Arvind Pawar Co-founder of Hyperlink Health Linkedin Dr. Kavitha Madhuri Ph.D. in Gynaecological Oncology ; LinkedIn February often feels like a bridge month. The sharpness of winter softens, school exams loom, and Mumbai’s air begins to warm just enough to make evening walks pleasant again. But beyond seasonal shifts, February carries two powerful reminders about our health: World Cancer Day on 4 February and a global spotlight on heart health, often linked with Valentine’s Day. Together, they invite a simple but important question how can we protect both our hearts and our future by making smarter health choices now? World Cancer Day: United for Prevention Every year on 4 February, the world observes World Cancer Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control. For 2025–2027, the theme “United by Unique” highlights a powerful truth: every person’s cancer journey is different, yet we are united in the desire for prevention, early detection and compassionate care. In India, cancers linked to tobacco, infections and lifestyle factors remain common. The hopeful reality is that many of these cancers are preventable or can be detected early often with simple, timely steps. This February, we can: Learn our family history for cancers where genetics matter and share it with our doctor. Ask which screenings suit our age and risk such as breast exams and mammography for women, oral checks for tobacco users, or colon screening at the right age. Encourage loved ones not to ignore warning signs like unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough, non-healing mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or long-lasting fatigue. Cancer awareness does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins at home, in conversations, habits and everyday choices. Cancer Prevention and Heart Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin February is recognized internationally as both Cancer Prevention Month and a key time for heart health awareness. The advice overlaps more than we realize and applies strongly to urban India: Avoid tobacco in all forms. One of the most powerful steps to reduce the risk of multiple cancers and heart disease. Limit alcohol. Lower intake protects the heart, liver and reduces risk for certain cancers. Move more, sit less. Regular physical activity supports weight control, heart strength and lowers cancer risk. Eat a balanced diet. More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and healthy fats; fewer ultra-processed foods. Use vaccines wisely. Vaccines such as hepatitis B and HPV (for eligible groups) help prevent infection-related cancers. When families view cancer and heart disease through the same lifestyle lens, prevention feels simpler shared habits instead of separate rules. Valentine’s Day: From Romance to Real Heart Care February fills our feeds with hearts, chocolates and grand gestures. Increasingly, Indian health campaigns are using Valentine’s Day to talk about the real heart the one that keeps us alive. This Valentine’s Day, love can look practical: Instead of only gifting sweets or dinners, couples can gift each other a basic heart check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and a short consultation. Partners can make a shared promise to walk together, reduce fried snacks, or support each other in cutting down smoking and late-night junk food. Families may even discuss organ donation, seeing it as a long-lasting act of love beyond one lifetime. Digital Support: Hyperlink and Helix As we move deeper into 2026, digital health is reshaping how we access care reducing long commutes, lost reports and delayed follow-ups. Hyperlink is a digital health platform that brings consultations, diagnostics, genetic testing, fitness and nutrition together in one secure space. Launching soon within the Hyperlink app, Helix is an intelligent AI healthcare companion designed to guide, remind and support individuals through their health journeys. A Simple February Action Plan for Mumbai Families To turn awareness into action, try this short checklist: By 4 February (World Cancer Day): Have one open conversation at home about cancer what it is, why early detection matters and which habits reduce risk. Around 14 February: Make Valentine’s week your “heart week” check blood pressure or sugar for one adult, start a joint walking routine, or book a heart-health tele consult. By month-end: Use a digital tool like Hyperlink to list pending screenings or vaccines for each family member and set reminders. The “United by Unique” message reminds us that while our bodies and risks differ, communities grow stronger when we share information, support one another and seek care early. This February, let love mean something deeper care for your heart, and protection for your future. Learn more at: https://www.hyperlink.health/  or reach us on arvind.pawar@hyperlink.health

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 and manage to find the blood stones. They resurrect demon Raktbeej while Sharvari, Dhaigham, Kasar and Dilan fail to stop them. As Raktbeej comes to power, chaos reins in the entire country. Mr. Raghav Sinha from the disaster management office is contacted by Hiranya under guise of Bija financials. The PM asks Mr. Sinha to contact DIG Pandey. Chapter 13 Sharvari and Kasar waited outside DIG Pandey’s office. Sharvari was still mulling over how to explain everything to her superiors. “Don’t fret.” Kasar encouraged her. “I don’t know what we are going to report to them. All this is so surreal.” Just then the havaldar ushered them in. They both entered and were surprised to see Head of NDMA, Mr. Raghav Sinha seated opposite DIG Pandey. They both saluted simultaneously. “Sir.” “At ease. Have a seat,” DIG gestured to the additional chairs. “I hope you have some useful information for me. You are aware of the situation across the nation and Mr. Sinha is here because Mr. Hiranya Kashyap has actually reached out to the PMO.” Sharvari stilled. Kasar looked at her surprise and decided to start reporting. “Sir what I am about to tell you is going to be difficult to believe, but you will have to trust us sir that it is what has churned the events happening now.” Mr Sinha straightened in his chair, “Go on.” Kasar took a deep breadth and started. “Sir Pandey Sir had posted me on a cold case, where two historians were murdered and some precious stones went missing from the department of archaeology ten years ago. Hiranya was a likely suspect but there was no evidence to pin him for the crime. I began tracing his growth from being a relic hunter to a powerful tycoon of Bija Financials. His clout has grown over the past decade. It was in this investigation that I discovered an old man named Dhaigham who was hostage at one of Hiranya’s spots. He turned out to be the father of the dead archaeologist.” Mr. Sinha interrupted, “Why was he exactly holding an old man hostage?” Kasar continued, “Hiranya needed the stones and they were hidden at a cave at an ancient Durga temple. Dhaigham’s tribe have been guardians to it for centuries. Hiranya needed his grandson Dilan to find the temple. He killed many to reach his goal. Me and Sharvari along with Dilan and Dhaigham tried stopping Hiranya, but he succeeded in getting. All I can tell you is that those stones have somehow given him more power and he now controls the chaos.” Raghav Sinha stared at Kasar and then at DIG Pandey. “All this sounds fine. But what use is this intel. I still have no clue how we can stop him and neither do you.” Sharvari broke her silence. “Sir this is not a simple criminal case. Some of it is beyond our understanding. What I can tell you is Dhaigham and Dilan are key to stopping Hiranya. Also I believe that Hiranya is just a puppet.” Raghav Sinha frowned. “You mean someone else is running the show?” Sharvari nodded and continued, “And he is not of this world.”

Maa Telugu Thali Group This article brings together voices from our Andhra–Telangana community, who came together during the Republic Day celebrations to represent their culture. What began as a simple act of participation gradually grew into a shared journey—shaped by memories, conversations, and collective effort. Told largely in the participants’ own words, the piece reflects not just what unfolded on stage, but the people and moments behind it. Click Here For Complete Story It Began Quietly A message. A registration. No expectations. It began the way many things do—quietly. In the first week of January, a message appeared in the society group about Republic Day celebrations. Residents were invited to represent their respective states. For Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it sounded straightforward. A walk on stage. Traditional attire. A placard. Nothing more. Shruti remembers seeing the message and thinking,  “Why not participate and sing a patriotic song?”  She even reached out to Asha to see if they could do something together. But once the idea of it being a group activity came up, it slipped away. Life moved on. Asha read the registration message and ignored it. Later, she admitted it openly. There was no strong reason—just the usual mix of routine and priorities. Himabindu registered with clarity and simplicity.  “I thought it would just be a walk,”  she said.  “Traditional clothes, holding a placard.”  No performance. No rehearsal. Mid-January, the message surfaced again. Sreelatha reached out, asking for volunteers to represent the states. This time, Shruti said yes, assuming it wouldn’t take much time. Others joined with the same understanding. At that point, none of us imagined what was coming. What Sarees Should We Wear? The first conversations were practical. “What sarees should we wear?”  Shruti asked. That question led to an unexpected pause. “Wait… is Kanchi pattu even part of Telugu heritage?”  someone asked. Shruti later laughed about that moment.  “We wear so many sarees, but we didn’t really know the history of each weave,”  she said. What started as a clothing discussion turned into discovery. Each fabric carried a story. Each pattern meant something. Asha noticed the shift early. As Bindu and Chaitanya started sharing ideas, she realised this could not stay a simple walk.  “There is so much to showcase and talk about,”  she said. Ideas came rapidly. “Should we show a wedding?” “What about a pooja?” “Temples have to be there.” “Food is culture.” “Dance?” “Tollywood songs will work.” Shruti recalls how one thought triggered another.  “It just kept expanding,”  she said. Then Chaitanya added a different layer. She asked if the act could also show what Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have contributed to science and technology—ISRO, Sriharikota, satellite launches, Hyderabad as a tech hub. That question changed the direction. Remembering the Village Where memories of home shaped the heart of the story When the team met again, the focus shifted. “What should the drama actually show?” For Himabindu, the answer came naturally. “When I closed my eyes, I went back to my childhood village,”  she shared. Not cities. Not roads. Just memories. Early mornings. Quiet nights. Sitting outside with grandparents. Listening to stories as the breeze passed. She spoke about her mother drawing water from the well, sprinkling it in front of the house, and making rangoli on the wet earth. She remembered festivals—the smell of food, children waiting in the kitchen, pattu langas, hair being braided, flowers tucked in before walking to the temple. “These weren’t big events,”  she said.  “This was just life.” That was when she said it clearly:  “Culture is the way we live.” There were doubts. “How will we show all this?” “Will people understand?” Himabindu explained that narration could guide the audience—that scenes could be explained as they unfolded. Slowly, the hesitation eased. Village life became the foundation. Tradition, Progress, and a Rocket Launch Finding a narrative that held both roots and growth Structure came next. Chaitanya took responsibility for shaping the script.  “We need a flow,”  she said.  “Otherwise it will feel scattered.”  She worked on transitions—from science to roots, from tradition to celebration. Then Himabindu suggested something symbolic.  “Why don’t we start with a rocket launch and a countdown?”  she asked. The idea clicked instantly. Asha proposed adding a fashion show.  “Our attire deserves its own moment,”  she said. She was particularly keen on this segment. Time became a concern.  “We have so much to say, but very little time,”  Asha noted. The script went through multiple edits—shortened, refined, aligned. Vijaya took charge of music and coordination.  “The tracks have to sync with the script,”  she said.  “Pauses, expressions—everything matters.”  She also handled registrations and props, quietly keeping things together. Roles settled without announcement. Many Roles, One Flow When individuals stepped in and a team took shape Rehearsals tested everyone. “This was supposed to be just a walk,”  Shruti admitted at one point. Office work didn’t pause. Practice didn’t stop. “Shoulder to shoulder.” “The V shape isn’t right.” “Again.” Bindu kept guiding calmly.  “It’s okay,”  she repeated.  “We’ll do it again.” Asha juggled anchoring and sequencing.  “I have to remember everything in order,”  she said more than once. Vijaya paused tracks frequently.  “The beat needs to align here.” Between corrections, laughter crept in. Someone missed a step. Someone turned too early. “From the top,”  became a shared joke. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling forced. For Four and a Half Minutes on Stage Late evenings, missed steps, and learning together On the day of the performance, the act opened with the rocket launch. The countdown drew applause. The village scene followed. Harinath stepped in as the farmer—waking up, heading to the fields.  “I had to gel with a group of all women and still find my place,”   he said later.  “That’s unity in diversity.” The devotional  Maa Telugu Talli   moment brought stillness. Then came the folk dances— Chittu Chitturi  and  Gobbi Yallo .  “Once the music started, it flowed,”  Shruti said. The fashion show stood out. Walking the ramp in different sarees felt powerful.  “Those weren’t just clothes,”  Shruti reflected.  “They were stories.” The act ended with the Tiranga and a Telugu film-style swag gesture.  “It fit our mood,”  Harinath said. Four minutes and thirty seconds. And it was over. What Stayed With Us After the music stopped Afterward, what stayed mattered more. “Dancing to folk songs became more than rehearsals,”  Shruti said.  “Every rhythmic step felt like a conversation with my roots.” Himabindu felt she had rediscovered something familiar.  “Culture lives within us,”  she reflected. Asha smiled about having ignored the first message.  “There’s still so much we haven’t shown,”  she said.  “We’ll do more.” For Harinath, inclusion mattered most.  “I’m grateful they thought of me,”  he said. Somewhere between rehearsals and performance, the lines blurred. Neighbours became a team. A team became friends. By the end, it didn’t feel like Andhra or Telangana standing apart. It simply felt like  us . Beyond the performance, this story is about connection. Through shared rehearsals and responsibility, individuals came together as a team, discovering that culture lives as much in everyday interactions as it does on stage. It is in these quiet, collective moments that a community truly comes alive.

Mrinalini Khetan 11-year-old , Author and Naturalist A colourful princess escapes her tyrant father to transform a lifeless grey city into something brilliantly alive. Where Colour Begins   She spent days trying to climb out of the sky. Her wings were small and useless, so she couldn’t fly. And her feathers were of brilliant hues, much to the Dull King’s rage.   The Dull King hated all shades, except for black, beige, and grey.   Although the little bird was his own daughter, he had been planning to throw her into the fiery thing which was called the sun.   It would have pleased him greatly to see the last speck of colour disappear from his grey-cloud city.    However, the little bird had made a stealthy escape on the day before the sacrifice.   She scrambled down from white cloud to white cloud, while her father smouldered on his charcoal throne.   When she landed, she was disappointed by another dull city.   There were grey metal buildings all over the place, and it stank of smoke.   She spotted some plump birds around the corner, but they didn’t seem to have a care in the world.   A grin played at her lips, as she watched the grey city.   She could make this  place better.        Written by - Mrinalini Khetan

Samiksha  Verma 8th grade. A mirror reveals more than one reflection—innocence and shadow, truth and disguise—inviting us to question which face we show, which we hide, and which quietly defines who we are. A mirror held, a story told, Of faces seen, both new and old. They say we're true, just one to view, But whispers hint, there might be two. A simple soul, an open book, A single face, a gentle look. No hidden depths, no mask to wear, Just honesty, beyond compare. Is it a gift, this single view? Or something missed, a world untrue? Then shadows dance, a change appears, A second smile, that hides the tears. A friendly word, a secret kept, A promise made, then softly wept. This double side, a puzzling game, Is fear it breeds, a burning flame? Which is the scarier, tell me true, The one you see, or hiding through? One plain and clear, the other deep, Which secrets do they safely keep? Perhaps the answer softly lies, In watching close with knowing eyes. To see the light, and feel the shade, And understand the roles we've played. For every face, a story sleeps, And gentle hearts, the answer reaps.                                 - Samiksha Verma.

Laisha Agarwal, 10 years old This is a poem about a refugees journey in search of safety. This poem captures the emotions of a refugee and how hope guides them like a bright light.

Vikas Miglani Market professional, fiction writer and poet LinkedIn ; Blog ; Amazon Writer's Page English Summary The poem reflects on the warmth of a large joint family in the past—filled with grandparents, relatives, home-cooked food, open courtyards, shared studies, and simple village comforts. Life was modest but deeply connected, and relationships were natural and close, untouched by modern labels like “cousin.” Over time, driven by ego, comparison, and the desire for independence, the family fragmented. The narrator eventually achieves what seemed like progress: a modern house with separate rooms, appliances, and personal space. Yet the emotional core is missing. The new home feels less like a home and more like a temporary inn (“sarai”)—a place of transactions rather than relationships. Visitors come not out of belonging but for business. Traditional flavors, shared spaces, and living bonds have been replaced by convenience, fast food, and artificial surroundings. In the end, the narrator realizes the painful truth: in the pride of becoming “just me,” the price paid was the quiet disintegration of the family. What was gained in comfort was lost in belonging. वो दादी का चूल्हा, आँगन में माँ की तुलसी वो दादा की छड़ी और बाबा का स्कूटर, सब था    थी एक गाय और एक मिट्ठु तोता गंगाराम भी    वो चाचा चाची, ताऊ ताई, बुआ बहन भाई थे रहते कभी एक बड़े महल में लोग क़रीब तीस   अनजान बेख़बर शब्द कज़िन से, थे बच्चे सभी  सिर्फ़ भाई बहन, क्या चाचा के क्या ताऊ के   खुला आँगन खेलना जहां दिन भर थक के, फिर सो जाना तारों के आँचल तले रात में चौबारे पर   सुनते कहानी और करते गुफ़्तगू भाई बहन से एक चारपाई पे एक तकिए पे दो इधर दो उधर   करना पढ़ाई साथ, एक सलेट, एक तख्ती पे जमात एक से बारह तक सभी भाई बहन का   थे नहीं बर्गर पिज़्ज़ा और तले चावल चीन वाले था मगर भंडार लड़ू पंजीरि देसी घी मक्खन का    थी क्यारियाँ बगीचे में गाजर गोभी टमाटर की  तो थे दरख़्त पपीते अनार के, बेलें अंगूर की,  पेड़ जामुन शहतूत के लदे फलों से भी तो थे   सर्द मौसम की धूप में पिसते थे मसाले  हमाम दस्ते में, और चटनी सिलबट्टे पे    सिकते थे नाश्ते में पराठे मूली गोभी पालक के तो रात में भुने बेसन दूध का द्रव्य हल्वा मीठा   कैसे भूलें वो स्वाद में खट्टी मटके में रखी कांजी गर्मी में बनती शिकंजी और शर्बत रूफ़ज़ा का   बने नहीं काबिल लिख पढ़ के, हुए मगर बाग़ी, लगे सदस्य परिवार के पिछड़े और बढ़ाई कलह हमने ही   हुई ईर्ष्या उनसे थे जो कभी भाई बहन और  हुई ख्वाहिश होने की लेहदा भी उन राज़दारों से   करके तकसीम एक संयुक्त परिवार चला  खोज में मुसाफ़िर मैं एक स्थायी पते अपने की   मिला मुझे मकान था जहां कमरा मेरा अपना बनवाया भी मैंने कमरा एक मेहमानो के लिए   थी एक बैठक भी बैठ सकें जहां लोग चार  सोफ़े पे, और मेज़ एक, खा सकें जहां लोग छह   था नहीं दादी का चूल्हा, मिट्टी पीतल के बर्तन थे मगर संयन्त्र अनेक, जैसे सूक्ष्मलहरी तंदूर   क्या नहीं था उस एक सराय में, सब कुछ तो था क्या लिखा मैंने - सराय में, सच ही तो लिखा है   सराय ही थी, था जहां कमरा मेरा अपना अलग और तो और मेरे बच्चों का भी अपना कमरा    था एक कमरा मेरे मेहमानो का, मेहमान कहाँ  मेरे मिलने वालों का, आते थे जो उस सराय में   महज़ करने व्यापार साथ मेरे, था जो मैं  व्यापारी रिश्तों का और ख़ुद एक मेहमान   सराय उसमें जिसमें थी ना ज़मीन अपनी ना आसमान अपना और तो और रिश्तेदार भी   थी ना क्यारियाँ सब्ज़ियों की और पेड़ फलों के था तो महज़ एक छज्जा, नक़ली घास और बेल   क्या कांजी क्या शिकंजी और क्या पराठे, अब तो चाय नाश्ता सब है पिज़्ज़ा बर्गर चाऊमीन ही   की खर्च उम्र भर की पूँजी मैंने सौदे में घाटे के कर के तक़सीम परिवार मैं आ बसा सराय में   था जहां कल कोई और होगा भी कल कोई  जीवन से थका हारा मेरे जैसा मुसाफ़िर एक   सोचता होगा वो भी गुम सुम मेरी तरह यही क्यों पाया मैंने एक (अ)स्थायी पता करके    तक़सीम सारा परिवार सिर्फ़ मैं के गुमान में

Author Sudheer Guntupalli - Sudheer is part of the equity investment team at Kotak Mahindra AMC and also a member of Kotak Group Young Leaders' Council. He is a Computer Science Engineer and did his PGDM from IIM Kozhikode. He lives in Emerald Isle with his wife and two kids. An avid runner, Sudheer spends his free time playing badminton.  According to Greek legend, in 490 BC, Pheidippides ran from the battle field of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over Persians. The distance between the two cities is roughly around 42 KM. Modern days marathons (42.2KM) derive their name after this tale. But what is interesting to know is what happened to Pheidippides after that victory run?   Being an avid runner for close to a decade, I had run several half marathons (21.1KM) and 10K events over time. I can also indulge myself in other intense physical activities like badminton for multiple hours at a stretch. But, in Aug-25, when I decided to register for a full marathon in Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM 2026) event, i was not fully convinced if I could do it. Running a full marathon is altogether a different challenge even for experienced half marathoners – that too in a tropical country like India with high pollution levels. It is not just about the physical endurance and stamina; it is more about the psychological barrier of self-doubt – “Can I do it?” Overcoming it is easier said than done. Trust me, this self-doubt will run with you until 100m before finish line – especially if you are running full marathon for the first time! Then comes the training, preparation and diet. My training has largely been restricted to the treadmill given the realistic challenges like pollution, pot holes and stray dogs associated with road running! I tried and religiously ran 30-35KM per week with heavy lifting on the weekends. In the six months running up to the event, I followed a strict protein and fiber rich, sugar light and zero alcohol diet. I trained in the same clothing and shoes that I was going to use on the race day. Doing weights in the gym and breathing exercises is of help, I felt. The last two weeks before the event is the most critical – to load carbs, hydrate yourself and to get enough rest and sleep. Despite being a quasi-insomniac, this time I was able to get five hours of sleep the night before the race! Having participated in several long-distance running events, I would rate TMM as the best organized event in the entire Asian continent. Across categories, TMM 2026 witnessed a participation of ~69k people from 50 odd countries. Arrangements done by BMC, Mumbai Police and event sponsors are top notch. But what truly sets TMM apart is the people of Mumbai. From kids aged 5 to seniors aged 85, people come out on the streets in the wee hours of a Sunday morning to cheer and help for someone they don’t even know! They bring food, drinks, ice packs, analgesic sprays, carry placards, clap, shout, sing, dance, give high fives and more than anything else – celebrate your run! “I don’t even know who you are. But I am proud of you” is my favorite placard message I had seen a girl carrying in Mahim this year. The pain associated with running 42.2KM and nearly 40% of it under the sun isn’t an easy one to endure. And my left calf muscle started cramping a lot after crossing the half marathon point – which is usually my comfort zone. The thought of giving up flashed at least a dozen times in the second half of my journey. And the only reason I did not is to not let down those boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen who kept cheering and helping along the route for participants who are not even celebrities! As Nike’s hoardings across the journey kept reminding me – I did not run that far to run that far! With ice cubes in my socks, I somehow limped my way across the finish line in a respectable time frame!!     Many people, including a younger version of myself, confuse long distance running for a test of pace. It isn’t, unless you are aiming to be on the leaderboard and take home a hefty money prize. It is a test of endurance as long as you are able to clear the qualifying time criteria for the respective categories. If you are thinking of starting your running journey or participate in a long-distance running event, just do it! Running is one of the most enjoyable and good for health sports as long as you don’t overdo it. However, there is enough research that suggests participating in extreme endurance events or excessive running (80+ KM / week) can negate the benefits of moderate running (25-35 KM / week)! In fact, extreme endurance runners often run a higher risk of myocardial fibrosis, a trial fibrillation and coronary calcification compared to moderate runners. By the way, I forgot to mention that Pheidippides collapsed and died up on reaching Athens – based on the historian consensus!!

Parv Dasani 9 years Bold beginnings shape destiny—start smart, embrace emotions, decide swiftly, and every new chapter will unfold with confident momentum. New Beginnings   You need to have a strong start Hence you have to be really smart It sets the tone, be it a competition or a new year A bad start with anything, and the loss will make you stir   New beginnings can be happy or sad They can make you feel great, or really mad You’ve got to pan, emotions will be there Ore else, you are going to have a scare   If it’s your first school day All your nervousness should shy away Take it lightly And you’ll be doing things smartly   When it’s new year, like now Use your brain and decide things right now That is all, no delays A bad start to the year always pays     These are the beginnings, really new And also my advice for you Follow it nicely And your beginnings will go greatly

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 Have you ever noticed how you automatically sit a little straighter when you are dressed well? Or how staying in nightclothes till noon somehow convinces your brain that answering emails is… optional?   This isn’t about impressing anyone. This is psychology. And I am not here to shame anyone for loving pyjamas. Pyjamas play a very important role in human happiness!   Let’s explore a fascinating concept called enclothed cognition - the idea that what we wear quietly influences how we think, feel, and behave. How clothes turn into characters Actors understand this better than most of us. When someone wears a costume, they don’t just look different, they become different. The posture shifts. The walk changes. The energy transforms. This is why costumes are never an afterthought in theatre or films; they help actors slip into character. A striking real-life example often discussed is Ranveer Singh after portraying Khilji in Padmavat . He openly spoke about how the role affected him mentally and emotionally, and how it took time to detach himself from that intense character. The costume, the body language, the constant immersion- all played a role. When you dress for a role, your mind starts playing along. Everyday life, everyday roles As Shakespeare rightly said, “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players!” We all play different roles throughout the day; it’s just that there is no literal screen or stage. We dress differently for work than for a morning walk. Sportswear makes us feel more athletic, and sleepwear helps to calm our minds. Wedding clothes instantly put us in celebration mode, and donning the colour of the national flag makes us feel patriotic, even if it is for a day. That is also one of the reasons why many people who work from home admit that productivity drops when they stay in sleepwear all day. It’s not laziness; it’s the confusion. Your mind thinks it’s rest time, while your calendar says otherwise. Clothing aligned with the moment helps our minds switch gears with much less effort.   “My work needs my skills, not my clothes” I am sure quite a few of you have seen a trending reel (or something similar) where a young woman wears a very short skirt to work. When her husband objects, she responds by calling out his mentality and stating firmly, “My work requires my skills, not my clothes.” And she is not wrong! At least not entirely… Skills, intelligence, competence, and ethics do not come stitched into an outfit. A person’s capability does not change with a skirt, a sari, a suit, or a pair of jeans. Reducing someone’s professional worth to clothing is neither fair nor progressive. But this is where the conversation often stops. While clothes do not decide capability, they do influence context, perception, and presence, for others, and sometimes even for ourselves. Think of clothes like language. Your thoughts may be equally intelligent, but you still choose different words when speaking to a child, a friend, or a boardroom. Not because you are pretending, but because context matters. Clothes work the same way. They quietly tell our minds, and the spaces we enter, about the role we are stepping into. When our attire goes with the environment we are in, it becomes easier to feel confident, be taken seriously, and remain fully present in that moment. Dressing is Communication There is an uncomfortable truth we sometimes don’t want to believe- even if we do not want our clothes to communicate, they do! Uniforms signal responsibility. Sportswear signals movement. Formal wear signals a setting. Comfort wear signals rest. None of this is about judgment; it is about visual language. This is what enclothed cognition also explains- when external cues align with the internal role, performance improves. The performance may be professional, social, or emotional. Dressing for the occasion, not for approval Dressing “right” doesn’t mean dressing fancy. It means dressing mindfully. Clothes that let you move when movement is required Clothes that help you relax when rest is the goal Clothes that respect shared spaces like workplaces, classrooms, places of worship, and social gatherings With social media everywhere, there is pressure to dress for pictures rather than for the occasion. But an outfit that looks great on social media may not always serve the moment you are actually living in. When clothing supports the activity, you are free to experience it, rather than constantly adjusting, tugging, or feeling out of place. Not rules. Just awareness. The intention here is not to engage in moral policing or to discuss rigid dress codes. Fashion should still be expressive, and personal style should remain personal. But it is worth pausing occasionally to ask: What role am I stepping into today? And dress up accordingly. Whether you are heading to work, attending a celebration, playing a sport, or simply stepping out for errands, what you wear helps you show up as a more present version of yourself.   And if all else fails, remember: even superheroes have different outfits for different missions. So, the next time you get dressed, think of it as setting the tone for the day. Your brain gets the memo… no cape required!

Team Dream Catcher EI Women's Cricket Team Every successful team carries a story far deeper than the final scorecard. The EI Women’s Cricket Team – ‘ Dream Catchers’ recently etched their name as unbeaten champions, marking a milestone that reflects passion, perseverance, and belief. The journey began after EIPL 2023, when couple of enthusiastic women came together with a shared passion for cricket and the desire to pursue it seriously. With the thought of playing more than just casual games, they envisioned a team built on discipline, learning and love for the sport. With encouragement, structure and guidance by Kalpita Hatode (resident T15, former cricketer and MCA member), the team ‘ Dream Catchers’ was born. The early phase of this journey was challenging. As a newly formed side, the team faced a few initial tournament losses. Yet, instead of losing heart, the players chose to stay committed, balancing their personal and professional lives. Each setback became a lesson, each practice session a step forward. Over time, discipline, consistency, and team bonding transformed the group into a stronger unit. Turning Point: 🏆✨ That hard work bore fruit on 18 th  January, during a competitive women’s cricket tournament featuring 16 teams from across Mumbai. Dream Catchers  displayed remarkable composure and teamwork throughout the event. The team played three league matches, followed by a semi-final and a final, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament — a true testament to their preparation and collective belief. The final match was a defining moment. Batting with clarity and confidence, they posted an impressive 96/1 in  4 overs, asserting their dominance and sealing their first-ever tournament victory  in style. The performance was not just about runs or wickets, but about trust, communication, and playing for one another.   Adding to the celebrations, Sonal Behere-Goel (T8) was awarded the ‘ Player of the Tournament’  (242 runs in 5 innings), receiving a bicycle as the prize — a special recognition that symbolized dedication, consistent performance, and the revival of a childhood passion for cricket.   Committed playing squad that stood strong consisted of Captain Urjita Nagle (T7), Janavi Papriwal (T10), Sheetal Birla (T1), Mallika Mutreja (T7), Sonal Behere-Goel (T8), Chandni Ajay (T15) and Vinita Khar (T3). Together, they exemplified teamwork, resilience, and the joy of playing the game with heart. Winning Squad (From left):   Mallika, Vinita, Sonal, Chandni, Urjita, Sheetal, Manisha, Janavi The victory would not be complete without acknowledging all the wonderful members of Team Dream Catchers  — whose unwavering support, commitment and belief has brought us this far. In the pic below — Monika Agarwal (T1), Ruchi Agarwal (T3), Aditi Jha (T3), Sneha Joshi (T10), Meenakshi Gautam (T10), Jyotsna Jaswal (T3), Hemal Shah (T1), Puja Kanthed (T5). Team - Dream Catchers More than a trophy, this win stands as a celebration of women coming together — managing lives, responsibilities, and ambitions — to chase a dream they refused to let go of.  Dream Catchers  didn’t just win a tournament; they reclaimed a passion and proved that it’s never too late to play the game you love. The dream has been caught. Now, the journey continues…

Smita Shetty Chartered Accountant (CA);   FINANSYS LinkedIn ; Beyond Boardrooms by Smita Shetty Dated: 09/02/26 Anthropic’s AI Upgrade Spooked Markets Indian technology stocks sold off sharply between 4th and 6th February 2026 , extending a global downturn in software and IT services shares after an announcement from Silicon Valley-based AI firm Anthropic rattled investors worldwide             The selling was driven by extrapolation. What was the actual announcement? Anthropic announced a major upgrade to Claude, its flagship AI model, pushing it beyond a conversational assistant into what increasingly looks like an execution engine. The announcement unsettled markets because it appeared to challenge a core assumption underpinning much of the SaaS ecosystem, that AI would remain a layer that enhances existing software rather than replacing parts of it. In the immediate aftermath, investors began to price in the risk that AI could collapse multiple software layers into a single interface. Tasks that previously required a combination of specialised tools- spanning coding, legal review, compliance checks, analytics and operational workflows could now be orchestrated by AI agents through integrated plug-ins. It was this perceived threat to software abstraction layers, rather than direct job displacement, that drove the sell-off. For Indian IT services firms, that concern spilled over into broader questions about delivery models. If AI reduces the number of tools and the effort required to stitch them together, markets assumed that traditional manpower-heavy approaches would face pressure. But this is where the narrative overshoots reality. Jensen Huang , CEO of Nvidia noted that, AI systems are not standalone replacements for enterprise software or services; they are built on top of existing software stacks and depend on them to function at scale That distinction reinforces why the market narrative may have overshot reality. While Anthropic’s upgrade to Claude meaningfully compresses execution effort, it does not eliminate the need for execution ownership. Large enterprises will still require service providers to integrate AI outputs into complex, legacy-heavy systems, manage dependencies across vendors and geographies, validate and govern deployments, and ultimately own delivery risk, compliance and operational continuity. This is not ancillary work it is central to enterprise technology delivery.. We have seen this pattern before. Two years ago, consulting firms such as Bain & Company aggressively flattened their pyramids, reduced junior staffing, and compressed delivery timelines using internal automation. The result was not a decline in revenue or client dependence. Strategic partnerships remained intact, and ownership of outcomes continued to rest with the service provider. Viewed through this lens, the market reaction appears misplaced. What Anthropic’s announcement represents is a cost disruptor. The economics of delivery will change teams will get smaller, timelines shorter, and productivity higher but the reliance on service providers to execute, integrate and own outcomes will remain.