Posts

Uncertain tapestry of human life

Title: The Uncertain Tapestry of Life: Lessons from a Tragedy What is the meaning of life? This eternal question echoes louder whenever we are faced with tragedy — unexpected, uninvited, and beyond human control. We plan, we dream, we struggle, and yet, in a single moment, everything can change. The recent London-bound aircraft disaster stands as a chilling reminder of how fragile and uncertain human life truly is. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft burst into flames and crashed onto the roof of a medical college hostel building. In a matter of seconds, over 260 lives were lost — including many young medical students who were having food inside their hostel. The pain and vacuum left in the hearts of their families is beyond description. These were sons and daughters who had secured admission to medical college after years of hard work, relentless study, prayers, and sacrifice. Their dreams, and those of their families, were turned to ashes in a single moment. Only one person surv...
Read more

Kerala's golden obsession

  Title: Kerala’s Golden Obsession: A Changing Tradition in the Face of Rising Costs Kerala, the land of lush greenery, literacy, and cultural heritage, is also famously known for something less talked about in academic circles — its deep-rooted obsession with gold. For generations, gold has been more than just a metal in Kerala; it has symbolized wealth, pride, social status, and above all, the value of a bride in matrimonial alliances. Traditionally, the worth of a bride was measured by the amount of gold she adorned on her wedding day. This unwritten societal norm was accepted across communities, cutting across religion and caste lines. A bride gleaming with sovereigns of gold ornaments was seen as a symbol of the family’s prosperity and generosity. The more gold presented, the higher the respect commanded in society. Jewellery shops flourished, and Kerala soon became home to the largest number of gold retailers in India — a status symbol deeply entrenched in its culture. H...
Read more

Handling bipolar

 You've hit on one of the most challenging aspects of caring for someone with bipolar disorder: anosognosia, which is a lack of insight into one's own illness. When combined with manic or hypomanic symptoms, this denial can lead to explosive arguments, refusal of medication, and a feeling of powerlessness   * Anosognosia (Lack of Insight): This is a neurological symptom of bipolar disorder itself, not simply stubbornness. During manic or hypomanic episodes, the brain's ability to accurately perceive one's own state can be impaired. They genuinely believe they are fine, highly functional, or even exceptionally gifted.  * Euphoria of Mania/Hypomania: These states can feel incredibly good – heightened energy, creativity, confidence, decreased need for sleep. Why would anyone want to give that up for "normalcy" or "boring" medication?  * Side Effects of Medication: Even when insight is present, medication side effects (sedation, weight gain, dulling of e...
Read more

Human evolution

 The march of progress, a relentless tide shaping human civilization, has always been a double-edged sword. For millennia, the rhythm of life was deeply intertwined with intergenerational learning and inherited vocations. The farmer's son tilled the soil, the weaver's daughter spun the yarn, and the carpenter's apprentice learned the scent of sawdust and the grain of wood. This seamless transmission of knowledge and skill fostered stable communities, a clear sense of purpose, and a predictable trajectory for most lives. Life, as the prompt eloquently states, "went on smoothly as ever." However, the advent of industrialization and then the digital age began to disrupt this ancient equilibrium. We witnessed the gradual decline of many traditional crafts as machines took over repetitive tasks, leading to shifts in employment and the emergence of new industries. Yet, this transformation, while significant, pales in comparison to the seismic shifts anticipated with the...
Read more

Artificial Intelligence reshaping human activity

  From Hand to Machine: The Changing Landscape of Human Work There was a time — not too long ago — when life flowed like a calm river, steady and purposeful. Children inherited the craft and calling of their parents. The son of a farmer became a farmer, and the daughter of a weaver learnt to weave. Professions were more than a means of survival — they were identities rooted in skill, community, and continuity. In every corner of society, hands shaped the world. Farmers tilled the earth with devotion; carpenters crafted homes with patience; masons laid bricks with love. Barbers, weavers, milkmen, traders, and cloth washers were indispensable threads in the social fabric. Traditional healers, Ayurvedic doctors, cooks, artists, dancers, and singers preserved culture and served communities. Life was simple, yet rich — full of tangible work, human interaction, and mutual dependence. Then came the age of technology. Machines became faster, sharper, and more precise. Tasks that once ...
Read more

Silent hand of fate or destiny

  --- The Silent Hand of Fate: A Reflection on Life’s Journey After walking the path of seventy-four long years, I now pause and look back—not with regret, but with quiet awe. Life, as I see it today, was never truly mine to steer. I once believed I was the master of my destiny, the architect of my fate. But now, with the wisdom that only age and experience can offer, I realize how much of my journey was silently shaped by an unseen force—call it fate, destiny, or God. From the innocence of childhood to the responsibilities of youth, each stage unfolded like pages in a book already written. I studied with hope, not knowing where it would lead. I entered a profession, struggled, climbed, and stumbled—not always as per my plan, but always according to some silent design. Promotions I longed for came late, or never. Postings pulled me far from comfort and familiarity. Office politics and pressure tested my patience. I tried, I endured, I hoped—but often I was just flowing with the tid...
Read more

The meaning of life

  The Unpredictable Journey of Life Life is a strange and unpredictable journey. No matter how much we plan or prepare, it has its own course — one that no human can truly foresee. Within a single moment, everything can change. What seemed like a normal, peaceful morning can turn into a storm that leaves behind pain, helplessness, and unanswered questions. On the morning of May 16th last year, I woke up healthy, managing my life with dignity despite my physical limitations. But by 7:30 AM, everything changed. A sudden fall — so unexpected, so cruel — shattered my hip and altered the rhythm of my life. In mere seconds, I went from walking independently to needing a walker, becoming further handicapped. The pain was not just physical; it shook the very foundation of my strength, my independence, my spirit. As if that wasn't enough, life had already placed a burden on my heart for the past fifteen years — the suffering of my beloved daughter. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her ...
Read more