My cup, my tea, my lips

 I have come to the conclusion that although we talk about our morning tea there are so many other things to consider.......

The type of water used

The way you boil it and for exactly how long.

The tea leaves you use

The amount, quantity  and qualiy of milk

The time spent on soaking the leaves in the boiled water

The amout of sugar if any.

There is one more......

The feel of the cup or mug in your hand and more so when the porcelain touches your lips.

I have had favourite mugs over the years and have always made my own tea with the same tea leaves and in the exact way.

I once put up a picture of my mug( the last one) and there were some vague comments. 

Some said it was too small while one also remarked that the colour was not manly! 

Well I loved it and used it well. Believe it or not, it travelled with me as I hate the gigantic mugs and cups that hotels provide  .

Some colleagues  will know that I also carry my own tea bags.

Anyway , a few days ago I woke as usual to make my tea.

Strangely the mug was missing. 

I searched rather frantically - in vain.

Rather hessitatingly I was forced to use a porcelain cup. No, not a cup and saucer - just a cup. And it has flowers on it! 

When my wife woke, she was greeted by " where's my mug"

In a rather smug fashion she made the grand announcement- " I've thrown it out".

I could have burst a vein- like a kid whose told that his favourite toy has been pitched into the bin.

However better sense prevailed.

Her explanation was valid.

One or two years of use and scrubbing had made the mug a trifle unfit for use.

No it was not chipped or cracked or anything, but it was discoloured inside.

My new cup on the other hand is sparkling and coming to think of it - the size is perfect and it feels good to the lips.

So it's out with the old and in with the new.

The cup does look a bit effeminate but who cares. 

It's now officially one of my new favourite possessions. 

My cup- my tea- my lips.

The old photo albums

 This morning, I happened to hurriedly flip through an old photo album, and it was a deeply nostalgic experience. Pictures of me as a child, my daughters, granddaughters, wedding memories, old family gatherings, picnics, parties, and other happy occasions came flooding back. 

There were snaps of my childhood in Allahabad, me playing in the band, and even some of my early years as a young teacher in Pune.

 This particular album seemed to be a collection of leftover photographs spanning nearly fifty years of my life.

 We have numerous such albums stored here in Dubai and back in Pune, and each time I come across one, I find myself transported, spending hours reliving those precious moments.

There’s a unique nostalgia tied to these memories—a reminder of simpler times when capturing moments was a deliberate effort.

 With the old film cameras, we could take only about eight photos on a reel, and some would inevitably be ruined during development. 

Those imperfect but heartfelt photos hold a charm that digital images often lack.

 Today, that’s a thing of the past, but the fondness for those tangible memories remains.

However, not all albums have stood the test of time. Some pages have yellowed with age, others have suffered from dampness, and a few photos have even gone missing. Yet, despite their imperfections, these albums are priceless treasures.

Today, technology has revolutionized the way we capture and store memories. Digital photos are sharper, clearer, and no longer require the hassle of film development. They’re easily accessible at the touch of a button, and most people no longer need a professional camera to take stunning pictures—a smartphone does the job. Yet, this convenience comes with its drawbacks. 

Unlike physical albums, digital photos can be lost when phones are changed or data is not backed up properly.

While technology offers incredible advantages, there’s an irreplaceable charm in holding a physical album, flipping through its pages, and reliving moments that feel as though they happened just yesterday. 

Times have changed, but the magic of those old albums remains timeless.

Any of you miss those old fashioned albums?

In pursuit of happiness

 IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS 

In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we are living our best lives and that those who went before us merely existed in a rather dull and uninspiring way.

 We’re told that “fun – in – the – sun” and “enjoyment” are the ultimate goals, and that success means maximizing our personal pleasure, often through experiences or material possessions. In reality- nothing is further from the truth!

We live in an age where constant social media updates and curated images of our lives and those of others shape our understanding of what “living fully” means. 

Have we ever stopped to wonder if we’re achieving the fulfillment we so desperately seek?

When we think of the concept of "progress," it's often equated with achievements—whether that’s in our careers, personal milestones, or the accumulation of things. We feel pressured to work harder, stay constantly connected, and acquire more. But is this truly progress, or are we simply chasing fleeting moments that give us temporary satisfaction while missing the bigger picture?

Many of the things we do in the name of fun or progress, like attending social events we don’t really enjoy, being extra nice to people we don’t really care about, buying things we don’t need, or constantly pushing ourselves to achieve goals that don’t align with our true values—are essentially distractions. We often chase after things that we think will make us happy, only to realize that satisfaction is short-lived. Something always seems to be missing

Consider social media, for example. We scroll endlessly through curated versions of other people's lives, fully convinced that we're missing out on the best things in life or not measuring up - this affects our own mental well-being. The pressure to maintain a certain image, to be constantly entertained, or to follow the latest trends, is leading to burnout, stress, and a sense of disconnection from what truly matters in life.

Progress, in its truest sense, does not lie in the external markers of success, but rather in personal growth—cultivating genuine relationships, being present, nurturing creativity, and finding meaning in our work and interactions. In our quest for enjoyment and fun, we risk overlooking what truly nourishes the soul and contributes to long-term fulfillment.

In a world that sadly prioritizes instant gratification, it’s so crucial to pause and reflect: Are we really enjoying life, or are we just going through the motions, chasing after the next thing to keep us entertained or in the limelight?

A background legend

 Bucket List: Tick – I’m an Actor (Sort Of)

Over the weekend, driving down Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai—a glorious stretch of asphalt slicing through towering skyscrapers, all shimmering like a mirage in the desert sun—I had what can only be described as a brush with stardom. It was early morning, and traffic was blissfully light. Suddenly, a large van overtook me, bristling with cameras hanging precariously from the back. Intrigued, I kept pace, only to notice a sleek white Mercedes cruising alongside me.

The plot thickened as a glamorous lady in the back seat peeked out of her window, her gaze momentarily locking onto my white 4x4. And then—wait for it—she waved or pointed in my direction! As if on cue, the camera shifted toward me. I smiled. Yes, the smile. My moment had arrived. The camera then panned up toward the towering buildings and back to the Mercedes, but in my heart, I knew the scene’s real star had just been revealed.

Was I an extra in a blockbuster? Perhaps a Bollywood epic or a Tollywood drama? Or maybe I’ve been immortalized in a Netflix series. Who knows? No credits, no paycheck, but let’s not get bogged down by details. I can now officially declare: I’ve appeared in a movie—or at least near one being filmed.

So, the next time you’re watching something featuring Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, keep your eyes peeled for a white 4x4 and a fleeting moment of cinematic magic. That’s me—your uncredited, unpaid,  background legend. 

You may joke all you want about me being a one - take- wonder or a blink - and - miss performer but me and my car  were there .

Presentations

 

Has anyone else noticed that the over-reliance on presentations in meetings has become excessive, often overshadowing genuine conversation and decision-making?

Meetings that once focused on open discussions and actionable outcomes, are now dominated by meticulously crafted slideshows. While technology enhances communication, it often distracts from the core purpose of collaboration.

In the past, meetings thrived on clarity of thought and effective articulation without the crutch of elaborate visuals. Today, however, presentations are seen as symbols of professionalism, leading to a culture where showing up without slides feels like turning up without pants. This mindset has made presentations more about appearance than necessity, often diluting the substance of the message.

Slides frequently become a fallback for presenters, and while they do help them stay on track, they tend to stifle spontaneity and engagement. Worse, the abundance of unnecessary graphs and convoluted data tables often leaves audiences bewildered. It’s not uncommon to encounter slides packed with color-coded spaghetti lines and pie charts that seem to have been created by someone playing "Data Art" rather than explaining anything. Sometimes, even the presenter looks as though they’re discovering the slides for the first time, adding to the general confusion.

The heavy dependence on technology shifts attention away from meaningful dialogue. Discussions take a backseat, and the human element of collaboration gets lost. While visuals can enhance understanding, their overuse often creates clutter rather than clarity.

Not every meeting requires a presentation. Clear, concise discussions can achieve the same objectives, often with better results. By prioritizing connection, clarity, and action over the perfection of slides, meetings can regain their focus.

Perhaps it’s time to put those overachieving pie charts on a diet and admit that sometimes, the most professional thing you can bring to a meeting is a good idea and a bit of common sense.

 

 

Pupils of today

 

I was at a public speaking competition , in one of the schools in my cluster today , and the eloquence, confidence and thought process of the participants literally blew me away. This got me thinking.

Pupils today- the Gen Alpha generation, are undeniably ahead of their time. Reflecting on my four decades in education, I’ve had the privilege of attending countless functions and events where I’ve observed a remarkable transformation in pupils over the years. Compared to the past, today’s pupils are notably more composed, deeply insightful, extremely confident, and acutely aware of the world around them.

This is not to say that pupils I taught 40 years ago were lacking in any way – but times have changed, and the world is moving in fast forward.

This evolution can be attributed to several factors. Schools, where children spend a significant portion of their formative years, undoubtedly play a crucial role. The structured environment, diverse curricula, and focus on extracurricular activities help nurture essential soft skills like communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving. Beyond schools, societal influences and the pervasive impact of social media have expanded children’s horizons. They are exposed to diverse perspectives, current global events, and a wealth of information at the click of a button.

Moreover, increased travel opportunities and the encouragement to explore different cultures have instilled independence and a broader worldview in today’s pupils. They are encouraged to read widely, research deeply, and articulate their thoughts clearly, contributing to their eloquence and self-assurance. This generation’s readiness to take on the world is inspiring and heartwarming.

Pupils today exhibit a range of qualities that clearly demonstrate they are well ahead of their time. They communicate ideas with clarity and poise, are well informed about global issues like climate change and human rights and analyze challenges critically to propose innovative solutions. Their technological proficiency, independence, adaptability, and cultural competence are remarkable. They work effectively in teams, often stepping into leadership roles, and embrace creativity with enthusiasm. These qualities, combined with their readiness to navigate an evolving world, make them a generation poised to shape the future with confidence and purpose.

The honing of soft skills is pivotal in this journey. At home, children learn love, empathy, resilience, and the value of relationships. In schools, they master teamwork, leadership, time management and critical thinking. Society further shapes them by emphasizing the importance of adaptability and global citizenship. Modern technology plays an integral part, serving as both a tool and a platform for learning, creativity, and innovation.

As the world continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges for today’s youth. Their ability to navigate this dynamic landscape, equipped with a well-rounded skill set and an optimistic outlook, is a testament to their potential.

Indeed, they are a generation ready to shape the future with confidence and purpose.

 

Will a ceasefire actually work

 Can true peace emerge from a brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict?

 I pray with all my heart, it does, but I doubt it will. I do hope I am proved wrong . 

A ceasefire, while critical to stopping immediate bloodshed and more unnecessary suffering, which has been tremendous to say the least, is, at the very best, purely a temporary measure. There are wider ramifications & true peace in this context requires the immediate addressing of innumerable deep-seated issues, which include historical grievances, political rights, security concerns, and deeply entrenched mistrust on both sides. 

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. 

The conflict isn't just territorial as people often make it out to be ; it's also deeply personal and emotional, tied to identity, survival, religion and history. For peace to be lasting, several key steps are necessary

First and foremost is the acknowledgment of suffering: Both sides need to reflect & recognize the pain, suffering and losses endured by each other. Without empathy, it’s hard to build trust. We are  yet to see that happening 

Secondly and of equal importance is the fact that there must be a just resolution that considers the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. This is of paramount importance, whether it's a two-state solution, shared governance, or another innovative model, worked out by the powers that be.

While International Mediation is certainly helpful, the mediators must be impartial, unbiased and detached. With everyone being so politically motivated this is a big ask. Only then will they be able to facilitate dialogue, ensuring both sides feel heard and represented.

We must not forget that the biggest sufferers in wars are not leaders but ordinary people, who are crying out for peace – for channels to connect, break stereotypes, and build relationships. Sustained peace is only possible if people themselves desire it.

Finally, we must not forget Economic Stability: Many conflicts are exacerbated by poverty and lack of opportunity. A comprehensive peace plan would need to ensure security and prosperity for all affected. The damage is colossal and funds will be crucial. Where is this going to come from and at what price? We all know there are no free dinners.

The challenge lies in breaking cycles of violence and retaliation, as well as dismantling narratives that dehumanize the "other." Without addressing the root causes of the conflict and creating a framework for mutual respect, a ceasefire will only serve as a pause in the violence, not a foundation for peace.

I am not a political pundit, just a practical individual who believes in the power of peace, knowing it fosters unity, progress, and a better future globally.