The Glowing Sky

A visit to the headquarters of the  FAO It was an experience with several reflections. 1) More and more need for innovative ideas: An alarming data of 871 million people facing chronic hunger demands creative solutions in the agriculture sector. A single event such as drought, flood, or earthquake can have magnified effects leading to food insecurity and hunger. 2) Vision orientation FAO tracks the progress and emphasizes on the Sustainable Development Goals. Since all  #sdgs  are interlinked, even one step is impactful. 3) Migration should be by choice -) Essentially, only a collective effort can ensure food security for all.

  The Council of Europe is an international organization based in Strasbourg. This is of the key institution that promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.  I attended the presentation on the work of GRETA (Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings). I was glad to learn that at the Council of Europe, regular summits and meetings are held to discuss key issues and priorities of the organization, and this time in May 2023, the summit will be held in solidarity with Ukraine. Today the flag of the EU which has become a shared symbol of European integration was chosen in 1955 by the Council of Europe and eventually adopted by the EU in 1985. I managed to get collect some interesting facts regarding the Council of Europe but I'm always on the lookout to learn more ...

  European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU. I visited the building of the parliament in Strasbourg. There was a presentation on the values, roles, and functioning of the legislative process of the European Parliament & visit to the hemicycle by the Administrator at the European Parliament. A long discussion was held on a variety of related matters such as the competencies of this key institution and on the initial successful moments such as the European coal and steel community. While the roots of the Parliament are connected to Strasbourg, it's important to note that its administrative and committee work is held in Brussels. At the time when I was in the parliament, there was an extensive discussion on the 'European citizens initiative to save bees and farmers' stressing on bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment. The court of Justice ensures uniform interpretation and application of the EU law across the Member States. It is co...

European External Action Service (EEAS)  is the diplomatic service of the EU. It is responsible for promoting EU values and interests around the world in areas such as peace and security, democracy, human rights, trade, and development cooperation. I was pleased to attend the session on 'The Role and Political Priorities of the EEAS' conducted by the Deputy European Correspondent. Many significant topics were the part of discussion such as the 'Strategic compass for common defense policy' of HR/VP Mr. Borrel and his functions and the integrated approach of EEAS encompassing trade, humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, security, and defense policy. Around 144 EU delegations that work across the world continue to strengthen the fabric and the foundations of the EEAS. In the next session, I learnt about 'Tackling Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference' by the Strategic Communication Officer. I noted that the work of disinformation management is sophisticat...

  Rarely we know that it’s rare!   Those raindrops are rare!   When the feet walk the muddy road, Slowly step by step. Look back and you would know, Those footprints are rare!   When the tree shelters the explorer, For minutes and hours. Walk ahead and you would know, Those moments are rare!   When the sky paints the sunset, Stroke by stroke. Look away and you would realise. That was rare!              

Being an admirer of the innovative policies in the education arena, I recently enjoyed reading ‘Divasvapna’, the book I received as a gift.   Some points have made me reflect deeper in terms of the education system.   1)      The hero of the book is the teacher who conducts experiment to bring ‘LIFE’ into learning – to do so he adopts storytelling.   2)     The end goal of covering the syllabus is the PROCESS that is to be deciphered with the understandings between the students and the teacher.   3)      The teacher demonstrates to the guests the activities which are performed on the daily basis rather than putting up a special program; this gives time to the play artists to get to LIVE their roles.   4)     Towards the end, the teacher points out for some of his students –   “It is not that they are unfit for the school. Rather, this school is unfit for them. The school is unable to teach them what they hav...

In the busy world, when there's so much information is easily  available, when there's so much to talk about -  it's the silence that's does the magic .   The silence or calmness can be driven or inspired by the places of worship, a piece of music, some moments in nature ...   In silence,  when the intuitive thoughts carve themselves , is it then we hear our faint inner voices? Is the  faith in the silent moments an assuring path  towards peace? Does silence hold the answer to the baffling questions?    But certain is in silence lies the power of patience.