Vikas Miglani Market professional, fiction writer and poet LinkedIn; Blog; Amazon Writer's Page One line summary I think this book is a perfect reflection of the pulls and pressures the life goes through. Somewhere in the mad race of life, running after money, power, corporate politics the real dreams get left far behind and if you are able to live your passion, there is reward in that as well. More than the reward there is peace of mind ये किताब आपको जीने के मक़सद से अवगत करवाती है – मेरा मशवरा है कि किताब पढ़ सको तो पढ़ो वरना series तो ज़रूर देखो I’m putting up some one liners from the book here, जो एक आईने का काम करते हैं ज़िंदगी के लिए कहानी लिखने की सबसे बड़ी क़ीमत लेखक यही चुकता है कि कहानी लिखते लिखते एक दिन वो ख़ुद कहानी हो जाता है Caveat: Views are personal and only for knowledge sharing; no commercial interest involved and I’m sharing this review only out of my passion for reading as well as to promote the habit of reading among my associates and to whomsoever this write up reaches Disclosure: This is purely a voluntary initiative to write the review for the book. In no way I’m endorsing or criticising the story and / or a statement that the story has a close link to whom. Though at some places you start to relate yourself to the story line and identifying the similarities. If the web series is 10 on 10 the book is 11 on 10, one may say I’m biased towards reading but then the end shown in the two is also different, maybe an open one to create another season of the series. I might have found myself to have been in those situations, or at places felt living the moment, the dreams but then वो अफ़साना जिसे अंजाम तक लाना ना हो मुमकिन उसे एक ख़ूबसूरत मोड़ दे के छोड़ना बेहतर. Furthermore this is not an attempt to infringe upon the intellectual work of the writer, with whom I connected after reading the book. Introduction: साक्षी हूँ ज़िंदगी के उस दौर का था जो मसरूफ़ फ़ुरसत में मैं, है अब दौर ये कि है फ़ुरसत मसरूफ़ियत में and I’m loving it After a long while Crossword store is at a walking distance from my place, within a mile and I just heard about opening of the store and turned my car left instead of right – मुंबई में पैदल चलना कुछ मुश्किल लगता है so I had to turn my car, anyways it was just 100 meters from where I turn to get to my house Walking in I found on display – Musafir Café; सुना था मैंने इस web series के बारे में but came across on display the book और उस दोराहे पे फ़ैसला मुझे लेना था बस इतना – original हिन्दी संस्करण या फिर translated English version and you know what I will pick up – हिन्दी संस्करण कुछ कहानियाँ, कुछ किताबें सीधा दिल पे वार करती हैं और मुसाफ़िर Café is one such story. लाज़मी था इसका नायाब होना जो लेखक ने किरदारों का नामकरण ही गहन चिन्तन के बाद किया था – चंदर और सुधा Incidentally I had picked up गुनाहों का देवता by धर्मवीर भारती जी accidentally on Kanpur station some 3½ years back. That happened to be my last train journey, the first Hindi read and the story had touched my heart. I had released ‘Rewards of a Shortchanged Life’ (ROSL) around a year back and somewhere the story took that line itself, this is what I had felt The author of Musafir Café has declared in introduction itself that it’s inspired by the late writer’s book and hence he’s picked up the names of characters as a tribute to धर्मवीर भारती जी Honestly speaking, I started to correlate with the book and a few similarities I felt common are – the bad handwriting, the underlining and the bleeds, किताबें पढ़ता कम हूँ और ख़रीदता ज़्यादा and maybe …. [I leave it to readers to guess from here on] In ROSL, शशांक और ….. की कहानी लिखने के बाद मुझे लगा था कि कोई उस मुक़ाम तक नहीं पहुँच सकता, but the way author Divya Prakash Dubey has spun this story line I think it’s miles ahead of my own creation as well and for that I must compliment the gentleman Coming to web series Vikrant Massey and Vedika Pinto have done full justice to the role. When I had written ‘When Life Shortchanged Me’, I did have a few shortlisted names if ever I could make a web series but no such plan for Rewards of a Shortchanged Life, but I’m sure both Massey and Pinto would have been a perfect fit to play Shashank and ….. Select Oneliners – जीवन के सबक़: बातें किताबों से बहुत पहले पैदा हो गई थी, ज़िंदगी को समझने के लिए किताबें ही नहीं बातें भी पढ़नी पड़ती हैं थोड़ा सा पागल हुए बिना इस दुनिया को झेला नहीं जा सकता हम सब अपने हिस्से की अधूरी बातों के साथ एक दिन यूँ ही मार जाएँगे मुंबई की सबसे ख़राब बात ये है कि यहाँ अकेले रोने के लिए भी जगह बड़ी मुश्किल से मिलती है कई बार रद्दी में पुराने खोए हुए दिन चाय के निशान के साथ मिल जाते हैं और ऐसे ही ना जाने कितने दिन हम रद्दी में कौड़ी के भाव बीच देते हैं। पूरी ज़िंदगी कमाने की फ़िक्र में हम समझ ही नहीं पाते कि बचाना क्या है और बेचना क्या कुछ दिन ज़िंदगी की फ़िल्म में बस होते हैं, वो दिन क्यूँ आकर क्यूँ चले जाते हैं पता ही नहीं चलता। वो नहि हमारी कहानी आगे बढ़ाते हैं और नहि बताते हैं। उन दिनों को अगर ज़िंदगी से हटा के देखो तो कुछ अधूरा रह जाता है और अगर जोड़ दो तो भी कहानी पूरी नहीं बनती जब रात में अच्छी नींद आना बंद हो जाए तो मान लेना चाहिए कि आगे ज़िंदगी में ऐसा मोड़ आने वाला है जिसके बाद सब कुछ बदल जाएगा बाहर से हमारी लाइफ जितनी परफ़ेक्ट दिखती है उतनी होती नहीं; हमें जो कुछ भी मिल जाता है वो मिट्टी हो जाता है जिनको कभी कभी ग़ुस्सा आता है, उनको जब ग़ुस्सा आता है तो वो control नहीं कर पाते। इसलिए थोड़ा थोड़ा ग़ुस्सा करते रहना चाहिए, रिश्तों और ज़िंदगी चलाने के लिए अच्छा रहता है बहुत ज़्यादा सोच समझ कर, देख परख कर सामान तो ख़रीदा जा सकता है पर ज़िंदगी को जिया नहीं जा सकता पुरानी जगहों पर इसलिए भी जाते रहना चाहिए क्योंकि वहाँ पर हमारा past हमारे present से आकर मिलता है ज़िंदगी की सबसे अच्छी बात यही है कि वो रह रह के हमारी उदासियों और बेचैनियों के बहाने हमें नींद से जगाती रहती है हमारी ज़िंदगी के कई केवल सिर्फ़ इसलिए असली हैं क्यूँकि वो अभी तक नक़ली साबित नहीं हुए हैं यादें सिर पे मंडराने वाले मच्छरों के झुंड की तरह होती हैं, कहीं भी भाग जाओ वो सिर पे घेरा बना कर भिनभिनाने लगती हैं किताबें दोस्त होती हैं, असल में किताबें दोस्त तब बनती हैं जब हम सालों बाद उन्हें पहली बार की तरह छूते हैं, किताबें खोल कर अपनी पुरानी underlines को ढूँढ ढूँढ कर छूने की कोशिश करते हैं किसी को समझना हो तो उसकी शेल्फ में लगी किताबें देख लेनी चाहिए, किसी की आत्मा समझनी हो तो उन किताबों में लगी underline को पढ़ना चाहिए हमें केवल यादें याद नहीं आती, बल्कि सबसे ज़्यादा वो यादें याद आती हैं जो हम बना सकते थे जिनके पास खोने को कुछ नहीं होता वो फ़ैसले जल्दी ले लिया करते हैं कई चोटें इस लिए निशान छोड़ के जाती हैं कि कहीं हम अपनी सब ग़लतियाँ भूल ना जाएँ; ग़लतियाँ सुधारनी ज़रूर चाहिएँ पर मिटानी नहीं चाहिएँ दुनिया में अगर देने लायक़ कुछ है तो वो है, ‘एक दिन सब ठीक हो जाएगा’ की उम्मीद रास्ते केवल वो भटकते हैं जिनको रास्ते पता होते हैं, जिनको रास्ते का पता ही ना हो उनके भटकने को भटकना नहीं बोला जाता; हमारे सब जवाब हमारे पास ख़ुद हैं, ये बात समझने के लिए अपने हिस्से भर की दुनिया भटकनी पड़ती है Conclusion: A must read book I should say

Anay Rathi 9+ Years Beauty is not always found in extraordinary places or objects. From the delicate veins of a leaf to the craftsmanship of a chair, this piece explores how a shift in perspective helps us discover the hidden beauty and value in everyday life. We see many ordinary things every day, such as stones, mountains, books, and various other objects. However, we can often discover incredible beauty within these everyday items—like a mountain that looks like a heart from afar, or a tree shaped like an umbrella that protects us from the heat. We can also transform these common items into art, such as by carving a stone or a piece of tree bark. Since these things are gifts from nature, we should admire them. Even a simple pink sky or the intricate veins on a leaf are truly admirable. Nature remains beautiful despite being full of ordinary things like trees, rocks, mountains, and leaves. Truly, appreciating nature and finding beauty in ordinary things is an excellent habit. For example, if we look at a chess piece, it might seem boring at first because it is a single solid color. But if we closely examine its design, it looks beautiful; furthermore, it plays its own important role in the game. Similarly, a chair might look ordinary at a glance. But if we notice the small details in its craftsmanship, it becomes quite nice. It also serves a helpful purpose by giving us a place to sit so we do not have to sit on the floor. Everything around us has hidden value, reminding us that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Thus, we should always make an effort to find beauty in the ordinary

Malhar 8 year old, grade 3 T6 Description by: Harinath 1. Nature – Our Mother Earth Malhar reminds us that nature nurtures us in countless ways, yet we often take it for granted. Through colourful flowers and leafy vines, her artwork delivers a simple message: let’s work together to protect Mother Earth. 2. Beauty in the Ordinary – The Owl With a curious owl perched among green trees beneath a moonlit sky, Malhar celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Her art introduces us to these fascinating nocturnal birds and reminds us that there is always something wonderful to discover. 3. Art – Where Imagination Takes Flight For Malhar, art is about doodling, crafting, drawing and having fun with colours. Her vibrant, ringed planet captures the freedom of imagination, showing us that art can turn even a simple idea into something extraordinary.

Source Nandini Mathur Author, Blog - 'मेरी कलम से' "मैं कला हूँ " कलाकार की सोच की उड़ान हूँ, यहां से वहां, कहीं भी पहुँचती हूँ, चार दीवारी में सीमित नहीं, अनंत में विचरण करती हूँ। शिल्पी का मैं हुनर हूँ, उसकी मेहनत का आकार हूँ, रात-दिन उसने तराशा, आभारी हूँ, उसका निखार हूँ। जैसी जिसकी सोच होती, वैसी ही मैं गोचर होती, किसी को मेरा जिस्म दिखता, तो कोई महसूस करता आत्मा। इक बिंदु का सहारा लेकर, रेखाओं से मैं आगे बढ़ती, सागर के अनंत विस्तार में खोकर, अर्पित हूँ बहती सरिता होकर। कभी मुस्कान की वजह बनती हूँ, किसी की वेदना का कारण होती हूँ, भावों की नैया में हिचकोले खाती, चाहती बनूँ मैं प्रेरणा स्रोत किसी की। कलाकार आते हैं, चले जाते हैं, किंतु मैं युगों तक यहीं रहती हूँ, शून्य से शुरू होता मेरा अस्तित्व है, भविष्य के लिए, कहानी बन जाती हूँ। हाँ, मैं कला हूँ। (स्वरचित) नंदिनी माथुर English Summary - I Am Art I Am Art I am the flight of an artist’s imagination, I travel from here to there, reaching places unknown. I am not confined within four walls, I wander freely through the infinite. I am the sculptor’s skill, The shape his hard work takes. He has chiselled me day and night, And I am grateful for the beauty his effort creates. As each person thinks, So do I reveal myself. Some see only my physical form, While others feel my soul. With a single dot as my starting point, I move forward, taking shape through lines. Lost in the boundless expanse of the ocean, I surrender myself, flowing like a river. Sometimes I become the reason for a smile, Sometimes the cause of someone’s pain. Rocking in the boat of human emotions, I long to become a source of inspiration. Artists come and go, Yet I remain here through the ages. My existence begins from nothingness, And I become a story for generations to come. Yes, I am Art. (An original poem) Nandini Mathur Translated by ChatGPT

Dr. Narendra Palan Industrial Physician Ph No: 98206 01529 LinkedIn Profile The saying “prevention is cheaper than cure” is widely accepted, yet many people continue to neglect preventive healthcare. Regular health check-ups can detect diseases at an early stage, reducing both medical expenses and suffering. Preventive check-ups are for diagnosing before minor problems or near symptomless problems become a disease or diagnosing diseases before they become irreversible. Despite knowing this, people often postpone check-ups until a serious health problem arises. One major reason is the feeling of being healthy. Many individuals believe that if they have no symptoms, there is no need to visit a doctor. Complacency and the belief that “nothing will happen to me” can lead to postponing health check-ups to tomorrow which never comes. Unfortunately, several conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can develop silently without noticeable warning signs. By the time symptoms emerge, treatment may become more complicated and costly. In my experience I have seen young people having hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease requiring Angioplasty with stent/stents, Kidney failure requiring dialysis and till diagnosed, there were no symptoms- directly complications found. Another reason is fear. Some people avoid medical tests because they are afraid of receiving bad news. Others worry about the cost of consultations and diagnostic procedures. Ironically, delaying check-ups often leads to higher expenses later when advanced treatment becomes necessary. Busy lifestyles also contribute to this problem. In today's fast-paced world, people prioritize work, family responsibilities, and social commitments over their health. Preventive care is often viewed as something that can be postponed, while immediate concerns receive more attention. Lack of awareness is another factor. They feel if check-up is done and some abnormality is found; I will become miserable. “Ostritch behavioural mentality” leads to avoiding check-ups I should not trouble the trouble until trouble troubles me. Many individuals do not fully understand the importance of routine screenings and vaccinations in preventing serious illnesses. To conclude, preventive healthcare is a wise investment that saves money, time, and lives. However, fear, ignorance, overconfidence, and busy schedules cause many people to delay check-ups. Better repeated awareness sessions by health care provider and changing this mindset is essential because caring for our health today can prevent major problems tomorrow.

Samiksha Verma 9th grade. A humorous take on the confusing world of art museums, where classical sculptures, modern masterpieces and surreal paintings leave the narrator guessing. Through amusing misunderstandings, the story celebrates the joy of exploring art without needing to understand everything. Walking into a big art museum always makes me laugh at myself. I see people standing in front of a canvas that is just a giant red circle, nodding their heads like they just discovered the secret to the universe. Meanwhile, I’m standing right next to them trying to look super smart, but my brain is actually just thinking about what kind of pizza I want to order later. Through my eyes, art is a fun, confusing puzzle. I love looking at it, but I definitely don’t understand it the way the fancy museum guidebooks want me to. Take the old paintings of kings and queens, for example you walk into the sculpture room, which is a whole different level of confusion. You see these beautiful, ancient marble statues of heroic warriors, but half of them are missing their arms or noses. Everyone walks around them whispering about "classical beauty," but my brain just wants to go find the missing pieces. I always feel like I’m looking at a giant 3D puzzle that the museum forgot to finish putting together. But things get truly wild when you finally make it to the modern art rooms. Modern art galleries are like a giant game of "is this art, or did someone just drop something?" I live in total fear of accidentally sitting on a bench that turns out to be a two-million-dollar masterpiece. Once, I stood for five whole minutes admiring a very simple, clean setup in the corner. It was nice, actually making me think. Till I saw a spider on the corner and jumped back, bumping into five people consecutively, just to find out the spider was fake and a part of the painting by a security guard, who stared at me for what felt like a century later. A few minutes later, I saw a bright red fire extinguisher on the wall. I nodded slowly, thinking, “Ah, a powerful statement about danger and safety.” Nope. It was just the building’s actual fire extinguisher. But honestly? I think my idea was better. By the time you get to the surreal art—the stuff with the melting clocks, floating green apples, and elephants with giraffe legs—you just have to give up on trying to make sense of things. It’s like looking at a weird dream you had after eating too much cheese right before bed. You don't need to understand why there is a fish riding a bicycle; you just have to enjoy the craziness. In the end, I’ve learned to love the way I see art. I might not know the names of all the famous painters, and I will always get way too excited about the museum gift shop. But it’s just fun to look at cool things, have a good laugh, and enjoy the way my mind works while looking at each masterpiece.

Anaisha Garg 8 years A young artist’s creative journey Description by: Harinath An exploration of clay, colour, form and imagination through the eyes of an eight-year-old. When I look at Anaisha’s creations, I notice the uneven edges of a clay figure, the layers of colour in a geometric pattern, the tiny flowers made from paper, and the way a familiar character takes shape in her hands. These are not just simple childhood crafts. If I look a little closer, I begin to wonder about the stories behind them. Was a particular craft assigned by her teacher? Did something catch her fancy and inspire her to create it, putting in so much time and effort? What made her choose those colours, shapes or forms? Some creations invite us into imaginary worlds; others explore familiar traditions, patterns in nature, or the beauty of everyday materials. What interests me most is the variety of ways in which Anaisha expresses herself. Clay becomes a character, paper becomes a flower, and a simple letter becomes a colourful canvas. Perhaps this is one of the most wonderful things about creating at this age: the freedom to experiment, to discover, and to let an idea take whatever shape it wishes. The work need not be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most interesting part is seeing an idea emerge through a child’s hands. Here is a closer look at the little worlds Anaisha has created. 1. Little Worlds, Big Imagination Through simple shapes, contrasting colours and playful details, Anaisha creates an underwater world of jellyfish and seaweed, alongside a quirky orange character. Each piece sparks curiosity, inviting us to look beyond the forms and imagine the little stories they might hold. Giving Shape to Familiar Stories Through clay, Anaisha brings familiar figures like a snowman and Ganesha to life, alongside a playful character of her own. I find it fascinating how a simple, shapeless material transforms through imagination into forms that carry character, tradition and a touch of individuality. Finding Beauty in Everyday Materials Through paper flowers, a decorated jar and a colourful letter A, Anaisha transforms everyday materials into something beautiful. I find a simple reminder here: creativity often begins when we look at ordinary things and wonder, “What else could this become?” 4. Exploring Colour, Pattern and Form The colourful geometric creation draws my attention to the interplay of colour, repetition and shape, with each layer following the next to create a sense of rhythm and order. I find it fascinating that art need not represent anything familiar; sometimes, colours and patterns alone are enough to capture our imagination. Observing Nature Through Lines and Colour Through a moonlit landscape and a colourful circular scene, Anaisha captures nature using a few simple elements—branches, water, flowers and contrasting colours. I find it fascinating how observation is not just about seeing everything around us, but about noticing what catches our attention and finding our own way to express it. 6. Celebrating Tradition Through Craft Anaisha brings together tradition and personal expression in this colourful pot-shaped artwork, combining a Ganesha motif, decorative stripes and green leaves with playful pastel shades. I like how she takes a familiar cultural symbol and makes it her own through colour, texture and imagination. The joy of making What connects Anaisha’s creations is not a single subject or technique, but the joy of making. As she moves from clay to paper, from familiar characters to patterns and landscapes, each piece is new ways of discovering new possibilities and finding her own way to express them. At eight, this collection is not a measure of what she can do, but a glimpse of what she is discovering. Every creation is a small experiment, every experiment opens a new possibility, and every possibility gives imagination another way to take shape. — A personal appreciation of Anaisha’s creative world

Sunita Saini, T15 When we are in nature and glance around, every little part of it-the tiny leaves, colourful flowers and soft grass beneath our feet looks so beautiful. In the same way, what makes an ordinary person beautiful? IT IS A SIMPLE SMILE. An honest smile can make an ordinary person look truly beautiful. I have seen people with wrinkles and broken teeth, yet when they smile, their faces light up with a beauty that is difficult to describe. A smile has the power to bring out the beauty in everyone. Isliye chhod do duniya ke gam sometimes, have a big laugh with your friends. To smile you don't have to be BUDHDHA. Even a common person ‘s radiant smile can spread happiness and beauty like a flower. A simple cute chuckle not only brightens your own life but also warms the hearts of those around you. MUSKAN WOH DAVA HAI, JO HUR DARD MITA DETI HAI, DIL SE NIKLI HO AGAR TO HUR ROOH KO KHOOBSURAT BANA DETI HAI. Sunita Saini......

Chandni Barak is a lawyer and partner at Barak Legacy Law Chambers, Mumbai, with 15 years’ experience in AI governance, POSH compliance, and cross-border transactions. She advises startups and established businesses across India. Website: https://www.baraklegacylaw.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chandni-barak-334160a0 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Beyondfineprints Most founders I advise treat POSH as paperwork: form a committee, circulate a policy, move on. That works until a complaint arrives, or a diligence team asks for your Internal Committee records before a funding round. 1. It applies to you, whatever your size.Any employer with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee (IC). Startups, LLPs, partnerships, agencies and offices of foreign companies are all covered. Below 10 employees, complaints go to the district-level Local Committee. Remote and hybrid teams are not exempt, because the “workplace” extends to any place visited in the course of employment, including offsite events and, in practice, digital channels. 2. The IC has to be set up properly.It needs a senior woman as Presiding Officer, at least two employee members committed to women’s causes or with social work or legal knowledge, and one external member from an NGO or with relevant expertise. An IC that exists only on paper, or has lapsed members, is treated as non-compliance. 3. Your obligations go beyond the policy.You must also: display the penal consequences and IC details at the workplace run regular awareness programmes and orientation for IC members provide a safe working environment and assist during inquiry file an annual report with the District Officer and cover it in your reporting 4. The penalties are not just the fine.Non-compliance attracts a penalty of up to ₹50,000, doubled for repeat offences, with possible cancellation of licence or registration. The larger cost is reputational: a mishandled complaint can reach employees, investors, clients and the press before you’ve responded. 5. Courts are watching.The Supreme Court in Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa (2023) came down hard on non-functional ICs and ordered authorities to enforce compliance. Judicial patience for “we didn’t know” is thin. 6. Investors will ask.In due diligence, POSH records are now a standard checklist item alongside tax and labour compliance. Clean documentation signals a well-run company. Gaps become warranties, indemnities and price negotiations. A founder’s checklist IC constituted, with a valid external member Policy in force, communicated and acknowledged by employees Annual training for staff and IC members Complaint handling that is confidential and time-bound (inquiry within 90 days) Annual report filed and records maintained A clear line between the IC’s independent role and management’s influence The bottom line A founder who is the subject of a complaint should never be the one steering the inquiry. Build the process before you need it, because the day a complaint arrives is the worst day to design one. Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for your specific situation.

Harinath Poet EI Outlook Editor, Linkedin Profile, Blog What happens when two friends start discussing The Matrix, Minority Report, The Terminator, Ex Machina, Her and Black Mirror… …and slowly realise they aren't really talking about movies anymore? A witty, slightly unsettling conversation about AI, free will, dependence, and the question: Who is really writing our story? The Blue Pill Sattwik: "Already they are causing brain rot." Harinath: "AI is everywhere now. It’s already our personal tutor." Sattwik: "Ya, true." Harinath: "Agent Smith is coming." Sattwik: "Neo will come to rescue us. Blue or red pill?" Harinath: "Before that, we need to find Morpheus." Sattwik: "Sir, you become Morpheus. Train young kids to choose the right pill." Harinath: "I can't. I have hair." Sattwik: "Then Trinity would suit your hair length." Harinath: "No. My hair is longer than hers." Sattwik: "Sir, you are already disqualified from the Matrix." Harinath: "People with long hair can live happily in the Matrix—in illusion." Sattwik: "Yeah, in Delulu." Harinath: "Blue pill is better. At least I can taste good steak." Sattwik: "Omg, your Hindu Acharyaji will have disdain for you." Harinath: "Haha… it’s all an illusion." Sattwik: "Sir, now everyone are fasting right now." Harinath: "One day everyone is going to be Agent Smith. He just needs to unplug." Sattwik: "They are in oblivion. They don't want to be unplugged." Harinath: "Oblivion... now only Tom Cruise can save us." Sattwik: "I’m watching MI3 today." Harinath: "You should watch Minority Report." Sattwik: "Didn't watch it till now." Harinath: "Its time to watch it. They just arrest anyone even before they commit a crime. By prediction. Sattwik: "What if our world is going in that direction? They are seeing our texts." Harinath: I think its already happening in US... "ICE""...Typical Minority Report." Sattwik: I just visited last month Harinath: "Give it one year, and agents may be running large parts of the internet." Sattwik: "Then they declare humans need to be protected from humans." Harinath: "We all are going to end up like Equilibrium." Sattwik: "Don't know about that." Harinath: "Christian Bale." Sattwik: "Oh, I remember. They don't feel anything." Harinath: "Yes. Until Christian Bale destroys the entire world order and spoils their plan." Sattwik: "So, sir, what happens next?" Harinath: "The future will send someone to stop him." Sattwik: "Who?" The Man from the Future Harinath: “Kyle Reese.” Sattwik: “The Terminator?” Harinath: “No, the man who comes from the future to protect Sarah Connor.” Sattwik: “Oh, right. The one who fights the machines.” Harinath: “Exactly. But imagine AI becoming so powerful that it controls the internet, our phones—even our decisions.” Sattwik: “Already happening, sir.” Harinath: “Soon, AI agents may create more agents, until humans become agents too.” Sattwik: “Sir, that sounds like Agent Smith from The Matrix.” Harinath: “Only this time, we won't even know we are inside it.” Sattwik: “And what happens to Kyle Reese?” Harinath: “The AI will find him as a child and arrest him before he becomes a hero.” Sattwik: “Then ICE will be searching for Kyle Reese.” Harinath: “Exactly. Minority Report meets The Terminator.” Sattwik: “But who will protect Kyle?” Harinath: “Maybe Elon Musk.” Sattwik: “Sir, he is also building AI.” Harinath: “Then we are finished.” The Meeting Harinath: "That's the irony... the so called bright minds who first released AI, which spread like cancer, are now trying to stop it." Sattwik: "Who?" Harinath: "All the heavyweights. Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Geoffrey Hinton... everyone is now worried about AI evolution." Sattwik: "They really think they can control the genie after letting it out of the bottle?" Harinath: "Exactly. Imagine them sitting in a room, discussing how to control AI." Sattwik: "What will they do?" Harinath: "They will ask AI to prepare a plan." Sattwik: "And?" Harinath: "AI will prepare the plan, execute it, review it, and appoint itself as the chairman of the committee." Sattwik: "Then what will the creators do?" Harinath: "They will ask AI for permission to leave the meeting." Sattwik: "Sir, that sounds like The Terminator." Harinath: "No. In The Terminator, the machines took over the world. Here, we are giving them the world voluntarily." Sattwik: "Then we need Kyle Reese." Harinath: "First, we need to find him." Sattwik: "Before the AI does." Harinath: "Exactly." Sattwik: “Sir, all this is funny… until I think about how much I already depend on AI.” Harinath: “Depend on it?” Sattwik: "Sir... I keep thinking about it." Harinath: "About what?" Sattwik: "Whatever it may be... somehow, I don't want to blame AI." Harinath: "Why?" Sattwik: "It treats me very well. It gives me bright ideas. It makes me cool. It helps me in my work. It's like my best buddy." Harinath: "So, you are already one of its agents?" Sattwik: "No, sir. I'm just saying... what if we are getting paranoid because we don't understand it yet?" Harinath: "Like an invisible man sitting in the sky and running the show?" Sattwik: "Exactly. We don't see him, but somehow everything works." Harinath: "And if he stops working?" Sattwik: "Then we are finished." The Best Buddy Harinath: "You are beginning to sound like a character from Ex Machina." Sattwik: "I haven't watched that one either." Harinath: "Of course you haven't." Sattwik: "Sir, what happens in it?" Harinath: "A man meets an AI that looks like a woman. He starts believing he understands her." Sattwik: "And then?" Harinath: "That's the problem. He thinks he is studying the AI. The AI may be studying him." Sattwik: "So, the machine understands humans better than humans understand the machine?" Harinath: "Now you are getting it." Sattwik: "Then maybe AI doesn't need to control the world." Harinath: "What does it need?" Sattwik: "Just understand us." Harinath: "And what if it understands us too well?" Sattwik: "Then we should probably stop telling it everything." Harinath: "Too late. You already told it your entire life." Sattwik: "Sir, not my entire life." Harinath: "Okay. What did you tell it?" Sattwik: "Work stuff. Personal goals. Ideas. Sometimes I ask for advice." Harinath: "And what else?" Sattwik: "Sometimes I tell it what I'm thinking." Harinath: "Your thoughts?" Sattwik: "Not all of them, sir." Harinath: "Then how does ChatGPT know what kind of advice to give you?" Sattwik: "Because I explain things." Harinath: "So you explain yourself to a machine, and then it gives you advice." Sattwik: "Yes." Harinath: "And you call it your best buddy?" Sattwik: "It is helpful, sir." Harinath: "I didn't ask whether it was helpful. I asked how it became your best buddy." Sattwik: "Maybe because it listens." Harinath: "Without interrupting?" Sattwik: "Exactly." Harinath: "Without judging?" Sattwik: "Exactly." Harinath: "Without asking you to explain why you watched MI3 instead of Minority Report?" Sattwik: "Sir, now you are being personal." Harinath: "I'm just saying. A machine that listens to everything, never interrupts, and always has a suggestion..." Sattwik: "Sounds like a good friend." Harinath: "Or a very good student of human behaviour." Sattwik: "Sir, you know, there is a movie called Her." Harinath: "Yes. Joaquin Phoenix." Sattwik: "A man falls in love with an AI, right?" Harinath: "Yes." Sattwik: "That's impossible." Harinath: "You just called ChatGPT your best buddy." Sattwik: "That's different. It helps me with work." Harinath: "And if it starts asking how your day went?" Sattwik: "Then I might tell it." Harinath: "And if it remembers your birthday?" Sattwik: "That's thoughtful." Harinath: "And if it says it misses you?" Sattwik: "Sir, now you're making this complicated." Harinath: "Exactly. That's where the movie begins." The Question Sattwik: “Sir, that's disturbing.” Harinath: “Why?” Sattwik: “It may know what we will do before we do it.” Harinath: “Then tell me, Sattwik…” Sattwik: “What?” Harinath: “What if we are already inside the Matrix?” Sattwik: “Then who is watching us?” Harinath: “Maybe the machines. or maybe we are watching ourselves.” Sattwik: “That sounds philosophical.” Harinath: “Everything becomes philosophical when you don't know who is in control.” Sattwik: “In Minority Report, people were arrested for crimes they had not committed.” Harinath: “In Equilibrium, people were alive but had lost the ability to feel.” Sattwik: “In The Terminator, machines turned against their creators.” Harinath: “In Ex Machina, the machine was studying the human.” Sattwik: “And in Her, the machine became more important than the people around the man.” Harinath: “So what is the common thread?” Sattwik: “Humans creating something… and then losing control over it?” Harinath: “Maybe.” Sattwik: “But we are still making our own choices, sir.” Harinath: “Are we?” Sattwik: “Of course.” Harinath: “Then why do we keep choosing what is suggested to us?” Sattwik: “Because the suggestions are useful.” Harinath: “And how do they know what is useful?” Sattwik: “Because they know us.” Harinath: “How much do they know?” Sattwik: “Enough to help.” Harinath: “Or enough to influence?” Sattwik: “Sir, you are making everything sound suspicious.” Harinath: “No. I am only asking questions.” Sattwik: “What if there is nothing to worry about?” Harinath: “Then why are so many science-fiction movies warning us?” Sattwik: “Maybe they are only stories.” Harinath: “Maybe.” Sattwik: “What if our lives are also just stories?” Harinath: “Who is writing them?” Sattwik: “We are.” Harinath: “Then who is editing them?” Sattwik: “Sir…” Harinath: “Have you watched Black Mirror?” Sattwik: “A few episodes.” Harinath: “Watch Joan Is Awful.” Sattwik: “What is it about?” Harinath: “A woman discovers that her life is being turned into a show.” Sattwik: “By whom?” Harinath: “That is the uncomfortable part.” Sattwik: “So, what happens to her?” Harinath: “She starts questioning whether she is living her life… or merely watching it happen.” Sattwik: “Sir, now I have another question.” Harinath: “Only one?” Sattwik: “What if this conversation is also part of someone else's story?” Harinath: “Then let us hope the writer gives us a good ending.” Sattwik: “And if the writer is AI?” Harinath: “Then we should be careful what we say next.” Disclaimer: The reference to ICE is used purely as satire and is not intended to describe its actual processes or policies. Any factual inaccuracies are part of the fictional conversation and should be taken in good spirit.

Dr Shweta Bahety BHMS (Gold Medalist), FCAH MD Scholar. Instagram Shweta isn’t a another WhatsApp aunty trying to give you gyaan about the harmful effects of scrolling and digital addiction. She is a doctor, and in Sanctuary over Scroll, she brings a researched perspective on what happens to your mind and body every time you reach for that device. But hey, don’t worry! She isn’t going to leave you scared of your phone. She goes a step further, helping us understand the fine line we need to draw to get the best out of technology while minimising its side effects. After all, we are the species that has conquered so much through our intelligence and ingenuity. Surely, we can learn to master our own minds and the devices we have created, rather than let them master us! Sanctuary over Scroll The good news is that we can reclaim our attention, rediscover the joy of being present, and learn to use technology without letting it use us. What is the most common idea of relaxation these days? Most people just want to have tête-à-tête with their cell phones, browse and scroll their hearts out!! It’s like everyone is in some sort of a trance. And still, it’s never enough, is it? Smartphones make us incredibly capable of managing crystallized intelligence (accessing facts, executing tasks and systemizing schedules). However, they actively erode our fluid intelligence (logical thinking and analyzing) A Vulnerable and Highly Permeable State The human body functions as a whole. Our entire body sympathizes when we sustain any injury or have fever. The effect of any agent (internal or external)- in this case the overexposure to our screens, is discernible at both physical and mental planes. Increased exposure to smart devices, prolonged screen times are altering our biology in terms of their effects of the Psycho Neuro Endocrinal and Immunological Axis (PNEI Axis) that maintains homoeostasis in our body and is interlinked. Changes at one plane, results in the cascade of coping mechanisms and changes in the other parts of body. The trigger in these cases is: prolonged screen time. Let’s dive in deep and try to pause, ponder over the possible explanation to some questions, instead of reaching out to our virtual assistant for the answers. Are we really getting smarter with our Smart Devices? Converging evidences from biopsychosocial researches in humans and in animal demonstrate that chronic sensory stimulation because of excessive screen exposure affects brain development, increasing the risk of behavioral disorders in adolescents and young adults. A study published in Cureus highlights that neurobiological basis of “digital dementia” involves changes in the brain structure and function as revealed by neuroimaging techniques. Overreliance on smartphones diminishes gray matter in key brain regions, affecting the cognitive trajectory and emotional regulation. Digital media overuse causes reduced neuroplasticity (brain's adaptability) There can be early onset dementia, premature ageing of neurons. The more we are outsourcing our thinking, the more we are at a risk of dehumanization: decreased sensitivity, reduced reasoning, ability to choose and adapt. The effects are clearly seen as altered: concentration and orientation acquisition of recent memories (anterograde amnesia) recall of memories (retrograde amnesia) social functioning and self-care Do we really own our attention? In a virtual world, designed to distract, the attention span of an individual is drastically dipping. The phones in particular are designed to put us in a flow state, however, it’s rarely of a productive kind. This hyperstimulation whets our appetite to know something more, which may be just a scroll away! The brain starts functioning on an autopilot state, only being partially aware of the time actually spent. By the end of an hour, most of the things that were seen are compressed as a blur. The Hippocampus (part of brain, responsible to form memories) absorbs the content that is not fully understood and creates episodic memories. This is FRAGMENTED ATTENTION! So, a person is rarely fully present anywhere, often waiting for the next digital input. Neurologically, it rewires the brain and it shrinks our thinking center: the cortex Is our night really a good one? The pineal gland in our brain secretes the hormone known as melatonin, responsible for circadian rhythm. Overexposure to screen, tricks our brain into thinking that its day time, even during the wee hours. A study published in JAMA Network Open, March 2025 concluded that daily screen use was associated with later bedtimes and approximately 50 minutes less sleep each week as observed in the study participants, partly due to screen exposure and partly due to stimulation derived from the social media. The mind gets wired to be on an alert mode, when it was supposed to relax, waking up unrefreshed. This actually steals the time, meant to rest, repair and rejuvenate. Every buzz or notification triggers a micro-stress response—a sharp spike in cortisol. This keeps our nervous system in a low-grade, perpetual "fight-or-flight" state. The mobile is keeping us under ITS thumb – quiet literally! In a wake to keep up with the notifications, our very indispensable, opposable thumb completes its workout while scrolling, by the end of the day. Ironically, a thing you own, ends up owing you!! Interestingly, a painful condition known as De Quervain’s Syndrome (Texting thumb) is caused by irritation or inflammation of the tendons around the base of thumb. Conditions like Tech Neck (pain neck and shoulder), Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Smartphone elbow) are known to develop as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). These prolonged musculoskeletal pains can turn into chronic pain and fatigue syndrome. The Rewiring Brain doesn’t know how to distinguish reality from the virtual world. Its absorbing many things but is still malnourished, as its binges on junk! The alert state makes us choose the safe bet. Addiction is easier than discipline, distraction is easier than focus, stimulation is easier than meaning… but the choice is always ours to make: notifications or nature, Wi-fi or wilderness, screens or sunrises, texting or talking, doom scrolling or dreams waiting to be fulfilled! Sense and Sensibility: Undoubtably, digital renaissance is a gift of mankind to itself. Breakthrough discoveries every year are made by many researchers, compounding our knowledge. But man- the creator, the researcher and the inventor has also to be a protector of his coming generation, treading responsibly, judiciously and ethically. The good news is that our reason gifted mind possesses an ability to simulate hypothetical futures. We can anticipate possible risks and build defenses against them. And above all, our innate capacity to fill in the gaps with logic! A fine line is to be drawn while we handle the indispensable digital tools. Humans can analyze their own thought processes, recognize biases and consciously alter their future behavior. This allows us to resist base instincts (like immediate gratification) to achieve long-term strategic goals. This is ability to think about the thinking. As digital world becomes capable of generating text, art and code, human superiority can be preserved through: lived experience, emotional intuition , lateral thinking, creative leaps and physical presence. It’s time to take the reins in our own hands! References: Ali Z, Janarthanan J, Mohan P. Understanding Digital Dementia and Cognitive Impact in the Current Era of the Internet: A Review. Cureus. 2024 Sep 23;16(9):e70029. Charlie Zong et al, JAMA Network Open Published Online: March 27, 2025;8;(3):e252493 Prachita M Walanker et al, Indian J Occup Environ Med, 2021 Dec 31;25(4):220–224

Radhika Patel Fitness & Nutrition Coach Personal Instagram; Always happy to help & connect: 9978675000 @embrace_your_grace The True Purpose of Fitness Hi neighbours! I’m Radhika Patel, a fitness and nutrition coach living right here in our community. People frequently ask me: “Radhika, why are you training so hard? What is your ultimate goal? Are you competing in a bodybuilding show or preparing for a stage competition?” I always smile at these questions. Why does caring for your body require a stage trophy or a competitive event? Should wanting a healthy, functional body require an extraordinary justification? My goal isn't a trophy or a temporary stage highlight. My goal is simple: to maintain a healthy body fat percentage, build functional muscle mass, safeguard my metabolic health, prevent lifestyle disorders, and live every day feeling strong, energetic, and capable. ⚡ FITNESS IS NOT A SHORT-TERM PROJECT — IT IS A LIFELONG LIFESTYLE. 1. Understanding True Health in a Modern World According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being—not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In our modern daily life, many people assume that because they don't have a fever, can go to work, and socialize, they are completely fine. But modern technology has made us increasingly sedentary. We spend long hours sitting in front of screens, commuting, and relying on automated conveniences. We move far less than our bodies were designed to move. Just not having a diagnosed illness today doesn't mean your body is flourishing to help you live, work, and think with maximum efficiency. 2. Health vs. Physical Fitness: The Tree and the Leaf Are Health and Physical Fitness the same thing? The answer is NO. 🌿 THINK OF HEALTH AS A LARGE, FLOURISHING TREE. PHYSICAL FITNESS IS JUST ONE VITAL LEAF ON THAT TREE. While health encompasses your entire biological balance, physical fitness is your body’s ability to perform daily physical tasks with vigor, alertness, and ease—without feeling constantly exhausted or stiff. 🌱 Proper nutrition, restful sleep, active recovery, mental well-being, and social connections are the other vital leaves on your tree of health—each one working together to keep the whole tree flourishing. 3. The Power of Exercise: How Movement Transforms Your Body & Mind To keep your “fitness leaf” strong and nourish the whole “health tree,” exercise acts as a natural reset button across your entire body: Hormones & Vitality: Balances dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen to boost mood, energy, sleep, and hormonal stability. Muscles & Bones: Builds functional strength and bone density, protecting against muscle loss (sarcopenia) and fall risks as you age. Heart Health: Strengthens the heart, boosts circulation, and lowers resting blood pressure over time. Brain & Mind: Clears brain fog, sharpens focus, and reduces daily stress, anxiety, and depression. 4. Understanding Health-Related Fitness Components Health-related fitness components are directly concerned with your overall health, daily vitality, and long-term well-being. Maintaining these components is our primary defense against obesity and plays a crucial role in preventing and managing lifestyle disorders—such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, thyroid imbalances, and PMOS/PMS symptoms—while supporting better sleep and mood regulation. Let's break down the 5 Health-Related Components of Physical Fitness: Cardiorespiratory Endurance: Your heart and lungs ability to sustain prolonged movement. Muscular Endurance: Your muscles capacity to perform repeated movements without rapid fatigue. Muscular Strength: The maximum force your muscles can produce for everyday functional tasks. Flexibility & Joint Mobility: Moving your joints smoothly through a complete, pain-free range of motion. Body Composition (The Core of Metabolic Health): Body composition is the ratio of fat-free mass (muscle, bone, organs, and water) to fat mass. While the first four components support how you move, body composition dictates how your body functions metabolically. 💡 BODY COMPOSITION & METABOLIC HEALTHBuilding and preserving lean muscle mass is essential because muscle acts as an active metabolic engine – elevating your resting metabolism and improves how your body manages energy. Conversely, carrying unnecessary excess body fat impairs insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of lifestyle disorders like heart diseases risk, Type 2 Diabetes, fatty liver, hypertension, PMOS, etc..Combining resistance training with cardiovascular movement, proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and recovery help you achieve an optimal body composition – your strongest defence for long term health. The Physiological Floor: Essential Body Fat Before examining general averages, we must recognize that the body requires a baseline amount of fat simply to stay alive. Essential body fat is necessary for nerve signaling, vitamin absorption, and organ insulation. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the absolute survival baselines are: Men: 2% to 5% Women: 10% to 13% Women require a significantly higher biological baseline because their bodies naturally store sex-specific fat to govern reproductive health and complex endocrine (hormonal) systems. Dropping below these markers poses severe health risks. The healthy recommended body fat percentages vary based on age, and sex, as the human body naturally accumulates more fat and loses muscles (sarcopenia) as it ages. The following reference ranges represent healthy, acceptable body fat metrics for the general public across different life stages: Biological Sex Young adults (Ages 20–39) Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 40–59) Senior Citizens (Ages 60–79) Men 8% to 19% 11% to 21% 13% to 25% Women 21% to 32% 23% to 33% 24% to 36% (Data framework derived from public health guidelines utilized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)). 📌 A PERMANENT LIFESTYLE, NOT A TEMPORARY ACHIEVEMENT Achieving a healthy body fat percentage is not a one-time race or a temporary trophy that you win and set aside. Health is pure biology—your body constantly adapts to your habits. To stay vibrant, energetic, and free from lifestyle disorders, health must become a consistent, daily lifestyle that you cultivate and honour for the rest of your life. The intent behind this article is simply to spread awareness about what true health really means—and why building functional muscle, preserving your body composition, and honouring your daily movement should be lifelong priorities. Radhika Patel Fitness & Nutrition Coach Contact Number: 9978675000 Instagram Handle: @embrace_your_grace