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A few random thoughts for the day 16-08-2026

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A few random thoughts for the day 16-08-2026 Shashank Purandare I just realised that half of 2026 is already beyond us. How time flies!

But the world around us is in a sort of quasi-static flux. For years on, senseless Ukraine-Russia war rages on, killing innocent people, destroying things that took years to build.

Israel is fast becoming a rouge state, hell bent on destroying the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Iran and what not.

Six months back or so, Trump attacked Iran. It is not USA but only Trump. After destroying quite a bit of Iran’s ancient civilisation, far older than a 350 year old USA, costing billions of US dollars to America’s general public and adding millions to his personal wealth, Trump got nothing politically. It is a war Trump has already lost.

It negated economic growth of many countries. Europe is close to a collapse, small countries around the world are close to bankruptcy, while the big ones are barely managing to remain float.

Straight of Hormuz is not straight but a fork. It is currently behaving like the Schrödinger’s cat. It is open and close at the same time. It has choked oil supply to the whole world. Fact is, Trump has blocked it but Iran is controlling it. Trump does not know what to do as he dare not put American boots on the ground.

America never learns from history. The military adventures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Iran have failed. Currently American external debt is 432 billion dollars. Its inflation is spiralling. It does not have ammunition to attack Iran further. It is unable to control Hormuz. Iran’s nuclear stock pile is out of reach.

Sadly, currently the world is held ransom by three madmen. Putin, Netyanhu and Trump. The world is a mute spectator against their military power.

Here in our country, nothing changes. Another parliamentary session washed out! I do not know why we are paying salaries and perks to non performing MPs. In a private enterprise , you lose half day’s salary for being late by ten minutes. But it is obvious that Rahul Gandhi is scared to face Amit Shah in Loksabha. His agenda was highjacked by CJP and this government , masters of politics that they are, quietly struck a deal first with Wabgchuk and then CJP to deprive opposition of an issue to beat the stick.

As far as NATIONAL ENTRANCE AND ELIGIBILITY TEST (NEET) is concerned, good students will always score well, whether the paper leaked or not. The government quickly ordered a new test, declared results and ranking, matters closed. So what was the CJP agitation about? In any case, no sincere student will waste one and a half month in a senseless agitation. So who were at Jantar Mantar? Everyone knows.

Paper leak is a serious issue. But this is a problem of deep rooted corruption of every Indian. We need to start with self. Cleanse our minds first before pointing fingers at others.

Who is Abhijit Dipke anyway? Find out for yourself! Western interests have been trying to stir trouble for the current government using every available means since they cannot win democratically with their incompetent opposition parties.

In our times, 60-80s, anything that is written must be true, or so thought the majority. In today’s world, if it is on social media, it must be true. Pay attention, you are being brainwashed by everyone who can. Use your brain to. Neer-ksheer-Vivek, anyone. That is separate milk and water, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha as they don’t read anything these days!

FCRA bill is being opposed by these people for the same reason as it seeks to stop foreign funding for illegitimate use.

Generally I watch Marathi news channel only to get weather and city updates before switching to more enjoyable stuff. But few weeks back ABP Maza featured Tukaram Munde and I watched his interview.

I get my daily news paper. I generally skim through it. But today’s Times of India page 3, carries reports about speeches delivered by Tukaram Munde and Saina Nehwal to the St. Xavier’s college as part of Malhar.

Saina spoke about the need of mental toughness in sports and how the lack of it forces athletes to give up due to constant criticism of media. She started badminton revolution in India and instilled belief in the minds of every Indian girl. We will never forget her contribution to Indian sport. Tukaram Munde talked about his current FDA drive, but more importantly, he said that gone are the days when your family lineage would help you succeed in life and automatically make you a leader. A true leader not only identifies the problem but also provides a solution.

During my TIFR days, Professor Vengurlekar told me the same thing. He told me that do not go to your boss with a problem. Go to him with a problem and a solution.

Same Times of India carries an article about these FDA raids and allied issues, like air pollution. The author, Urvashi Prasad, is a non smoker but suffers from lung cancer. This is first hand report how bad things are around us.

Tail piece: Recently I watched a series, Made in India; A Titan story and a film: Governer. Though, dramatised, Both are stories which tell you how India emerged through ashes like a Phoenix through hard work and leadership, the kind of which Tukaram Munde spoke about. Today’s Gen Z and Alpha should see those. They will, I hope, think twice before starting senseless agitations.