Water – the fundamental basis of life. Among all living beings on Earth, only humans exploit nature for their own comfort. Water is a priceless gift, freely given by nature. But humans have taken undue advantage of this very abundance. We seem to have forgotten that the availability of water is, in fact, limited. Just…

“Religion should remain a private and personal matter for every individual” — this belief forms the foundation of secularism in any democratic society. In a country like India, where multiple religions, castes, sects, and cultural identities coexist, the value of secularism becomes even more vital. Secularism seeks to create unity from this diversity by compelling…

The hallmark of a cultured and enlightened society is rational thinking, fact-based discussions, and meaningful dialogue. But when evils like rumors, deceit, and personality worship take root in society, it loses its direction. This must be considered a psychological, social, and intellectual epidemic. Especially in societies with a high proportion of multi-religious populations and a…

During my school years, especially in the early grades, I was quite lazy when it came to writing. One could say I didn’t take academics too seriously back then. When I entered the fifth grade, the curriculum had become more advanced. The studies started to feel heavy for my age. Along with schoolwork, teachers had…

Just as the Indian is known across the world for intelligence and skill, he is also recognized as a true food lover. For us Indians, eating is not just a habit—it is a part of our culture. Before we even think of traveling away from our hometown, the first thing we consider is: “Will we…

“Fifty-eight” — yesterday,Since morning,Puffed his cheeksAnd sat beside my pillow.I too sat silentlyAvoiding his gazeFor a while. Then he broke the silenceAnd asked me:“Didn’t you noticeAnything differentIn me?” I said,“Fifty-seven or fifty-eight,Once this year ends, it’ll be sixty anyway!” A bit annoyed,He said,“So we’re justTo be usedFor counting years…?” To calm things down,I replied, half-heartedly,“Not…

April 11. Today, I turn 58. As I say these words, a flood of memories, incidents, struggles, victories, defeats, tears, and laughter rushes before my eyes all at once. This stage of life feels like a beautiful turning point—one from which I can look back at any time and yet continue forward with renewed purpose.…

When we stand facing the sun, our shadow falls behind us — while this may be a truth, it is only a half-truth. As the position of the sun changes, so does the position of the shadow. When the sun is overhead, the shadow rests at our feet; and when the sun moves behind us,…