Javed Akhtar's talk at the National Atheists' Conference, Sangli, 2023

I had known about Javed Akhtar Sahib's atheism for some time. However, I had not listened to his ideas about the concept in much detail.

 Here is a short bio from Wikipedia in case you are not familiar with him:

Javed Akhtar (born 17 January 1945) is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist and poet. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007, two of India's highest civilian honours.

Akhtar came to recognition in the duo Salim–Javed, and earned his breakthrough as a screenwriter with 1973's Zanjeer. He went on to write the films Deewaar and Sholay, both released in 1975; they earned a cult following, and had a significant impact in popular culture. He later earned praise for his work as a lyricist, winning the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times.

 

I came across this talk day before yesterday. He was probably invited as a guest at the National Atheists' Conference held in Sangli, Maharashtra, last month.

The introduction to Javed Akhtar by the host is in Marathi. However, his talk is all in Hindi. 

He touches on many ideas close to my heart, i.e., atheism, fanaticism, feminism, and minority appeasement. 

Lot of good points and food for thought.

Do give it a watch here.

Beautiful! - Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Anti-Hate' Message

A beautiful message. Indians also need to hear it, considering the hateful environment in the country today.

Watch it here.

Does God Exist? Jordan Peterson vs Matt Dillahunty

 

 

A fascinating debate to watch on arguments for and against atheism. I think the debate is particularly relevant to the new fans/followers of Jordan Peterson, who may not have the background or logical skills to decode/debunk his arguments.

Watch the debate here. 

Quote of the day - Isaac Asimov - Skepticism

 

"I believe in evidence. I believe in observation, measurement, and reasoning, confirmed by independent observers. I’ll believe anything, no matter how wild and ridiculous, if there is evidence for it. The wilder and more ridiculous something is, however, the firmer and more solid the evidence will have to be."

— Isaac Asimov

(After stating he did definitely not believe in flying saucers, ancient astronauts, Bermuda Triangle, or life after death, he explained what he would believe in. 

From editorial, 'Don’t You Believe?', Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine [18 Jan 1982]).

 

 

Inside India's deadly instant loan app scam - A BBC Eye Investigation

 

 

A horrifying documentary. Viewer discretion is advised.

Description from Youtube:

Millions of people use instant loan apps with the promise of easy money - but many have found themselves trapped in a nightmare of blackmail, extortion, and abuse. A BBC investigation has revealed that, in the last three years, more than 60 people in India have taken their own lives after being threatened or humiliated by loan apps. BBC Eye goes undercover to take you inside the loan app scam—and to expose the people making money from misery, fear, and shame.

Read the Newslaundry's article on the investigation here.

Watch the English version here.

Watch the Hindi version here. 

 

 

Quote of the Day - Alice Childress - Kindness

“Life is just a short walk from the cradle to the grave, and it sure behooves us to be kind to one another along the way.”

― Alice Childress

 

 

 

 

 

Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover (PBS Frontline)

 

I really liked this documentary. It is a fairly balanced look at the whole Elon Musk-Twitter saga, from the early days when Musk joined Twitter, all the way to the recent events related to Trump and Free Speech "incidents" in countries like India and Turkey.

Watch the documentary here.