Colors of life

  Diwali at our workplace has always had a certain charm—a simplicity that didn’t need any frills or high-profile guests. Every year, a few junior employees would take the lead, gathering small contributions from colleagues, setting up a modest temple space, and arranging a Laxmi Puja. It was a low-key event, but it brought everyone together, from the lowest ranks to the office brass, in a shared moment that felt genuine. And those same employees, usually the ones responsible for decorating the space and preparing the prasaadam , would get a warm nod of appreciation for their efforts. It was tradition, after all—a bridge that united us across different levels, at least for a day. This year, however, our little Diwali puja received a bit of an upgrade. The simple setup was swapped for a mini-stage, and rather than the usual crew, it was a different set of faces handling the arrangements. As the puja began, I noticed some of our top executives taking the lead in the ceremony, joined ...

  In our fast-paced world, amidst the noise of everyday life, many still grapple with the concepts of Shareer (body), Jeev (life force), and Atma (soul). Religious texts and spiritual leaders have attempted to explain the subtle yet profound differences between them, but for many, these terms remain abstract. Recently, in a discussion with colleagues, I found that even those who have been exposed to these ideas often struggle to truly grasp what Atma is. This led me to share my interpretation through everyday metaphors, hoping to simplify a seemingly complex topic. Let’s break it down. Shareer : The Tangible Vessel The Shareer, or body, is easy to define. It's the tangible, physical entity that we all can see, touch, and interact with. Our bodies are the medium through which we experience the world. Just as a water tap has a metal structure, the body too is the structure within which life operates. Without its flow of water, a tap is merely a hollow object; similarly, without Jeev ...

In India, insurance is not just a financial product; it's a necessity. Whether it’s health, life, or vehicle insurance, most people purchase policies to protect themselves and their assets against unforeseen circumstances. However, what many policyholders may not realize is the additional cost they incur each year in the form of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on insurance renewals. The Indian government charges an 18% GST on the renewal of insurance policies, a fee that is collected irrespective of whether a single claim has been made against the policy. This practice, particularly in the case of third-party vehicle insurance, raises significant questions about fairness and financial justice. The Nature of Insurance: An Agreement, Not a Service As discussed, an insurance policy is essentially an agreement between the policyholder and the insurer. It outlines the terms under which the insurer will provide financial protection or compensation in exchange for premium payments. This agre...

Introduction : The recent high-profile wedding of Anant Ambani saw an impressive gathering of Saints, Dharmgurus, and Shankaracharyas, all present to bless the couple. Such occasions naturally spark curiosity and invite critical reflection. Do these revered leaders exhibit the same enthusiasm for events hosted by common people? This article delves into the potential contradictions in selective attendance and the broader implications for the principles they preach. The Principle of Equality : Religious leaders emphasize that God resides in every individual equally. This foundational belief underscores the universality and impartiality of divine love. However, actions that appear to contradict this principle can undermine the credibility of these teachings. The Allure of High-Profile Events: High-profile weddings and events of the wealthy and influential offer unmatched visibility and prestige. It is understandable why such events attract prominent religious figures. Yet, if attendance s...

In today's fast-paced world, the allure of instant gratification is stronger than ever. We often see peers enjoying exotic vacations, glamorous nights out, and a lifestyle that seems effortlessly luxurious. For many, especially the younger generation, the pressure to keep up with this image can be overwhelming. Imagine a young professional in their mid-20s, earning a respectable salary yet feeling discontented with their job and, more worryingly, with life itself. They might begin to entertain the idea of relying on financial support from their family to live life to the fullest – to travel, indulge in nightlife, and emulate the affluent lifestyle they observe around them. However, it is crucial to understand the value of patience, perseverance, and responsible financial planning. In many middle-class families, virtues of hard work, savings, and thoughtful decision-making are deeply ingrained. It's not about denying the enjoyment of life but about worrying that a constant influ...

In the world of asphalt works, it's a well-known fact that misappropriation of resources is a common issue. Often, contractors in collusion with officials engage in illicit activities that lead to embezzlement, with the blame frequently falling on quality control (QC) officials for poor road work outcomes. However, it's essential to understand that quality control and preventing misappropriation are two distinct aspects of project management. Quality control measures alone cannot suffice in preventing such acts. The Limitations of Quality Control Measures Quality control focuses on ensuring that the materials and workmanship meet the required standards and specifications. While vital, QC measures do not inherently address the misappropriation of materials or financial resources. This misappropriation is often a result of systemic issues within the project management and oversight frameworks, where collusion between contractors and officials can go unchecked. The Need for Standa...

So, picture this: election season is in full swing, with politicians crisscrossing the country, stirring up crowds at flashy rallies. It's all pomp and show, making you think our economy's booming like nobody's business, right? But hold on a second. Let's take a peek behind the scenes, where the folks on election duty are sweating it out in the trenches of rural India. I'm talking about being sent off to some remote village in Kachchh district, smack dab in the middle of nowhere, for a three-day stint of election duty. Sounds adventurous, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's not all fun and games. We're talking about roughing it out without the comforts of home sweet home. Now, let's talk about getting there. All the election officers are herded into these state government-run non-AC buses that are straight out of the Stone Age. I'm talking poor suspension, folks. And did I mention the scorching heat? In Kachchh, temperatures soar above 42 degrees, and t...