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

Abhi Jain Lead Functional Consultant LinkedIn She was always the strong one—until a quiet question from an old colleague revealed her hidden exhaustion and taught her that real strength sometimes begins with letting go. She had always been known as the strong one. When things fell apart, she was the one who stayed standing. When responsibility shifted, it somehow landed on her shoulders — and she accepted it without question. Over time, being strong stopped feeling like an act and began to feel like her only shape. There was a phase when she didn’t even notice how much she was carrying. Life moved quickly. Days filled themselves. And strength, practiced often enough, felt automatic. Until one evening, when she ran into Geeta, her first colleague. They had both started their careers as management trainees. They sat across from each other, speaking about ordinary things — work, people, time passing. At some point, the conversation slowed. The Geeta studied her face for a moment longer than usual. “You look tired,” she said. Not casually. Not in passing. The words landed softly, but they stayed. She smiled, out of habit. But something about being seen — really seen — loosened a knot she hadn’t known was there. She tried to brush it off, tried to keep the tone light. It didn’t work. For the first time in years, she stopped holding everything together. Later, alone, she realised it wasn’t the question that had undone her. It was the pause after it. The space where she no longer had to explain, perform, or be strong. That was when she understood she had been carrying the past with her — not because she wanted to, but because she never learned how to set it down. Letting go didn’t arrive as a decision. It arrived as permission. Permission to ask. Permission to rest. Permission to not be the one who always holds. The days that followed didn’t change much on the outside. Life still asked things of her. Responsibility didn’t disappear. But something inside shifted..  She began to notice when the weight felt unnecessary. She began, slowly, to share it. And in doing so, she discovered that strength didn’t leave her when she stopped carrying everything alone. It simply changed form. And that, quietly, was her new beginning.

Akshay Agarwal Part time poet. The Mother She was never the conventional kind And that’s how she shaped my mind She taught me cricket, not just care Strength passed like a well time throw A September soul who raised me different   The Sister We fought like siblings are meant to do Loud , petty, endless and somehow sweet She sees the world in frame and colours A mind wired to make magic real Always keeping the life in Prime Focus   The Soulmate You adore every quirk I have Love me without condition or pause You stand by me when I rise or fall Steady fierce and deeply loyal My Scorpio baby, always there for me   The Buddy You’re the “well read “ one A lefty like me wired a little different Always reading, collecting worlds Is a Mallu at heart A friendship built on shared stories   Myself Because of you four, my world has changedYou shaped how I love and listenI borrow your strength, Patience and fireLook at life through all your eyesGrateful for the man that made me be

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

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

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.

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

Namita Bhatia Dance Night WhatsApp A Platform Born from Passion Namaste, It gives me immense happiness to share that on 17th January , we successfully launched a platform for folk and classical dance within the EI family . “Every time I perform, I feel on top of the world—revisiting my school memories and the days of Vividh Bharti radio.” As a child, I was very passionate about dance and music. Emerald Isle already has a beautiful musical platform. I do participate—though my voice is often spoilt by Mumbai weather (allergic cough 😊). Still, every time I sing, I feel on top of the world, revisiting my school memories and the days of Vividh Bharti radio. But dancing was always a bigger passion. With my father’s transferable job, I could not follow one single stream. Yet, I never missed a chance to dance in school annual functions—mostly folk dances. I even learned Garba the traditional way in England , from migrated Gujarati families. They were not ready to pick up my Bollywood remix dandiya! 🙂 I have seen the EI family grow from its very inception. Somewhere, I felt there was a vacuum for folk and classical dance , and this platform is a small step to fill that space. This stage is open for old and young , beginners , and also for those who have kept their dancing in sleeping mode . Everyone is welcome to perform on this small but warm stage. We plan to meet once every three months . After our first meet on 17th January , I have fixed 11th April (2nd Saturday) for our next gathering. In April, I will perform . I will try to bring Uttarakhand alive on stage. Happy Dancing. Please feel free to get in touch with me. Namita – 9987589672 Debut Event Performances: Welcome Dance Folk Dance (Telugu) Siva Shruti Bollywood Song Kashmiri Song Classical Song 1 Classical Song 2 Grown-ups Dancing When the Stage Finds Its Teachers If Namita ji’s motivation gave the platform its soul, the teachers gave it rhythm and discipline. Two dance teachers who actively trained their students and encouraged them to step onto the stage shared their reflections—simple, sincere, and full of gratitude. Jagrati Tripathi Dance Teacher The dance event held on 17th January was a truly memorable and successful occasion for all of us. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Namita for organizing this wonderful event and giving us such a meaningful opportunity. Because of her efforts, our students got a valuable chance to perform on stage and showcase their talent. Our children worked very hard and learned the entire dance performance in just ten days . With dedication, discipline, and enthusiasm, they practiced sincerely and delivered a confident and beautiful performance on stage. Their hard work was clearly visible, and they performed with great energy and joy. In just ten days, our children learned the entire performance—with dedication, discipline, and pure enthusiasm. This event played an important role in the overall growth of the students. It helped boost their confidence, motivation, moral values, and stage presence . Such experiences encourage children to believe in themselves and inspire them to improve continuously. The event was conducted very smoothly and turned out to be a great success. We are proud of our students and grateful for the opportunity provided. We look forward to participating in many more such events in the future and continuing this journey of learning and growth. Once again, special thanks to Ms. Namita for organizing this successful event and supporting our students. — Jagrati Tripathi Seema Prashanth Bharatanatyam Dancer & Teacher I am a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher , and I have been teaching students of various age groups for the past 20 years . Teaching at EI has been a wonderful experience—not only did I get to train students, but I also had the opportunity to prepare them for performances at programs hosted by the society. “This program succeeded because of constant support and encouragement.” I would like to thank Namita ji for her constant support and encouragement. Without her belief and guidance, the success of this program would not have been possible. — Seema Prashanth Feedback:

Dr. Akshita Mamania Mehta EI Library Team A Morning of Riddles, Discovery & Green Learning What happens when you take away smartphones from a group of children, hand them cryptic riddles, and set them loose in their own society? Magic, apparently. On a sunny Sunday morning, L&T Emerald Isle transformed into an adventure playground as young residents participated in The Emerald Quest  — a treasure hunt that combined brain-teasing riddles, physical challenges, teamwork, and an unexpected lesson in sustainability. The Hunt Begins Organised under the banner of the L&T Emerald Isle Library , the event saw enthusiastic teams of children racing against time — and each other — to decode clues that led them across nine locations within the society. The rules were simple: no phones, solve the riddle, find the location, complete the task, and rush to the next clue. And rush they did! The morning was filled with the sound of excited chatter, hurried footsteps, and triumphant cheers as teams cracked each puzzle. "I'm a path, but not for running fast, walk barefoot here, feel stones contrast..." — riddles like these had children scratching their heads before that lightbulb moment sent them sprinting towards the Reflexology Path, the CH2 Library, the Meditation Plaza, and beyond. Through the riddles, children were thoroughly engaged, debating possibilities, eliminating wrong guesses, and experiencing genuine joy when they finally cracked each clue. Their familiarity with some locations made the hunt faster, but it was the discovery of hidden gems  that made it memorable — many participants had never visited the Adventure Park or walked the scenic Lake View nature trail until that morning. More Than Just a Game The Emerald Quest was designed with purpose. Beyond the fun and cardio (and there was plenty of both!), the event aimed to achieve something deeper: digital detox, teamwork, and exploration . For 90 minutes, children experienced the thrill of solving problems together, communicating face-to-face, and discovering corners of their own home that they'd walked past countless times without noticing. The finish line at the Composting Area was more than just the end of the race — it was the beginning of a learning experience. Volunteers from the EcoCrusaders group took over, introducing the young participants to the fascinating world of composting and biodegradable bio-enzymes. Children learned how kitchen waste transforms into nutrient-rich compost, and how bio-enzymes help accelerate this natural process — turning what could have been just another game into an eco-awareness session. A Community Effort Behind every successful event is a team that believes in the idea. The Emerald Quest was conceptualised and organised by Harinath and Chintan , with Harinath being the driving force who brought everyone together and transformed a simple idea into a grand community event. The spark for The Emerald Quest came from an unlikely source — a Mystery Room game that the organisers had enjoyed. " It was so much fun for us adults, " recalls the team, " that we thought — why not bring this experience to the kids? Our society is so big with so many places to explore. Add some tasks where children interact, make new friends, and learn something along the way — and you have The Emerald Quest. " The event wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated volunteers from the L&T Emerald Isle Library who gave up their Sunday morning to guide teams, manage checkpoints, and ensure everything ran smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to ASG EI Committee, Harish, Vinita, Shuchi, Uma, Bhavna, Dhruv, Sangeeta, Anita, Akshita and Amita  (and Claude AI!) for their enthusiasm and commitment. The amount of pre-planning — from crafting riddles to designing activities to coordinating logistics — was a testament to what our community can achieve when we come together. The Verdict? Exhausted legs, happy faces, and new friendships. The children were supportive of each other throughout, celebrating not just their own victories but cheering for fellow teams. The excitement was palpable at every checkpoint — the anticipation of the next clue, the rush of solving it, the thrill of the chase. For the volunteers, it was equally rewarding. As one volunteer put it: " Seeing kids discover their own society, work together, and genuinely enjoy themselves — that's what community living should be about. " Coming Soon: Season Two! The overwhelming response has already sparked conversations about The Emerald Quest: Season Two . New riddles, new locations, new challenges — and perhaps a few surprises. If Season One is anything to go by, the next edition promises to be bigger, better, and just as memorable. Until then, here's a riddle for you: What brings children together, gets them moving, teaches them about nature, and leaves everyone smiling? The answer, as our young questers discovered, lies right here in Emerald Isle. — L&T Emerald Isle Library Feedback:

Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor Linkedin Profile Abhishekta, Founder of Celebrino Food and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. , created Re'nao , a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand. Website; Instagram ; Linkedin Declaimer: This story was shaped from a long conversation with Abhishikta — she stepped aside quietly, so I’m sharing the raw conversation for gentle readers to decide on their own. A Conversation with Abhishikta The Quiet Rise of Abhishikta & Re’nao   Every society has a few people who leave quietly every morning —and return quietly every evening. They don’t announce their struggles. They don’t advertise their ambitions. They live ordinary-looking lives. And sometimes, they build extraordinary things. Abhishikta is one of those people. If you saw her in the lift, you would never guess that her brand now sits inside some of India’s finest hotels — Four Seasons, Taj, JW Marriott, The Leela, InterContinental and more. You would never guess that her company has survived floods, trademark loss, a pandemic crash, and a ₹60+ lakh market recall — and still stands with dignity. But that’s exactly how her story began. Quietly. A Childhood Like Ours — And Not Like Ours Abhishikta grew up between Kolkata and Assam — not in boardrooms, but in real homes. Homes where money was not glamorized. Where work was. Where dignity mattered more than display. Her mother ran a small home-based food supply business long before “entrepreneurship” became a trend. She cooked, packed, supplied, collected — and repeated. Her father was a creative professional whose kindness sometimes cost him dearly. From them, Abhishikta learned two lifelong lessons: Work builds dignity. Kindness needs boundaries. These two beliefs would quietly shape everything she would later build. The First Uncomfortable Question Years later, in Delhi, Abhishikta stood in a room full of music, laughter and drinks — and felt strangely invisible. Not because she didn’t belong. But because she didn’t drink alcohol. “Juice chalega?” “Cola logi?” “You’ll manage na?” It wasn’t rude. It was routine. While some people quietly retreat into corners, some stop showing up altogether, some curse the culture, and some force themselves to drink just to blend in — Abhishikta did none of it. Instead, she asked a calmer, braver question: Why does celebration have only one vocabulary? Why was there no dignified, adult, non-alcoholic option for people who simply chose not to drink? That question didn’t become a company overnight. It stayed quietly inside her. Learning Where Real Products Are Born Soon, Abhishikta found herself working inside agricultural clusters across North-East India — standing in muddy farms, watching fruits rot, watching farmers struggle to sell excellent produce because packaging, branding and market access were missing. She learned a powerful truth: Good products fail not because they are bad — but because they don’t know how to become “sellable”. This is where her hands got dirty. And her understanding became real. The First Proof Came From Home Before there were websites or banners, Abhishikta tested her early sourcing at her society carnival in L&T Emerald Isle. Lakadong turmeric. Bhut Jolokia chillies. Honey. Black pepper. Everything sold out in two hours. Not because of marketing. But because real products met real kitchens. Her society became her first validation lab — shaping her confidence and sharpening her instincts. Entering Beverages — Almost by Accident Later, she was called in to help a struggling non-alcoholic beverage brand. What she found shocked her. The problem wasn’t sales. It was trust. Dumping. Poor service. No ownership. When COVID hit, and that company’s stock froze in the market, someone casually suggested: “Let’s start our own brand.” It felt unethical. Uncomfortable. Until someone said: “If you know cricket, you play cricket.” And so, Re’nao was born — in the middle of lockdown. When Courage Meets Reality Re’nao’s first month did ₹26 lakhs in revenue. It looked like success. Then the second lockdown arrived. ₹60+ lakhs worth of stock froze in the market. Many companies would have written it off. Abhishikta didn’t. She and her partner  Rajesh Shetty  recalled the stock, paid distributors back from their own pocket, and absorbed the loss. That night, her life-long business rule was born: Always choose the decision that lets you sleep at night. Losing Everything — And Rebuilding Better As if that wasn’t enough, floods damaged batches. Then they lost their brand name in a trademark battle. Everything collapsed — packaging, identity, positioning. Instead of quitting, they rebuilt everything from scratch. A new name. Protected trademarks. Better packaging. Cleaner foundations. Re’nao was reborn — slower, wiser, stronger. Why Now for Quick Commerce Today, people often ask: “Why did Re’nao wait so long to come on Blinkit and Amazon?” Abhishikta smiles — because for her, platforms were never the goal. Readiness was. She did not want Re’nao to enter quick commerce as a fragile brand that needed visibility. She wanted it to enter as a confident brand that could  sustain trust, margins, and consistency. For years, she chose slow, clean growth — inside five-star hotels and premium hospitality spaces — places that don’t accept average and don’t forgive inconsistency. That is where Re’nao quietly proved itself. From 55 cases a month to over 1155 — without ads, discounts, or noise. Only now — after ensuring that growth would not come at the cost of margins, trust, or investor money — did Re’nao step into Blinkit and Amazon. Not to look big. But because now,  it is ready to stay big — cleanly. A Brand Grown by Community Re’nao was never “influencer grown”. It was neighbourhood grown. It was built on blind tastings, real feedback, real kitchens and real trust — beginning right here, in our own Emerald Isle. More Than A Brand Today, Abhishikta is not just building beverages. She is building a brand that people  own. Her employees speak of Re’nao as  “our brand.” Her distributors protect it like their own. Her bartenders recommend it without being asked. Re’nao is already present across  Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore and Hyderabad  —inside five-star hotels, premium lounges, bars and fine-dine spaces. She introduced  tonic water, mixers, soda and water  to an ecosystem that already trusted her discipline. And soon, she will bring back her original category —  Sparkling Brew  —now redesigned for families, exports and premium hospitality. Her next step goes beyond bottles. She wants Re’nao to become part of celebrations themselves — with curated party packages, bartender tie-ups, home-party solutions and premium hosting experiences. Not as an add-on business. But as a natural extension of a brand that already lives inside India’s best celebrations. And when her child once asked: “Why do you work so much?” She replied: “Because when our brand grows, more families grow with us.” That may be the quietest definition of entrepreneurship you’ll ever hear. And perhaps — the truest. Next time you see her in the lift, remember — some revolutions begin very softly.

Aanya Das, 13 yrs old. A poem about feeling lost and mentally trapped, struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure, but ultimately realizing that the confusion is temporary and hope and a way forward still exist. A Hazy Path Walking along this path of haze, I had to slow down my pace There is no sign or trace, Of something to chase I am stuck in this maze. What is there to face? I can’t win this race, For I am caged My mind is fazed, not in the right place I can’t escape, I have failed Who knows how long I’ll be in this primitive state. Life never warned me of any fog, Perhaps I forgot to check the weather log; Or I am walking on this path where I don’t belong; This path is so long. My head’s twisted into a knot, I can’t seem to connect the dots; I can’t see a clock. How far have I gone? Walking on this path, Makes you steady for attacks; The road’s not flat, It is full of traps; I don’t even have a plan, How can I go back? I don’t know, There aren’t any open doors, Things aren’t going in a smooth flow, Why am I being so slow? Time won’t wait for me anymore Am I this close? At this rate, I’ll never make it till date; My mind’s on a different blank page, I can’t seem to shake; Why am I always late ? Or why did I wait? For the perfect moment that never came, That feeling of guilt is grave; You have to start to be great, Will this ever happen someday? This path is a never ending loop, If only I could find a broom; To dust off the gloom and doom, And make room For the light to loom and bloom, But that wish will never come true; How will I move? While everyone is doing okay, At least that’s what they say; Maybe we all experience the same, Maybe we can win this game; We can get rid of this pain, I  just need to be calm and find a proper aim; Maybe I was looking at the wrong way, We all go through bad days; All I need is a simple ray, To remind me that this path of haze; Is not my fate, And there is an open gate Waiting for me on the other side of this place.

NEELU SUNIL KALRA Yoga Sadhaka | Mindfulness Guide Certified 200-Hour TTC LinkedIn Profile Website (‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ का दार्शनिक पाठ) Sometimes, deep philosophical ideas are hidden in the most unexpected places. A television serial’s title song, heard many times without much thought, can suddenly become a doorway to deeper understanding. When we pause and listen carefully, even familiar words can begin to reflect timeless truths about life, change and awareness. This is precisely what my video “प्रकृति का नाटक, पुरुष का मौन — ‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ कादार्शनिक पाठ” invites you to explore. Each line of the title song is explained in relation to Samkhya philosophy, helping us understand life, consciousness & relationships in a simple and meaningful way. Samkhya Philosophy: Two Principles of Reality (सांख्य दर्शन: वास्तविकता के दो मूल तत्व) Samkhya Darshan is widely considered oldest of the six orthodox (Astik) schools of Indian philosophy, which explains existence through two fundamental principles: MulaPrakriti (मूलप्रकृति) – eternal, the subtlest unmanifest material principle in potential form. It consists of three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in perfect equilibrium Purusha (पुरुष) – eternal, pure consciousness, soul, atman, inactive, silent, changeless, devoid of Gunas. Creation begins when Prakriti comes in close proximity to Purusha (pure consciousness). Purusha does nothing, it neither acts nor creates, it simply witnesses. Yet, its mere presence disturbs the perfect balance of the three gunas within MulaPrakriti. This disturbance of gunas sets the process of evolution in motion, giving rise to 23 evolutes of Prakriti called as Vyakt Prakriti or Manifested Prakriti. Starting from intelligence and ego to mind, senses and the physical elements A Popular Song, A Philosophical Vision (एक लोकप्रिय गीत, एक दार्शनिक दृष्टि) The title song of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” talks about family, relationships and the changes we go through in life. At one level, it describes everyday emotions and social roles that many people relate to. But when we look a little deeper, it shows how life unfolds as a play of Prakriti, while the observer remains steady. Prakriti: The Drama of Life (प्रकृति का नाटक: जीवन की निरंतर गति) Prakriti is always active and changing. It is the reason life keeps moving forward. Just like a TV serial goes from one episode to the next, our lives move through different situations/ relationships, happiness and problems. In families and society, we often get stuck in the roles we play. Feelings come up, expectations grow & arguments happen. This is the drama (natak) of Prakriti, it keeps going on naturally. Purusha: The Silent Witness (पुरुष का मौन: साक्षी भाव की शक्ति) Contrasting this activity is Purusha, the silent, witnessing consciousness. Purusha does not interfere, judge or react. It simply observes. When we rest in this witnessing state, we begin to see thoughts, emotions and roles as movements happening within us, not as our true identity. In yoga and meditation, this is known as साक्षी भाव , or the witness attitude. Life is experienced completely, but without getting caught or entangled within it. “Aaina phir bhi wahi” reminds us that while roles, experiences & faces change, the one who witnesses them remains the same. This Aaina/ Mirror itself is Purusha. Seeing Beyond Roles (भमिू काओ ंके पार देखना) The line “सास भी कभी बहू थी” has a deep meaning. It reminds us that every role in life is temporary. A daughter-in-law was once a child and a mother-in-law was once a daughterin-law. When we understand this, kindness and understanding arise naturally. Everything we experience— thoughts, emotions, relationships, conflicts and the many roles we play in life —is the dynamic play of Prakriti. How we think, feel & act in every role is shaped by the three gunas of Prakriti. These gunas influence our behaviour, thoughts, actions & reactions. Depending upon the dominance of one of the gunas, sometimes we feel calm and clarity, sometimes restlessness and sometimes confusion. Roles keep changing and the gunas keep playing their part, however behind all this movement, stands Purusha : the silent observer who sees, experiences and yet remains untouched. This reflects the Samkhya teaching that Prakriti is changing , while Purusha is stable and unchanging. Yoga: Balancing Drama and Silence (योग: नाटक और मौन के बीच संतुलन) Yoga is not an escape from life’s drama, it is a way to live within it consciously. Through yoga practices i.e. asana, pranayama, meditation & self reflection, we learn to: Participate in life without losing ourselves Observe without being consumed by drama Act from awareness rather than habit Conclusion: Awareness Within the Drama By linking a well known TV serial title song with ancient philosophy, we see life as both dynamic and witnessed. While Prakriti performs its drama, we can rest in Purusha, the silent observer. Life unfolds beautifully when we watch without being entangled, understanding that change happens around us, but our inner mirror remains the same.