Wrap 2025....Welcome 2026....Season's Greetings....

As the final verses of 2025 settle like soft snow upon the year, I turn toward the quiet light of gratitude and send these words to you. This has been my first full year in retirement—a gentle unfolding, guided by a simple, sacred rhythm: Invest, Learn, Share.

Beginning of the year spent time in India to pay homage to our loving brother Partha. Wonderful to meet our family members who loves Partha so much. 

 I have invested in causes that stir the heart, in charities that carry forward any beyond the measure of coin.

I have learned without pause, tasting new ideas, new technologies, new perspectives. Collaborated with my sister Nirmala, published a cookbook honoring the memory of our mother. It is now available in Amazon/Kindle.

Kumkum surprised me with a birthday celebration in Pondicherry—

a day of laughter, love, and unexpected delight.

Great to meet David Thomas after so many long years! So also, virtually connecting with Balu, Bijoy, and Subro.

Visited IIT Madras to witness ITEL’s inspiring work, enjoyed the hospitality of Prof. Jhunjhunwala’s. Back in the USA - great to attend the Fireside chat and meeting IIT folks in Reston.

I have shared—speaking of artificial intelligence soon after stepping away from the daily rush, at SAP CATCON. 

Ashok, Bhavani and Reema brightened our day with their pleasant stay at our home in Virginia — bringing stories, smiles, and the simple joy of togetherness.

Sucheta and her husband came home in Virginia to make the afternoon wonderful sharing stories and laughing.

Three quests carried me across the earth:

A spiritual pilgrimage to Varanasi, where the Ganges whispered at dawn and the Maha Kumbh Mela opened like a living prayer.

A quiet seeking of nature’s peace in Japan— Kyoto’s temples glowing in autumn light, Nikko’s sacred forests, Kamakura’s timeless calm, Tokyo’s gentle heartbeat.

A journey of delight through Portugal—

Lisbon’s golden streets, Cabo da Roca where the ocean meets the edge of the world, Sintra’s dreamlike palaces, Cascais’ soft waves, and Fátima’s silent, sacred stillness.

Each path taught me again: the deepest richness is found in calmness, in gentle detachment, in the soft glow of simply being present.

I am grateful for your inspiration, collaboration, and support.

May this holiday wrap you and your dear ones in peace as deep as a moonlit river, health as steady as ancient stone, and moments as bright as lanterns on snow.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, good health, and cherished moments. May 2026 bring you fresh opportunities, meaningful adventures, and continued success.

                                                             Merry Christmas

                                                             Happy Hanukkah

                                                             Happy New Year

                                                   

                                                            

                              PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Harriet......History.....Inspiration....

This week's news apart from the Presidential election campaign is the inclusion of Harriet Tubman in the US $20 bill.  As usual, controversies came about on the replacement of the seventh President Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman.

Born in 1820 to slave parents, Araminta Harriet Ross escaped the clutches in 1849 by marrying a freed slave Mr. Tubman and moved to Philadelphia. Araminta changed her first name to Harriet honoring her mother.  She relentlessly helped to bring her family plus many slaves to freedom making secret trips to Maryland. During the civil war, Harriet also worked as a nurse and cook in the Union Army. Harriet was also the first woman to lead and guide the Combahee River raid that liberated more than 700 slaves in South Carolina.  

The Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 stipulated that the Northern States have to co-operate if a slave owner looks for an escaped slave in the Free States. Harriet showed her mettle again by helping to transport them to Canada. Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, writer and orator has commended her service to uphold freedom and liberty.  This amazing woman passed away peacefully in 1913 at Auburn, MA.  The US government buried her with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery. A life dedicated to help others, to dare, and to achieve the impossible.   

I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.

I grew up like a neglected weed - ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it.
- Harriet Tubman.

Dear Harriet: I am glad to know that the story of your eventful life has been written by a kind lady, and that the same is soon to be published. You ask for what you do not need when you call upon me for a word of commendation. I need such words from you far more than you can need them from me, especially where your superior labors and devotion to the cause of the lately enslaved of our land are known as I know them. The difference between us is very marked. Most that I have done and suffered in the service of our cause has been in public, and I have received much encouragement at every step of the way. You, on the other hand, have labored in a private way. I have wrought in the day – you in the night. I have had the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction that comes of being approved by the multitude, while the most that you have done has been witnessed by a few trembling, scarred, and foot-sore bondmen and women, whom you have led out of the house of bondage, and whose heartfelt, “God bless you,” has been your only reward. The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and of your heroism. Excepting John Brown – of sacred memory – I know of no one who has willingly encountered more perils and hardships to serve our enslaved people than you have. Much that you have done would seem improbable to those who do not know you as I know you. It is to me a great pleasure and a great privilege to bear testimony for your character and your works, and to say to those to whom you may come, that I regard you in every way truthful and trustworthy.

Your friend,

Frederick Douglas

HAPPY EARTH DAY

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Solidarity....Empowerment......March 8th.....

Mosuo Women - Courtesy: The Guardian

When humans started living in groups, the Matriarchal and patriarchal societies evolved based on the economic and social needs.  In Lugu Lake in South West China one can find the remnant of a matriarchal society even today. The Mosuo tribe carries the tradition of empowering women and the property is handed down to the women. In Meghalaya, the North Eastern State in India, Garo tribe is another example where women own the land in this unique matriarchal society.  

By and large these examples are exceptions. It is not that we need either of the extremes but a more egalitarian society where everyone is treated and respected as a human being.

Political empowerment began with women's suffrage movement. Few noted examples are:

August 26, 1920 - 19th amendment. Ballots were given to women in the USA

1918 - Britain granted voting rights to women above 30. In 1928 women and men were considered equal for voting rights.

Interestingly, France granted the ballot to women only in 1944. French women had to wait for a long time after Voltaire proclaimed Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity!

There are many women who have pioneered to overcome the gender, racial, occupational, educational, political bias that formed a barrier. Today is the day to salute all women who have touched one's life in one way or the other.  

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Maya Angelou.....Poet....Homage.....

We lost a beautiful poet laureate Maya Angelou today.  Margurite Johnson was born poor in St. Louis, worked as a singer at a strip club in San Francisco. She changed her name to Maya Angelou very aptly. Her autobiography, "I know why the caged bird sings", has inspired many men and women not only African American but all of us who underwent some sad episodes in life.

She read her poems at the President's inaugural ball, friends with Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
A true inspiration to all of us. We bow to thee in respect dear Maya.

Human Family 

By Maya Angelou 1928–2014

I note the obvious differences

in the human family.

Some of us are serious,

some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived

as true profundity,

and others claim they really live

the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones

can confuse, bemuse, delight,

brown and pink and beige and purple,

tan and blue and white.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas

and stopped in every land,

I’ve seen the wonders of the world

not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women

called Jane and Mary Jane,

but I’ve not seen any two

who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different

although their features jibe,

and lovers think quite different thoughts

while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,

we weep on England’s moors,

and laugh and moan in Guinea,

and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,

are born and die in Maine.

In minor ways we differ,

in major we’re the same.

I note the obvious differences

between each sort and type,

but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Hope.....Joy.......Season's Greetings......

Another Season of celebrations. Time to reflect on the best and the worst of the happenings in the World, self introspection, and put more hope in the emotional mix to prepare us for 2014.

Merry Christmas! PEACE On EARTH!




All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Light the Night.......Leukemia Society.......DC......

October is the Month of Service in my organization. This year I volunteered for the Leukemia Society fund raising event "Light the Night Walk" on the 19th. Freedom Plaza looked colorful with balloons and tents. We had several tents pitched all along the Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th street. It was quite a humble experience when you see the courageous cancer survivors from all ages came to support the walk. My colleagues and I managed the merchandise tent.

With the band playing slowly the event gained momentum. The weather co-operated even though there was a prediction for rains. This great experience of meeting people from all walks of life, bestowing collective compassion is certainly the moment to remember forever.

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

March 8th.....Promise....Hope.....

March 08, 2013. United Nations has chosen the theme "A Promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women".  Widely known or unknown, many women have made an impact on others.  A small footstep forward alone in a desert nomadic tent or an organized group, rich or poor, school educated or not, princess or pauper these women have passed that light of hope to all of us.

This year let us remember all that brave women of the World.  Let us get inspired by their energy, hope, kindness, and dreams.

(Pictures British Museum Collections)

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Gandhi......King.......Dreams........

January 31st!.  A month is already gone in 2013.  It looked like it was only yesterday I have made resolutions and counted the dreams for the New Year!.
Today,  I pay my homages to Mahatma Gandhi  who was shot dead on  this very day. His dream was to free India.  His only weapon was his moral courage and adherence to non-violence.  Gandhi's principle of non-violence inspired  many including Dr. Martin Luther King who was born in the USA.  He dared to dream to end segregation thru civil rights movement.
 
On January 15th we celebrated  Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday.  Dr. King's passion for total freedom and respect paved the way for many to dare to dream and also realize their dreams.


Another dream unfolded in history for the second time when Mr. Obama took the presidential oath on January 21st, 2013.   Washington DC witnessed millions of people cheering not only for the President but also for continuing the principles of democracy, and the dreams of the Nation's founding fathers.

Usually, winning the second term for a President is more like a  feeling of  having graduated.  No pressure for the next term.  However, we hope that Obama can leave a legacy of  great leadership.
                                                          

                                                              PEACE ON EARTH


All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Reflect.....Rejoice.....Ring the bells......

It is Christmas eve.  Time to rejoice and to thank for all the blessings.  Time to remember the beautiful children and adults whose lives were taken abrubtly in Newtown CT.  So far, Mother Earth has seen many brutalities all over the World.  War, hate, intentional and non-intentional crimes, destruction of nature, natural disasters to name a few.  Love, hope,  prayer, caring and sharing alone will ease the pain of loss and destruction.  Let the bells that ring tonight bring peace and consolation.

Let joy and love prevails.

***WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS***

             PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Martin Luther King....Dreams....Justice....

On January 15th we will celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday.  A Nobel Laureate, Civil rights leader, and an extraordinary human being. Gandhi was his inspirational leader along with great thinkers like Howard Thurman and Bayard Rustin. Very rarely in history one can find leaders like Gandhi, King or Mandela whose choice was to pursue non-violence means to fight for justice and freedom.

As an immigrant to the US in the early 80's I do not have any first hand knowledge of the severity of the segregation and the civil rights movement of the 60's and the 70's. Today, America can proudly say,"Yes our past has instances of slavery and segregation. But, we had the courage to admit and to abolish slavery. We had the courage to abolish segregation and racial discrimination. We are constantly learning and improving the democratic principles and freedom for all".

Any civil rights movement with a non-violence approach cannot succeed in a coercive and non-democratic political system where the state or a dictator has enough power to destroy the group who are vocal about injustice.  Luckily, the political system in the USA paved the way for Martin Luther King to go full steam in the southern states in pursuit of his dreams and quest for justice.  Many sacrificed their lives. Yet, he had the will power to continue the non-violent method amidst the pressure from people who believed in revolutionary methods.  He gave his life at the end but not in vain.  Today, in the southern states, one can walk into any restaurant or rest room not as black, white or brown but as an American.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of  annihilation.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963

We need more MLK's to spread peace and be change agents to break that chain of violence and terrorism anywhere in the World.
 

 
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Courage....Optimism.....Reinforce.....

This is one of those business weeks when project dependencies seem to dominate. Well, I am back in my hotel room with a choice to brood on it or to think positive.  I remembered the two inspiring news that caught my attention few weeks ago.

One is about the three US veterans Kirk Bauer, Neil Duncans, and Dan Nevins who lost one of their legs in the Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars respectively.  With prosthetic leg they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro about 19,330ft. These gallant men proved that physical challenge will not deter them from reaching their goals.  Yes they did it. Three cheers to them.

Next is about a lady who works for the Nebraska legislature and received an award for America's outstanding oldest worker.  Sally Gordon is 101 years old and loves her job.  She looks so elegant and graceful. An inspiration to all of us.
Hats off to you Sally!

                                                 Photo: Associated Press



 

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Friends...Freunde...Amis...

When I grew up in India I never heard of any special friendship day.  There are always friends who became part of the family without having a need to reinforce or celebrate. My best friend Kumkum and I are daughters to both our families. Then there are neighborhood friends, school friends, and vacation friends. Some of my great friends are also from work, met in seminars, flights, and friendship that bloomed out of an interest in a common cause.

There are many friends who uplifted me when I was sad and lost hope. I thank them all for the kindness, support and smiles that made me stronger to move forward. Even books are my best friends and I have special bonding with authors whom I have never seen.

My romantic friends from college and later in life are also my best friends now. The romance had turned into transient when we realized that the best part of our friendship is the empathy, respect, and unconditinal love we have for each other.

I remember the first day in Kindergarten at age 3 when I first learnt that friendship is about comforting someone in distress and to understand the meaning of give and take. I think that was the first little step I made towards understanding what is the meaning of friendship.
                                              Happy Friendship Day !  

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Ada…..Anita……March 8th…...

Happy March 8th - International Women’s day. Every epoch in History women have contributed to the development of science, technology, literature, education, medicine, law, social changes, and politics. Most importantly they provided a base for the next generation of women to continue to work on the progress of mankind and women’s rights. Every country and culture has produced these pioneers - named, nameless or less known in the written history. Many women rose beyond the tight social, cultural and political framework to bring the freedom of thought, women’s suffrage, and education. One day, we will have a World where women and men will work together in mutual respect for the common good be it a small village in Congo, a rural town in India, or a tribal village in Amazon.

I want to remember two of such women who had the courage to think out of the box.

I was introduced to ADA by my Expert Systems Professor in one of his lectures on the history of computer languages. He mentioned that the first programming language was named after a woman Ada Lovelace. She was born in 1815 to the famous poet Lord Byron. Apparently her interests were in Mathematics and she wrote programmes along with  Charles Babbage the father of computing languages. In one of her futuristic comments Ada predicted that Babbage’s “Analytical Engine” could be used in creating graphics, create music, and complex scientific calculation.

Anita Snook, a pioneer in aviation famously called as Neta Snook was born in 1896.   She managed to break the social constraints and got her flying instructions and opened a successful flying school in Kinner, California. In 1917, she gave flying instructions to Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. The student became more famous to the teacher's delight.

Let us celebrate and learn to reach new heights thereby providing yet another step for the disadvantaged women all over the World.

Inspire.. Dream.. Lead...

February is dedicated to commemorate the Black History.  All these days I was under the impression that it started with Martin Luther King until recently when I came to know of the inspiring history behind it.  Carter G Woodson son of former slaves James and Eliza Woodson of  New Canton Virginia, started the Negro Histroy Week in February 1926 to promote African American history and their contributions.  He was the first African American to get a Ph.D from Harvard University in 1912.  Later on, the month February was dedicated as the Black History month to remember the contributions of  the innovators, educators, artists, writers, scientists, politicians, sportspersons, philanthropists, men and women who fought for civil rights and justice.

Today I felt very honored to be a guest speaker at the Power Lunch program organized by IT'S TIME a non-profit  organization dedicated to help the youth to excel in social, academic and professional spheres.  The youth program is run in Washington DC under the leadership of Zalenda Cyrille. The first session is for learning and the second session is for the speech. When I entered John Burrough's Learning Center in DC,  Zalenda was  coaching the youth on public speaking. She showed them a video clip about the earthquake in Haiti and explained how to use the logical questioning technic to prepare a speech on Haiti.

I shared with the children about my education, career, my dreams and travels. The children asked me amazing questions on how I like my job, what is the most difficult thing in my job, how do I handle likes and dislikes in my job. Showed interest to know about my role models and my school days.  When I was telling them about my travels to S. Afrcia, Tunisia, and Egypt in Africa, they even recited all the countries in Africa in alphabetical order. Actually, it was a beautiful rap!

What a great Saturday morning. I felt very much energized by the enthusiam and interest shown by these young dreamers. It is about time that we need organizations like IT'S TIME to help young boys and girls to dream, to succeed, and to lead.