Beyond Musings

  My Passions I’ve spoken at length in earlier blogs about two big passions of my life: books and cinema. Another passion that has been a constant companion is music. For many of us, music is inseparable from life itself. It entertains, meditates, exhilarates, and sometimes brings a touch of melancholy. Music makes us dance, uplifts our spirits, and often moves us to tears. Truly, life would be empty without it. Unlike books or films, when we recall a song, we don’t just remember it—we hum it, sing it, and relive it. Such is the impact of music on our lives. Childhood Encounters with Music While I enjoy different genres, my heart belongs to Bollywood music, especially the oldies from the 1950s to the 1970s. As a child, however, I was hilariously “dumb” about music. I didn’t realize songs had meaning. Much to my elder sister’s irritation, I would sing random, meaningless words, insisting that songs were just tunes—sad when the hero was sad, happy when he was happy. Looking b...

  Recent Tragedies in India Just recently in Ghaziabad, three sisters aged 12, 14, and 16 allegedly ended their lives by jumping from the ninth floor of their building. Investigators linked their obsession with a Korean online game as a contributing factor. In October 2025, a 13-year-old boy in Lucknow collapsed and died after hours of playing Free Fire . Doctors suspected “sudden gamer death.” In August 2024, a 16-year-old boy from Pune jumped to his death, leaving behind a chilling note with just two words: “log out.” Global Cases That Shocked the World Thailand, 2019: Seventeen-year-old Piyawat Harikun was found dead after marathon gaming sessions lasting several nights. USA, 2018: At a Madden NFL 19 tournament in Jacksonville, David Katz opened fire after losing matches, killing two and injuring eleven before turning the gun on himself. Russia, 2016–2019: The Blue Whale challenge spread across social media, manipulating teens into d...

It is often said that the world runs on finance. Others argue it runs on oil. But a friend of mine has a favorite Gujarati saying: “Duniya ummeed par kayam chhe” —the world runs on hope. At first, it may sound emotional or exaggerated. Yet, when you pause and reflect, there is undeniable truth in it. Hope. Mankind truly survives on hope. Hope for happiness, success, love, wealth, health, and better days. The list is endless, and the emotion is timeless. Unlike goals or deadlines, hope carries no fixed timeline. It is the quiet force that has sustained humanity across centuries. Hope Across History Consider Christopher Columbus, who set out with the hope of discovering India—though he lost his way, it was hope that carried him across uncharted seas. Alexander of Greece marched forward with the intent to conquer the world, driven by ambition and hope. The Zoroastrians of Persia fled persecution, carrying with them the hope of sanctuary where they could practice their faith in pe...

During our daily conversations, we often use proverbs without thinking twice. While we may know their meanings and apply them in the right context, we rarely pause to ask how they originated. A friend teasing another with “The grapes are sour” , a parent gently reminding children “Honesty is the best policy” , or a teacher cautioning students “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” —these sayings are woven into everyday speech. Let us look at the meaning behind these proverbs and where they come from. 📜 Aesop’s Legacy Many familiar proverbs can be traced back to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece (around 620–564 BCE). Numerous fables are credited to him, though there is no clear historical evidence of his existence. Aesop used animal characters to convey moral lessons, attributing human traits to them. His fables explore friendship, justice, happiness, and the human condition. Famous Proverbs from Aesop’s Fables The grapes are sour From The Fox and the Grapes . Th...

In a few days, India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day. Across the nation, societies in metropolitan cities, village squares, and schools will gather to unfurl the tricolor. Rallies will be held, hawkers will sell miniature flags, and lapel pins will be proudly worn. The atmosphere will be charged with patriotic fervor. Yet beneath this spectacle lies a sobering truth: most of us struggle to explain the true significance of this day. Patriotism has been reduced to slogans, salutes, and symbolic gestures. Ask around, and you’ll hear familiar refrains—giving one’s life for the country, defending against foreign enemies, standing in respect during the national anthem. But in this narrow definition, we miss the essence of patriotism. Patriotism Beyond Gestures True patriotism is not confined to grand displays. At its core, it means respect for our country—treating it with dignity and ensuring it is seen in good light before the world. And this is where we Indians often fall short. We br...

Imagine suffering from a physical injury, even a minor one. The moment people notice, their faces reflect concern. If the injury is serious, shock sets in. Questions pour in: How did it happen? What treatment are you undergoing? How are you coping? Friends, family, colleagues—even management—offer sympathy, advice, and practical help. You respond willingly, explaining your situation, and often accept their support. Now contrast this with a time when you felt low in spirits—sad, confused, frustrated, weighed down by negativity. In other words, a bout of depression. The reactions you encounter are starkly different. Some show mild concern, others irritation at your “moodiness.” If you ask for a day off, parents may call you irresponsible, managers may accuse you of malingering. Why the Difference? The answer lies in visibility : Physical injury: A wound, a broken limb, or a fever is visible. It evokes sympathy because the damage can be seen. Depression: Hidden withi...