Six puffs too many

 Six Puffs Too Many

Let me tell you a little secret.

I have a shocking admission… I was a smoker. Brand: Charminar.

⚠️ Warning: Even a single puff can harm your health.

Before anyone faints—I’ve taken just 6 puffs in my entire life. That’s it. Smoking is bad news. Don’t be tempted.

Well, let me spit out the story.

I was doing my intermediate examination in Allahabad during the oppressive summer heat. The centre was some godforsaken place on the outskirts of the city, full of positively evil-looking boys, muttering, jostling, and plotting mischief.

Three of us arrived on cycles, parked and locked them, and paused to take in the chaos. The courtyard was alive with shouting, darting boys, tea stalls hissing steam, swirling dust, and a hot loo wind that made the heat almost unbearable. The college toilet added its own pungent punch. Nearby, an invigilator with a hideous demeanour and ungainly gait was prowling outside the hall, daring anyone to make a misstep.

We had planned to revise quietly—but the tumultuous atmosphere swallowed our notes, and not a single page was opened.

I was skinny, fair, short, and looked about 13. Confidence? Zero. One friend whispered,

“Let’s buy cigarettes. We’ll blend in—and look tougher.”

The idea appealed to me—borrowed swagger, a tiny prop to feel older.

Money was scarce. We marched to a tiny shop.

“What brand?” asked the shopkeeper.

I blurted Charminar.

We bought three loose cigarettes and held them with style, waving them around. Then came the lighting.

No lighter. No matches. Just a burning rope hanging from a metal ring.

One chap struggled, coughed, and finally succeeded. The rest of us lit from him—a relay of choking doom.

Two puffs later… disaster.

Coughing. Wheezing. Eyes streaming. Mouth bitter.

Any swagger vanished instantly.

The bell rang. We shuffled into the hall, and I spent the first half hour recovering from my “initiation.”

Bishop’s: Round two

I had just joined Bishop’s in Pune as a young teacher. One evening, I was invited to Mr Fletcher’s home, along with Mr Denzil Innis and Mr William Daniell ( I think it was these 3 as they were close ) —all senior teachers. I was happy to be invited, quietly hoping I would blend in and learn from their experience in the school. 

It was a fun, relaxed evening. We were talking about common friends in Allahabad, and they were filling me in about how good Bishop’s was, along with other titbits and anecdotes. Laughter flowed freely, mixing memories of chaotic exam halls and mischievous boys.

Cigarettes were on hand. One offered me a drag. “For fun,” they said.

Two drags later…

Burning lungs. Eyes streaming. Cough loud enough to wake the neighbourhood. I could hardly eat any dinner.

That was it. I vowed never to smoke again. The laughter and stories didn’t need a cigarette. Smoking adds nothing but regret.

The Lesson

Some Bishopites smoked, mostly senior boys or boarders. They thought we teachers had no clue, quietly puffing away behind doors and under bedsheets. Little did they know—we knew exactly who smoked and how cigarettes were being brought in. We just never caught anyone red-handed… which, to be honest, sometimes felt like a superpower.

Me? I had my 6 puffs, paid my dues, and never went near another cigarette. One lesson was crystal clear: smoking is neither cool, nor clever, nor worth a single cough or bitter mouthful.

( And then there was Mr Roberts who smoked a pipe!) 

25 years in the UAE

 A City of Vision: A Family’s 25-Year Journey in the UAE

A nation where vision meets opportunity, families flourish, and youth thrive.

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25 Years in the UAE: From Satwa Streets to Serene Springs

This year marks 25 years in the UAE—long enough to realize that home isn’t always where you are born, but where your life takes shape.

For children growing up here, like my daughters, the experience is extraordinary. They grow curious, confident, and resilient, shaped by a city that is constantly evolving yet remarkably grounded. Opportunities abound, horizons stretch wide, and young people learn early that the world is not distant or intimidating, but open, welcoming, and full of possibility.

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Satwa: Where Curiosity Begins

I arrived from India in 2001, a few months ahead of my family, to settle in Satwa, along Al Diyafah Street (2nd December Street).

During festivals, especially the Dubai Shopping Festival, the streets were alive with colours and sound. Marching bands paraded past, performers balanced on stilts, tableaux delighted the crowds, and clowns and music spilled into the evenings, drawing curious onlookers from all over.

Small cafés and street stalls served shawarma, falafel, Indian chaat, Pakistani biryani, Filipino sweets, and Ethiopian coffee. The world-famous Ravi Restaurant was a landmark stop, where the neighbourhood’s multicultural flavour could be savoured in every bite. Weekends often meant trips to the beach, enjoying the sun and the breeze.

Walking these streets alone before my family arrived, I began to feel the city’s rhythm, its energy, and its openness—a first classroom in life, culture, and coexistence.

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Karama: The Pulse of Ambition

From Satwa, we moved to Karama, living very close to the General Post Office, right at the heart of the neighbourhood.

The area thrived on momentum—markets, clinics, cafés, shops, and supermarkets all within easy reach. People from every nationality crossed paths daily, and young residents quickly learned independence and adaptability. It was a place that demanded effort, rewarded perseverance, and offered a formative taste of city life.

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The Springs: Green Horizons for Families

Today, we live in The Springs. Lakes, birds, and green pathways offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle, yet everything remains close.

Schools, sports facilities, supermarkets, and entertainment hubs are all easily accessible, reflecting the city’s thoughtful planning. Across the UAE, parks, gardens, and beaches—most free to enter—provide open spaces for play, relaxation, and family time, showing how much the country values a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.

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A City Built on Vision and Possibility

The UAE has risen like a phoenix in the desert, a testament to foresight, planning, and energy. Guided by visionary leaders, every expansion—from bustling streets to serene residential enclaves, from soaring skyscrapers to thriving business hubs—reflects purpose, determination, and ambition.

From the Burj Khalifa to the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Frame, and the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road, these landmarks are more than records—they are statements of intent. The roads, bridges, and intersections are immaculate, flanked by gardens and flowers along the streets. It is almost unbelievable that this was once desert. Despite the sand and occasional storms, you rarely see a dirty car or building—the city gleams.

Communities flourish alongside world-class infrastructure, and more people, including celebrities, are choosing to buy property and call the UAE home—not just in Dubai, but across all the emirates. It is a city that never sleeps, yet is incredibly safe, where incidents like eve-teasing, pickpocketing, and theft are by and large unheard of—offering both excitement and peace of mind.

Beyond its buildings, the UAE is alive with innovation, from smart cities to renewable energy projects. At the same time, history and culture are carefully preserved—museums, heritage districts, and festivals celebrate both Emirati tradition and global artistry. Sports and recreation are abundant, from Formula 1 and international golf tournaments to desert adventures and pristine beaches. Sustainability and environmental care are visible everywhere, from green buildings to thoughtfully planned public spaces, reflecting a nation that dreams big while caring for its future.

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Systems That Work

One of the UAE’s greatest strengths is how well things function. Rules are clear, processes run smoothly, and outcomes are reliable.

I have often watched a single police officer bring traffic to a halt with a few hand signals, or seen ambulances and emergency teams arrive within minutes, sometimes by helicopter. Rescue efforts extend to hikers lost in the mountains, travelers stranded in the desert, and even animals—a camel airlifted to safety, a cat rescued unharmed. Hospitals and healthcare systems here are world-class, reflecting a society built on discipline, coordination, and care.

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Effort, Perseverance, and Reward

Life in the UAE demands effort. Long hours and dedication are common, especially in the early years. Some find it challenging, but those who persevere soon realize that the opportunities here make it worthwhile.

The UAE becomes a home away from home—just a few hours from India, well connected to the world. You can choose to save, to invest, or simply enjoy the comforts of the city—the choice is yours.

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Youth, Education, and Global Citizens

Having spent decades in education across India and the UAE, I have seen how young people benefit from diversity. Studying alongside peers from dozens of nationalities in some of the best schools and universities, they develop adaptability, empathy, and a global perspective.

My daughters reflect this third-culture upbringing—fluent in the world, grounded in values, and shaped by the UAE’s spirit of respect, ambition, and community. For many young people, the UAE is more than home—it is a launchpad.

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Reflection and Continuity

Over the years, the UAE became more than a place to work—it became home. My daughters have built their own families, and I am a proud grandfather. I continue to work in a globally recognized education organization, witnessing how effort and trust shape both careers and character.

From Satwa’s vibrant streets to Karama’s busy lanes, and now The Springs’ quiet paths, my family and I have experienced a city that nurtures youth, celebrates diversity, and rewards dedication—a place where life remains colourful, multicultural, and full of possibility.

Beyond the Degree: Finding Purpose in Your Path

 

Beyond the Degree: Finding Purpose in Your Path
Why ambition, independence, and thoughtful choices matter more than university names or international credentials.

A university name won’t define your success—what kind of life are you truly building?

A few years ago, Advit and his cousin, Ira, (names changed for privacy ) , left the UAE to pursue higher education. Advit went to the US for medicine; Ira chose engineering in Canada. Bright and ambitious, they soon faced cultural shocks, relentless coursework, and the weight of being far from home. Now, whispers of returning to the UAE are real, where strong programs, guidance, and opportunities await—proof that prestige alone doesn’t guarantee success.

“Are you choosing a path for yourself, or simply following what looks impressive?”

If parents can afford it and it aligns with your goals, studying abroad can be a good choice—but it should be a deliberate decision, not influenced solely by prestige, appearances, or pressure.

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The Weight of Expectations and Cost

Sending a child abroad is often a heroic effort. Parents borrow, stretch finances, and take on debt. Sometimes, a sense of guilt enters the picture—students worry about the sacrifices their parents make. Even if they struggle with the course or feel overwhelmed, they continue to push themselves, often at the expense of their own wellbeing, which can lead to stress or even depression.

Many UAE schools provide excellent programs locally. Their students gain admissions abroad—a notable achievement—but success abroad also brings challenges—cultural, academic, and emotional—that no leaderboard can capture.

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Prestige Isn’t the Only Measure of Success

Many schools highlight international placements, reflecting strong guidance and preparation. But success isn’t only abroad. UAE schools provide mentorship, internships, career guidance, and career fairs, placement talks, counselling sessions, skill-building workshops, and leadership programs. Students develop confidence and independence, thriving wherever life takes them.

Advit and Ira’s experience shows that preparation, support, and thoughtful choices matter more than a university label.

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Lessons Beyond the Classroom

True growth comes from responsibility, decision-making, and learning from failure. By the mid-to-late twenties, standing on one’s own feet—financially and personally—is essential.

Many young adults measure success by potential salary. Rent is real. Life is expensive. But high pay without skill, judgment, or resilience is hollow. Entry-level roles, internships, and small responsibilities teach resilience, insight, and confidence—the foundation of lasting success.

In the UAE, students can gain experience in cafés, retail stores, malls, or community projects, earning pocket money while learning practical skills: interacting with people, managing responsibilities, communicating, and problem-solving. Parents should encourage these opportunities—they teach lessons no degree can.

My daughter, for instance, held several small jobs during college, which stood her in good stead when she entered the workforce. The life skills she gained—communication, problem-solving, financial responsibility, resilience, and confidence—proved as important as her academic degree.

There are CEOs, chairmen, and founders of multinational companies who started from scratch. Their journeys are inspiring. Speaking with such individuals gently reminds you that building success is often a step-by-step process, not an instant leap.

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Starting at the Bottom Builds Strength

Many imagine success means starting at the top: a corner office, a high salary, or an assistant at hand. The truth is sharper—success is earned step by step, through effort, mistakes, and patience. Starting small builds understanding, judgment, and real skills that no title or paycheck can teach.

I began working very early. In my twenties, my job was modest and low-paying. Over four decades, I moved up—not by luck, but through hard work, loyalty, calculated risks, and consistency. The achievement was never the title; it was building steadily, step by step, with my own hands.

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Choosing With Purpose

Ask yourself: What excites me? What challenges me? Where will I grow? Prestige is fleeting; purpose lasts. Whether studying abroad or in the UAE, success depends on deliberate choice, effort, and resilience.

Going abroad can be a wonderful experience—an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore. But the true measure of success is not the city or the university, but the skills, independence, and resilience you build along the way. With thoughtful choices, effort, and perseverance, students can thrive wherever they are, turning opportunities—at home or abroad—into a fulfilling, successful journey.

Parents guide, but don’t impose. Students think critically, embrace challenges, and understand life is competitive—it is a jungle out there. Success is not a gift, a title, or a paycheck—it is earned, deliberate, and hard-won.

Ultimately, whether near or far, the path to success is in the choices you make, the effort you put in, and the growth you embrace. Start strong, stay curious, and let each experience subtly shape the life you truly want.

MORNING BY THELAKE

 Morning by the Lake

Upon a winter weekend, at the first pale light, I walk briskly beside the lake.

The sun rises slowly, spreading soft gold across the water, warming the edges of date palms, neem, and ghafs.

Tiny fish dart beneath the surface, and ducks bob and dive, feathers puffed against the cold, rising again, unhurried and sure.

A thin mist drifts above the lake, and each breath leaves me in quiet clouds.

Along the paved path, people move in steady rhythm, some stepping off onto grass still wet with dew or watering.

Dogs pull at their leashes; maids walk them while checking phones. Cats stretch, settle on benches, shiny-coated and clearly well fed.

From the trees come familiar sounds— sparrows chattering, pigeons cooing, crows calling— ordinary birds, part of the morning.

Everything is spotlessly clean. Paths, grass, benches— all rinsed fresh, catching the light.

I sit on a bench after my walk is over, the cold wood firm beneath my hands, watching ducks cross the water, small fish flicker just below the surface.

Children learn football nearby, their laughter carrying easily in the open air.

Some toddlers pass by in prams and strollers, blankets tucked in, eyes wide at the morning.

A small yoga group moves slowly through poses, breathing together.

Along the path, gardens spill with bougainvillea— bright in shape and presence, even if the colours escape me.

By eight, the sun is fully up, simple, clear, and warming. Joggers quicken their pace, dogs grow restless, yet the lake keeps its calm, holding every movement without fuss.

Evening returns around six. The light softens, stretching across the water.

Ducks drift, the surface barely broken. Birds settle into trees. People take the benches again, watching the sun drop behind the palms. From one house comes country and blues, from others, soft coloured lights glow— quiet, welcoming.

There is no other place I would rather be. It is peaceful. It is cool. It is fresh.

The air feels clean and full, easy to breathe. So far removed from the noise and rush of the city, I sit, I breathe, I watch.

And for now, that is enough.

Beyond Marks: Helping Students Thrive in Board Exams

 

Beyond Marks: Helping Students Thrive in Board Exams

A clarion call for parents, teachers, and learners to focus on preparation, resilience, and self-belief—not just results.

“With the boards around the corner, the real question is not whether learners are ready—but how we can improve the guidance, reassurance, and encouragement we provide, so they face the challenges ahead with self-belief and resilience.”

Every year, as the CBSE Board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 approach, tension builds in familiar ways. Classrooms grow quieter, homes more tense. Some young people seem confident, even relaxed, but many others are anxious and uncertain. They fear failing, disappointing their families, or not meeting expectations, sometimes without fully understanding them.

There is no denying it—achievements matter. They reflect the effort, preparation, and dedication learners put in, and they play a role in shaping future opportunities, including college admissions. Yet, marks should never define a pupil’s worth or overwhelm their poise.

Too often, we hear of learners becoming overwhelmed by stress, before, during, or after assessments. These stories remind us that academic pressure, if unchecked, can affect far more than grades. No examination, no outcome, is worth such a cost.

Which is why this period calls not for panic, but for perspective.

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There is Still Time to Make a Difference

The good news is that there is still time. How we use it now can make a real difference. Make every day count, but do it wisely. Pace yourself, take breaks, and rest when needed. Balanced, consistent effort now will pay off far more than frantic last-minute work ever could.

Families naturally hope for the best from their young people, and teachers foster effort and excellence. The boards are never easy, no matter how prepared learners may be. But when the tension is framed as guidance rather than criticism, it becomes a source of mentorship. Pupils need to know they are supported, that their efforts are recognized, and that asking for help or pausing to reflect strengthens their inner strength.

Looking back at classrooms over the years, I have seen the same nerves, but today there is also greater resilience and assurance. Learners who perform well do not necessarily study longer—they study smarter. They plan, revise strategically, focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing blindly, practice past papers, identify weak areas early, and ask for help when needed. Most importantly, they do not leave everything to the last minute.

Good learners also protect their routines. They sleep properly, eat well, and take short breaks. A tired mind cannot perform at its best, no matter how many hours are spent with a book open.

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Smart Study: How to Prepare Effectively

For young people, here’s how to study effectively:

• Make a realistic study plan and stick to it.
• Break subjects into manageable sections, focusing on one topic at a time.
• Revise regularly instead of cramming.
• Practice writing answers under time limits.
• Ask questions early; doubt is not weakness.
• Review mistakes and learn from them.
• Balance effort with rest.
• Focus on understanding, not just memorizing.
• Stay consistent rather than intense.
• Keep a positive mindset and avoid unhealthy comparisons.

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Understanding Your Learner: Generation Z in Focus

Families should remember that today’s learners—Generation Z—study differently. We cannot expect children to learn exactly as we once did. Some focus best in silence, others with music or background noise. Some take frequent short breaks to stay alert. Generation Z has grown up in a fast-paced, technology-rich world, and their expectations for learning, engagement, and feedback are different from ours. The key is to observe and understand your child’s learning style and help them find the rhythm that works. Flexibility encourages engagement, self-assurance, and effective preparation.

There is a perceptible shift in the mindset of teachers today, moving away from simply telling learners what to do, toward guiding, mentoring, and understanding the mental makeup of teens. Educators now pay more attention to individual needs, offering advice and reassurance instead of rigid instruction. This shift is vital and bodes well for the future of education.

For families, this is a time to be anchors, not amplifiers of anxiety. Encourage without comparing. Support without pressuring. Listen more than you speak, and let your child know your belief in them does not depend on a percentage. It’s also common for families and their children to clash over study routines or expectations during this period. Small disagreements can quickly escalate if emotions run high. The key is to stay calm, communicate openly, and focus on understanding each other. Families can set expectations gently, while learners can explain their approach and needs. Mutual respect and patience go a long way in reducing tension and keeping preparation on track.

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Schools, Families, and Teachers: Shaping Success Together

For schools, particularly in the UAE, this is a chance to celebrate progress. UAE schools are exceptionally well-structured, with strong academic support, professional guidance, mentoring, and counselling services. From well-planned curricula to learner-focused approaches and holistic development programs, the environment is designed not just for results, but for nurturing resilient, confident young people. Pupils here are fortunate to have such a foundation, and it is up to all of us—teachers, families, and schools—to make the most of it.

Boards will end. Results will come. Some learners will celebrate, others will reflect. Life moves forward—with multiple paths, second chances, and opportunities that no marksheet can fully predict.

As a senior educator, I have seen the incredible potential in our pupils—not just in academics, but in their courage, creativity, and resilience. If we guide them with calm, perspective, and reassurance, this period can become less about fear and more about growth. True achievement is not only in the marks students earn, but in the inner strength, habits, and mindset they carry forward into life.

We are all learning—teachers, families, and learners alike—but we must continue to strive to do more and do better for our pupils. Every step we take to mentor, reassure, and inspire them shapes not just their achievements, but their self-assurance, resilience, and love for learning.

This year, let’s make it different. Let’s answer the clarion call: guide, reassure, and inspire our young people—so that when the boards are over, they walk away not just with results, but with belief in themselves and their future.

Practical takeaway: Organize your time, review steadily, and let each small effort count. Take things one step at a time, and trust yourself—you are capable of more than you think. Marks matter, but so does perspective. Your resilience, curiosity, and sense of humour are what really carry you forward—so don’t forget to smile between revisions !.

Good wishes to all !

Wings and Whispers

 Wings and Whispers

I sit outside

before the city wakes.

The garden is alive.

Sparrows arrive first—

noisy, impatient,

eating fast, gone before goodbye.

Mynas slip in—

alert, watchful, claiming gaps.

Pigeons land with clumsy weight,

Eager doves hover at the edges,

neither rushes.

Some eat.

Some carry food away—

for young, for later, for somewhere else.

Crows take hard bread,

dip it in water,

don’t rush, don’t waste

Smart birds indeed!

A woodpecker taps the tree,

checks, moves on.

Butterflies drift,

landing on flowers,

colors stitched into the greenery.

Leaves sway in a gentle rhythm,

flowers nod,

the air hums with wings and life.

Jostling, fly-bys,

the quiet rule of the jungle at work.

No one stays forever.

No one takes it all.

Different needs.

Different ways.

One shared space.

By the time the feeder empties,

the lesson is gone with them.

The city wakes.

I linger,

wondering why we make living together harder than it needs to be.

We all eat too much

 NO MATTER THE FESTIVAL - WE ALL EAT TOO MUCH 

Have you ever noticed that no festival in human history has ended with the sentence:

“Good thing we cooked just the right amount.”

Irrespective of your country, family size, age, gender, time of day, mood, height, or weight—there is one universal festive law:

You will overeat.

You will feel bloated and uncomfortable.

You will complain about it.

You might take a digestive pill with deep sincerity.

And then—because restraint is seasonal—you will eat some more.

It happens everywhere: at your house, relatives’ houses, friends’ places, work parties, and even restaurants where “sharing” is optional.

> “Everyone just eats. Constantly. Enthusiastically. Without learning.”

And it’s not just Christmas.

It’s Eid, where the biryani has no finish line.

Diwali, where sweets appear from cupboards, drawers, and handbags.

Holi, where gujiyas ambush you between colours.

Thanksgiving, where gratitude is measured in helpings.

Lunar New Year, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings—

If humans are gathering, food will not just be present; it will be assertive.

Which brings us to the mystery:

Why do we cook so much… and then buy more?

Because festive logic shuts down the rational part of the brain.

We cook like an army is arriving.

Halfway through, panic sets in:

“What if it’s not enough?”

Not because people are hungry—but because running out of food would be a social crime.

> “Everything was lovely, but the food got over very fast.”

No one remembers festivals where there was just enough food. Everyone remembers:

“They didn’t even insist properly.”

So we hedge our dignity with extra dishes, emergency sweets, backup snacks, and one mysterious item no one planned but everyone insists is essential.

There is also hope involved:

Hope cousins will drop by.

Hope neighbours will “just come for five minutes.”

Hope people will suddenly eat less rice and more salad (they won’t).

From childhood to adulthood, we’ve been saying the same things:

> “I shouldn’t have eaten so much.”

“I’m done now.”

“Just one more bite.”

Maybe it’s culture. Maybe it’s love. Maybe it’s unresolved emotional issues served with chutney.

Festivals teach one enduring truth:

Self-control is seasonal, digestion is optional, and leftovers are proof that hope—and second helpings—exist.

We eat. We groan. We pop a digestive pill. And then, inevitably… we eat again.

Because no matter the festival, overeating is the only tradition we never skip.

And then, like clockwork, most people’s New Year’s resolutions appear:

Exercise. Lose weight. Get fit.

Ah yes—the eternal cycle: eat, regret, resolve… repeat.