Why We Must Stop Romanticizing Suffering in 2026

 While scrolling through social media today, I came across a post that left me feeling physically sick. It was written by a retired teacher from my state, venting about how girls today no longer "obey" the family fundamentals that have been the norm for ages.

To prove her point, she highlighted the story of her pieusi (paternal aunt). Married as a child and widowed shortly thereafter, this woman spent her entire life in her in-laws' home. The teacher spoke of this lifelong agony—a life halted before it truly began—as if it were a crowning virtue.

It made me wonder: Why is a woman’s lifelong pain regarded as her greatest achievement? Are we suggesting that the amount of pain you endure is directly proportional to the virtues you possess?

But why is this mindset so hard to kill? It is a sobering example of how our surroundings colonize our minds. The human brain is wired for 'Normalcy Bias'—we find safety in the familiar, even if that familiar is built on a foundation of pain. To this teacher, her aunt wasn’t a human being denied a life; she was a 'fundamental' pillar. It is easier to label someone else's misery as 'virtue' than to admit the traditions we cherish might be cruel. This is why changing society is so daunting; we aren't just fighting laws, we are fighting deeply ingrained mental blueprints.

If suffering in silence is the only path to being "wise," then what do we make of Raja Rammohan Roy or Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar? These men were giants of their era, yet they fought tirelessly to allow widow remarriage nearly 150 yrs ago. They were men who would never have been barred from remarrying if their own wives had died young, yet they saw the inherent cruelty in the "traditions" this teacher now mourns. They knew that a society built on the forced misery of its women is not a virtuous one.

Today, my circle of friends is a mosaic of different paths. Some are divorced, some have remarried, and some have chosen never to marry at all. We all have challenges, but those challenges are based on our choices.

I refuse to believe that enduring unnecessary pain is the definition of a good life. We only get one life, and our goal should be to make it as beautiful as we can. That beauty isn't found in silent obedience; it’s found in the support of those around us and the courage to choose a path that doesn't require us to break our own spirits.

If we continue to call silent suffering a 'virtue,' are we building a better world, or are we just decorating a cage for the next generation?

Why Do We Teach Women to Sacrifice While Men Never Apologize?

 For generations, society has been built on a foundation that often prioritizes the "male ego." From childhood, many men are conditioned to believe that being right, appearing superior, or never admitting a mistake is a sign of strength. Meanwhile, women are often taught that their greatest virtues are silence, sacrifice, and endless understanding.

This dynamic creates a cycle that follows us from the classroom to the office, and finally, into our personal lives:

In the Workplace: It is common to see a difference in how people handle errors. While many women are socialized to take responsibility, many men are taught that admitting a mistake is a weakness. As a result, they may dig in their heels and deny responsibility until it is impossible to ignore, rather than simply offering a sincere apology.

In Education and Life: We have all encountered figures—like teachers or leaders—who feel threatened when a woman succeeds. This reaction stems from a deep-seated belief that for a man to be "on top," those around him must remain "below."

The most painful part of this cycle is the expectation that women should "just get over it." We are told that keeping the peace is more important than being treated with fairness.

When a woman spends her life ignoring the wrongs done to her, the cost is high. It turns into a silent burden that grows heavier with time. This is why we often see the "faded smiles" of older generations; it is not just the passage of time, but the weight of years spent forgiving those who never learned how to ask for forgiveness.

We need to challenge the idea that "bending" is a sign of shame.

True strength is not about never making a mistake. It is about having the character to own it.

True leadership is not about being superior. It is about being accountable, regardless of your gender.

We owe it to the next generation to change the narrative. We need to teach our children that apologizing is not a defeat; it is the hallmark of a mature, secure, and respectful person. Let’s stop protecting egos and start protecting our well-being by choosing transparency, honesty, and mutual respect.

The cycle of bitterness ends when we stop accepting "that’s just how it is" and start expecting the same level of accountability from everyone.

What is one small change you think we could make in our daily conversations to encourage more accountability in others?

Is Stem Cell Donation Painful? My DKMS India Journey!!

 There are moments when your inbox feels like a cluttered room of "to-dos" and "don’t-forgets." But last night, at 10 PM, amidst the glow of my screen and the quiet of my home, one subject line stopped me in its tracks: DKMS.

For a split second, my heart skipped. I felt a surge of that "silent wish" we all carry—the hope that we might actually be the answer to someone else's prayer. I thought, for a fleeting moment, that I had been called. That my DNA was the "perfect match" for a stranger fighting for their life.

It wasn’t the call to donate—not yet. It was a survey. But as I clicked through, I realized that the "communication" I felt was a reminder of why I registered in the first place. It was a call to understand, to prepare, and to share the truth about what it means to give life.

As I went through the survey, I began to learn the actual "how" of stem cell donation. I think many of us hear the words "bone marrow" or "stem cells" and we immediately think of surgery, hospitals, and long recoveries. We let fear build a wall around a beautiful act of service.

The reality? It’s far more scientific and far less scary than the movies suggest.

Most donations today happen through Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) collection. It’s a process that looks a lot like donating blood, just a bit more high-tech. But there is a catch: our blood doesn’t naturally carry enough stem cells for a transplant.

The Preparation: To make the miracle happen, a donor takes a specialized injection for five days leading up to the donation. These injections are "boosters"—they tell your body to produce an extra supply of stem cells and move them from your bone marrow into your bloodstream.

I read about the side effects. During those five days, you might feel like you have a mild flu. Your bones might ache, or you might feel a bit tired.

But I sat there thinking: Is a few days of "flu-like" symptoms too high a price to pay for someone else’s lifetime? When we talk about "internal transformation" or "blessings," we often think of them as abstract concepts. But here is a literal way to transform. Your body has the power to regenerate. You can feel a little bit of "bone pain" for five days so that a child, a mother, or a brother can have fifty more years of life.

Registration is just a cheek swab. It’s a simple "yes" that stays in a database until the universe decides you are the only person on Earth who can save a specific life.

We spend so much time creating—I spend my days creating worksheets, designing mandalas, etc. But the most "original content" we will ever possess is our DNA. To share that is the ultimate act of creation. It is "Best out of Waste" on a cosmic scale—taking our own surplus of health and using it to fix a "broken" system in someone else.

If you are reading this and you’ve ever felt like you wanted to do something "big" but didn't know where to start, start with a swab.

Don't let the word "injection" or "five days" scare you. We are stronger than we think. We endure so much in our daily lives—deadlines, stress, exhaustion—for things that are temporary. Why not endure a tiny bit of discomfort for something that is eternal?

My wish hasn’t been fulfilled yet. I am still just a name on a list. But I am a name that is ready. I am a donor in waiting. And if that email ever comes for real, I won't see a needle; I’ll see a bridge.

​Likhita Japa: The Power of Writing the Divine Name in a Digital World!!

 In 2012, I wrote about the technical and spiritual significance of the Taraka Mantra—Sree Ram Ram Ramethi Rame Rame manorame, sahashra nama tathulyam Rama naama varanane . I explored how the syllables of "Ra" and "Ma" are the life-giving seeds of our existence. But as we approach Ram Navami in 2026, I find myself looking at this ancient practice through a new lens: The Lens of the Architect.

We live in a world of "Command Centers." We are constantly bombarded by digital screens, office tasks, and the endless scroll of social media. Our minds have become "Scrambled." This is where Likhita Japa—the spiritual practice of writing the Name—becomes our ultimate "Sovereign" tool for peace.

1. The Triple-Lock of Consciousness

Chanting a mantra is powerful, but in the chaos of daily life, the tongue can move while the mind wanders to a "Secret Loan" or a technical glitch. Likhita Japa is different. It creates a "Triple-Lock":

The Eye must focus on the script.

The Hand must coordinate the movement.

The Mind must stay present to complete the letter.

You cannot write "Ram" while your mind is in 2001. It forces you into the Now.

2. Neurology Meets Spirituality

Modern science is finally catching up to what our sages knew. The act of handwriting (especially in beautiful, curved scripts like ( Devanagari, telugu, odia or kannad) activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brain. It filters out the "Non-Living" noise of the world and tells your nervous system: "Everything is secure. You are at peace."

3. Building a "Spiritual Battery"

When you fill a page with the Name, you aren't just wasting ink. You are creating a physical asset. A completed Jaap journal is like a "Spiritual Battery" for your home. I believe that the energy we put into our writing and jaapa—stays in our environment. It becomes a fortress of "Nectar" that protects our family.

4. A Digital Detox for the Modern Soul

We spend our days as "Invisible Architects" behind screens. Likhita Japa is our analog rebellion. It costs nothing but 15 minutes of your time, yet the "ROI" (Return on Investment) is a calm heart and a sharp, logical mind.

Whether you are writing in Hindi, Telugu, or English, the vibration of the Name remains the same. It is the original "Deep Work."

In 2012, I understood the math of the mantra. In 2026, I understand its medicine. Writing the Name isn't just an act of devotion; it is the process of rebuilding your internal architecture, one letter at a time. Put down the screen, pick up a pen, and let your hand lead your heart back home.

The woman from the future!!

 Seven or eight years ago, during a leadership summit, a senior executive shared a reflection that I simply couldn’t grasp at the time. Instead of empathy, I felt a flicker of skepticism: What is the point of dwelling on something you cannot change?

Today, I find myself standing exactly where she stood. Looking back, it feels as though she had traveled from the future to offer a warning—one I wasn’t yet equipped to hear, and so, I chose to ignore it, unknowingly discarding the wisdom of others until my own body forced me to listen.

In our twenties and thirties, our ambitions are towering. We push ourselves to meet every professional milestone, often at the expense of our physical and emotional needs. But as we enter our forties, a subtle shift occurs. The curve of external ambition begins to level out, and our intellect finally gains the clarity to see everything we pushed aside in the name of "progress." In that newfound space, a quiet realization emerges: the feeling of a missing presence.

This shift is most palpable during the low tides of our hormonal cycles. In those moments of physical vulnerability, the armor we’ve spent years polishing feels heavy. You find yourself wanting to drop the defenses and simply be seen—not for what you do, but for who you are. You crave a presence that recognizes your soul.

Yet, habit is a strong master. Just as we’ve done with so many other desires, we whisper the old mantra: "This too shall pass." We tuck the longing away and keep moving.

But as I stand here now, reflecting on that leader’s words, I am learning to challenge that silence. I wish, instead of waiting for the feeling to fade, I could finally tell myself: "Not this time."

Is Hope Just a Survival Patch?

 I have been thinking about human existence lately. We are the only animals with a heightened brain power that enables us to think for ourselves and others. But lately, I’ve started to wonder: Is it possible that we created "hope" just to convince ourselves to hold on when life gives us those "out of syllabus" moments?

​No other animal spends its life contemplating "before birth" or "after death" scenarios. We’ve built entire spiritual architectures and philosophies around these unknowns. There is no physical evidence for any of them, so why did we create them? What purpose does it solve?

​Perhaps it’s functional. It gives us the courage to stand and face the chaos we live through without a manual. It’s the "survival patch" we install when the reality of the world becomes too much to process.

​Readers, you might be wondering why I’m saying the complete opposite of what I normally post. In my bio, I mention that I love the motivational stories from our scriptures, but I’ve always struggled with how faith is used to divide us.

​When I hear news of the current bloodshed and the ongoing wars in our world, I quietly ask myself: If God exists, why can’t this be stopped? Is it really necessary for a grand Avatar to descend to save us? Could help not come simply by changing our collective perception—shifting our thoughts from the inside out?

​Sometimes my logical mind and my spiritual mind clash with each other. I truly don't know who wins; they just coexist. In the end, we all seem busy selling hope to one another just to get through the day.

​What do you think? Is hope a discovery of something real, or is it just a beautiful tool we built to survive the unexplainable?

The Pedestal Paradox: Are We Expanding Our Joy or Our Pain?

 

Every International Women’s Day, we hear the same poetic refrain: Women are the ultimate multipliers. They take a house and make it a home; they take a seed and make it a life. Even the periodic table gets recruited for the cause—Fe-Male, the "Iron" human.

​It’s a beautiful sentiment. But as I sat with it, my curiosity began to itch. If a human—specifically a woman—is a natural expander of whatever she receives, we have to ask a terrifying question: What happens when she is given nothing? Or worse, what happens when she is given lack, silence, or suppression?

​In many cultures, including here in India, the "pedestal" is often a cage. We praise the strength of women while failing to provide the support that sustains that strength. If the inherent quality of the feminine is to expand, then:

• ​Neglect becomes a deep, hollow void.
• ​Silence expands into a lifetime of suppression.
• ​Hardship becomes a generational weight.

​Is it fair to call someone "Iron" and then leave them out in the rain to rust, simply because we assume their nature is to endure?

​Logic tells me this isn't just a gendered issue; it’s a human one. We are biologically wired to seek the "feel-good" dopamine of expansion. We want to grow our wins. But when life hands us a negative, we face a psychological fork in the road. Do we:

1. ​Expand it? (Letting bitterness or trauma grow until it defines us.)
2. ​Absorb it? (Internalizing the pain until it affects our health.)
3. ​Detach from it? (The spiritual "survival mode.")

We are told that detachment is the cure. But for a social animal, detachment is a double-edged sword. It is the art of surviving by yourself, within yourself. Is that a victory, or is it just a very sophisticated form of loneliness?

​I don’t have the answers. I am not standing on a stage with a microphone; I am standing at the back of the line, observing. Perhaps "doing better in life" isn't about having the answers, but about having the courage to keep asking the questions.

The Invisible Blindfold: How Words Shape Our Reality

 We often think of our abilities as fixed—like a muscle or a skill we’ve mastered. But psychology suggests our "inner world" is much more fragile than we admit. It is constantly being built, or broken, by the voices around us.

Imagine a basketball court. On one side, a professional player; on the other, a girl who has never held a ball.

When the girl tries to score, she misses. But then, she is blindfolded. Every time she throws, the crowd erupts in cheers, shouting that she hit the target perfectly. She hasn't—but she believes she has. When the blindfold is removed, she steps up and sinks the shot. The "fake" confidence became a real skill.

Then, the professional takes his turn. He is blindfolded, and even when his shots are perfect, the crowd groans in disappointment. They mock his "misses." When his blindfold is removed, the expert—the man who has done this a thousand times—misses the basket with his eyes wide open.

The takeaway is chilling: Constant discouragement can dismantle even the strongest talent. Our results are not just a product of our strength; they are a product of our environment.

This isn't just a theory; it is the ground reality for millions. Just recently, a heartbreaking video emerged from my home state that felt like a haunting scene pulled straight out of the movie "Homebound."

In the film, we see the crushing weight of systemic exclusion. In our reality, a young woman from a scheduled caste finally secured a government job as an assistant helper (Sahaika) in a primary school. For many, this is a dream realized—a stable step toward a better life. But the very next day, the "crowd" gathered. Not to cheer, but to tear her down.

Village members from the upper caste filed a formal complaint. Their grievance? They did not want their children eating mid-day meals prepared by her hands.

There is a bitter hypocrisy at play here. We often hear loud protests to abolish reservations once a family reaches a certain level of wealth or "standard." The argument is always about "merit"—that jobs should go to those who work hard.

Yet, here is a woman who did exactly that. She worked hard, reached the post, and was ready to serve her community. But suddenly, "merit" doesn't matter anymore. To these protesters, her hard work is invisible because of her birth.

Does caste change the nutrition of the food? Does it change the effort she put into getting the job? No. But prejudice acts as a permanent blindfold for society.

It is 2026. We are living in an era of rapid progress, yet we are still fighting battles over who can stir a pot of lentils in a village school.

We often say, "These things take time to change." But as we saw on the basketball court, words have an immediate, crushing effect on a person's spirit. While we wait for society to "slowly" change, how many more people are we intentionally causing to miss their target?

Change should not take this long. It shouldn't take us another generation to realize that a helping hand has no caste.

#CasteDiscrimination2026

#PsychologyOfEncouragement

#MidDayMealControversy

#SocialReinforcementExperiment

#SystemicPrejudice

#HomeboundMovie

A Saree, a Rose, and a Poem!!

 

The first Women’s Day celebration I ever took part in was in 2007, shortly after I joined my first organization, IBM. I had only been there for two months when an HR email arrived, mandating that we join the celebration in the cafeteria. There was even a dress code: a saree in shades of yellow, green, or pink. Since I didn’t own any sarees back then, I attended the celebration in the same yellow dress I had worn for my interview.

​Every "first" experience holds a special space in our minds, and I remember so many details from that day. I met several inspiring women leaders heading our department; they shared their journeys with us while we enjoyed delicious treats.

​Later, at NTT Data, the celebrations felt different but equally thoughtful. We were greeted the moment we arrived at the office with roses, beautiful cards, and chocolates. However, not every workplace follows these traditions; I don't recall any specific celebrations during my time at Wipro.

​Time flies so quickly. This year, I received a surprise I never expected: a poem written by my brother, dedicated to both our mom and me. I had actually forgotten it was Women’s Day until that beautiful tribute arrived in the morning. It doesn't take much to make a difference, but I do wish the men around us would make our journeys a little easier—even if just by acknowledging our presence and our struggles.

Woman eats vada during eclipse but sky forgets to fall!!

 Every time the moon dares to cross the sun, it triggers a peculiar festival in my hometown. The 'Gatekeepers of the Galaxy' issue a 100-page manual of Do’s and Don’ts: Don't cook, don't eat, don't look up, don't breathe.

We call it a restriction, but for the Odia kitchen, it’s a marathon. We aren't skipping meals; we are frantically frying Puri and Dum Aloo to beat the Paka Nisedha (deadline). I’m still waiting for a nutritionist to explain the celestial logic where steamed rice is 'dangerous' but deep-fried dough is 'divine.'

Then there are the Hetuvadis(rationalists). To prove the moon is just a rock, they go on a 'Mutton-Biryani' offensive, while news channels host shouting matches that would put a fish market to shame.​It’s fascinating—a mere shadow can turn our bustling cities into ghost towns more effectively than a global pandemic lockdown.​

So, what are we? Superstitious? Rationalists? Or just hungry? Today, while the debate raged on TV, a Muslim neighbor offered me a Vada she had prepared for Iftar. I ate it. No lightning struck; the sky didn't fall. Call me what you want, but in a world of rigid 'cults,' I’ll choose a warm Vada and human kindness over the melodrama every time.

#lunareclipse #blindfaith #superstition #india2026

When politeness is not enough!!

I saw a headline today about banks "mis-selling" financial products—basically, selling people things they don't need just to meet a goal. It hit home because, for years, my Relationship Manager (RM) has been trying to push "ULIPs" (a mix of insurance and investment) on me by calling them "tax savers" or "arbitrage funds."

In my last talk with a wealth manager, I asked: "If I were your family, would you really tell me to buy this?" He insisted he’d tell his own mother to buy it. I felt for him—he’s likely just trying to hit a target—but I knew better. I asked for the official IRDA prospectus (the legal rulebook of the plan) instead of a simple spreadsheet. I haven't heard from them since!

Lesson 1: Always ask for the official paperwork. Knowledge is your best shield.

A few months ago, my account was marked "irregular," and fees were deducted without explanation. I traveled 20km to my old branch, followed their instructions, and paid a fee—yet no one could tell me why this happened. My emails went ignored. My "tickets" were closed without answers.

It felt like because I was being polite, I was being ignored.

I decided to stop waiting. I filed a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman (an official government body that settles disputes).

The result?

In 2 days: I got my full statement and a clear explanation.

In 3 days: The bank was calling me, begging me to close the complaint.

Sometimes it feels like the world only rewards the loud, the aggressive, or the physically imposing. I found myself asking the Creator: “Why am I petite? How am I supposed to push through?”

But here is what I realized: Systemic power is greater than physical power. You don't need to be 6 feet tall to get a bank to listen; you just need to know which lever to pull. I wasn't being "rude" by filing a complaint; I was being assertive.

Stitches to scripts : learning vs worries!!

 

​Have you recently learned something new that you simply could not have mastered without technology?

​For me, the digital world hasn’t just been about "technical skills." It has been a decade-long mentor in the crafts that make a home feel like a home.

​In 2012, I sat with a screen and a needle, teaching myself the intricate, raised textures of Brazilian embroidery through YouTube. By 2020, that same digital guidance helped me conquer the intimidation of a sewing machine, moving from basic stitches to full projects. And just today? I stood in my kitchen, successfully making amla ka muraba for the first time in my life, guided by a video that made a traditional process feel simple.

​Whether it’s SEO, video editing, or my brother learning to master the guitar and skates, technology has been our "super-power." But to my child, who thinks I was born in "ancient times," this isn't a miracle—it’s just the air he breathes.

​There is a famous saying: "There are decades when nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen." We are living in those weeks. AI has accelerated the world so rapidly in the last two years that it feels both exhilarating and terrifying. We are racing to keep pace, knowing that the next five years will likely reshape everything we know about work and creativity.

​As a parent, this pace brings a deep, underlying anxiety. A few days ago, I used a convenient AI tool to quickly edit a photo for an urgent task. My son was watching. Later, I noticed him experimenting with the same tools, mimicking my shortcuts.

​It triggered a moment of clarity: He has the "how," but he is too young for the "why." He can use the tool, but he cannot yet navigate the ethics, the safety, or the consequences of the digital world.

​Here is the truth: I am not a cybersecurity expert. I don’t have the technical background to analyze every algorithm or build a "digital fortress" around my child’s curiosity. Like most parents, I am learning on the fly, trying to protect a vulnerable mind in an era of open-access power.

​We need the developers and makers of these Large Language Models to do more than just innovate. We need them to build with our children in mind. We need ethical protection to be a foundation, not an afterthought.

​Technology has given me the gift of embroidery and traditional recipes—but I shouldn't need a degree in computer science to keep my child safe while he explores that same world.

Offline and Tuned In: What a Digital Shutdown Taught Me About the Human Script!!

 Today, my internet went down. It’s funny how "outdated" it feels to be offline for even a few hours. Even those of us born in the 80s—who remember a world before the buzz of a smartphone—struggle to adjust.

​When I told my son to imagine a time when I lived without a TV, a fridge, or a phone, he looked at me with genuine wonder. His only question? "Did you live in a 'kaccha' house or a 'pucca' house?" To a child of the digital age, a life without modern appliances sounds like ancient history.

​But in the silence of the internet shutdown, I found a different kind of connection. After finishing my Shivratri fast yesterday, I spent the day reading the newspaper, diving into my books, and taking a long-deserved nap. Without the digital noise, my mind began to wander through the stories I encountered.

​While scrolling through some saved articles, I stumbled upon a sobering statistic: most living organ donors today are women. It struck me how, irrespective of willingness, the female gender is often expected to shoulder the flagship of sacrifice in all its forms—biological, emotional, and social. It is a heavy mantle we carry, often treated as a "default setting" rather than a choice.

​I then read a piece by a highly successful woman leader discussing the necessity of intense planning before bringing a child into this world. She spoke of financial stability and emotional intelligence. Her points were valid for the age we live in, yet I felt she missed the most vital element: the dynamic nature of humanity.

​Can any intellectual discussion prepare you for the reality of sleepless nights?

Can financial planning truly predict a recession or a sudden hospitalization?

​Can a woman predict how her hormones and psychology will shift once she becomes a mother?

​These things are beyond our intellect. We dwell on the "grass on the other side of the mountain"—the couple who had kids early might regret losing their freedom, while the couple who delayed may regret the difficulty of conceiving later.

​In the end, I’ve realized that nothing is objectively "right" or "wrong." If you navigate the odds and put up a "good show," you feel accomplished. If the odds overwhelm you, you feel you’ve failed. But the "show" goes on regardless of our plans.

​My day ended with a meeting that grounded all these heavy thoughts. I met an elderly couple in our society; they are here with their daughter for cancer treatment. His cancer had relapsed after six months, and he is back to undergoing chemotherapy. Yet, there they were, thankful that he had few food restrictions and was able to keep fighting.

​As I rested after my fast, I realized that life isn't found in the perfect plan or the high-speed connection. It’s found in the resilience we show when the plans fall apart.

Have you ever had a 'digital detox' that led to an unexpected realization? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

The architecture of the unseen!!

  

​You gave capacity to think I could aim higher;

Doors keep closing in my face, in this ever-changing world.

I still keep praying that my path aligns with your vision of me—

I keep stumbling, as though I am blind.

​Will it ever happen, or am I designed in perfection

To learn to dream and let it go?

It would have felt so good, if my fate favored me.

Still, I keep moving, thinking I carry no ill intentions;

One day you will have to come for me,

Knowing I still do not know if my prayers ever reach your ears.

​On the eve of Valentine's Day, I remember the saint who coined it,

Thinking love is creation, and everlasting.

Perhaps the walls aren't barriers, but a curated frame,

Carving out a narrow path that only I can name.

​The saint held onto courage while the world was turning cold,

Writing lines of lightning for a story yet untold.

So I’ll trade my steady footing for the grace to simply stand,

Trusting there’s a logic in the shifting of the sand.

​If love is truly limitless, then hope is not a whim—

The light is still a promise, even when the stars are dim.

For even in the silence, where the echoes seem to stray,

The potter hasn't left the clay; He’s just working in the gray.

The Great Fitness Paradox

 I’ve come to a startling realization: My college friends are no longer human. They’ve evolved.

Back in the day, we bonded over shared snacks and a mutual disdain for 8:00 AM lectures. Now? One has transformed into a high-fashion fitness model in her 40s, and the other—who used to treat "Annual Sports Day" like a looming plague—is currently doing mid-air splits on Instagram that look like a glitch in the laws of physics.

I admire them, truly. But I’m also deeply, mathematically confused.

My feed is no longer photos of lattes or sunsets; it is a relentless stream of "The Grind." Friend A is a marvel of ambition. She decided she wanted the "Model Life" at 40, and she basically bullied her DNA into submission. She hits the gym with a ferocity that suggests she’s training to fight a bear. Meanwhile, Friend B has traded her textbooks for "acrobatic mobility." She’s gained muscles in places where I didn’t even know I had places.

They are the ultimate Cyborgs: Part-human, part-data, and 100% powered by protein shakes and sheer audacity.

But here’s where the "wellness" narrative hits a speed bump. Both of these paragons of health recently posted from hospital beds.

Within three months, they were back in the gym, posting "comeback" montages set to inspiring music. Everyone in the comments is screaming, "You're a warrior!" or "Such an inspiration!"

Meanwhile, my logical brain is sitting in the corner, raising its hand like a confused student: "Excuse me, but... why did the 'Warrior' need a new hip at 40?"

If you are eating the organic kale, sleeping in a temperature-controlled hyperbaric chamber, and tracking your "optimal recovery" on three different smartwatches, shouldn't you be... unbreakable?

I wanted to ask. I really did. Out of concern! But I’ve lived long enough to know the Social Media Rules of Engagement:

Applaud the "Recovery." 2. Never, ever ask about the "Cause."

In the world of fitness influencers, asking, "Was it the repetitive strain from the 500-pound deadlifts?" is considered an act of war. You don’t ask a magician how the rabbit died, and you don’t ask a gym freak why their "perfectly optimized" body just required a titanium bolt. I’d be blocked faster than a carb at a keto convention.

It’s not just them. My WhatsApp is a minefield of "Health Coaches" living in my own apartment building. My phone pings daily with reminders to count my steps, weigh my protein, and photograph my breakfast like it’s a crime scene evidence photo.

I’ve started following actual doctors online just to stay sane. They’re the ones quietly whispering that maybe, just maybe, the human body wasn’t meant to be treated like a Formula 1 car 24/7.

I’ve decided to stay in my lane. I’ll keep walking at a pace that doesn't require a medical team on standby. I might not be a "Cyborg," and I certainly won't be doing any mid-air splits this decade, but I also haven't had to "reboot" my joints in a surgical ward lately.

I’ll stick to my "Low-Performance Human" status. It’s much cheaper on the insurance.

A Tiny Disclaimer (For My High-Performance Friends)

Note: If you are reading this and wondering if I’m talking about you... I am. But don’t worry, I’m saying it with love (and a hint of jealousy because I still can't touch my toes without making a sound like a dry twig snapping).

Please don’t block me. I need your posts to remind me why I’m sitting on my couch eating a cookie. Someone has to be the "Before" photo while you guys are perpetually the "After."

The Silent Birthday: Lessons from My First North Star!!

 Today is my father’s birthday.

​In my house, the day passed in a strange, heavy silence. I didn't remind anyone. My mother and I spoke, but we didn't mention his name. My youngest brother likely carried the memory in his own quiet way. Sometimes, grief isn't a loud cry; it’s the quiet space between words when you’re talking about the weather or the daily chores.

​I’ve spent the day navigating the "Mixed Bag" of my current life—dealing with technical glitches, cold-calls, and even the sting of being called a "fraud" by a stranger who didn't know the heart behind my screen. For a moment, the weight of the day made me feel small. I found myself looking backward, missing old comforts and familiar voices.

​But then, I remembered whose daughter I am.

​I realized that my father is present in every "Sovereign" choice I make. He is there in the discipline I showed today despite my cold. He is there in the way I looked at the girl with the pen and the notebook yesterday—recognizing her hunger for knowledge because it’s the same hunger he likely instilled in me.

​We don't always need to light candles or make grand speeches to honor those we’ve lost. Sometimes, the best tribute is simply not giving up.

​When I manage my portfolio, I am using the wisdom of the foundations he laid. When I teach a child to be brave with their words, I am passing on the courage he gave me. When I look at my son, I see a legacy that stretches back long before I was a mother.

​Today was a "zero" in the world of corporate targets. But in the arithmetic of the soul, it was a day of deep connection. I realized that I don't need a stranger's validation or a perfect internet connection to be "enough." I am my father’s daughter, and that is a title no one can take away.

​Happy Birthday, Baba. The silence today wasn't because we forgot. It was because you are so much a part of our daily rhythm that we don't need to say your name to feel you there.

 Our roots give us the strength to survive the storms of the present

A girl in specs with a pen and a notebook!!

 This morning, while the steam rose from the pans in my kitchen, a thought flickered in my mind like a quiet flame.

Why not reach back to my roots in Odisha? I thought about a non-profit initiative I’ve followed—a group of professors from my homeland dedicated to bridging the English communication gap for rural students. My heart said, "Spend just one hour a week. Give back. Draft the email now." But as the morning progressed, the domestic chores—the inevitable "Mixed Bag" of a mother’s life—faded that thought into the background.

Or so I thought.

Later, I prepared for a demo session with a young girl from Assam. I went in with a singular mission: to give her everything I could in that one hour, regardless of the "system." But language is a tricky bridge; she spoke neither Hindi nor English, and I don't know Assamese. Our connection remained a silent hope, a thought that couldn't yet reach fruition.

But the universe wasn't done with me.

My next session was with an 11-year-old girl. Her parents spoke to me in a gentle mix of broken English and Hindi. I expected a standard request—perhaps help with grammar or preparing for school exams.

I was wrong.

This little girl, peering through her spectacles with intense focus, didn't want to pass a test. She wanted to conquer a fear. She wanted to deliver a speech with confidence.

What moved me to my core wasn't just her ambition, but her preparation. She sat before the screen with a pen and a notebook. When I showed her how to introduce herself, she stopped me. "Ma'am, please pause," she said.

I watched, mesmerized, as she carefully noted down every sentence—not just for herself, but for her parents. She was scripting a new identity for her entire family. In that moment, this "class topper" and only child became a bridge-builder, carrying the weight of her family’s aspirations on her small shoulders.

At the end, she looked at me and asked if we would have another class. My heart ached to say, "Just ping me, let’s connect on Google Meet, I will help you for free." The corporate system has its rules, but my soul has its own.

I wanted to tell her: "I see a bright future for you. Your dedication is your superpower." Today, I realized that even if I haven't sent that email to the Odisha non-profit organisations yet, the work has already begun. Every time I pause for a girl with a notebook, every time I respect the "broken" English of a hopeful parent, I am building that bridge.

The "Mixed Bag" of my day might be heavy, but it is filled with the dreams of children who are ready to cross over. And I am honored to be the one holding the light.

Current Mood: Humbled.

Thought for the Day: You don't need a formal title to be a missionary of education. You just need to notice the girl with the pen.

Finding "Rhapsody" in the routine!!

 Lately, the days have felt like a crowded room. Between the "Mixed Bag" of household chores and the high-energy demands of a new professional chapter, I’ve found myself standing at a crossroads.

I’ve spent the last few days connecting with people from all walks of life—some who carry the weight of their struggles in their voices, and others who look at life through the lens of pure logic. In the middle of it all, there is a "system." Every system has its glitches, its targets, and its noise. It’s easy to feel like just another cog in a machine, especially when you’re fighting a physical cold or the exhaustion of a long Sunday.

But this morning, something shifted.

I looked at my son as he came home from his first independent "big boy" errand with his father. I realized that the time I spend away from him—focused on my screen, my words, and my "students" in life—is not time lost. It is an investment.

I didn't quit my journey after he was born because I wanted him to see a mother who is a North Star, not just a shadow. I want him to understand that a woman’s voice has a rhapsody of its own.

I’ve stopped working for the "result" and started working for the Impact.

Whether I am helping someone find their confidence or simply holding a mirror up to a child’s potential, I am no longer doing it for a "target." I am doing it because I know what it feels like to be on the other side of a language barrier or a closed door.

We often worry if our children will see a "busy" mother. But today, I believe my son is seeing a confident mother. He is learning to be brave because he sees me navigating my own "Mixed Bag" with a smile, even when the cup is a little cracked.

The noise of the world is loud, but my purpose is louder.

Reflections for today:

Presence is about quality, not just hours.

Every person we help is a bridge we build for our own future.

Sometimes, the best way to teach bravery is to be brave yourself.

How to Organize Your Drawers for $0 (and Save the Planet)

 

Let’s be honest: those sleek plastic drawer organizers add up fast. But what if the best solution is actually sitting in your recycling bin?

​I’ve started organizing my drawers using sturdy leftover boxes—think iPhone packaging, gift boxes, or shipping containers. It’s a win-win-win:

1. ​It saves money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
2. ​It saves the planet by reducing plastic demand and reusing waste.
3. ​It’s guilt-free. If a box gets worn out or dirty, I don't feel bad tossing it because it was free!

​You can easily beautify these with some scrap cloth or pretty paper, but even bare boxes look a million times better than a messy drawer. Are you ready to give your "trash" a second life?

The Lesson of Letting Go!!

 Those few moments when you cared,

I can’t forget them even if I try.

It was like you could read my mind,

And knew the words I wouldn't say.

I always wanted to work, to be something,

But the world is harder than I thought.

I just wanted someone to understand that—

To tell me it’s okay to stay or to go.

You said exactly what I needed to hear.

And after you left, I never heard it again.

That is why the pain is so deep—

I found the person who knew me,

But I couldn't keep him forever.

Now, all the small things I wanted to do

Are just wishes that never came true.

I didn’t find another "you,"

And  I never will.

I wanted to learn so many things,

To see the world and experience it all.

But instead, I only learned one thing:

How to let go.

I detached myself from my dreams,

The big ones and even the tiny ones.

Life is just a list of responsibilities now,

And I am just walking through it.

If ever you find this somehow,

Never feel guilty for caring for me.

I let you go when I realized

That you couldn't be happy with me.

And I cannot feel any better

By knowing that you are sad for me.

The Divine Riddle: A Conversation with the Architect!!

 

A Note on "Mood Swings"

​Before you tell me that women have mood swings and it's visible in my posts, let me warn you: I have great competitors like Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron. One gives a statement and backs out in a single day, and the other says, "Let’s go on a trade bazooka!" Then there's our nearest neighbor, constantly highlighting a trade surplus of billions in China while the ground shifts beneath them.

​So, don’t blame just me for being a woman. I see more mood swings in men with power these days than in any "High Value" algorithm.

​Sometimes, though, the "mood swing" isn't about politics or digital traps. Sometimes, it’s a quiet conversation with something much higher than a world leader. It’s the moment when the digital deception fades, and you’re left looking at the signs carved into your own life.

A Conversation with the Architect:-

Lord, years ago, You wove a thread,

Of coincidences I misread.

A trail of breadcrumbs, soft and fine—

I followed them, thinking, "This is mine." But the path was hollow, the signs were skewed,

A grand redirection I hadn't pursued.

And when You finally turned the wheel,

The courage I needed wasn't real.

You watched me struggle, You watched me fail,

As I walked the wind and braved the gale.

Each phase a mountain, each step a test,

I carried the weight, hoping for rest.

I told myself, "The end is near,"

While wiping away the grit and fear.

Now, years have passed, and the silence is gone,

The same old signals are turning back on.

But my heart is weary, my eyes are wise,

I see the trap beneath the disguise.

And now, that number stands in wait,

Carved in stone beside my gate.

Is it a promise? Or just a design?

I used to beg for a tangible sign.

But I am tired of the maze and the "nearly,"

Of waiting for You to speak to me clearly.

So, I’ll leave the riddle right there at the door,

I won’t ask for meanings or maps anymore.

If the silence is Your answer, then let it be deep;

I have promises to myself I must keep.

Whether it’s a gift or a trick of the light,

I’ll trust my own soul to get through the night.

For the peace that I feel when I stop seeking "why,"

Is the only true signal I need to get by.

YouTube Thinks I Need an Upgrade (And My Ego Has Some Questions)!!

 

​I opened YouTube today, expecting a recipe or perhaps a relaxing video of a cat playing a piano. Instead, the algorithm slapped me in the face with a video titled: "How to Become a High Value Woman."

​Excuse me?

​First of all, YouTube, who gave you the right? Second of all, what does that even mean? Is there a stock market for women now? Am I currently trading at an all-time low? Do I need to wait for a quarterly earnings report to see if my "value" has gone up?

​The Algorithm’s Identity Crisis

​As a content creator, I understand how algorithms work. They track your every move. So naturally, I spent the next ten minutes spiraling: What did I search for that made a robot think I was "Low Value"? Did I look up "how to get stains out of pajamas" one too many times? Did I linger too long on a video about DIY 5-minute crafts?

​As a High Value Woman, I did the only logical thing: I closed the app and sat with my own thoughts. No scrolling. No binge-watching. Just me, myself, and my "un-certified" value.

​The Great Value Deception

​We live in a world where everyone wants easy money and even easier fame. The digital world has turned into a marketplace of flesh and fakes. If you want billions of views, apparently you just need to show some skin and talk about "psychology" while actually tearing people down.

​These creators love to give you a checklist to "scale" yourself.

• ​Do you walk like this? +10 points. * Do you speak like that? -5 points. * Do you have the IQ of a toaster but the confidence of a runway model?
• Congratulations, you’re Elite!

​I want to know where these people get their confidence. It must be a lack of intelligence—it’s much easier to be confident when you don't have enough brain cells to realize you’re being ridiculous.

​The Storm vs. The Status

​Here is the truth the digital world doesn't want you to know: You cannot measure a human being on a sliding scale. Your "measuring scale" might track status, height, weight, and bank accounts, but it has no setting for "Storms Weathered." It can’t measure the strength it took to survive a bad year or the dignity of someone who works a "low-status" job to feed their family.

​A certificate of "High Value" from a YouTuber with a ring light and a script is worth exactly zero.

​Final Thoughts

​Digital world, I am officially frustrated with your deceptions. You try to make us feel like we’re "low-tier" so we’ll click your links and buy your courses.

​But here’s a free tip for the Mystery Eaters and the Algorithm Architects: My value isn't a stock price. It doesn't fluctuate based on your "tips." I am the one who decides my worth, and I’m currently not for sale.

Agent 420(the tiffin taster)!!

 If my marriage had a soundtrack, the percussion would be the sound of Tupperware lids clicking shut, and the lead melody would be my husband saying, "Hey, have you seen my lunchbox?"

Most people lose their keys or their phone. My husband? He loses lunchboxes. It is his superpower. He treats lunch containers like disposable tissues. Ever since we got married, I’ve watched a steady parade of high-quality plastic enter his office, never to be seen again. At this point, I’m convinced there is a secret underground society in his office building made entirely of his "lost" water bottles, helmets, and lunchboxes.

But last week, the universe threw us a plot twist.

The Great Pre-Lunch Heist

Usually, he loses the box after eating. This time, someone snatched it before lunch.

He called me, sounding like he’d just witnessed a heist. "It's gone! Someone took it!"

While he was panicking about his missing calories, I was actually flattered. I started laughing. My cooking is so legendary that we now have corporate spies stealing it before the noon bell? I told him, "Look on the bright side—someone finally appreciates my hard work enough to commit a crime for it!"

I told him to go buy lunch. For the first time in history, he didn't come home with a brand-new box. I think he knew that if he brought one more "mismatched set" box into my kitchen, I might lose it. My cabinets are already a chaotic museum of "The One That Got Away."

In a building with over 5,000 employees, the odds of seeing that box again were zero. We all know the drill: you assume someone took it by mistake because they have the same generic blue lid, or you quietly blame the "system."

But then, the miracle happened.

Today, the box was returned to security. Not just returned—cleaned. I have so many questions for this Mystery Eater:

Did you enjoy the spices?

Did you find the salt levels adequate?

Did it take you a full week to "muster the courage" to drop it off at security, or did it just take that long to scrub the turmeric stains out?

A Missed Bollywood Opportunity

Honestly, I’m a little disappointed. This could have been a real-life The Lunchbox movie moment. I was half-expecting a handwritten note tucked inside: "The dal was life-changing. Please send more Jeera rice on Wednesday. Sincerely, Cubicle 420"

I wouldn't even have been mad! If the Mystery Eater is reading this: I’m open to starting a private "Dabbawala" service just for you. I’ll even send an extra box with my courier (aka my husband) every day.

The only catch? It’s going to be chargeable. And for the love of all things holy, please don't make me wait a week for the box to come back next time.

P.S. To the Mystery Eater: If you’re reading this, thank you for the dishwashing services. Next time, leave a review! 4 stars? 5 stars? Or was it just "better than the cafeteria food"? My husband is already prepared to be your daily delivery driver—for a small fee, of course.

Honestly, you should probably just give me a 1-star review and be done with it. I know the complaints already:

The "Sambar" Scandal: You probably thought, "Who puts raw papaya and potatoes in sambar?!" It’s a total identity crisis, right?

The Flavor Gap: Not enough salt, zero spice, and absolutely no tamarind.

The Bean Fry Fiasco: Again with the potatoes! And without coriander powder, does a dish even legally count as "tasty"?

But here’s the thing: That wasn't your standard South Indian meal—that was authentic Odia homely food.  In our kitchen, that’s exactly how we love it! Whether it stands up to your idea of "proper" sambar or not, it’s a taste of home for us. Never mind, though—I hope you enjoyed the change, even if you missed the cuisine memo entirely!

However... if you happen to be a fellow Odia who actually enjoyed the Dalma and the simple flavors—then you are more than welcome! Feel free to place your regular dabba service order with us, yet I warn you salt will be in lower side as that's my signature style. 

The Clever, The Foolish, and the Hollow in Between!!

 I was reading a story to my son today about two characters: Neing and Asu. It is a story as old as time itself. Neing is the "foolish" one—the one who gives, the one who works, the one who yields. Asu is the "clever" one—the one who receives, the one who tricks, the one who masters the art of letting others serve him.

In the logic of the story, Neing’s "foolishness" is presented as a virtue. He works harder because he doesn't know how to demand. He gives up his share because he cannot bring himself to force his needs upon another. In the world of children’s books, we call this kindness. But in the world of adults, we call it a deficit.

In the fables, a great storm eventually comes. The clever one’s greed leads to his downfall, and the foolish one is rewarded for his endurance. We tell our children these stories to make them "good." We tell ourselves these stories to justify our own silence.

But as I closed the book, I looked at the reality around me. In the real world, the storm often never happens. The "Asus" of our lives don’t lose; they accumulate. They move from one success to another, building their empires on the backs of those who were too "good" to say no. They occupy the rooms, they claim the credit, and they sleep soundly while the "Neings" are left with the labor.

The tragedy of the "Neing" isn't just the extra work. It is the hollow that grows within when they realize their "goodness" was used as a tool for their own depletion. By not forcing their needs on others, they effectively told the world that their needs didn't exist.

As I read this to my son, I feel a deep urge to change the narrative.

Neing cannot go back in time. He cannot undo the years where his hard work was harvested by the clever. Those chapters are written in stone. But he is learning that while he cannot change the past, he can certainly change the terms of the future.

I am teaching my son this story, but I am also teaching him the lesson Neing learned late: that goodness is only sustainable when it is protected by boundaries. Neing is finally learning to build a fence around his efforts. He is learning that his hard work is a treasure to be guarded, not a commodity to be handed over to the first clever person who asks. The storm may never come for Asu, but Neing is busy building a house that finally belongs to him.

वक्त की रेत!!

 सपने इतने ऊँचे देखो, आँखें न मूँद पाएँ,

जब तक मंज़िल मिल न जाए, नींद न पास आए।

पर हकीकत बड़ी कड़वी है, ए दोस्त ज़रा देख,

ढलती उम्र में नींद और ख़्वाब, दोनों छोड़ जाएँ।

सब यहीं छूट जाना है, फिर ये कैसा मलाल है?

नींद और सपनों का साथ चलना, बस एक सवाल है।

हम तो वहीं ठहरे रहे, पर वक्त भागता गया,

हमें पीछे धकेल कर, अपना रस्ता नापता गया।

इस दौड़ में अक्सर, मुस्कान भी खो जाती है,

सपनों के साथ अपनों की पहचान भी खो जाती है।

न जाने क्या-क्या संग लेकर, ये गुज़र जाता है,

पीछे बस यादों का एक धुंधला सा साया छोड़ जाता है।

जब अंत निश्चित है सबका, तो ये कैसी बेबसी है?

जाने क्यों दिल से जाती नहीं, ये जो अजीब सी उदासी है।

कोई आए और ले जाए, इस खामोश दर्द को अपने साथ,

अब ये बोझिल रूह मेरी, माँगे उम्र भर की मात।

The medal of the minute: a lesson from the Rama Setu!!

 They say we humans have a brain that can think, and that is why we are the mightiest creatures—the best creation of the Supreme Lord. However, time and again, the animal kingdom has proven its ability to think, often outsmarting the very humans who claim superiority.

​Consider the squirrel present during the making of the Rama Setu. Did it not display a profound ability to think and feel?

​Indeed, it did. In fact, being one of the tiniest of creations, it didn't seem bothered by its size or its impact. It didn't wait for permission or compare its stature to the task at hand. It simply did exactly what it could do. Driven by a genuine intention to contribute, the squirrel took a dip in the sea, rolled in the sand to cover itself, and then hurried onto the Setu to shake itself clean. Each grain of sand was its silent offering to the bridge.

​The squirrel was not discouraged by the humongous vanaras, the giants who could uproot massive stones and toss them into the abyss. While the magnitude of the giants surely accelerated the construction, the tiny squirrel possessed a purity of purpose that the "Grand Creation" required.

​This tiny act did not go unnoticed. In a world of chaos and boulders, the Lord Himself paused. The squirrel was picked up by the Divine hand and received a pat on its back—gentle strokes that left three permanent lines.

​For all its fellow species, and for all of us who feel petite in a world of giants, those lines remain. They are not just fur; they are a medal to be remembered always. A mark that proves that while the world measures the weight of the stone, the Universe measures the weight of the heart.

हक छीनने से पहले (Haq Chheen Ne Se Pehle)!!

 Today, I watched a movie called "Haq". But the screen faded into the background as the word itself got stuck in my throat. I had to pause the film because my own life was playing a much more painful script and I felt like scribbling a poem out of it.

The tears came silently—the way they always do. Not a loud cry for help, but a quiet leak from a foundation that has held too much for too long.

हक जताना पड़ता है? पर किसके आगे?

जब कोई अपना, जाने से पहले एक बार बोले न...

जब कोई अपना, बोझ की तरह किसी और को दे दे,

जब कोई अपना, 'चीट' करने से पहले एक पल सोचे न...

तो कैसा हक? जिसे हमें ज़ाहिर करना पड़े।

पर जो प्यार दिया हमने, क्या उसका कोई हक नहीं?

क्या जो सम्मान दिया हमने, उसका कोई मान नहीं?

क्या जब हम पीछे खड़े थे ढाल बनकर, उसका कोई वजूद नहीं?

फिर किसी को क्यों नहीं दिखा हमारा हक?

क्यों ज़ाहिर करनी पड़ेगी अब हमें अपनी इबादत?

वाह रे किस्मत, वाह क्या खेल खेला है तूने—

हक मारकर पूछता है: "क्यों नहीं जताया तुमने?"

कम से कम ये पैंतरे समझा तो देता... 

मेरा हक छीनने से पहले।

Translation:

They say one must claim their right... but before whom?

When our own "person" leaves without a single word,

When they hand us over like a burden to someone else,

When they don't pause for a second before they betray...

What kind of "right" is that, which needs to be explained?

Was there no right in the love I gave so freely?

Was there no honor in the respect I offered blindly?

When I stood behind them, a silent pillar, was that existence invisible?

Then why did no one see my right back then?

Why must I prove my worth to the world now?

Bravo, Destiny! What a cruel game you play—

You crush my rights, and then ask: "Why didn't you speak?"

You could have at least explained these tactics... before you stole what was mine.

How to Win at Losing: The Legend of Uniform Number 67!!

 If you ever feel like you’re failing at life, let me tell you about Ranatunge Karunananda. In 1964, this man became a national hero in Japan by being officially, objectively, and painfully the worst runner on the track.

The Setup: Tokyo, 1964

It’s the Tokyo Olympics. 70,000 people are in the stands. The event is the 10,000 meters—which is basically 25 laps of “why did I agree to this?”

Karunananda is representing Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He’s wearing Uniform Number 67. He’s also been sick for a week and has no business being on a track, let alone an Olympic one.

The starting gun goes off. Thirty-eight elite athletes sprint away. Karunananda... does his best.

The "Wait, Why Is He Still There?" Moment

The race ends. The winners get their medals. The crowd starts packing up their snacks to beat the traffic. But then, people notice something moving on the track.

It’s Number 67.

He is an entire lap behind. He is clutching his side like he’s trying to keep his internal organs from escaping. He is in absolute agony.

The crowd’s initial reaction? Classic human jerkiness. They started booing. They jeered. "Hey buddy, the race is over! Go home! You’re embarrassing us!"

But Karunananda didn't stop. He just kept shuffling. Left foot, pain, right foot, more pain.

The Great Vibe Shift

Slowly, the stadium realized something. Nine other guys—perfectly healthy, world-class athletes—had quit because they weren't going to win. But this guy? This guy was dying in slow motion just to finish 25th out of 25.

The jeers turned into awkward silence, then a few claps, and then—BAM. 70,000 people stood up. They started screaming for him like he was prime Usain Bolt. He crossed the finish line in dead last to a standing ovation that lasted longer than the actual race.

When reporters asked him why he didn't just crawl into a hole and hide, he gave the ultimate "Dad" answer:

"I have a little daughter. One day I’ll tell her her father went to the Olympics and finished the race."

Translation: I’m not fast, but I’m not a quitter.

The 50-Year Plot Twist

Karunananda’s story became legendary in Japan. He was put into elementary school textbooks. For decades, Japanese kids were taught: "Don't be the guy who quits; be the guy in Number 67."

Fast forward to 2016. A Sri Lankan grad student named Oshadi moves to Japan. She’s struggling. The language is hard, the school is stressful, and she’s ready to pack it in and go home.

Then she finds out her grandfather was a celebrity in Japan. Specifically, he was that guy.

She watches the video of her granddad stumbling around that track while 70,000 strangers lose their minds. She remembers her family’s motto: "Finish what you started."

The Moral of the Story

Oshadi didn't quit. She stayed, learned Japanese, and became a care worker for the elderly in Japan. She’s now taking those skills back to Sri Lanka to help her own country.

So, the next time you’re "lapping" everyone else in the wrong direction:

Don't stop.

Clutch your side for dramatic effect.

Remember that finishing last with dignity is way cooler than quitting because you aren't first.

Sometimes the biggest standing ovation isn't for the guy with the gold medal—it’s for the guy who refused to get off the track.

Mitti Ka Tan, Market Ka Crash

 We all like to think our challenges are special. We wrap them in fancy names like "trauma," "career setbacks," or "mythological legacies." But if you strip away the gold-plated labels, we are all just different versions of the same suffering. We are all "cracked cups" trying to hold onto a wine that is constantly leaking.

Harivansh Rai Bachchan understood this long before we became "Corporate Number 4s" in the MNC of life.

The King in Gold: The Ultimate CEO

Bachchan famously wrote:

"Bair badhaate mandir masjid, mel karaati madhushala!"

(बैर बढ़ाते मंदिर मस्जिद, मेल कराती मधुशाला!)

"Temples and mosques breed enmity, but the tavern brings hearts together!"

Why? Because the "King in Gold" in the temple is like a CEO of a global MNC. He’s focused on the "Delivery." He’s looking at the larger picture—the stars are still spinning, the seasons are changing, the "Show" is going on.

I told Him today: "In your larger picture, my existence doesn't matter." I haven't reached a position of power. I am not a "glitch" in His plan. I’m just a small line item that can be deleted without the system crashing. The CEO ignores the "here and there" because as long as the statues are shiny, the brand looks perfect.

The Mask of the "Gentleman"

We spend our lives wearing the "Gentleman" or "Ideal Woman" mask. We act civilized. But Bachchan’s Madhushala is where the masks fall off.

"Mitti ka tan, masti ka man, kshan-bhar jeevan — mera parichay."

(मिट्टी का तन, मस्ती का मन, क्षण-भर जीवन — मेरा परिचय।)

"A body of clay, a mind of joy, a life that lasts a moment — this is my identity."

When we drop the "Gentleman" attitude, we realize we are all animals at the core. An animal doesn't build a temple to justify its ego; it just tries to survive. And survival is getting harder. After, I left my job, I’ve realized how difficult it is to earn even a little money. I tried to trade today—the Market crashed, I got a teaching role, the pay is like a joke and the work is like a mountain. I talked about mushroom farming and it seems like a daydream. 

The "Wine" in the tavern is the only thing that unites us with our animal nature—the raw truth that we are just hungry, tired clay.

The Universal Grind

Bachchan said:

"Rah pakad tu ek chala chal, paa jayega madhushala."

(राह पकड़ तू एक चला चल, पा जाएगा मधुशाला।)

"Pick one path and just keep walking; you will eventually find the tavern."

But let’s be real: some of us are walking on a treadmill that’s going nowhere. My plans are like daydreams in a boardroom where I don't have a seat. The CEO wants his delivery, and the tavern is just the "Break Room" where we finally get to stop pretending that our "hustle" is working.

Your unique challenge might be a husband’s ego, and mine might be a mushroom farm that won't grow, but in the tavern, we are all just "thirsty animals."

The Wrap-Up

If the "King in Gold" won't look at the foundation, then the foundation will stop looking at Him. I’m trading the "Mandir" of expectations for the "Madhushala" of reality.

The Show Goes On: The MNC of the universe is running smoothly, but it's running on the backs of people like me who are struggling for the crumbs.

The Animal Wins: I’m leaning into my animal core. I am tired of being "civilized" about my situation and my pain.

Daydreams as Wine: If my plans are just daydreams, then I’ll drink those daydreams. They are the only "wine" I can afford right now.

To my readers: Stop trying to impress a CEO who isn't reading your performance review. If your side-hustles are crashing and your teaching job is draining you, come to the tavern. At least here, the wine doesn't care if your plans failed.

Devdas Drama and my grumpy shoulders!!

 Back in 2011, I wrote a post about that famous Devdas dialogue where everyone tells him to leave everything—the village, the girl, the life.

"Babuji ne kaha gaun ko chhod do... sab ne kaha sab kuch chhod do."

Fast forward fifteen years, and I’m still being told to "leave it." Leave the anger, leave the past, leave the stress. My career decided to leave me first, and my body decided to "leave" its ability to lift my arms because of a staircase fall I took in 1995.

Apparently, my shoulders have a better memory than my husband when I ask him for breakfast.

The Great Staircase Sequel (No One Asked For)

You know you’re a "Petite Powerhouse" when your body decides to re-enact a twenty-year-old accident just to make a point. I woke up this morning and my arms said, "Remember 1995? We do. And we’re on strike until further notice." It’s a classic Sharmistha move—being "dragged" into a sacrifice I didn't sign up for. I didn't choose to be a martyr; I just got cornered by a staircase and a cold that won't take a hint.

The King in Gold vs. The Woman in Pajamas

I’ve had a few words with the Almighty lately. I told Him, "Listen, You’re sitting in temples wearing gold and diamonds like a King, while I’m sitting here in my pajamas with a blocked nose. Who’s really winning here?"

I realized that if God has an ego, then as a Gemini, I’m allowed to have a double dose of it. If the universe wants me to be the "foundation" , it could at least provide some better snacks and a husband who understands that "bringing breakfast" isn't a three-day project.

My New "To-Don't" List

In 2011, I was asking for a list of what to do. Today, I’m making a "To-Don't" list:

Don't expect me to be "gentle" and "serene" when I’m sick. I’m not in a mood right now.

Don't tell me to "chhod do" (leave) my anger. I like my anger. It keeps me warm while I wait for my slow breakfast.

Don't compare me to "tall models" on a ramp. I’m built for stability. I’m the one you want nearby when the ramp eventually collapses because it was built by people who don't understand foundations.

The Bottom Line

Life might be trying to "Devdas" me into a corner, but I’m not drinking the sadness. I’m drinking ginger tea and judging everyone from my bed.

The world can keep its golden statues and its "tall" requirements. I’ve got a letter from my son that’s worth more than a temple, a brother who actually appreciates my taste, and a spirit that refuses to be "dragged" anywhere without a fight.

To my readers: If the world tells you to "chhod do" (leave) everything, start by leaving the people who give you a headache. It’s much lighter that way.

Matching the Spirit: The Photo Cake That Crossed the Miles!!

 My brother is one of those rare people who always "gives more." Whether it’s flowers, cakes, or time, his generosity has always felt like a benchmark I couldn't quite reach. But this year, for his birthday, I decided to stop measuring and start "matching."

​Knowing he isn't fond of sweets, I skipped the usual sugar-heavy hampers. Instead, I sent a savory combo namkeen and dry fruit treats. But the centerpiece was a custom photo cake—and I knew exactly which memory to use.

​The photo I chose was one of our favorites: a picture of my brother and my son, both beaming with joy. They were wearing matching t-shirts he had brought back from Thailand. It’s a photo that perfectly captures the bridge between my childhood (him) and my future (my son).

​The Surprise Reveal

​When we got on the conference call yesterday after the delivery, I told him, "Open the cake and have a look."

​Unlike the minimalist reactions I sometimes encounter, my brother is a great communicator. He was genuinely taken by surprise. Seeing his own face alongside my son’s, captured in a moment of pure happiness, hit exactly the right note.

​I’ve spent a lot of time lately feeling "petite" in my life—feeling like my needs and my results are somehow smaller than everyone else's. But today, as we laughed on that con-call, I didn't feel small.

​To match the spirit of a big giver requires you to tap into your own abundance.  It’s about the observation. It’s about knowing that he loves savory over sweet. It’s about remembering the significance of those Thailand t-shirts.

​When my son showed him the letter and drawings he had made, the circle was complete.

​I hope I did better than ever before this time. Not because I spent more, but because I saw him more clearly. I realized that I don't need a "Hollywood-style" movie script to feel successful. I just need these moments where the miles vanish and the girl named Soumya feels exactly like she is "enough."

​To my readers: Sometimes the best way to get "unstuck" is to focus entirely on making someone else feel seen. When you match someone's spirit, you realize your own spirit was never small to begin with.

Happiness: My new year's tradition!!

 Since 2011, I’ve made it a tradition to wish everyone happiness on New Year’s Eve. Over the years, I’ve come to truly understand the profound weight behind the simple blessing our elders give when we touch their feet: "Khush raho."

It sounds so simple, yet it is perhaps the most powerful wish of all. To remain in a state of happiness despite the chaos swirling around us is a true grace. This year, I want to pass that same intention on to you.

My wish for you in 2025:

"May your year be defined not by the noise of the world, but by the quiet joys that fill your heart. I hope you find magic in the ordinary, strength in the challenges, and a year full of moments that make you truly glad to be alive."