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Kaalika-The Rise of Rakthbeej Poonam Desai Author   In the previous chapters, we saw Hiranya Kashyap and his aide Swarbhanu discover the resurrection stone at Kalimath. DSP Sharvari is sent to Joshimath to investigate a cold case and interrogate Dhaigham, a man who was missing for 10 years after a mysterious accident and missing precious stones. In the meantime, Hiranya summons Raktbeej’s soul and traces Dilan, Benroy’s son. Swarbhanu kills Manohar, and Dilan escapes. Sharvari and Kasar begin a hunt for Dilan, meanwhile Dilan hears his inner voice at the Kalpavriksha in Joshimath and follows a path to the Nav Durga temple at Nandadevi.(Note- the Nav Durga temple and Mahuli are fictional places). Hiranya and his men are headed to Nanda devi forest reserve. Swarbhanu is sure Dilan is a Mahasimha.  Their paths converge and they are all moving towards Nandadevi. Whilst Dhaigham explains the history of the temple to Sharvari and Kasar Hiranya and his men close in. Despite the best efforts of Sharvari and team Hiranya and his men escape. Dilan bears the weight of the defeat. Hiranya raises the demon and Sharvari has her first encounter with Raktbeej in her dream. Chapter 11 Hiranya knelt before the demon and spoke, “Lord Raktbeej, your plans have been set in motion. We have mobilised our assets in the government, the defence systems and within society.” Raktbeej smiled. “My humble slave you will be rewarded. When you walk with me you will have immense power and wealth at your feet.” Hiranya nodded and took leave. Once out he called Swarbhanu. “Roll out our plans. Let chaos rein. Let people feel helpless and then they will be at our mercy. Let people experience the Bhayanakrasa (ruthlessness) of our Lord Raktbeej.” Swarbhanu nodded and began placing calls. Breaking news. Utter chaos reigns all over India. In New Delhi, four bombs shook the popular market areas of Chandni chowk, Khan market, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar. Several people were killed and many injured who are now being rushed to the civil hospitals nearby. In Mumbai and Ahmedabad hundreds of people have been infected by contaminated water and the hospitals are overflowing with people frantically seeking treatment. In Hyderabad, several men with guns took the entire store hostage and are demanding release of several terrorists in Indian jails.” Dilan flipped channels, with every news channel covering some calamity or the other. Kasar and Dhaigham walked into the living room overhearing the news. “What the hell is happening?” Kasar said taking the remote from Dilan and flipping to a local news channel. “At Joshimath, the workers in a tunnel near the Dhauliganga hydroelectric project heard a loud roar. Within minutes the tunnel walls came down burying all the workers alive. Rescue operations are on-going…..” “It’s like a switch has been flipped. There is chaos in every state in the country.” Dilan turned to Dhaigham and asked, “Do you think it has anything to do with him?” Dhaigham sighed. Before he could reply Sharvari spoke, “Hiranya has managed to raise the demon. I dreamt about him last night. He is vicious, soulless. But the worst part is he knew I could see him in my dream.” Kasar stilled. “Is that why you were sobbing last night?” Sharvari nodded. Dilan sank into the sofa, his fists tightly rolled. “What do we do now? How do we stop him? He has power beyond imagination.” Dhaigham held his shoulders in a firm grip. “Yes, he is powerful. But which demon isn’t? But Prakriti (nature) ensures balance, that is why the prophecy and the powers vested in you. Its time for you to rise to the challenge.” Dilan looked at all of them with unsure eyes. Sharvari walked to him and knelt before him. “You are not alone in this. We all are here for you. Let’s start here and see where the path takes us.” With those words she pulled her phone out and placed a call. “Sir, Sharvari here. I need to meet you. I have an update you will want to know.” She spoke for a while and then turned to the rest. “Kasar you and me are going to Delhi to speak to DIG Pandey. Dhaigham and Dilan you figure out a way to deal with this demon. This isn’t a normal or a mortal enemy that we are up against and we should have our arsenal of knowledge against him before we go up in battle.” “There are scriptures at the temple, me and Dilan can rummage for information there. There is a prophecy, and it may hold answers to our problems.” They parted ways that evening. On the flight, Kasar held Sharvari’s hand and asked, “Are you alright?” Her smile trembled. “Fear isn’t a choice anymore. If what we saw on the news continues, the world will be on its knees and he will control everything. I can’t let that happen. I am not sure of the journey ahead but I know we need to believe that good will prevail and evil will be vanquished.” Kasar rested his head on the seat and stared out the plane’s window. A storm was brewing, the clouds gathering. He wasn’t sure they would survive it. To be continued…

Angelina Kenny Writer, Website The greenery called to me, flirtatiously swaying above the wall.   At first I’d resisted; I’d already wasted enough time, wandering in circles. But something nudged me forward. Creakkk . The metal gate squeaked in protest, as I stepped into the garden.   Ferns fanned out against vast trees; sunlight peeking through the gaps, lighting the cobblestone paths, dust motes swirling golden in the morning air. I paused, capturing the noisy chirps of children in the play area, the thwack of a cricket ball hitting a bat and distant clubhouse cheers. Then I moved forward, drawn by the circle in the garden’s centre.   A girl sat on one of the stone seats, quietly reading under the shade of a banyan tree. Hair cropped close in a boy-cut, dressed in a simple white shirt and pair of navy leggings. Head bowed, letting the dappled sunlight fall on her.   “Hello,” I said, walking closer. “I’m Angelina. What are you reading?” The girl raised her head. Big, black eyes overwhelmed her lanky frame. She squinted as the leaves swayed and the sun hit. Flickers of gold turning her eyes into a rich, dark brown. She was quiet. Steady gaze taking me in.   “It’s by Enid Blyton,” she responded softly.   “Good choice. I read The Cuckoo in the Clock  when I was younger,” I smiled, remembering the copy Mama gifted me in third grade.   A small smile formed. “I quite like it. It’s fun.” Bunny teeth peeked through as she grinned. “So what’s got you here?” I asked. Lips thinning into a frown, the bunny teeth disappeared. “It’s quiet, not that many people around. And the sun feels nice,” the girl responded.   I nodded in agreement. “You’ve chosen a good spot, mind if I join you?”   She paused, then nodded hesitantly. I sat, two seats away, sinking into the sun-warmed bench. Pulled out my book and began to write.   We sat peacefully, her reading and me writing. Until the sun grew harsh, morning’s cool breeze disappearing into an oppressive heat.   I stood up, and glanced around. All that lay around me was shimmering greenery and branching paths.   “Honestly, I’m a little lost. Not sure how to go forward from here.” The girl hesitated, indecision flickering in her eyes until resolution took root.   “Come, I’ll show you the way,” she said, putting her hand out.   I took it, feeling her soft palm nestle against mine.   Unfamiliar, yet achingly familiar all at once.   Together, my younger self and I walked forward, marching into the blazing sun.

Umme Salmaa Bharmal Your Artist friend & Art facilator Linkedin Profile Substack Blog Contact me at: 9920492453 (from the Inner Me) Dear You, You know, from inside, you are still a child. I see how you light up over little things — a butterfly passing by, clouds rushing and reshaping themselves, colors bleeding into one another on paper. You still love all of this. You always have. So tell me — why do you pretend? Why do you tell yourself, I am an adult now, I can’t do this? Why do you believe you must behave smarter, quieter, more “appropriate,” more acceptable? Inside, I never left. I know when you stand in front of the mirror, you see time on your face, change in your body. But why does that make you push me away? Why does growing older mean growing distant from me? Why do you keep trying to separate us — the child and the adult — as if one must disappear for the other to survive? Can’t I remain here, alive inside you, even if the world sees a grown woman? Can’t softness coexist with wisdom? Can’t curiosity breathe alongside responsibility? Let me stay. Without correction. Without explanation. Let us lie on the grass and watch clouds float by. Let us paint without purpose. Let us hug — tight, long, unafraid. Let us cry when the heart is full or heavy. Why must you protect yourself from me, when I am the part that makes you feel alive? I don’t want to be separate. I want us to be together. Not you and me — just we. Love, The Child in You

Arshad Fahoum Tennis Fan We tend to think of tennis as a sport of clean lines and quiet intensity—a game defined by the "thwack" of a racket and the polite applause of a crowd. But if you dig into its history, you find that tennis is actually a story of language, literature, and the human condition. It turns out that "tennis" is a word that never really existed—at least, not as a name for a game. The Game of the Palm The sport is French to its core (two French kings actually died at tennis courts), yet the French never called it tennis. They called it jeu de paume—the "game of the palm" —because it was originally played with bare hands before gloves and rackets were introduced. So where did the word come from? It was a misunderstanding. When French players served, they shouted "Tenez!" —meaning "Take it!" or "Heads up!" Italians watching these matches overheard the shout and, by association, began calling the game "ten-ez." It’s a lovely image: a Florentine spectator standing at a fence in a forest clearing, mishearing a warning as a name. The Stars’ Tennis-Balls Once the word entered the lexicon around the 1350s, it didn't take long for poets to turn the game into a metaphor. Because the ball is struck back and forth, unable to control its own path, tennis became the perfect symbol for fate and human helplessness. In The Duchess of Malfi, John Webster wrote: "We are merely the stars’ tennis-balls, struck and banded / Which way please them." Shakespeare loved the metaphor, too. In Henry V, he uses a historical anecdote where the French Dauphin mocks the young King Henry by sending him a "tun of tennis-balls," suggesting the King is only fit for "light follies." Henry’s response is chilling, promising that those tennis balls will turn into cannonballs that "beat the walls to the ground." The Writer’s Game Centuries later, the connection between writing and tennis found its modern champion in David Foster Wallace. Wallace, who played at a junior level, saw tennis as the perfect sport for the obsessive, brooding literary mind. It is a "physical chess," a game where you are totally isolated. Unlike boxing, you have no corner man whispering to you; unlike team sports, you have no support. You are alone with the math and the wind. Wallace’s writing on tennis—from his essays on the heartbreaking grind of Michael Joyce to the transcendence of Roger Federer—acted like a mirror for his own mind. He was fascinated by the "closed system" of the court, the lines that defined what was "in" and "out." Flesh and Not Perhaps the peak of literary tennis writing is Wallace's 2006 essay, "Federer Both Flesh and Not." Wallace argued that modern tennis had become a "power baseline" game—brutal, heavy-hitting, and seemingly evolved to its endpoint. Then came Roger Federer. Federer played from within that modern power game but brought back art, finesse, and an "all-court style." Wallace described Federer as a figure who seemed exempt from physical laws, a player who could "hypnotize" opponents. In describing a specific 16-stroke point against Nadal, Wallace noted how Federer could hit a ball with such "demented spin" that it would simply vanish over the net. It was a case of game recognizing game: a writer pushing the boundaries of language analyzing a player pushing the boundaries of physics. Whether it’s a French King shouting "Tenez!" or Federer slicing a backhand at Wimbledon, the game remains the same: a beautiful, enclosed system where we try to control the uncontrollable. To dive deeper into Wallace's exploration of tennis as both sport and philosophy, read String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis. It collects some of the most beautiful essays ever written about the game, offering Wallace's unique blend of rigorous analysis, poetic observation, and deeply personal reflection on what tennis reveals about human nature, excellence, and the struggle to transcend our own limitations.

Dr. Devyani Rozario Website For many, 2025 wasn't a year of goal-smashing victories but a quiet, gruelling battle waged on multiple fronts. It was a time defined by survival . This struggle took countless forms, from the relentless pressure of economic uncertainty and the strain on physical or mental well-being, to the deep personal efforts required to maintain stability amidst unexpected disruption. The constant need to adapt, pivot, and conserve resources transformed ambition into mere resilience. This survival mode, though exhausting, cultivated a profound inner strength and a clear-eyed perspective. The energy spent simply in keeping on going is now fuelling a powerful, collective anticipation for the future. As the calendar turns, the underlying thought for these people may be, “I have survived this; now, I must thrive.” The coming year, 2026, is seen not just as a new chapter, but as a hard-earned opportunity for transformation . The hard lessons learned in scarcity are the foundation for future abundance. People aren't just hoping for things to get easier; they are actively preparing to transition the grit of survival into the momentum of success. They are ready to trade crisis management for strategic growth, and to finally build the life they put on hold. How to Shift from Survival to Thriving Mode The transition is a gradual process that requires self-awareness and intentional daily practices. The key is to start creating distance between the immediate stressor and your reaction to it. 1. Acknowledge and Regulate Your State (The Foundation) Self-Awareness: The very first step is acknowledging you are in survival mode. Prioritize Physical Needs: You cannot think clearly in "fight or flight." Commit to basic self-care. 2. Shift Your Mindset (The Inner Work) Flip the Script (Reframe): When a challenge arises, replace the survival question with a thriving question. Focus on Control: Identify what is within your sphere of influence and let go of the rest. Cultivate Gratitude: Even in stressful times, intentionally list things you are grateful for. Improve Self-Talk: Be your own kind-but-firm parent. 3. Take Proactive Action (The Momentum) Set Small, Attainable Goals: Don't try to solve the whole problem at once. Break it down into "bite-sized" goals. Seek Learning new things: Look for one new skill or piece of knowledge you can gain from your current challenge. Learning + Vitality = Thriving. Build Your Support System: You don't have to survive alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals (mentor, therapist, coach). The promise of 2026 is the chance to reclaim narratives, pursue passions, and finally flourish ! You can do it!

Rachna Maheshwari , An Economist, Banker, Risk Manager LinkedIn The question “Will AI displace humans or augment human capabilities?” encapsulates one of the most profound debates of our times. It probes the essence of technological progress forcing us to both confront our worst fears and anxieties as well as to realize our aspirations associated with how we use AI. While the possibility of widespread job displacement is being discussed widely a more nuanced and optimistic perspective is that AI’s greatest impact will be in augmenting human potential rather than rendering it obsolete. The fear of displacement is understandable and specific examples exist. For instance, in manufacturing robotic arms powered by AI perform intricate assembly tasks, welding, and quality control. AI powered chatbots address customer queries and resolve issues to satisfaction, thus reducing the need for direct employee-customer interaction. Even in complex fields such as law, AI systems like JPMC’s Contract Intelligence (COiN) can review legal documents in seconds. Draft equity research reports and credit reports containing financial analysis and ratios can be produced by Gen AI agents; thus, analysts are only required to augment such reports with unique economy, industry and company-specific macro-financial and risk perspectives. However, focusing only on labour displacement overlooks the transformative power of augmentation, which is far more pervasive, less visible and productivity enhancing. AI can be a catalyst for amplifying human intelligence, creativity, efficiency and productivity. For instance, in day-to-day working across verticals in my company AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini (based inhouse tools) are being used for (i) creating, drafting and summarizing content, (ii) plugins in MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word & Teams) that facilitate and perform excel based numerical analysis, create summaries, draft presentations, and meeting minutes, (iii) AI plugins that assist in writing code and produce code snippets. Similarly in other domains such as medicine AI tools such as IBM Watson for Oncology assist doctors by analysing vast amounts of patient data and relevant medical research to recommend personalized medical treatments. In architecture and design AI powered generative design software allows architects to explore thousands of design permutations for a building’s structure or layout, optimizing for factors such as energy efficiency and building materials usage in minutes, a feat impossible for human designers. For us to remain relevant, the key lies in identifying, exploring and mastering the ways in which AI can complement human intelligence and capabilities within ones’ own domain. In addition, contemporary research identifies unique cognitive and non-cognitive human capabilities that will not only sustain but also significantly augment AI, including strengths like critical thinking, complex problem solving, abstract reasoning, creativity, ideation and innovation, emotional intelligence, adaptability and resilience, ethical judgement and moral reasoning. These uniquely human attributes act as an essential rudder for AI’s immense power, ensuring that its further integration complements humans thus bringing about a technology augmented spike in growth, prosperity, well-being and happiness.

Akshay Agarwal Part time poet, In a velvet hush, when the world's asleep Darkness rises and I become unseen No one to watch, No no one to hear Just silent air and me in between I get a gentle solitude Where thoughts are free No deadlines or expectations Just a breeze from calmness's sea The world erodes away There's blackness and No light I leave the weight of the day behind And find in darkness, a soft respite

Arvind Pawar Co-founder of Hyperlink Health Linkedin Dr. Kavitha Madhuri Ph.D. in Gynaecological Oncology ; LinkedIn “Quality health for every person — every time they need it.” Every year on 12 December , we observe Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day — an important milestone that reminds us that healthcare is a right , not a privilege. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes UHC Day as “the annual rallying point for the growing movement for health for all.” In India, where the health of individuals, families and communities determines our collective future, UHC is more than a slogan — it is a mission. On this day, we reflect on how we provide access to affordable, quality health services  and financial protection  for everyone — young and old, urban and rural, privileged and underserved. Why Universal Health Coverage Matters in India India has made remarkable strides in health in recent decades — immunisation, maternal and child health, infectious disease control — yet major challenges remain. According to WHO, more than half the global population still lacks access to essential health services, and a large number face financial hardship because of out-of-pocket healthcare costs. For India, UHC means: Every person can access primary care , diagnostics, medicines, specialist care when needed. No family becomes impoverished because someone fell ill or needed services. Healthcare is delivered close to home, and dignity is at the centre of care. Prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care are all included. By observing UHC Day, we reaffirm our commitment to “health for all, everywhere.”   Components of UHC: Access, Quality & Financial Protection Access & Prevention Prevention of illness is the bedrock of UHC. When people have access to routine screening, vaccinations, health education, and early intervention, diseases can often be caught early or avoided altogether. For example, regular check-ups can identify non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes or hypertension early — reducing the downstream burden of complex care. Quality Care Access alone is not enough. Services must be safe , effective , and person-centred . A primary health centre, for example, must have trained staff, diagnostics, referral networks and a respectful environment. A system that provides access but delivers low-quality care is still failing people. Financial Protection One of the greatest threats to UHC in India is the risk of families falling into poverty because of healthcare spending. The WHO notes that millions of people are pushed into poverty or forced to forego care due to unaffordable health costs . Financial protection means insurance schemes, subsidies, integrated service delivery and digital health tools that reduce cost and time. The Indian Perspective: Challenges & Opportunities India’s diversity – urban and rural, public and private sectors, formal and informal employment – means that achieving UHC is complex. Some of the key hurdles: Huge variation in health infrastructure across states and regions. Large informal workforce lacks social health protection. Many people delay seeking care because of cost, distance or lack of awareness. Digital divide: not everyone can access tele-health or digital records. On the other hand, India has tremendous potential: Rapid growth of digital health platforms and mobile connectivity. Strong public schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat) aiming coverage expansion. A large pool of healthcare professionals and innovators who can deliver locally tailored solutions. A culture of family-centred care, community health workers and social engagement which can be leveraged for UHC. How Our Community Can Engage On UHC Day and beyond, here are practical ways individuals, families and communities can act: Know your rights.  Learn about state and national health schemes; check whether your family is covered. Use primary care wisely.  For minor illnesses, or routine check-ups, go early rather than waiting until complications arise. Track your health.  Use health apps, maintain records, know your key numbers (blood pressure, sugar, weight). Promote prevention.  Encourage vaccinations, healthy lifestyle, screenings, and share information within social networks. Advocate for fairness.  Encourage your local community or workplace to adopt health-friendly policies and call for public investment where needed. The Role of Technology: Introducing Hyperlink & Helix In the spirit of UHC — to make care affordable, accessible and continuous — we are proud to introduce Hyperlink , a science driven digital health platform designed for India’s next-gen healthcare landscape. Hyperlink integrates consultations, diagnostics, genetic testing, records management, fitness and nutrition into one seamless app. Its aim: preventive, personalised, proactive health care  for you and your family. Complementing this is Helix , our AI-driven healthcare companion, launching soon. Helix is designed to be the kind of health-companion every person needs — reminding you about check-ups, guiding lifestyle choices, helping you interpret health data, and connecting you to professionals when needed. Together, Hyperlink and Helix are built with the UHC vision in mind: ensuring that no one is left behind simply because they don’t have access, time or information. In cities, towns or villages, the goal is the same: quality care, continuous support, and protection from catastrophic health costs. Call to Governments, Providers and Citizens UHC cannot be achieved by technology alone, nor by any single stakeholder. It requires partnership among governments, private sector, civil society and communities. On this UHC Day: Governments  must invest in primary health services, expand coverage, improve health workforce, and protect finances. Providers  must commit to quality, respect, patient-centred care, and integrate care pathways across levels. Citizens  must engage actively — managing their own health, demanding transparency, and supporting one another. In India, where millions still struggle with access, long waits, lack of insurance, or high costs, achieving UHC by 2030 is both a national imperative and a moral duty. A Message of Hope Universal health coverage is more than a policy target — it is a vision for our shared future: a future where a mother in a remote village receives antenatal care, where a factory worker accesses affordable diagnostics, where a senior citizen suffers no financial ruin from illness. With platforms like Hyperlink and companions like Helix, and with communities empowered to act, we are closer than ever to turning that vision into reality. Let us make December 12 not just a date to mark on the calendar, but a day of renewed commitment  — for families, for health systems, for every person’s right to care. Because when health is universal, our nation is stronger, our communities are more resilient, and our futures are full of promise. “Health for all is our collective promise — let’s keep it.” About Hyperlink & Helix Hyperlink is reimagining what modern well-being can feel like. As a science-led digital health platform, it brings every part of your health journey together — consultations, diagnostics, genetic insights, fitness, and nutrition — all in one secure, seamless ecosystem designed around you. And now, we’re getting ready to introduce Helix, your intelligent AI healthcare companion inside the Hyperlink app. Helix guides, reminds, and supports you every step of the way, helping you stay consistent, informed, and in control of your health like never before. Together, Hyperlink and Helix are shaping a future where healthcare becomes closer, smarter, and unmistakably human. If this vision excites you, we’d love to continue the conversation — let’s build it together. Learn more at: https://www.hyperlink.health/  or reach us on arvind.pawar@hyperlink.health

Neha Suradkar Co- Founder of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd Assistant Professor (Fashion History, Styling) LinkedIn Fashion and Design Educator, Entrepreneur, Style Coach™ and Advocate of Timeless Thinking (The oldest human skill that defines success in the modern workplace) Once Upon a Time… Before communication skills became a résumé essential, stories were our first teachers. We were told stories at bedtime, in classrooms, during power cuts, and at the dinner table. We learnt empathy from a Lion and a Mouse, focus from Arjuna, and adaptability from a thirsty crow. We did not realise it then, but those tales were life lessons in disguise. They were our earliest training in being human.   Fast-forward to today’s world of presentations, dashboards, and data. We may have swapped bedtime tales for boardroom slides, but the rule remains the same- the one who excels in telling the story gets heard. Because stories connect with people - The teacher who builds curiosity through stories shapes minds, not just marksheets. The designer who tells a story through design creates emotion, not just products. The stylist who understands the wearer’s story elevates identity, not just looks. The doctor who listens to a patient’s story heals, not just treats. The leader who shares their lived experience earns loyalty, not just authority. The brand that builds meaning gets love, not just clicks.  We are drowning in information and are hungry for attention. Data informs, logic convinces, but stories… they are the ones that move hearts.   The Soft Skills Hidden in Stories Long before ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘resilience’ became buzzwords, stories taught us those lessons intuitively. They were told at bedtime, whispered by grandparents, acted out in Ramlila, and drawn in Amar Chitra Katha . The lion’s mercy showed empathy; Arjuna’s focus taught clarity; the monkey’s wit reflected critical thinking; the crow’s persistence demonstrated resourcefulness; and bamboo’s calm flexibility in storms reminded us that real strength lies in adaptability, not resistance. These tales from mythology and fables served as frameworks for emotional intelligence, long before HR introduced the term. We may have forgotten the details, but the lessons stayed.   From Fire Circles to Reels From ancient campfires to 30-second reels, storytelling has remained humanity’s oldest form of communication. As children, many of us fell asleep to stories; stories of mythology, morals, fables, and family legends. I still remember my father narrating tales from the mythology, full of wit, valour, and layered wisdom. Or my grandparents narrating their experiences from the time of partition, about resilience and rebuilding life from scratch. Those stories not only entertained me, but they also formed me. They shaped my values, sparked my curiosity about mythology, history, and life, and taught me to see the world through layers of meaning. Now that I am familiar with the basic narrative, I focus on the deeper context of life when I watch or read history or mythology. And that early exposure still shapes how I teach, create, and connect. Whether it is a founder pitching an idea or a teacher explaining a concept, stories turn information into insight and make it more relatable. We often mistake storytelling for flair to be incorporated in TED Talks or motivational speeches.  But the truth most of us underestimate is that someone who can tell the story almost always wins, not because of credentials or hard work, but because they make you feel their idea.   Storytelling is not only for authors or speakers. It is a professional tool, and one must learn to use it intentionally. Start with “why.” Facts tell people what you do. Stories tell them why it matters. Pair data with emotion. Numbers persuade faster when paired with meaning. Share your journey. People connect with honesty, not perfection. Make it part of your culture. Open meetings, classes, and presentations with a story, and watch attention follow.   The Bedtime Skill That Builds the Boardroom The stories that once put us to sleep now wake audiences up. Whether you are coding, consulting, or styling, if you can tell the story of your work, you can sell it, scale it, and spark change with it. Stories have the power to quiet noise, build connection, and move people. Storytelling is not a skill we outgrow; it is the thread that connects our beginnings to our breakthroughs. If you can carry that same wonder, empathy, and imagination from your childhood stories into your work today, you will make storytelling your greatest professional superpower.

Shruthi Koka IT Professional-Engagement Delivery Partner Email In every era, progress has been shaped by a simple yet powerful force — innovation . From the steam engine to artificial intelligence, innovation has consistently rewritten the rules of growth. But today, as the pace of change accelerates, the question isn’t whether innovation drives growth - it’s how we can harness it effectively and sustainably. The Changing Definition of Innovation Once, innovation meant invention — creating something entirely new. Today, it’s about reimagining what already exists . A local café introducing online pre-orders, a hospital using data analytics to predict patient needs, or a student developing a climate-friendly startup - all are examples of innovation at work. Modern innovation is inclusive, digital, and deeply human . It connects ideas across disciplines, blurring the line between creativity and technology. Growth Through a New Lens In business, growth was long measured in revenue, market share, and expansion. But the most successful organizations now look beyond numbers. They see growth as a mindset - a culture that embraces curiosity, agility, and lifelong learning. Classic example is Apple , which transformed from a computer company to a lifestyle brand, or global corporates, which evolved through continuous reinvention. Both show that innovation isn’t a department  it’s a way of thinking embedded in every decision. The Courage to Experiment Every innovation story begins with a willingness to experiment  and often, to fail. Fear of failure remains one of the greatest barriers to progress. Yet, companies that encourage smart risk-taking and celebrate lessons learned are the ones that thrive. A global survey by PwC found that over 60% of top-performing companies credit their success to a culture of experimentation. Innovation flourishes not in rigid hierarchies but in environments where ideas are tested, refined, and reimagined. People: The True Innovators Behind every breakthrough are people — thinkers, creators, and everyday problem-solvers. From entrepreneurs to frontline employees, innovation happens wherever curiosity meets courage. Empowering teams to think differently, question assumptions, and share ideas freely is the real engine of growth. Leadership plays a pivotal role here. Visionary leaders don’t just manage - they inspire innovation. They listen, adapt, and create safe spaces for ideas to take shape. The Road Ahead As technology continues to evolve — from AI and robotics to green energy — the future of innovation lies in purpose-driven growth . The next generation of innovators won’t just chase profits, they’ll seek impact. They’ll create solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and transformative. In this new world, innovation isn’t a race to outdo others. It’s a journey of continuous learning and collaboration — one that fuels not only economic growth but also human progress. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs Growth is no longer about size — it’s about staying relevant, resilient, and visionary and that begins with a single spark of innovation! Future of Innovation ELON MUSK 2035: The Ideas That Could Rewrite Humanity’s Future In an age where the extraordinary has become routine, the year 2035 stands as a new threshold. The world has changed—yet the hunger for bold innovation remains. Few names symbolize that ambition more than Elon Musk , whose ventures have stretched from underground tunnels to Martian horizons. As we imagine Musk a decade ahead—driven, relentless, and still reaching for the impossible—we ask a simple question: What comes next? 1. Space-Based Solar Power Stations Imagine massive solar farms floating in space, collecting sunlight unfiltered by atmosphere and beaming that power back to Earth. A global power source, renewable 24/7, capable of ending energy inequality forever. 2. The Autonomous Global Transport Grid By 2035, transportation could become a self-driving ecosystem: AI highways, robo-taxis, passenger drones, hyperloop pods, and autonomous cargo routes. 3. Neuralink’s Digital Twin Brain An AI-powered second brain that learns from you, thinks with you, and extends your cognitive limits. 4. RoboCities: The Next Urban Revolution Robotic swarms, 3D-printed architecture, and self-healing materials creating cities that build and repair themselves. 5. Planetary Data Vaults Orbital vaults preserving global knowledge, culture, and genetic libraries—a backup of civilization. 6. Personal Orbital Vehicles Electric micro-shuttles making low-orbit travel accessible and routine. 7. Climate Repair Machines Autonomous mega-systems cleaning oceans, removing carbon, and restoring ecological balance. The future belongs to those who dare to imagine boldly. Elon Musk of 2035 stands at the intersection of ambition and possibility, shaping the next chapter of human evolution. The future belongs to those who break limits—not accept them.

Shruti Malviya Founder Adar Learning Pvt Ltd LinkedIn ; Website Vinayak Rao A study abroad counselor at Gradmonk LinkedIn Design Your Future: Finding Purposeful Pathways by EI Library The problem isn’t that teenagers don’t know what they want to be. The problem is that we’re asking the wrong question. When I ran the workshop in Activity Room for Grade 9 to 11 students (a EI Library Initiative), something became clear immediately. The moment I asked, “What do you want to be?” — most of them froze. But when I shifted to, “What kind of life do you want to design?” pens started moving. Career guidance isn’t about giving the “right answer.” It’s about helping students discover their own. During the Good Time Journal, the patterns were surprising —not trophies or titles, but curiosity, teamwork, storytelling, building things, solving problems. Those aren’t hobbies. They’re clues. When we mapped energy → subjects → pathways, students realised why some subjects feel alive and others feel heavy — it’s not ability, it’s alignment. Then came Odyssey Plans — three possible futures, not one. Not to decide now, but to explore. By the end, nobody left with a “final career choice.” They left with next steps — shadow someone, join a club, talk to a professional, try something small. Because the goal of counseling isn’t to predict the future. It’s to teach students how to design it. Teenagers don’t need pressure to choose the “right career.” They need space to discover who they are becoming. Feedback for the Event Book an expert consultation with : Vinayak Rao (Education Consultant) on 9819700567 Shruti Malviya ( Adar Learning Pvt Ltd) on 9650753888

Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor Linkedin Profile Insights from our Book Club Discussion on The Power of Professional Coaching Before we met for the book-club evening, everyone had two to three weeks with the book and their assigned stories. Four seasoned coaches—each carrying decades of lived experience, corporate journeys, and human observations—joined an audience that was equally curious, ambitious, and hungry for personal growth. If Episode 1 explored awareness , Episode 2 moves deeper into the terrain of blind spots , belief systems , and the courage to see oneself without filters . What unfolded wasn't just a book discussion. It was a masterclass in understanding the human mind. When we pause to understand ourselves, the path ahead becomes unmistakably clear. 1. When a Person’s Limiting Belief… Mirrors the Coach’s An audience member asked a provocative question: “What happens if the coachee’s limiting belief is also the coach’s?” The room paused—because this was real. Coaches are human too. One of our panelists explained that this is where training becomes essential. Coaching—unlike advising— requires the coach to suspend their own bias , their instinct to solve, their mental shortcuts. The coach must ask questions the way a child would: with curiosity, with innocence, with no hidden agenda. They spoke about undergoing months of practice: recording sessions being evaluated for unconscious judgement being checked for “solution-giving tendencies” learning to hold silence learning to trust the coachee’s pace Coaching, therefore, is not expertise talking down. It is awareness rising up. 2. The Challenge of Fast Thinkers vs. Slow Responders Another insight emerged when someone asked: “How do you switch between two clients in a day who are completely opposite in temperament?” One coach described working with people from different countries—UK, Europe, India—and how cultural conditioning shapes how people express discomfort, confidence, or disagreement. The lesson for all of us was clear: You don’t coach the résumé—you coach the person sitting in front of you. This reinforced something meaningful for our EI community: Even in families, teams, committees, and volunteer groups, each person’s style needs a different kind of listening . 3. Story from the Book: The Woman Who Wanted to Remove Her Glasses Narrator 4 shared one of the most memorable cases from the book. A senior IT leader walked into a coaching session and said: “I want to get rid of my glasses today.” It sounded odd—until she explained that her glasses “made her see the world’s sadness”. She felt overwhelmed by everything she could not fix. At work, she was a fast problem-solver. But outside work, she felt helpless when there was no quick solution. Through coaching, she realised: Some problems are not hers to solve. Some situations only need acknowledgement, not action. Helplessness reduces when acceptance increases. The audience quietly absorbed this. Many nodded—because many of us carry invisible burdens we never name. 4. Story from the Book: The Housewife Rediscovering Her Identity Another story explored a highly educated woman who got absorbed into household responsibilities. She worked in her husband’s company but did not feel like she owned her life. Coaching helped her articulate something she had never said aloud: “I want freedom—not permission.” The story wasn’t about rebellion. It was about reclaiming agency—choosing work that reflected her identity, not her circumstances. This resonated deeply with the EI audience—especially those restarting careers after breaks, relocations, caregiving, or transitions. 5. Culture Shapes Confidence—But Coaching Shapes Clarity A question arose: “Does the culture of a company shape the personality of the person?” The coaches agreed: Yes. And not just companies—countries, families, teams, and even towns shape us. But the deeper insight was this: Coaching creates a space untouched by culture—a room where a person can examine themselves without outside noise. That is why leaders across the world—from CEOs to first-time managers—are turning to coaching. It is the only space where: nobody interrupts nobody evaluates nobody instructs Just presence. Just questions. Just clarity. 6. Why Some People Seek Coaching and Some Don’t An audience member asked: “People who need coaching the most don’t know they need it. What do we do?” The coaches smiled knowingly—because this is universal. They explained that meaningful change begins when: a person becomes aware of their blind spots someone they trust offers honest feedback the organisation creates a culture that encourages reflection One panelist shared a striking contrast: In some global companies—even CEOs regularly undergo coaching. In India, many CEOs nominate others for coaching but avoid it themselves. The takeaway was simple and powerful: Growth begins the day we accept that success does not make us complete—it only makes us visible. Conclusion: Coaching Is Not Advice—It Is Awareness This Episode taught us that: Coaching is not for “people with problems.” Coaching is for anyone seeking greater clarity, courage, and choice. The true change happens not in the session but between sessions— when awareness blends into behaviour. As we wrapped up, the coaches left us with one thought: “Every person is capable of change. What they need is a space safe enough to see themselves clearly.” This episode is dedicated to creating such spaces within our EI community. These experts offer their time for a nominal fee—just enough to ensure commitment, not cost. Contact me for details