Difference between Theory and Practice. Dr. Ambedkar..!

UPSC GS1 PYQ: "Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate." (2015)

A recently purchased book.

History of formation of Khalsa panth is extremely interesting. I have read it earlier in the two volume book series by Khushwant Singh.

JS Grewal is a well known academic whose writing I wanted to read for long time. I have his some other books as well, one on Ranjit Singh, one by Cambridge on entire history of Sikhs etc. But this one is a dedicated book on Guru Gobind Singh by OUP.

Eager to read now but lectures se fursat mile to na....

Nikhil

#bookreview

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/over-250-years-old-mughal-document-throws-light-on-tax-waiver-for-pilgrims-at-allahabad/article69439862.ece

They have discovered a new firman by Mughals. It was issued in 1773 by Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. It directs the officers not to charge pilgrims who come for the holy dip at Allahabad. It also says that a large number of pilgrims going to Allahabad were ‘Gujaratis’ and ‘Marathas’.

The news item discusses the details and the context of the firman very well. Only one thing is omitted. That in 1773, it was the Marathas who controlled Delhi and kept the Mughal badshah as a puppet on throne. He was first in British control. Mahadji Scindia picked him up in 1772 and took him to Delhi and installed him on throne. It was Mahadji Scindia who was ruling over large part of north India as the real power behind the Mughal throne.

I think The Hindu may have thought that it was a very minor fact. It could have slipped out of mind while writing the context of the firman. The beauty of Mughal seal, their calligraphy, shape of the emblem etc are more important things which need to be discussed.

Nikhil

#prehistory #archaeology

Hello,

Just a random reflection:

There was a massive wave of change in 2016-2020 era in the CSE coaching industry. Post internet revolution, data became cheap and Youtube came to fore. It was a time when some online institutes started to attract a lot of students. Some amount of PE capital had started to enter in this sector. Byju's soon become a unicorn. It was perhaps the first coaching institute to do so.

However that cycle went dry by 2021. Then the capital infusion suddenly went down. Then the second phase started after Covid when the whole world changed. Especially the UPSC CSE coaching industry started to experience following trends:

1. All institutes were forced to go online. There was thus addition of videography department in every institute with cameras, videographers and digital TVs.
2. Private Equity (PE) capital is coming in, leading to corporatization of the whole sector. To fulfil there sales targets, there are acquisitions of institutes now. (pehle teachers poach hote the, ab institutions kharide jate hai)
3. Beginning of sales and marketing on massive scale. Everyone now is hiring academic counsellors and sales persons.
4. Rise of social media stars, podcasters and reel teachers.
5. More number of officers resigning from service to become such social media stars and educators. More than govt job, this is a quicker way to earn crores legally for some of them.
6. Burst of Telegram.

These 6 trends have altered the whole scenario. Teachers are no more teachers, they are mostly stage performers and online motivators. Coaching industry has become a motivation industry now. There are content teams, who use AI and produce content for you. And civil service institutions are no more merely coachings, they are service providers who constitute an industry.

In this whole scenario, students are no more students, they are customers and clients. The romantic idea of creating a good officer to help the nation is a madman's talk in this gardish. Now, it is about selling dream, hope, aspirations and fears.

Nikhil

Look at this ghibli style image. It takes 2 mins to do that with ChatGPT. But remember. Quickest things are the ones that fall flat the fastest.

Technology is no more a barrier due to AI. But shat is still rare is your unique insight, aesthetic sense and creative mind. We want to do real creative work that creates value, that leaves some impression. It takes brilliant mind for that.

So, if you are social media savvy person with some background in UPSC CSE preparation, do approach us. We would love to work with you. We are sure you will also love to work with us.

Call us, write us, reach out to us. We are waiting for you.

Ambedkar as Economist

Hi Aspirants,

UPSC Civil services Personality Test (Interviews) of 2024 CS Mains exam started on 7th January 2025 has been over on 17th April today. Now the wait starts for the final results, expected anytime in next few days. This is always the most exciting time of the year.

All the best, always.
Nikhil

What is the truth behind Rana Sanga inviting Babur? Should he be called as Gaddar really?

https://youtu.be/eXuYnmZkN_U

Physical brick and mortar bookshops are not just shops but places where we find unknown books, unexpected gems and like-minded friends. Online books shops are also good, because they are cheaper and more convenient. But brick and mortar book shops are living cultural places.

I sincerely request all of you to assign minimum 25% of your monthly book budget for books from physical shops. I have been doing it for last 10 years now. They need to be patronized. Even if it means shelling out a few extra rupees.

Whichever city you are in, support them. Warna ek din ayega jab achhe kitabonki dukan nahi rahegi. It will be a sad for India.

Nikhil

Hey everyone,

The results are out. Some of you are celebrating. Some of you are hurting. That’s okay.

If you didn’t make it this time — don’t let it break you. Reaching the interview stage in this exam is huge. Most people never get that far. You’ve already shown grit. As Shakespeare said, “Sweet are the uses of adversity.” This is part of your story, not the end of it.

For those who made it — heartiest congratulations. Now begins a different kind of journey. A life of service dedicated to nation. I hope the idealism lasts long.

And for everyone — trust the process. Your turn will come.

Nikhil

Birdev Done from Kolhapur. He got AIR 551 in 2024 exam.

He is a son of a shepherd. He used to take the sheep out for grazing in childhood. Today he is an IPS.

When the result came, at that moment also he was on the hills, shepherding his animals in the afternoon heat. That is where he came to know about the news.

It takes special grit to cross so many hurdles in life. 🫡

Speechless moment.