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India.com
16 hours ago
- India.com
Top Scenic Road Trips Near Kolkata City to Take During Monsoon
The rainy season turns the surrounding areas of Kolkata into a beautiful display of vegetation along with flowing cascades. The location of the city near various scenic destinations transforms it into an excellent starting point for outdoor drives throughout this rainy season. Road trips throughout this area lead visitors from woody mountain landscapes to tranquil riverfront settings providing a serene break from city life combined with natural scenery. The following list includes seven worth visiting road trip destinations located in proximity to Kolkata which make ideal monsoon exploration points. 1. Sundarbans The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes Sundarbans as both a World Heritage Site and one of the biggest mangrove forests on Earth. This location lies about 100km south of Kolkata. The Sundarbans gains its life force during monsoon season while showing lush growth and flourishing wildlife. Visitors must start their journey from Godkhali or Sonakhali before taking boat transportation across the forest. The search for Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles together with sightings of scarce birdlife makes exploring the forest area genuinely electrifying. Every stroke of rain on the boat during narrow creek travel becomes an impossible-to-forgive moment. 2. Shantiniketan Shantiniketan exists as Rabindranath Tagore's cultural center which is located 180 kilometers northwest of Kolkata. The red-soil paths of Visva-Bharati University take on an extra enchanting charm in monsoons when they are wrapped by swaying trees and beautiful flowers. Throughout your visit to Shantiniketan you can access the Upasana Griha and Kala Bhavan art institute as well as Rabindra Museum. The overflowing rainwater in Kopai River produces a soothing effect on the surroundings. Tourists must experience this destination because it offers a blend of artistic places and cultural landmarks among stunning natural surroundings. 3. Dooars Dooars in North Bengal exists roughly 450 kilometers from Kolkata as a region which reveals panoramas of tea plantations with their dense forests and flowing waterways. When monsoon sets in the entire region blooms into color as Murti and Jayanti waterfalls join the vibrant forest scenery. The wildlife preserves such as Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park let visitors observe elephants together with rhinos and numerous bird species. Temperature like this controls the entire route that leads past curving roads surrounded by abundant foliage which gently rejuvenates both physical sight and internal well-being. 4. Darjeeling Hills Travelers willing to drive further from Kolkata can reach the tourist destination of Darjeeling at approximately 600 kilometers through a long transport journey. When monsoon arrives the hills rapidly transform into a magical realm through the formation of mist. During monsoon the rolling tea estates including Happy Valley Tea Estate take on a shiny appearance through the rain clouds and the toy train tracks of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are operational. The visibility at Tiger Hill for viewing Kanchenjunga may decrease because of monsoon-season clouds but it remains a must-visit spot. The refreshing weather combined with rain events creates an enduring reason to endure this experience. 5. Bishnupur Bishnupur provides a quick journey from Kolkata at a distance of 130 kilometers westward. Bishnupur displays its special charm to visitors during the monsoon season because its ancient temples stand out among lush emerald fields. Adventure-seekers should visit Bishnupur because this destination offers access to the Rasmancha alongside the Pancha Ratna Temple along with the Jor Bangla Temple. The Lalbandh Lake north of the region gradually transforms into a tranquil water reserve. History fans as well as photographers will find this destination to be their ideal destination. 6. Mandarmani Mandarmani represents an outstanding beach resort located 185 kilometers from Kolkata. Mandarmani distinguishes itself from other beaches of West Bengal because it has extensive unencumbered stretches of sandy shore suitable for relaxed beach walks under light rain conditions. During monsoon the meeting point of sea and sky creates a beautiful scene. The beach volleyball enthusiasts will find their games here while everyone else prefers local shacks for seafood enjoyment. Separate calm waves with beautiful weather conditions enhance the seaside appeal of this destination. 7. Mayapur Situated by the Ganges waterfront at approximately 130 kilometers from Kolkata Mayapur functions as the worldwide base for International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This religious town develops a stronger spiritual atmosphere through the relaxing effect of monsoon that causes the river to become heightened and the ashram areas to appear peaceful. Religious travelers should visit the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium because it stands as one of the world's largest religious buildings. Both devotees and visitors seek peace through services of chanting and meditation as well as visiting the holy places. Conclusion The strategic position of Kolkata enables access to multiple scenic destinations for automobile journeys during wet seasons. These travel destinations provide perfect experiences for each type of traveler who seeks adventure as well as spiritual fulfillment and pure relaxation. Each person can find a distinct attraction at the mystical Sundarbans while also discovering the serene hills of Darjeeling. Load your valuables and fill your car with gas before embarking on a memorable trek through natural wonders. The monsoon magic awaits.


India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
Exploring 6 Underrated Hill Stations Close To Kolkata
Kolkata is famous for its magnificent past, exciting festivals, and delicious food. Known as the cultural capital of India, the place attracts millions every year. But did you know that besides the famous Kolkata landmarks, the place also has some very calm hill stations? These are accessible by a few hours of train or car ride. Dominant places like Darjeeling and Kalimpong get a majority of the tourism, but when do you get the chance to visit underrated places around Kolkata? In this article, we will take a deeper look into the places that will allow you to relax and recharge your batteries. 1. Chandrakona Chandrakona is relatively unknown in comparison to other picturesque getaways in Kolkata. Only 150 kilometers away from Kolkata, the town has Garh Mandaran fort which dates back to Malla dynasty. The town is blessed with hills which makes It a great location for nature lovers. While there, tourists can enjoy the fort's remnants as they soak in the beautiful glass-like scenery. The breathtaking views make it an access point for bird watchers and photographers. 2. Bishnupur Bishnupur is known for its terracotta temples, but it is about 130 kilometers from Kolkata and has much more to offer. This quaint town is surrounded by low hills, making short hikes quite energizing. The rich cultural history along with the natural beauty makes it a one of a kind getaway. Don't miss out exploring the exquisitely crafted Rasmancha Temple and Jor Bangla Temple. If you are looking for a place to escape, the nearby Susunia Hills offer great hiking and picnic spots. 3. Dooars Region While technically part of North Bengal, the Dooars region can be reached from Kolkata through Jalpaiguri and has a unique sight. Dooars region features differing landscapes including dense forests, tea gardens, and rivers along with gentle hills. If you are a wildlife lover, Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary are must visit places. There is a chance that you can spot elephants, one horned rhinoceros and many birds. The change in weather is refreshing and the unspoiled wilderness provides a perfect escape from the busy city. 4. Shantiniketan Shantiniketan, located 180 kilometers northwest of Kolkata, is well-known for its scenic beauty. It was established as a Visva-Bharati University and to this day, it epitomizes the artistic spirit and intellectual life of Tagore. During winters, the Khowai River Valley turns into a paradise with misty hills and golden fields. One can explore the Upasana Griha (Prayer Hall) or the Amal Kiran Museum to know more about Tagore's philosophy. Tagore's famous seasonal festivals such as Poush Mela travel further enhance the experience. 5. Jhalda Within 250 kilometers of the Jhalda area, there are many stunning landscapes including hillocks, waterfalls, and enormous verdant forests that remain undiscovered by tourists, making it a hidden gem. The Panchet Dam is popular for its scenic beauty and other activities like boating, as well as the Ajodhya Hills which are also a popular spot for scaling and trekking. Because of the unspoiled environment, Jhalda is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature. 6. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary In the Birbhum district, Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is about a 200 kilometers drive from Kolkata. This sanctuary is home to various animals, some of which include leopards, deer, and many more, along with a great variety of plants. The sanctuary's hilly areas are perfect for trekking as well as camping. Bird fans can especially be amazed at the colorful variety of birds during the migration season. With low human interference and high biodiversity, Mayureswar ensures unparalleled eco-tourism experience. Conclusion This is especially useful for people who need a quick and relaxing escape – Kolkata is near many wonderful hill stations featuring unique characteristics like Chandrakona charming history or the wild beauty of the Dooars. Regardless of the distinctiveness, each location will inspire awe. The next time you travel from Kolkata, don't forget these hidden gems.


DW
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- DW
Two Indian women artists blazing their own trails – DW – 05/22/2025
Mayuri Chari and Janhavi Khemka's artwork is very different. But they both have powerful artistic visions informed by personal experiences of gender, disability and family — and they're both making names for themselves. 'Art is my accessibility': Janhavi Khemka Janhavi Khemka's mother has always been the source of her inspiration as an artist. Her earliest memories of making art involve her mother: "My mother would help me with my school assignments, explaining them through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language." Khemka (above right), who was born in Varanasi, India in 1993, is hearing-impaired. Her mother taught her to read lips in Hindi at a young age and encouraged her artistic exploration. But she died when Khemka was 15. "The impact she left on me helped me navigate an able-bodied world, further inspiring my art through light, touch, experimental sound, and tactile mediums," Khemka said in a written interview with DW. Janhavi Khemka's woodcut work 'Self-portrait' (2024) is inspired by Van Gogh Image: Janhavi Khemka It is in this able-bodied world that Khemka is making a name for herself as an interdisciplinary artist working across a diverse array of mediums, from woodcut to painting to performance and animation. She earned an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago and, prior to that, one from Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan, a historic education center based in West Bengal that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and traditions. "Santiniketan opened a new world for me, as it was my first time being away from home. It helped me grow, understand how my disability shapes my identity. It was transformative, helping me expand my perspectives, connect with people and artists, and deepen my engagement with art." Friends and mentors have supported Khemka's career as an artist, but she still faces a lack of accessibility and is "constantly self-aware" and having to explain her experience to others, which can be "exhausting." Khemka's art has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Much of it relates to her being a hearing-impaired person who experiences sound through vibration. Some of her works, like "Impress/ion" and "Your name, please?" are interactive, involving a direct exchange with individual audience members. In 2021, she created "Letter to My Mother" — a vibrating platform adorned in a projected animated light pattern consisting of lips made from woodcut prints. It recalls how her mother taught her to lip read on a mat. For her, "It's a personal experience that connects me with my mom in a way that words alone cannot express." For viewers, it allows them to experience sound in a tactile fashion and ushers them into an intimate moment in the artist's life. "My greatest success is feeling comfortable in the world, where I can exist freely and confidently," Khemka says. 'A woman is not born, she is created': Mayuri Chari A free and confident existence: This is always what conceptual artist Mayuri Chari hopes for herself as a woman — and for women everywhere. She prefers the term priorities to success. And her priorities are speaking through her work, which focuses on the female body, and expressing what she wants to tell people, not what people want her to tell. In fact, they don't always like what her art tells. Conceptual artist Mayuri Chari's work draws on the motto, 'A woman is not born, she is created' Image: Tausif Matwal Whether through print, textile, film or even cow dung, Chari examines and challenges how women are seen, positioned and treated across various strata of Indian society. "They are not stories or tales," she says of her artwork's messages about women. "They are reality." She started experimenting with the female body as a subject during her MFA at the University of Hyderabad. For one semester show, she made large prints of her own body. She saw the work artistically, for its texture and colors. "But they," she said of her classmates and other viewers, "their gaze was totally different. They saw it as a vulgar thing and suggested that I shouldn't do this openly." Their response only got her thinking more. "I started to question why: Why are people seeing the body as something vulgar, sexy? Why not as a creative thing?" she told DW in a phone interview from her home in rural Maharashtra. The body prints Chari made during her master's, including the one above, significantly influenced her artistic direction Image: Mayuri Chair In Chari's work, the female body is neither a goddess nor an object of consumption but rather a statement of self-awareness. Yet her art has been controversial in India for simply featuring nude female bodies — realistic, imperfect, bold. Indian galleries have rejected her works and exhibition venue owners have asked her to remove pieces. Despite such institutional rejection, her work resonates strongly with Indian women, who see themselves and their experiences reflected in her art. Chari says that women often come up to her at shows and whisper in her ear, "I feel the same thing. This happens to me, also." Her work has been garnering international attention in recent years. Her installation "I WAS NOT CREATED FOR PLEASURE," was featured at the 12th Berlin Biennale , in 2022, and she was an artist in residence at the 2024 India Art Fair. 'My body, my freedom II' (2021), by Mayuri Chari Image: Mayuri Chari Like Janhavi Khemka, Chari's family also influenced her path as an artist — though not always positively. Born in the coastal state of Goa in 1991, Chari spent a lot of time as a child watching and helping her father, a carpenter, create furniture and carvings. She started making art in school, where her teachers encouraged her. But after her father died, Chari was forbidden by her family, in particular her elder uncle, from pursuing higher-level studies. She defied them and did it anyway, earning a master's in fine arts with the help of friends and scholarships. Her now husband and fellow artist, Prabhakar Kamble, provided her with important support and resources in her early days out of school. While Chari's work centers on society's positioning of women, she feels it is caste, more than gender, that has affected her reception. "Everything depends on the caste, where you come from. I came from a low caste, and big galleries always appreciate the high caste people. They notice them, and they always want people who speak well in English, and who have money," she explains. During COVID, Chari (center) launched a project called 'Me, home and the kitchen,' that sought to empower local women affected by the lockdown Image: Manasee Chari Advice for aspiring young artists Chari's current projects include a short documentary about the lives of rural female sugar laborers and textile projects dealing with trousseau-making — a bridal needlework practice that Portuguese colonizers brought to her home state of Goa and that continues to be passed on today from mother to daughter; she learned it from her own mother. Janhavi Khemka's mother will also continue to be at the forefront of her work. In the future, she hopes to make a movie using woodcut print animation exploring their relationship. Drawing on her own experience, she tells younger artists to "face failure with courage, hold on to patience and hope, and be ready to meet challenges head-on." Chari, for her part, advises younger artists to make sure they remain free and independent thinkers. "They shouldn't follow others," she says. "Or follow the thoughts, ideas, what other artists are doing, but don't copy them." Edited by: Brenda Haas


India.com
21-05-2025
- India.com
5 Scenic Road Trips From Kolkata City That Are Perfect For Weekend Getaways
As India's cultural center Kolkata provides many options for exploring its nearby picturesque locations and watching its interesting festivals along with celebrating its rich heritage. The city of Kolkata connects to many roads which provide various destinations accessible for weekend excursions. Multiple road trip destinations near Kolkata offer travelers unforgettable opportunities between nature and historical sites and peaceful relaxation. Seven charming locations surround Kolkata to offer residents calm respite from urban living. 1. Sundarbans A United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site along with being the world's largest mangrove forest exists about 100 kilometers south of Kolkata. The distinctive bio-weeny system shelters Bengal Royal Tigers and many bird species as well as deer and crocodiles. Traveling to Sundarbans starts by reaching either Godkhali or Sonakhali using a vehicle and continuing the journey by boat through the forest. During this trip all visitors can observe wildlife in its natural habitat while enjoying remarkable vistas of the thick mangrove forests which envelop winding waterways. Educational activities merge with thrilling opportunities at this place. 2. Shantiniketan Shantiniketan stands as the town founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which can be reached by driving for just 180 kilometers from Kolkata within three hours. The peaceful site houses Visva-Bharati University as it offers visitors the chance to learn about art together with cultural and spiritual experiences. The property includes a visit to cultural programs and museum exploration at Kala Bhavana while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the lush greenery. Visit Upasana Griha while savoring local food from the small eateries in the area. During spring time Shantiniketan becomes particularly enchanting because of the annual Poush Mela celebration. 3. Digha The town of Digha provides beach lovers with their perfect seaside sanctuary. The coastal town of Digha sits at a distance of 187 kilometers from Kolkata and offers beach visitors excellent vistas at New Digha Beach and Udaipur Beach. The combination of blue sea waters with golden shoreline beaches offers a splendid spot for relaxation. Families should try various aquatic activities on their stay and romantic pairs should walk down the beach shoreline together. Marine Aquarium Digha stands as an educational attraction which displays a wide variety of marine life during your stop. Digha serves as a weekend attraction for many because it can be reached through NH6. 4. Bishnupur The whole town of Bishnupur situated 150 kilometers from Kolkata fascinates history seekers. Bishnupur showcases Malla dynasty terracotta temples that serve as perfect examples of architectural talent throughout the town. The main highlights in the town are the Rasmancha Temple together with Jor Bangla Temple and the Madan Mohan Temple. The temples lead into Baluchari silk weaving areas where visitors can purchase exclusive handicrafts. Bishnupur brings townspeople an appealing authentic atmosphere that serves as a peaceful refuge from metropolitan confusion. 5. Mandarmani The coastal town of Mandarmani exists at a distance of about 180 kilometers from Kolkata. Digha and Mandarmani stand in contrast because Mandarmani shows calmer beaches that remain untouched by human development. Visitors find the longest drivable beach status in this region significant because it enables them to simultaneously drive while watching the waves. Adventure enthusiasts love visiting the destination due to opportunities for jet skiing and parasailing and dolphin observation activities. An amazing sight in Mandarmani is the stunning sunset that reveals the Bay of Bengal. Conclusion The city of Kolkata provides an ideal starting point for people who want to experience the various attractions of West Bengal. Travelers will discover something meaningful at these seven locations because they present different combinations of adventure with cultural elements and peaceful experiences along with spiritual attractions. Packing your possessions will lead you to powering your automobile while traveling on an unforgettable road journey that revitalizes both mind and spirit.
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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: 100 timeless quotes to inspire students
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 marks the 164th birth anniversary of one of India's greatest thinkers, poets, and philosophers—Rabindranath Tagore. Celebrated every year on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh (which usually falls in April or May), this day honours his remarkable legacy in literature, music, art, and education. Tagore, who was born in 1861, was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his book Gitanjali. He also composed India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', and Bangladesh's anthem, 'Amar Shonar Bangla'. More than just a poet, Tagore was a visionary educator and reformer who believed that true learning happens when it is rooted in freedom, creativity, and nature. He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal, to promote holistic education. Even today, his poems, short stories, songs, and ideas continue to inspire students to dream big, think deeply, and live wisely. Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: Top 100 quotes to inspire students 'The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.' 'Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.' 'A mind all logic is like a knife all blade—it makes the hand bleed that uses it.' 'The object of education is to give man the unity of truth.' 'Education means enabling the mind to find out that ultimate truth.' 'We live in the world when we love it.' 'The real purpose of education is not to fill your head with facts, but to light a fire of curiosity.' 'True education must correspond to the surrounding circumstances or it is not a healthy growth.' 'Education is not a matter of collecting information, but of developing the power of the mind.' 'Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.' 'Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.' 'Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.' 'If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.' 'The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.' 'Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it.' 'The flower which is single need not envy the thorns that are numerous.' 'Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.' 'Don't be afraid of the darkness, for the stars are shining only because of it.' 'What is Art? It is the response of man's creative soul to the call of the Real.' 'Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.' 'You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.' 'Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins, but to forgive others.' 'The burden of self is lightened when I laugh at myself.' 'The roots below the earth claim no rewards for making the branches fruitful.' 'Be still, my heart, these great trees are prayers.' 'Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it.' 'Bigotry tries to keep truth safe in its hand with a grip that kills it.' 'Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield but to my own strength.' 'To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.' 'He who is too busy doing good finds no time to be good.' 'Facts are many, but the truth is one.' 'Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.' 'Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.' 'The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.' 'Music fills the infinite between two souls.' 'Life is given to us, we earn it by giving it.' 'The stars are not afraid to appear like fireflies.' 'Age considers; youth ventures.' 'Power said to the world, 'You are mine.' The world kept it prisoner on her throne. Love said to the world, 'I am thine.' The world gave it freedom.' 'Men are cruel, but Man is kind.' 'Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark.' 'Beauty is truth's smile when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror.' 'Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.' 'We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.' 'Emancipation from the bondage of the soil is no freedom for the tree.' 'Love does not claim possession but gives freedom.' 'Silence is a speech of the soul.' 'The greed of gain has no time or limit to its capaciousness.' 'We gain freedom when we have paid the full price.' 'Deliverance is not for me in renunciation. I feel the embrace of freedom in a thousand bonds of delight.' 'Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high... into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.' 'Freedom is not a mere matter of political decision or new constitutions... It is the result of the perfect unfolding of a personality.' 'The soul of education is the liberation of the soul.' 'True liberty is not the power to do as we please, but the right to do as we ought.' 'We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.' 'He who is too busy doing good has no time to be good.' 'I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.' 'Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.' 'Life finds its wealth by the claims of the world, and its worth by the claims of love.' 'Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.' 'The highest education is that which makes our life in harmony with all existence.' 'The world speaks to me in colors, my soul answers in music.' 'You smiled and talked to me of nothing, and I felt that for this I had been waiting long.' 'What is done in love is done well.' 'God waits to win back his own flowers as gifts from man's hands.' 'Love adorns itself; it seeks to prove inward joy by outward beauty.' 'The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified.' 'A lamp can only light another lamp when it continues to burn its own flame.' 'Do not say, 'It is morning,' and dismiss it with a name of yesterday. See it for the first time as a newborn child that has no name.' 'We cross infinity with every step; we meet eternity in every second.' 'Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.' 'Let me light my lamp, says the star, and never debate if it will dispel the darkness.' 'Great is the human who has not lost his childlike heart.' 'The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.' 'If you shut the door to all errors, truth will be shut out.' 'Gray hairs are signs of wisdom if you hold your tongue, speak and they are but hairs.' 'The real friendship is like fluorescence, it shines better when everything has darkened.' 'Let your thoughts come unasked, like the guests who come without invitation.' 'We gain freedom when we have paid the full price.' 'Man's cry is to reach his fullest height, and he is always being helped.' 'Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.' 'Art is the means of union among all different kinds of minds, and all nations.' 'We live in the world when we love it.' 'Beauty is in the ideal of perfect harmony which is in the universal being; truth the perfect comprehension of the universal mind.' 'The artist is the lover of Nature, therefore he is her slave and her master.' 'Let my thoughts come to you, when I am gone, like the afterglow of sunset at the margin of starry silence.' 'The stream of truth flows through its channels of mistakes.' 'In Art, man reveals himself and not his objects.' 'By plucking her petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower.' 'Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment—it is the ultimate truth.' 'Love's gift cannot be given, it waits to be accepted.' 'We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.' 'Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on.' 'Man goes into the noisy crowd to drown his own silence of soul.' 'Love is not a mere impulse; it must contain truth, which is law.' 'Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity.' 'Man's own actions are his destiny's maker.' 'The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.' 'A mind without freedom, a heart without love, a soul without faith—these are the real prisons.' 'Truth raises against itself the storm that scatters its seeds broadcast.'