My life, My thoughts

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...

  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...

 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...

 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...

  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 ...