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Dear Friends Do join us to create AWARENESS FOR ORGAN DONATION 7-8.30am Sunday 28th Dec POWAI 12 clubs participating ⚪ Verona Fountain (Start) A : Heritage Circle B : D-Mart Circle C : Ventura/Eden Junction D : Ambrosia Garden E : Verona Fountain (Start) 1.8km, 26min (nonstop)

Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog Dear Gentle Readers, If I look back at 2025, it feels like a year where something inside me finally clicked into place. Not because life became easier, but because it became clearer. Our society magazines along with Shalini —born quietly at the end of last year—found their true rhythm in 2025. What began as a community project slowly turned into a shared movement of curiosity, learning, and creativity under one guiding line: connect, collaborate, create. In a world that is rapidly shifting under the weight of AI, I found myself asking a simple but necessary question: What does it mean to remain human? The answer was not in competing with machines, but in nurturing everything that makes us different from them. That thought shaped my entire year. I thank my wife, who amazes me by handling everything with such ease that I’m free to dream without limits. Rediscovering What It Means to Feel Early in the year, I sensed that my mind had become heavily tilted toward logic—decisions, data, problem-solving. Useful, yes. But incomplete. So I walked into an art class , picked up sketching pencils, and began retraining my eyes to see the world the way a child sees it—through colour, texture, emotion, and presence. There’s something grounding about observing the angle of a shadow or the softness in someone’s expression. It reminded me that humans are built to feel the world: to see light differently, to hear what isn’t said, to sense comfort, discomfort, joy, and pain. These are experiences no algorithm can replicate. And simply reconnecting with them gave me a sense of fullness I didn’t realise I had been missing. Creating Learning Spaces That Became Communities At the start of the year, we manifested the idea of having a library in our society. Life responded generously—we didn’t get one library, we got two. That moment when children stood in line waiting for us to open the door… I felt something shift. Watching them occupied in corners, lost in books, reminded me why knowledge spaces matter so much. They don’t just hold books—they build futures. From there, the EI Libraries transformed into something far bigger: a living ecosystem of experiences. We hosted: Nature Walk & Leaf Painting for five- and six-year-olds Storytelling sessions that filled rooms with wonder A Biodiversity game on the food chain and the fungi universe Book readings with career coaches from our society A meaningful session on POCSO awareness A Career Guidance Workshop for curious teens preparing for their next step In this process, I met marvelous individuals whose generosity and enthusiasm strengthened everything we were building. Together we shaped a literary group and expanded into EI Universe , where both our magazines live today alongside learning programs and community initiatives. The real gift wasn’t the events—it was the sense of shared purpose. The feeling that learning can bring people closer, create bonds, and uplift an entire neighbourhood. People Who Became Turning Points This year taught me something I had overlooked for a long time: growth comes from the people we allow into our lives. My Blogging Friends across Globe: Ral helped me challenge my thought patterns. Imi revealed layers of emotion and reasoning within me that I had not explored. Mark and Kelly made me think beyond the margins of my existing worldview. These individuals shaped not just my thinking, but also how I express myself on the page. They held up mirrors, asked better questions, offered sharper perspectives, and brought out parts of me I might never have discovered alone. They didn’t just touch my life—they shaped my voice. Writing as a Way of Understanding Myself Writing became the backbone of my year. I wrote poems, fiction, spoken-word pieces, business essays, reflections on society, and articles for our magazines. Each form allowed a different part of myself to speak. Through fiction , I explored human nature without filters. Characters like Saathvi and Veeran taught me about fragility, courage, ego, loss, and transformation. Their stories, set in pre-digital times, let me study people beyond the noise of our modern world. Next year brings a new set of characters— Ram, Auren, and Avni —each standing at a crossroads of purpose and emotion. Ram , standing on the ridge overlooking the Valley of Machines, questions what perfection truly means in an age of silent chaos. Auren , the ruler bound by a self-imposed seven-year throne, grapples with ambition, duty, and the danger of becoming exactly what he once fought against. And Avni , the quiet observer, sees the world not as it appears but as it feels — layered, fragile, and achingly human. They will challenge me as a writer, and I hope they move something within you too. Through non-fiction , I found clarity in the world of retail—quick commerce, supply chains, consumers, and strategy. Writing about these topics wasn’t just professional; it helped me organise my thoughts and understand the mechanics of the world we live in. And through community writing , I realised words can bring people together. A simple idea can turn into an event. A conversation can turn into a podcast. A line in a magazine can spark someone’s curiosity. Writing helped me see myself from outside. It revealed patterns, beliefs, stuck points, and inner truths. It became a way to understand life—not escape it. Learning as a Way of Staying Alive This year, I made learning a non-negotiable part of my life. I stepped into philosophy to find answers to the questions that quietly follow us all. I began Sanskrit , to reconnect with a heritage we often view through a borrowed lens. I completed my Improv comedy advanced course and performed my first paid show—an experience that taught me spontaneity, awareness, and presence in a way no classroom could. These pursuits didn’t just add skills—they added depth. They helped me understand where I come from, how I think, and who I am becoming. They made life richer. Movement, Play & the Joy of Being Alive This year wasn’t just about the mind—it was also about the body. My fitness journey continued through runs, treks, kickboxing, and reflections on resilience. These moments of movement helped keep my thoughts sharp and my spirit light. And just as the year came to an end, I found myself celebrating a victory with my society cricket team. Being part of that win filled me with a childlike happiness—a reminder that joy often hides in simple things. Stepping Into the Next Year As I look ahead, I know the coming year will be shaped by stories—Ram, Auren, Avni—and by ideas I want to simplify for young entrepreneurs and curious readers. It will be shaped by more events under EI Universe, more conversations with experts, more writing across art and analysis, and more learning that keeps me awake to the world. If you’ve walked with me through any part of this journey—thank you. Your presence, even in silence, has encouraged me. Here’s to another year of creating, connecting, and discovering what it truly means to live with intention and joy. With warmth, Harinath

Seerat Tiwari Loves singing, dancing and Writing A little boy was thinking, what it would be like next year. He forgot all the fears & started a new year. He turned all his dreams into a big belief, He carried them to bed & gently fell asleep.   The first day of school, the elementary exam. He was happy all day & got praised by all the mams. This was just a reminder of few of the things of the past, Now it's time for 2026 & let's see how it will last.   He wants to be an explorer; he plans to go to space. He can be whatever he dreams, if he puts it on a pace. He wants the earth to be clean, for it to be a better place.   Just then he woke up by the chirping of the birds, He got out of his bed & went to see the herd.   It was the beginning of the new year, It was time for him to rise. Day & day he would train, To become more & more wise.

Sanskriti Bhargava HESI, XI grade Writing, EI Kids Conner Editor

Varun Goel 9769117718 Registration Link: 4th Pranic Healathon at L&T Emerald Isle Creating Space for Mental Well-Being in Our Community In today’s fast-paced lives, mental and emotional well-being often becomes something we attend to only when stress begins to show—through fatigue, anxiety, or a constant sense of being overwhelmed. Increasingly, communities are recognising the value of simple, practical tools that help people pause, reset, and restore inner balance. At L&T Emerald Isle , this understanding has taken shape through a series of wellness initiatives over the past few years . In fact, over the last three years, 10 Pranic Healing and meditation sessions have been conducted within the society , with encouraging participation and positive feedback from residents across age groups. Pranic Healing is a no-touch, energy-based healing system that works on the body’s energy field to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When combined with practices like the Meditation on Twin Hearts, it offers a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress, calm the mind, and cultivate emotional clarity—without requiring prior experience or belief. Continuing this ongoing focus on mental health and wellness, another Pranic Healing camp is being organised for residents. The session will include an introduction to energy healing, practical insights on applying it in daily life, a guided Meditation on Twin Hearts, and a complimentary Pranic Healing experience for participants. The camp will be held at Venue: CH2, Multipurpose Hall Date: 10th January 2026, 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Registration is free , slots are limited . Those wishing to register can register by clicking on the link or scanning the QR It is intended as a gentle, inclusive space for anyone looking to unwind, recharge, and explore simple tools for inner well-being—right within the comfort of our own community.

Preeti Mahendru Full-time mom, and a volunteer at DBF How To Deal With Teenagers As a Single Parent Seeking how to deal with teenagers tends to become the only goal of any parent’s life when their children enter teenagerhood. It is widely believed that one of the difficult phases of parenthood is parenting teenagers. This phase becomes even more difficult when it comes to single parenting teens. Let’s put the same view in this way: This phase brings more responsibilities to a single parent to make him or her stronger than dual parents. Isn’t this encouraging when it comes to parenting teens regardless of whether you are a single mom or a single father? Remember, your teens will become strong only if you are strong. By playing the role of both mother and father and taking up the additional family responsibility, single parents tend to develop substantial strengths such as being committed, making firm decisions, setting clear priorities and conserving family values. So, never think that being a solo parent means you cannot handle teens effectively or it is tough for you to parent them. What you need to recognise is that teenagerhood, as a natural part of the growth process, poses many challenges due to which your frustration can be rampant. However, this is the time when the relationship between you and your children requires to be redefined. Yes, initially, it is difficult to accept that kids are now reaching adulthood and are likely to have differing viewpoints, opinions and decisions from those of yours. However, accepting it spontaneously is the first step to overcome the teenagerhood challenges and frustration while parenting today’s teens. Once you accept it, it becomes easy to handle teens effectively. There are some easy tips for the same. However, before we explore them, let’s get a brief insight into teenagerhood. Understanding the Teenage Behaviour What is it that makes it challenging to parent teens as a single dad or mom? Why do the same children who were once highly obedient, now, question everything and accept almost nothing? Up to the age of 10 or 11, children are like wet clay. You can mould them into any shape. This is the best time to instil  moral values , nurture and encourage their good qualities and discourage and gently wean them off their bad habits. Upon turning 15 or 16, the ego becomes firmly established in them. In simple words, they now have their viewpoints, opinions, feelings, observations and experiences, which are likely to differ from those of yours. Thus, most of the times, it is not possible for your teens to be responsive, in a positive way, to your words the way they used to. These differences result in fights or defiant behaviours. For this, we are only responsible, as we keep scolding and  nagging  for even small things since our teens were small. With ego comes increased sensitivity and words of admonishment end up doing more harm than good. That is why Pujya Dadashri has said that children must not be scolded; do scold occasionally when it is necessary once they are beyond the age of 5 and never, under any circumstances, beyond the age of 15. Furthermore, nagging, giving unsolicited advice, taunting, arguing with them or disrespecting them whether privately or in public must be avoided. Otherwise, these behaviours can result in unacceptable teenage reactions and can even make us lose our teens, especially in the case of a single parent family. Let’s now explore some tips on how to raise a teenager as a single parent. Be a Friend It is now, in their teenagerhood, that your children require you to be their friends. Their ego has developed to such an extent that they no longer will accept instantly what you say or command. They are certainly not likely to respond well to the assertion of authority. According to  Param  Pujya Dadashri, “I tell parents that after their child turns sixteen, they must interact with him as a friend would. They must speak to him in a friendly manner so that their words will be more appealing. The child will not heed his father if the father constantly asserts his role as a father. What would happen if he continues to do this even when the child turns forty?” While you must be both father and mother for your teens, you need not assert the role of father or mother. Rather, become a friend such that they not only find the right parental guidance but also find the desired friendly comfort zone in you. When teens find the desired comfort and guidance in their parents, they will not go looking for the same elsewhere. It is important to remember that most of the times, the fear of being judged prevent our teens from being frank with us. Being their friend gives them the comfort level to communicate openly and allows you to give the right advice in a way that does not hurt or offend them. Even while giving advice, it should be done with discretion. It is fine to caution or advise when they are going in the wrong direction, but one must not nag or yell. While giving guidance, you should explain the consequences of each possible course of action and then, leave it up to your teens to take their own decision. Communicating to your teens that you trust them to take the right decision will not only give them the strength to overcome their own limitations and choose only what is right but also strengthen their faith in you, thereby, fostering a healthy single parent-child relationship. You must not expect your teens to rise to your level in terms of understanding. Rather, you must come down to their level. This is the only way to become their friend and the simplest key for dealing with teenagers effectively. Set an Example through the Right Conduct; Be Their Role Model Once children reach a certain age, telling them what is the right thing to do will not have as much impact as conveying the same by setting an example through personal conduct. Trying to discipline them or asserting your authority over them will only make them unresponsive. Gradually, it will make them rebellious and challenge the parent’s authority. Such outcomes will create new problems instead of solving the existing ones. Children and teenagers respond positively to role models. If you live a peaceful life without  anger , deceit or greed, stay away from non-vegetarian food, alcohol or other addictive or violent substances and  resolve all issues with love  (without conflicts) and mutual understanding, teens will not only respect you more and more with the passage of time but also aspire to be like you. In short, you first do what you want your teens to do! You cannot expect a teen to listen to you if you do not listen to your elders such as in-law parents or your parents.  Teenage children, like all human beings, are looking for happiness. Now, it is up to you to demonstrate them what real happiness feels like and how it can be obtained. Be a Gardener Sometimes, single parents tend to over-parent. That is, they go beyond their call of duty and try to modify or micro-manage every little aspect of their teens’ life. Some single parents try to turn their teens into an exact replica of their own selves or at least, constantly compare and express dissatisfaction at how they have turned out to be. Such an attitude only fosters negativity and makes the teens feel unwelcome and unappreciated. Pujya Dadashri has given a very simple yet effective solution for this issue. He says that a home must be thought of and handled as a garden having varieties of flowers. Just as each flower has a distinct shape, size, smell, colour and other characteristics, each person at home has a distinct personality. Children and teens must be allowed to blossom according to their personality, their  prakruti  (innate nature). You must accept and  adjust  to their personality, such that you can deal with your teens without forcing them to change. Once this happens, all conflicts will go away on its own. Always Remember Beyond a point, our teens will have to learn from their mistakes. If we do our job well as a single parent, we can help them find their way through their struggles. To read more please visit Here

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. DSP Sharvari is sent to Joshimath to investigate a cold case and interrogate Dhaigham, a man who was missing for 10 years after a mysterious accident and missing precious stones. In the meantime, Hiranya summons Raktbeej’s soul and traces Dilan, Benroy’s son. Swarbhanu kills Manohar, and Dilan escapes. Sharvari and Kasar begin a hunt for Dilan, meanwhile Dilan hears his inner voice at the Kalpavriksha in Joshimath and follows a path to the Nav Durga temple at Nandadevi.(Note- the Nav Durga temple and Mahuli are fictional places). Hiranya and his men are headed to Nanda devi forest reserve. Swarbhanu is sure Dilan is a Mahasimha.  Their paths converge and they are all moving towards Nandadevi. Whilst Dhaigham explains the history of the temple to Sharvari and Kasar Hiranya and his men close in. Despite the best efforts of Sharvari and team Hiranya and his men escape. Dilan bears the weight of the defeat. Hiranya raises the demon and Sharvari has her first encounter with Raktbeej in her dream. Chapter 11 Hiranya knelt before the demon and spoke, “Lord Raktbeej, your plans have been set in motion. We have mobilised our assets in the government, the defence systems and within society.” Raktbeej smiled. “My humble slave you will be rewarded. When you walk with me you will have immense power and wealth at your feet.” Hiranya nodded and took leave. Once out he called Swarbhanu. “Roll out our plans. Let chaos rein. Let people feel helpless and then they will be at our mercy. Let people experience the Bhayanakrasa (ruthlessness) of our Lord Raktbeej.” Swarbhanu nodded and began placing calls. Breaking news. Utter chaos reigns all over India. In New Delhi, four bombs shook the popular market areas of Chandni chowk, Khan market, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar. Several people were killed and many injured who are now being rushed to the civil hospitals nearby. In Mumbai and Ahmedabad hundreds of people have been infected by contaminated water and the hospitals are overflowing with people frantically seeking treatment. In Hyderabad, several men with guns took the entire store hostage and are demanding release of several terrorists in Indian jails.” Dilan flipped channels, with every news channel covering some calamity or the other. Kasar and Dhaigham walked into the living room overhearing the news. “What the hell is happening?” Kasar said taking the remote from Dilan and flipping to a local news channel. “At Joshimath, the workers in a tunnel near the Dhauliganga hydroelectric project heard a loud roar. Within minutes the tunnel walls came down burying all the workers alive. Rescue operations are on-going…..” “It’s like a switch has been flipped. There is chaos in every state in the country.” Dilan turned to Dhaigham and asked, “Do you think it has anything to do with him?” Dhaigham sighed. Before he could reply Sharvari spoke, “Hiranya has managed to raise the demon. I dreamt about him last night. He is vicious, soulless. But the worst part is he knew I could see him in my dream.” Kasar stilled. “Is that why you were sobbing last night?” Sharvari nodded. Dilan sank into the sofa, his fists tightly rolled. “What do we do now? How do we stop him? He has power beyond imagination.” Dhaigham held his shoulders in a firm grip. “Yes, he is powerful. But which demon isn’t? But Prakriti (nature) ensures balance, that is why the prophecy and the powers vested in you. Its time for you to rise to the challenge.” Dilan looked at all of them with unsure eyes. Sharvari walked to him and knelt before him. “You are not alone in this. We all are here for you. Let’s start here and see where the path takes us.” With those words she pulled her phone out and placed a call. “Sir, Sharvari here. I need to meet you. I have an update you will want to know.” She spoke for a while and then turned to the rest. “Kasar you and me are going to Delhi to speak to DIG Pandey. Dhaigham and Dilan you figure out a way to deal with this demon. This isn’t a normal or a mortal enemy that we are up against and we should have our arsenal of knowledge against him before we go up in battle.” “There are scriptures at the temple, me and Dilan can rummage for information there. There is a prophecy, and it may hold answers to our problems.” They parted ways that evening. On the flight, Kasar held Sharvari’s hand and asked, “Are you alright?” Her smile trembled. “Fear isn’t a choice anymore. If what we saw on the news continues, the world will be on its knees and he will control everything. I can’t let that happen. I am not sure of the journey ahead but I know we need to believe that good will prevail and evil will be vanquished.” Kasar rested his head on the seat and stared out the plane’s window. A storm was brewing, the clouds gathering. He wasn’t sure they would survive it. To be continued…

Angelina Kenny Writer, Website The greenery called to me, flirtatiously swaying above the wall.   At first I’d resisted; I’d already wasted enough time, wandering in circles. But something nudged me forward. Creakkk . The metal gate squeaked in protest, as I stepped into the garden.   Ferns fanned out against vast trees; sunlight peeking through the gaps, lighting the cobblestone paths, dust motes swirling golden in the morning air. I paused, capturing the noisy chirps of children in the play area, the thwack of a cricket ball hitting a bat and distant clubhouse cheers. Then I moved forward, drawn by the circle in the garden’s centre.   A girl sat on one of the stone seats, quietly reading under the shade of a banyan tree. Hair cropped close in a boy-cut, dressed in a simple white shirt and pair of navy leggings. Head bowed, letting the dappled sunlight fall on her.   “Hello,” I said, walking closer. “I’m Angelina. What are you reading?” The girl raised her head. Big, black eyes overwhelmed her lanky frame. She squinted as the leaves swayed and the sun hit. Flickers of gold turning her eyes into a rich, dark brown. She was quiet. Steady gaze taking me in.   “It’s by Enid Blyton,” she responded softly.   “Good choice. I read The Cuckoo in the Clock  when I was younger,” I smiled, remembering the copy Mama gifted me in third grade.   A small smile formed. “I quite like it. It’s fun.” Bunny teeth peeked through as she grinned. “So what’s got you here?” I asked. Lips thinning into a frown, the bunny teeth disappeared. “It’s quiet, not that many people around. And the sun feels nice,” the girl responded.   I nodded in agreement. “You’ve chosen a good spot, mind if I join you?”   She paused, then nodded hesitantly. I sat, two seats away, sinking into the sun-warmed bench. Pulled out my book and began to write.   We sat peacefully, her reading and me writing. Until the sun grew harsh, morning’s cool breeze disappearing into an oppressive heat.   I stood up, and glanced around. All that lay around me was shimmering greenery and branching paths.   “Honestly, I’m a little lost. Not sure how to go forward from here.” The girl hesitated, indecision flickering in her eyes until resolution took root.   “Come, I’ll show you the way,” she said, putting her hand out.   I took it, feeling her soft palm nestle against mine.   Unfamiliar, yet achingly familiar all at once.   Together, my younger self and I walked forward, marching into the blazing sun.

Umme Salmaa Bharmal Your Artist friend & Art facilator Linkedin Profile Substack Blog Contact me at: 9920492453 (from the Inner Me) Dear You, You know, from inside, you are still a child. I see how you light up over little things — a butterfly passing by, clouds rushing and reshaping themselves, colors bleeding into one another on paper. You still love all of this. You always have. So tell me — why do you pretend? Why do you tell yourself, I am an adult now, I can’t do this? Why do you believe you must behave smarter, quieter, more “appropriate,” more acceptable? Inside, I never left. I know when you stand in front of the mirror, you see time on your face, change in your body. But why does that make you push me away? Why does growing older mean growing distant from me? Why do you keep trying to separate us — the child and the adult — as if one must disappear for the other to survive? Can’t I remain here, alive inside you, even if the world sees a grown woman? Can’t softness coexist with wisdom? Can’t curiosity breathe alongside responsibility? Let me stay. Without correction. Without explanation. Let us lie on the grass and watch clouds float by. Let us paint without purpose. Let us hug — tight, long, unafraid. Let us cry when the heart is full or heavy. Why must you protect yourself from me, when I am the part that makes you feel alive? I don’t want to be separate. I want us to be together. Not you and me — just we. Love, The Child in You

Arshad Fahoum Tennis Fan We tend to think of tennis as a sport of clean lines and quiet intensity—a game defined by the "thwack" of a racket and the polite applause of a crowd. But if you dig into its history, you find that tennis is actually a story of language, literature, and the human condition. It turns out that "tennis" is a word that never really existed—at least, not as a name for a game. The Game of the Palm The sport is French to its core (two French kings actually died at tennis courts), yet the French never called it tennis. They called it jeu de paume—the "game of the palm" —because it was originally played with bare hands before gloves and rackets were introduced. So where did the word come from? It was a misunderstanding. When French players served, they shouted "Tenez!" —meaning "Take it!" or "Heads up!" Italians watching these matches overheard the shout and, by association, began calling the game "ten-ez." It’s a lovely image: a Florentine spectator standing at a fence in a forest clearing, mishearing a warning as a name. The Stars’ Tennis-Balls Once the word entered the lexicon around the 1350s, it didn't take long for poets to turn the game into a metaphor. Because the ball is struck back and forth, unable to control its own path, tennis became the perfect symbol for fate and human helplessness. In The Duchess of Malfi, John Webster wrote: "We are merely the stars’ tennis-balls, struck and banded / Which way please them." Shakespeare loved the metaphor, too. In Henry V, he uses a historical anecdote where the French Dauphin mocks the young King Henry by sending him a "tun of tennis-balls," suggesting the King is only fit for "light follies." Henry’s response is chilling, promising that those tennis balls will turn into cannonballs that "beat the walls to the ground." The Writer’s Game Centuries later, the connection between writing and tennis found its modern champion in David Foster Wallace. Wallace, who played at a junior level, saw tennis as the perfect sport for the obsessive, brooding literary mind. It is a "physical chess," a game where you are totally isolated. Unlike boxing, you have no corner man whispering to you; unlike team sports, you have no support. You are alone with the math and the wind. Wallace’s writing on tennis—from his essays on the heartbreaking grind of Michael Joyce to the transcendence of Roger Federer—acted like a mirror for his own mind. He was fascinated by the "closed system" of the court, the lines that defined what was "in" and "out." Flesh and Not Perhaps the peak of literary tennis writing is Wallace's 2006 essay, "Federer Both Flesh and Not." Wallace argued that modern tennis had become a "power baseline" game—brutal, heavy-hitting, and seemingly evolved to its endpoint. Then came Roger Federer. Federer played from within that modern power game but brought back art, finesse, and an "all-court style." Wallace described Federer as a figure who seemed exempt from physical laws, a player who could "hypnotize" opponents. In describing a specific 16-stroke point against Nadal, Wallace noted how Federer could hit a ball with such "demented spin" that it would simply vanish over the net. It was a case of game recognizing game: a writer pushing the boundaries of language analyzing a player pushing the boundaries of physics. Whether it’s a French King shouting "Tenez!" or Federer slicing a backhand at Wimbledon, the game remains the same: a beautiful, enclosed system where we try to control the uncontrollable. To dive deeper into Wallace's exploration of tennis as both sport and philosophy, read String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis. It collects some of the most beautiful essays ever written about the game, offering Wallace's unique blend of rigorous analysis, poetic observation, and deeply personal reflection on what tennis reveals about human nature, excellence, and the struggle to transcend our own limitations.

Dr. Devyani Rozario Website For many, 2025 wasn't a year of goal-smashing victories but a quiet, gruelling battle waged on multiple fronts. It was a time defined by survival . This struggle took countless forms, from the relentless pressure of economic uncertainty and the strain on physical or mental well-being, to the deep personal efforts required to maintain stability amidst unexpected disruption. The constant need to adapt, pivot, and conserve resources transformed ambition into mere resilience. This survival mode, though exhausting, cultivated a profound inner strength and a clear-eyed perspective. The energy spent simply in keeping on going is now fuelling a powerful, collective anticipation for the future. As the calendar turns, the underlying thought for these people may be, “I have survived this; now, I must thrive.” The coming year, 2026, is seen not just as a new chapter, but as a hard-earned opportunity for transformation . The hard lessons learned in scarcity are the foundation for future abundance. People aren't just hoping for things to get easier; they are actively preparing to transition the grit of survival into the momentum of success. They are ready to trade crisis management for strategic growth, and to finally build the life they put on hold. How to Shift from Survival to Thriving Mode The transition is a gradual process that requires self-awareness and intentional daily practices. The key is to start creating distance between the immediate stressor and your reaction to it. 1. Acknowledge and Regulate Your State (The Foundation) Self-Awareness: The very first step is acknowledging you are in survival mode. Prioritize Physical Needs: You cannot think clearly in "fight or flight." Commit to basic self-care. 2. Shift Your Mindset (The Inner Work) Flip the Script (Reframe): When a challenge arises, replace the survival question with a thriving question. Focus on Control: Identify what is within your sphere of influence and let go of the rest. Cultivate Gratitude: Even in stressful times, intentionally list things you are grateful for. Improve Self-Talk: Be your own kind-but-firm parent. 3. Take Proactive Action (The Momentum) Set Small, Attainable Goals: Don't try to solve the whole problem at once. Break it down into "bite-sized" goals. Seek Learning new things: Look for one new skill or piece of knowledge you can gain from your current challenge. Learning + Vitality = Thriving. Build Your Support System: You don't have to survive alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals (mentor, therapist, coach). The promise of 2026 is the chance to reclaim narratives, pursue passions, and finally flourish ! You can do it!

Rachna Maheshwari , An Economist, Banker, Risk Manager LinkedIn The question “Will AI displace humans or augment human capabilities?” encapsulates one of the most profound debates of our times. It probes the essence of technological progress forcing us to both confront our worst fears and anxieties as well as to realize our aspirations associated with how we use AI. While the possibility of widespread job displacement is being discussed widely a more nuanced and optimistic perspective is that AI’s greatest impact will be in augmenting human potential rather than rendering it obsolete. The fear of displacement is understandable and specific examples exist. For instance, in manufacturing robotic arms powered by AI perform intricate assembly tasks, welding, and quality control. AI powered chatbots address customer queries and resolve issues to satisfaction, thus reducing the need for direct employee-customer interaction. Even in complex fields such as law, AI systems like JPMC’s Contract Intelligence (COiN) can review legal documents in seconds. Draft equity research reports and credit reports containing financial analysis and ratios can be produced by Gen AI agents; thus, analysts are only required to augment such reports with unique economy, industry and company-specific macro-financial and risk perspectives. However, focusing only on labour displacement overlooks the transformative power of augmentation, which is far more pervasive, less visible and productivity enhancing. AI can be a catalyst for amplifying human intelligence, creativity, efficiency and productivity. For instance, in day-to-day working across verticals in my company AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini (based inhouse tools) are being used for (i) creating, drafting and summarizing content, (ii) plugins in MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word & Teams) that facilitate and perform excel based numerical analysis, create summaries, draft presentations, and meeting minutes, (iii) AI plugins that assist in writing code and produce code snippets. Similarly in other domains such as medicine AI tools such as IBM Watson for Oncology assist doctors by analysing vast amounts of patient data and relevant medical research to recommend personalized medical treatments. In architecture and design AI powered generative design software allows architects to explore thousands of design permutations for a building’s structure or layout, optimizing for factors such as energy efficiency and building materials usage in minutes, a feat impossible for human designers. For us to remain relevant, the key lies in identifying, exploring and mastering the ways in which AI can complement human intelligence and capabilities within ones’ own domain. In addition, contemporary research identifies unique cognitive and non-cognitive human capabilities that will not only sustain but also significantly augment AI, including strengths like critical thinking, complex problem solving, abstract reasoning, creativity, ideation and innovation, emotional intelligence, adaptability and resilience, ethical judgement and moral reasoning. These uniquely human attributes act as an essential rudder for AI’s immense power, ensuring that its further integration complements humans thus bringing about a technology augmented spike in growth, prosperity, well-being and happiness.