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Book Review: On Philosophising, Philosophers, Philosophy and New Vistas in Applied Philosophy, by Dr. Sharmila Jayant Virkar

A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how
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Drenched!!

While we sit inside the house in relative comfort, while it pours cats and dogs outside, look at this kingfisher sitting patiently in the pouring rain, apparently oblivious to the cold, even though it appears to be huddled up...



It sat still for almost half an hour, and then suddenly swooped down, caught something in its beak, and sped off towards a tree....I was left with mixed emotions - I had been feeling rather sorry for the poor bird having to sit in the rain and cold, but now I was left wondering if that was what the bird had intended - to wait patiently till its prey came along... Does it enjoy the rain or is it just a matter of necessity? I have no idea, and am not likely to find out either... What do you think?
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Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 5, 2010 at 8:15 AM

    Oh how lovely.. to watch the rains..

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 5, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    I gues that lamp post is a very popular hangout joint in the bird community...

    earlier the parakeets, now the kingfisher.. :P

    ReplyDelete
  3. MridulaJuly 5, 2010 at 10:17 AM

    They have started showing up on this side too after the rains.

    ReplyDelete
  4. chitraJuly 5, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    It is monsoon and Mumbai gets submerged by water. But the air gets fresh, all the dirt gets washed away and good you get to see to see lot of birds ....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sankara SubramanianJuly 5, 2010 at 11:44 AM

    Ah hah! Now a white breasted kingfisher comes and gives you a show. You are definitely lucky...

    I am sure that all birds are programmed to handle the rain comfortably.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Aarti BadamikarJuly 5, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    lovely sight! so calm and content :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. IndraniJuly 5, 2010 at 4:23 PM

    Strange are the ways of a nature!
    Great observation.

    ReplyDelete
  8. ShilpaJuly 6, 2010 at 7:58 PM

    Nice observation!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. indicaspeciesJuly 8, 2010 at 5:58 PM

    I wish to get drenched in some rains too..and I promise not to prey on anyone..hehe!

    ReplyDelete

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