08th January 2025
If you haven't read the book Educated, I highly recommend it. There is a line in the book that has stayed with me for the longest time. How much should we give to those we love and how much should we betray them to grow up?. It is a powerful question that cuts deep. In the book, the protagonist's unyielding pursuit of education stands in stark contrast with her parent's way of life and the environment they create for it -- a world that seems to stifle her dreams rather than nurture them. What is your dream and that stifling environment? Are you going to love or are you going to betray it?
05th December 2024
Iām in Tokyo, a country renowned for its vibrant landscapes and the contrasting charm of its people. On one side, thereās the humble, wise older generation; on the other, the colorful-haired, often bewildered younger generation. Every new city brings fresh experiences, and Tokyo has been no exceptionādelivering them effortlessly, even without seeking them out. From cozy beachside towns to the exhilarating nightlife of Shinjuku, the journey has been nothing short of amazing. So has been work :D
28th October 2024
It never really ends. I once believed that small, joyful moments were fleeting, gone before youād even notice them in the chaos of city life. But somehow, they always find a way to sneak back in. Whether itās during a metro ride or while waiting in line, these moments quietly emerge. The city isnāt just its roads, its infrastructure, or its wealthāitās the people.
Today, as I stood for 20 minutes on the train ride home from work, a family from a rural area refused to let me stand. They insisted, even holding my hand until I sat down. Their simple reasoning? āYouāve probably been working all day; you must be tired.ā
Tell me another place where you find people like that.14th October 2024
In the age of AI, the process of applying for tourist and business visas remains outdated. Middlemen, such as VFS Global, may have vested interests in keeping the system opaque and complex. Having applied for numerous visas myself, it's frustrating how every country has its own unique requirements. Malta asked for an office letter with a "wet stamp and signature," Japan needed a cover letter, and the Netherlands seemed to want my entire life story. It never gets any easier, does it?
08th October 2024
There's something compelling about listening to a stranger's life story. Everyone has one, but it's the tales of struggle that truly captivate us. Stories of financial hardship, the challenges of providing for a large family from a young age, and the relentless pursuit to find and excel at work. The template is always the sameāyet it's the people, their voices, and their unique experiences that make each story resonate in its own way. Today, I heard one such story, and it left a lasting impact.
06th October 2024
In Asia, the topic of having kids is as public as a festival, with neighbors, parents, and even that nosy aunty acting like itās their business. Itās not about whether you want kidsātheyāve already decided: āWe want grandkids, and youāre up!ā But hereās the catch: Iām a bit of a rebel, and unsolicited advice is my cue to do the opposite. Whenever the topic of babies pops up, I feel like saying, āShall we dive into my sex life too, since weāre here?ā Keep pushing (Oops.. sorry no pun intended), and I just might!
24th September 2024
I recently felt the urge to try crochet. My mom, a true pro at it, has made everything from table runners to custom t-shirts for my partner. Iāve always loved a few store-bought tees because of their knit texture, so I decided to give it a go. I asked my mom for a quick lesson and started with the basics: chains and single crochet stitches.
A man who crochets? Yep, I get plenty of amused looks from my dad!
For now, Iām working on a simple dual-color scarf for my partner. Cannot wait to finish it :)2nd September, 2024
10:00pm Bangalore "Do they pay you enough?" they ask, But enough for what? Enough to brew a cup, and fill my heart. All along, parents give their part, But itās this currency that keeps us apart. "Do they pay you enough?" they ask, But for what?
9th August, 2024
10:00pm Bangalore Only in my Home City: The sweet scent of trees lining the streets, yoga classes that pop up casually without the pressure of a $100 fee serene lakes within the city without boasting of India's green cover. Here, people meditate on the banks of those lakes because they genuinely understand its benefitsā untouched by the influence of YouTube gurus. Small groups gather in conversation, unaware that their social interactions are a balm for mental health. These are the treasures of my home city.
23rd July 2024
11:30am Singapore One last day in a Singapore office. One last commute from home to work. I noticed the voice on the MRT, the clothes people were wearing, and the cool air by the fountain near the office. I did my face scan one last time. Although I havenāt enjoyed the work or the workplace these past few months, I will miss its location. I am grateful that I could start my career here and it helped me setup my life for the first few months.
20th July 2024
2:00pm Singapore The simple pleasure of sitting in a cafe and reading an Enid Blyton book is unmatched. Her stories of kids caring for farm animals and savouring the simple joys of life are a delightful escape. The language is straightforward, with simple words and short sentences. It transports me back to my childhood when I could devour a book in one sitting. Nowadays, it's a struggle to get through even a few pages; the words feel pretentious, and the ideas are often stretched thin to fill a 350-page book.
13th July 2024
6:21pm Singapore I still don't feel it. Many people asked me how it feels to leave Singapore. Many assumed that is a sad affair while many more congratulated me. These are just projections of their feelings and thoughts.
I on the other hand, am absolutely equanimous. I don't feel particularly sad or happy to leave Singapore. I am leaving because it feels like the right time for ME. I look forward to more opportunities and better access to the society and people that matter to me. I will do more.12th July 2024
10:00am Singapore Lush green trees flourish outside my window, a testament to Singaporeās dedication to greenery. The island is meticulously maintained, with green trails woven into its very heart. Behind my house, a former railway corridor has been transformed into a 20km walking track, stretching to the islandās northern reaches.
Despite the serene nature, the tranquility is often disrupted by an expressway, where the constant whizzing of motor vehicles masks the sounds of birds and the stillness. This juxtaposition is a common experience in Singapore: old shophouses nestled among modern buildings, temples and monasteries standing alongside bars and clubs. The old coexists with the new, and nature endures alongside its intrusions.06th July 2024
5:30pm Singapore I am spending time meeting the people in Singapore who have significantly impacted my life here. Besides, I also have numerous other tasks I must address: finding new tenants for my place, negotiating the terms of my stay in Singapore, canceling my Wi-Fi and other utilities and my visa. Interestingly, these steps are in the reverse order of what I did when I first arrived in Singapore.
02nd July 2024
4:30pm Singapore July marks my last month in Singapore, echoing my first month here nine years ago. I arrived with dreams of fun, opportunities, and a vibrant life. Today, I often wonder how much of that remains. The answer? That is not a small thought at all.
23rd June 2024
1:00 pm Singapore Life moves on. People rise and fall, sometimes in the same day. This has been my experience recently. Iāve been aiming to return to Bangalore and have been interviewing at various companies. Iām thrilled to share that Iāve received two offers and am particularly excited about one of them. More details to come soon.
23rd June 2024
4:00 pm Singapore
Nothing will ever be the same for my wife and her family. A life lost is a void that can never be filled. But amidst the sorrow, a poignant truth emerges: while our world remains altered, the lives of others gradually return to normalcy. Life, in its relentless progression, moves toward vibrancy and renewal. Memories of those weāve lost remain etched in our hearts, yet life transcends even the deepest grief.21st June 2024
10:00 am Singapore Death alters your perspective. It serves as a constant reminder that it lurks just around the corner. Embrace the awareness of death in your daily life to acknowledge your own mortality. Various traditions offer ways to do this: some Indians apply holy ash to their foreheads, while Stoics carry Memento Mori coins. Regardless of your chosen method, we are all inevitably progressing towards death. Let this awareness inspire you to make today truly matter.
20th June 2024
1:26 pm Singapore This day will be etched in my memory for the rest of the time on this planet. My wife lost a brother in the USA in a car crash. Life is just too unfair. You can only live in the moment and the rest is not assured. There is no replacement. There is no insurance to fix things. Once gone, it is gone.