Prakash Kumar

Goa: Beyond the Beaches — A Continuing Spiritual Journey Goa — that small, sun-washed state on India’s western coast- is often imagined as a paradise of beaches, seafood, and fun living. Yet beneath that lies another Goa: serene, soulful, and steeped in centuries of devotion and tradition. Its history stretches far beyond the shimmering shoreline — from being part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE to flourishing under ancient Hindu dynasties between 1000 and 1200 AD, followed by the rule of the Adil Shahs, and then over four centuries of Portuguese influence. This long and layered past has given Goa a unique cultural rhythm — one where temple bells and church choirs seem to coexist in harmony after its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. When India became independent in 1947, Goa still remained under Portuguese control. It was only in 1961 that it found its own freedom — and since then, the transformation has been remarkable. Today, Goa offers world-class tourism infr...

  A Valley of Voices: My Memoir from Kashmir With the recent ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 27 lives, I found myself drawn back down memory lane—revisiting reflections from my journey through the Kashmir Valley. What follows is not analysis or opinion, but a deeply personal account of what I saw, heard, and felt. It’s an attempt to look beyond headlines and hashtags, and into the human stories that too often go unheard. Ten years ago, I travelled deep into the Kashmir Valley, from Baramulla to Anantnag, using local transport—trains, auto-rickshaws, shared taxis, minibuses, and motorcycles. Along the way, I interacted and mingled  with many people from all walks of life, including school and college students. At that time, even railway coaches/platform toilets were sealed to prevent their use by militants. I found that most people I met were simple and focused on their daily survival, working hard to meet basic needs. At the same time, I sensed a deep-rooted g...