Life is a river

Rivers are lifeline to millions who live and thrive along its banks all around the world. Great civilizations have all started from great river banks. So what does all of this have to do with this blog? We all know about this.

When I look at these great rivers of the world, I see there is a synergy between our lives and rivers. How is that? 

Both life (ours) and river have a few stages

1. Early stage or origin
2. Mid-life or flowing through the plains
3. Tail end or dissolving into the oceans

Let me share a few more synergies based on each of these stages

Early stage or origin

Rivers mostly originate in the mountains from melting snow and ice which turns into droplets,  forming small streams, creating rapids crashing against rocks, falling through cliffs gaining speed. They sync-up with other such streams increasing in volume and filling valleys with scintillating sounds.


We are born with very little abilities, learning at a phenomenal pace by 2 years of age, perfecting our motor skills, growing tall and strong ready to start our educational journey in schools. Mingling and interacting with others help us to gain experience and knowledge. From an infant we are shaped into a young energetic person ready to face the challenges of colleges and prepared to enter into a professional journey.

Mid-life or flowing through the plains

From the mountains, rivers flows into plains slowing down its pace but widening itself by cutting new banks, creating new bends and changing course. It meets new rivers from different origin and teams with aquatic life. Brings in precious silt and minerals enriching the plains, providing a more meaningful life to millions. The vast and long plain is where the river spends most of its time.

Our lives too spreads out after college and we diversify into various professional streams, working to learn, earn and provide for ourselves. We meet more of our kinds building new relationships some becoming life long bonds. Knowingly or unknowingly we touch millions with our actions and thoughts. We slow down from our highly energetic teenage life and understand the deeper meaning of life with time.

Tail end or dissolving into the oceans

Passing through the plains, rivers head towards the oceans. The long tale of water from the droplet now is soon coming to an end by dissolving into vast ocean. The pace is at its slowest as it branches out creating a fertile delta supporting many more lives. It looks back at its sweet origin at one end and salty destination on the other.

Our lives after traveling and struggling through the daily chores and responsibilities also slow down and look towards a new purpose. Relishing the sweet memories we keep moving providing a very different perspective to the younger generation.

Unlike the river which knows the finite distance it needs to flow to lose its identity, we don't know when our long journey comes to an end. What we do know is that our identities can leave a striking memory for ages through our deeds. Our actions and thoughts are very powerful. We unknowingly leave an trail on many minds without flowing through it.


Would love to know what my friends feel :)

Soul food - something we often ignore

How often have you heard your friends or colleagues saying - "I don't think I am doing something great", "I am missing something at my workplace", "I need to do something beyond just the work", "I am frustrated and don't think I can do this work beyond a point" etc.

Is it the work content? Is it the compensation or benefits associated? Is it the organization? and so many other possibilities that normally comes to your mind. The logical next step is to start finding solution around identifying and working on alternative, means of fulfilling "basic needs" of the old Maslow's hierarchy, hoping and feeling that this can solve the problem.

Unfortunately it is seldom that one thinks about the psychological and self actualization needs which eventually nurses and heals the soul, leading to immense happiness inside out. Why is that?

1. Any activity or work that you carry to fulfill your basic needs creates an expectation of getting something in return - say money, material, etc. You cannot disassociate that fact. It is not wrong, but that expectation is hard to satisfy your soul as there isn't an upper limit.

2. An activity or work done with some outcome or an expectation in mind possesses a probability of disappointment/dis-satisfaction if the outcome is not in your favour.

3. When the outcome of your work is unknown, your expectation is not predefined in your subconscious mind.

4. Comparison of work content and its outcomes with others is the most detrimental thing for your mind and soul. 

So the obvious next question that comes to mind, what work or activity falls beyond the above?

1. Volunteer work is a great example of contributing time and effort for a cause that excites you or you believe in. You are not expecting anything in return but just willing to help.

2. Helping a person who needs you but you are not expecting anything in return.

3. Supporting or giving to a needy that has possibly nothing and cannot even return anything back to you. Philanthropic actions like this is an act of kindness that goes beyond healing your soul.

4. If nothing else, be nice and kind to others even when they are not. This does not make you weak or small. This makes your soul happy.


This could sound philosophical and ridiculous to many, however there is only a few things that one can do selflessly and achieve the self actualization phase in the journey of life.

Don't wait until the destination, enjoy the journey!!!

I am learning and would love to hear from you all :)

Urban Flooding - Is this a ticking time bomb?

Monsoons are life line for South Asian countries, where more than 50% of the population rely on agriculture for their livelihood. An ever growing population needs all this water to sustain and thrive.

On one hand this monsoon season can be a boon, but can also create havoc and bring in disaster. Off late you hear about urban flooding more frequently than a couple of decades back. Simple answer which comes to mind is global warming, in-efficient systems etc. I wondered what could be the underlying issues? Are we anywhere responsible for this? Can we rectify or reduce the curse during the monsoons?

What is a typical landscape of a large/medium sized city in India or its sub-continent in today's context

1. Ever increasing population pushing the city limits.
2. Fast paced construction of homes, roads, shops, schools, industries, malls, etc. 
3. Decreasing number of trees, green patches, parks and gardens, natural water bodies like lakes, ponds.
4. Sub-optimal drainage/sewer system not designed to handle increasing demand from all it's users.

Have we every thought of the following

1. We have more concrete and paved area than ever before in these cities, every shrinking green and open patches reducing the ability of rain water to seep into mother earth.
2. Construction of drainage and sewer systems happens at the end (sometimes never considered) for any new township or area getting developed.
3. Planning for "Rainy Days" is never considered. We believe in getting something done, not thinking through the impact.
4. Lack of civic sense, garbage disposal system and use of cheap plastic products in various forms adds to the choking/clogging of these drainage system, leading to water logging.
5. Vanishing water bodies and no water catchment plan in place, means inability to hold on to precious rain water for future use.

It is not about the flooding, the loss of property and damages takes a toll on the economy. We are also losing precious ground water around these city which can be catastrophic if we don't have these open patches and ensure a way to replenish this precious commodity -"Fresh Portable Water". You can only out so much.

We all are somewhere responsible and can do our little part along with city planning to ensure these cities don't become just become a concrete jungle. A green and open city will only become the feasible solution to have a comfortable city life.

Would love to get your views and may be some better solutions :). 

Being Happy - A choice you make

"Happiness is a state of mind" is a simple yet powerful statement. Modern fast paced lifestyle, where everyone is rushing and running to achieve something, we seldom stop, think or ask ourselves - what makes me happy?

It might sound bizarre, but many of us may not be able to give a quick simple answer. We often start counting things, people or places that will/can make me feel happy. It can be a challenge to pin point that one thing that makes you happy.

What does happiness mean?

The meaning of happiness differs from each one of us. We often relate it to materialistic pleasures. They certainly bring us the comfort and improves our living condition. Basic food and shelter can bring in the world of happiness to a hungry and poor person whereas driving a Rolls Royce to another. Happiness is that state where your mind, soul and body are in sync and you radiate positive energy. It is not something that you need to search, but you feel and create.

Here are a few pointers that may help to create this positive radiant energy

1. Having an aim / goal is good, but enjoying the journey is key. Don't wait till you reach it. Happiness does not always come at the end

2. Looking at the bright side of any situation makes one more positive, optimistic and happy. Thinking the glass is half full always helps

3. Everyone has their own journey and it is not yours. The sooner we realize this and not compare ours with anyone, makes you more rational and helps you sail through the waves

4. Your reaction to someone's action, will be dictated by your attitude. You could frown and loose your cool or focus on how you could keeping doing better. Choice is yours

5. Being content is important with what you have this moment as there are many who don't have what you take for granted. This does not mean you are not working towards your goal

6. You don't control how others think, work or react. You can only do your bit with the right attitude and frame of mind

7. Humility and being empathetic only makes you feel better. It is not your weakness, but acts as a strength

8. If you are doing something to prove a point, then most likely it is a race and not a journey that will bring in happiness

9. Prioritizing what is most important to you and what will give you the peace of mind. This helps to align and work towards your new objective with ease.

The question is whether we are willing to make the right choices for us. Nothing is impossible if you have the right attitude and willing to chance.

Happiness is within, we just need to nurture it.

Would love to get your thoughts

Diamond Triangle of Odisha - Buddhist Monasteries at Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri

Bhubaneswar is known as a city of temples and the town of Puri for its majestic shrine of Lord Jagannath.  Many may not have heard that Odisha has been a center of Buddhism and it dates back to the 1st century.
Buddhist monastery complex of the Vajrayan sect called Pashupagiri housed in Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. These three Buddhist destinations form the Diamond Triangle of Odisha.

The remains of the rich art, monasteries now nestles within the hills and greens of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. Less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the state capital Bhubaneswar, these places take you back in time and show the magnanimity and influence of Buddhism in the Kingdom of Kalinga and under emperor Ashoka.


Lalitagiri : The excavations at Lalitagiri have led to the discovery of the earliest Buddhist complex in the area which dates back to the 1st century AD. Buddhist attractions here include ruins of a large brick monastery, a number of votive stupas and a renovated stone stupa at the top of a small rugged sandstone hill. A museum that exhibits numerous Mahayana sculptures including colossal Buddha figures, huge Boddhisattva statues, statues of Tara, Jambhala and others. Some of the sculptures have brief inscriptions on them.

Ratnagiri : Excavations at Ratnagiri in the Birupa river valley in Jajpur district, have so far been the richest in terms of cultural treasures. There are two large monasteries, a big stupa and numerous votive stupas that indicate towards the powerful impact that Buddhism had in the times of the Gupta king Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first half of the sixth century A.D.). Buddhism progressed in this region leaps and bounds till the 12th century AD.

Udayagiri : Excavation have unearthed remains of Buddhist brick monastery that perhaps flourished between the period of 7th and 12th century AD. Recently, it has also come to light that the ancient name of the monastery was Madhavpura Mahavira.

A good day trip on a winter morning to help take your mind and soul back in time. From the hustle and bustle of daily city life, you can be in the midst of nature and visualize the rich culture and heritage that India has to offer.