Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China – Emily Feng
In the hot summer months of 2021, China celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party. Authorities held propaganda and education campaigns across the country defining the ideal Chinese ethnically Han Chinese, Mandarin speaking, solidly atheist, and devoted to the socialist project of strengthening China against western powers.
No one can understand modern China—including its response to the pandemic—without understanding who actually lives there, and the ways that the Chinese State tries to control its people. Let Only Red Flowers Bloom collects the stories of more than two dozen people who together represent a more holistic picture of Chinese identity. The Uyghurs who have seen millions of their fellow citizens detained in camps; mainland human rights lawyer Ren Quanniu, who lost his law license in a bureaucratic dispute after representing a Hong Kong activist; a teacher from Inner Mongolia, forced to escape persecution because of his support of his mother tongue. These are just a few narratives that journalist Emily Feng reports on, revealing human stories about resistance against a hegemonic state and introducing readers to the people who know about Chinese identity the best.
Illuminating a country that has for too long been secretive of the real lives its citizens are living, Feng reveals what it’s really like to be anything other than party-supporting Han Chinese in China, and the myriad ways they’re trying to survive in the face of an oppressive regime.
Located in the historic town of Verul near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the Grishneshwar Temple is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite being the smallest among the Jyotirlingas, it holds immense spiritual significance as the last shrine in the ancient Jyotirlinga circuit, near the stunning Ellora Caves. The temple is famed for its compassionate deity and timeless legends of faith, reinforcing Shiva’s boundless mercy and the intimate relationships between devotees and the divine. Its rich history, intricate artistry, and vital place in pilgrimage traditions make it a must-visit for seekers of divine light and cultural heritage.
The legends of the Grishneshwar Temple reflect divine compassion intertwined with human devotion and forgiveness. One prominent legend, recounted in the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana, tells of Kusuma, a devoted Brahmin woman living near a sacred lake in Shivalaya village. Each day, Kusuma carved 101 small Shivalingas and immersed them in the lake while singing prayers to Lord Shiva, hoping to be blessed with a child. Eventually, Kusuma gave birth to a healthy son, which incited jealousy in her sister, leading to the tragic death of Kusuma’s son at her sister’s hand. Despite unbearable grief, Kusuma’s faith remained unshaken. Moved by her unwavering devotion, Shiva resurrected her son and manifested here as Grishneshwar, the Jyotirlinga born from the friction (Grishna meaning friction) of Parvati’s hands.
Another tale speaks of Parvati mixing vermillion, or kumkum, in water at the sacred lake. The friction caused by her hands led to the emergence of a bright light, which turned into a Shiva lingam. The name Grishneshwar derives from this friction-born linga, symbolising the dynamic energy between creation and devotion. The temple also highlights themes of compassion and forgiveness, where divine grace overcomes human failings, inspiring devotees to persevere in faith despite adversity.
Grishneshwar Temple has endured cycles of destruction and rebirth, mirroring Maharashtra’s rich and turbulent past. Mentioned in ancient texts such as the Skanda Purana and Ramayana, Grishneshwar’s spiritual significance has been acknowledged for over a millennium. The original temple was destroyed multiple times during invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal incursions in the 13th and 14th centuries. The temple was first restored by Maloji Bhosale, grandfather of the famed Maratha king Shivaji, in the 16th century. Later, in the 18th century, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, renowned for her devotion and patronage of Hindu temples, rebuilt the temple in its present form, ensuring its architectural and cultural heritage endured.
Grishneshwar Temple is a marvellous example of medieval Indian temple architecture, blending aesthetics with spirituality. Constructed predominantly from red sandstone, the temple exudes warmth and invites spiritual contemplation. The temple boasts a five-tiered shikhara that rises above the sanctum sanctorum. The mandapa or assembly hall is supported by 24 intricately carved pillars, each depicting mythological scenes and floral motifs. Exterior and interior walls display reliefs of Shiva’s life, the Dashavatars of Vishnu, and various Hindu mythological stories. The richly carved pillars and walls display exquisite motifs from Hindu scriptures, including yoga postures and cosmic depictions that connect worshipers with divine symbolism. The temple complex also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, and Durga, showcasing the inclusive nature of the site.
Worship at Grishneshwar Temple is animated by deep ritual and community participation. Daily worship practices include devotional abhisheka of the Jyotirlinga with milk, ghee, honey, and water, regular aarti ceremonies involving music, lamps, and chanting, and the offerings of bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits by devotees seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings. Mahashivaratri is celebrated with grand rituals, midnight vigils, and community feasts. Local temple events draw pilgrims from Maharashtra and neighbouring states, especially during the winter months. The temple’s festivals emphasise forgiveness, compassion, and renewal, echoing its founding legends. The local Brahmin priests and devotee groups maintain the temple’s traditions and hospitality, extending warmth and guidance to visitors.
Pilgrims find both spiritual renewal and cultural richness at Grishneshwar. The temple is located about 30 km from Aurangabad and is accessible by road and public transport. Several dharmashalas, guesthouses, and eateries support pilgrims’ needs in nearby Aurangabad and Verul village. The site is often combined with visits to the famous Ellora Caves, making for a rich cultural and spiritual itinerary. Pilgrims often describe a sense of serene compassion here, a place where devotion bridges pain and hope. Stories of answered prayers and visions reinforce the temple’s spiritual aura.
The Grishneshwar Temple influences regional culture, literature, and aesthetics. Temple legends feature in Marathi folklore and religious texts, while devotional poetry and songs celebrating Shiva’s compassion proliferate during festivals and pilgrim gatherings. Local artisans produce sculptures, icons, and paintings derived from temple iconography. The architectural and artistic styles influence nearby sacred sites and community rituals. Grishneshwar is an emblem of religious perseverance and cultural pride in Aurangabad, anchoring both spiritual and artistic traditions.
Grishneshwar Temple continues as a vibrant locus of faith and heritage. The temple trust oversees day-to-day operations, festivals, and pilgrim services. Conservation efforts preserve the temple’s structure and art against weathering. Pilgrim numbers rise annually, especially during festivals like Mahashivaratri. Tourism linked to the Ellora Caves supports the temple’s upkeep and regional economy. Challenges include maintaining ancient structures amid modern visitor pressures, requiring ongoing care and funding, while efforts focus on blending preservation with accessibility for future generations.
Grishneshwar Temple stands as a testament to divine compassion and timeless devotion, the last Jyotirlinga in the sacred circuit, yet among the most intimate and profound. Its legends show that faith transcends cruelty and loss, offering a sanctuary of hope and renewal. For pilgrims and tourists alike, Grishneshwar offers a unique spiritual retreat at the crossroads of history, mythology, and art, reaffirming Lord Shiva’s boundless grace and the enduring power of divine light.
The 12 Jyotirlinga temples represent the radiant and infinite manifestations of Lord Shiva across India, each with its unique mythology, history, and spiritual significance. They stand not only as architectural wonders but also as profound centres of devotion, reflection, and transformation, symbolising Shiva’s omnipresence and boundless energy. Pilgrimages to these sacred shrines offer seekers a journey beyond the physical—to touch the eternal light within themselves and connect deeply with the cosmic source. The Jyotirlingas continue to inspire faith, resilience, and spiritual awakening, illuminating the hearts of millions across generations and geographies, holding an enduring place at the core of Hindu spirituality and cultural heritage.
Keep watching this space for the next series on Divya Desams.
Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS – Lisa Rogak
Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.
As members of the OSS, their task was to create a secret brand of propaganda produced with the sole aim to break the morale of Axis soldiers. Working in the European theater, across enemy lines in occupied China, and in Washington, D.C., Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene forged letters and “official” military orders, wrote and produced entire newspapers, scripted radio broadcasts and songs, and even developed rumors for undercover spies and double agents to spread to the enemy. And outside of a small group of spies, no one knew they existed. Until now.
Around the world, policymakers, researchers and citizens have become increasingly interested in happiness or well-being, not just economic growth. One of the flagship publications in this area is the World Happiness Report (WHR), which utilises survey data to rank countries based on the level of satisfaction their people experience with their lives.
Why does such a list exist? It recognises that human flourishing isn’t just about money or material goods; things like health, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity play big roles. It provides governments and communities with a mirror: by highlighting which factors correlate with higher well-being, the hope is that other countries can learn from and improve. It elevates the conversation from GDP alone to quality of life.
How the ranking works: The WHR uses survey data from the Gallup World Poll (plus other sources), asking people to rate their lives on a scale (often the “Cantril Ladder”, 0 worst possible, 10 best possible). The score for each country is an average of the responses over a number of years. Six key factors are used as explanatory variables: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support (having someone to count on), freedom to make life choices, generosity (helping others) and perceptions of corruption. Additional research highlights that social trust, acts of kindness, and connections (e.g., sharing meals, community belonging) are strongly associated with higher happiness.
Happiness is subjective: it’s how people feel about their lives, not just objective material measures.
Cultural differences affect how people respond to surveys, so comparison across countries has caveats.
The ranking doesn’t capture everything; for instance, within-country inequalities, minority groups, or future uncertainty might be less visible.
With that background, here are 15 of the happiest countries in the world (according to the most recent WHR data), what helps put them on the list, and what lessons others might draw from them.
Finland Why it ranks at the top: Finland has again taken the #1 spot in the 2025 report, with a score around 7.736 (out of 10) for the 2022-24 period. Among the reasons: strong social support networks, high trust in institutions and among people, freedom of life choices, a sense of fairness and low corruption. The country’s connection to nature, community-oriented culture and generous welfare systems also play a role.
What we can learn:
A culture of trust matters: when people believe others will do the right thing (e.g., return a lost wallet), society becomes more well-being supportive.
Investing in social infrastructure (education, health, accessible civic services) pays off in quality of life, not just in economic metrics.
Time for community, nature and relationships seems as important (or more) than just work and consumption.
Even in a cold and dark climate (winter in Finland is long), well-being can be high, suggesting conditions matter less than how people organise their lives and societies.
Denmark Why it ranks highly: Denmark often sits in the top 2-3. In the 2025 ranking, it placed #2 with a score of 7.521. The country features robust welfare provisions, free education and healthcare, high social trust, and relatively low income inequality. A Danish cultural concept of hygge (cosiness, togetherness) also reflects the value placed on social relationships.
What we can learn:
Social equality (not just average wealth) helps: when fewer people are left behind, overall life satisfaction tends to be higher.
Work-life balance is emphasised: flexible work, decent parental leave, and shorter working hours in many cases.
Community values and everyday neighbourliness matter: friendships, local groups, and informal social ties.
Investing in children’s well-being and in citizens’ ability to make life choices pays dividends.
Iceland Why it ranks so well: In 2025, Iceland placed #3 with a score of around 7.515. The country has a small, tight-knit population, high levels of social support, generous welfare systems and a high sense of freedom for individuals. Additionally, Iceland scored well on generosity in past reports.
What we can learn:
Smaller population size and stronger community links can help build social cohesion.
Bringing nature into people’s everyday lives (access to nature, outdoor activities) might support well-being.
Emergency resilience, trust in institutions and rapid provision of social services matter, especially visible in Iceland’s response to economic and natural-disaster challenges.
Sweden Why it’s in the top-tier: Sweden is ranked #4 in 2025 with a score of around 7.345. Sweden features strong welfare policies, high standards of living, good healthcare, and a culture that supports personal development and social trust.
What we can learn:
Policies that promote flexibility and autonomy (for work, personal life) support life satisfaction.
Urban planning and infrastructure that promote access (public transit, safe cities, natural surroundings) contribute to the quality of life.
Embedding sustainability (both environmental and social) into policy helps, as many Swedish initiatives aim for long-term rather than short-term gain.
Netherlands Why it makes the list: The Netherlands is ranked #5 with a score of around 7.306. The country combines relatively high GDP per capita, strong social support services, a tolerant culture, and good work–life balance practices. It also scores strongly on generosity among the top countries.
What we can learn:
Physical infrastructure that supports a healthy life (cycling culture, public spaces) matters.
Tolerance and inclusion (multiculturalism, support for minorities) seem to correlate with higher well-being.
Policies and culture that support both personal ambition and community responsibilities (not just one or the other) create a balanced society.
Costa Rica Why it stands out: Breaking the Nordic dominance, Costa Rica appears at #6 in 2025 with a score of around 7.274. It has a comparatively modest GDP per capita versus top European countries, but strong social connections, valuing of non-material life, environmental consciousness, and relatively generous government social supports.
What we can learn:
Happiness isn’t purely about high income. A moderate but secure income plus strong social support can suffice.
A society that values nature, conservation and life outside work helps make life feel meaningful.
Prioritising collective well-being and community over pure competition seems to pay off.
Norway Why it ranks #7: Norway scored about 7.262 in 2025. The country benefits from rich natural resources, which fund extensive welfare state services, high life expectancy, high trust, and strong social safety nets.
What we can learn:
When resource wealth (oil, natural gas, etc) is managed with transparency and distributed broadly into social goods, it can support broad-based well-being.
Access to nature (even extreme nature) combined with urban conveniences supports a balanced life.
High levels of institutional trust (in government, in public services) reinforce social cohesion.
Israel Why it appears in the top list: Israel ranked #8 in 2025 with a score of around 7.234. Its inclusion is notable given the difficult geopolitics of the region. Key factors include a strong sense of community, high educational attainment, an innovation culture, and relatively high levels of social support.
What we can learn:
Even in contexts with challenges (economic, security or otherwise), community resilience, innovation and social support matter.
A sense of purpose (through science, culture, start-ups, collective achievement) adds to well-being beyond material comfort.
Diversity, societal dynamism and hope for the future can correlate with life satisfaction.
Luxembourg Why it’s in the top ten: Luxembourg ranked #9 with a score of about 7.122. It is a small but wealthy country with a high GDP per capita, strong social services, a multilingual society, and a good balance of economic vitality and quality of life.
What we can learn:
Small-scale governance, where policy can be responsive and targeted, can support high well-being.
Multilingual, multicultural societies that value inclusion and mobility can create a sense of openness and freedom.
Wealth matters, but only when paired with strong social infrastructure and cohesive community values.
Mexico Why it made the top ten: Mexico reached #10 in 2025 with a score around 6.979, notable for a large middle-income country. While Mexico still faces serious challenges (inequality, violence, health disparities), it appears to perform comparatively well on social support, familial networks, and life satisfaction feeds off strong community ties.
What we can learn:
Cultural factors like strong family bonds, community life, and social gatherings play a major role in happiness, even when other metrics lag.
Investment in social capital (trust, relationships) can offset some disadvantages in economic or structural terms.
Policies that focus on extending life-satisfaction benefits (health, social safety, community programmes) can help raise overall well-being even in developing contexts.
Australia Why it’s here: Australia was ranked #11 in 2025 with about 6.974. The country has a high GDP per capita, good life expectancy, strong infrastructure, and many recreational and natural amenities. However, rising challenges (housing affordability, inequality, mental health issues) mean there is still room for improvement.
New Zealand Why it ranks well: New Zealand placed #12 with around 6.952. It scores well on social trust, democracy, openness, access to nature, and quality of life, although some structural issues (distance, economy size) remain.
What we can learn:
Geographic isolation need not hinder happiness if institutions, culture and community are strong.
Policies that promote accessibility (for all citizens) and maintain connections to nature help quality of life.
Smaller populations and relative social equality help, but the overall model is replicable at a larger scale.
Switzerland Why it features here: Switzerland was ranked #13 with a score of around 6.935. Known for strong institutions, high incomes, excellent health systems, and very high life expectancy, Switzerland almost always ranks among the happiest.
What we can learn:
Institutional quality (justice, healthcare, education, transport) is a major contributor to happiness.
Balancing economic success with social welfare and environmental quality appears to support sustained well-being.
Investing in public goods matters: a high-performing society still needs to invest in communal life, not only private wealth.
Belgium Why it appears on the list: Belgium ranked #14 with a score of around 6.910. The country has good income levels, public healthcare, and high connectivity in Europe, plus a strong social support network.
What we can learn:
Good governance and public services (healthcare, transport, social welfare) contribute meaningfully to happiness.
Recognising regional and linguistic diversity (as Belgium does) and yet creating a cohesive society is possible and beneficial.
Work-life balance and social infrastructure (parks, community centres, accessible services) matter even in densely populated places.
Ireland Why it completes the top 15: Ireland ranked #15 with about 6.889. While Ireland has experienced rapid economic growth and significant change in recent decades, it has also retained vibrant social networks, strong community culture and improved quality of life indicators.
What we can learn:
Rapid economic change can be managed in a way that still maintains community ties and social cohesion.
Placing value on culture, community events, arts, and well-designed public spaces makes a difference.
Even in a globalised economy, retaining local identity, social networks, and inclusive policies supports happiness.
Where’s Bhutan? The Nation that Measures Happiness Differently When people think of “the happiest countries,” Bhutan almost always comes to mind. After all, this tiny Himalayan kingdom is the birthplace of the idea that well-being, not wealth, should guide national progress. Yet, interestingly, Bhutan doesn’t appear on the World Happiness Report’s top-ranked list, and that has more to do with methodology than with actual happiness.
In the 1970s, Bhutan’s fourth king, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, famously declared that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product. Since then, GNH has evolved into a comprehensive development framework, built on nine domains: Psychological well-being, Health, Education, Time use, Cultural diversity and resilience, Good governance, Community vitality, Ecological diversity and resilience, and Living standards.
These domains shape Bhutan’s national policies: from environmental conservation to education and cultural preservation. Forests cover over 70% of the country, carbon neutrality is enshrined in its constitution, and education and healthcare are largely free. Happiness, here, isn’t about constant pleasure, but about balance, purpose, and harmony.
So why isn’t Bhutan on the World Happiness Report list? Because the World Happiness Report (WHR) uses different data. Its rankings come from Gallup World Poll surveys, which ask people in each country to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from 0–10 (the Cantril ladder). Bhutan hasn’t had a recent Gallup poll (the last was in 2015), so it’s not included in the WHR’s latest datasets. In other words, Bhutan isn’t absent because it’s unhappy; it’s simply not surveyed.
Bhutan’s domestic yardstick for guiding development is the Gross National Happiness (GNH), while the World Happiness Report (WHR) is a global comparison tool based on people’s self-reported life satisfaction. One is a policy philosophy, the other a statistical survey, both valuable, but not directly comparable.
Even though it doesn’t feature in the annual rankings, Bhutan continues to influence global thinking about what makes life meaningful. Its lessons remind us that happiness can be a national goal, not just a personal one; environmental stewardship and cultural identity are integral to well-being, and slower, mindful growth can coexist with deep contentment. As the rest of the world debates GDP growth, Bhutan continues to whisper an ancient truth from its mountain valleys: that the quality of life matters far more than the quantity of possessions.
What About Asia? The Region of Contrasts It often surprises readers that Asia, home to vibrant cultures, deep spiritual traditions, and strong family networks, doesn’t dominate the world’s “happiest countries” list. The reason, however, lies less in a lack of joy and more in how happiness is measured. The World Happiness Report (WHR) bases its rankings on people’s self-reported life satisfaction scores, collected through Gallup surveys. These are influenced by expectations, social norms, and cultural attitudes toward expressing emotion. In many Asian societies, modesty and restraint are cultural values; people tend not to rate their lives at the very top, even when content.
Beyond culture, Asia’s enormous economic and social diversity means well-being varies widely across the region. Some nations enjoy high living standards but also face intense work pressure and urban stress; others have rich community life but limited access to healthcare or economic opportunity.
So where do Asian countries stand in the 2025 World Happiness Report?
Taiwan is ranked 20th, the highest in Asia, thanks to strong healthcare, education, and civic engagement.
Singapore, around the 30th, reflects the high income and safety but also long working hours and social stress.
Japan comes in roughly 47th, where longevity and stability are offset by social isolation and work culture pressures.
South Korea comes in around 52nd, with economic strength but low scores on social support and life balance.
The Philippines, in the 60s, was buoyed by optimism and family ties despite lower income levels.
Thailand, around 58th, where Buddhist traditions and community life sustain personal contentment.
India is typically ranked around 120, reflecting vast inequalities, rapid urbanisation, and social challenges, though well-being perceptions differ greatly across states.
What does this tell us? Asian societies show that material progress alone doesn’t guarantee happiness, and that contentment can exist even when surveys don’t fully capture it. As countries like Singapore, Taiwan, and Bhutan balance rapid growth with mindfulness, community, and purpose, Asia’s own models of happiness may increasingly redefine what the world measures.
What we can learn:
Rapid economic change can be managed in a way that still maintains community ties and social cohesion.
Placing value on culture, community events, arts, and well-designed public spaces makes a difference.
Even in a globalised economy, retaining local identity, social networks, and inclusive policies supports happiness.
Key themes & lessons across the happiest nations
Here are recurring patterns from these top countries. What seems to really make a difference in life satisfaction:
Social support and strong interpersonal networks: Almost all top countries report that people have someone to count on in crisis, feel embedded in the community, and regularly socialise. The WHR emphasises social trust and belonging.
Freedom of choice and autonomy: People feel they have the freedom to make life-decisions, choose their work, and control their lives. Societies that value personal autonomy (while also providing support) rank higher.
High-quality public services and social safety nets: Universal healthcare, quality education, accessible infrastructure, and social protection reduce anxiety and allow people to participate fully.
Trust and low corruption: When citizens believe institutions are fair, laws are just, public officials are trustworthy, the psychological burden is lower, and life satisfaction is higher.
Balanced life, including work, recreation, nature: Many of the happiest countries emphasise shorter work-weeks, generous vacations, access to nature, and safe outdoor environments. Nature and leisure are not afterthoughts.
Generosity and kindness: Acts of giving and helping others are correlated with higher happiness, giving just as much benefit to the giver as the receiver.
Sustainable mindset and long-term planning: Rather than rapid growth at all costs, these societies tend to emphasise sustainability (of environment, social cohesion, economy) so that well-being is maintained not just for the few but for many.
Cultural values that favour togetherness over competition: Community orientation, less social isolation, valuing relationships over purely material success.
Final thoughts Happiness at the national level is not simply a matter of being rich or having perfect weather. As the happiest countries demonstrate, it’s about how society is organised, how people connect, what freedoms they have, and whether they feel trusted, supported and valued.
The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich – Evan Osnos
The ultra-rich hold more of America’s wealth than they did in the heyday of the Carnegies and Rockefellers. Here, Evan Osnos’s incisive reportage yields an unforgettable portrait of the tactics and obsessions driving this new Gilded Age, in which superyachts, luxury bunkers, elite tax dodges, and a torrent of political donations bespeak staggering disparities of wealth and power.
With deft storytelling and meticulous reporting, this is a book about the indulgences, incentives, and psychological distortions that define our economic age. In each essay, Osnos delves into a world that is rarely visible, from the outrageous to the fabulous to the a private wealth manager who broke with members of an American dynasty and spilled their secrets; the pop stars who perform at lavish parties for thirteen-year-olds; the status anxieties that spill out of marinas in Monaco and Palm Beach like real-world episodes of Succession and The White Lotus; the ethos behind the largest Ponzi scheme in Hollywood history; the confessions of disgraced titans in a “white-collar support group.” A celebrated political reporter, Osnos delves into the unprecedented Washington influence of Silicon Valley and Wall Street, drawing on in-depth interviews with Mark Zuckerberg and other billionaires, about their power and the explosive backlash it stirs.
Originally published in The New Yorker, these essays have been revised and expanded to deliver an unflinching portrait of raw ambition, unimaginable fortune, and the rise of America’s modern oligarchy. Osnos’s essays are a wake-up call—a case against complacency in the face of unchecked excess, as the choices of the ultra-rich ripple through our lives. Entertaining, unsettling, and eye-opening, The Haves and the Have-Yachts couldn’t be more relevant to today’s world.
Memories and Such 
