In a world fixated on views, likes, and clicks, it’s easy to believe that impact as a writer is about captivating the largest possible audience. Everywhere you look, there’s advice on how to make your content “go viral” or boost engagement metrics. But for those of us who write to make sense of the … [Read more...]
Rediscovering the Soul of Art in Our Busy Lives: My tribute to Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde
Earlier today, reading about Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde - a true pioneer in Indian abstract art - was both inspiring and humbling. It was a reminder of how we often overlook one of the most enriching aspects of our lives: art. Coming from India, the land of my origin, I was struck by how little I knew … [Read more...]
The Light We Carry: Illuminating Our Lives This Diwali and Beyond
Today, as we celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights - a festival we all know for its radiant lamps and shimmering lights - I invite you to reflect on the light within each of us and the boundless promise of new beginnings we all carry with us. Diwali has, for centuries, symbolized the triumph of … [Read more...]
A Heartfelt Tribute: Honoring Bharat Rudra’s Lifetime of Giving
This Thursday evening, Bharat Rudra received the "2024 Lifetime Achievement Award" from Volunteer Ottawa at the vOscars Awards. It was a deeply meaningful night, as I finally had the chance to shine a light on a man who has quietly devoted his entire life to uplifting our community. This award … [Read more...]
12 Subtle Signs of a Life in Harmony: Guide Posts for My Own Journey
There comes a point in life when you no longer feel like you're chasing something. Not success, not validation, not even happiness. Instead, you wake up one day with a sense of ease - a deep breath that tells you you're in the right place. It's the moment where the pursuit ends, and fulfillment … [Read more...]
The Unraveling: Embracing the End of Idealized Bonds
The belief that friendships last forever is a comforting one, especially in our youth. It gives us a sense of security and connection, something we naturally carry as we grow. When you left your childhood friends behind in India, those bonds felt unbreakable. But what you carried with you was not … [Read more...]
The Joy of Writing: Why I Write and How It Shapes My World
Writing, for me, is not just an act - it's a process of discovery, a way to engage with the thoughts that live deep within and bring them to light. It starts with a quiet impulse, something that’s been gathering for years, lying in wait until the moment feels right. Then, in a sudden rush, words … [Read more...]
Plant Trees, Not Landmines: The Leadership Choice You Make Every Day
In life, we walk paths without fully considering the impact of each step. And with every decision, we either create smoother journeys for others or leave obstacles behind. This is not just a metaphor for leadership - it’s a reflection of how we shape the spaces around us. Those in positions of … [Read more...]
Starting with WHY: An Engineer’s View of How to Make Sense of Life
Life, like engineering, is full of complexities. But over time, I’ve learned that the real challenge isn't in solving the problems themselves - it’s in understanding why they exist in the first place. For me, this principle of starting with "why" isn’t just a tool in my professional toolkit as an … [Read more...]
I Refuse to Be Color Coded: A Non-Partisan Speaking Up
In a world where everything seems divided into boxes, shades, and factions, standing on your own, as a non-partisan, feels like an act of defiance. Today, we live in an era where the expectation is that you should color yourself, label yourself, and declare your loyalty to a side. People ask where … [Read more...]