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Learning respect (Advice to my kids)

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  Disclaimer- This post is part of the trait-series-for-kids, which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from the almighty that our kids have a simple and magical life. The contents of the series are the outcome of some research, readings, first-hand experiences, and self-reflection. Dear Filhos (sons in Portuguese ), As you are growing, you are beginning to understand what it feels like to be “liked” and “appreciated.” Sometimes, you might find yourself changing your behaviour to fit what others want, just so that “the feeling” of being respected and being heard stays with you. But kidos, here is something important to remember: “ being liked ”, “being appreciated”, or “being called” are not the same as “being respected”. Keep in mind that being respected is a higher level of appreciation and admiration. It doesn’t come from just anyone, and it’s not about money or social status . True respe...
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Book review - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

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The latest read is a work of literature and philosophy, believed to be one of the suberb portrayals of the human psyche and emotions by 18th-century Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky , titled Crime and Punishment . Crime and Punishment is an unparalleled tale of suspense set amidst nineteenth-century Russia ’s troubled transition to the modern age. It features an engaging blend of intrigue, philosophy, political, social, moral, and religious commentary that all thread together to create literature that captures the deep, raw core of the human condition when it is at its most gruesome and vulnerable stage. The novel's roughly 750 pages explore themes of murder (crime) and redemption (punishment). It broadly has two parts: one following the inner turmoil of a murderer, Raskolnikov , and the other chronicling the melancholic destruction of a family due to a flighty, alcoholic patriarch, social norms, and other factors. Each character is carefully balanced with their foil, with unique...
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And they are leaving (My Old-soul Twinkle)

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Disclaimer: This new series, “My Old-soul Twinkle,” is my heartfelt attempt to capture the endless stream of thoughts racing through my mind. At times, these musings may seem confusing—or even a little "out there"—but I genuinely welcome your counterpoints and insights. Dive in and share your thoughts! Recently, at Delhi Airport , while waiting for my flight, I overheard (unintentionally, obviously!) the conversation of two gentlemen. The discussion transpired as “I have been asking my grandson to be serious for the business babu bhai , but it seems his dedication is more towards his mobile screen than to the galla (business). Yesterday, I asked him to clear the accounts of creditors , and today, when I asked about the status, he said, 'kaka, abhi karta hoo'. Kal time nai mila.’ Why is he not sincere? He is just daydreaming, trying to bring in significant concepts of environmental protection and health consciousness . He seems to talk only; I am still baffled about w...
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And soon Local Trains vanished (My Old Soul Twinkle series)

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Disclaimer: This new series, “My Old-soul Twinkle,” is my heartfelt attempt to capture the endless stream of thoughts racing through my mind. At times, these musings may seem confusing—or even a little "out there"—but I genuinely welcome your counterpoints and insights. Dive in and share your thoughts! While recently travelling inside Mumbai ( an attempt to make friends with Mumbai ), I saw the contrast between local trains and metros . While local trains represent the old speed of Mumbai—the lifeline of the city—the metros, with their sleek elegance and silence, are quietly becoming part of Mumbaikars ' journeys, trying to vibe along with the city's pulse. And the day is not far, like the days of the post office, when the local trains soon vanished from the geography of Mumbai for the better!! My life has seen the “gone” of many things like black & white TVs, the vibrant playgrounds, the genuine smiles, the neighborhood chitchat, mothers’ genuine love and care,...
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Birth-day revelations 2025- New year resolution 2026

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  Compromise is a heavy term. It embodies the delicate balance of negotiating differing perspectives, where both sides willingly make sacrifices to reach a mutual agreement. In my life, on one side stand my past beliefs & experiences and on the other side are the recent scenarios. Past beliefs are accompanied by fear of the future and presumed warnings, while current ones pose questions about unpredictable changes with no immediate answers. The weight of the past and present has profoundly unsettled me, sending ripples through my very core. Nothing major has happened; it's about observing the little things. So, my life is at a point where many illusionary paths and options seem to appear, but the clear one is nowhere to be seen. Where childhood beliefs and long-held concepts are being challenged by my inner self, and sometimes I find them unfounded or without solid ground. Essentially, it’s a disorienting experience that has left me feeling lost and adrift, struggling with a ...
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Book Review- Before We say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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  The 4th novel in the series, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, left me with a sense of hope and a magical experience.  (For reference: 1st - Before Coffee Gets Cold , 2nd- Tales from Cafe , 3rd-  Before your memory fades ) The regulars at Café Funiculi Funicula ( and regular readers ) are familiar with its whimsical ability to take them on a journey into the past—along with the strict rules involved, including that each traveller must return to the present before their coffee gets cold. This collection also features four remarkable stories of grief, closure, pain, and life: The Husband with Something Important Left to Say, The Woman Who Couldn’t Bid Her Dog Farewell, The Woman Who Couldn’t Answer a Proposal, and The Daughter Who Drove Her Father Away. Again, a heartwarming read that can be devoured in one day or savoured chapter by chapter. This saga has an interesting ending!! Quotes- “It is up to each individual to decide how they feel about the words of others and what a...
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Wild horse effect - Story of a day

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  On a thrilling, cloudy morning in Mumbai, the skies opened up with heavy rains, declaring it a perfect “rainy-day” at school. Since the school was closed and the office was open, we had to make a decision. Due to our prior commitment, we decided to leave the kids at home with clear instructions, a mobile phone, and plenty of food. We felt confident they would use this vacant-home feeling with little adventure at home! However, as the day progressed, the rain underwent a drastic change, and there were alerts for flooding. And on top of this, the phone calls to home went unanswered. My heart sank . After the fifth call went unanswered, I began my worry-filled journey back home. I asked my neighbour to check in, and she also rang the doorbell, but no one answered. My taxi driver was hesitant to take the main road due to severe waterlogging and dropped me about 2 km away from home. I was in such a state of panic that I didn’t even think about the potholes or bumpy roads. I just went...
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