Intellectual theft

We have patent systems,

to protect intellectual properties,

but there's no guarantee, 

that these were individual inventions, 

but stealing ideas from naives,

unaware of commercial plays.

We have heard of plagiarism, 

taking someone else's work,

passing them as their own,

to gain fame or fortunes,

but there are bigger games,

where entire history is stolen.

Traditional knowledge of medicine,

taken up by businesses & corporates,

patenting knowledge in foreign lands,

practices of indigenous communities, 

to claim exclusive commercial rights,

blocking original source from monetizing. 

Intellectual theft . . .

Modern systems have created loopholes, 

providing opportunities to powerful ones, 

having the capital and infrastructures, 

to market themselves as the owners,

and others, waking up late,

create policies like G.I tag . . .

Hoping to preserve and regain control, 

their rightful ownership!

A man of few words part 2

How well they speak,

expressing so many things,

I get blanked when trying,

to put words for my thoughts.

I am a man of few words . . .

Always felt little disappointed, 

in my inability to construct sentences, 

with limitations of vocabulary, 

acting as a spoilsport. 

That too been an excuse,

a way to rationalize artistic terms,

then there are speakers & writers,

who create magic from ordinary.

It would be from latency, 

by running thoughts through filters,

checking of relevance, nuances,

before serving them to others.

The lack of my fluency,

is inability of ornamenting, 

add volume to make things complex,

take away clarity from the concept.

I am a man of few words . . .

I don't deny being complacent, 

enjoying time as passive consumer,

to spare moments for practicing, 

concentrated effort in this direction.

For, I am also lazy!

A man of few words part 1

I am a man of few words,

seldom talking, mostly observe,

whenever in unfamiliar places,

or meeting with new people.

It was never my intentions, 

to avoid having conversations, 

always answered when prompted, 

sharing thoughts & information. 

I was more outgoing in youthful years, 

but had interests demanding solitude,

escaping to library, internet Cafes, T.V,

for my daily dose of explorations. 

Friendships were not like relationships, 

coming as seasons, never lasting long,

those brief memories, still fill my heart,

returning to private life.

I don't even know what I want,

enjoy tranquility, or have a chat,

then again, not many understand,

to have a meaningful dialogue. 

I am a man of few words,

be it voluntarily, or being forced,

still pursuing the right balance,

where I could have a word . . .

In this world.

 

Action beats idle dreams

A quiet, hollow ache,

felt deep in the recesses, 

watching someone else walk,

a life, I designed in my head.

Childhood and youthful years,

were spent in clearing the path,

for the resources, time, space,

of making it a perfect sense.

But it never arrived, in our mind,

there's hesitancy, something lacking,

but then strangers, & acquaintances, 

started inhabiting that reality.

It starts as admiration, sometimes envy,

might be longings, what could have been,

of the potentials, diverting from the ideals, 

grieving a version of us, that couldn't exist.

But, everything is not as rosy as it seems,

they have their trials, sheer grinds endured,

only few born with silver spoon in mouth,

most of the time, it's our choices & actions.

Action beats idle dreams . . .

As much I try to rationalize, 

I will still lament that dreaming guy,

watching snapshots of others' lives,

to revisit desires, long suppressed . . .

Nonchalant interaction

I was outside, for leisurely stroll,

taking in the view, of outside world, 

hustle and bustles, the busy streets,

quiet, isolate patches, for some stretching.

And there she was, a beautiful cow,

standing alone, besides group of people,

I had the impulse, to pet her head,

but was reluctant, saving face.

I went closer, she was alert with anticipation, 

they were used to being fed with offerings, 

but I avoided eye contact, as I passed,

still had a feel, gently brushing with hands.

She didn't react, I heaved a sigh of relief,

went ahead with walk, to designated point,

now I had to return, after completing round,

encountering same cow, on the route.

This time, she looked straight in my eyes,

letting out a moo, as I was approaching, 

I used same trick, quick scratches on neck,

only to find her unbothered, ignoring me completely. 

Ah, she is acting nonchalant,

but doesn't mind being petted,

and I returned, smile over my face,

outsmarted by the cow.

Adding credentials

Have we ever noticed, 

resumes of the professionals,

where some have multiple degrees,

while others lack basic ranks.

Adding credentials . . .

What are the underlying factors,

creating divide in their positions, 

acquired skills, privileged upbringings, 

or individual ambitions & affinity? 

There might be power imbalance, 

sociological & institutional feedbacks, 

dynamics of opportunities varies

from seeking access to invitations.

For the credibility of initiatives, 

organizations have preferences, 

replacing high risk employees, 

for candidates with pedigree. 

Then, there's motivation, 

getting return for time invested,

finding time from obligations, 

for speculative upskilling.

Adding credentials . . .

Their portfolios evoke envy,

but we don't know the costs, 

of efforts, connections, sacrifices, 

when we enjoyed work-life balance.

In the end, it's about choices, 

of mental peace, or gaining relevance. 

 

Be careful what you wish for

You can't ride two boats,

Harboring contrary ideals,

One wishing for cordial relations,

While opposing its values,

The society becomed a mirror,

For what you want to project,

Independence begets Independence, 

Selfishness begets selfishness,

When you assert your rights,

Other protect their rights,

Everything becomes transactional, 

Weakening the foundations.

So, be careful what you wish for,

For, that's the life you get,

Lies & excuses won't last,

Your actions betrays,

When you build your identity, 

Over choices & interests,

A rebel is considered rebel,

A gentle person as gentle,

Nothing is accepted, 

From declarations & demands.

It was never meant to be

It was never meant to be,

we were too different, 

existing in separate world,

seldom finding convergence. 

Our meeting was coincidental,

as if wheel of fate starts moving,

from greetings to conversations,

a connection kept building.

I was captivated by your charms,

gentle demeanor, smile that disarms,

sharing interests with confidence,

every time we had great discussions.

Before long, my thoughts were occupied,

eyes searching for you in the crowd,

getting excited from getting messages, 

enjoying every moment we interact. 

Gathering courage, I made the choice,

in a confession, convey my sentiments,

aware of distance, we were far apart,

but my feelings, could bridge the gap.

It was never meant to be,

but now we are together,

it all takes a loving heart,

with sincere commitments. 

Changing behaviors

Good or bad personality, 

Seen through attitude or behavior, 

Is not determined by,

Social or economic status,

Rather being a product of,

Upbringings, peers, environment, 

Which influences aspirations, 

Fueling expectations and ambitions, 

Changing them over the time,

Which mold their thinking process,

Creating patterns and tendencies,

That impacts their surroundings,

Making people reevaluate opinions,

Determining or modifying decisions, 

For, they could never escape,

Consequences of their actions. 

Ancient polytheism

It's fascinating to explore,

religious beliefs of ancients,

going through origin stories,

theories of creations.

We may question beliefs, 

but mustn't be too stiff,

allow space in our research,

for their understanding of universe. 

We still watch the same sky,

alignments might have changed,

adding new ideas & information,

with centuries of advancements.

Still, different paths do exist,

influences perceived realities, 

many questions have been answered,

but a lot more hides in obscurity. 

So, let us marvel their imagination,

find common links, between regions,

where cosmic forces are personified, 

while nature & mortals undergo deification.

When seen through metaphysical lenses,

we realize the roles they have played,

instilling values and principles, 

which celebrated relationship . . .

Between human and world!

Pacification

What does leader do,

to stabilize social disharmony,

from the dissent of citizens,

those asserting autonomy. 

One with unmet aspirations, 

being let down by stagnation, 

getting aggressive with demands, 

once they become disillusioned? 

Pacification . . .

Facing pressure from public,

they work to provide services,

taking responsibility of outcome,

through transparency of actions.

Yet, there are hurdles & obstacles, 

slowing progress, reducing visibility, 

so they develop novel approaches, 

for capturing attention of masses.

From centuries leaders have subdued, 

through fear, hope, devotion, bribes,

which changed forms with time,

but the basis remains the same.

So, now people evoke identities, 

provide subsides to vulnerable, 

constant distractions, cheap sustenance, 

to absorb surplus mental energy.

Pacification . . .

To retain the trust, 

regain lost popularity,

governments neutralize urgency,

by blunting edges of inequality.

Yet, it promotes complacency,

preventing rational discussions,

limiting potentials for growth,

with the certainty . . .

Of small entitlement!

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. 🙏 🕉 

Voice artists

We have encountered, 

stories from foreign lands,

or animated characters, 

being voiced by our own,

breathing life into them.

Voice artists . . .

They are of different breed,

pouring heart into the scenes,

to fulfill our expectations, 

of experiencing emotions,

through their performance. 

A story need human connection, 

providing deeper understanding, 

to resonate with the audiences,

the excitements or hesitations, 

through changes in vocalizations. 

It needs practice, true dedications 

consuming energy, build tensions,

to add qualities, creating personal,

with distinct speech patterns & quirks, 

driving the pace of the narratives. 

It might be difficult to express, 

when there are cultural influences, 

acting as barriers or ignorance, 

to let the emotions translate,

depth of the performances . . .

And be both efforts entertaining, 

and sincere representation!

Thrill to drive

If one gets the freedom to drive,

Enjoy the thrill of racing some bike,

They might feel themselves as heroes,

Having the power to chase winds,

But in reality they are reckless,

Risking life for getting high,

No one trusts such persons,

Whose thought process is,

Blowing own horns,

Using chances to run away, 

Rather than to drive responsibly, 

Protecting self & surroundings, 

And reach their family.

Inflation

Does it supply and demand mismatch, 

that drives the present equation,

or something more controls,

the flow of the valuations?

Inflation . . .

Our country is reeling,

moving towards disaster,

as normal ways of living,

are facing major disruptions. 

So, I pondered upon reasons,

from regional to global situations, 

which affects our necessities, 

be it food, commutes & housing.

Earlier things were gradual,

limited to commodities & partial,

but things changed post pandemic, 

exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.

There's surge in crude oil & shipping costs,

impacting imports, increasing retail prices,

while labor shortage & wage pressures, 

reduces profit margins, causing bankruptcy.

And we shift towards newer practices,

being sustainable, promoting conservations, 

measures like ethanol manufacturing,

putting undue pressure, on the supplies. 

Inflation . . .

Economy in downward slope,

eroding our purchasing power,

with real estate compounding problem,

consumer faces an uphill task.

Wondering, if the price ever falls!