Journey is equally important as Goal.

 July 9, 2025

"It’s not about how you start that is important, but how well you finish"—this is how a piece in the Times of India began, celebrating Novak Djokovic’s triumph as he advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals on 7th July. Undoubtedly, the axiom is inspiring and motivating, and perhaps very fitting to highlight the player’s accomplishment.

But this reflection isn’t about Novak or his victory. What struck me were those opening lines. Somehow, I felt it carries a slightly negative undertone. I firmly believe that it is not only the one who achieves the goal who deserves accolades, but also those who walk alongside, compete, and challenge, contributing meaningfully to that success. No athlete breaks world records in isolation. It is the presence of worthy competitors pushing one another to their limits that brings out the best in them.

The same applies beyond sports. In any field, there may be only one who finishes first, but countless others work just as hard, creating the environment, the competition, and the drive that enable that singular achievement.

What we must also learn to appreciate and celebrate with equal enthusiasm, is the journey itself. If we keep glorifying only the "firsts," it will breed destructive competition. Cooperation and collaboration will suffer, and people will focus on creating blockades to make others stumble instead of lifting themselves higher. We should cultivate a mindset where success is measured by drawing a longer line, not by erasing someone else’s.

This thought process must be instilled in our children, and it begins with our educators. Why should a teacher recognize students solely based on academic scores? Classrooms, workplaces, and every other sphere should foster an atmosphere where effort, progress, and integrity are valued and celebrated. When we do this, we will begin to see excellence flourish everywhere.

Sadly, in today’s world, the phrase ‘cutthroat competition’ is taken literally. Competitors are so focused on suffocating others efforts that they lose sight of refining their own skills. The emphasis shifts from honing one’s abilities to harming another’s spirit.

It’s time for some introspection. Let’s bring about the changes needed in our mindset and lifestyle, and walk the path toward becoming a true Vishwa Guru—a global leader not just in success, but in values.

Morning sickness.

 July 11, 2025.

Is ‘morning sickness’ a state of mind or a symptom of an ailing body? Answering this question is no easy task. The state of mind drives the body. It holds the power to heal, to push the boundaries of consciousness, and to fight anything and everything. Yet, some would argue, “illness kills your spirit and corrupts your state of mind.”

As an outsider, it’s easy to preach and sermonize. But confronting what happens within your own body is an entirely different battle. “The one who suffers knows best,” say those who endure disease, and no doubt, they are right. There is no point in countering their counterpoint.

But can the state of mind be steered, guided, and changed? Yes, it can. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, when we cannot control our thoughts, a change of place can help. Simply stepping out of bed, leaving the confinement of four walls, and walking in nature can shift the mood. We must realize that the comfort zones we build often turn into cages, preventing us from experiencing the goodness that surrounds us. And believe me, goodness lies all around.

Going for a morning walk, quietly appreciating the greenery, observing stray animals playfully loitering, watching people of all ages differently engaged in the ground, are all simple, beautiful things, which peps up your spirit. Have we ever noticed the countless shades of green in the leaves of different trees? Even the color of the bark varies from one tree to another.

We can transform ‘morning sickness’ into ‘morning bliss’ with just a little shift in perspective.

Try it! Step outside in the early morning. Nature is waiting to welcome you.

Lust to control in misconstrued hierarchical system.

 13th July, 2025

Control is synonymous with power in a hierarchical system.

The myth runs deep that the more control you exert over your junior colleagues, the more power you wield. First of all, let me again clarify that I don’t believe in the term subordinate, as it reminds me of the slave era. Unfortunately, we still glorify the skewed hierarchical structure in our workplaces, which fuels a bossism mindset. And to establish crude power, one often indulges in brutal control, by being offensive, abusive, and damaging to others’ self-esteem and dignity.

A couple of days ago, a discussion unfolded between colleagues who came to visit me. The topic was how to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in an organisation. One idea floated was that subordinates should always be kept guessing your mood by keeping them on edge in anticipation of the unknown. Your smile should be a premium; your frown, a warning. Another said that divide and rule is a better policy, with a belief that if you spread mistrust, people will flock to you with backbiting, and you’ll get to know everything happening in the office. Wow! That sounded like dirty politics in the workplace. Someone else suggested being completely indifferent to subordinates, so they understand you mean business and won’t tolerate non-performance.

One benevolent voice suggested, 'be democratic'. Listen to everyone, but ultimately do what you think is right.

Different models were propagated to manage an office. There may be many more, as handling situations is often circumstantial.

What struck me throughout the discussion was that no one talked about seeing colleagues as people, to be precise as human beings like yourself. The entire conversation was self-centric: What should I do? No one spoke of understanding the colleague as a person, of wanting to learn about their background and mental state in order to allocate work based on strengths and weaknesses.

We proudly say: learn to separate personal and professional life. But is that really possible? Can someone battling domestic turbulence remain unaffected at work? Can someone struggling under the weight of debt remain composed? Can the loss of a loved one not affect performance? We must realise that what happens outside the workplace often carries into it, and leaders must acknowledge and appreciate that. They must sound supportive and compassionate.

It should not be the mood of the boss that should dictate work culture. The work culture should be defined by the collective mood of all present and working.

We should understand that an organisation is not a battleground for a power game. It is a space where common goals are set, and everyone plays their part to achieve them, together.

Defence and 'bloody civilian' attitude- colonial hangover.

 July 16th, 2025. 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a very elegant and enriching book launch event. During the discussion, the author shared her views on canines, both as companions and as a menace. The author, a senior citizen and the wife of a retired senior army officer, candidly expressed her thoughts, highlighting how pet dogs are splendid while stray dogs pose a menace. She had many examples to quote.

While describing, she narrated a particularly interesting story, on how once, an army guard complained to her that the “civilian dogs” were responsible for spreading dirt everywhere. The term “civilian dogs” referred, of course, to stray dogs. We all burst into laughter. But on second thought, the remark sounded both ridiculous and offensive, reflecting a certain mindset on the part of the guard.

Many of us have either personally heard or seen in films the casual use of the phrase “bloody civilians” by defence services personnel. This mindset seems to stem from a colonial-era attitude that labeled local Indian citizens as “bloody natives,” or “bloody Indians”, a legacy that, in some ways, continued within the forces as “bloody civilians.”

Armed forces personnel are exceptionally punctual, disciplined, and known for their chivalry, exemplary qualities that often place them on a different pedestal from others. But does this distinction extend beyond the boundaries of the cantonment? Or does the culture of elevating themselves above the common citizen still persist in their demeanor?

I have numerous friends who are senior army officers, and they are among the most polite, humble, and respectful individuals I know. I don’t sense that archaic mindset lingering among them. However, even they acknowledge that, in yesteryears, a clear line was drawn between the military and civilian world, both in professional and personal life. They also admitted that anyone who continues to harbor anti-civilian sentiments today would struggle to adapt to life after hanging up their boots.

Those boundaries have now largely dissolved. This is what a vibrant, robust democracy brings forth, enabling institutional cultures to shed colonial legacies and encourage the building of more synergetic, respectful relationships.

It ultimately stems from the reality that everyone, regardless of professional background, emerges from the same so-called civilian community. And that is exactly where they will return, time and again, during service and certainly after retirement. Thus, this demarcation holds no relevance, except within the scope of core professional operations.

Mental Health issues in Youth and support system

 July 20, 2025

Last night, one of my son’s friends had a mental breakdown. He is a 21-year-old young man. Around midnight, he began frantically ringing the call bell. When I went to attend to him, he appeared visibly disturbed. My son, who is 19, had gone to a classmate’s birthday party. I informed the boy of this. He left quietly, but returned again at 5 a.m., persistently pressing the bell.

We later learned he had been sitting on the stairs since 3 a.m., waiting for the clock’s arm to strike 5. When my wife opened the door, he rushed into my son’s bedroom and sat on his bed for a while, though our son kept sleeping. With great difficulty, he confided to my wife that things were not well at home. A loner, struggling in a difficult nuclear family setup with broken parental ties, he was finding it hard to cope. He longed for a safe space, but his mind wandered endlessly, making him restless and hyper.

He left soon after, but kept returning every half hour. Each time, we offered him water and tried to comfort him. We made it a point to show affection and warmth every time he walked in. This was a boy we had watched grow up with our son. He was an ardent cricket fan, a cheerful boy and always had a joking presence, but was now visibly distressed and deeply troubled.

We could see his condition deteriorating; his mental health issues were escalating. When we woke our son, he told us that at around 12:30 in the night, he had found him loitering aimlessly in the colony. He had walked him back to his house, but the boy was uncontrollable. We later came to know that he was suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), schizophrenia, and a few other mental health conditions. All these diseases were diagnosed in a year’s time. Our son, his closest friend, had moved to Hyderabad to pursue engineering, and the other two friends had also moved away. The boy was perhaps left without close companionship to share or process his trauma.

I want to share this incident for two reasons. First, to emphasise that when someone struggling with mental health issues reaches out, if even at odd hours, please don’t ignore or judge them. They are not trying to disturb you; they are desperate and seeking help. Be kind, be generous. That compassion might ease their distress and prevent them from taking an extreme step. You never know that your concern, or even one sleepless night (which we often sacrifice for parties), could end up saving a life. One of my friends remarked, "In Delhi, no one cares. But you stayed with him through the night when even his parents didn’t." Perhaps it’s our profession in the police services that has made us more sensitive to such situations.

The second reason I write this is to urge parents to understand that their conflicts, no matter how trivial or grave, leave lasting scars on their children’s minds. Parents may reconcile later, or separate, but the damage to the child is often permanent and irreversible. The harm inflicted can be so deep that it may ruin a child’s future. Being a parent doesn’t give anyone the right to emotionally wreck their child. Parents must be sensitive and responsible.

I was deeply moved by the boy’s suffering, and I feel a sense of guilt and shame for failing a wonderful young lad. Let us start realizing our role in the community, as a parent or as a responsible citizen. Please extend yourself in case you come across a troubled youngster.

Trump's 'tongue in cheek' statements

 1st August, 2025

Today, newspapers are flooded with a tongue-in-cheek statement by President Trump, calling India a "dead economy." Are such remarks impulsive outbursts, or are they calculated moves in diplomacy with long-term implications? Wasn’t it the same person who, until recently, was full of praise for the Indian economy? Were we not celebrated for being the 5th largest economy in the world, with projections to surpass a few more nations soon?

U-turns and knee-jerk reactions are perhaps best avoided in matters of foreign policy. Every word uttered by global leaders carries long-term ramifications. Such statements provoke strong emotional reactions among the citizens of the targeted country, especially for Indians when they come in the context of aligning with a nation like Pakistan, widely recognized as a breeding ground for terrorism, currently grappling with internal unrest and teetering on the brink of economic collapse.

It is, therefore, difficult to believe that this statement was politically sanctioned or diplomatically vetted before being made public.

Another striking aspect is that such a statement comes from the head of a nation whose economy significantly benefits from the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Whether in Silicon Valley, multinational corporations, medicine, hospitality, academia, R&D, or other sectors, the Indian community’s impact is undeniable.

Consider how Israel remains relatively immune to external pressure due to the unwavering loyalty of the Jewish diaspora. Now imagine if the Indian diaspora were to emotionally react to such callous and casual remarks, and start questioning their contributions in building US economy. It would certainly not bode well for the United States.

I may not be an expert in international affairs, but I do know this much that statements like these leave a bitter aftertaste.

Creative and critical thinking

 August 3, 2025

I came across an interesting video on social media that claimed Richard Branson started an airline with no money. The video explained how his creative thinking, persistence, and perseverance enabled him to achieve this. While I can’t verify the authenticity of the story, the explanation offered feels both promising and plausible.

I’m certainly not inspired to start my own airline, but it does reinforce my belief that critical and creative thinking can help you achieve almost anything. Often, we lose our way because the power of creative thinking is underestimated, overshadowed by market forces, which declares such thinking to be illusory or even delusional. Creativity often seems like it comes from a hypothetical world born of wild imagination.

Yet, the sci-fi films of the past imagined technologies and ideas that have now become reality. Today’s world is a manifestation of those creative thinkers who dared to dream. Creative and critical thinking draw power from the universe, whether through the law of attraction or simply by the force of belief.

What’s required is faith in your own thinking. Don’t question your imagination. Have patience, keep pursuing your vision, and success will eventually follow.

Trimming and Tree felling.

 August 10, 2025

Life is full of contradictions, ironies, and paradoxes. In the monsoon, the whole nation embarks on plantation drives. Saplings leave nurseries like hotcakes. It’s the time to celebrate lush greenery, when even the driest patch of land offers some foliage in homage to the rain god. An aerial view of the country during monsoon is breathtaking with a vast, vibrant green landmass. Nature is in full bloom.

Yet the irony is, we are unclear about our intentions. Do we truly want a greener planet, or is planting saplings simply fashionable? Social media erupts in applause the moment you showcase how “environment-friendly” you are. The paradox is that we plant a sapling while cutting down a mature tree at the same time.

It’s disheartening to see authorities like local government bodies, resident welfare associations, and the like, engaged in tree felling under the guise of trimming. Years of growth are destroyed in seconds on trivial and absurd pretexts: a branch might one day touch an electricity wire, it could fall on a valuable car, or grass isn’t growing beneath it. Seriously? Are these excuses even tenable? And notice, this wisdom always surfaces during the cloudy season. As soon as the monsoon sets in, we conveniently forget the wrath of the summer sun.

We fail to appreciate that India is a warm, sunny country, with eight to nine months of sunshine in most regions. Summers are so harsh that even the shade of a few leaves feels like a blessing. Yet we sacrifice vast, cooling canopies to suit our immediate whims. Boulevards are stripped bare, and if you object, you’re told, “Trees are like hair and they grow back.” Wow. What an analogy. Trees are our lungs, protect us from heat, bring rain, and sustain life for birds, animals, bees, and countless other species. They are the foundation of the life cycle. They are not comparable to hair. Trees don’t grow back in weeks, it takes generations. I would like draw everyone’s attention, we don’t ‘plant a tree’ but we ‘plant a sapling’, and for it to grow into a tree it takes a lifetime.

And please, don’t justify cutting a mature tree by claiming you’re planting saplings in its place. A sapling is never a substitute for a full-grown tree. We have already uprooted enough to endanger our species and destabilize the environment, inviting disaster.

Strict action is needed now, or we will be become a curse for the next generation. Food for thought.

AI planned tourism

August 11, 2025. 

Yesterday, I was planning my holiday with some friends. One of them politely asked, “Can I help you plan? I’ve just come back from a trip abroad, and it was extremely smooth. Everything was micro-planned like what tourist destinations to visit, what to eat, where to stay, which vehicle to board, and so on. It was hassle-free and stress-free.” I was amazed. Then he confessed that AI had planned it for him.

Wow! Doesn’t that defeat the very purpose of a holiday? Holidays are meant to explore new places and food, walk aimlessly, talk randomly with people, get exposed to new cultures, and learn and unlearn. A short holiday can give you a true picture of a place, if it remains unplanned.

I wondered what an AI-guided visit to Bhopal would be like. It would suggest established tourist spots like Bharat Bhavan, Tribal Museum, Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Boat Club, Taj-ul-Masjid, and other digitally promoted places. But visiting only such places isn’t tourism. True exploration is walking through the by-lanes of old Bhopal, climbing hilltops to see the city lights, sitting on the rocks behind Ashoka Lake View Hotel to watch the Boat Club lights reflected in the water, strolling in Ekant Park or Van Vihar, or cycling beyond the SAI Sports Academy.

Who would tell visitors that eating bhutta (corn) by Shapura Lake, chaat from the 6 No. Chaat Corner, non-vegetarian delicacies from a small shop in Bairagarh, poha and jalebi from MP Nagar kiosks, or samosa-kachori from TT Nagar New Market offers a joy you can’t imagine, and a real taste of the city’s culture?

A city looks entirely different in the quiet hours of the morning and in the lively evenings. I make it a point to walk for kilometers in the early morning when the city sleeps, then wander aimlessly in the evenings when everything is lit up. I have experienced Vienna, Venice, and many other foreign cities this way, on foot.

So, I’ve decided I will use AI only to highlight possible places to visit. But the actual trip will remain unguided and unplanned. I’ll let the locals tell me which places to explore and experience. And a humble suggestion all travelers.

Difference between a Religious preacher, a Spiritual leader, a Philsopher, a Guru and a Spiritual Guru

August 19, 2025.

During one of my travels recently, I got engaged in an avid, animated discussion with a couple of my friends, hailing from the South and North of India, making it more meaningful and diverse. The discussion was to figure out the difference between a Religious Preacher, a Spiritual Leader, a Philosopher and a Guru. It is a subject which we normally don’t discuss—or should I say avoid discussing—as you never know when you may go wrong or be wronged. We were daring to analyse some of the Babas and Gurus whom many followed, but not for their strength or expertise in certain field, but merely because they often mentioned God. The discussion, as ever, was open-ended and never concluded with any common ground. But the area of non-unanimity was very perplexing and interesting. Everyone scored equally, with vehement defense of their POVs.

Here I would reflect on my own views. There is nothing wrong or right, but my understanding and opinion about the terms and their roles.

A Religious Preacher is one who is well-versed with religious rituals and has knowledge of religious scriptures. A learned preacher would also analyze and reflect on his understanding of the scriptures. The person has to be a good orator and communicator, so that the audience understands their preaching and follows it. A religious preacher may not necessarily be spiritually evolved. A preacher may glorify the virtues of religious sermons, but may fail to live the sermonized life. Rituals without meaningful and mindful execution may not elevate one spiritually. But they owe respect for their knowledge in specific field. They can lead to ones elevation to higher level in thoughts and actions.

A Spiritual Leader is one who talks about spirituality, professes, and propagates the spiritual spirit. Again, the question remains if a spiritual leader would be spiritually evolved. Not necessarily. There is a difference between practice and preaching, between doing and discussing. A spiritual leader may talk about the path to spiritual moksha, but may have never tread upon it. He may advocate its efficacy to relieve oneself from worldly pains but still crave materialistic aggrandizement. One can meditate for hours, claim to have cleansed the body, and say to have left the body to watch it from outside, but still, in actuality, be shackled to the body, which they say is a mere vehicle of the soul in the current life, and fall prey to satiating its desires. That doesn’t mean that they are not good. They should be followed for what they are good in. For showing right direction. Valmiki became a saint for merely taking the cue.

A Philosopher is a person who tries to put logic into everything through his own philosophies. A philosopher is full of wisdom, witty, an excellent communicator, magical in words, with exemplary elocution. He gives meaning to everything, quoting others or using his own wits. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the person is spiritually evolved. Nor does it mean that they cannot be spiritually evolved. A philosopher has to be respected for their sharp analytical mind, which can encourage one to think out of the box.

Now, the Guru. A Guru is one who shows the path, helps to understand, and clears doubts. He is basically a navigator, a master in that field—though it could be any field. Guru is such a popular word that even criminals call their teachers or bosses “Guru.” The term Guru certainly doesn’t indicate spirituality.

However, when we talk about a spiritual guru, they have to be an evolved person. A spiritual guru has to be a Saint. A person who may or may not be an ardent religious practitioner can be a saint. Spiritually evolved people will never be swayed by materialistic or worldly things. They do not amass wealth to create their kingdom. They change hearts of masses. They interact with same spirit with everyone, irrespective of how influential a person is. The connection of the Guru is with higher power, with a complete realization that worldly things are temporary, mortal, and immaterial in life. When we talk about worldly things, it involves discrimination between success and failure, happiness and sorrow, love and hate, friend and foe, rich and poor, life and death. Either of these life situations does not instigate emotions in a spiritual person. Everything is looked upon with the same spirit. A spiritual guru will be bereft of any influence attached to the dichotomies mentioned above. Everything and anything, at any time, is the same for them. They remain unperturbed, uninfluenced, and impartial. They are masters of the skill of detachment in attachment, and attachment in detachment. They are for everyone, and they are for none.

Forest Bathing

 ‘Shinrin Yoku’ is a Japanese concept for forest bathing. It is a therapy using nature to cure mental and spiritual issues.

When we use the term ‘bath’ conventionally, the pictures we can imagine are of splashing water under a shower, drenching oneself by pouring a mug full of water lifted from a bucket (the majority of Indians use this method to bathe). Adventurous guys may dance under a tubewell or submerge in a pond or river to bathe. Everything is to cleanse your dirty body with water, and the latter part may include some fun component as well.

Sunbath is another concept to burn your skin for vitamin D and capture the heat on winter days. Both bathing modes have a relaxing component as well.

Forest bathing is a very interesting concept. It cleanses your mind and soul amidst nature. You do not bathe here in a conventional sense. You bathe your mind and soul in the music of wilderness, in the sound of nature, in the absence of you but the presence of everything else. The songs of birds orchestrated by the beating drums of leaves dancing to the tune of the breeze, the crushing leaves under the hooves of animals, the melody created by insects, everything drenches your spirit and soul. You bathe under the shadow of trees, the filtered sunlight, drooping drops of morning dew, the entwined branches, the harmony of togetherness of fauna and flora, the overall drawings on the canvas of wilderness. Mind it, forest bathing is not scouting for wild animals; instead, it is hunting for stillness in you. Forest bathing is therapeutic and curative. Embrace nature, and you will find the true meaning of yourself.