Vivpost

Devotion, historically, was a deeply personal act—quiet, restrained, and inward-looking. It was measured not by visibility but by consistency, humility, and conduct. In contrast, modern-day devotion increasingly unfolds in public spaces: Instagram stories of temple visits, Facebook posts announcing fasts, WhatsApp statuses quoting scriptures, and reels showcasing prolonged prayer rituals. Faith, once practised in silence, is now frequently curated for an audience. This blog examines how devotion has transformed in the modern age—from a private moral discipline to a public performance—by comparing traditional practices with contemporary expressions. The intent is not to dismiss modern devotion outright, but to analyse its evolving nature, motivations, and consequences. AI-Generated Picture Understanding Devotion in Traditional Societies Faith as a Way of Life, Not a Statement In earlier societies, devotion was inseparable from daily life. It did not require validation or announcement. ...

Bangladesh's political upheaval since Sheikh Hasina's ouster in 2024 has strained ties with India, amplified by foreign influences and the mysterious killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. This post examines recent developments, emerging leaders, external roles, and future trajectories for both nations. India - Bangladesh Historical Context of Ties India and Bangladesh shared strong bonds under Hasina's Awami League, rooted in 1971 liberation support and expanded through trade, security, and connectivity projects. New Delhi viewed Dhaka as a counterweight to extremism and a Northeast gateway. Key milestones included: Power-sharing agreements and transit rights for Indian goods. Joint counter-terrorism efforts against groups like ULFA. Economic interdependence, with Bangladesh as India's largest trading partner in South Asia. Hasina's authoritarian drift drew criticism, but it aligned with India's strategic needs, fostering a personal rapport between leaders....

 The rental housing landscape in India has undergone a substantial transformation in 2025. With the introduction of the Home Rent Rules 2025 (built on the earlier Model Tenancy Act 2019 framework), the government aims to bring transparency, consistency and legal clarity to rentals — long plagued by informal, ambiguous, or exploitative practices. Photo by Ivan S In this post, I break down what’s new, how the new regime compares with the older (often informal) rental practices, and offer some analysis of its potential impact — whether landlords and tenants will truly benefit, or face fresh challenges. What’s New in 2025: Key Provisions Mandatory digital stamping and registration Every rent agreement, whether long-term or short-term, must now be digitally stamped and registered within 60 days of signing. Traditional stamp paper or informal, unregistered deals are no longer valid under the new rules.  Cap on security deposit For residential properties, security deposits are l...

 When Bureaucracy Shapes Everyday India Governance From Ancient Scrolls to Digital Portals More than two thousand years ago, long before the rise of modern ministries, welfare schemes, and digital governance dashboards, an extraordinary scholar in ancient India wrote a detailed manual on how a state must be run. Kautilya’s Arthashastra was not merely a political text; it was a methodical guide to administration, filled with instructions on taxation, espionage, law enforcement, public welfare, and even disaster management. In many ways, it was the world’s earliest blueprint for practical public administration. Chanakya   Fast-forward to modern India, and the themes Kautilya highlighted—strong institutions, competent officials, intelligence-driven governance, welfare delivery—form the backbone of how India’s bureaucracy works today. From Aadhaar verification to GST compliance, from police reforms to digital land records, administrative decisions shape political outcomes and th...