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Komal Singh HR & People Development Consultant | Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence Facilitator | POSH Trainer | NLP Practitioner | Visiting Faculty | Research Scholar | Lifelong Learner & Spiritual Seeker Linkedin Incorporating mindfulness into an employee's daily routine can reduce cognitive dissonance, resulting in a more productive and fulfilling work-life. With the emergence of hybrid or complete work-from-home culture due to the pandemic, self-leadership has become a crucial factor in work performance. Meanwhile, cognitive dissonance can pose a significant obstacle to work productivity. In simple words, we can explain cognitive dissonance as the discrepancy in knowing and doing (behaviour). In 1957, Leon Festinger published his theory related to Cognitive Dissonance. Ever since its inception, countless studies have been conducted on his theory, uncovering the determinants of attitudes, beliefs, and values internalisation, as well as shedding light on the consequences of decisions, the effects of disagreement among persons, and other significant psychological processes. In his studies, he has given an example of a smoker who is aware of the harmful effects of smoking but still continues to do so. Smokers may address cognitive dissonance through two key approaches: behavioural modification or cognitive restructuring. The former involves reducing smoking frequency, while the latter involves adopting positive beliefs about smoking. Specifically, smokers may perceive smoking as less harmful than other common causes of death, such as automobile accidents. Alternatively, they may also view smoking as a means of reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By adopting these positive beliefs and attitudes, smokers may begin to feel more in control of their smoking habits and promote a healthier lifestyle. Similar to Leon Festinger’s illustrated example, employees who work from home may have a good understanding of the importance of maintaining discipline and staying focused towards work goals. However, they may still struggle to actually put this knowledge into practice. This can lead to procrastination and a decrease in overall productivity. Working from home can present a unique set of challenges, such as distractions from family members or household chores, which can be hard to resist. Additionally, without the structure and routine of a traditional office environment, it can be difficult for some employees to establish a work-life balance and maintain a consistent schedule. So, the overall result will be despite being aware that the work schedule needs to be maintained, still, employee gets into the habit of delaying it. Several studies suggest that practising mindfulness can increase self-discipline and self-esteem, which is important for changing behaviour and reducing dissonance. Famous Author and Founder of MBSR has defined mindfulness as “Awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Awareness and Attention are building blocks in mindfulness. Self-awareness helps us in identifying the patterns which leads to undisciplined behaviour, and attention will keep us motivated to stay on course. Thus, with the practice of mindfulness both of these skills can be cultivated and performance can be enhanced along with balanced wellbeing.

Simar Bedi Founder, Ekattva Beauty & Wellness Fitness Enthusiast Website; Ekattva Instagram; Personal Instagram; LinkedIn Growing up, the world inside my home wasn’t built from store-bought luxuries but from the hidden treasures others had overlooked. This shaped my inner world by a unique magic; seeing beauty and potential in things the world had cast aside. Lacking a school best friend, my childhood solitude became my studio. I found sanctuary in the quiet alchemy of creating "best out of waste”- crafting photo frames from discarded cardboard and trees from ordinary stones, weaving yarns & making vases from coal tar. In those days, if you ran out of a material, you couldn't simply order it online with a click. You waited for days. That anticipation taught me the true anatomy of dedication and focus. To my parents, this seemed like a worthless waste of time. "It’s not worth it," they would say, unintentionally planting limiting beliefs about value. But our inner nature knows what we need before we do. That childhood loneliness, once a heavy void, became the foundation for a fierce, unshakeable independence. It taught me focus, dedication, and how to stand alone. It also taught me that ‘some beautiful pieces’ takes time, determination, a lot of passion and patience. For years, life took over, and I thought I had left that creative girl behind. But this past May, everything came full circle. Life gave me the opportunity to teach children the very “Art & Craft’ that saved my own childhood. I seized it with all my heart. I planned each & everything that gave me joy when I was a kid. For a recent Summer Camp, I spent four months excitedly curating twenty-five distinct art and craft activities from scratch. I proudly, lovingly, and very passionately designed each one around mindfulness and emotional intelligence. I wanted everything built from scratch. Most importantly, I insisted on "take-home crafts." Remembering how my own childhood creations were dismissed, I wanted every child to carry their tangible pieces of joy home, feeling entirely validated and proud; like once I did after creating my own, unique pieces. The ultimate plot twist? The very passion I was once told was "worthless" became profoundly rewarding. By honoring my inner nature, this project earned me more this month than I imagined possible. Parents love us, but their fears can create boundaries we aren’t meant to keep. The girl who sat alone, meticulously gluing broken pieces together around the world, accidentally built an adult who doesn't need a crowd to feel complete. She didn’t realize that while she was fixing those discarded scraps, she was quietly fortifying her own spirit, sealing the cracks of her isolation with gold. My message to the world is simple: Follow what brings you joy from the inside out, even when others call it a waste. The house we carry within isn't built on the approval of others; it is built on the things that make our souls feel alive.

Aarv Jain 11 years My dream vacation is to visit Dubai in winter. I want to see the Burj Khalifa, enjoy Ferrari World, ride the tram, and experience the city's famous sports car culture. My Dream Vacation My dream vacation is to go to Dubai. The most suitable period for this trip are the winters. The reason to go to this specific place is because of the theme parks in Dubai like Ferrari world. I also wish to see the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa . I would like to travel in a tram. I will travel here because Dubai is known as the 'city of very fond of cars since I was two Sports cars I am To Travel to Dubai, we would be paying in the UAE currency, Dirham-unsafe place because of the current east Right now Dubai is a asian war. Aarv Jain

Siddhant Desai 13 years, Grade 9 Every year, Mumbai's summers seem hotter than the last. As a teenager, I can clearly feel the difference. The heat and humidity have become so intense that people eagerly wait for the monsoon to bring relief. Even a short bus ride without air conditioning can leave someone exhausted and drenched in sweat. Playing outdoors in the afternoon has become difficult, and school sports and Physical Education classes are often affected. I have seen friends return from football practice completely drained. Some complain of headaches and dizziness, while others suffer from dehydration, heat rashes, nosebleeds, and exhaustion. In some cases, children even faint after spending too much time in the sun. What worries me most is that not everyone can escape the heat. While many of us have fans or air conditioners, millions do not. Construction workers, street vendors, delivery personnel, and traffic police spend hours outdoors in extreme temperatures. Many families struggle to sleep at night because their homes become unbearably hot. This is not a problem of the future—it is happening right now. Rising temperatures are affecting our health, daily routines, and quality of life. Parks remain empty during the hottest hours, water demand increases, and even birds and stray animals suffer as they search for shade and water. Global warming is no longer something we only read about in textbooks. The extreme heat we experience every summer is a warning that cannot be ignored. While planting trees is important, we also need immediate action. Schools, housing societies, citizens, and governments must work together to make our cities cooler and safer. This is my SOS to everyone. Climate change is already affecting our lives today. If we do not act now, future generations will face even greater challenges. Act now, before it is too late.

Seerat Tiwari Loves singing, dancing and Writing Have you ever thought that dreams could come true, Like a trip to ancient Europe or an adventure that suits you. Since I was small, I wanted to go to space But never knew if I could hit that pace. I never lost hope as my dream was not a joke, My eyes would grow wide, as I looked through the telescope. I have heard of aliens & creatures unseen, Unusual planets big & green. Maybe not true but also not a lie. Still remains to be discovered, what remains behind the dark blue sky. The picture still unclear, blur with a hint of fear, Stories untold, waiting for pages to unfold. Space is beautiful & wide, with different adventures inside. Mysteries await, but I have to go back to earth Before it becomes too late.

Sandeep Mishra Electrical Engineer, Gold Medalist, Senior Executive, Poet, Tabla Enthusiast. मां की छवि जो मन में थी बसी समय के साथ वह बदलते दिखी। पहले मां एक गृह लक्ष्मी का रोल थी निभाती आज वह दुर्गा सरस्वती और लक्ष्मी तीनों रूप में है विराजती । मां अब घर की सीमा में नहीं है बंधी घर चलाने में भी पिता के साथ है खड़ी वह कितनी भी वयस्त क्यों न हो अपने बच्चों की शिक्षा है उसके लिए सर्वोपरि। बाहर की विषम परिस्थियों से वह दुर्गा की तरह है लड़ती, बच्चों की सुरक्षा में वह ढाल बनकर होती है खड़ी। इस मां के बदलते रुप को है मेरा सलाम मां के रुप में ही मिलते हैं हमको चारो धाम । संदीप मिश्रा १२/५/२४

Sandeep Mishra Electrical Engineer, Gold Medalist, Senior Executive, Poet, Tabla Enthusiast. मोबाइल की लत लोग मोबाइल पर इस कदर लगे हैं रात और दिन जीवन लगता है अधूरा अब मोबाइल के बिन । आंख गड़ाए चलते हैं ,नहीं देखते हैं इधर उधर चाहे कुछ भी हो रहा हो , मोबाइल से हटती नहीं नजर। घर में सब बैठे हैं, नहीं होती है आपस में बात कम्युनिकेशन होता नहीं ,अब बिगड़ गये हैं हालात। बच्चे हों या बूढ़े, सबको लगी है मोबाइल की लत मोबाइल न मिलने पर बच्चे करते हैं हठ। कंप्यूटर, टीवी, कैमरा आदि ,खोलता नहीं कोई अब मोबाइल में ही मिल जाते हैं ,यह फीचर्स सब । गरीब हो या अमीर आज मोबाइल है सबके पास मोबाइल से होने लगे हैं ,हर ट्रांसेक्शन आज। जिस तरह टेक्नोलॉजी का हो रहा है विकास मोबाइल का महत्व जीवन में हो गया है खास। न जाने यह मोबाइल छूटेगा कब हम सब को लग चुकी है मोबाइल की लत संदीप मिश्रा।

Presented by EI Malayali Community WhatsApp Creative writing by: Divya Sreejith Event Details Date: 26th April 2026 Venue: MPH, Club House 2 Participants: 90 From longing to belonging — Kerala found its home at Emerald Isle. For eight years at Emerald Isle, witnessing vibrant community celebrations like Ganpati, Durga Puja, and Holi always sparked a deep-seated longing for an event that honored the rich heritage of "God’s own country”. The long overdue journey began in 2025 when Ms. Varada Menon took the initiative to establish a WhatsApp group, aiming to unite EI Malayalis. While many joined the forum, active engagement remained limited in those early stages. The arrival of Vishu 2026 marked a turning point. A dedicated team—comprising Varada, Aarti, Trupti, Susan, and myself, Divya along with our young-at-heart seniors, Bhaskaran uncle and Ramachandran uncle - coordinated a major effort to gather all Keralites for a day of connection, celebration, and traditional food. The week leading up to the event was a whirlwind of activity, filled with rehearsals, planning, and the creation of posters and reels. On the day of the event, the team worked with nervous excitement to transform the community hall into a festive space. The celebration was a resounding success! It was wonderful to see the community unite to enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, games and the traditional "sadya" feast. People discovered stronger bonds with their acquaintances from morning / evening walks! This gathering is just the start. We look forward to hosting more events with the broader Emerald Isle community, I am sure everyone would love to experience an authentic Onam celebration, including a lipsmacking "Onasadya" at Onam 2026. To our fellow Malayalis: Thank you for your incredible support. We look forward to continuing this journey together and bringing a true slice of Kerala to Emerald Isle. By Divya Sreejith,

Nandini Mathur Author, Blog - 'मेरी कलम से' English Summary Mother… A gentle feeling beyond words, Not merely a single word, But an entire alphabet in herself. Not just a person, But a complete institution, Filled with affection, An embodiment of unconditional love. Our very first introduction to the world Begins through a mother. By the mere touch of her presence, A child sleeps in peace. At a child’s single smile, A mother gives herself completely. Holding the baby in her arms, softly rocking it, She stays awake through the entire night. Holding the child’s tiny finger, A mother teaches the first steps. Like a teacher at every stage, She imparts the lessons of life. In sunlight, shade, storms, and rain, She becomes a shield of protection. At every turn of life, She stands firmly beside us. The thread of a mother’s heartbeat Becomes forever tied to her child’s soul. Every joy and happiness in the world Lives within the happiness of her child. O Creator! We are grateful to You For gifting us the incomparable blessing called Mother. To this unparalleled creation of Yours, This embodiment of love and sacrifice, We bow with countless salutations. We bow with countless salutations. माँ... इक, कोमल सी अनुभूति होती है, केवल एक शब्द नहीं, सम्पूर्ण वर्णमाला होती है,। इक, व्यक्ति ही नहीं, पूरी संस्था होती है, वात्सल्य से परिपूर्ण, ममता की मूरत होती है। धरती पर प्रथम परिचय, माँ से ही तो होता है, उसके स्पर्श मात्र से ही बच्चा चैन से सोता है । बालक की एक मुस्कान पर मां वारी-वारी जाती है, गोद में लिए , थपकी देते सारी रात वह जागति है । मां ही उंगली पकड़कर , बालक को चलना सिखाती है, शिक्षक बन कदम-कदम पर, जीवन का पाठ पढ़ाती है । धूप, छाँव, आँधी-पानी में, सुरक्षा चक्र बन जाती है। तत्परता से हर मोड़ पर, डटकर साथ निभाती है। मां के हृदय की धड़कन की डोर बंध जाती है , संतान के उर से दुनिया का हर सुख ,हर खुशी , मिलती उसे, उसी की खुशी से। हे विधाता! हम कृतज्ञ हैं तेरे , जो दिया तूने, मां स्वरूप अतुल्य उपहार। तेरी इस अप्रतिम रचना को, अनुराग और त्याग की मूरत को , करते हैं हम कोटि-कोटि प्रणाम । करते हैं हम कोटि-कोटि प्रणाम ।

Adv. Chandni Barak Legal Consultant Partner, Barak Legacy Law Chambers Commercial Law · Contracts & Dispute Resolution Editor, EI Lifestyle Linkedin Profile Substack Blog Contact me : 97111 05110 — FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR — You’re Building a Business. But Are You Actually Protected? Six moments in your growth journey where you quietly needed a lawyer and probably didn’t know it. Most entrepreneurs I speak to are not reckless. They are resourceful, sharp, and deeply invested in their business. They research their market, build their product, and hustle for every client. What they rarely plan for is the legal infrastructure underneath all of it until the day something goes wrong. The law does not wait for you to be ready. Contracts take effect the moment they are signed, not the moment you understand what they say. A business structure becomes a liability the day a dispute arises, not the day you registered it. And a handshake deal, no matter how trusted the relationship, is worth very little in a courtroom. This article is not about fear. It is about clarity. Below are six stages of business growth where legal counsel is not optional even if no one told you that yet. When You’re Starting Up — The Structure You Pick Will Follow You Registering a business feels like a formality. A Sole Proprietorship, a Partnership, an LLP, a Private Limited Company most founders pick one based on what their CA suggested, what a friend did, or what was cheapest. Almost none of them understand the legal implications of that choice until years later. Your business structure determines personal liability, taxation, the ability to raise funding, how disputes between founders are resolved, and what happens to the business if a partner exits. These are not accounting questions. They are legal ones, and they deserve legal counsel before you file a single form. THE REAL RISK A Partnership firm has no legal distinction between the business and the partners. If your business is sued, you are personally liable your savings, your property, your personal assets. Most founders registering partnerships do not know this. WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Advises on the right structure for your specific business model, drafts a tight Partnership Deed or Shareholders Agreement, and ensures founder rights, profit-sharing, and exit clauses are documented before goodwill turns to dispute. When You Hire Your First Employee — Before the Offer Letter Goes Out The excitement of your first hire often overtakes the paperwork. A quick offer letter, a verbal understanding of duties, and you are off. What most founders do not realise is that employment creates legal obligations from day one around provident fund, gratuity, termination procedures, and confidentiality regardless of the size of your business. An offer letter drafted without legal oversight is often the document that comes back to haunt you during a wrongful termination claim or an IP dispute. Employees who leave with your client lists, your source code, or your business methodology have often been able to do so because no enforceable NDA or non-compete clause was in place. THE REAL RISK Without a proper employment agreement, a former employee can legally use the contacts, processes, or creative work they developed on your time unless your contract explicitly says otherwise. WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Drafts employment agreements, NDAs, IP assignment clauses, and HR policies that are enforceable under Indian labour law and explains which statutory benefits you are legally required to provide. “The contract you skip reviewing today is the same contract you will be reading in a dispute three years from now line by line.” When You Sign a Vendor, Client, or Agency Agreement Contracts sent by the other side are always written to protect the other side. This is not a conspiracy it is simply how commercial relationships work. The vendor’s payment terms, the agency’s IP ownership clause, the client’s liability cap, the exit provisions buried on page seven these are not formalities. They are the terms you will be held to. Most entrepreneurs sign these agreements after a quick skim, trusting the relationship rather than the document. The relationship may hold. But if it doesn’t and in business, sometimes it doesn’t only the document matters. ◆ Who owns the deliverables you or the agency? ◆ What happens if the vendor defaults midway through a project? ◆ Can the client terminate without cause, and on what notice? ◆ What is your liability if the product or service causes the client a loss? ◆ Which court has jurisdiction if there is a dispute? WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Reviews and negotiates contract terms before signing, flags hidden clauses, drafts counter-proposals, and ensures that the agreement protects your interests not just theirs. When You Take On a Co-Founder or Business Partner Co-founder relationships are the marriages of the business world entered with optimism, tested by stress, and frequently dissolved without adequate preparation. The absence of a formal co-founder agreement is one of the single most common causes of early-stage business collapse. What happens when one founder wants to exit? What if one stops contributing but refuses to dilute their equity? Who has decision-making authority when you disagree? How is sweat equity calculated against capital investment? These are not uncomfortable hypotheticals they are the questions that destroy businesses that had every other ingredient for success. THE REAL RISK Without a Shareholders Agreement or Partnership Deed, a co-founder who holds 50% equity can legally deadlock every major decision including your ability to raise funds, onboard new partners, or sell the business. WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Drafts a Founders Agreement or Shareholders Agreement covering equity split, vesting schedules, decision-making authority, exit rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms before the disagreements begin. When You Are Raising Money — Term Sheets Are Not Just Formalities Funding conversations are exhilarating, and the term sheet arrives like a validation of everything you have built. Most founders read the headline numbers valuation, cheque size, equity percentage and celebrate. Buried in the remaining pages, however, are clauses that can fundamentally alter your control over the company you founded. Anti-dilution provisions, liquidation preferences, drag-along rights, board composition requirements, and information rights are standard in investor documentation and each one has a material impact on what your equity is actually worth, and how much say you retain as the business grows. ◆ Does this investor get paid back before you do, even on a profitable exit? ◆ Can they force a sale of the company if you cannot? ◆ What decisions require investor approval going forward? ◆ What happens to your equity if you need to raise another round? WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Reviews the term sheet and definitive documents, explains the practical implications of each clause, negotiates founder-friendly terms, and ensures you understand precisely what you are agreeing to before the deal closes. When a Dispute Arises — Before You Respond A legal notice, a threatening email from a former employee, a client who refuses to pay citing a contractual breach the instinct is to respond immediately, to defend yourself, to make the problem go away. Acting on that instinct without legal advice is one of the costliest mistakes an entrepreneur can make. What you say in that first response, the positions you take, the admissions you make even informally over WhatsApp can and often do become evidence. The way a dispute is handled in its first 48 hours frequently determines how it resolves, whether that is in a boardroom, an arbitration tribunal, or a court. THE REAL RISK An informal reply that acknowledges a claim, offers a partial refund, or apologises for a delay can be construed as an admission of liability — narrowing your legal options before formal proceedings have even begun. WHAT A LAWYER DOES HERE Assesses the merits of the claim, advises on the appropriate response, and manages communications to protect your legal position before you inadvertently compromise it. ◆ ◆ ◆ The businesses that scale without crises are not lucky. They are legally prepared. They have founder agreements before the first disagreement. They have reviewed contracts before signing. They have employment policies before the first exit. None of this requires a full-time in-house legal team it requires the right counsel at the right moments. The cost of good legal advice at the beginning of each of these stages is a fraction of what it costs to resolve the problems that arise without it. More importantly, it buys you something no amount of money can recover after the fact: clarity, protection, and the freedom to focus on building your business. If you are an entrepreneur and you recognise your business in any of the situations above you are not alone, and it is not too late. The right time to address these gaps is before a problem forces you to. ◆ ◆ ◆ BEYOND FINE PRINTS · BARAK LEGACY LAW CHAMBERS Let’s Talk About Your Business — Before Someone Else Does We work with founders, SMEs, and growing businesses on contracts, commercial disputes, and legal structuring. Initial consultations are confidential and without obligation. SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Harinath EI Outlook Editor, Linkedin Profile, Blog Small notes of gratitude from the people around us Editor’s Note There are people who quietly become part of our lives. Not through grand gestures— but through conversations, encouragement, routines, kindness, and presence. Sometimes, they live right next door. Sometimes, they become the reason a place begins to feel like home. This collection brings together small letters written by residents to people within our own community who made a difference to their lives. Some are playful. Some are deeply emotional. Some are simple moments preserved in words. None of these letters were written to impress. They were written to acknowledge. And perhaps that is something we do too little of. These pages may hold letters, but what they truly reveal is the invisible thread between people. A Small Note from the Editor Every month, this magazine becomes meaningful because people choose to participate—not as writers, but as human beings willing to share a part of themselves. Thank you to everyone who wrote these letters, and to everyone who continues to read, encourage, and support EI Lifestyle with warmth and sincerity. A community is not built only through buildings and events. It is built through conversations, memories, kindness, and the quiet ways in which people show up for one another. This edition reminded me that gratitude often exists silently in our hearts—waiting for a moment to be expressed. Thank you for making this space feel alive. — Harinath, EI Universe Chief Editor SECTION 1 The Ones Who Helped Us Grow Sometimes encouragement changes a life long before success arrives. Seerat (9 years old) To: Her Friends THANK YOU, MY FRIENDS OF EMERALD ISLE! My friends and I always play, But sometimes we forget what to say. My friends and I always fight, But if someone quarrels, We become loyal. We will always be together, Like a piece of a feather. We go to each other’s house, And act like a mouse. We try to pack the same, And our efforts do not end up in vain. But it is not the end and I will never forget you, my friends. I thank my friends for what they do, And hope all their dreams come true. Sharadhi Lakshmi (T11A) To: Uma Guwalani (T3) Dear Teacher, I’ll never forget how you turned my fear of Hindi into confidence. Back when I was stuck at 50, you patiently explained every concept, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and kept pushing me to aim higher. Your belief in me made all the difference, and with your guidance I proudly scored 96 in my board exams. That achievement will always remind me of your dedication and the impact you had on my life. Namya (T2) To: Harinath (T15) My interactions with Harinath Uncle have been limited, but encouraging and sweet. He has perpetually fueled by writing endeavours, as limited as they are, and has always shared his love for my creative pieces. Whenever we happen to meet out on our walks, he never fails to encourage me to submit ANYTHING, EVERYTHING that I have written. And through this little note, I just want to tell him that his cheerleading for my writing and my potential has really pushed me to do better and to do more, and it will definitely bear fruit in the next 1.5 months, after all my academic entanglements are resolved :) I pinky promiseeee I would also like to acknowledge and appreciate Uncle's extroverted nature and just the way he lives his life. I have never seen someone so excited to have a conversation at 8pm after he just came from office. I have also never seen such zest for life and openness to explore, experiment, network. I truly wish to embody your spirit of living and your jovial nature. SECTION 2 The Comfort of Familiar Faces Sometimes gratitude lives quietly inside routines, conversations, and people who slowly become part of our everyday lives. Harish Dixit (T10) To: Harsh (T5) When I moved into Emerald isle, I met Harsh on a monsoon trek. We bonded instantly over a shared interest for long walks, bird watching and exploring nature. Our morning walks through Aarey or around Vihar Lake often take us along paths less explored, sometimes risky, but always enriching. Our bird watching trips to Manori and Green Valley Park add joy and curiosity to these routines. Through these hours outdoors, I learned more from Harsh than he may realize. Through his stories, Harsh helped me understand how life experiences shape the way one sees the world, and how learning from that view point fuels personal growth. Harsh reminds me to slow down, stay present, and value health. He is always ready to explore new places, keep learning, and laugh freely. His influence has made my life calmer, richer, and more grounded. Cheers ! Chintan Mehta (T3) To: Smitaa Amit Gupta Thank you Smitaa for initiating the weekend tennis habit! I'd lost complete touch with this sport and forgot how much I enjoyed it, until your initiative and discipline for playing every weekends! Despite the inertia of getting up early, I really enjoy playing this with our entire group :) Sawant (T9) To: Mr Bhaskar (T5), Mr Kothari (T10), Mr Johari (T7), Mr Mukharjee (T7), Mr Agrawal (T12B) Respected Mr Bhaskar T 5, Mr Kothari T 10, Mr Johari T 7, Mr Mukharjee T 7, Mr Agrawal T 12 B, Aging persons me and my husband moved from Pune to Mumbai to stay nearby our daughter in Emerald Isle T9, but she shifted to USA. We are originally Mumbaikar, still were anxious of staying in new society with new people around. After settling down in new house, started morning walk activity. We came across lovely group of you oldies, a perfect mixture of an Indian culture. We found ourselves lucky to have company of yous, young-hearted guys. Our daily meet up welcomes each other. We discuss on current topics, health, past memories, exchange jokes and happily leave for home. This routine keeps us fully charged, free of loneliness. Our heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Wish you all happy and healthy life ahead. Pratima Manik To: Upasana Group My dear friends of the Upasana group, It has been some four years that we met accidentally and don’t know how we came so close to each other. We are all housewives, beyond sixty, almost all have grandchildren. We came to this society and found solace in each other. Our whole day is spent in household chores but we make a point to come down to sit for chat for one hour. It is a boost to our mental health. Sometimes we visit a temple, watch a movie, go for some other outing, have dinner at some nice place. These are things we look forward to. It is so much joy to share views and experiences of each other. We celebrate our festivals together. I am always grateful to my friends who stood by me and supported me during my illness. When you are above eighty, people’s closeness becomes most important asset in your life. Thank you, again for being there. SECTION 3 The Spaces That Became Home Some places become meaningful not because of walls or shelves, but because of the people who fill them with life. Shalini Sudeep (T16) To: The Tiny Tots of EI Library Sometimes they come as a group, sometimes in pairs, and occasionally, one walks in alone—perhaps seeking a respite from their energetic play or simply wishing to escape from their friends. They break the calm of our EI library with the spring in their step and curiosity shining in their eyes, eager to discover their next literary treasure. Their parents wonder why they need to borrow the same books they have at home from the library. But the kids find their own joy in following the ritual. Didis hurry them for dinner time and bedtime but how can sleep come without knowing what happened to the wimpy kids on the way home or solving the mysteries with the famous five. These are the tiny tots of EI who are the valued patrons of our EI library who we are grateful for making our two hours of library duty a cherished experience. We are grateful for their presence and for the joy they bring to our space. Dr. Devyani Rozario To: Maya & Team Library From a Shared Vision to a Vibrant Reality What started as a simple "Yes" during a book club meeting has blossomed into something truly remarkable. When the five of us first agreed to set up a library for our housing complex, we had a vision, but it was the collective dedication of this team that turned that dream into the shelves of stories we see today. Our journey was paved with incredible guidance. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our resident veteran, Maya, whose years at the Asiatic Library provided us with a professional foundation. From trekking to neighbouring complexes for advice to consulting with B-school librarians, we left no stone unturned to get this right. The sheer amount of "behind-the-scenes" sweat equity has been inspiring: The Collection Drive: Seeing the community’s generosity. The Logistics: Hours spent building the database and meticulous labelling. The Commitment: The volunteers who consistently show up to manage the issue desk. Every late night and every sorted book was driven by one goal: to foster a reading culture and sharpen the literary minds of our children and adults alike. Team Library, you are incredible! Thank you for making this happen and for proving what a small group of passionate people can achieve. Love you all! SECTION 4 The People Who Changed Something Within Us Some people do not arrive loudly in our lives. Yet somewhere along the way, they change how we feel, breathe, heal, or understand ourselves. Vinayak (T15) To: Akshita & Chintan (T3) Dear Akshita & Chintan, Sometimes transformation happens quietly… and your Art of Living sessions at L&T have been exactly that for me. Through your guidance in Sudarshan Kriya, I’ve begun to experience a sense of peace and clarity I hadn’t known before. More importantly, I’ve started reconnecting with myself, something I didn’t realize I had lost. Thank you for creating a space of calm, sincerity, and genuine care. Your presence has made a lasting difference. With gratitude, Vinayak Tower 15 Janhvi (8 yrs, T4) To: Raina & Rysha Janhvi expressing gratitude to her friends, Raina and Rysha, in her own words. Closing Reflection Not every important relationship in life comes from family, childhood, or history. Sometimes they begin with a morning walk. A shared hobby. A library visit. A small conversation in the lift. Someone noticing your effort. Someone waiting for you downstairs. And slowly, without announcement, people become part of our emotional world. Perhaps that is what turns a society into a community— not shared walls, but shared humanity. A Final Thank You To everyone who wrote these letters—thank you for your honesty. And to everyone who inspired them without even knowing— thank you for being the kind of people others feel grateful for. Somewhere in these pages, a community remembered itself.

Harinath EI Outlook Editor, Linkedin Profile, Blog Based on his Autobiography draft The Extraordinary Journey of Mr. T. Mohan Chandran A life shaped by discipline, curiosity, integrity, and the quiet determination to rise beyond circumstances. T. Mohan Chandra Aviation Consultant & Advisor Connect: 9819915824 or Email Introduction Some journeys do not begin with privilege, influence, or opportunity. They begin in small villages, among routines that leave little room for dreams. Mr. T. Mohan Chandran’s story is one such journey. Long before he became an aviation professional respected by industry leaders, international experts, and policymakers, he was a young boy balancing school with household responsibilities in his native village. Football excited him. Learning fascinated him. But life demanded discipline long before success arrived. What makes his story inspiring is not merely the heights he reached, but the way he reached them — through focus, honesty, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary impact. For today’s generation growing up in a fast-moving world, his life reminds us that greatness is often built quietly, one habit and one decision at a time. The Boy Who Wanted More Time to Play Football As a child, Mohan’s evenings were not free. Like many children from rural households, he had responsibilities waiting after school — feeding cattle, fetching grass, and helping at home. These daily chores often reduced the time he could spend playing football, a sport he deeply loved. But instead of complaining, he searched for a solution. One day, he redesigned the bamboo basket used for carrying grass by adding wooden extensions to increase its capacity. The modified basket carried nearly double the load, saving him repeated trips and giving him precious extra time to play. For others, it may have looked like a simple village improvisation. But for young Mohan, it became an early lesson in creativity, efficiency, and respecting time. Years later, the same mindset would help him solve complex aviation and regulatory challenges on a national level. The Power of Encouragement Sometimes, a single sentence can shape a life. While signing his school leaving certificate, one of his teachers noticed the concentration with which he wrote his signature. She smiled and told him: “Study well and one day you will become a big personality in life.” The words stayed with him. That moment taught him the value of focus — not just in studies, but in every task he would take up later in life. From classrooms to airports, from sports grounds to technical investigations, concentration became one of the defining strengths of his personality. Learning Beyond Fear Coming from a Tamil-medium background, shifting to English-medium higher secondary education was not easy. He struggled to follow lessons and communicate confidently. But instead of avoiding difficulty, he moved toward it. Inspired by a botany teacher who taught fluently without referring to books, Mohan began practicing spoken English after school hours. He trained himself to explain concepts confidently and clearly. This decision changed his life. Years later, the same student who once struggled with English would brief international aviation experts, interact with global consultants, present technical findings in courts, and contribute to major aviation reforms in India. His journey became proof that confidence is rarely natural — it is built through repeated effort. A Student Who Refused to Be Defined by Circumstances In college, Mohan was known for balancing academics and sports with unusual discipline. Though professors advised him to sit in the front row to avoid distractions, he chose the last bench and still graduated with a university first rank. He captained football teams, excelled academically, and even earned recognition for his creativity through handmade greeting card designs that became popular across campus. What stood out was not just talent, but the ability to manage time with purpose. During one interview, when asked how he excelled in both academics and sports simultaneously, he replied: “Football gave me the strength to concentrate and focus on activities. That reduced my effort and time in understanding subjects.” It was a simple answer, but it revealed a larger philosophy — that growth in one area of life can strengthen another. Those years shaped not only his intellect, but also his mindset. Mohan was slowly becoming someone who would not allow circumstances, limitations, or opinions to decide his future. When Creativity Became Confidence College life at MIT was intense. The academic workload was demanding, practical sessions consumed hours, and competition was high. Yet somewhere between engineering classes, football practice, and examinations, another side of Mohan quietly began to emerge. On his birthday, a few classmates surprised him with greeting cards and wishes. It was the first time in his life someone had celebrated his birthday in that way. The gesture stayed with him. Wanting to express gratitude creatively, he designed a simple handwritten message on a pen and gifted it to his friends. The response was overwhelming. Soon, curiosity turned into passion. Mohan began spending long hours visiting greeting card shops, observing designs, studying wording styles, and understanding how emotions could be expressed visually through art and handwritten messages. Then came the real experiment. Instead of buying cards, he started creating them himself. Every greeting card was handmade with patience and imagination. Sometimes he would spend eight to ten uninterrupted hours perfecting a single master design. Slowly, his cards became popular across the campus. Students, professors, and friends began requesting personalized cards for birthdays and New Year celebrations. What started as a heartfelt gesture soon evolved into a small creative business. Local printing groups began purchasing his designs, and he started earning money from his creations — something rare and remarkable for a student at that time. Even years later, some of his professors still remembered those greeting cards. Though the hobby eventually faded after professional responsibilities increased, the experience left a lasting impact on him. It taught him: the value of creativity, the importance of time management, the joy of meaningful work, and the confidence to transform ideas into reality. Looking back today, the greeting cards were never just about art or celebration. They represented the mindset of a young man learning how to create value through effort, originality, and emotion. Long before aviation projects, regulatory reforms, and technical investigations entered his life, he had already begun developing the qualities that would later define him — creativity, precision, commitment, and the courage to think differently. The young student creating greeting cards in a hostel room was unknowingly preparing himself for much larger responsibilities waiting ahead. A Career Built on Integrity and Courage After entering the aviation sector through DGCA, Mr. Mohan Chandran became known for his technical depth, disciplined approach, and ability to solve difficult operational problems. Whether it was investigating aircraft failures, streamlining examination systems, improving airport audit processes, or contributing to aviation regulations, he consistently focused on finding practical and scientific solutions. Many of his ideas challenged existing systems. But he never hesitated to question procedures when he believed improvement was possible. Over the years, his competency earned appreciation from aviation professionals, international experts, senior administrators, and industry leaders. His work contributed to operational improvements, safety processes, airport systems, and regulatory modernization. What made his journey remarkable was that recognition came not through self-promotion, but through consistent contribution. Moments That Defined the Journey Life occasionally offers moments that quietly validate years of hard work. For Mr. Mohan, those moments came in unexpected ways. Industry experts acknowledged his technical understanding. International consultants appreciated his depth of knowledge. ICAO professionals recommended him for larger roles. Senior leaders recognized his vision for aviation infrastructure. One of the most memorable chapters of his journey was his interaction with Shri Ratan Tata regarding the future of low-cost aviation infrastructure in India. What began as a visionary project note eventually turned into detailed discussions on sustainable aviation growth and infrastructure development. For a boy who once carried oversized grass baskets in a small village, sitting across from some of India’s most respected industrial leaders was not merely professional success — it was a reflection of how far dedication and preparation can take a person. Strength Beyond Achievement Despite his accomplishments, one quality repeatedly appears throughout his life story — humility. He remembers teachers with gratitude. He values honesty in others. He speaks about learning from villagers, technicians, professors, and sports mentors alike. Even during difficult phases, including public allegations later proven false, he chose to respond with clarity, courage, and professionalism rather than bitterness. His life shows that true strength is not only technical knowledge or career growth. It is the ability to remain grounded while carrying responsibility, pressure, recognition, and setbacks. Reader Reflection What small habits today could shape our future tomorrow? How often do we move toward challenges instead of avoiding them? Can discipline and integrity still become powerful advantages in modern life? Conclusion Mr. T. Mohan Chandran’s journey is more than a story of professional achievement. It is the story of a child who learned to value time, a student who embraced difficulty, a sportsman who believed in discipline, and a professional who used knowledge with purpose. In an age where success is often measured by visibility, his life reminds us that lasting respect is earned differently — through consistency, courage, curiosity, and character. For children, his story proves that humble beginnings do not limit ambition. For adults, it reminds us that growth never truly stops for those willing to learn, adapt, and contribute. And for every reader, it leaves behind a powerful thought: Sometimes, the strongest people are not the loudest ones. They are the ones who quietly continue building themselves every single day.