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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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Ashoka Flowers

The only good things about summer are school holidays and the vibrant colours that surround me. This is the time the Ashoka tree outside my window blooms, and these gorgeous red flowers brighten my day each morning....


For years, I didn't even know that the Ashoka tree bore flowers. And then, one summer, they did. It was only when I read up more about them did I realise that most of the Ashoka trees we see around us - the tall, pillar like ones - aren't even real Ashokas. They are actually called 'False Ashokas'! The real Ashoka is much smaller, and every year, bears these beautiful red flowers which attract so many birds....



They truly brighten up my day!
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Comments

  1. P.N. SubramanianApril 25, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    Yes its true. Fresh flowers we see in the morning really brightens us up. Although we have the real Ashoka tree in our campus, I am still to see the flowering.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MridulaMay 3, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    What a lovely bunch! Post a picture of the tree too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. NeerajMay 7, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    Interesting, I didn't know about the "real" Ashoka tree. I always thought the tall, pillar like trees were Ashoka. What does the real Ashoka tree look like anyway? Put up a photo here!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SudhageeMay 28, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Lovely captures, Anu. And this part about real and fake Ashoka trees is so interesting. I didn't know about them. Do share more info and pictures, please.

    ReplyDelete

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