Habits of the Heart

Category: Uncategorized

  • Rashomon effect and understanding geopolitics in 2026: How to make sense of the world

    Rashomon effect and understanding geopolitics in 2026: How to make sense of the world

    We live in a post-modern world, where truth, with a certainty of 100% is very hard to establish, if not impossible. In a world of ubiquitous AI, seeing is not believing. We are also in a media context (in the USA and much of the West) where serious questioning of government propaganda is rare, if…

  • My Summer Reading List – 2025

    Every summer I share some of the best books I’ve read (or that are on my reading list). This year, I am sharing a list that is a bit different, one based on concepts/ ideas that are relevant, to understand, rather than recency of publication. Here goes: Welfare: book – Arguments for Welfare. Paul Spicker:…

  • Harvard University and the question of why nonprofits get tax exemption

    The recent fracas between the Trump administration and Harvard University, over free speech has brought forth many questions to fore. The question of role of institutions of higher ed in our society, the limits of free speech and dissent and the limits of government interference in research efforts.         The question of why universities should…

  • On being mentored by the inimitable Akumal Ramachander

    One of my mentors, someone who had a substantial impact on my life and career passed away a few weeks ago, in Bangalore, India. Akumal Ramachander was a public intellectual, an art promoter and one of the most well-read and educated people I have met. He was persistent, fearless and inimitable.  There are mentors who…

  • Disaster philanthropy – Three lessons on giving

    More than a decade and half ago, when I was in grad school, at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, I took a class with Catherine Bertini, the former Executive Director of the World Food Program. One of the things that stayed with me, from that class is the first and perhaps the most basic…

  • What does it mean to run an “efficient,” government?: Some quick thoughts…: Part 1

    Efficiency is good when you are ordering a pack of batteries on Amazon (which I did, just a few hours ago), but not when you are seeking better social outcomes like greater inclusion, democracy or economic justice/protection. Efficiency has an angle of lean. A direction, a purpose and a vision. When we say we want…

  • What Will AI Bring us ?

    What Will AI Bring us ?

    The 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry had AI as a central focus. However, as much as this marks a landmark phase of recognition of this new set of technologies, the age old question of  “what this tech will bring us”, comes up. As it turns out, we don’t have any accurate answer to…

  • What is Leadership in the local context – Interview with PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark

    What is Leadership in the local context – Interview with PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark

    1. What does leadership mean, in a local government context? Leadership in a local government context means guiding and inspiring a community toward achieving common goals. It involves setting a vision, making strategic decisions, and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Local government leaders engage closely with various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and…

  • Leadership in local government – What does it mean?

    Leadership at the local government level doesnt get much attention. Often, we read about and discuss national or state level decision making. However, as we know, or should know, leadership at the local government is extremely crucial and can make the difference between a great city and a mediocre one. I am lucky to know…

  •  Books you should read this summer, to understand our world…

    If you have been paying attention to what is going on in our world, you will realize that a LOT has changed in the past year. Both domestically as well as internationally, politics, society and social movements have thrown a lot of surprises (and disappointments) that have called into question the role of institutions, individuals…

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