Thirty-Five Years of Coral Strength and Jade Wisdom...

 #722

Today, January 18, 2026, marks our 35th wedding anniversary—a milestone as enduring and beautiful as the coral and jade that symbolize this special year. On this very day in 1991, as the world watched the start of Operation Desert Storm with bombs falling over Baghdad under President Bush Sr., Lalitha and I quietly entered into our wedlock. While that distant conflict ushered in decades of chaos and turmoil across the globe, our married life has been the very opposite: a steady, peaceful journey filled with mutual respect, growth, and deep joy.

Lalitha, you have been far more than my spouse. You are my closest friend, my wise guide, and the one who always sees the larger perspective in every challenge we face. We don't always agree on every small thing—as individuals, we each bring our own views—but you have an extraordinary ability to focus on the long-term good, gently steering us toward wiser paths. This has taught us both the grace of letting go, moving on from minor conflicts, and adapting together with love. Over the years, that quiet strength has been the true foundation of our harmony.

More than anything, I recognize that our strong bond owes so much to you. In moments when my own missteps or transgressions could have created lasting rifts, you chose understanding over anger. You approached every issue with common sense, a long-term view, and an unshakable belief that time would heal and change things—and it always did. Your patience, forgiveness, and wisdom turned potential storms into calm waters.

Your contributions extend far beyond our partnership. You have been the heart of our extended family, nurturing close ties with my parents, siblings, and relatives. You became the trusted go-to person for resolving issues, always with kindness and fairness. Our children's remarkable success—in education, common sense, and professional growth—is entirely thanks to your dedicated efforts and loving guidance. And now, as a wonderful mother-in-law and a doting grandmother, you continue to bring light and joy to our growing family.

In recent years, with our primary family responsibilities fulfilled, we've finally had precious time just for us. These moments have deepened our understanding of each other, allowing our love to blossom even more fully in this new chapter.

16/1/26, SINGAPORE- SAN FRANCISCO.

SHRAVAN, SANGEETHA, ESHWAR, RADHA OUR WONDERFUL CHILDREN.

SAMARTH KARTHIK, OUR PROMOTION TO GRANDPARENTS.

Lalitha, my dearest, I look forward to at least another 20 years—perhaps many more—by your side, cherishing every day, every laugh, and every quiet moment. Thank you for 35 years of unwavering love, strength, and grace. You are the calm in my storm, the wisdom in my world, and the greatest gift of my life.

Happy 35th Anniversary, my love. Here's to many more beautiful years together.

With all my heart, Karthik

Foster City, CA..... 17th January 2026, 1830 Hrs.

(We landed yesterday for our 6 months stay with Radha). Incidentally 17/1/2016 on eve of our 25th Wedding Anniversary, Radha qualified as a Charted Accountant. (Time flies).

Trump's Donroe Doctrine: Escaping the Quagmire and Redefining Global Power in 2026

 #721

Personal Update:- I am recovering well. Followup with Cardiologist on 12/1. 

As we kick off 2026, the world is witnessing a seismic shift in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump. In my view, Trump is not just navigating the messy legacies left by Bush, Obama, and Biden—he's bulldozing through them with a bold, unapologetic vision. But can he truly escape the quagmires that bogged down his predecessors? My guess is yes, and here's why, based on the early fireworks of his administration. I'll elaborate on the key moves, sprinkle in some counter-narratives for balance, and tie it back to what this means for audiences in India and around the globe. As a die-hard supporter of a strong America (while reserving the right to critique), I'm excited, but let's dive in with eyes wide open.

First, let's talk about the revival of the Monroe Doctrine—a 1823 policy that essentially declared the Western Hemisphere as America's backyard, warning European powers to keep out. Trump has dusted this off and supercharged it into what I'm calling the "Donroe Doctrine," a modern corollary aimed squarely at China and Russia. It's like President John F. Kennedy's Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961, but with a twist: instead of fumbling against Soviet influence in Cuba, Trump is succeeding in warning off modern adversaries. The swift ousting of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela is a prime example. Without boots on the ground, U.S. forces used advanced jammers to neutralize Russian- and Chinese-supplied anti-aircraft systems, rendering them useless. This wasn't just a tactical win; it was a "shot across the bow" to the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and beyond: mind your own business in America's sphere.

For Indian readers, this has a pointed lesson. India's defense procurements often include Russian gear like S-400 systems. If American tech can so easily jam these, it raises questions about their reliability in a real conflict—say, along the Line of Actual Control with China. Trump’s move signals a return to raw power politics, echoing President Teddy Roosevelt's "big stick" diplomacy from the early 1900s. Roosevelt, FDR's cousin, believed might makes right, and America should police the world. Trump seems to agree, declaring the post-World War II order—forged by FDR, Churchill, and Stalin in 1945—dead and buried. No more endless multilateralism or UN hand-wringing; it's America first, unfiltered.

As someone who cheers for a resurgent U.S., I'm thrilled. Trump's approach mirrors Teddy's bravado and JFK's resolve, damn the torpedoes. He's avoided quagmires so far by relying on brute force and coordinated ops, steering clear of ground invasions in hot spots like Cuba, Iran, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Greenland, or even Canada (though the order might shuffle). Congress, Democrats, the UN, and even the Supreme Court are scrambling to rein him in, but public support is surging. Polls show Americans voted for this restoration of image—tired of perceived weakness under Bush's Iraq debacle, Obama's cautious resets, and Biden's alliances that felt like entanglements. If Trump keeps delivering domestically, he's unstoppable.

Shifting gears to the home front, Trump's internal economic policies are firing on all cylinders, proving that his "America First" mantra isn't just rhetoric—it's delivering tangible wins. Take the cap on credit card interest rates at 10%: this bold move has slashed borrowing costs for millions of families, easing the debt burden that ballooned under previous administrations. No longer are consumers crippled by 20-30% rates; now, it's affordable credit that stimulates spending without the predatory traps. Early data shows consumer confidence spiking, with retail sales up 15% in the first quarter alone. Critics called it government overreach, fearing it would dry up credit markets, but banks have adapted, and lending hasn't slowed—proving Trump's bet on reining in Wall Street greed is paying off.

Then there's "Drill Baby Drill," Trump's aggressive push to unleash domestic energy production. By fast-tracking permits for oil and gas exploration, he's flooded the market with American crude, driving gas prices down to $1.99 / gallon, in many states— ( Yes California always 4$) a throwback to Reagan's boom times. This isn't just about cheap fuel; it's energy independence that insulates the U.S. from OPEC whims and geopolitical shocks. Inflation, once a Biden-era bogeyman, is now tamed at under 2%, with growth projections hitting 5%—unprecedented since the 1980s. For global audiences, including in energy-hungry India, this means stable oil prices worldwide, potentially lowering import costs for nations like ours. Counter-narrative? Environmentalists decry the carbon footprint, warning of climate quagmires ahead, but Trump's team counters with tech investments in cleaner drilling, balancing growth with green nods.

Housing reforms are another homerun: banning corporate investors from snapping up single-family homes has put the market back in the hands of everyday Americans. No more BlackRock or hedge funds outbidding families; prices in key markets like Atlanta and Phoenix have stabilized, with first-time buyer approvals up 25%. This policy tackles the affordability crisis head-on, turning the American Dream from myth to reality. Tied to this is the transgender ban in certain federal programs—framed as focusing resources on core economic priorities rather than divisive social experiments. Whether it's military readiness or sports equity, Trump argues it streamlines spending, saving billions that get redirected to infrastructure and jobs.

On the foreign economic front, Trump's "washing off" Ukraine aid to Europe is a masterstroke in fiscal discipline. By shifting the burden to NATO allies—echoing pre-1910 isolationism under Woodrow Wilson—he's saved U.S. taxpayers over $100 billion annually, with scant respect for European pleas. "Let them handle their backyard," he quips, freeing funds for domestic reinvestment. This Wilsonian disdain for entangling alliances has ruffled feathers in Brussels, but it's bolstered U.S. coffers, funding tax cuts that supercharge growth. Critics warn it weakens global security, potentially emboldening Russia and straining transatlantic trade, but so far, Europe's stepped up, and U.S. exports are booming.

Overall, these internal successes are the glue holding Trump's agenda together. Affordability is rebounding: prices are dropping, inflation is tamed, and gas is hitting $1.99 in spots, reminiscent of Reagan's era. Growth projections are eyeing 5%—unheard of since the Gipper's time. These tailwinds could solidify Republican majorities in midterms, despite the noise from left-wing media like The New York Times and Washington Post, or podcasters echoing their views. Paid protesters? We've seen tragedies, like the Minneapolis incident where a demonstrator lost her life blocking ICE operations. Was it a "useless cause," as some say? Harsh, but it highlights deepening divides. Why do blue states always see Trump's intent as malice—think George Floyd protests turned riots? It's a cultural chasm, but Trump's base argues it's about law and order.

That said, I'm open to counter-narratives, and there are plenty. Critics argue Trump's radical team—unyielding on principles, opposition be damned—has crossed a Rubicon. He's lost hardcore supporters from his first term, like Judge Andrew Napolitano and some podcast allies, who decry the overreach as authoritarian. Globally, this could backfire: alienating BRICS might accelerate de-dollarization or new alliances against the U.S. In India, while we benefit from a strong America countering China, Trump's isolationism might mean less U.S. support in Indo-Pacific flashpoints. Domestically, ignoring institutions risks eroding democracy—echoing warnings from historians about imperial presidencies. And what if quagmires creep in? A misstep in Iran or Mexico could drain resources, spiking inflation again. Even Tucker's America-first crowd might balk if it leads to endless conflicts. Megyn Kelly backs the toughness, but polls show fractures: urban voters fear division, while rural ones celebrate the reset.

Yet, I believe Trump can thread the needle. With eight more years of potential Republican rule (through 2032, and perhaps beyond via successors until 2041), these changes could normalize. Like the old Polish joke: once you're in tough times, you get used to it. People adapt—think how post-9/11 security became routine. For global audiences, this isn't just U.S. drama; it's a template. India, with its own assertive foreign policy under Modi, might draw parallels in standing firm against neighbors. But caution: unilateralism can isolate.

In sum, Trump is off to a bang, escaping the quagmire by rewriting rules. I don't agree with every move—his team’s radicalism worries me—but as a rational America-first advocate, he has my backing. Whether you're in Mysuru or Manhattan, this era demands vigilance: power shifts fast, and today's doctrine could be tomorrow's debate. What do you think—quagmire escaped, or just delayed?

Karthik

11/1/26 1300 Hrs. Bangalore.

My Health Update. (Angioplasty)...

 #720

I'm thrilled to share a positive update! On January 3, 2026, I underwent a successful angioplasty at Manipal Yeshwanthpur, where Dr. Karthik Vasudevan placed two stents (41mm total) and used a couple of medicine balloons to clear hidden blockages in my coronary arteries. The stress thallium had shown only minor damage thanks to natural collaterals, but the angiogram revealed the issue just in time—preventing a serious event.

I'm now back home after observation for 36 hrs, recovering smoothly and feeling stronger already. The team says everything went perfectly, like "God's hands" at work!

With new additional medication, light walking, heart-healthy diet changes, and rest, the outlook is excellent. I'm on track for steady improvement and fully expect to be fit for my planned SFO trip around January 15 (with Dr. Karthik's clearance, of course—most guidelines allow flying 1-2 weeks after uncomplicated stenting). The follow up appointment is planned for next week. I am thankful to all the Manipal, Yeswantpur team of doctors, support staff who took great care of me.

Your love and good wishes mean the world—thank you! Feeling grateful and optimistic for a healthier chapter ahead.

Karthik

5/1/26

PS: The Medical Insurance which I took last year came handy. The Niviabupa team was of great help, in working the process at every step with the hospital. The agent who sold the plan for us in 2024, Mr Theju coordinated everything and I am thankful to him.

My Reflections from the Nuclear Lab: A Sobering Dawn to 2026..

 #719

DJ Daniels, A 13 year old Brain Cancer Patient, nominated as Honorary member of Law agencies (FBI, ICE, Police.... More than 90 nominations so far!). 

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, ushering in the new year, I found myself carrying a weight of somber thoughts into 2026. Instead of festive cheers or resolutions scribbled on fresh pages, my mind lingered on a visit to a diagnostic lab earlier that day. It was part of my annual health checkup, but this year, it veered from the routine into the specialized realm of nuclear medicine. In Bangalore, such tests are rare—available only at two labs—highlighting how selective and advanced these procedures are. My own results came back satisfactory, a quiet relief. Yet, what I witnessed there stirred a profound contemplation, blending grief, gratitude, and philosophical inquiry.

The lab wasn't your everyday clinic for blood draws or basic scans. It specialized in tests that probe deeper, often signaling serious concerns with life-altering implications. As I waited, I observed a heartbreaking scene: children, from toddlers barely a year old to preteens around 12, lined up for these invasive procedures. Their small frames, clad in hospital gowns, seemed so fragile against the sterile backdrop of machines and monitors. Nearby, young adults in their 20s and 30s sat patiently, arms extended for cannulas to be inserted, ready for the injection of radioactive IV fluids. I underwent the same— a prick, a flush of unease, and hours of monitoring. But for me, in my 60s, it felt like a minor detour in a long journey. For them, it was a stark interruption.

The children's plight pierced me deepest. What fault could they possibly bear? Why them, at such tender ages? Why not in their 20s or 30s, when resilience might be stronger? If the diagnosis revealed adverse conditions—perhaps cancers or rare disorders—how would these innocents endure the pain, the treatments, the uncertainty? Science offers explanations: genetics, environmental toxins, random mutations. But religion? In the Indian spiritual tradition I grew up with, such suffering evokes the concept of Karma from the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that actions from past lives ripple into the present, shaping our experiences. Yet, gazing at those wide-eyed kids, I couldn't help but question the divine play—Lila, as it's called in Hindu philosophy. Is this the Almighty's game, a cosmic drama where souls learn through trials? I didn't curse the divine; instead, I felt a quiet upset, a plea for understanding in this veil of Maya, the illusion that masks deeper truths.

For the young adults, my sympathy was laced with different wonderings. Could some of this be self-inflicted? Lifestyles crammed with stress, poor habits—junk food, sedentary routines, or even substance abuse—might contribute for a few. The environment plays its villainous role too: polluted air in our bustling cities, contaminated water, or unchecked industrial toxins. Awareness lags, and ecosystems falter under human greed. Blaming the Almighty here felt misplaced; perhaps it's our collective Dharma—righteous duty—to foster healthier lives. The Upanishads remind us that the body is a temple, a vehicle for the soul's journey. Neglecting it invites imbalance, disrupting the harmony of Prana, the life force.

This encounter humbled me, amplifying my gratitude. Reaching my 60s without a major, life-threatening health scare feels like a profound blessing. In our 20s and 30s, my generation reveled in vitality—dancing through festivals, chasing careers, building families—largely unscathed. Now, reflecting back, I see it as the fruit of good Karma: deeds from this life or before, woven with blessings from elders, gurus, and the community. Indian philosophy emphasizes this interconnectedness—the law of cause and effect, where Punya (merit) from virtuous actions shields us. And the timeless axiom from the Hippocratic Oath echoes the Ahimsa of Jainism and Buddhism: "First, do no harm." It's a simple yet powerful mantra—to others, to the earth, to oneself. By avoiding evil, we cultivate a shield of positive energy, aligning with the universe's rhythm.

As I left the lab after my four-hour ordeal, my heart ached for those parents. The emotional agony they carried—etched in weary eyes and hushed whispers—was palpable. How do they summon the strength to fight? I pray that the same Almighty who scripted this suffering grants them resilience, resources, and unwavering faith. In the words of the Gita, "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action." Perhaps their trial is a path to higher growth, a test of Bhakti (devotion) that forges unbreakable bonds.

Entering 2026, this experience reframes my resolutions. Not grand ambitions, but quiet commitments: to cherish health, practice mindfulness through Yoga or meditation, and extend compassion. In a world of uncertainties, let's count our blessings, sow good deeds, and trust in the eternal cycle. After all, as the Vedas teach, the soul is immortal; these bodies are but temporary vessels in the grand illusion. May we navigate with grace, and may those little warriors find healing in the divine's embrace.

Karthik

1/1/26 9am.