

Misinformation's the new currency, and everyone's trading in fake news and doctored clips. Truth's the first casualty as politicians peddle lies like street vendors sell chai. The people are waking up, though – will leaders join them or stay lost in translation?

The circus continues, with politicians juggling empty promises and fiery rhetoric. But the real crisis is outside – kids can't breathe clean air, farmers can't grow crops, and cities are drowning in trash. Who's steering the ship? Captains are distracted by their own reflections.

As the planet burns, leaders are busy fighting over who's the best dancer on _Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa_, debating the latest cricket match, and tweeting about their personal lives. The music's stopping, folks – time to wake up before the dance floor collapses.

Meanwhile, 318 million people will face hunger in 2026, and the cost of extreme weather events is estimated at $143 billion annually. Greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 1.5% annually since 1990. 670 million people lived in extreme poverty in 2022, and the richest 1% own almost half of global wealth.

The clock ticks on. The people demand change, not just catchy slogans. Will politicians wake up in time, or will the planet have to hit rock bottom before they act? The next chapter's being written – let's hope it's not a tragedy.

TeaTimeTreats: Echoes of a Forgotten Crisis

 Echoes of a Forgotten Crisis: The Environmental Threats That Time Forgot

Shaheen P Parshad

The environmental wake-up calls of the 1980s – the ozone layer's gaping hole, groundwater depletion, and widespread deforestation – once sparked global alarm. Fast forward to 2025, and these crises seem to have slipped from the headlines, overshadowed by newer threats, such as climate change and plastic pollution. But don't be fooled; these issues are far from resolved.

Take the ozone layer, often hailed as an environmental success story. The Montreal Protocol's ban on ozone-depleting substances (ODS) did shrink the ozone hole, but recent studies reveal a concerning trend: ODS levels are rising again, leaving the ozone layer vulnerable. It's a stark reminder that global cooperation, though effective, requires constant vigilance.

Meanwhile, groundwater depletion continues unabated, threatening the world's largest freshwater reservoir. As aquifers dry up, the consequences are far-reaching: decreased crop yields, increased energy consumption, and saltwater intrusion. The spectre of water scarcity looms large, affecting 1.6 billion people worldwide.

The Amazon rainforest, the planet's lungs, has lost over 17% of its forest cover in the past 50 years. Deforestation's impact is multifaceted: climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. The Amazon's decline is felt globally, with ripple effects on regional climate patterns and the planet's very life support systems.

These environmental issues are intricately linked, each exacerbating the climate crisis. The ozone layer's recovery, for instance, is linked to climate change mitigation, as alternatives to ODS contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Groundwater depletion intensifies droughts and heatwaves, while deforestation disrupts regional climate patterns.

So, are these issues still relevant? Absolutely. They may have slipped from the spotlight, but their impact is still being felt. It's time to reignite the urgency and tackle these environmental crises head-on.

You can make a difference. Support sustainable practices by choosing products with minimal packaging and promoting eco-friendly agriculture. Conserve water by fixing leaks and harvesting rainwater. Plant trees, support reforestation efforts, and reduce paper waste. Stay informed about environmental news and support climate policies. Every small action counts, and collective efforts can spark meaningful change.

The forgotten environmental crises of the past are still relevant today. Let's work together to ensure a sustainable future, where the air is clean, water is plentiful, and forests thrive.