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Sandeep Mishra Electrical Engineer, Gold Medalist, Senior Executive, Poet, Tabla Enthusiast. न जाने क्यों न जाने वक्त की कोख में क्या छिपा है आगे क्या होगा , किसी को भी नहीं पता है। न जाने क्यों आदमी भाग रहा है,दौलत के वास्ते साथ न ले जा पायेगा,यह भी उसे पता है ।   न जाने क्यों ,लोग आपस में मिलते‌ नहीं कल कोई रहे या ना रहे ,यह किसको पता है।   न जाने क्यों लोग करते हैं ईर्ष्या दूसरों से जितना नसीब में है वही मिलेगा, सबको पता है।   न जाने क्यों लोग खोज रहें सुख भौतिक संसार में सुकून तो मन के अंदर है, सबको पता है।   संदीप

Sandeep Mishra Electrical engineer, gold medalist, senior executive,  poet, tabla enthusiast. होली की यादें याद आ रही है आज फिर बचपन की होली रंग भंग संग वो मित्रों की टोली। चंदा उगाही और लकड़ी की चोरी सजाते थे स्टेज पर होलिका और प्रल्हाद की जोड़ी। करते पहले पूजा फिर लगाते थे आग बड़े बूढ़े गाते थे झूमकर फाग। सुबह सुबह फागुन के मौसम की मस्ती मोहल्ले की हर लड़की लगती थी अच्छी। हाथों में गुलाल और गोरियों के गाल रंगों की बौछार कर दिल होता बेहाल। दोस्तों के संग करते हम हुड़दंग मदमस्त होकर पीते थे भंग। शाम होते होते थक जाते थे हम रात को कवि सम्मेलन जाते मित्रो के संग। उम्र ढलने लगी है अब नहीं रही वह उमंग टीवी पर ही देखते होली अब हम। पुरानी यादों में खोया था जागा सुन पत्नी की बोली याद आ रही है आज फिर बचपन की होली। संदीप मिश्रा।

Priya Chaturvedi Global Markets Professional, avid reader, finding rhythm in semi-classical dance and expression in Hindi verse. LinkedIn

Rati Hegde ( ratihegde@gmail.com ) Mob. No: 9819018240 X ; Facebook Smt. Rati Hegde is a columnist, author, speaker, TV panelist, Social Media influencer and founder member of the Hindu Charter of Demands and Equal Rights for Hindus. Recently her second book “Tales of Bharat – Dharma” was published by Indusscrolls. As per WHO, Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. The furiously fast pace of innovation and life which is loved by many also has a side to it which is frighteningly cruel to those who are unable to keep up with the pace, especially in technology driven industries. Students, especially in Bharat (India), now choose the Information Technology sector as their first choice in the education stream, since it is seen as an industry which gives one a job opportunity almost immediately on completion of the basic degree. While it is true that job opportunities for the young and inexperienced exist in plentiful in the Software industry, the fact is that most people only plan into the first 20 years of working, assuming that growth will happen automatically as one collects experience on the job. What happens to those who are not able to move up the ladder or those who are not able to keep up with the changes in technology? Even more frightening is the question as to what happens to those who have reached the upper bracket of income in a particular level? Year-on-year do they get the expected minimum 10% increase in salaries to keep up with the inflation and/or the years of service put in? In a country where people still agitate for “permanent” jobs in the government sector, the scary situation of their company being shut down when they have put in about 10+ years of service in that company, is totally unnerving. The situation becomes worse when they find it difficult to get new jobs or get a similar pay in a new job. A cursory search on Quora to figure out what IT engineers do after the age of 45 brings up a plethora of responses, all of which say that one cannot grow in the industry after the age of 40 years unless one is willing to branch out or update oneself. In fact, most of the responses insisted that there is no scope for continuing in the lower management or mid-management jobs in the IT industry after the age of 40 or 45 because by then the earning that the company gets v/s the salary paid to the employee becomes less than 1. That is why most information technology companies end up downsizing or retrenching their old staff regularly. Unless one is a billable resource, one will be fired. About 10 - 15% of the staff find themselves having risen into the post of Team leaders and only about 5% of the staff will have risen to the ranks of top management. In such a scenario it makes little sense to presume that one could hope to stay in the same company till one retires. A good question to ask oneself is whether 10 years of doing the same job gives one the same experience or increase in salary as taking up 10 different jobs in 10 years in the same sector. The follow-up question would be as to which experience would help one get a job if one were to quit or were fired at the age of 40 years. Most people in the IT industry above the age of 45 years shift to allied industries which can use their knowledge and experience in maintaining their systems, for example, the healthcare industry or the insurance industry. It comes as no surprise, especially after COVID, that people are now willing to use digital technology to monitor their health or investments and/or get online consultations for various services. These sectors require people who have experience in entering information and maintaining the system, both considered boring jobs by the younger generation. Another service sector that is recruiting old blood is the legal sector. Of course for entering any of these industries, one has to take mandatory training to equip oneself to the respective terminology and other requirements. One of the best examples to understand how changes affect an entire industry is to take a look at the animation industry. VFX & Animation are words that are used often when we see special effects in films. This industry and its employees faced one of the biggest challenges when the technology changed from 2D to 3D. New software sprung up almost suddenly and the end users, mainly the film industry wanted the best special effects. Imagine, a whole line of artistes (those who create the special effects) had to learn a new technology within months! They knew the art, but not the technology. From making classic masterpieces in animated films, they were now useless unless they learnt the latest technology which forced them to look at and work on every frame with depth (no pun intended). Those who were able to learn the new software, survived. But many people dropped out of the industry altogether because they were not able to learn at the ripe old age of 40 and above. Guess which field stood to gain because of this? YouTube creations! When one door closes, another one opens… The only way to stay ahead today is to train the brain to look forward to changes, innovations and welcome continuous skill development and risk taking. Self-training in saving and investment techniques is also one of the most necessary skills one needs to learn young, to sustain oneself in trying times. Recently I spoke to a person employed in one of the biggest companies in Bangalore and he was seeking advice on whether to take up further studies in the Technology stream or the Management stream. His worry was that youngsters who were being absorbed into his company spoke a language which was entirely different from the one his peers spoke. And this man was all of 29 years of age 1 ! According to a developer of websites, what has happened is that people from the older generation find it difficult to accept that what took them pages of coding is now available as a free feature. Their expertise, say for example, in creating pull-down menus, is now taken for granted and this makes them feel outdated. They have to unlearn long coding requirements and freshly learn to adapt to the use of Widgets, Search Engines, etc. To the end user, it seems that things have been simplified and the end user expects changes in his/her Applications very fast, but to the developer who now has to learn newer ways of effecting changes in look and speed to keep his/her client happy, it seems like an onerous task 2 . This means that even small firms have to cope with ageism when it comes to getting newer clients or keeping older clients in their books. A silver lining in the whole thing is that many companies, especially the bigger ones, have started investing in training their own staff to adapt to new technology. Continuous training programmes are conducted round the year for staff at various levels to help them cope with the change in expectations. According to Shri Vivek Grover, a Director in one of the Big 4, “Companies with good work culture and ethics have realised the value of retaining their staff instead of hiring and firing”. Of course Unicorns and smaller startups have yet to realise this especially since they are in a hurry to cut costs and get quicker results. They prefer to hire young blood who can train themselves on the job. Recently I read about Shri Sujit Chattopadhyay being presented the Padma Shri for Literature and Education. After 39 years of work as a teacher, he retired. But he just did not want to hang up his boots, because he felt that he was still capable of giving to society. He started a free coaching centre called “Sadai Fakirer Pathshala” in 2004 and now has over 3000 students per year, most of who are young tribal girls. And they have gone on to be employed in various industries. When ageism hits, it is time to give back to society 3 . Healthcare, Ageism and the role of Industry One rarely discussed fact is the effect of ageism on health. The healthcare industry is among the worst when it comes to discrimination because of age. The attention given by caregivers, to the ill depends a lot on the age of the patient, especially when it comes to hospitalisation. People are conditioned to believe that it is the young who deserve to be saved first (in case of serious illness) and hence, more attention is given to those who are below the age of 65 years of age. Families just do not want to spend more on hospitalisation and treatment if the patient is old. The number of elderly in India is projected to reach 158.7 million in 2025 (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2008) 4 , and is expected, by 2050, to surpass the population of children below 14 years. This amounts to about 20% of our population are senior citizens. As per another report 5 , about 25% of our population are under the age of 18. This means that about 45% of our population are more or less dependent on the people who are the main income earners in the country. In the absence of any State-sponsored security benefits or income, it goes without saying that most families face a difficult situation when anyone falls seriously ill or requires hospitalisation. It is a known fact that the need for healthcare increases with age. The National Family Health Survey of 2004–2005 quoted in the UNDESA report above, indicates that only 10% of households in India had at least one member of the family covered by any form of health insurance. Since almost 83% of all healthcare expenses are Out Of Pocket expenses, not covered by insurance or government schemes (if any), it follows that a large part of income has to be kept aside for covering healthcare, especially in families which have senior citizens as members of the family.   Half of the Indian elderly are dependents, often due to widowhood, divorce, or separation, and a majority of the elderly are women (70%). On a side note if we keep this in mind, we realise why more and more people are desperate for freebies announced by political parties.   One must also note that in a country as populous as ours it is difficult to provide for employment to those above the age of 60 years, because this cuts into the employment for those in the 18-60 years bracket. Keeping all the above factors in mind, it is imperative that: Government brings out schemes which enforce savings for those in the employable age, in a manner that annual payments/returns are made only after retirement/60 years of age, till death of the employee and his/her spouse. It could be on the lines of Social Security benefits available in First World countries. In cases where the person falls below poverty line or is unemployable, the Government should contribute to this fund in the name of the person. Companies contribute a small percentage/fixed amount in the name of every employee to the above scheme every month, even if the employee works only for a few months. Such a scheme should be made mandatory even for temporary staff, contract labourers and those on contract/consultation, etc. Retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and those in the service industry should be given small incentives for employing people above the age of 60, even if it is on a part-time basis. To summarise, Companies need to do the following to make sure that Ageism does not trump Loyalty and Humanism: Train their staff on a regular basis to keep up with the times. If retrenching older staff becomes necessary, help them to find their footing in newer jobs or in different sectors. Have regular sessions to educate staff in savings and investment options. Individuals need to do the following to beat Ageism: Make sure that you attend every training programme offered by your organisation and keep updating your knowledge. If you get a chance to take up assignments abroad, especially in Technologically advanced countries, do take it up. Remember that 40 is the new 60 when it comes to retirement. Difficult as it may sound, financial goals have to be achieved by the time you are 40 years of age. Do not have substantial loans beyond that age, because then every time your career boat is rocked, you will feel more stress than necessary. Keep networking and making connections, because that is where you will find help in getting job offers. Ageism has made people feel less secure in their jobs in the technology sector but the flipside of this has been that it has made people feel the need to learn further and keep upgrading their skills. It has also made people explore new frontiers once their basic need of financial security has been satisfied. This has led to development in this sector itself and also in other sectors which have no connection to the software industry per se. People are now using their skills to teach others, to make life simpler for others, to give life to unfulfilled dreams. It makes one realise that what matters is neither age nor experience – it is the ability to adapt and improve on oneself. Add a little empathy to that and there will always be room for people of all ages in all sectors. References: 1.      Shri Shivakumar H, Senior Engineer, Bosch Global Software Tech. Pvt. Ltd 2.      Smt. Ritu Rathore, Proprietor, Infiaxon Pvt. Ltd. 3.      https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/meet-retired-bengali-teacher-78-who-teaches-350-tribal-students-for-rs-2-padma-shri-sujit-chattopadhyay-article-91208248 4.      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109208/ 5.      https://www.statista.com/topics/9677/children-in-india/ Rati Hegde 602, Om Viraj CHSL, Paliram Path, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058.

Dr. Chaitanya Dasika 9930610218 Research Professional, NMIMS university Google Scholar , Linkedin Evenings at Emerald Isle have always been pleasant and full of life. I barely get a window to visit the garden during early evenings but on the days, I visit I feel energized want to make it a regular practice.   The play zone near T6 or the relatively longer walking tracks that EI offer are a treat to the residents who bond and enjoy over a walk or a talk in these lawns.  The play zone buzzing with bubbly babies, tiny tots and curious Kids is a sight that can energize onlookers and elevate your mood instantaneously.   This really got me thinking as a professor who is always exploring ways to nurture and use the potential, how can we use this bubbly energy to power a couple of lights in the same garden zone or may be a walking path? This got me thinking!  The Concept - Using Foot steps to generate Power.     The idea is nascent but has an immense potential to power a few simple pathways!  But What Exactly is this idea? How does it work? Is it worth exploring? What is the idea? Emerald isle  with its nearly 1500 odd apartments is a home to many fitness enthusiasts, people who are regular with their  walks  and of course energetic kids. The idea is to harness the  “True power of walking” where a small zone in the kids play park or a specific walking track can offer a potential pilot opportunity to explore the possibility of converting   simple mechanical ( I believe its Kinetic too ) energy that gets generated through these footsteps of kids or the walkers   into Electrical energy.     Electrical energy generated through the footsteps can simply power a few lights surrounding path ways. How does it work? Drawing inspiration from Japanese smart and sustainable cities like  Shibuya  where the stations use tiles where every foot step you take generates small amount energy.  Millions of steps can power LED lamps that light up creating smart and sustainable cities. India too has this system being piloted at sites with high foot fall like Amritsar’s Golden temple and Tirumala city . The energy thus generated through footsteps is cleaner, greener and can power the surroundings. Source: A frequently used walking path with high foot fall area can be used as an experimental pilot zone in the small patch of the garden or the walking track. Banking on Piezoelectric sensors that use or Rack and pinion systems the kinetic energy of footsteps can be converted into electrical energy! With a humble investment of few thousands for installing these piezoelectric materials, sensors, and the potential of DIY nature of these tool kits, and with minimal space requirement this project offers the potential of power generation and every step of walker contributes towards illuminating EI in an ecofriendly manner. This seems to an interesting idea worth considering. The best advantage of power generated through these footsteps is it is renewable. Imagine an Energy that is renewable and one that is so easily generated by almost everyone who can walk or jump. The biggest advantage of the power generated through this ecofriendly, zero carbon foot print method is it is immune to weather, or seasonality. Simple footsteps can aid in power generation and light up the pathways. The enthusiastic residents continue to walk in all weathers; Unlike solar which needs a specific parameter; this if implement can light up the path ways get the greener clearances, who knows may boost brand image and inspire budding young scientists in EI. This source of energy source if explored has an immense potential of powering the common areas. While Solar is being harnessed in a few towers, this is a potentially viable alternative which may be worth considering. Is it worth exploring?  The idea can fuel curiosity amongst budding scientists of EI, train and motivate the next generation to embrace cleaner greener renewable energy options, while encouraging them to be their best version of themselves by just jumping, playing and walking on those tiles - while their movements or steps can continue to brighten our paths! (power being generated)! So may Be worth Exploring!! Dear Readers what are your thoughts on Taking a Step At a time – To unleash the Power of your footsteps?   Please feel to reach out to Dr. Dasika Chaitanya of Tower 10 (Researcher by Passion and professor by profession)

Presented by EI Events Committee (EIEC) Instagram Creative writing & Illustrations by: Harinath A Riot of Colors: How EI Celebrated Holi with Flowers, Music, and Community Spirit Event Summary EI residents celebrated Holi over two vibrant days with flowers, colors, music, food, and community spirit. Families, children, and friends came together to enjoy traditional rituals, playful water fights, rain dance, and festive meals—all made possible through the dedicated efforts of the EI Event Committee and supporting staff. From  Phoolon ki Holi in the amphitheater  to the energetic  Rangon ki Holi on the podium , the event created memories that residents—young and old—will cherish for a long time. Event Details Organized by:  EI Event Committee (EIEC) Phoolon ki Holi 📅 2nd March | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM📍 Amphitheater (Opposite T9) Rangon ki Holi 📅 3rd March | ⏰ 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM📍 Podium Area (In front of T4 & T5) The Journey of the Celebration   Ode to EI Holi   Dates played Ankh Micholi Phoolon se decorated Doli That’s how EI played It’s Holi   Radha Krishna ki Meethi Boli Unke Saath Bhakton ki toli That’s how EI played it’s Holi   Rain dance was fun and jolly Without any bhang ki goli That’s how EI played it’s Holi   As elegant as cover drive of Kohli The event was both fun and Holy That’s how EI played it’s Holi   Phoolon ki Holi – A Colorful Beginning The celebrations began on the evening of 2nd March  with Phoolon ka Holi at the amphitheater. As music filled the air, residents gathered around, and the atmosphere slowly turned festive and joyful. Soon, the space came alive with Garba , as residents joined the circle and danced together, celebrating the spirit of togetherness. One of the most enchanting moments of the evening was the graceful performance by residents dressed as Radha and Krishna . Their mesmerizing dance made the scene feel magical—as if Radha and Krishna themselves had arrived at L&T , dancing joyfully and soaking in the love and affection of the community. Moved by the performance, residents gradually joined them on the dance floor, turning the amphitheater into a vibrant celebration of music, devotion, and shared joy. Holika Dahan The traditional Holika Dahan ceremony was done at T1 and added a spiritual and cultural dimension to the celebrations. Residents gathered together to witness the ritual, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and marking the arrival of spring. The traditional  Holika Dahan  ceremony added a spiritual and cultural dimension to the celebrations. Residents gathered together to witness the ritual, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and marking the arrival of spring. Rangon ki Holi – The Real Battle Begins The next morning,  Holi began sharp at 9 AM , and the society slowly transformed into a battlefield of colors. Children stepped out fully prepared for what they had been waiting for all year—the great Holi battle with their friends. Their  water guns were loaded , pockets were filled with color packets, and water balloons were stacked like secret ammunition. Dads played the role of tactical suppliers, quietly collecting color packs and distributing them to the young warriors at just the right moment. Meanwhile, creativity was everywhere as residents experimented with  innovative ways to fill and store water balloons  for maximum impact. But the real generals behind the scenes were the  proud mothers . They carefully prepared their children for the epic showdown—applying  oil, sunscreen, protective hair products, and carefully planned hairstyles , along with goggles and comfortable clothes to shield them from the colorful chaos ahead. For many kids, this wasn’t just another morning—it was the  festival they had been dreaming about for weeks . Some families even printed  custom Holi family T-shirts , turning the celebration into a colorful team event. When the Community Comes Together One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the spirit of participation. Some families even  cancelled or postponed their travel plans  because their children insisted on staying back to celebrate Holi with their friends in the society. Every year, a few  foreigners are happily Join us into the celebration , mostly experiencing their  very first Holi . Covered in colors within minutes, they attempt to join the dancing crowd—trying to imitate a hook step, shaking their shoulders and experimenting with movements while their  stiff waists slowly try to find the rhythm of the dhol beats . Their enthusiasm and curiosity add a charming and unforgettable twist to the celebration. Music, Dance, and Festive Energy As the celebration picked up momentum, the energy on the podium rose to another level. The beats of  dhol  echoed through the towers, pulling residents toward the dance floor. The  rain dance zone  quickly turned into the most crowded spot, with kids and adults jumping in without hesitation. And of course, Holi has its own unwritten traditions. Some  uncles quietly sneaked in their own festive versions of “Coca-Cola” and Thandais , carefully guarded and occasionally shared among trusted circles. Not to be outdone, a few  secret aunty groups silently managed their own versions of celebratory drinks , ensuring their festive spirit stayed equally vibrant. With music, laughter, colors, and playful mischief everywhere, the podium truly felt like the heart of the celebration. Food, Discipline, and Smooth Execution Amid all the fun and chaos of colors, the event remained well organized. Delicious  breakfast and lunch arrangements  ensured everyone stayed energized throughout the celebrations. In fact, many residents even  granted leave to their household staff , as meals were already arranged within the event. Despite the large gathering,  tower lobbies and common areas were maintained carefully , ensuring the society remained neat and orderly. Throughout the event,  Ms. Vibha kept the community informed with timely announcements , while also joining in the festive spirit herself. The Unsung Heroes Behind the scenes, several teams worked tirelessly to make the event successful. The  housekeeping staff played a crucial role , continuously cleaning elevators, corridors, and common areas as residents moved around covered in colors. Their effort ensured that the celebrations remained smooth and comfortable for everyone. Community Spirit and Feedback Behind the Celebration While residents enjoyed the colors, music, and laughter, a great deal of planning and effort worked quietly behind the scenes. The  EI Event Committee (EIEC)  carefully planned every detail of the celebration—from organizing the venues and coordinating food arrangements to ensuring smooth participation for hundreds of residents. Managing two large-scale events across two days required thoughtful coordination, timely communication, and constant supervision. During the celebrations, announcements kept everyone informed, logistics ran smoothly (Imagine, what if water runs out during rain dance), and activities stayed well organized despite the vibrant chaos that Holi naturally brings. Supporting the event were the  housekeeping and maintenance teams , who worked tirelessly throughout the day—cleaning elevators, corridors, and common areas so that residents could celebrate freely while the society remained orderly. Festivals like Holi may appear effortless when we are in the middle of the fun, but behind every joyful moment lies  teamwork, planning, and dedication . A heartfelt  thank you to the EI Event Committee and the support staff  who made these two days of celebration possible and helped create memories the community will cherish for years to come.

Presented by EI Fitness Competition (EIFC) At 7:30 AM on 22 February, Clubhouse 1 came alive as 110 residents gathered for Emerald Isle Fitness Championship 2.0 — a morning of grit, cheers, and personal milestones that proved the strongest competition is always with yourself . Emerald Isle Fitness Championship 2.0 was more than just a fitness competition — it was a powerful display of determination, unity, and self-belief. With 110 participants stepping forward, the energy throughout the day was unmatched. Every lift, every rep, and every effort was met with loud cheers and wholehearted encouragement. This was never about competing with others — it was about pushing your own limits. The vision for this championship was the brainchild of Kashyap ji , T2,1202, who believed in creating a platform where individuals challenge themselves and grow stronger together. That vision truly came alive on event day. The performances reflected the dedication and preparation of the participants. The highest scores of the event were: Deadlift: 190 kgs Chest Press: 120 kgs Squats: 180 kgs Push-ups: 67 reps Pull-ups: 22 reps Plank Hold: 7 minutes 50 seconds Squat Hold: 4 minutes Beyond the competition floor, the event felt like a celebration. Piping hot samosas were served for breakfast, followed by lip-smacking biryani, adding warmth and joy to the electrifying atmosphere. This success was made possible by the tireless efforts of Rahul, Anuj, Vishal, Radhika, Priti, Sanuj, Sourabh, Atul, and Swapnil , who ensured everything ran seamlessly. A heartfelt thanks also goes to our sponsors — Trade Smart, Kangen Water, Pod Nutrition, Ace Tattooz, and Nivon Digital — whose support played a vital role in making this event a grand success. With excitement already building, Championship 3.0 promises to be even bigger — and everyone will return stronger, better prepared, and ready to push their limits once again. Comments/Feedback

Presented by Vibha Singh On behalf of EI Events Committee (EIEC) Instagram English Summary This piece reflects on the celebration of Republic Day, marking the adoption of India’s Constitution on 26th January. The author describes the event as one of the most memorable experiences of their life, as it brought together the entire Emerald Isle community and revived nostalgic memories of school celebrations. After nearly a year of planning, discussions, and teamwork, the celebration was organized around the theme “Unity in Diversity,” showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. Performances representing different states — from Punjab’s Bhangra and Gujarat’s Garba to Rajasthan’s vibrant attire, Kerala’s classical dance, Telangana’s tableau, and the cultural glimpses of the North-Eastern states — created the feeling that the entire nation had come alive on one stage. The author had the honor of hosting the event, describing it as an emotional and proud moment. The program’s success was the result of collective effort — from decoration and music arrangement to technical management and coordination. Every team member and participant contributed wholeheartedly. The celebration concluded with the National Anthem, a deeply moving moment that symbolized unity and shared pride. More than just an event, this Republic Day became a living example of leadership, collaboration, and the power of togetherness — proving that when people work in harmony, no goal is unattainable. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat. विविधता में एकता: एमरल्ड आइल का अविस्मरणीय गणतंत्र दिवस 26 जनवरी हमारे देश का एक अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण और ऐतिहासिक दिन है। इसी दिन हमारा संविधान लागू हुआ था। इस वर्ष का यह पर्व मेरे जीवन के अब तक के सबसे यादगार पलों में से एक बन गया। इसने मुझे न केवल पूरे एमरल्ड आइल परिवार से जोड़ा, बल्कि बचपन के विद्यालयीन दिनों की स्मृतियाँ भी ताज़ा कर दीं। मुझे इस कार्यक्रम का संचालन करने का अवसर मिला — जो अपने आप में अत्यंत गौरवपूर्ण और अविस्मरणीय अनुभव था। इस कार्यक्रम की कल्पना हमने लगभग एक वर्ष पहले ही कर ली थी। अनेक बैठकों और विचार-विमर्श के बाद हर बार कुछ नया सामने आता गया। हमारी पूरी टीम सदैव पूरे उत्साह के साथ कुछ विशेष करने का प्रयास करती है। इस वर्ष भी हमने इस समारोह को एक विषय थीम — “विविधता में एकता” — के साथ प्रस्तुत किया, जिसका उद्देश्य भारत की समृद्ध संस्कृति, परंपराओं और जीवन-शैली को प्रदर्शित करना था। एमरल्ड आइल मंच पर विभिन्न राज्यों की झलक देखने को मिली — पंजाब का भांगड़ा, गुजरात का गरबा, हरियाणा की गाथाओं का जोश, राजस्थान की रंग-बिरंगी पोशाकें, केरल का नृत्य, तेलंगाना की विशेष झांकी — और उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्यों की सुंदर संस्कृति भी झांकियों के माध्यम से प्रस्तुत की गई। ऐसा प्रतीत हो रहा था मानो पूरा देश एक मंच पर सजीव हो उठा हो। मैंने इस कार्यक्रम का संचालन किया। मेरे लिए यह गर्व का क्षण था। मंच पर खड़े होकर सभी प्रस्तुतियों का परिचय देना और कार्यक्रम को सुव्यवस्थित रूप से आगे बढ़ाना मेरे लिए अत्यंत भावुक अनुभव रहा। कार्यक्रम को यादगार बनाने में हमारी पूरी टीम ने अपनी पूरी ऊर्जा लगा दी। सभी ने तन-मन से सहयोग किया। किसी ने सजावट की जिम्मेदारी सम्हाली , किसी ने संगीत और मंच व्यवस्था का ध्यान रखा। तकनीकी टीम ने ध्वनि और मंच संचालन को सुव्यवस्थित रखा, समन्वय टीम ने समय-प्रबंधन और अनुशासन सुनिश्चित किया, जिससे सभी प्रस्तुतियाँ समय पर सम्पन्न हो सकीं। सभी प्रतिभागियों का योगदान भी अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण रहा। उन्होंने तैयारी के प्रत्येक चरण में सहयोग किया। निवासियों का उत्साह और आशीर्वाद हमें निरंतर प्रेरित करता रहा। हमारी टीम की एकजुटता और आपसी विश्वास ने इस कार्यक्रम को वास्तव में भव्य और सफल बना दिया। अंत में जब हमने राष्ट्रगान गाया, वह क्षण अत्यंत भावुक और प्रेरणादायक था। ऐसा लगा मानो एमरल्ड आइल केवल एक आवासीय परिसर नहीं, बल्कि एक परिवार बन गया हो। यह गणतंत्र दिवस केवल एक आयोजन नहीं था — यह सामूहिक प्रयास, नेतृत्व और टीमवर्क का जीवंत उदाहरण था। हमारी टीम ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि जब सभी मिलकर कार्य करते हैं, तो कोई भी लक्ष्य असंभव नहीं रहता। जय हिंद। जय भारत। — डॉ. विभा सिंह

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.