Chasing or avoiding limelight

It's indeed a contrast,

how people do react,

when given the spotlight.

There are ones who chase,

trying to climb on the stage,

while others who instinctively shrink,

avoiding unwanted attention.

To chase the limelight,

they have the competitive drive,

seeking visibility and dominance,

can stem from something deeper

when it's not purpose or passion,

but to project position or status,

trying to prove themselves. 

There's deep sense of inadequacy, 

identity centered around being better,

constantly seeking the dopamine,

accolades become emotional necessity, 

each milestone validating the narrative,

of being special, chosen or superior,

temporarily quieting fear of being ordinary.

Then, there are those avoiding limelight, 

actively downplaying their achievements, 

getting uncomfortable with the praises,

where promotions are traps, not victory,

for, they calculate cost of such attentions, 

increased pressure, loss of autonomy, 

which is not worth the effort & time.

Some are also afflicted by fear,

suffering from imposter syndrome, 

being on background is protective,

against the sting of public judgments.

Chasing or avoiding limelight,

it depends on intrinsic motives,

ones fueled by voids or ambitions,

pursuing their dreams and aspirations, 

or draw it from peace and satisfaction, 

where social posturing is not aligned . . .

With inner tranquility. 

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha have arrived,

for his beloved devotees,

accompanied by celebrations,

with Dhol and Tasha.

You are our vighnaharta,

remover of the obstacles,

lord of new beginnings,

watching over our endeavors. 

Residing in every child's heart,

eagerly waiting for your appearance,

surrendering books, copies and pens,

to receive your blessings.

You are Pratham Pujya, first of all,

spreading knowledge, imparting wisdom,

we bow to your divine manifestation,

guiding us in journey of learning.

Dear lord of auspiciousness, 

please receive our love and devotion,

humble offerings of Modak & laddos,

as we sing praises of your glory.

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah 🕉 🙏 

Ganapati Bappa Moriya ✨️ 

Lazy day

Lazy day,

I want to stay,

cooping up at home,

read, watch or play,

spending my weekends.

The week was not hectic,

just monotonous routines,

still demanded my time,

to be used in commuting, 

so, I might be weary.

Going out feels tempting, 

trying dishes or cuisines,

hanging out with friends,

travelling to tourist spots,

but, it still demands efforts. 

I would rather miss out,

having snacks inside,

order some foods online,

or keep it on lighter side,

and enjoy hibernating. 

Lazy day,

it may not be a right way,

there's so much to try,

but nothing comes in mind,

so, I am signing off.

Today, I will spend my day . . .

Loafing around!

Meliorism

World has its own pace, 

is neither inherently good,

nor being a bad place,

but certainly is influenced, 

become better with time,

through deliberate effort.

Meliorism . . .

Coined in 19th century, 

it creates a middle ground, 

between passive optimism,

and fatalistic pessimism,

by giving importance, 

to actions and policies.

For, progress is not automatic, 

but depends on multiple factors,

using intelligence, giving attention, 

taking responsibilities for changes,

by solving problems at hand,

and providing, timely interventions. 

Meliorism . . .

Nothing is impossible, 

when we come together, 

from locality to the nation,

if our heart works in unison,

we all have the power,

to make our world . . .

A better place to live!

Time constraints fuels action

Have we ever wondered, 

how speedily we work,

facing deadlines or time limits,

pushing us towards our goals?

It's not mere fear or motivation, 

a spike in function by hormones,

but a combination of factors,

converge to provide the boost.

We all have evolutionary reflex,

fight or flight, our survival instincts, 

but here the stress is minimal,

enough to focus our attention.

While brain makes calculations, 

disabling perfectionism & hesitations, 

aiming for completing the tasks,

through short, higher-impact actions.

Conversely, having too much time,

make us distracted, & complacent, 

causing fatigue, from perceived complexities, 

added through unnecessary overthinking.

For, abundance of time breed inertia,

while the deadlines creates friction,

something that makes us act,

igniting the mental spark!

Data centers and AI

We have seen in news,

of how companies abuse,

in the name of development, 

destroying our environment,

and now, a threat emerges,

in the name of convenience, 

to sustain the rapid rise,

of artificial intelligence. 

Data centers . . .

Facility to house systems,

acting as server, storage networks,

like a single core engine room,

of storage, processing, distribution, 

for running internet activities, 

training & maintaining AI models,

as more systems get digitalized, 

for advancements of technologies. 

Yet, they come at a heavy cost,

require air conditioning & liquid setups,

to cool the generated heat,

consuming energy, with power backups.

The local residents were stressed,

from utilization of fresh water,

while the wildlife were affected,

by continuous light & vibrations. 

Data centers and AI . . .

These have become reality, 

changing world more than internet, 

where internet traffic of uploads,

put pressure on storage networks. 

For, AI drives an aggressive cycle,

of resource extraction & utilization, 

taking over land and fresh water, 

as means of its sustenance. 

Tattered and battered

Tattered and battered, 

with fillers being plastered, 

still showing dents & rusting,

as if faced many battles.

The interiors were very old,

exposed panels, worn out leathers,

floor mats scuffed by heavy traffic,

having a distinct musty stale smell.

Tattered and battered, 

still customers have gathered,

jolting bounces, screeching brakes,

constant rattles, swaying turns.

Still passengers were unbothered,

accustomed to vibration & motions,

even when experience of traveling, 

leaves a lot to be desired.

Tattered and battered,

they are occupational hazards, 

still a necessity of the people,

when it really mattered. 

And it becomes a reality,

of remote, low-income regions,

bearing the damages with a pride,

to keep providing services . . .

Facing harsher conditions. 

P.S. Memories of travelling in old buses

in village areas.

Mental accounting

It's like a paradox,

that many of us gravitate, 

spending large in luxuries, 

but refuse to pay more,

for everyday conveniences. 

Mental accounting . . .

We divide our money,

into separate mental buckets,

rationalizing high spending,

allocating in special places,

while extra fees for comforts, 

flagged as bad valuation,

for, it exceeds our expectation, 

of benchmark prices.

So, we try to negotiate, 

finding ways to circumvent,

putting pressure on self,

to take the advantage, 

feeling joy & satisfaction,

from saving our wealth,

not knowing the realities, 

of it bringing minor change.

Still, we remain frugal,

habit of building wealth,

which doesn't matches,

our financial strength,

that influences choices, 

forming core identity traits,

our brain judges price relatively, 

irrespective of purchasing power.

( Example : 100 rupees is 1/5th of 500,

While 1/50th of 5000, so, saving from first feels satisfying)

We walk away

Even in our desperations, 

we make difficult choices, 

letting go of our wants,

for better alternatives, 

or just shield ourselves, 

from perceived injustice.

We walk away . . .

From excuses to avoidance, 

confessions made, left to chance,

there are ways, we choose rejections, 

taking initiatives, forcing other person,

to retain our sense of control, 

or fear of treading into the unknown.

Maybe we seek familiarity, 

that was built over the time,

even in our misfortunes, 

it gave us comforting vibe,

sudden changes threatens,

we need it to be gradual.

Yet, everyone have their expectations, 

instant results or proof of convictions, 

getting weary of constant striving, 

carrying burden of our shortcomings,

each setback creates conflicts, 

between desires & personal values . . .

And we walk away.

Soak in the view

You need to feel renewed,

weary of being subdued, 

for every stumble, setbacks,

casting a shadow, spoiling mood,

and disturbing, your tranquility. 

Soak in the view . . .

Watching greeneries from balcony, 

gazing at the sunrise or sunsets,

or sitting on the bench to enjoy,

sceneries of mountains & oceans,

just the outskirts, or countrysides, 

whatever brings you some joy.

How much strong you want to be,

there are times, you have to leave,

holding to anger, disappointments, 

consumes energy, fuels bitterness, 

while your ambitions, far to reach,

strains body, draining vitality.

So, take a pause from striving,

for dreams, emotions, & duties,

there's more to learn from world,

when we widen our perspectives, 

looking beyond hurt, our expectations, 

that clouds mind, narrowing vision . . .

Stopping us from seeing,

beauty of our surroundings!

They are our guide

It's a divine calling,

to spread virtue of learning,

instilling values & wisdom,

through various disciplines.

They are our guide,

the love of our parents,

concerns from families, 

conversations with friends,

interactions and meetings,

listening to the news,

observing natural surroundings, 

every moment is a lesson,

if we become receptive.

So, we revere this noble profession,

of teaching knowledge and lessons, 

opening path of enlightenment, 

dispelling the fog of our ignorance, 

we learned focus and discipline,

of understanding depth of subjects,

building foundations with basics,

ensuring full comprehension.

They are our guide,

forever indebted to their service,

so we celebrate their presence, 

through our learning journey.

Happy Teachers Day 🙏 

Crying wolf

We have heard the story,

of a boy who cried wolf,

to trick concerned villagers,

about the danger that looms,

making them panic & scramble,

as he found pleasure from the act.

Yet, when actual wolf appeared,

villagers ignored distressed call,

for, they take it as another prank,

being tired of his shenanigans, 

and he cried, and he screamed,

watching his flock destroyed. 

Crying wolf . . .

He bore the consequences,

of repeatedly raising false alarms,

which were distant from realities,

bringing trouble to caring hearts,

losing credibility in the process,

just for gathering attentions. 

Let us learn the wisdom shown,

not make light of serious situations, 

our integrity is dependent on conducts,

through honest voice, sincere dedications, 

we add weight to our voices,

making people attend to the concerns.

You are the savior

You are the savior, 

illuminating our mind,

from childhood stories,

to song of the wise,

each action inspires,

making us realize, 

path of enlightenment. 

A childhood with struggles,

facing challenges head on, 

while sharing cheer & joy, 

with your adorable mischiefs, 

sometimes scolded & punished, 

still have infectious smile,

playing flute to mesmerize.

Youthful days were colorful, 

closer to nature, with cattle, 

saving others from troubles,

preparing for bigger battles,

a journey of fulfilling promises,

saving people from dangers,

still detached, from holding power.

You are the savior, 

a guide to us ignorants, 

confined to worldly distractions, 

you cleared doubts & confusions,

when we surrender to your grace,

we attain profound bliss,

receiving your blessings. 

Shri Krishna, 

show us the light,

Be our friend, teacher & family, 

A path to the divinity. 

Happy Janmashtami. 🙏 🕉