::: ABHEDA TATTVA :::

Revant Himatsingka: The Man Who Took on Big MNCs to Expose the Truth Behind Packaged Foods

2024-12-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

Revant Himatsingka is a name that sends shivers down the spines of many multinational corporations (MNCs). Known for his relentless mission to expose misleading marketing practices, Himatsingka has become a hero for health-conscious consumers in India. But what makes his story so compelling? Why did he risk a lucrative career in consulting for a cause that seemed destined to attract powerful enemies?

A Childhood Built on Misinformation

Revant's story begins with his childhood, where the products he grew up trusting were actually setting him up for poor health. Iconic brands like Bournvita, Maggi, Chocos, and Tang were staples in his diet, marketed as healthy, nutritious choices for children. The promises on their packaging – of vitamins, energy, and a better future – were part of a carefully crafted narrative that Revant, like millions of others, believed. However, as he grew older, the truth started to unravel.

The Tipping Point: Fake Health Claims

It was the constant false health claims through aggressive marketing that pushed Revant to take action. As an adult, he realized that these claims were not just misleading – they were downright dangerous. The products he once loved were loaded with sugar, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, all masked behind terms like "fortified," "healthy," and "nutritious." He began to understand the extent to which the packaged food industry was exploiting consumers with deceptive practices.

But why did this matter to him so deeply? He was offered a prestigious job at McKinsey, worth ₹2 crore – a dream opportunity for anyone in the consulting field. Instead of taking the high-paying role, Revant chose to leave it all behind to focus on something much more important: health literacy.

Taking on the Giants

His decision was not an easy one. But Revant was driven by a mission: to make 140 crore Indians health literate and aware of the truth behind the packaged food industry. Over the years, his exposure of misleading advertising and fake health claims has made him a formidable adversary to some of the biggest names in the industry.

Bournvita and Dabur were among the first to fire back, sending him legal notices in an attempt to silence him.
Pepsico even went as far as having one of his videos removed from the internet.
His bold stance also exposed the deceptive practices of Kissan and Maggi tomato ketchup, shaking the foundation of what consumers had been told for decades.

The Battle Continues

Revant Himatsingka's journey is a testament to the power of one person’s will to challenge a giant industry. By confronting these companies head-on and advocating for transparency, he has single-handedly sparked a conversation about truth in advertising and consumer rights. He is not just a health advocate; he is a whistleblower for millions of consumers who have been misled by clever marketing tactics.

While his actions have garnered significant attention, Revant’s fight is far from over. He continues to share his research and findings, exposing the unhealthy ingredients and deceptive claims behind many popular brands. His work has inspired countless individuals to question the labels on their food and demand better transparency from the companies they trust.

Revant’s Mission: Empowering the Indian Consumer

Ultimately, Revant’s goal is to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make healthier, more informed decisions. Through his social media channels, videos, and public engagements, he has already reached millions of people, and the movement is growing stronger every day.

By questioning the integrity of leading brands and refusing to back down in the face of legal threats, Revant Himatsingka has become a symbol of resistance against corporate deceit. And as more Indians wake up to the reality of what they are consuming, Revant’s mission remains as relevant as ever: to make India a nation of health literates.

The Hidden Crisis in Papua New Guinea: Torture and Violence Against Women

2024-11-25T00:12:00.004-08:00

In Papua New Guinea, violence against women—often stemming from accusations of witchcraft—is an urgent, yet hidden, human rights crisis. Women, particularly those marginalized or vulnerable, are frequently scapegoated for misfortunes like illness or death, leading to brutal attacks, torture, and sometimes even murder. The plight of these women remains largely invisible to the world despite its prevalence, especially in rural areas where cultural beliefs in sorcery run deep.

Roots of the Crisis: Witchcraft Accusations and Superstition

In many parts of Papua New Guinea, accusations of sorcery serve as a way to explain unexpected tragedy or hardship, disproportionately affecting women. Widows, single mothers, and other vulnerable women are often targeted and subjected to severe torture—including beatings, burning, and even mutilation—as their communities demand “confessions.” These horrific acts leave women physically and emotionally scarred, reinforcing a culture of silence and fear.

Contributing Factors to Gender Violence

A complex mix of factors perpetuates this violence, including:

Limited Education: Lack of access to education fosters superstition, with sorcery beliefs explaining illness or bad fortune.
Weak Law Enforcement: A fragile justice system fails to protect victims or bring perpetrators to justice.
Patriarchal Norms: Gender roles make women easy targets, especially those without male protectors or economic resources.

Steps Toward Change

Though the issue is just beginning to attract global attention, local organizations and international groups are advocating for change:

Strengthening Legal Protections: Stronger laws and enforcement are essential to ending impunity and protecting women.
Community Education Programs: Local NGOs educate communities on health and human rights to reduce superstition and gender bias.
Supporting Safe Houses: Shelters offer refuge and safety to women at risk of violence or torture.

Conclusion

The violence faced by women in Papua New Guinea due to sorcery accusations highlights a dire need for action. Through international support, legal reform, and community education, there is hope for change—one that ensures women’s safety and human rights are upheld in Papua New Guinea, moving towards a future free from fear and persecution.

The Dilemma of Elections: Choosing the "Best" Among the Worst

2024-11-11T02:33:00.000-08:00

Election season rolls around, and once again, we’re faced with the so-called “democratic choice” of selecting the next leaders of our country. But for many citizens, especially from the middle class, elections don’t feel like a meaningful choice at all. With so many political parties vying for power, there should ideally be a sense of hope or at least expectation. Yet, every time, the feeling that prevails is one of apathy. It’s a cycle of voting for the “best among the worst,” knowing deep down that, no matter who wins, the voices of the middle class will be buried under layers of hollow promises and neglected priorities.

For years, political parties have operated on hidden, often divisive, agendas. Whether it’s wooing particular sectors, appealing to minorities, or focusing solely on Below Poverty Line (BPL) schemes, every party seems to tailor its rhetoric to a targeted voter base. And while each party competes to outdo the other in announcing schemes aimed at uplifting the BPL segment, these efforts come with a significant cost to the middle class. In fact, the quality of life for the BPL has, in many cases, started to rival that of the average middle-class citizen, thanks to the schemes funded by middle-class taxpayers.

The middle class bears the brunt of income tax, GST, and other surcharges, only to see these funds redirected into initiatives that rarely benefit them. Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to surge, with inflation making it harder each year to make ends meet. The irony is hard to miss: those who contribute the most to the nation’s coffers are often the least considered when it comes to policy decisions. Middle-class citizens are left asking, “Will we survive or not?” and “How much longer can we afford to burn ourselves out just to earn?”

So, as we approach the ballot box once again, there’s a difficult question at hand: to vote or not to vote? What’s the point in voting if there’s no party willing to prioritize the challenges of the middle class? This contemplation of whether to participate or abstain feels like the only real choice left to those who are too often overlooked, overtaxed, and undervalued.

In the end, democracy should be about fair representation and an equal share in the nation’s progress. But until our political system reflects that principle, elections will remain, for many, a season of disillusionment rather than empowerment.

Embracing the Flow of Life

2024-10-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

In our fast-paced world, we often try to control the outcomes of every situation. We want things to happen a certain way, on our terms, and according to our timelines. However, there’s a simple yet powerful philosophy that can help us navigate the unpredictability of life with more ease:

"If it comes, let it come. If it stays, let it stay. If it goes, let it go."

This mantra encourages us to let go of resistance and embrace the natural flow of events. By adopting this mindset, we learn to welcome opportunities without fear, accept stability without clinging to it, and release what no longer serves us without regret. It’s about living in harmony with the inevitable changes life brings, instead of fighting against them.

1. If it comes, let it come.

Life often surprises us with new possibilities—whether in the form of relationships, opportunities, or challenges. By letting things come naturally, without forcing or fearing them, we open ourselves up to new experiences and growth. Embracing the unexpected can lead to powerful transformations.

2. If it stays, let it stay.

Sometimes, stability finds us. In these moments, it’s important to recognize and appreciate what has come to stay—be it a friendship, a career, or a period of peace. Letting it stay means allowing it to nurture us without the anxiety of it slipping away. Presence is key.

3. If it goes, let it go.

Life is full of endings, and letting go can be one of the hardest lessons. Whether it's a job, a phase, or a person, clinging to what’s already moving away only prolongs the pain. Letting it go with grace is a way of trusting the flow of life, believing that every ending brings new beginnings.

In practicing this, we learn that life is about movement—coming, staying, and going. It is in accepting this ebb and flow that we find true peace.

A Legend Lost. A Legacy Forever.

2024-10-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

On October 9, 2024, India lost one of its most cherished industrialists and humanitarians, Ratan Tata. His last words on social media, "Thank you for thinking of me." were quintessentially Tata—humble, understated, and full of grace. These parting words have reverberated across the nation, encapsulating the quiet dignity with which he lived and led.

In an age where public figures often tower through grand gestures, Ratan Tata’s approach was markedly different. His power was wielded not through public spectacle, but through quiet action, compassionate leadership, and a relentless commitment to integrity. From his role in expanding the Tata Group into a global conglomerate to his advocacy for animal welfare and support for start-ups, Tata's legacy is one of kindness interwoven with visionary business strategy.

What set Ratan Tata apart was not just the scope of his achievements, but the human touch he brought to them. Even as he orchestrated some of India’s most significant business acquisitions—like the globally renowned Jaguar Land Rover—he remained deeply connected to everyday people. His philanthropy, particularly in education, healthcare, and rural development, always prioritized human welfare over pure profit.

In the days before his death, Tata's final post addressed rumors about his health, reassuring his followers that he was in "good spirits." His words, “Thank you for thinking of me,” now carry a deeper weight—a fitting farewell from a man who, even in his last public communication, expressed gratitude rather than fear or sadness.

But perhaps Ratan Tata’s most profound legacy is not the empire he led but the values he championed. He was an industrialist who believed that businesses had a responsibility beyond profit-making—to improve lives and create societal good. He did not just shape the fortunes of Tata Group; he redefined the very ethos of corporate India.

Today, as we mourn the loss of this great man, we do so with an overwhelming sense of personal loss. Ratan Tata’s humility, empathy, and quiet brilliance leave a legacy that will not just be remembered, but felt for generations to come. In the end, his words—*“Thank you for thinking of me”—*reflect not just gratitude, but an invitation to carry forward the ideals he lived by: compassion, integrity, and a life dedicated to the betterment of all.

The legend may be gone, but his legacy will forever guide the conscience of those who strive to lead with purpose.

Compassion and Conviction: Rejecting the Lies of Conformity in Modern Culture

2024-10-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Two false ideas have permeated modern culture. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must hate or fear them. The second is that loving someone means agreeing with everything they believe or do. Both of these notions are flawed and have led to unnecessary tension in our relationships.

In reality, disagreement often stems not from fear, but from an internal pressure to conform. Society tends to impose an unspoken expectation that if others are living a certain way, you should too. This self-induced pressure to "step up" creates unwarranted stress. It’s not fear of the other person, but rather discomfort with the possibility of being out of sync with societal norms.

However, this pressure doesn't need to exist. It's possible to respect someone else's choices while maintaining your own convictions. Disagreeing with someone’s lifestyle doesn’t mean you dislike them - it simply means you're staying true to yourself.

On the flip side, love doesn't require complete agreement. You can deeply care for someone without subscribing to everything they believe. True love allows for differences, offering both compassion and authenticity. It's about respecting the individual while staying rooted in your own values.

Conclusion: Rejecting the Lies

Our culture has accepted these two lies, and in doing so, we’ve lost the ability to engage in civil, respectful disagreement. The truth is that you don’t have to compromise your convictions to be compassionate. It’s possible to disagree without hating, and it’s equally possible to love without agreeing. In a world that increasingly demands conformity or conflict, we must reclaim the middle ground where compassion and conviction coexist.

The Tragic Cost of Burnout: A Reflection on Work Pressure and Unhealthy Work-Life Balance

2024-09-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

The sudden and tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young chartered accountant who passed away on July 20, just four months after joining EY, has reignited a crucial conversation about the dangers of extreme work pressure. Her mother, Anita Augustine, addressed a heartfelt letter to EY India’s chairman, Rajiv Memani, expressing grief and attributing her daughter’s demise to the overwhelming workload, new environment, and long hours. This story has struck a chord with many professionals, highlighting the darker side of corporate culture, which can be detrimental to mental and physical health.

The Modern-Day Struggle: Work Pressure and Lifestyle Expectations

In today’s fast-paced world, many young professionals, like Anna, face immense pressure to succeed. The corporate environment, especially in prestigious firms like EY, is often seen as a path to success, offering financial stability and career growth. However, this comes at a significant cost. Long hours, high-stakes projects, and the constant push to outperform create a high-stress environment. The pressure is not only external but internal as well, as employees feel the need to prove their worth and meet unrealistic expectations.

Moreover, societal and peer pressure adds fuel to this fire. The desire to lead a lavish lifestyle, often flaunted on social media, places added strain on individuals to earn more, climb the corporate ladder faster, and maintain a certain image. This endless pursuit of success can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and in extreme cases, the tragic loss of life, as seen in Anna’s case.

The Cost of Unhealthy Work-Life Balance

For many, work-life balance remains a distant dream. Long working hours have become the norm, and the boundaries between work and personal life are increasingly blurred. While technological advancements have made communication and collaboration easier, they have also made it harder for employees to disconnect. The expectation to be available around the clock means that rest and recovery often take a backseat to professional demands.

The impact of this imbalance is not just physical but also mental. Anxiety, depression, and burnout have become increasingly prevalent among young professionals. Studies have shown that the pressure to perform in high-stress environments can severely impact mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. When these pressures are not addressed, they can have catastrophic outcomes.

The Need for Change

Anna’s heartbreaking story serves as a wake-up call for corporations and society alike. It highlights the urgent need to rethink the demands placed on employees and to prioritize their well-being. Companies must cultivate a culture that promotes healthy work-life balance, mental health awareness, and realistic workloads. Employees should not feel guilty for taking time off or for prioritizing their personal lives over work.

The pursuit of professional success should not come at the cost of one’s mental or physical health. Workplaces must actively address burnout, provide mental health resources, and encourage open conversations about stress and work pressure.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked work pressure and unhealthy work environments. It’s time to confront these issues head-on, creating a workplace culture that values not just productivity, but also the well-being and happiness of its employees. It is only through such change that we can prevent further tragedies and foster a healthier, more sustainable approach to work.

Let Anna’s story be a reminder that no job or success is worth sacrificing one’s health or life.

Has Sexual Assault and Rape Become Normalized in India?

2024-08-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

In recent years, India has witnessed an alarming increase in the number of sexual assault and rape cases. From the heinous gang rapes that have made international headlines to the countless unreported incidents that occur daily, the country is grappling with a crisis that seems to have become disturbingly normalized. This normalization is a stark reminder that something is profoundly wrong in how society perceives and responds to such crimes.

The Widespread Nature of the Crisis

Sexual violence in India is not confined to any one demographic. It cuts across age, class, and geography, affecting individuals from kindergarten-aged children to teenagers and women of all ages. The sheer number of cases reported daily is staggering, and the reality is likely even grimmer, with many incidents going unreported due to fear, stigma, or a lack of faith in the justice system.

The Role of Society and Culture

One of the most troubling aspects of this crisis is how society and culture often respond to sexual violence. Victim-blaming remains rampant, with survivors frequently facing more scrutiny and judgment than the perpetrators themselves. Cultural norms that uphold male dominance and female subservience, along with deeply ingrained misogyny, contribute to a toxic environment where sexual violence is not only pervasive but often dismissed or downplayed.

Media portrayals, too, have a role to play. Sensationalized coverage of sexual assault cases, while raising awareness, can also desensitize the public, making such incidents seem almost routine. The constant barrage of news about sexual violence can lead to a sense of helplessness and apathy, further entrenching the problem.

Legal and Systemic Failures

The Indian legal system, despite its efforts to address sexual violence, has often fallen short. The long, arduous process of seeking justice, coupled with low conviction rates, deters many survivors from coming forward. In some cases, the powerful and influential can manipulate the system to escape accountability, leaving victims and their families without recourse.

Moreover, there is a glaring lack of comprehensive sex education and awareness programs that address consent, respect, and gender equality. This absence allows harmful attitudes to persist, leading to the perpetuation of sexual violence across generations.

The Psychological Toll

The normalization of sexual assault and rape in India has profound psychological effects on individuals and communities. The fear of being assaulted is a constant presence in the lives of many women and girls, affecting their freedom and autonomy. For survivors, the trauma is compounded by societal ostracism and the often grueling legal battle for justice.

A Call to Action

Addressing the normalization of sexual violence in India requires a multi-faceted approach. Legal reforms are necessary, but they must be accompanied by societal change. There needs to be a concerted effort to challenge and change the cultural narratives that enable sexual violence. This includes better education on consent and gender equality, more robust support systems for survivors, and a media that focuses on responsible reporting.

Moreover, there must be a shift in how society views and treats survivors of sexual violence. Compassion, support, and a belief in their stories are crucial to breaking the cycle of silence and shame that allows these crimes to continue.

Conclusion

The normalization of sexual assault and rape in India is a crisis that demands immediate and sustained action. It is not enough to acknowledge the problem; there must be a collective effort to change the societal, cultural, and legal factors that allow it to persist. Only then can India begin to create an environment where every individual, regardless of age or gender, can feel safe and protected.

Darkness Sorrow Loneliness Silence

2022-11-22T05:12:00.008-08:00

Can darkness grow darker?
It can.
When darkness grows darker,
blackhole vacuums all trace of hope, and
the soul surrenders
to an unlit void.

Can sorrow grieve?
It can.
When sorrow grieves,
grief is the process that your heart goes through, and
sorrow is the feeling
your heart feels while grieving.

Can loneliness lose itself in solitude?
It can.
When loneliness merges into solitude,
you self-create an unwanted isolation, and
empower an involuntary state of mind
to mislay your existence.

Can silence grow quiet?
It can.
When silence grows quiet,
calmness and peacefulness cultivate, and
the mind boosts
paving way for creation.
Let it.

Living in Eternity!

2022-05-20T06:03:00.001-07:00

A profound quote by Osho set me thinking about time and eternity. He said "You exist in time, but you belong to eternity."

So much of wisdom lies in this thought.

In reality, time is a relative term and does not exist. The real meaning of eternity is not time forever but timelessness. When we use the word time, we refer to the past, present or future which essentially is a transient extraction of eternity.

All belief systems and scriptures make us think, life is temporal and afterlife is eternal and this is what we train our mind. Our actions are focused on earning the goodwill for a heavenly beyond death experience which no living person can vouch for.

Why? - This is because we are made of combined mass and energy with an ad interim memory. We all are eternal. We are just one soul changing forms and moving on. If we exist in the now, we exist in the then too.

Learn the language of the Universe.

Live in the NOW. Live it fully without any bearings in the mind and heart.

Enough is a decision

2022-01-21T04:44:00.000-08:00

Anxiety has a way of impregnating into our lives and snow balling mole hills into mountains. It dwells in the shadows and does not have any form per se. It begins with clouding our judgmental prowess. Before we know, our ability of applying logical rationality is tossed out of the window and we are weighing every negative aspect heavily in our mind and heart. This is just when fear injects itself and stands in the way of our decision making endowment.

We often tend to suffer emotionally. We give importance to everything other than our own soul. We fear taking a stance. We fear being a rebel. We fear losing. We fear rejection. We fear becoming a failure. It seems like a bottom less pit. It feels boundless. Anxiety to fear to depression, in no time we are engulfed in it all.

We all go through such phases personally and professionally.

What do you in such a complex scenario?
Breathe. Pause. Breathe.
Repeat till you can put your thinking cap on.

Define the situation.
Role play into becoming the Observer of your life.
Decide how important every aspect related to the plot is.
Do not work on assumptions. Label your thoughts and feelings.
Identify an index of plausible alternatives.
Let the core of your inner-self guide you.
Learn to say "Enough is enough" if needed and stand up for it.
Put a period where you need to and move on.

Enough is that period which is where it needs to be. It is not a measurement by the yardstick or the weigh scale.

ENOUGH IS A DECISION. Take it before it is too late.

Navigating Uncertainity!

2022-01-08T04:29:00.002-08:00

What do we do when everything feels so out of control? Left, right and center you see everything around you fall like a pack of cards and you seem to have no control or handle on life. None of us are spared. At some point in the life or other, we all go through such phases of life that shatter us completely. The times are so exacting on our nerves that our mind refuses to use it's thinking prowess and our heart appears to be devoid of hope. The ambiguity takes a significant toll.

What is to be done?
Pause.
Find a medium to express yourself. Do not bottle-up.
Become the Observer of your own life. An out of body experience that will help you with objectivity to the dilemmas.
Give time, time.

As for me, writing has been therapeutic. It has been the antidote to all the blind spots life unfolded in my path. Once expressed, I felt lighter and was able to spring back on my feet. Undeniably, I took time each time but I was about to circumvent it. I use this medium to navigate the uncertainties of my life.

What is yours? Yield not. Find out.

A date with Cyclone Tauktae

2021-05-17T23:56:00.001-07:00

May 17, 2021

A city that was already crawling under the weight of extended lockdowns due to the second wave of Covid-19 came to a grinding halt yesterday after Cyclone Tauktae barreled its way-in pounding the city leaving behind a trail of carnage. Nature's fury once more unleashed itself in the form of torrential rains and stormy winds that kept picking up speed damaging properties, uprooting trees, water logging streets destroying every thing that came it's way. Nothing was spared.

The only prayer on everyone's mind was - This storm has to pass!

The governance's foresight in evacuating the Covid patients from the Jumbo centres to Hospitals is note-worthy as was their preparedness in upping the Relief team capacity to mobilize the best possible relief and rescue operations.

The Spirit of Mumbai, a day after being battered by Cyclone Tauktae is incredible. It moved on unbidden.

#respects

Insensitivism

2021-05-10T03:35:00.002-07:00

COVID-19 changed everything for us.

While it ravaged us emotionally, physically and financially, it also showed us 3 sides of humanity - the Exploiter, the Exploited and the Messiahs.

While the first wave put us on high alert, boomeranged our sensibilities, helped us identify our priorities while showing us a new way of living; the second wave has been a harbinger of death and doom.

The positive cases sharply soared and people fell like a pack of cards in huge numbers. Amid the surge, the need for Medical Oxygen and Remdisivir injections grew manifold. While Messiahs in the form of NGO's and individuals continued to work relentlessly from the front-line without fearing for their lives, we, also witnessed the birth of vultures basking in their new businesses. Be it launching a duplicate essential medicine in the market or hoarding the medicines, medical devices, oxygen cylinders and selling them at obnoxious prices unaffordable to the common man. These black marketeers profiteered of people's miseries and vulnerabilities. The fact that they are scraping and bartering on lives does not deter them. They have clearly emerged out as the lowest scums of the society who need to be punished but our inept Regulatory System has failed considerably unable to even curb these exploiters and they continue making hay. To add to this mayhem, while strangers cremated the dead, the photographers sold the drone captured on-pyre dead bodies images at insane prices in the stock photo industry.

Such disgusting levels of insensitivism!

Speechless.

COVID-19 Impact - Life redefined!

2021-05-07T05:29:00.004-07:00

Out of nowhere, we had a new topic in our lives in February 2019 - COVID 19. Media was snow-balling the topic daily till it became a part of our everyday conversation.

What followed in March 2019 was unforeseen. We had a pandemic in our lives and the first of the lockdown for our generation. What was meant to last for a day, has transcended into 13 months and we are still where we were same time last year with a respite of few months in between. The pandemic altered our lives enormously.

Today, WE are COVID ravaged - emotionally, physically and financially!

We cannot breathe freely. We had to trade our freedom of breathing in open fresh air to being layered behind the mask. Sanitizers became an essential overnight. Fear occupied a larger compartment in our mind. We became obsessed with sanitizations. Social distancing became the new norm. Warm hugs to loved ones became a distant memory.

Immunity which we took for granted all our life became the focal point. To keep the immunity levels high, we altered all our diet plans. Walled within the house, the confines hounded us.The only trip made outside was to fetch the groceries and medicines with a cluttered mind. Life moved online - a new medium for all of us.

COVID has been the greatest economic calamity we have ever witnessed. The toll on the vulnerable segment is inexplicable. COVID has not spared everyone. It has left all of us poorer.

To add, the virus is now mutating into so many variants that people all over the world are falling prey to it like a pack of cards, shattering so many dependent lives and leaving a void that will never be filled. The departure from this world is also bereft of any family rituals; they are performed by strangers. There is no glimpse of the departed soul etched in our minds anymore. There are only memories left. The kids have lost their innocence. What is transpiring in their minds is hard to decode. They have been unleashed in a world with ever changing paradigms. There is no NORMAL now. Just when we thought we had adapted ourselves to the new NORMAL, the virus reminded us that it was still our master controlling all strings by extinguishing lives all around in gargantuan numbers. Surviving each day is a blessing for us.

Our life has been redefined. We now know what we really need and what we can do without. Everything else remains an indulgence of the past.

An End.

2020-08-27T03:12:00.004-07:00

In our life only one thing is certain. That is death.

Death.

A sudden jolt from reality. It shakes you up more when the news is of a known one. Here is a person who has pursued and lived a life of his/her dreams and ideals. A journey of many steps, thousands of miles and zillions of memories of every life touched enroute.

Some people are aware of their death when in terminal illness. For the rest it comes without a warning. How are the last moments? What happens to the unfulfilled dreams, the unsaid words, the secrets never shared? If they were to remain unconcluded; why were they allowed to form in the first place?

What happens in after life? Does the person become the observer of his/her's own life's final journey after the soul has left the body? Are emotions felt? Is there a world beyond as we all perceive?

I ponder as I reflect in yonder...

Coping with the pandemic fear!

2020-03-13T04:40:00.001-07:00

Pandemics evoke fear. Fear in turn affects the psyche of the humanity leading to erratic behavior and chaos. The recent outbreak of Coronavirus is a befitting example of same. It is less of an infectious pandemic and more of pandemic of fear.

So, what should we do..??!

Be concerned due to it's infectious nature - YES. This is warranted.
Go an insane overdrive digesting every online post/message and make it viral without verifying the facts - NO. This is unwarranted. Stop it yourself and stop the people in your network from doing same.

Research and find out the truth. If you accept any limiting belief, it becomes the truth for you. Do not go that way. Widen the horizon and go with an open receptive analytical mind.

Understand the disease and it's related symptoms.
Understand the preventive measures to be taken.
Understand the steps to be followed in case of a detection.

ACT as you should in the hour of crisis. Aid governance by educating the illiterate about the above as they need to know about it too. In all practicality, they might be clueless about the reality.

To overcome the psychosis, analyze the death rates and the reason behind them across various periods like a year, last 3 months, last month, etc. You will see for yourself then that the so called Coronavirus pandemic is no pandemic at all. It is all a result of social media frenzy. More people have died and are dying from Cancer, Suicide, Heart attacks and what not!

Decide for yourself whether you want to let the unknown fear dominate you or you want to get a handle on the fear. - Do not conform with the flow. It is your LIFE. Take CHARGE.

Where do we actually stay?

2019-08-28T01:10:00.003-07:00

Where do we actually stay? - It is not in the confines of brick and mortar being transformed to flats, duplexes, pent-houses or bungalows. Our real residence is "our mind" which has no limitations in terms of area or has any other restraints. There is no compartmentalization of any form and no rules to be followed. Our mind is a tabula rasa with unlimited space for anything and everything. It is upto us to design and organize it the way we want. It cannot be contracted out. No external is allowed to set it up.

So, if you are feeling stifled within due to toxic people whose comments, reactions, words have taken residence; it is high time you do a clean sweep and flush them out. Treat resentment, grudges, expectations and dejections that are piling up in your mind as cobwebs that need spring cleaning.

Life is beautiful - Inhale what is worth keeping and with a deep breath exhale the rest out. Keep your home beauteous, delightful and fascinating. The controls are in your hands or should I say minds..?!

Treading The Unknown

2019-05-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

Just like the beautiful seasons of nature that follow each other in a circle; such is Life ~ a path unfolding the mysteries that Life beholds for each one of us in a circle - The Circle of Life..!!

Time always compels us to travel different paths.

Many times we see the act of venturing into the unknown as a fearful journey when we don't really have to. The reason why we despair and become anxious is because of the uncertainty and unfamiliarity attached to it it but life is never written out. It is meant to be discovered. Moments keep moving time after time and with it the unknown unfolds which unless you "Keep walking..." you will never know. As Ayn Rand says "All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it - walk.”

Treading the unknown is really gratifying if you vanquish the fear within you, embrace hope and do not conform yourself to any dogma's or societal norms. You will discover your real liberated self.

All you need to do is tread on it.

Time to Unplug

2018-04-27T04:41:00.001-07:00

The world is shrinking day by day courtesy the brilliant advancement of technology. We have discovered our long lost friends and relatives with whom we lost touch. People who were a wonderful part of our childhood and growing up years. Happy to re-bond? Yes. Have the time? No.

You are in a perennial race and you always are running out of time.

Today's world operates with rules of it's own. Rules of a different kind that force you to comply and you do so willingly to step up and keep pace. Just when you think you have understood it, the dynamics change and so you force yourself to adapt once again forgetting that you have your own little world that needs you and there is an "I" too. You keep thinking that you are doing it for them, for you but NO, this is not true.

There was a time when we used to be strongly bonded in real and not via devices and gadgets. The montages of these random memories always evoke a genuine smile in your face. Why then are you letting it remain a part of a world gone by and not creating new?

Place few friends in a sitting table and you will see them lost in their smartphones; connecting with the world outside but not with those around them. Same is the case when the family gets together at the end of the day. The web of life has no connect. Strange but true. This is our life in real. A life completely missing on the reality checks, bonding and without any calling.

Time to PAUSE.

Time to UNPLUG.

Stranger in an Unknown City - Part II

2016-05-25T03:56:00.001-07:00

As much as I did not want to I had to pick my bags again to relocate to a new abode; I had to do it. Work affairs..!! The only thing that excited me was that I was to go through the phase of being a stranger in an unknown city who did not know what was to unfold before her and for the fact that I could explore newer horizons.

When I landed in this city, the first thing I did was inhale the air and let it sensitize me. I emptied my mind to make room for the new thoughts and feelings. I felt good then..!!

I had to rush through the first few days as I had to find an accommodation, fix a convenient route to office, arrange for my meals and step up to speed at work. None of my so called friends and colleagues offered to guide me through let alone help inspite of an earnest request. The first dent was indented with the people mentalities here..!! Is it so difficult to offer help to someone in distress..??!! To add to it, there was the daily dose of power cuts for close to 4-5 hours and the killer heat outside. It drove me mad. Eventually, I acclimatized myself to it and did not let that deter me. I ensured that I made time in the weekends to just walk endlessly on unknown roads, explore and figure my way back. The topology here is too complex and it was always a challenge for me. The only saving grace was I spoke broken local language and that helped me salvage. I always strike little conversations with people I come across be it the auto rickshaw driver or the store manager or the chaat wala or the caretaker. Overtime, I realized these were all that I enjoyed. As days passed by, the concrete jungle and work pressure got to me and gradually I saw myself transforming to a moron robot - work to room and back and so on. Much as I did not want it to happen, it was happening..!! Imperceptibly, I started missing my family too much for want of humane touch and connect.

Surprisingly, I found the nature too still here so much that its stillness disturbed me within. I could not connect with it. This dealt another blow. I feel uneasy when I am unable to connect with nature and I could not here. Why, I had no answers..!!

Gradually, I confined myself in my room to the company of music and books, refusing to step out unless absolutely necessary. The all round aloofness around me and depressing atmosphere at work stifled me. There were nights when the shackles of loneliness got the better of me and I used to just curl myself and cry my heart out not knowing when I fell asleep. I let this continue till my endurance levels reached a snapping point and I finally made a decision to pack my bags once again and return home - to the place of my belonging. An ordeal of this depth in life was not worth it is was what I told my inner-self and my healing began.

Zendagi Migzara...

An End, A Beginning...

2016-01-17T23:48:00.001-08:00

"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." - T. S. Eliot

The elements that had given shape to my life and to which I had committed my all seem insignificant now. Everything around appears so fragile including relationships. Things change, people leave. With the passage of time everything that made sense in the past seem derisory in their present form. Life's contrariness beguiles me.

As I attempt to make sense in repose, the only thing that strikes me is that there is something wrong with reality. Is this an irreversible phenomenon?

Today, I have reached a point where I question everything. I seek answers and I seek them aggressively. Eventually, life has to make sense. Things have to fall in place. That's what I am told..!! I definitely cannot reach the end of my existential rope in this note without knowing the calling of my life. But, to do so, the only recourse I feel is to make an end to spur a new beginning where I explore the limits of my former self and worldview as an observer, a learner and step into a whole new world order that will connect the dots.

An End, A Beginning...

Persistence pays off, Resilience tides through..!!

2015-05-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

My little brother met was on his way to work when he met with a a major road accident in 2007. He wasn't at fault. He had to undergo 9 major operations and lived in the hospital for over a year. His entire life flew off the handle with the severe damage to his leg, his mental trauma and agony of his girl friend ditching him and a bleak future that appeared like a horizon. In adversity aka tragedy, he realized whom he could count on in life. Learning for him but what sense of timing, eh..??!!

This was just one part. It is rightly said when there is a hospital emergency in the house, it is the family that suffers most. Relentless efforts by my aged mom and me helped salvage the situation. The outflow for his recovery and recuperation was so much that one point, I, thought I was alive and earning only to foot the hospital bills. To say our emotional life was chaotic would be a classic understatement.

Through the endless dark hours, we were...

awed, stricken, diffident n' disdained

every emotion within us had been raked!

On a parallel side, we caught the culprit driver who caused the mishap that shattered 3 lives together. He was beaten up badly by the public and then handed him over to the police. We lodged the Complaint immediately post accident in 2007. We did everything we could to build a strong case and eventually we won it in our favor after 7 years of seemingly endless struggle and battle. The settlement is sizeable enough to secure my brother for the next decade compensating for all the loss of income he went through in the interim. In the wake of all the flak the judicial system is going through; I would say, Persistence and resilience pay off and not all is lost in our judiciary system as yet. If you don't give up; they do give in..!! You can trust and keep your hopes alive; if you adopt a "Never give up stance for what is right and rightfully yours"; you will get what you truly deserve.

I would like to sum this journey as...

In the depth of silence, I found the key

resilience, it shall be till eternity!

Is this how it should be..??

2015-04-11T10:42:00.002-07:00

What kind of ecosystem are we living in today? 

Everything is so superficial and artificial.The world is rife with rules of the jungle. We spend millions of dollars trying to find out life in another planet and we spend two times the amount killing life on this planet. What are we trying to prove?

Relations are formed with the blink of eye and called off within nanoseconds of dissent. Huh..?? It is not just about man and woman relations, it's about all of them - Parents, Siblings, Relative, Friends, everything.

The zooming technology that has wrapped us in it's little finger is making life insane. Sanity has been redefined or best omitted. Reality-checks have taken flight to John Galt's world.

Peer pressures. People pressures. Society pressures. Status pressures. Pressures to keep up with anything and everything that is launched on a daily basis. 

The Technology which brought us all close in its inception has now become the devil by killing the human touch. We don't talk anymore; we perennially WhatsApp, FB, Tweet and Insta. All of this even when we are confined in the warmth of our home and are with family.Is this how it should be..??

I miss those days of carefree innocence where "eenie meenie mo" always gave the right answers to anything and everything in life. It is the growth and all that came bundled in that ushered in this chaos.

I have lost many of my besties to this mayhem and so the wound is ripe. Today, to me they just appear as travelers in life. We met, we bonded for decades together and then we parted. 

All I would like to say is - Never compromise who you are, your beliefs, and your morals, just to appease someone else. We are who we are because of the walk that we had. No one understands that better than you for it is you who survived it all. When you stay close to nature, to its simplicity, to the small things hardly noticeable, you experience inexplicable joy and happiness from somewhere you never expected. 

Here's where the real world is --- Rest everything, nah..!!

Zendagi Migzara...

Uprooting, Settling n' Uprooting Again...

2014-10-30T10:23:00.003-07:00

For the first time in my life; I uprooted myself from my homeground of 3+ decades and moved to another city to pursue work opportunity. Little did I know that my lifespan was only of 5 months in this unknown city.

Uprooting myself for the first time was an experience in itself juxtaposed with so many cluttered thoughts that I had to sieve them all to reach its simplicity base. Once, clear, I packed up and moved on and did not look back. It did not end there. The spirit of my homeground had accompanied me. Everywhere there in the unknown city, I looked for a spirit or shade of my home ground but found none. The city had a mind and code of its own and was unwelcoming in every aspect. Nature always conspired to give me signals that I "UnBelonged" here. I acknowledged them, time to time but I did not want to give-in before I gave my whole to it.

I paused my personal expectations from this place. Emotions locked; I nose dived at work from day one as I had taken my decision to give it my best. This is one city that dates back by an eon as compared to rest of India in terms of technology. What appaled me most was the insensitivity, listlessness and lethargy of my colleagues at work. No amount of motivation could get them to step up and perform. they were comfortable being couch potatoes. Their lassitude continued to pose as a challenge which I battled hard, on day on day basis. You can only help people who are willing to help themselves and then you got to leave them on their own. To add to it, the red tapes of working in a larger than life umbrella group was maddening. It was sheer crab mentality. Instead of helping me in my unflinching endeavors to reach new heights, boost performance; they excelled in killing initiatives and projects by raising endless objections instead of coming up with workable solutions. "The Laws of the land have changed for the month of October" is one googly that a Senior Management colleague threw on me. Must say, they were foolish enough to think, this would fly with me and that I would buy this crap. This was the state of affairs in that corporate.

End Result - The corporate ended up cannibalizing their own returns.

After being on a relentless pursuit single handedly since the onset; I reached my snapping point. I was spent.

Few days of deep, rational, logical thinking and, yet, another firm decision later, I was packing my bags once again, to uproot myself and return to my family. Back to my roots. Oh! What a sense of relief and peace. Words fail to express the exalt of this homecoming of mine.

Home is truly where your heart is, in the midst of your family. Mine is in Bombay.

Salaam Bombay..!!P.S. My respect for all those friends of mine who literally live in their bags has grown manifold.