Finland

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Finland and India: A Partnership of Happiness and Optimism

The President of Finland,Alexander Stubb, who is widely known for his deep knowledge of politics, economics, and global affairs, recently visited for an important diplomatic engagement. He visited India from March 4 to March 7, 2026, on an official state visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, .

During this visit, President Stubb held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also met the President of India, . He attended the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker. The visit focused on strengthening trade, technological cooperation, and bilateral relations between Finland and India.

His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolized not only the strengthening of diplomatic relations but also the beginning of a promising new chapter in economic and technological cooperation between the two nations.

A Meeting of Vision and Opportunity

Finland and India, though geographically distant, share common values such as democracy, innovation, and sustainable development. The leaders discussed several areas of collaboration, including technology, education, digital innovation, clean energy, and environmental sustainability. Their discussions reflected a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties and encouraging investment between the two countries.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to sign a business cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing trade, promoting technology transfer, and encouraging joint ventures. This agreement is expected to create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries.

Happiness Meets Optimism:

President Stubb made a meaningful observation during the discussions. He described Finland as a country known for its happiness, referring to its consistent ranking among the world’s happiest nations. In contrast, he highlighted India as a country of optimism, driven by its vibrant democracy, rapid economic growth, and, most importantly, its large and energetic young population.

According to President Stubb, combining Finland’s happiness with India’s optimism could create a powerful synergy. Happiness represents stability, trust, and well-being, while optimism reflects energy, ambition, and a forward-looking mindset. When these qualities come together, they can form a partnership that is both productive and inspiring.

Areas of Future Cooperation.

The India–Finland partnership has strong potential in several key sectors:

  • Technology and Innovation: Finland’s expertise in digital technology, advanced education systems, and innovation ecosystems can complement India’s rapidly growing technology sector and startup culture.
  • Education and Research: Collaboration between universities and research institutions can promote knowledge exchange and scientific innovation.
  • Sustainable Development: Both countries are committed to climate action. Finland’s experience in green technologies can support India’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
  • Startup Ecosystems: Finland’s dynamic startup environment and India’s expanding entrepreneurial landscape provide excellent opportunities for cooperation and investment. A Shared Future:

The meeting between President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated a shared vision for global cooperation and economic progress. By strengthening ties in trade, innovation, and sustainable development, Finland and India are paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.

As President Stubb noted, when the happiness of Finland joins hands with the optimism of India, the result can be a powerful alliance—one that not only boosts economic growth but also promotes well-being, innovation, and a better future for both nations.

This partnership may also serve as a model for how countries with different strengths and perspectives can work together to create meaningful and lasting global impact.

Sleep Hygiene

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Sleep hygiene refers to behavioral and environmental practices that promote restorative sleep and reduce insomnia.

Core Principles

Regular Sleep Schedule:

Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, including weekends.

Bed for Sleep Only (Stimulus Control):

Use the bed only for sleep (and sexual activity). Avoid reading, watching TV, or using electronic devices in bed.

Food / Dinner:

Light food, which is easily digestable. Less in quantity compared to lunch.
Drink a glass of milk before going to bed. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid from which the neurotransmitter serotonin—associated with sleep—is produced.

Avoid Daytime Napping:

Especially avoid long or late naps, as they reduce sleep drive.

Limit Stimulants and Substances:

Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants several hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol as a sleep aid—it disrupts sleep architecture.

Pre-Sleep Routine:

Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime (e.g., reading, light stretching, meditation).

Optimize Sleep Environment:

Ensure a quiet, dark, and comfortable bedroom with an appropriate temperature.

Regular Physical Activity:

Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

Take a shower in lukewarm water before bedtime.

Light Exposure Regulation:

Increase daytime light exposure and reduce screen exposure and bright light before bedtime.

Avoid Clock-Watching:

Repeatedly checking the time increases anxiety and arousal.

If Unable to Sleep:
Get out of bed if unable to sleep after approximately 20 minutes,( during this period do not engage in watching movie or playing games,…if you are a student read your text book, 😁) and return only when sleepy.

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Courtesy: CTP, Kapplan& Saddock

Auschwitz

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Auschwitz — I Still Hear the Cry.
By Dr. Nelson Kattikat.

Auschwitz— I still hear the cry.

It does not fade. It does not die.

It trembles in the wind,
it burns in the soil,
it sleeps in the ashes of broken names.

There stands a child— no more than a year old— weeping without sound, her cradle, a field of smoke.

From her eyes, blood falls like acid rain.
From her pores, sorrow seeps— not tears, but the bleeding history.

I kneel before her. “Why do you cry, my little one?”

She lifts a face older than time. “I have lost my mother.”

“Where is she?”

“She drifted into the dark cloud of yesterday, where trains swallowed the sun and chimneys swallowed the sky.”

“Shall we go and search for her?”

She shakes his fragile head. “No. She told me to wait here.”

“How long have you been waiting?”

“Since 1940.”

The wind freezes. Even silence is afraid.

“Will she return?”

“Yes,” she whispers, with a faith the world betrayed.

“What is your name, child?”

She answers, “Mercy.”

“And your mother?”

She closes her bleeding eyes.

“They called her Love.”

Broken heart Syndrome 💔

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called broken heart syndrome, is a temporary heart condition where the heart muscle suddenly becomes weakened or “stunned.”

What happens?.

The main pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle) changes shape, acquire shape of Takotsubo ( a Japanese pot) and doesn’t pump effectively. This can look very similar to a heart attack.

What causes it?

It’s usually triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as:

  • Loss of a loved one.
  • Severe illness or surgery.
  • Major accident.
  • Extreme fear or shock.

Stress hormones (like adrenaline) are believed to temporarily affect the heart muscle.

Symptoms:

They often mimic a heart attack:

  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Fainting (in some cases).

Because it looks like a heart attack, emergency evaluation is always needed.

Is it permanent?

Usually no. Unlike a typical heart attack (which involves blocked arteries), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy does not involve blocked coronary arteries. Most people recover fully within days to weeks, though complications can occur in severe cases.

Who gets it most?

It’s most common in:

People who have recently experienced severe stress

Women (especially after menopause)

Survival

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“I Don’t Mind What Happens”: Krishnamurti on Livelihood and Psychological Freedom

In a public talk delivered in 1977 in , made a striking statement:

“I have no problem because I don’t demand anything from anybody or from life.”

The audience had raised a deeply practical concern:
How can one live without anxiety about earning a livelihood? After all, most people must work, earn money, support families, and secure their future. If one abandons ambition and the psychological drive for security, wouldn’t survival itself be threatened?.

Krishnamurti’s response was unexpected. He did not offer financial advice, nor did he dismiss the need for food, clothing, and shelter. Instead, he questioned the psychological structure behind the fear of livelihood.

The Real Question Behind the Question:

The concern about earning a living often carries a hidden layer:

  • What if I fail?.
  • What if I lose status?.
  • What if I am insecure?.
  • What if I become “nobody”?.

Krishnamurti suggested that what we call a “livelihood problem” is frequently not about physical survival but about psychological demand — the demand for certainty, recognition, continuity, and identity.

When he said, “I don’t mind what happens,” he was not advocating passivity. He was pointing to a state of mind free from inward insistence on outcomes. Success or failure, wealth or poverty — these did not define his sense of self.

Practical Necessity vs. Psychological Demand.

Krishnamurti made a clear distinction:

Practical necessity:
Human beings need food, clothing, shelter, and work. These are facts of life.

Psychological demand:
We attach identity and security to these necessities. We equate money with worth, success with meaning, and stability with inner safety.

For most people, livelihood becomes heavy not because work is inherently unbearable, but because self-image is tied to it.

According to Krishnamurti, when there is no inward demand — no insistence that life must conform to our expectations — fear loses much of its grip.

Why His Position Appears Radical

His statement can sound unrealistic. After all, he himself was supported by friends and foundations and did not live as an isolated ascetic. Yet his point was not about external arrangements. It was about the internal posture of the mind.

He claimed he had no problem about livelihood because he did not psychologically cling to security. If food was provided, fine. If not, he would adapt. The absence of resistance was the key.

This challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: that anxiety is necessary for responsibility. We often believe that without fear of failure, we would become careless or inactive.

Krishnamurti questioned this entirely. He suggested that intelligence — not fear — can guide practical action.

Livelihood as an Existential Issue.

For many, earning money is not merely functional; it becomes existential. It determines self-worth and belonging. That is why losing a job can feel like losing oneself.

Krishnamurti’s inquiry cuts at the root of this identification. If one’s identity is not built on achievement, then work remains important — but it no longer defines the core of one’s being.

In that sense, the problem of livelihood is transformed from an existential crisis into a practical matter requiring clarity and action.

Is This Possible?

Whether one agrees with him or not, the challenge remains powerful:

  • Can we work without being psychologically owned by work?
  • Can we plan without fear dominating the mind?
  • Can we act responsibly without inward demand for security?.

Krishnamurti did not provide a method. He invited observation — to see directly how fear, ambition, and comparison operate within us.

The question he leaves us with is subtle yet profound:

Is our anxiety about survival truly about survival — or about the image we have built of ourselves?

In examining that, the issue of livelihood may reveal itself in an entirely new light.

Germany.part2

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During my time here in Germany , I have come to see Germans as people with quietly beautiful souls. They are open and honest, yet often carry a certain seriousness. At first, they may seem reserved when meeting someone new, but with a little time and conversation, that reserve gently softens into warmth.

As a foreigner, I have felt welcomed. People have been receptive, friendly, and ready to help whenever I needed support. This has given me a deep appreciation for them — especially in the small village where I am staying. The kindness here feels genuine and unforced.

One of my favorite moments each day is hearing the greeting “Moin” as people pass by. It simply means “hello” or “good day,” but to me it feels like a small gift of connection. I sometimes walk just to receive that friendly word from strangers.

Another thing that impressed me is their driving culture. Most drivers carefully obey traffic rules and show great respect for pedestrians. In village areas, cars slow down not only for people, but even for animals crossing the road — or for someone walking with a dog. There is patience in these small actions.

I’ve also noticed their strong sense of responsibility toward their surroundings. Many residents take care of the canal in front of their homes, cut the grass along the roadside, and keep their spaces clean. Streets and waterways are treated with respect. Cleanliness here is not just a rule — it feels like a shared value.

Something else that stands out is that people tend to mind their own business. There is only little gossip. Instead of interfering in others’ lives, they focus on their own paths. I find that both respectful and refreshing.

Many of the Germans I met are deeply interested in world politics. They follow the news closely and speak proudly of their country. When the topic of Trump came up, most expressed critical opinions, often with thoughtful reasoning behind their views.

One day at the supermarket, I discovered something that fascinated me: a large community notice board. It was filled with small stories of daily life — missing cats with photos and phone numbers, so that customers could help reunite them with their owners.

There was also a notice from a woman named Sarah offering companionship to elderly people — visiting them, walking with them, sharing meals, or helping with groceries. I found this deeply compassionate.

Another announcement in the notice board invited people to join a small music group in the evenings. They had an organ, and anyone could come at 7 p.m. to sing together — free of charge. There were also vacation programs for children over nine years old, offering activities and picnics without parents, safely organized and supervised.

Others advertised practical services — roof repairs and various forms of help. It felt like a simple but powerful network of community support.

In the supermarket, I also noticed a small area offering free fruit for children — blueberries, bananas, and more. The idea was to encourage healthy choices instead of fast food. Such a thoughtful and creative gesture speaks volumes about care for the next generation.

A German once proudly shared some of their traditions with me. There is a saying that means, “What takes a long time will turn out well in the end.” It reflects patience and trust in the process.

Another custom is knocking three times on wood when expressing hope — like saying, “Hopefully I will stay healthy,” and then tapping wood as a small ritual for good luck.

In East Frisia, there is also a beautiful tea culture. Tea is served in small cups with a tiny spoon. First, a piece of rock sugar called Kluntje is placed in the cup. When hot tea is poured over it, you hear a gentle cracking sound. Then a little cream — not milk — is added, creating soft cloud-like patterns. The tea is not stirred. With the final sip, you taste the sweetness waiting at the bottom.

Each cup is refilled up to three times, but only after everyone has finished. And when you are done, you place your teaspoon inside the cup — a quiet sign that you do not wish for more.

These small rituals, greetings, and gestures have shown me a side of Germany that feels thoughtful, structured, and deeply human. Through everyday moments, I have come to admire not just the country — but the character of its people.

Germany (part 1)

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Stunting Labour Force in Germany: Challenges and Policy Debates


(By Dr. Nelson Kattikat Joseph )

Germany, Europe’s largest economy and a global industrial powerhouse, is facing a significant challenge: a shrinking and stagnating labour force. Once known for its robust manufacturing sector and disciplined workforce, Germany now grapples with demographic shifts, evolving work preferences, and structural economic questions that threaten its long-term competitiveness.

The Reality of a Shrinking Workforce:

Germany’s labour force has been under pressure for years due to demographic change. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the population aged 65 and over has grown rapidly, while the number of working-age individuals has fallen, contributing to labour shortages in key sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and information technology. The dependency ratio—the number of retirees to working-age adults—is rising, placing additional strain on public finances and social systems.

These demographic pressures are compounded by broader social shifts in attitudes toward work. Traditional full-time employment is no longer the dominant aspiration for many Germans, particularly women.

Changing Mindsets: Part-Time over Full-Time:

A marked trend emerging in Germany is a growing preference for part-time work. Surveys indicate that an increasing number of workers—especially women—opt for flexible or reduced-hour roles, seeking better work–life balance. This preference, while understandable, has consequences for labour supply and productivity.

Policy debates reflect these changes. Some policymakers consider Spain as a reference model, suggesting that flexible work arrangements have supported higher participation rates in the labour market. Proponents argue that progressive labour policies in Spain have encouraged greater inclusion and work-life balance. Immigration policy is flexible and open in Spain, and this helps the influx of immigrants from other countries, which significantly contributes to the labour force in Spain. Whereas Germany’s immigration policy is more closed and unwelcoming to labourers from other countries. Being a Keralite from India, I personally know that labourers (who know basic English) from Kerala are excellent in quality and are deeply interested in working in Germany, but German language learning exists as a barrier to their careers in Germany.

However, others argue that France is a more suitable model. France has experienced relatively stronger economic growth in recent years while maintaining high female labour force participation. Critics of the Spanish model highlight concerns over job quality and job security, fearing that widespread part-time roles could entrench precarious employment rather than sustainable career pathways.

Women in the Workforce and Tax Reform:

The role of women in the German labour force remains a central topic of discussion. Despite improvements, Germany’s female participation rate still lags behind some European peers. Many women cite limited availability of full-time positions, childcare constraints, and the structure of the tax system as barriers to greater engagement.

Economists argue that Germany’s tax system may unintentionally discourage full workforce participation, particularly for secondary earners in households. The joint tax filing system can create high effective marginal tax rates for spouses, reducing the incentive to take on full-time employment. Adjustments to the tax code are increasingly proposed as a mechanism to stimulate productivity and broaden labour participation.

Budget Pressures and Defence Spending:

Germany also faces rising fiscal pressures. Recent shifts in global geopolitics have led to increased defence spending, notably commitments to NATO and regional security initiatives. While such investments are strategically significant, they compete for budgetary space with policies aimed at strengthening the labour force, such as education, childcare, and technological training programs.

Balancing defence commitments with investments in human capital is a tightrope walk for policymakers.

High-Tech Engineering: A Core Strength and Strategic Priority:

Germany’s economy is deeply rooted in high-tech engineering and advanced manufacturing, which historically have been engines of growth. Industries such as automotive engineering, industrial machinery, and renewable energy technology rely on a highly skilled workforce.

However, persistent labour shortages in high-tech fields threaten to undermine Germany’s competitive edge. Skills gaps in areas like software development, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure highlight the need for expanded investment in research, education, and vocational training.

Research, Education, and Workforce Development:

Key to combating labour constraints is strengthening Germany’s education and research ecosystem. Expanding access to STEM education, enhancing vocational pathways, and encouraging lifelong learning are widely advocated as long-term solutions.

Economists note that countries with flexible and forward-looking education systems tend to adapt more quickly to technological change. For Germany, augmenting funding for universities, technical schools, and research institutions is not only a matter of economic efficiency but also of global competitiveness.

Global Influences and China’s Role:

Germany’s economic landscape is deeply intertwined with global markets—particularly China. China remains one of Germany’s largest trading partners, especially for automobiles and industrial equipment. While this relationship has underpinned export-driven growth, it also exposes Germany to geopolitical risks and supply chain vulnerabilities.

The debate over whether to diversify markets and reduce dependency on China is gaining traction among policymakers. Proponents argue that over-reliance on any single partner can weaken economic resilience and labour stability.

Wealth Taxes, Infrastructure, and Energy Considerations:

In addition to labour issues, social debates in Germany touch on wealth distribution. Proposals for a wealth tax on the super-rich aim to address inequality and provide funding for infrastructure, education, and innovation.

Infrastructure development remains a pressing priority. Germany’s transport networks, digital connectivity, and public services require modernization to support economic expansion. Investments in infrastructure are widely seen as catalysts for job growth and productivity improvements.

Energy policy also factors into labour and economic debates. Germany’s transition to renewable energy sources—driven by ambitious climate targets—differs from the solar and wind advantages in countries like Spain. Spain benefits from more abundant sunshine and a longer wind season, providing natural comparative advantages in renewables. Germany, by contrast, continues to rely heavily on policy incentives and technological innovation to expand its renewable energy footprint.

Conclusion

Germany stands at an important economic juncture. The stunting labour force underscores the need for comprehensive policy responses spanning tax reform, workforce participation, education, and global economic strategy.

Whether through adapting labour laws, investing in human capital, or reevaluating international economic partnerships, Germany’s ability to navigate these structural challenges will determine its economic trajectory in the decades ahead.

Solidarity

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Full statement by Arundhati Roy:

Thirty-eight years ago, the strange little film I wrote, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, was selected to be shown under the Classics section at Berlinale 2026. There was something sweet and astonishing about this for me. Although I have been deeply disturbed by the positions taken by the German government and various German cultural institutions regarding Palestine, I have always received political solidarity from German audiences when speaking about my views on the genocide in Gaza. That was what made me consider attending the screening of Annie at the Berlinale. This morning, like millions of people around the world, I heard the unconscionable statements made by members of the Berlin Film Festival jury when asked to comment on the genocide in Gaza. It is astonishing to hear them say that art should not be political.

Even as a crime against humanity unfolds live before our eyes — at a time when artists, writers, and filmmakers must do everything they can to stop it — this becomes a way to shut down conversation about it. Let me state this clearly: What has happened, and is still happening, in Gaza is the genocide of the Palestinian people by the State of Israel. It is supported and funded by the United States, Germany, and several other European countries, which makes them complicit in the crime.

If the finest filmmakers and artists of our time cannot rise and say this, they should know that history will judge them. I feel shocked and disgusted by this. With deep regret, I must say that I will not attend the Berlinale.

Antonio Gramsci

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Antonio Gramsci (1891–1937) was an Italian Marxist philosopher, political theorist, journalist, and a founding member of the Italian Communist Party. He is considered one of the most important political thinkers of the twentieth century.

Early Life:

Gramsci was born in Sardinia, Italy, into a poor family. He won a scholarship to study at the University of Turin, where he became involved in socialist politics and workers’ movements. Turin was a major industrial center, and the experience of factory strikes and labor struggles strongly shaped his political ideas.

Political Activity:

In 1921, Gramsci helped found the Italian Communist Party. He later became one of its leaders and briefly served as a member of parliament. However, when Benito Mussolini consolidated fascist power, Gramsci was arrested in 1926. The prosecutor reportedly declared, “We must stop this brain from functioning.”

Prison Notebooks:

During his imprisonment (1926–1937), Gramsci wrote his famous Prison Notebooks. In these writings, he developed influential ideas about:

Hegemony – the idea that ruling classes maintain power not only through force, but through cultural influence, education, religion, media, and intellectual life.

Civil society – the importance of institutions outside the state in shaping political consent.

Organic intellectuals – thinkers who emerge from and represent particular social classes.

Because of prison censorship, he often wrote in coded or indirect language, which makes his work complex but intellectually rich.

His Core Idea:

Gramsci argued that power is not maintained only through force, but through culture, ideas, education, media, and institutions. According to him, the ruling class preserves dominance not merely through repression, but by shaping culture and common sense. This theory of cultural power—often compared to “soft power”—has been highly influential in political theory and cultural studies.

The Misattributed Quote:

The famous quote, “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters,”

is widely attributed to Gramsci. However, it is a poetic misattribution. While it captures modern anxiety, it oversimplifies and distorts his more complex theory of political and cultural power.

In reality, Gramsci described a period of political transition with the following Italian sentence: “In questo interregno si verificano i fenomeni morbosi più svariati.”

This translates as: “In this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.”

The key difference is clear:

He spoke of “morbid symptoms.”

He did not mention “monsters.”

The word interregnum refers to a gap between two political orders—when the old system is collapsing but the new one has not yet fully formed.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, many people use the “time of monsters” quote to describe the political climate during the era of Donald Trump. Trump’s right-wing nationalist “America First” sentiment has influenced political movements beyond the United States. In France, the National Rally (Rassemblement National) has gained significant electoral support. In Sweden, the Sweden Democrats have become a major political force. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has expanded its influence, particularly in eastern regions. In Italy, the Brothers of Italy has risen to national leadership.

Similar right-wing or nationalist parties have gained prominence in other European countries, such as Law and Justice (Poland), Fidesz (Hungary), and Vox (Spain).

Many observers argue that a broader political and cultural struggle, as a silent revolution is underway across Europe and the United States in response to these movements.

Vulnerability

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Vulnerability Is Not a Weakness
As a psychiatrist, I have come across many people who appear strong in public but are very vulnerable in private and seek emotional and psychological support.
A student—an energetic, extroverted, and bold boy—fell into unrequited love. When he was rejected by the girl, he entered an emotionally devastating phase.
A parent who once provided for everyone eventually needs their children’s help.
A strong, independent friend suddenly faces illness and must rely on others.
A confident public speaker battles panic attacks privately.
A muscular man who looks like Hercules struggles with problems in his marriage. He experiences frequent panic attacks and sometimes feels as though he might faint due to dizziness.
We tend to equate independence with strength. But needing care is not a moral defect. It is part of being human.
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