Category: Human

The Next Generation of Soulful Singing

I'm a hardcore music lover and enjoyer of live music performances. There was a time when I used to visit every restaurant in Mumbai that had live music. My all-time favorite was a restaurant named Golden Chariot near the domestic airport. The restaurant had live music on weekends. I and my friends sued to visit … Continue reading The Next Generation of Soulful Singing

Why Did Tagore Call Gandhi a Mahatma?

This blog post is correlated to my other blog post called Gandhi and Me. You can't read this one without reading the other one. They both are complementary, they both complete each other. Well, you all know that it was Tagore who gave Gandhi the tag of Mahatma but no one knows why. I was … Continue reading Why Did Tagore Call Gandhi a Mahatma?

Lessons From the Indian Globetrotter

The world is a book and he who doesn’t travel only reads one page. This popular quote — from I don't know who — always ignites my heart. It makes me think again and again. As a child, I used to dream of traveling to far away places. I'd this plastic globe kept in a … Continue reading Lessons From the Indian Globetrotter

Ghazal, Fame and Tragedy

I don't think any music lover would need the introduction of Jagit Singh and Chitra Singh. This duo was the most popular one in the 70s-80s in the world of non-film music; especially ghazal. Jagjit Singh is the man who simplified and popularized this genre of music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__uS4BJ9MK8 I don't know of any family who didn't … Continue reading Ghazal, Fame and Tragedy

The YOLO Ambassador

How many times in life have you heard your heart? How many times have you followed it? How many of us have a bucket list in life? How many of us tick the done ones? I guess, for most of us, the number is short. There're various reasons for not listening and following the heart. Each of … Continue reading The YOLO Ambassador

The Generation X Grew Up on Her Nursery Rhymes

I was born in 1979 and went to a convent school in Mumbai. I loved poems and stories, and my teachers and parents found that it was a better way to teach me stuff. Singing nursery rhymes and songs to children, as young as babies, can help develop their language and communication skills from an early age. In … Continue reading The Generation X Grew Up on Her Nursery Rhymes

3 Legends Who Changed the World Using Technology and Storytelling

These three are one of my favorite innovators of all time. They did something that no one did before. From screen left, you can see Edwin Catmull, Steve Jobs and John Lasseter in one frame—an epic. These three are the pioneers of 3D animation in the world. Together, they used computer technology to create stories … Continue reading 3 Legends Who Changed the World Using Technology and Storytelling

Meet A Simple Man With a Master Plan

In 1995, Dr. Dre caste his spell with the song — who’s the man with a master plan? A nigga with a mother fucking gun. Gangsta rap was a rage and these lyrics got imprinted on my mind; it’s still there. It was around the same time that I entered college life. My college was in the south of Mumbai. I … Continue reading Meet A Simple Man With a Master Plan

Mind Is Your Greatest Power, Use It Well

कहती है ये नज़र, कब क्या होगा किधर | दुनिया मैं चंद लोग, होते है जादूगर | This couplet from Hindi film Apna Desh tells about people who are a magician in real life. These are simple people who are around you but you don’t even know their magical presence. They transform the world into a … Continue reading Mind Is Your Greatest Power, Use It Well

The Universal Relative

It was 1995, and I'd just started college. My college was a nice little place near the Arabian sea. No words can describe the goodness of college life — pretty girls, fast cars, food, parties, madness, fun, and all of that. That which can be told. I made some really good friends in the first years itself … Continue reading The Universal Relative

This Cute Santa Gives Irrespective of Christmas

In 2000, I started my career as a junior computer graphic artist in a small but popular film studio; in Mumbai. I was hardly 21; naive, dumb, and half-mad. The atmosphere was quite lively; songs and songs in all the rooms of the studio. The studio made a lot of promotional videos for upcoming Bollywood films. I was … Continue reading This Cute Santa Gives Irrespective of Christmas

The Real Example of Being the Change

Some people in the world just discuss ideas, some discuss people who discuss ideas, some just dream for change, and some, only the blessed ones, be the change. The hero of this blog post is one such blessed human. I met Archis Bhide in 2001. We were working on the same project; in different departments. … Continue reading The Real Example of Being the Change

The Man With a Deadly Combination of Goodness

In 2000, I started my career as a junior computer graphic artist in a small but popular film studio; in Mumbai. I was hardly 21; naive, dumb, and half-mad. Where's Bunty?He's in smoke. This is the first conversation I heard on the first day of my job; offered by the HOD of computer graphic and … Continue reading The Man With a Deadly Combination of Goodness

The Couple With the Cutest Smile on Earth

Tears are falling from my eyes as I'm writing this blog post. I'm experiencing this the first time. No, no. this isn't tears of joy or pain. Actually, I'd a pickle for lunch and didn’t wash my hands properly. I just rubbed my eyes and so the chili is hurting my right eye. I ain't … Continue reading The Couple With the Cutest Smile on Earth

A Guiding Star From the Days of Past Glory

2017 has been a year of action. A lot happened over coffee, tea, internet, and mainly WhatsApp; since we made a college group. Just in case you’re wondering which college? The incredible Jai Hind College in SOBO; fondly and wrongly called the town! I met many long-lost friends and made some new ones. There're quite a few who I never met … Continue reading A Guiding Star From the Days of Past Glory

The Inspiring Story of a Multi-Talented Marathon Queen

There're a lot of marathons — suddenly — happening in India for a few years. Everyone is running; minus me. I kind of like walking more but that’s a topic for another blog post that is coming soon. I've always been curious to learn more about this sport and after a little research, I found this … Continue reading The Inspiring Story of a Multi-Talented Marathon Queen

She and Her Friends Saved My Life In Assam

I recently visited the beautiful city of Guwahati for a project and to do heart-to-heart communication with our sisters and brothers from the north-east part of India. We, from this part of the country, are quite ignorant and seldom connect with people from faraway places; in India. We've got friends from across the globe but rarely from … Continue reading She and Her Friends Saved My Life In Assam

She’s Making Young Girls Believe In Themselves

I recently visited the beautiful city of Shillong for a project and to do heart-to-heart communication with our sisters and brothers from the north-east part of India. We, from this part of the country, are quite ignorant and seldom connect with people from faraway places; in India. We've got friends from across the globe but rarely from … Continue reading She’s Making Young Girls Believe In Themselves

While My Parents Were Dying, I Was Living on Her TV Serial

It was during 1995 when Ravi Rai — the man who revolutionized Indian television — launched Sailaab on Zee TV. This television serial took away the hearts of millions of youth; including me. I was just 15 then, fresh in college and the zephyr — sorry, but I just got to know about this word and … Continue reading While My Parents Were Dying, I Was Living on Her TV Serial

She’s Not My Better Half, But Equal Half

This blog post is a special one. It’s on the energy and inspiration that made me create this blog in 2017. Any guesses? यह तो यारों सबको पता है,वह तो मेरे दिल में रहता है | If your answer is my wife, maybe you’re right to an extent but not exactly right. She’s more of … Continue reading She’s Not My Better Half, But Equal Half

India’s New Superhero With Mental Superpowers

I met Mohit Rao some years back regarding a project which never turned into a reality. But something else happened. I came to know a peculiar human and I never knew such a human existed in India. I'd read about various peculiar people from different countries but met someone who uses the power of the … Continue reading India’s New Superhero With Mental Superpowers

The Veteran Healer in God’s Own Country

In 2001, I was on a short sabbatical and traveling to New Delhi from Mumbai; on the train. Our Indian trains are one of the wonders of the world. If you don’t believe me, get on it once. Nothing bad, it’s just really a joyful roller-coaster ride. I was traveling in class II sleeper coach where there're … Continue reading The Veteran Healer in God’s Own Country

The Boss Who Never Was

Hey, don't call me sir, my name is Arish. You can call me that. These are the first words I heard from this man on my first day of job in the animation studio I worked for 10 years. Man, those were the days. Past glory but it was for real. I was damn excited because it was a Hollywood … Continue reading The Boss Who Never Was

The Only Friend I Asked For an Autograph

It was the first day of junior college in 1995. The college was a beautiful one near the Arabian Sea in Mumbai. I was quite anxious as college life was completely a new universe for me. I came from a low-income family from far suburb and the college was filled with children from the elite … Continue reading The Only Friend I Asked For an Autograph

70-Year Young Boy From My School

As I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but wait. WTF am I talking? This is the lyrics of Gangsta's Paradise not what I wanted to say. This year ending madness is playing tricks on my mind. Let's start afresh. As I walked through the premises of my school, many memories met … Continue reading 70-Year Young Boy From My School

At 83, This Man Younger Than Most of Us

Friendship doesn't see border, culture, caste, creed, race, gender, and age. I am a witness to all of it and this time, especially with age. It isn't usual for me to connect with someone so elder to me. But it happened; somehow. Maybe there's a divine design. Maybe there's something else. Maybe, there's nothing. Whatever, … Continue reading At 83, This Man Younger Than Most of Us

The Queen of Good Times

Some memories are gone, some remain. Some memories are joy, some are pain. Some memories are hurtful desert, some are rain. I found one memory — in the form of human — after 22 years. Do you know WTF am I talking about? No, you don’t. You wouldn’t because you don’t care. You’re selfish. Just … Continue reading The Queen of Good Times

Meet the Secret Superstar of My Life

Recently, I visited my school friend Bindhya Gupta to gift her daughter — Vidhi — a present for her birthday. The meeting was beautiful but I got to know a few things that I never knew about my school friend. It all started with a conversation about my blog she likes my stuff and is … Continue reading Meet the Secret Superstar of My Life

The Man Who I Haven’t Met, Stays in My Heart

2017 has been a year of action. A lot happened over coffee, tea, internet, and mainly WhatsApp; since we made a school group. I met many long-lost friends and made some new ones. There're quite a few who I never met in school or I don't remember our acquaintance clearly. Maybe, too much alcohol has … Continue reading The Man Who I Haven’t Met, Stays in My Heart

Vitamin Sea: The Saga of a Goan Shippie

Brother, I'd extremely hard times but it's all good now. Life — and the sea — has been generous. These words are ringing in my head as I'm writing this blog post. These words are of my long-lost schoolmate — Nativity Alphonso. Rewind. It's circa 1993-94, I used to reach his home, and we use to … Continue reading Vitamin Sea: The Saga of a Goan Shippie

One Man, Four Facets

This is the story of a four-in-one man named Leon Periera from the heritage Christian village of Kurla, Mumbai. Leon was my classmate in HCHS. We'd good times together but after school, we never met until we created a school WhatsApp group; 22 years later. After we met recently, I came to know so many … Continue reading One Man, Four Facets

He Saw MAINE PYAR KIA 50 Times to Win a Challenge!

In 1989, Hindi film Maine Pyar Kia became a rage. The film is counted among the top 10 successful films of India. I was in school and we had this crazy challenge of watching the film the maximum number of times in a row. This fad was all around. I watched it 25 times. Montu watched it 50 … Continue reading He Saw MAINE PYAR KIA 50 Times to Win a Challenge!

I Write On Others, She’s the First to Write on Me

Naaz. Naaz. Naaz. I don't have words to describe here, so I don't think I am going to continue writing this blog post. I'll collect some words and get back. But wait! I'm a story-teller and I can weave a story with or without words. It's all about expression right? But this lovely woman surpasses … Continue reading I Write On Others, She’s the First to Write on Me

It’s Beautiful to Have Love as Your Name, Isn’t It Aroha?

One fortunate school friend who’s in New Zealand gave birth to a cute girl some days ago. But this is not what excited me to write this blog post but it’s what they named her and what is more exciting for me is the joy she’s going to feel by having such a name. The friend named … Continue reading It’s Beautiful to Have Love as Your Name, Isn’t It Aroha?

Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi: A Saga of Rags-to-Riches

In 1991, Hindi film Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi was a rage. Everyone was talking about the star cast and the characters in the film. The protagonist was Raghu — the same name as my dear friend Raghu Sheregar. We were busy eve-teasing him all the while and he was also enjoying it. School times were … Continue reading Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi: A Saga of Rags-to-Riches

I Found My Forgiveness After 25 Years of Disrespecting Her

As far as I remember, Almas is the only girl — after Tina and Leonie — I have troubled the most in school. I was notorious and we used to sit together in standard seven; around 1991. I don't know have happened and one day, I poked a sharp-pointed something in her arm. She cried and cried … Continue reading I Found My Forgiveness After 25 Years of Disrespecting Her

She Has a Charming Smile, Roaring Laugh, and a Magical Hug

My hands are trembling while writing this blog post because the protagonist of this blog post is a multifaceted and colorful person. She’s one of the most inspiring, funniest, brave, and influential women I've met in my life. Neelima Desai is a complete package of life within herself and she’s one of my favorite schoolmates. When … Continue reading She Has a Charming Smile, Roaring Laugh, and a Magical Hug

Meet the Man Who Inspired a Spark That Ignited Countless Hearts

I completed school in 1995 and since then wasn’t much in touch with any schoolmates. This was keeping me unhappy for many years. I'm an extremely social person and over the years also managed to build good relationships with all from the days of past glory; except schoolmates. So, I'd been thinking about ways to begin and … Continue reading Meet the Man Who Inspired a Spark That Ignited Countless Hearts

OMG! I’ve Got a Style Diva in My Friend List!

Anita! Anita! Anita! It's a new beginning of my writing style. For the first time in life, I'm giving out the name of the protagonist at the beginning itself. Why?! Because I can't resist the heat that's why. And you won't after you read this boiling blog post on her. Anita was my school friend … Continue reading OMG! I’ve Got a Style Diva in My Friend List!

The Little Saga of This Big Man

Some stories are inspiring unforgettable. Such is the story of my friend Ronak Modi; from India. I met Ronak while working in the animation studio I worked for 10 years. He joined as a junior computer graphic artist in my team. He was focused, smart, and in a rush. He had to get there soon. He was extremely passionate. This … Continue reading The Little Saga of This Big Man

He’s the Unbelievable Human-Butterfly of the 21st Century

I've known Surya Gauda from school days. We were both in one class; sometimes. I still remember his ankle-length red-gumboots. No one in the school — other than him — had the f***ing guts to wear such footwear in the school. He was a notorious backbench-er type of student. Although I was myself a second … Continue reading He’s the Unbelievable Human-Butterfly of the 21st Century

Little Mehek’s Magical Birthday Party Gave Me Many Memorable Gifts!

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by loving friends — old and new. One of them invited me to her daughter’s 10th birthday party. Actually, let me confess, I was self-invited. This friend is a special one because we were school-mates, and we met recently after 22 years of sweet-bitter separation. I … Continue reading Little Mehek’s Magical Birthday Party Gave Me Many Memorable Gifts!

I Couldn’t See the Light at the End Of Tunnel Until He Stepped Into My Life

I was working in an animation studio for 10 years and we were scheduled for a pipeline change. I was responsible for my department. Can you believe it? Me!? But it’s a truth. I was the leader of my department and we had to switch to new software for doing computer graphics. The new software was called Nuke and it … Continue reading I Couldn’t See the Light at the End Of Tunnel Until He Stepped Into My Life

The Law of Attraction Was Working For 22 Years to Make Me Talk to Her

School years were my wonder years. So much fun and joy, selfless friends, and excitement to finish school to go to college. There are so many moments that I remember. There're so many friends, crushes, affairs, and mischief that I can’t forget. But I think what I now call crush or affairs were mainly likeness … Continue reading The Law of Attraction Was Working For 22 Years to Make Me Talk to Her

He’s Isn’t Just a Star of the Millennium, In Fact a YUGPURUSH of an era

I don't think there's a real need — in this decade — to write an article about one of the greatest actors of Bollywood. There're millions of beautiful articles about Amitabh Bachchan; full of fancy words and praises or otherwise. In my blog post, I'm trying to decode this man from my perspective. I've always … Continue reading He’s Isn’t Just a Star of the Millennium, In Fact a YUGPURUSH of an era

The Only OSCAR WINNER From My Facebook Friend List

Only a few are lucky enough. I believe in the above quote to a great extent. Not everyone has the combination of talent, opportunity, hard-work, and luck. But Provash Paul really does. I met Provash while working in the animation studio I worked for 10 years.  He was in the modeling department. He was kick-ass at his art … Continue reading The Only OSCAR WINNER From My Facebook Friend List

You Won’t Believe What These 3 Adults Did to This Little Boy, It’s Shocking!

Gaurav Sharma is a college-going boy. I have known him since he was in school. He's from an economically challenged family background and some of our like-minded friends support his educational needs time-to-time. The above statement is a stereotype that you must have heard from time to time; a thousand times. Every other article talks … Continue reading You Won’t Believe What These 3 Adults Did to This Little Boy, It’s Shocking!

The Bold and Beautiful Angel From Planet Love

Here's another story out of my bag. This one is of a phenomenal, pious soul traveling since eons to spread joy, compassion, and love — and now in the form of a human named Ritika Arya. You can find several articles about her on the internet but I want to take the opportunity to write … Continue reading The Bold and Beautiful Angel From Planet Love

Not Gandhi, Not Tata, Not Tendulkar, Not Gates — My Role Model Is This Common Man

­­­­­­­­We all, usually, have a role model — a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. And, usually, that person is some popular figure in past or present history; someone prosperous or termed as successful. My role model is someone different and my definition of success is also different. I've got many role … Continue reading Not Gandhi, Not Tata, Not Tendulkar, Not Gates — My Role Model Is This Common Man

The Indian RAJ Comes to America

Surprised by the title of this blog post? Well, you ought to be but this is blog post has a twist. and believe me, it's nothing like the fraudulent British Raj. This is about creative freedom, about a creative journey; beyond borders and limits. This is about my friend, philosopher, and guide Raj Solanki who's a … Continue reading The Indian RAJ Comes to America

Meet the JUICE BARON From India

Fruits are the only nature gift we can eat naturally. Fruits have multi-benefits, like vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants and may world is moving at fast speed then to ensures we cope up with this speed we provide nutrient and healthy products to the world. Fruits are soldiers to prevent from illness naturally. It acts as a … Continue reading Meet the JUICE BARON From India

What’s Sweeter Than Belgian Chocolate? Read on to Know More

In 2009, I took a short sabbatical and visited South Africa to learn wildlife film-making. This was the first time I'd been out of county for so long. I was excited because I knew that I'm going to meet many students from different countries and befriend most of them. We were a batch of 10; … Continue reading What’s Sweeter Than Belgian Chocolate? Read on to Know More

It’s Never Too Late to Learn Photography, From a Master

I'd known Anil Patel as my senior while working in a post-production studio in Mumbai. But that was not the only side. There were more and I explored them year after year. I'd just begun my career, as a computer graphic artist, in 2000 and joined this studio. Anil was a quite senior person and … Continue reading It’s Never Too Late to Learn Photography, From a Master

This Man Built the First PC of the 21st Century

Yes, you’re right, he’s the man who built the first personal computer of the 21st century. But you've got to be patient to read this article to understand the real fact. Tabrez Balbbale is my schoolmate from Mumbai. He’s a computer geek; then and now. I was in my final year of college — in 2000 … Continue reading This Man Built the First PC of the 21st Century

She’s a Blooming Marvel In the World Of Photography

The participation of women in photography goes back to the very origins of the process. Women — they always add an extra flavor to whatever they do. And such is a story of this dazzling photographer. I met Megha Jabbar Thakar while working in the animation studio I worked for 10 years. She wasn’t an active acquaintance but always had a … Continue reading She’s a Blooming Marvel In the World Of Photography

Being Judgmental Brought Out the Worst in Me and the Best in Another

Sharing a story from real-life experience. It’s about how soon we become judgmental; about people, without knowing about them. In 2014, I was on a no-money walking pilgrimage with my friend from Ahmedabad to Udaipur. It was a 20-day trip through villages and forests. Somewhere in north Gujarat, there's a long stretch that is completely lonely … Continue reading Being Judgmental Brought Out the Worst in Me and the Best in Another

Eureka! We Met Where We Left, 22 Years Ago

Every parting is a form of death and every reunion is a form of birth. That’s the fun of going to a high school reunion: it’s seeing the people who you were close to all those years ago, and re-exploring the relationships of the past. The sweetness of reunion is the joy of heaven. The tale … Continue reading Eureka! We Met Where We Left, 22 Years Ago

The Modi, Who Is One of the Most Influential CFOs of India

I'd never heard the word CFO in my life till I met Dinesh Modi in the animation studio I worked in. It was somewhere in 2008-09 that this person joined and on inquiry, I discovered that he's supposed to be the chief for the financial matters of the company. I didn't understand much about the … Continue reading The Modi, Who Is One of the Most Influential CFOs of India

Wild by Head, Wild by Heart and Wild by Hands

I'd been to South Africa to learn Wildlife Film-making in 2009. I was the first Indian to attend this prestigious program, and so I was kind of famous all through the program. But I never knew that I'd left such a deep impact on my professors that one day I got a call from her. … Continue reading Wild by Head, Wild by Heart and Wild by Hands

A Loving Person Lives in a Loving World

There’s always one such person that touches your heart and makes you see a new world. I also met one such person in 1997-98. Rohan Vaswani is a friend from the days of past glory — college days. As far as my memory goes, he was always a loving, relaxed dude; the cool types. Coming from an … Continue reading A Loving Person Lives in a Loving World

Man on a 100-Day Smile Mission

Pavan Manikanta Kumar is one of my new friends in life. I met him while volunteering for The Logical Indian community for social transformation. But this isn't what excited me to write about him. There's a different perspective. He's on a 100-day smile mission — to keep smiling and share his picture on social media for … Continue reading Man on a 100-Day Smile Mission

Meet the Gurus of Peace From India

It's a lovely Sunday morning. It's raining heavily and my area is submerged. I'm too. The only difference is that area is submerged in water and I'm submerged in love, kindness, compassion, gratitude, and blessings of great mentors. As I talk about mentors, two names immediately come up in my mind — Jayesh Patel and … Continue reading Meet the Gurus of Peace From India

Meet Roy, My First Bengali Teacher

I met Atanu Roy while working in the animation studio I worked for 10 years.  He was quite senior to me but always-ready-to help type of a person. His humble character got us connected. I'm always learning some of the other languages and Bengali was on the list, but  I wasn’t sure where to start. Atanu came like an angel and handed me … Continue reading Meet Roy, My First Bengali Teacher

He’s the Wormhole to the Lost Universe, of My School Days

There was a time when I was completely disconnected and even lost. I was out of touch, rather chose to be, with my school friends. School, the wonder years, was just a lost memory until I created a WhatsApp group to connect, after 22 years. It all started with this school friend whom I owned … Continue reading He’s the Wormhole to the Lost Universe, of My School Days

The Power Medicine Seller From Kabul

As I walked through the streets of Dongri — what I call THE DEN OF DONS — I met a man selling weird power medicines. I was keen and wanted to inquire about the stuff and so, out of the sheer habit of poking my nose in other people's business, I started to question the … Continue reading The Power Medicine Seller From Kabul

Iranian Al Pacino

Welcome to my smoke parlor! I was just peeping into a shop to see the colorful waterpipe-smoke-giving ancient machine, commonly called a hookah. It was an ancient shop full of these hookahs and pipes and the owner was an amazing jolly good Iranian uncle named Ali Yezdi. I was very attracted to his charming persona and then … Continue reading Iranian Al Pacino

A Memorable Friend, Philosopher and Guide From the USA

Shana Koenig is the first person, in my life, I met from the USA. I met her while working in the animation studio I worked for 10 years. She joined us as our supervisor in 2004 and stayed us for few years in Mumbai. She was the first human, from a foreign country, I worked with. In fact, … Continue reading A Memorable Friend, Philosopher and Guide From the USA

The Rainbow Seller

कहती है ये नज़र, कब क्या होगा किधर. दुनिया में चंद लोग, होते है जादुगर | When I was in school, I use to hear the song of a Hindi film. What it means is that no one knows what’s going to happen because few people in this world are a magician. This lyric has always … Continue reading The Rainbow Seller

King of Good Times

I was in Goa for an event and I met this man, who was the vendor of a big LED screen for the event. I like his profile and want to share his story. Dean D’Souza is from South Goa. He’s a popular name in the event industry of Goa. Young, dashing Dean is also a wholesaler of alcohol. This is … Continue reading King of Good Times

Creative Swami

हरे कृष्णा ! I was greeted by each other in Govardhan Eco-Village, a marvel made in a village in Maharashtra. This place belongs to ISKCON for whom I was working on an audio-visual project. I met Swami Radhavallabh Das on the campus who was our project manager from ISKCON. I always get amazed whenever I meet this man. He’s such a cool … Continue reading Creative Swami

A Friend From Bangladesh

Sun was at his or her naughtiest and I was feeling thirsty. As I was wishing for some energy drink, there came this young man as a messiah. At first sight, he looked like an oasis in the desert but later I realized he's just a coconut water vendor. But, he served nothing less than … Continue reading A Friend From Bangladesh

My Dear Scientist Friend, Gratitude

I was mad over scientists and wanted to meet one. There was no opportunity before 2010 till I met Debjyoti Bardhan is a science popularization seminar organized in Prithvi Theatre by TIFR. The seminar provides a forum for informal discussions of interesting scientific issues outside a traditional academic setting. I was a regular attendee until few years but I met many scientists through … Continue reading My Dear Scientist Friend, Gratitude

She’s Redesigning Life Through DMT

Bhumi Mathuria, a dear friend is a radical thinker. She's a graduate in psychology, a community servant, ladder, dreamer, philanthropist, and now a life designer; like her father Yogeshbhai who is one of the designers of my life. She has started something called Samarpan that is a Dance Movement Therapy — DMT — initiative in … Continue reading She’s Redesigning Life Through DMT

Angel in Disguise

In 2014, I was on a no-money walking pilgrimage with one of the designers of my life. I walked more than 300 kilometers from Ahmadabad to Udaipur; without any money on me. Isn’t that awesome! On our journey, we had this middle-aged man with us — Vijai Yadav. Words can't define this compassionate and kind man but I’ll try for … Continue reading Angel in Disguise

The Woman of Substance

In 2014, I was on a no-money walking pilgrimage with one of the designers of my life. I walked more than 300 kilometers from Ahmadabad to Udaipur; without any money on me. Isn’t that awesome! On our journey, we had many schools, and one such school — Yoganjali — was very special. They'd hundreds of little children … Continue reading The Woman of Substance

The Forbidden Heroes of India

भले पधारो अतिथि, भले पधारो | This man was shouting in the spirit of welcoming us to his little home. He was so excited as if he had seen humans from the city for the first time in life. And, actually was almost like I said. The back-story is something like this. I'd been on an … Continue reading The Forbidden Heroes of India

A Meeting With Veerappan Lookalike

Holy shit! This is Veerappan Part II. Immediately my mind shouted. For those who don’t know who this gentleman is, here's a brief. Veerappan commonly known as sandalwood smuggler was an Indian bandit who was active for years in scrub and forest lands covering about 6,000 km² in south India. I met him while we were hosted by this tribal village in Gujarat. … Continue reading A Meeting With Veerappan Lookalike

Global Pilgrim

Here's the story of my mentor Yogesh Mathuria, from Mumbai, with whom I walked 300 plus km for peace. I walked with him for 20 days; without any money. Isn’t this awesome? He’s not an ordinary man! He’s an angel in disguise, a messiah of the peace who has completed walking more than 10,000+ km during … Continue reading Global Pilgrim

This Man Has Brought His Remote Tribal Village on the Map of India

A few years ago, I was on a no-money walking pilgrimage. We had to hunt for host families for a night stay during our walk. And, this man came like an oasis in the desert because that day we couldn’t find one. I don’t know the divine messenger who told him about our peace pilgrimage but he invited … Continue reading This Man Has Brought His Remote Tribal Village on the Map of India

The Strangest Question on Earth

Why are they selling roti here? This is what he said when he went to a restaurant for the first time in his life. This is the line that has ripped my heart. It’s one of the most philosophical questions I’ve heard in my life. For me, this question has left behind the greatest philosophers … Continue reading The Strangest Question on Earth

Her Imagination Established A Library In A Village In Nagaland, India

One day my friend called me to ask for help. He'd a friend, Mansi Shouche, in London who imagined collecting old and unused children's books to create a library somewhere in India. I immediately agreed as I'd a similar vision and bandwidth to take up this mission. He connected us both and thus began beautiful … Continue reading Her Imagination Established A Library In A Village In Nagaland, India

Magic Happens, When Two Great Men Meet

You wouldn't recognize these men in the photo; definitely, if you're not an Indian or not in the world of music and poetry. But this photo — taken by Guru Dhanoa — is one of the greatest visual frame ever. This photo has two one of the greatest men, of music and poetry, that planet … Continue reading Magic Happens, When Two Great Men Meet

Mr. Courageous

Recently, I'd been on an adventure trip in the villages of Gujarat and passed this small town, very close to the hometown of our Prime Minister. At first, I thought it was VISAnagar as everybody in Gujarat is trying to get a visa to the USA, but it’s Visnagar. In the evening, I was just checking out … Continue reading Mr. Courageous

First Boss Is Like First Love

I was in junior college — in 1996 — and decided to do a summer internship somewhere. I didn’t have any contact but my elder brother referred me to his friend. I got lucky; was immediately taken up for the job. The job was in a shop called Taurus Motors near my home and Saket Singh, the owner … Continue reading First Boss Is Like First Love

This IAF Officer Taught Me a Lesson of a Lifetime

In 2001, I was on a short sabbatical and traveling to New Delhi from Mumbai; in a train. Our Indian trains are one of the wonders of the world. If you don’t believe me, get on it once. Nothing bad, it’s just really a joyful roller-coaster ride. I was traveling in class II sleeper coach where there … Continue reading This IAF Officer Taught Me a Lesson of a Lifetime

The CIVIL SANYASI of 21st Century

I met Vihang Suryavanshi in the first animation studio I worked in — around 2001. At that time, he was a regular artist like me but when I met him after a decade in another studio, I was flabbergasted. He'd completely changed. He's a reservoir of wisdom, especially Vedic one. He's a Bhagavad Gita scholar … Continue reading The CIVIL SANYASI of 21st Century

The Weaver of a Billion Dreams

Today marks three years of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister or, as he says, Prime Servant of India. No article may do justice to describe this man and his work, but this is my humble effort to write a few lines on him. Lovers — don't get excited and Haters — don't feel ecstasy, this … Continue reading The Weaver of a Billion Dreams