Strike s and protest in a democracy?

When Silence Speaks Loudest: Student Hunger Strikes, State Responsibility, and the Measure of Democracy

A society reveals its true character not in times of comfort but in moments of dissent. Throughout history, students have stood at the forefront of social and political transformation. Armed not with weapons but with conviction, they have often chosen peaceful protest to challenge injustice, demand accountability, or seek reforms. Among the most powerful forms of peaceful resistance is the hunger strike—a voluntary refusal to eat in pursuit of a moral or political objective.

A hunger strike is both a cry of desperation and an appeal to the conscience. It is a statement that words alone have failed, and that one’s own body has become the final instrument of protest. Such actions deserve careful understanding rather than instant condemnation.

Why Do Students Resort to Hunger Strikes?

No student willingly chooses physical suffering over dialogue. Hunger strikes usually emerge after repeated petitions, ignored representations, failed negotiations, or perceived injustice. The grievances may involve educational policies, examination irregularities, institutional discrimination, financial hardships, campus safety, or broader social and political concerns.

Young minds are naturally idealistic. They believe that truth should prevail over expediency and justice over convenience. When institutional mechanisms appear indifferent, peaceful protest becomes an avenue through which they seek to be heard.

History demonstrates that many significant social reforms have been initiated by courageous young people who questioned prevailing systems. Their methods varied, but the underlying aspiration was often the same: dignity, fairness, and accountability.

The Moral Strength of Non-Violent Protest

A hunger strike is unlike other demonstrations. It is not intended to inflict suffering upon others but upon oneself. This distinction gives it immense moral force.

The philosophy of non-violent resistance, exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi, teaches that self-sacrifice possesses greater persuasive power than coercion. While governments may disagree with the demands of protesters, they cannot ignore the ethical implications of citizens willingly risking their health to draw attention to perceived injustice.

However, moral legitimacy also demands responsibility. Protesters should ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful, lawful, and respectful of the rights of others. Violence, vandalism, or intimidation weaken the very cause they seek to advance.

The Ideal Response of the State

In a mature democracy, disagreement should never be viewed as an act of disloyalty. Dissent is not a weakness of democracy; it is one of its essential strengths.

An ideal state response should include:

• Immediate acknowledgement of the concerns rather than silence.
• Establishment of open channels for dialogue with student representatives.
• Appointment of impartial committees where necessary.
• Transparent communication regarding actions being taken.
• Assurance that peaceful protesters will not face arbitrary retaliation.
• Timely implementation of justified recommendations.

Governments need not accept every demand, but they must always respect the right of peaceful protest and provide reasoned explanations for their decisions.

Listening does not imply surrender. It demonstrates confidence in democratic institutions.

The Consequences of Delayed Response

Time is a critical factor during hunger strikes. The human body begins to experience significant physiological changes when deprived of nutrition.

Initially, protesters may suffer weakness, dizziness, dehydration, headaches, fatigue, and impaired concentration. As days pass, the body starts consuming fat reserves and later muscle tissue for energy. Prolonged fasting can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, kidney complications, cardiac irregularities, weakened immunity, and damage to vital organs.

Extended hunger strikes may result in irreversible neurological injury, permanent disability, or even death if appropriate medical care is not provided.

Beyond physical suffering lies emotional trauma. Families endure immense anxiety, fellow students experience distress, and educational institutions may become deeply polarised.

When Suppression Replaces Dialogue

History repeatedly shows that excessive force rarely resolves underlying grievances. Attempts to suppress peaceful demonstrations through intimidation, arbitrary arrests, censorship, or disproportionate use of force often deepen public distrust and intensify conflict.

A government’s legitimacy is strengthened not by demonstrating power over its citizens but by demonstrating restraint, fairness, and compassion.

Law and order remain essential responsibilities of the state. If protests become violent or threaten public safety, authorities are justified in taking proportionate measures to restore peace. Yet any intervention should remain lawful, necessary, and respectful of fundamental rights.

The finest democracies distinguish between peaceful dissent and unlawful conduct rather than treating both alike.

Responsibilities of Student Leaders

While governments bear significant responsibility, student leaders also shoulder an ethical obligation.

Leadership requires balancing passion with prudence. Hunger strikes should remain a measure of last resort after sincere attempts at negotiation have been exhausted. Protest organisers should cooperate with medical professionals, avoid coercing fellow students into participation, and remain open to constructive compromise.

Victory achieved through dialogue often leaves stronger institutions than victory achieved through confrontation.

Lessons from Democratic Traditions

Across the world, societies have learned that sustainable solutions emerge through conversation rather than confrontation. Some of the greatest reforms in education, civil rights, labour laws, and democratic governance have resulted from patient negotiation between determined citizens and responsive governments.

Democracy flourishes when governments possess the humility to listen and citizens possess the wisdom to protest peacefully.A student on a hunger strike represents more than an individual refusing food. It symbolises a citizen who believes that conscience can still move authority. Whether one agrees with the cause or not, the situation demands empathy, responsibility, and dialogue.

The ideal state neither dismisses legitimate concerns nor capitulates to every demand. Instead, it acts swiftly, listens carefully, investigates fairly, protects life, and communicates honestly. Equally, responsible protesters recognise that peaceful persuasion is most effective when guided by discipline, patience, and respect for democratic institutions.

Ultimately, the measure of a democracy is not the absence of protest but its capacity to transform protest into constructive dialogue. When governments and students choose conversation over confrontation, both justice and social harmony stand a far better chance of prevailing.

Lost in Translation: The Day a Simple Misunderstanding Became an Unforgettable Comedy

What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been part of?

Lost in Translation: The Day a Simple Misunderstanding Became an Unforgettable Comedy

There is an old saying that life is stranger than fiction. I would add that life is also far funnier than fiction—especially when people misunderstand one another with complete confidence. Some of the most memorable stories are not born from extraordinary adventures but from the ordinary moments where assumptions quietly replace facts.

One such incident remains etched in my memory, not because it was embarrassing, but because it taught me that laughter is often the shortest bridge between confusion and understanding.

Many years ago, I was invited to deliver a talk at a school function. The organisers had informed me over the telephone that they would arrange for a volunteer to “receive” me at the railway station. The call was brief, the line crackled with static, and I believed I had heard everything correctly.

When I reached the station, I noticed a young man standing with a bouquet of flowers, looking around expectantly. Assuming he had come to welcome me, I walked towards him with a warm smile.

“Good morning,” I said confidently. “You must be waiting for me.”

The young man looked puzzled but smiled politely. “Yes… I suppose so.”

That was enough confirmation for me.

He presented me with the bouquet, and I thanked him graciously. We exchanged pleasantries as we walked towards the parking area. During the short journey, he seemed unusually quiet, while I interpreted his silence as youthful nervousness.

The mystery unfolded when we reached the venue.

Several people rushed towards another gentleman who had just arrived in a different vehicle. They greeted him enthusiastically, while my young companion suddenly exclaimed, “Sir! That’s the chief guest I was supposed to receive!”

For a few seconds, everyone stood frozen. Then the truth emerged.

The bouquet had indeed been meant for someone else.

The organisers apologised profusely, the young volunteer looked utterly embarrassed, and I found myself holding a bouquet that technically did not belong to me.

Fortunately, the chief guest possessed an excellent sense of humour. Smiling broadly, he said, “Please keep the flowers. It appears they have already chosen their owner.”

The entire gathering burst into laughter.

To make matters even more amusing, the organisers quickly arranged another bouquet for the chief guest, while I jokingly announced that I had become the first person to receive an accidental welcome ceremony.

For the rest of the day, every introduction included a humorous reference to “the guest who kidnapped the bouquet.”

The incident became the favourite topic during tea breaks, speeches and even the vote of thanks. Instead of creating embarrassment, the misunderstanding dissolved every trace of formality. Conversations became easier, strangers became friends, and the programme acquired an unexpected warmth.

Looking back, I realise that misunderstandings are rarely dangerous when they are met with humility and good humour. Problems arise not because we misunderstand, but because we refuse to admit that we might have misunderstood.

Human communication is wonderfully imperfect. We hear what we expect to hear. We interpret expressions through our own experiences. We assume meanings without asking questions. Most of the time these small errors pass unnoticed, but occasionally they produce stories that remain delightful for years.

There is a gentle wisdom hidden inside such moments. They remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. After all, perfection is forgettable, but harmless mistakes often become treasured memories.

The funniest misunderstandings are not those that make someone look foolish. They are those in which everyone laughs together, no one is hurt, and everyone leaves with a story worth retelling.

Perhaps that is one of life’s quiet miracles—that even confusion can become a source of joy when accompanied by kindness, patience and a generous sense of humour.

So, whenever I receive a bouquet today, I instinctively glance around to make sure it is really meant for me. More often than not, it brings a smile before the flowers do.

Caught in the Scroll: When Screen Time Steals Our Time

What app eats up most of your screen time — and do you even feel bad about it?

Caught in the Scroll: When Screen Time Steals Our Time

In the quiet moments of the day, there is a curious instinct that many of us share. We reach for our phones almost unconsciously. A notification flashes, a message arrives, or perhaps nothing at all has happened. Yet, our fingers unlock the screen, and within moments we are immersed in a world that has no beginning and, seemingly, no end.

If I were to identify the application that consumes the largest share of my screen time, it would undoubtedly be YouTube. It begins innocently enough—a search for a documentary, a lecture on astronomy, a classical music recital, or a news analysis. Before long, one recommendation leads to another. An hour quietly slips away, and I find myself wondering where the time has gone.

Do I feel guilty about it?

The honest answer is both yes and no.

When the time is spent learning something meaningful, listening to inspiring talks, exploring science, history or music, I consider it an investment rather than a waste. Knowledge has always been one of humanity’s greatest treasures, and digital platforms have democratised access to it. Never before could anyone attend lectures by renowned professors, witness distant cultures, or revisit historical moments with just a few taps.

However, there is another side to the story.

Algorithms are remarkably intelligent. They know how to keep us engaged, offering exactly the next video, the next reel or the next article that our minds find irresistible. What begins as curiosity often transforms into habit, and habit quietly becomes dependence. The screen captures not only our attention but also fragments of our lives that can never be reclaimed.

Time, unlike money, cannot be earned back.

Occasionally, after spending longer than intended browsing online, I experience a gentle sense of regret. It is not because the content was necessarily worthless, but because I wonder what else those moments might have created. Perhaps another chapter of a book could have been written. A walk beneath the evening sky might have refreshed the mind. A conversation with an old friend could have rekindled forgotten memories. Even silence itself has become an endangered luxury.

The irony is striking. Technology was designed to save us time, yet it often persuades us to surrender the very time it promised to preserve.

Modern applications compete fiercely for one precious commodity—our attention. Every notification, every endless feed and every autoplay feature is carefully crafted to encourage us to remain just a little longer. The result is not merely increased screen time but diminished presence. We may be physically with our loved ones while mentally wandering through a stream of digital content.

Ancient Indian wisdom offers an enduring reminder in the Bhagavad Gita:

“Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam” — Excellence lies in the balanced performance of one’s duties.

Balance is the operative word. Technology itself is neither friend nor foe. Like fire, it can illuminate a home or consume it, depending upon how wisely it is handled.

Over the years, I have realised that the solution is not digital abstinence but digital discipline. Setting aside dedicated periods for reading, writing, exercise, reflection and meaningful conversations restores a healthy equilibrium. Even a simple habit of placing the phone aside during meals or before bedtime can transform one’s relationship with technology.

Perhaps the real question is not which application occupies the most screen time. The more profound question is this: Is the screen helping us build the life we truly desire, or merely helping us postpone living it?

Every day grants us twenty-four precious hours. How we invest them ultimately shapes the story of our lives. Screens may entertain us, educate us and connect us across continents, but they should never replace the richness of lived experience.

After all, memories are rarely made by scrolling. They are made by living.

And that is a lesson no application can teach more effectively than life itself.

What’s a movie or book that inspired you to travel?

Beyond the Horizon: How Books, Films and Media Inspired My Wanderlust

Some journeys begin with a packed suitcase. Mine began with the turning of a page.

Long before I had the opportunity to stand amidst snow-capped mountains, watch the sun rise over tranquil rivers, or walk through ancient streets whispering stories of forgotten civilisations, I travelled in my imagination. Books, films and documentaries became my passports, carrying me across continents without asking for a visa.

The earliest spark came from books. Adventure classics taught me that the world was far larger than the boundaries of a classroom. Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days made travelling appear not merely possible but irresistibly exciting. The stories of explorers and mountaineers awakened a curiosity that maps alone could never satisfy. Every chapter suggested that there was always another horizon waiting to be discovered.

Travel literature deepened that fascination. Reading about distant cultures, bustling bazaars, serene monasteries and rugged mountain trails reminded me that geography is not merely about places; it is about people, traditions and histories woven together over centuries. A well-written travelogue allows the reader to hear unfamiliar languages, smell exotic spices and witness landscapes that photographs alone cannot fully capture.

Films added another dimension. The sweeping cinematography of epic adventures transformed destinations into dreams. Watching characters traverse deserts, forests, oceans and mountains made me realise that travel is as much about inner transformation as it is about changing one’s location. A memorable film does not simply entertain; it quietly plants the desire to witness those breathtaking landscapes with one’s own eyes.

Documentaries have perhaps been the most persuasive teachers. Nature series revealing the grandeur of the Himalayas, the mysteries of the oceans, the wildlife of Africa and the frozen silence of Antarctica have consistently reminded me of Earth’s astonishing diversity. They also instilled a profound respect for conservation. Every destination is not merely a tourist attraction but a fragile ecosystem deserving our care.

In recent years, digital media has further broadened our horizons. Travel blogs, podcasts and thoughtfully produced videos allow us to explore destinations from multiple perspectives. Unlike glossy brochures, they often reveal the authentic character of a place—the local cuisine, hidden trails, traditional festivals and conversations with ordinary people. These stories make travel feel personal rather than commercial.

Yet, despite all these influences, I have discovered that the greatest journeys are never about ticking destinations off a list. Every meaningful journey teaches humility. Standing before an ancient monument reminds us of humanity’s endurance. Watching a river carve its path through mountains teaches patience. Walking through quiet villages reveals that happiness often resides in simplicity rather than luxury.

One lesson has remained constant throughout my travels: the world is both wonderfully diverse and deeply connected. Languages differ, customs vary and landscapes change dramatically, yet kindness, hope, laughter and hospitality speak a universal language.

Looking back, I realise that every memorable journey I undertook had already begun long before I packed my luggage. It had started with a sentence in a book, a scene in a film, a documentary narrated with passion or a story shared by an enthusiastic traveller. These creative works did not merely show me new places—they changed the way I looked at the world.

Perhaps that is the true purpose of travel-inspired literature and cinema. They do not simply encourage us to visit unfamiliar destinations; they inspire us to become more curious, more compassionate and more appreciative of the extraordinary planet we all call home.

As Saint Augustine wisely observed, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Books taught me to imagine that book, films helped me visualise it, and travel allowed me, one page at a time, to begin reading it for myself.

If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be?

Breaking the Endless Cycle: If I Could Erase One Trend from History

History is often described as humanity’s greatest teacher. Yet, there is an uncomfortable truth hidden within its pages: although we claim to learn from history, we are remarkably adept at repeating its darkest chapters. If I were granted the extraordinary power to erase just one trend from the story of civilisation, it would not be the invention of a weapon, the rise of a tyrant, or even a single devastating war. I would erase the recurring trend of hatred born from prejudice.

Nearly every major tragedy in human history has been fuelled by the poisonous belief that one group of people is somehow superior to another. Whether based on race, religion, nationality, caste, language, gender or ideology, prejudice has divided neighbours, shattered families and transformed ordinary people into enemies. It has justified slavery, colonisation, genocide, discrimination and countless wars. While technology has advanced at breathtaking speed, prejudice has often travelled alongside it, adapting to every new era.

The saddest aspect of prejudice is that it is rarely inherited by nature. A child does not instinctively hate another child because they speak a different language or worship differently. Such divisions are carefully taught, nurtured and reinforced by fear, misinformation and political ambition. Hearts that could have been filled with curiosity are instead burdened with suspicion.

Imagine a world where explorers arrived in unfamiliar lands not as conquerors but as learners. Imagine religions competing only in compassion rather than in claims of superiority. Imagine borders serving as lines of administration rather than walls of hostility. Scientific discoveries would still flourish. Literature would still inspire. Music would still unite. Yet millions of lives lost to hatred might have been spared.

Some may argue that conflict is an unavoidable part of human existence. Differences of opinion are indeed inevitable and, when approached with respect, can even stimulate progress. Civilisations have advanced through debate, disagreement and the exchange of contrasting ideas. However, there is a profound distinction between disagreement and dehumanisation. Progress thrives on dialogue; destruction begins when we deny another person’s dignity.

The irony is that humanity shares far more than it realises. We all seek security, love, purpose and hope. We celebrate births, mourn losses, dream of better futures and fear uncertainty. Strip away the labels that history has so eagerly attached to us, and we find the same beating heart beneath every culture and every creed.

The digital age has presented us with an extraordinary opportunity to overcome ancient prejudices. Never before have people from opposite ends of the world been able to communicate instantly, learn from one another and collaborate across continents. Yet the same technology has also amplified misinformation, intolerance and polarisation. The tools have changed; the challenge remains remarkably familiar. History reminds us that progress in technology means little unless it is matched by progress in humanity.

Erasing prejudice from history would not create a perfect world. There would still be natural disasters, economic hardships and personal tragedies. Human beings would continue to make mistakes. But without organised hatred poisoning societies, countless conflicts would lose their very foundation. Our energies could be redirected from destroying one another towards solving the genuine challenges that confront us all—poverty, disease, climate change and the pursuit of knowledge.

Perhaps the greatest lesson history offers is not that humans are destined to repeat their errors, but that they always possess the capacity to choose differently. Every generation inherits both the wisdom and the wounds of those who came before. The future depends upon which inheritance we decide to preserve.

If I could erase one trend from history, it would be prejudice, because from its roots have grown many of humanity’s greatest sorrows. Remove the seed, and perhaps the forest of suffering would never have taken root.

History cannot be rewritten. Its pages are permanent. But tomorrow’s chapters remain unwritten, and each of us still holds a pen. The greatest tribute we can pay to the past is not merely remembering it, but ensuring that its darkest trends never become our future.

Which outdated technology do you miss the most, and why?

Echoes of Yesterday: Why I Still Miss the Radio, the Telegram and the Typewriter

Every generation believes that it is living in the greatest era of technological advancement. We carry computers in our pockets, speak to people across continents in seconds, and can access almost the entire world’s knowledge with a few taps on a screen. Convenience has become our closest companion.

Yet, despite all this progress, there are certain outdated technologies that I miss dearly—not because they were faster or more efficient, but because they carried something today’s technology often lacks: soul.

For me, those irreplaceable companions are the radio, the telegram, and the typewriter.

The Radio: A Friend That Spoke to the Imagination

Long before streaming platforms and podcasts became commonplace, the radio was the heartbeat of countless homes. It did not merely entertain; it united families.

There was something magical about gathering around a radio to listen to the evening news, cricket commentaries, dramas or favourite songs. Unlike television, radio demanded participation from the listener. It painted pictures with sound, allowing imagination to become the screen.

The voices of the announcers became familiar friends. Their calm confidence carried reassurance during uncertain times and celebration during joyous moments. The gentle crackle of the signal somehow made every broadcast feel alive.

Even today, whenever I hear the signature tune of an old radio programme, memories return with astonishing clarity. Technology may have improved the quality of sound, but it has rarely matched the warmth of those broadcasts.

The Telegram: Few Words, Endless Emotions

Young people today may never understand the strange excitement—and occasional fear—that accompanied the arrival of a telegram.

Its language was economical. Every word mattered because every word cost money. There was no room for unnecessary adjectives or lengthy explanations.

A telegram could announce the birth of a child, convey examination success, summon a family member urgently or simply proclaim, “ARRIVING TOMORROW.”

Its brevity made it powerful.

Waiting for a telegram taught patience. Receiving one demanded attention. Unlike today’s endless notifications that disappear within seconds, a telegram became part of family history, carefully folded and preserved among important documents.

Ironically, in an age overflowing with communication, meaningful messages often feel shorter than ever.

The Typewriter: Where Every Word Carried Responsibility

The rhythmic click-clack of a typewriter remains one of the most satisfying sounds ever produced by a machine.

Typing on a typewriter required concentration. There was no convenient Backspace key, no spell-checker and certainly no artificial intelligence suggesting better sentences. Every paragraph demanded thought before the fingers touched the keys.

Mistakes were not simply erased; they were lessons in careful preparation.

Each completed page felt like an achievement. The slight impression of ink on paper gave every document a sense of permanence and craftsmanship.

Today’s keyboards are wonderfully efficient, but they also tempt us to write first and think later. The typewriter encouraged exactly the opposite.

Progress Has Given Us Speed, But Has It Stolen Stillness?

There is no denying that modern technology has transformed our lives for the better. Communication is instant. Information is abundant. Opportunities are limitless.

Yet speed often comes at the cost of reflection.

We consume music without listening deeply. We send messages without carefully choosing our words. We produce documents without appreciating the effort behind each sentence.

Older technologies imposed gentle limitations, and those limitations quietly nurtured patience, attentiveness and gratitude.

Perhaps that is why nostalgia is not merely about old machines; it is about the values they quietly cultivated.

The Greatest Technology Was Human Connection

When I think of the radio, the telegram and the typewriter, I do not miss the devices themselves. I miss the experiences they created.

The radio gathered families into one room.

The telegram reminded us that every word carried weight.

The typewriter taught discipline, precision and respect for language.

None of these inventions possessed artificial intelligence, cloud storage or touchscreens. Yet each possessed something profoundly human—the ability to slow us down just enough to appreciate the moment.

Technology should certainly continue to evolve. Innovation is essential for progress. But perhaps the greatest lesson from these forgotten inventions is that efficiency should never replace humanity.

Sometimes the most valuable connections are not made through the fastest machines but through the slowest moments.

As we race confidently towards the future, it may be worth carrying a little of the past with us—for some technologies become obsolete, but the emotions they inspired never do.

In the end, perhaps it is not the radio, the telegram or the typewriter that I truly miss.

It is the quieter, kinder and more deliberate world they represented.

Caught in the Act: The Curious Art of the Perfect Excuse

What is the best excuse you have heard lately?

Caught in the Act: The Curious Art of the Perfect Excuse

There is something strangely fascinating about excuses. They are tiny stories that people invent in moments of pressure, often revealing far more about human nature than they intend. Some are clever enough to earn reluctant admiration, others are so outrageous that they become unforgettable. While honesty remains the finest policy, the world would certainly be less entertaining without the occasional masterpiece of creative justification.

One of the best excuses I have heard lately came from a young employee who arrived almost an hour late for work. Expecting the usual explanation about traffic or a flat tyre, the manager asked what had happened.

The employee replied, “I wasn’t late. I simply arrived much earlier for tomorrow.”

For a few seconds, silence filled the room. Then everyone burst into laughter, including the manager. It was, of course, an impossible explanation, but its sheer wit transformed what could have been an uncomfortable reprimand into a memorable moment. The employee still had to answer for being late, but his quick thinking softened the atmosphere.

Excuses have existed for as long as humanity itself. Ancient kings blamed unfavourable stars, students blamed missing homework on imaginary disasters, and adults continue to find increasingly inventive reasons for missed deadlines. Today’s digital age has merely modernised the tradition. We now hear claims such as, “My internet decided to take a personal day,” or “My laptop updated itself without consulting me.” Technology has become the latest accomplice in our attempts to escape responsibility.

Interestingly, the best excuses are rarely the most believable. They are memorable because they display imagination. Consider the child who tells the teacher, “I couldn’t finish my homework because my little brother wanted to see what it looked like shredded.” Whether true or not, the image is so vivid that it lingers in the mind long after the incident.

Behind every excuse lies a universal human instinct: the desire to protect our pride. Admitting mistakes is difficult because it exposes our imperfections. An excuse acts like a temporary umbrella, shielding us from embarrassment. Unfortunately, umbrellas do not stop the rain forever. Eventually, reality catches up.

There is an old saying that excuses are the nails used to build the house of failure. While somewhat harsh, it contains an important truth. A single excuse may rescue our dignity for a moment, but repeated excuses gradually erode trust. People forgive errors more readily than they forgive dishonesty. An honest admission—“I made a mistake”—often earns greater respect than the most elaborate fictional tale.

That does not mean humour has no place. A witty excuse can lighten tension, provided it is followed by accountability. Imagine saying, “The alarm clock and I had a disagreement about the meaning of ‘morning’,” and then adding, “Nevertheless, I apologise. It won’t happen again.” The laughter remains, but responsibility takes centre stage.

Perhaps the finest lesson excuses teach us is not about avoiding blame but about understanding ourselves. They remind us that humans are storytellers by nature. When faced with discomfort, we instinctively weave narratives that make our actions appear more reasonable. The challenge is learning when to stop spinning stories and start embracing the truth.

The next time you hear an extraordinary excuse, enjoy its creativity, smile at its audacity, and perhaps even admire the imagination behind it. But also remember that character is measured not by how cleverly we explain our mistakes, but by how courageously we own them.

After all, the most impressive excuse may raise a laugh, but the simplest apology often earns lasting respect.