From August to December, the river became a calendar. Raksha Bandhan arrived with the first bell of the ‘Riverschool’ boat. Neela, the teacher, tied rakhis made of river reeds on every child’s wrist. “This boat will protect you,” she whispered. Chotu, the boy with eyes like monsoon clouds, didn’t speak. But he held his wrist…
Dayasagar didn’t go looking for heroes; he looked for ghosts. He saw them everywhere, in the quiet corners of the world, in the eyes of people who were present in body but absent in spirit. They were the men who sat on park benches in the middle of a sun-drenched afternoon, staring at nothing, a…
The rain hammered Ramprasad’s black and yellow taxi like bullets on metal. Through the windshield wipers’ frantic dance, he could barely make out the neon chaos of Mumbai’s streets. It was past midnight, and he was desperately hunting for one last fare. His daughter Priya’s surgery was scheduled for following morning – ₹85,000 that he…
The recent tragedy that shook Pune—a young woman, overwhelmed by despair, choosing to end her life rather than endure the relentless torment rooted in dowry—has once again pulled back the curtain on a brutal truth that many would rather ignore. Behind the glossy façades of modern India, beneath the veneer of progress and prosperity, lies…
In a recent consulting assignment, I found myself working with a company brimming with talented, dedicated professionals—brilliant minds committed to excellence. The challenge, however, was not merely in the task at hand but in managing the diverse approaches and mindsets within the team. On one side, there were individuals with an ultra-aggressive stance, driven by…
At 65, I confront a truth as ancient as the stars—the agonizing absence of my parents, a void that echoes through every fibre of my being. My father departed in April 2021 and my mother followed three years later, each departure leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Society offers comfort to the young navigating…
I recently watched the 4-episode British series ADOLESCENCE on Netflix and found myself both profoundly shaken by its disturbing premise and captivated by its masterful single-shot cinematography. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, weaving a deeply unsettling narrative that lingers long after viewing. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend diving…
Is it justifiable to hold accountable the coaches, mentors, parents, and educators who take the easy path of igniting a child’s competitive spirit by pointing out their deficiencies in dedication or the absence of a dogged determination to surpass their peers? Is attaining the leading position truly the pinnacle of success in life? Does this…
The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a soft glow that danced through the windows of the small residential school for blind, deaf, and mute children. On this particular morning, the air buzzed with palpable excitement; it was Holi, the festival of colours—a day dedicated to joy, unity, and unrestrained celebration. Inside the walls…
A short story on the occasion of International Women’s Day In a small, sun-drenched town, where the laughter of children mingled with the crisp rustle of leaves, lived a woman named Mira. She was a wildflower amidst concrete, vibrant yet overlooked, a thread in the fabric of her community that flowed quietly but resolutely. Mira’s…
