Jawahar Circle in Jaipur is one of those places that effortlessly blends nature with routine. It’s a spot where people come to walk, run, or simply unwind, and it’s also a place where the unexpected can happen. On one such morning, while I was in the middle of my run, I ran into Saurabh Yadav, a school senior I hadn’t met in almost two decades. The encounter was as surprising as it was pleasant. Saurabh, who is now an IRS officer in the Income Tax Department and posted in Mumbai, was in Jaipur for a brief visit for Holi like me. We exchanged greetings, ran a few rounds together, and as we caught up, memories of our school days came flooding back.

Back in school, Saurabh and I had shared a common interest in football. We weren’t teammates in the formal sense, but we often found ourselves playing together during those unstructured, chaotic matches that are a hallmark of school life. Those games were less about skill and more about the sheer joy of running around, kicking the ball, and occasionally tripping over each other. After school, our paths diverged, as they often do. He went on to build a career in the civil services, while I pursued my own interests. Running into him after so many years was a reminder of how time flies and how life takes people in different directions.

What struck me most about our conversation was how effortlessly we slipped into discussing the present while reminiscing about the past. Saurabh spoke about his work in the Income Tax Department, the challenges of his role, and his life in Mumbai. I shared a bit about my own journey and the things that keep me occupied these days. Despite the years that had passed, there was an ease in the conversation, a familiarity that comes from shared experiences, even if they were brief and long ago. It’s fascinating how certain connections, no matter how distant, retain their warmth over time.

Encounters like these are rare but meaningful. They serve as a reminder of the people who have been part of our lives, even if only for a short while. Running into Saurabh was a small but significant moment, one that added a touch of nostalgia to an otherwise ordinary day. It’s these unexpected reunions that make life interesting, offering a glimpse into where we’ve come from and how far we’ve gone.

This year, Holi brought a much-needed reunion with my close friends in Jaipur. It had been a while since we all gathered together, and the occasion felt special, not just because of the festival but also because of how our lives have evolved over the years. What stood out this time was the inclusion of our families in the celebrations. Our wives, who were once strangers to each other, have now become friends, sharing their own conversations and laughter. The bond we share as a group remains strong, but it’s interesting to see how it has expanded to include the people who are now an integral part of our lives. The dynamics have changed, but the core of our friendship—trust, comfort, and shared memories—has stayed the same.

One of the highlights of the day was spending time with the kids. Watching them play, laugh, and interact with each other was a reminder of how much they’ve grown. They’re no longer the shy, hesitant children we once knew. Instead, they’re confident, observant, and unafraid to express their thoughts. Their conversations were a mix of innocence and surprising maturity, often influenced by the internet and the digital world they’re growing up in. It’s fascinating to see how technology has shaped their perspectives, making them more aware and curious about the world around them. At the same time, it was refreshing to see them enjoy the simple pleasures of Holi—playing with colors, running around, and indulging in sweets.

The day was filled with the usual Holi rituals—throwing colors, sharing meals, and reminiscing about old times. But what made it unique was the sense of togetherness that came from having everyone under one roof. The kids added a new layer of energy to the celebrations, while the adults found comfort in the familiarity of each other’s company. It’s rare to find moments like these, where you can truly disconnect from the chaos of daily life and just be present with the people who matter most. Holi, in many ways, became a celebration of not just colors but also of the relationships that have stood the test of time.

As the day came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friendships that have remained constant despite the changes life has brought. Celebrating Holi with friends and their families in Jaipur was a reminder of how important it is to cherish these moments. To everyone reading this, I wish you a Happy Holi. May your celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and the company of loved ones.

Holi, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It is a time of renewal, both in nature and in spirit. The festival is celebrated with colors, music, and food, but for me, its true essence lies in the sense of belonging it brings. Holi, much like Diwali, is a festival that draws me back home. Being in Jaipur during this time feels like returning to my roots, a reminder of where I come from and the people who make life meaningful. The festival is not just about the rituals or the colors; it is about the warmth of family, the laughter of friends, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

Holi is a time of renewal, both in nature and in spirit.​

The change of seasons that Holi signifies is symbolic in many ways. Winter, with its quiet and introspective energy, gives way to the vibrancy of spring. The fields come alive with new crops, and the air carries a sense of hope and rejuvenation. For me, this transition mirrors the emotional shift I experience when I go home. The chaos of daily life fades away, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment. Holi, with its playful energy, feels like a celebration of this renewal. It is a time to let go of the past and embrace the present, to reconnect with the people and places that ground me.

Today, as I prepare for my road trip to Jaipur, I am reminded of why I like this festival so much. The journey itself is a part of the experience. The roads leading to Jaipur are familiar, yet every trip feels different. The anticipation builds as I get closer to home, and the sight of the city’s landmarks fills me with a sense of comfort. Holi in Jaipur is a unique experience. The city, known for its rich culture and traditions, comes alive during the festival. The streets are filled with people celebrating, and the air is thick with the scent of gujiyas and thandai. It is a sensory experience that I look forward to every year.

As I write this, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be home for Holi. It is a reminder of the importance of staying connected to one’s roots, of finding joy in the simple things, and of celebrating life with the people who matter most. To everyone celebrating, Happy Holi. May the festival bring you happiness, peace, and a sense of renewal. And to Jaipur, I look forward to seeing you soon, to being home, and to creating more memories that will last a lifetime.

Identity is often seen as a cornerstone of who we are, shaping our actions, decisions, and interactions with the world. Yet, many major philosophies and spiritual traditions suggest that identity can also act as a prison, limiting our potential and confining us to a narrow sense of self. From Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism to Western existentialist thought, there is a recurring theme that identity is not fixed but fluid, and clinging to it too tightly can hinder personal growth and freedom. This idea challenges the conventional notion that identity is something to be proudly upheld and defended. Instead, it invites us to question how much of our identity is truly ours and how much is imposed by societal expectations, cultural norms, or even our own insecurities.

In Buddhism, the concept of anatta, or "not-self," teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self. What we consider our identity is merely a collection of transient thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By clinging to a fixed sense of self, we create suffering and limit our ability to adapt and grow. Similarly, Taoism emphasizes the fluidity of existence, encouraging individuals to embrace change and avoid rigid self-definitions. These philosophies suggest that identity is not something to be discovered but something to be released. When we let go of the need to define ourselves, we open up to a broader range of possibilities and experiences. This doesn’t mean abandoning all sense of self but rather recognizing that identity is a tool, not a truth.

Western philosophies, particularly existentialism, also explore the idea of identity as a construct. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir argue that existence precedes essence, meaning that we are not born with a predetermined identity but create it through our choices and actions. This perspective places the responsibility of self-definition squarely on the individual, freeing us from the constraints of societal labels and expectations. However, it also highlights the anxiety that comes with this freedom. If we are not bound by a fixed identity, we must constantly confront the uncertainty of who we are and who we might become. This can be both liberating and unsettling, as it requires us to take full ownership of our lives without the comfort of predefined roles or identities.

The implications of viewing identity as a prison are profound, especially in the context of modern life. Social interactions, career choices, and even personal relationships are often shaped by the identities we adopt or are assigned. Whether it’s being a "perfectionist," a "caregiver," or a "rebel," these labels can dictate our behavior and limit our potential. Regularly reflecting on our identities without judgment or prejudice can help us break free from these constraints. By recognizing that identity is malleable, we can choose to redefine ourselves in ways that align with our true desires and aspirations. This doesn’t mean rejecting all aspects of our current identity but rather being open to the possibility of change. Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate identity but to use it as a flexible framework rather than a rigid cage.

Life in your 30s often brings with it a quiet but profound shift in how you perceive yourself, your goals, and your place in the world. This decade is marked by a growing awareness of time’s relentless passage, a realization that can feel both enlightening and unsettling. For many, this period coincides with what is commonly referred to as a midlife crisis, though it is less about crisis and more about reckoning. It is a time when existential questions—about purpose, mortality, and the meaning of life—begin to surface with greater urgency. These questions are not new, but they take on a different weight when you realize that the years ahead are no longer an abstract expanse but a finite resource. This awareness can be a double-edged sword: it can inspire a deeper appreciation for life while also evoking a sense of melancholy about its brevity.

One of the most striking aspects of this phase is the realization that people your age, or even younger, are no longer here. This stark reminder of mortality forces you to confront the fragility of life in a way that feels more personal and immediate than ever before. It is no longer a distant concept but a tangible reality. This awareness can be jarring, but it also has the potential to be transformative. You begin to appreciate the gift of life more deeply, recognizing that every moment is fleeting and irreplaceable. At the same time, this newfound appreciation is often accompanied by a sense of urgency—a desire to make the most of the time you have left. This duality can be challenging to navigate, but it is also an opportunity to reassess your priorities and align them with what truly matters to you.

The silver lining in this existential reckoning lies in the practice of mindfulness. When you bring mindfulness into your life, you begin to live with greater intention and presence. Instead of being consumed by regrets about the past or anxieties about the future, you learn to focus on the present moment. This shift in perspective can be incredibly liberating. It allows you to fully engage with your experiences, relationships, and aspirations, rather than letting them slip by unnoticed. Mindfulness does not eliminate the existential questions or the awareness of life’s impermanence, but it helps you approach them with a sense of calm and clarity. It enables you to embrace the uncertainty of life while finding meaning in the everyday.

Ultimately, the 30s are a pivotal decade for exploring these existential themes. They force you to confront the inevitability of running out of time, but they also offer a chance to redefine what it means to live a meaningful life. This period is not about finding definitive answers but about learning to sit with the questions and finding peace in the process. It is about recognizing that life’s impermanence is what makes it precious and that the awareness of this impermanence can be a powerful motivator to live more fully. By embracing this mindset, you can transform what might initially feel like a crisis into an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to the world around you.

Last weekend, I met a group of friends to watch the India vs. New Zealand cricket match. Amid the excitement of the game, one moment stood out—a quiet, almost unnoticed interaction that made me reflect on how quickly technology evolves. One of my friends had brought his 4-year-old daughter along, and she was engrossed in a painting book. The book had outlines of various objects that kids could fill with crayons or paint. Among the drawings of cars, animals, and household items, there was an outline of an iPod with its iconic wired earphones. It struck me that this little girl, born in the 2020s, would likely never see or use an iPod in her lifetime. For her, it was just another shape to color, but for us, it was a relic of our past.

The iPod was once the epitome of cool. In school and college, owning one was a status symbol. It wasn’t just a music player; it was a statement. I remember saving up for months to buy my first iPod, and the excitement of loading it with songs, creating playlists, and sharing earphones with friends. The click wheel, the sleek design, and the way it fit perfectly in your pocket—it was a marvel of its time. Yet, here we were, decades later, sitting with a child who would never know what it felt like to hold one. The iPod, which once defined an era, has now become a footnote in the history of technology.

This moment made me think about how technology grows and fades. The iPod, once revolutionary, has been replaced by smartphones that do far more than play music. Streaming services have made physical music players obsolete, and wireless earbuds have replaced tangled wires. What was once cutting-edge is now irrelevant, and this cycle is only accelerating. The kids of the 2020s are growing up in a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into their lives. For them, concepts like wired earphones or standalone music players are as foreign as cassette tapes were to us. It’s not just about the iPod; it’s about how every generation has its own defining gadgets, only to see them replaced by something newer and better.

As I watched the little girl color the iPod drawing, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with curiosity. What will the next generation’s “iPod moment” be? What gadgets or technologies that we consider essential today will become obsolete for them? The pace of technological change is relentless, and it’s fascinating to think about how these shifts shape our experiences and memories. The iPod may be gone, but it serves as a reminder of how quickly the world moves forward—and how important it is to appreciate the tools and toys of our time before they become history.

Telegram has become a popular platform for students and professionals alike, often used for sharing resources like free books, movies, and other digital content. While the ethical and legal concerns around copyright violations on Telegram are worth noting, the platform’s technical flexibility is undeniable. One of its standout features is the ease with which you can create and deploy bots. Unlike WhatsApp, which has stricter limitations and a more complex API, Telegram offers a straightforward and developer-friendly environment for building bots. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to automate tasks, share information, or create interactive tools without diving into overly complex coding.

Creating a Telegram bot is surprisingly simple, even for those with minimal programming experience. The process begins with setting up a bot through Telegram’s BotFather, which generates a unique API token for your bot. This token acts as the key to integrating your bot with Telegram’s API. From there, you can use a variety of programming languages, such as Python, to define the bot’s functionality. Python, in particular, is well-suited for this task due to its readability and the availability of libraries like python-telegram-bot, which streamline the development process. With just a few lines of code, you can create a bot that responds to commands, sends automated messages, or even interacts with external APIs to fetch data.

The versatility of Telegram bots is another reason they are so appealing. For instance, you can build a bot that helps students find and download free educational resources, organizes study groups, or even sends daily reminders for assignments. The possibilities are vast, limited only by your imagination and coding skills. What makes Telegram stand out is its open approach to bot development. Unlike WhatsApp, which requires businesses to go through a lengthy approval process for certain bot functionalities, Telegram allows developers to experiment and deploy bots with minimal restrictions. This openness fosters creativity and innovation, making it a preferred platform for developers and users alike.

Bots that facilitate the sharing of copyrighted material or engage in unethical practices can have serious consequences. However, when used thoughtfully, Telegram bots can be powerful tools for productivity, education, and community building. The process of creating one is not only straightforward but also rewarding, offering a practical introduction to coding and automation. If you’ve ever considered building a bot, Telegram is an excellent place to start. Its simplicity and flexibility make it an ideal platform for turning ideas into functional tools with minimal effort.

Life, especially for entrepreneurs, often feels like a long stretch of monotony. Months can pass without any significant events, breakthroughs, or visible progress. It’s easy to fall into the trap of frustration, wondering why things aren’t moving faster or why success seems so elusive. This is where the need to stay relaxed becomes crucial. The ability to remain calm and focused during these seemingly uneventful periods is what separates those who eventually succeed from those who give up too soon. Patience, not consistency, is the real ally in this journey. Consistency is often glorified, but it’s patience that allows you to stick with it when nothing seems to be happening.

Consider the analogy of working out in the gym. For months, you might lift weights, run on the treadmill, or follow a strict diet without seeing any noticeable changes. Then, one day, it feels like everything clicks, and you see the results of your efforts. The progress wasn’t sudden; it was happening all along, just beneath the surface. The same principle applies to entrepreneurship, creative projects, or any long-term goal. The boring months, the days when nothing seems to happen, are the foundation of eventual success. Staying relaxed during these times is not just helpful—it’s essential. It allows you to maintain perspective and avoid burnout.

Being calm and focused is tougher than it sounds. The modern world is designed to keep us anxious and distracted. Notifications, deadlines, and the constant pressure to achieve more can make it feel like you’re always behind. But the truth is, most of this pressure is self-imposed. Learning to let go of the need for immediate results is a skill that takes time to develop. It requires a shift in mindset, where you start to value the process as much as the outcome. This doesn’t mean you stop caring about results; it means you stop letting the lack of them dictate your emotional state.

In the end, staying relaxed is about trusting the process. It’s about understanding that progress is often invisible and that patience is the key to unlocking it. The ability to remain calm during the boring months, to keep showing up even when it feels pointless, is what ultimately leads to success. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. So, the next time you find yourself frustrated by the lack of visible progress, take a deep breath, remind yourself that this is part of the journey, and keep going. The results will come, but only if you stay relaxed and focused along the way.

It has been years since I last visited a village. Growing up in Jaipur, it’s been easy to forget that the majority of the country still lives in rural areas. My father’s village, Budgara, is a small settlement near Chandak in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. It’s a place I haven’t been to in a long time, but it remains etched in my memory. The simplicity of life there, the vast stretches of greenery, and the slower pace of living are things that urban environments rarely offer. Villages like Budgara are a reminder of a different way of life, one that feels increasingly distant as cities grow busier and more crowded.

The last time I visited Budgara, I remember being struck by the calm that seemed to permeate the air. Unlike the constant noise of city life, the village was quiet, save for the occasional sound of birds or the rustling of leaves. The simplicity of daily routines, the open fields, and the sense of community were refreshing. It’s a place where time feels slower, and the connection to nature is immediate. In cities, we often seek out parks or green spaces to find a semblance of peace, but in a village, it’s all around you. The contrast between urban and rural life is stark, and it’s something I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve grown older.

Today, I woke up with a desire to visit Budgara again. I’m not sure if I dreamt about it, but the thought was vivid. It’s fascinating how the subconscious works, bringing forward memories and desires we might not actively think about. The idea of returning to the village, even if just for a short while, feels appealing. It’s not just about nostalgia but also about reconnecting with a part of my roots. In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and digital, there’s something grounding about being in a place where life moves at a different rhythm. While cities are often the focus of development and progress, villages remain the heart of the country’s culture and traditions. They offer a different kind of calm, one that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. As I think about planning a visit, I’m reminded of how important it is to step away from the noise and chaos of urban life, even if just for a little while. The simplicity and serenity of village life are things I’ve taken for granted in the past, but now, they feel like something worth seeking out again.

There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen. This observation, often attributed to Vladimir Lenin, captures a profound truth about the nature of time and change. Scientifically, this phenomenon can be understood through the lens of nonlinear systems and the concept of critical transitions. In life, as in nature, change is rarely linear. Long periods of stability are punctuated by brief, intense bursts of transformation. These moments, often triggered by high-impact events or decisions, can redefine the trajectory of an individual’s life, creating a new reality that would have been unimaginable just weeks before. Understanding how these moments work—and how to create and seize them—is key to shaping a life of purpose and progress.

In life, as in nature, change is rarely linear.

From a scientific perspective, the idea of sudden, transformative change aligns with theories like punctuated equilibrium in evolutionary biology and phase transitions in physics. In both cases, systems remain in a state of equilibrium for extended periods, resisting change until a critical threshold is reached. At that point, a small perturbation can trigger a cascade of effects, leading to a new state of being. In life, these critical thresholds often come in the form of decisive moments: a career shift, a personal loss, a bold decision, or an unexpected opportunity. These events act as catalysts, disrupting the status quo and forcing a reevaluation of priorities, values, and goals. The weeks surrounding these moments are often chaotic and intense, but they are also where the most significant growth occurs.

Creating these high-impact moments requires a combination of intentionality and openness. While some transformative events are beyond our control, many can be engineered through deliberate action. This might involve taking calculated risks, stepping outside of comfort zones, or committing to a path of continuous learning and self-improvement. The key is to recognize that stability, while comfortable, is not always conducive to growth. By actively seeking out challenges and opportunities, individuals can increase the likelihood of encountering moments that have the potential to reshape their lives. At the same time, it is crucial to remain open to the unexpected. Some of the most transformative moments arise from serendipity—chance encounters, unplanned experiences, or unforeseen circumstances. The ability to recognize and seize these opportunities is what separates those who merely experience change from those who actively shape it.

The weeks where decades happen are not just periods of external change; they are also moments of internal transformation. The decisions made during these times often require a reevaluation of identity, values, and purpose. This process can be uncomfortable, even painful, but it is also where true growth occurs. The new reality that emerges from these moments is often more aligned with one’s authentic self, even if it comes at the cost of leaving behind familiar but limiting patterns. Ultimately, the ability to navigate these periods of intense change—whether by creating them or responding to them—is what allows individuals to move beyond the inertia of the status quo and into a life of greater meaning and impact. By embracing the science of high-impact moments, we can learn to see chaos not as a threat, but as an opportunity to redefine what is possible.