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Harinath EI Library Team   EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog Long after careers are built and lives are settled, the memory of board exams continues to visit many high achievers — usually beginning with the same sentence: “If only…” When you sit across the table from people who are widely considered successful and invite them to revisit their journeys, an interesting pattern emerges. Sooner or later — often unexpectedly — the conversation circles back to their board exams. Not with pride. More often, with a quiet pause. “I could have done better,” many admit. Some remember falling ill at the wrong time. Others recall a sudden school change, a family move, or simply a paper that did not go as planned. A few still remember the exact margin — missing a medical seat by two marks, an engineering cutoff by three. What is striking is this: these individuals went on to build strong, successful lives. Clearly, board exams did not define their destiny. And yet, the sense of opportunity lost still lingers. The “what if” never fully disappears. What if those two marks had come through? What if that one paper had gone differently? That reflection stayed with me. If accomplished adults — with years of perspective behind them — still carry this memory, then our children deserve more structured support while they are in the middle of this high-pressure phase, often navigating it with far less emotional and strategic clarity than we assume. With this thought, the Society Library Team is taking a small but meaningful step. We are introducing a dedicated Board Exam Help Desk  — an initiative designed to help students and parents move through this important phase with better preparation, calmer minds, and timely guidance. Board Exam: Smart Preparation Matters- ”What is your strategy?” Ms. Shruti Malviya An educator at heart with  20+ years of experience in the education industry , Shruthi leads her EdTech venture focused on making learning more personalised and impactful globally. LinkedIn All exams can be aced with the right strategy in place. Whether you are preparing for CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge or State Board exams, success depends on consistency, clarity, and smart planning. Focus on concepts, not just memorisation. Understanding helps you apply knowledge across different exam formats. Create a realistic study plan and begin your day with a priority subject when your mind is fresh. Use the 50–10 rule—study for 50 minutes and take a 10-minute break to stay productive. Mix subjects to maintain interest and improve retention. Practice past papers regularly, but also focus on time management while solving them at home. This builds speed, confidence, and exam readiness. Make daily revision a habit and end your day with light revision or reading. Avoid comparison. Every student has a unique learning journey. Focus on your own progress and improvement. Most importantly, take care of your health. A balanced diet, proper sleep, and a consistent routine are essential for focus and memory. On exam days, read the paper carefully, start with easy questions, manage time wisely, and keep a few minutes for review. Remember, exams test your preparation—not your potential. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and believe in your ability to improve every single day. Small efforts done daily lead to big achievements. At Adar Learning, we support students across countries and curricula, helping them build confidence with personalised guidance, structured learning, and confidence-building strategies so they can unlock their true potential. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and give your best. Good Luck! For structured guidance and expert mentoring contact Shruti Malviya |Mentor & Edupreneur | +91 9650753888 Boards Without a Breakdown: Handling Exam Pressure   — Ms. Sharika Amin Sharika Amin Clinical Psychologist WhatsApp & Call: 7889491773 Is a  Clinical Psychologist with 7 years of experience , trained at ABVIMS (RML Hospital), Delhi and in Family Therapy at TISS, Mumbai. She works closely with adolescents and parents on academic stress and emotional well-being. LinkedIn For many Class 10 and 12 students, board exams feel less like a test and more like a judgment day. Conversations at home revolve around marks, relatives ask about percentages, and it can seem as if a few papers will decide your entire future. Feeling anxious during this time is very common and you are not the only one experiencing it. A certain amount of stress is actually helpful. It makes you revise, stay alert and reach the exam hall prepared. But sometimes stress crosses a line. You may sit with your books and still not concentrate, forget answers you studied well, or keep imagining the worst result. Sleep gets disturbed, you feel irritable, your stomach hurts before an exam, or you feel like crying without knowing why. These are not signs of weakness. They are signs of mental overload. Many students quietly think, “Everyone else is coping better than me.” The truth is, most of your classmates feel the same pressure but rarely talk about it. So what is happening? When your mind treats an exam like a threat, your body goes into alarm mode. Your heart beats faster and your thoughts race. This is why you may suddenly blank out on a question you knew the night before. It is anxiety, not lack of preparation. To prevent a breakdown, focus on simple habits. Study in 40–50 minute sessions and then take a short break. Avoid discussing answers immediately after each paper as it only increases panic and cannot change the result. Sleep at least 6–7 hours; memory improves during rest, not late-night worrying. Eat regularly even if you don’t feel hungry, and take a brief walk or stretch once a day to calm your body. When thoughts like “What if I forget everything?” or “What if I fail?” appear, treat them as anxious thoughts, not facts. Slow breathing helps. Inhale gently, pause, and exhale slowly. This tells your body that you are safe and helps your mind focus again. Do not carry this alone. Talk to a parent, teacher, friend or trusted adult about how you are feeling. If panic becomes constant, you cannot study at all, or you start feeling hopeless about results, reaching out for help is a responsible step, not a failure. For parents reading this: your reassurance matters more than your reminders. Avoid comparisons with siblings or neighbours, and try not to analyse every paper immediately after the exam. Instead of asking about marks, ask how your child felt after the paper. A calm home environment improves performance far more than repeated pressure. Remember: an exam measures performance on a particular day, not your intelligence, character or future potential. For now, you only need to prepare for the next paper, not the next ten years. If exam anxiety becomes overwhelming -persistent panic, sleeplessness, frequent blanking out, or refusal to study then professional guidance can help. You may reach out for counseling and support at: Sharika Amin Clinical Psychologist WhatsApp & Call: 7889491773 (Individual adolescent sessions and parent guidance available by appointment) Meditation Support — Mr. Chintan Mehta To help students stay calm and centred,  free 30-minute meditation sessions  will be conducted  every alternate day from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Yoga Room , starting from 19/02/2026 (tomorrow). C onsultation Details One-time consultation fee:  ₹300 each (Shruthi Malviya / Sharika Amin) Valid till the last board exam Nominal fee to discourage casual usage and ensure focused support What This Help Desk Is (and Is Not) This Help Desk offers: Short, focused expert guidance Early emotional support Practical study direction This Help Desk does NOT provide: Full subject coaching Syllabus teaching or completion Long-term therapy The Help Desk will remain operational until the completion of the board examinations , ensuring students and parents have timely support when it matters most.

Vikas Miglani Market professional, fiction writer and poet LinkedIn ; Blog ; Amazon Writer's Page English Summary The piece reflects on the deeper meaning of Hindi, questioning whether it is merely a medium of communication or simply an easy, commonly used language. It concludes that Hindi is far more than that — it is a unifying thread that connects people across regions, dissolves boundaries, and represents a shared cultural identity. It has contributed significantly to the development of other languages and symbolically bridges North and South India. The author’s perception of Hindi changed after attending a gathering of Hindi enthusiasts on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at the L&T Emerald Society. The meeting was conducted by a resident, Mr. Hari Babu, with the objective of promoting Hindi in a structured and policy-driven manner within the society. The event included a poetry recitation session where resident poets presented their compositions. Following discussions, attendees proposed the formation of a five-member Hindi forum to systematically encourage the language’s growth. The group resolved to focus on implementing practical steps in their next meeting. Suggestions included introducing young children to Hindi through friendly competitions, storytelling sessions, and engagement with mythological literature. It was also decided to promote Hindi articles and poetry in the society’s monthly magazine. The initiative marks a thoughtful beginning within the society. The forum aims to transform this vision into action, connect residents more closely with the Hindi language, and regularly update the community on its progress. हिन्दी – क्या है ये हिन्दी? क्या ये सिर्फ़ एक माध्यम है वार्तालाप का या एक आसान भाषा हैं जिसमे पारंगत है हम सब? कुछ भी तो नहीं है इनमें से |   हिन्दी है एक सूत्र है जो जोड़ती हम सब को, मिटा के सरहदों को, है ये संस्कृति हमारी, है जिसने दिया योगदान निर्माण में शब्दों के अन्य भाषाओं के और जोड़ा उत्तर को दक्षिण से |   लगता है हमें ये रोज़ाना इस्तेमाल की भाषा है ना सिर्फ़ सरल बल्कि कुछ आम सी, है नहीं जबकि आम ये। हुआ एहसास इस बात का कि है नहीं ये भाषा कुछ आम जो हुई मुलाक़ात एक सभा में कुछ हिन्दी प्रेमियों से बीते रविवार दिनांक ८ फ़रवरी २०२६ को एल & टी एमराल्ड सोसाइटी में |   इस गोष्ठी का संचालन सोसाइटी निवासी श्री हरि बाबू ने इस उद्देश्य से किया कि उक्त सोसायटी में एक नीतिगत तरीक़े से हिन्दी के प्रचार को प्रोत्साहित किया जाए। उक्त गोष्ठी में एक काव्य पाठ का आयोजन किया गया जिसमे सोसाइटी निवासी कवियों ने अपनी अपनी कविता पडन किया | परामर्श के बाद उपस्थित निवासियों ने एक हिन्दी मंच स्थापित करने की पहल की और उसके कार्यान्वयन पर विचार विमर्श किया। इस पाँच सदसीय मंच ने सबके विचार एकत्रित किए और ये निर्णय किया कि अगली मुलाक़ात में नीतिगत कार्यान्वयन पर ज़ोर दिया जाए |   कुछ विशेष सुझाव जो उपस्थित श्रोतागणों ने साझा किए उनमें से एक था छोटे बच्चों का हिन्दी से परिचय करवाना जिसके लिए कुछ मैत्रिक प्रतिस्पर्धाओं पर विचार किया गया। इसके साथ बच्चों को कथा वाचन और पौराणिक ग्रंथ संग्रह से जोड़ने पर भी विचार विमर्श हुआ। इसके साथ ये भी निर्णय किया गया कि सोसायटी की मासिक पत्रिका में हिन्दी भाषा के लेख और कविताओं को भी प्रोत्साहित किया जाए |   सोसाइटी प्रांगण में ये एक प्रारंभिक शुरुवात है और इस मंच का प्रयास रहेगा कि इस विचारधारा को कार्यान्वयन में ला कर हम सब निवासियों को हिन्दी से जोड़ें और नियमित समय पर निवासियों को उक्त प्रगति से अवगत करवायें  |

Sandeep Mishra Electrical engineer, gold medalist, senior executive, poet, tabla enthusiast. English Summary The poem reflects the poet’s growing frustration with constant political debates and negativity in the media. Continuous exposure to arguments, hostility, violence, and sensational news has begun to disturb his peace of mind, filling the heart with anger and resentment. He contemplates distancing himself from television and social media in order to regain mental clarity and return to reading poetry and novels — sources of calm and reflection. The poet expresses concern over the deteriorating social atmosphere in the country, where minor issues escalate into conflicts and harmony among people seems to be fading. Social divisions and discrimination appear to be increasing, hindering national progress. In the concluding lines, the poet calls for unity and collective responsibility. He urges citizens to rise above divisions, reject divisive forces, and work together to lead the nation toward growth and development. The poem ultimately conveys a message of awareness, self-reflection, and hope for social harmony. राजनीति की चर्चा सुनते सुनते होने लगा है मुझसे गुनाह नोंक-झोंक और व्यर्थ की बहस से दिल में नफरत ले रही है पनाह। सोच रहा हूं टीवी देखना कर दूं बंद दिन भर जो दिखाता है खून खराबा और जंग। सोशल मीडिया से भी ले लूं संन्यास पढने लगूं फिर से कविताएं और उपन्यास। देश का माहौल हो रहा है गंदा छोटी छोटी बातों पर हो रहा है दंगा। खत्म हो गया लोगों में सद्भाव बढ़ रहा है सामाजिक भेदभाव। कुछ देशद्रोही कर रहे हैं उत्पात रूक गया है देश का विकास आओ हम सब मिलकर इन फिरकापरस्त ताकतों को हरायें आपसी भेद भाव छोड़कर देश को विकास पथ पर ले जायें। संदीप मिश्रा।

Deepalakshmi P Yoga teacher Email ; Instagram We chase weight loss like tourists chase tigers. But real fitness lies in the forest — in strength, stamina, balance, and joy. When the ecosystem thrives, the tiger appears naturally. “Want to know how a Pune based 40yr old  lost 15 kg in 2 months without diet or any exercise”? “ The secrets of weight loss shared by this celebrity actress fitness trainer”… “You can eat your favourite briyani, roti and chaval and still lose weight – read further to learn more about it.” Often, when Sunita scroll the internet, she come across such catchy statements and undoubtedly you click on those links, curious to know some magic solution for weight loss. Weight loss is the biggest selling point for any fitness trainer/ club. Posting client testimonials on weight loss and especially case studies of bigger losses in shorter periods, are sure shot success formula for boosting the class enrolments. Probably, fitness is the only industry where the customer is happy, when he makes losses. However, in reality, if you see, the percentage of people who actually lost weight in a gym or diet plan or a fitness class is roughly 2-5% . Except for the few disciplined and focussed ones, others are always on the weight loss see-saw.  It was the same with Sunita , January to October, she would manage to lose couple of kilos, only to regain that during the Diwali and Christmas break. Sunita's fitness, journey last year was actually going pretty good. She had lost 4-5 kgs, thanks to some trainings and good diet plans. Then, the real testing period of her commitment came with the Diwali vacation in October. Kanha Tiger Reserve Trip Last October, for Diwali vacation, She had gone to Kanha Tiger reserve  and stayed at the Kanha Jungle Lodge. A bit of History: - It is run by the Sankhala family. Mr. Kailash Sankhala is famously known as the Tiger Man of India. Back in early 1900s, the British officers and Rajas were hunting animals to display their power. Many thousands of tigers and forest animals were killed and photographs of the kings and officers standing beside those carcases were proudly published in papers and displayed on the palace walls. Mr. Kailash was the first wildlife conservationist, who realised the alarming rate the animals and forests were disappearing. He fought with government and other officers and finally with blessing of Prime Minister India Gandhi, he started the Project tiger in 1973. Thanks to his firm belief and tireless efforts we have close 60 tiger reserves in India. They were so thrilled to stay in a lodge started by this great man. With all the enthusiasm, she woke up at ungodly hours of 4.30am and after some tea and biscuits we reached, the safari entrance gate at 5.30am. The guides and drivers, hyped stories about their tiger sightings of last evening - tiger at the pond, the fence and so on. They started the safari and were going on and on for close to 3 hours in the forest, but no sign of tigers. The drivers were calling each other on mobiles and checking in the WhatsApp group for any update on the tiger movements. They surely saw some paw prints, and there were also few alarm calls by the sambar deer, but no sign of tiger. None of the jeeps, were lucky to spot a tiger in that gate that day. However, they still had 2 more hours of safari left in the morning slot. So, their guide and the driver, started showing as birds, other small herbivores, ant hills, snake marks etc etc. These stories were actually very interesting and intriguing, that they were not disappointed about not seeing the tiger. The same thing happened in the afternoon safari also, they could not see the tiger, but they learnt more about the forest. That’s when Sunita casually remarked, that there is so much beauty in the forest, then why do people call it tiger safari? The safari driver, who had more than 25 yrs experience in this field, told “ Mam, tiger jungle ka hero hai. Tiger ka photo dalenge,naam bolenge tho, log dhoor se aayenge, paise dhenge. Tiger ki wajah se puri duniya se funds and donations milthi hai." "But tiger, is the apex predator. For the tiger to survive, the other animals and eco system should also be there to support it. So, the money that comes is used for everything from planting more trees, making artificial water holes, protecting small animal population, even fencing some areas to protect grass from over grazing etc". Next day, they saw a very bold and graceful tigress, majestically walking along the road. She was not intimidated by the sounds of jeeps and excited tourists. She stood in the middle of the road, posed for pictures. Then, she crossed the road and went behind the thick green bushes and settled down comfortably, having done with the cameo appearance for that day. What is the relation with Weight loss? As the tiger is the hero of the jungle, weight loss is the poster boy of the fitness world. That day in Kanha, she realised something simple yet profound — there is far more to a forest than the tiger. And there is far more to fitness than the weighing scale. The forest thrives because of balance — trees, grasslands, deer, insects, water bodies, even the silence. The tiger survives because the ecosystem is strong. Fitness is no different. Weight loss will be sustainable only when other factors such as clean eating, good exercise and adequate rest are in place.   She realised why her weight loss goal has been elusive. Her focus on only sweating out, step counting and watching calories is not sufficient.   She vowed to fix her workout routine in a holistic manner by including cardio, strength training, mobility exercises and good breathing practices. She promised to eat moderate and nourishing food that would support her plan. She realised her body needs good rest and recovery plan also to make it sustainable over a long period. She was no longer looking for quick tricks for weight loss...because she was no longer chasing the tiger. She was nurturing the forest. Enjoy your journey. Stay healthy. Stay happy.

Manikantan MVL Fitness Enthusiast IMC Trading, Linkedin I abhor running. I absolutely do. Don’t get me wrong, but there is no single to take, goal to score, basket to net, no boundaries, or deuces. No cover drives, deceptions, tackles, steals, smashes, drops, or volleys. It is just you on the road, and the thrill is missing. Also getting up at 2:30 am for a 05:15 am start isn't very enticing. I signed up to run my first half marathon during the Tata Mumbai Marathon for a cause. If I ran, IMC would contribute money to charity. It was D-Day, and a broken bone in my hand didn’t stop me from seeing what the running fuss was all about. 1K - I was hoping not to crash with any over-enthusiastic runner, protecting my hand. 3K - just as we hopped on the sealink, I got bored. My mind was convincing me to get back home. 5K - I was wondering how I will finish the remaining 16 km, and started thinking about my work for the week ahead. 8K - I made a roadmap for what I will do at work over the next 4 months. 12K - on the coastal road, I thought about where my wife and I would spend our next three holidays. 13K - Kartik Karkera - the ortho surgeon who won the 42K Indian category, flew past me as we descended down the coastal road interchange. Slowly, self-doubts disappear... 14K - I am coasting, and my mind is exhausted from all the thinking as we enter heartbreak hill - the painful Pedder Road incline. 17K - I am in the moment, soaking in all the cheer from Mumbaikars. But suddenly I feel my calves tighten, it’s cramps! 19K - the run on Marine Drive was an internal battle. Mind is focused only on keeping the body up and running (ambling, actually). We didn’t come so far, only to fall short. 20K - turn into Veer Nariman Road, and the finish line is just there. New-found energy propels the legs towards the finish line. 21.097K - the sweet, happy feeling of crossing that finish line. Oh boy, the pain disappeared! If you are considering running, give the half marathon a shot. It is a test of mental fortitude over physical prowess. It crushes your doubts, makes you persist, and most importantly, helps you rediscover self-belief. I now look forward to recovering and playing my usual sports. But, will I do this again? Jury’s open! A huge thanks to  IMC Trading  and  Karolina Brzozowska  for this lovely opportunity.

Nandini Mathur Author, Blog - 'मेरी कलम से' English Summary The poem celebrates the arrival of the spring season, portraying it as a symbol of renewal, freshness, and new life in nature. It vividly describes how the pleasant fragrance of spring fills the air and brings joy to every direction. As winter recedes, the earth stretches comfortably under the warm rays of the sun, and dewdrops gently disappear. Nature comes alive with lush green foliage, blossoming branches, and cheerful birds flying freely in the sky. Mustard fields bloom brightly, mango blossoms spread their sweet aroma, and the cuckoo’s melodious song fills the environment with music. In its concluding imagery, the poem presents spring as the “king of seasons,” arriving like Krishna, beautifully adorned and carrying hopes of new love and joyful union. Overall, the poem is a lyrical celebration of nature’s beauty, harmony, and the promise of fresh beginnings. बसंत ऋतु, जो प्रकृति में पुनर्जन्म, नवीनीकरण और नवजीवन का प्रतीक है, उससे संबंधित हम अपनी एक रचना आप से साझा कर रहे हैं....... ॠतु बसंती रे आई बसंत की ऋतु है आई , मादक सुगंधित पवन चली आई, दिशाएं गूंजी , मन को भाईं, चारों ओर है खुशियां छाईं। शीतकालीन सुषुप्त धरा ने, शुरू किए अब पांव पसारने, हटी ओस की चादर तन से , खेल रहीं सूर्य की किरणें मुख पे। हरे-हरे नए पल्लव उमगे, डाली-डाली सजी फूलों से , गाते गुनगुनाते पंछी गगन में , पंख फैलाकर उड़े मस्ती में । खेतों में है सरसों फूली, आम्र मंजरी की ख़ुश्बू महकी , कोयलिया ने गाए मधुर गीत , धरती झूमी, बहा संगीत । राधा रानी सी, अनुपम छबि लिए, प्रकृति दुल्हन बनी सज धज कर , ऋतुराज आए हैं कान्हा बनकर , नवल किशोरी से मिलने कीआस लिए।

Sangeetha Rao Homechef @ Little Treats Instagram Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both… The train hummed steadily as it sliced through the countryside, fields blurring into soft washes of green and gold. Sheetal rested her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the world pass her by. Robert Frost’s words played on a quiet loop in her mind, as insistent as the rhythm of the tracks beneath her feet. Thirty years ago. She could still see herself—fresh out of college in Pune, clutching her first appointment letter with equal parts excitement and fear. That first job had felt like a threshold, a doorway into adulthood. And it was there that she had met Varun. He hadn’t been striking in any conventional sense—average height, unremarkable features—but there was that cocky smile, softened by an unexpected sweetness. He welcomed her into his group as if she had always belonged there. For the first time at work, she felt at ease. Safe. Seen. It was just friendship, she told herself. She poured her energy into learning, growing, and excelling. And she did—so well that another opportunity soon pulled her away. It was only after she left that the absence began to ache. The silence of her phone felt louder than any office buzz. She missed the smile, the easy conversations, the attention she had pretended not to need. She waited for his calls. For weekends. For stolen hours where the world narrowed to just the two of them. When he held her hand for the first time, her heart skipped—an absurd, storybook cliché she had never believed in until it happened to her. But ambition has its own momentum. Promotions came. Cities changed. Life accelerated. Varun tried to keep up, but long days and longer expectations slowly eroded what they had built. Without drama or blame, the relationship thinned until it slipped quietly into memory. Then came Kaushal. He was everything Varun was not—charming, confident, dazzling in his attention. With him, she felt chosen. Extraordinary. Marriage followed swiftly, as did two beautiful children. For a while, she believed she was the luckiest woman alive. But time, relentless and honest, revealed the cracks. Kaushal’s charm turned conditional. His affection became transactional. He demanded attention, bent conversations to his will, measured people by their usefulness. As his career consumed him— deadlines , always deadlines—Sheetal’s world shrank. She stepped away from her own ambitions, telling herself it was temporary, necessary, noble. She stayed for the children. Years passed. The children grew, as children do—into independent adults with lives of their own, carrying both joy and heartbreak in equal measure. She had made her peace with Kaushal, the kind that settles not from forgiveness but from exhaustion. They shared the house the way strangers share a train compartment—polite, functional, brief. Words were replaced by chores, affection by efficiency. Outside, she began to stitch herself back together. She met friends, returned to long-abandoned hobbies, and discovered that the quiet she feared, had been waiting all along to save her. Somewhere along the way, Varun resurfaced —not dramatically, just gently. Birthday messages. Festival greetings. Polite, distant warmth. Over time, the messages grew longer. The conversations deeper. And without realizing it, Sheetal felt herself soften into the woman she had once been—someone who noticed the sky, who found beauty in small things. Now Varun was coming to Pune. Then Mumbai. She had glanced at Kaushal, absorbed in his own world, his screen glowing brighter than any shared moment between them. He wouldn’t miss her. Perhaps he wouldn’t even notice. Some might call her selfish. But what was a life without happiness? Without love? Her fingers hovered for a moment before she typed: Meet me at Casa’s. Same table. As the train slowed, another line from Frost surfaced, tender and unresolved: Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back. Sheetal smiled. It felt like half a lifetime had slipped away, but life—unpredictable, stubbornly kind—had offered her another crossing. Another choice. Perhaps the poem didn’t need to end where it once had. Some roads, she realized, wait patiently to be walked again.

Vikas Miglani Market professional, fiction writer and poet LinkedIn ; Blog ; Amazon Writer's Page Full article can be accessed on my blog at below link: Investments – Lots of options available but – जाएँ तो जाएँ कहाँ An eventful year 2025 had come to an end with President Donald Trump of the United States hogging the limelight, in the comeback year of his presidency. A more lethal and vindictive, he started off with an aim to end the Russia Ukraine war and had successfully negotiated a short living peace deal between Israel and Hamas but on the economic front being on the loggerheads with his Central Bank chief had to negotiate a fledgling economy with a USD 38 trln deficit   One remedy he applied universally to all ailments was the tariffs, levying it at his own whims and fancies and continuing to use it as a tool of threat. The world had been turning aligned to his whims and fancies hoping for a positive 2026 but on the first weekend he not only got lifted the Venezuelan President out of his bed in early morning but also cleared his territorial ambitions setting up eye on Greenland and also issuing a threat to Canada to join the United States as 51 st province   Trump hoped to have a backing from the Euro zone but the idea of annexing Greenland from Denmark was strongly resisted, exposing the fault lines between the United States and Europe, in a way pushing back Donald Trump a bit, despite his effort to arm twist Europe with tariff threats   Markets across the globe have gone in for a tailspin leaving the world with a thought, what next and how to resist the antics of the POTUS for next 3 years. The dollar has started to wobble , the US treasuries seeing a sell off from global pension funds and sovereign states and though the capital markets are holding firm for now, there is an underlying worry of sorts   Gold  has rallied, and is at the cusp of USD 5k with the big question being on the future of the yellow metal. A Bank of America report suggests that by mid year 2026, USD 6k is possible but the way it has rallied from USD 3500 to USD 5k mark there is a need for a serious correction, since the element of speculation has set in, in a big way   Gold: last 5 year trend Silver  has far outpaced the gold in a big way having almost doubled in last 2 months to scale the USD 100 mark. There are two factors driving the silver, one the potential industrial demand and two some bit of global uncertainty being priced in, though Silver is not the reserve currency of the world   Given the silver’s volatile history, the current up move is always under the shadow of doubts that it can retrace anytime and hence calls for caution. Having said that, we are in a changed scenario from 1980s or 2010 and hence the retracement may not be as deep as it was in the past   Given the stellar run in both the metals there is a FOMO factor that is adding to the element of speculation as well and leaving us with the question. Is it the right time to invest in Gold and Silver . I think given the heightened global uncertainty gradual build up in Gold in a systematic manner can definitely be considered, given that Gold always has value, can be considered. Let me reiterate correction is bound to come, whether it comes in at USD 5k or 5500 or 6k is anybody’s guess   In Silver I feel some profit can be taken off the table and if you’ve missed out the silver rally in last 2 years consider yourself unlucky but avoid getting in at this level. My own sense is that a 15 – 20% correction in silver is possible and that can be a good entry point   What about Equities (in India) – It’s been 16 months now that we are still trading almost 1k points below on nifty, though in between we managed to break the previous high. The market PE is down below 22 and the economic growth is reasonably strong, though we have a concern on FII flows but DIIs are backing up in full. With the time correction having taken place, I carry the feeling that the coming year can be the year of equities, with the only exception being that the world heads into a war   ·       A chart on nifty move here as well The possible portfolio combination  – there isn’t a definite answer to what should be the composition as it is a function of individual financial goals, age and income factors but I must say that there has to be a mix of all asset classes. Have some bit of deposits to follow a discipline, and I think at this point in time one can have an equity heavy portfolio with a mix of large, mid and small cap stocks.   Had it been a year before one would have refrained from recommending  the mid and small caps but looks like there is more than enough correction and one can definitely look at them. Mid and small cap is generally a function of understanding the business and if you find it difficult to do so, no harm in going via the mutual fund route   A mix of deposits, equity (both large and mid & small caps) and Gold can be recommended at this point in time, with the caution being that if there is a war like scenario or tension escalates the equities may fall further and gold may rise. No harm in having a fine mix of gold and equities to hedge one another. Better to be equity heavy though   What is the right approach – long term investment or short term investment  – this has a mixed answer again. If you are investing for long there is always a cost rationalisation in terms of transaction expenses and tax incidence with value creation of course, but if you are in some volatile instruments, a slight fall can take the profit away from you. So follow a balanced approach – core portfolio that is more than 80% of your total investment has to be long term in nature while on 20% you may play around to derive the satisfaction of being a trader   Caution: All investment are subject to market risk. I am not an investment advisor and this write up is being shared just to highlight the prevailing trend in Gold and Silver with a generic perspective. The need, requirement and objective varies from individual to individual and hence it is a must that one carries out their own due diligence in consultation with their investment advisor. I’ve zero liability for any investment decision that is taken up basis this write up as this is just a product overview carried out as an academic exercise Link: Full article can be accessed on my blog

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

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.