Why are the people and Nations unrest?

A World on Edge: Can We Replace the Language of Power with the Language of Peace?

When people take to the streets and nations prepare for war, the world must pause and ask itself: where have we gone wrong?

Look around the world today, and a troubling picture emerges. People are out on the streets, protesting against injustice, rising prices, unemployment, corruption, discrimination and decisions they believe threaten their future. Meanwhile, nations strengthen their military capabilities, exchange warnings and prepare for conflicts whose consequences may extend far beyond their borders.

One wonders: Why is humanity, despite its extraordinary scientific achievements and technological progress, still struggling to live in peace? We have reached the Moon, connected continents through digital networks and developed artificial intelligence, yet we have not learnt to resolve our differences without anger, intimidation or violence.

Perhaps the problem is not that humanity lacks knowledge, but that it has yet to develop sufficient wisdom to use that knowledge responsibly.

The roots of unrest

Unrest rarely emerges without a reason. Behind every protest, there may be a story of frustration, neglect, broken promises or a desperate desire to be heard. People who cannot secure decent employment, afford essential necessities or obtain justice may eventually lose faith in the institutions meant to protect them.

Economic inequality deepens this frustration. When a small section of society enjoys extraordinary wealth while others struggle for food, shelter, education and medical care, the promise of equal opportunity begins to sound hollow. The United Nations has highlighted economic insecurity, inequality and declining public trust as significant sources of social instability.

However, not every protest is evidence of disorder. Peaceful protest can be a legitimate expression of democratic participation and an important means of demanding accountability. The real question is whether grievances are heard and addressed before frustration turns into violence.

Political polarisation, religious intolerance, social divisions and the deliberate spread of misinformation can further inflame tensions. Instead of seeking common ground, people increasingly retreat into opposing camps, each convinced that the other is responsible for society’s problems.

When listening ends, suspicion begins. When dialogue disappears, confrontation takes its place.

Why do nations continue to prepare for war?

The situation becomes even more alarming when nations begin to flex their military muscles. Governments often justify their actions in the name of national security, territorial integrity, historical grievances or strategic interests. Some genuinely fear aggression from their neighbours; others seek regional influence, control over resources or greater geopolitical power.

This creates a dangerous cycle. One nation’s military expansion becomes another nation’s reason to arm itself. Suspicion encourages preparation, preparation intensifies suspicion, and eventually a misunderstanding or miscalculation can trigger a conflict that nobody initially intended.

The tragedy of war is that its greatest burden rarely falls on those who make the decisions. It falls on soldiers, civilians, children, displaced families and future generations who inherit the wounds of conflict.

Weapons may secure a border, but they cannot, by themselves, secure the human heart. Military strength may deter an aggressor, but lasting security also requires diplomacy, mutual respect, dependable agreements and a willingness to understand another nation’s legitimate concerns.

A world spending enormous resources on preparing for destruction must seriously consider whether more of those resources could be invested in improving the conditions of human life.

What could be the remedy?

There is no single solution to global unrest. The causes differ from country to country, and genuine security concerns cannot simply be wished away. Nevertheless, several practical measures could help societies move towards greater stability and peace.

1. Put human dignity at the centre of governance.

Every person deserves access to nutritious food, safe shelter, clothing, quality education and essential healthcare. Governments must work towards these basic guarantees while creating fair opportunities for employment and advancement. Economic growth should be measured not merely by national income, but also by how effectively it improves ordinary people’s lives.

2. Make justice accessible and institutions accountable.

Corruption, discrimination and the misuse of authority destroy public confidence. Transparent administration, independent justice systems, responsible leadership and equal treatment under the law can help restore that confidence. Citizens are more likely to respect institutions when they believe those institutions respect them.

3. Listen before discontent becomes rebellion.

Governments should treat peaceful protests as opportunities to understand genuine public grievances rather than automatically viewing protesters as enemies. Equally, protest movements must uphold non-violence, protect public property and respect the rights of others. Constructive dialogue, credible negotiations and timely action can prevent many disputes from escalating.

4. Choose diplomacy over the race for supremacy.

Nations must strengthen diplomatic channels, honour international agreements and resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation and international law. Confidence-building measures, arms-control agreements and meaningful communication between rival governments can reduce the risk of conflict. National security and international cooperation need not be opposing goals.

5. Educate minds to question hatred.

Education must do more than prepare young people for employment. It must develop empathy, critical thinking, respect for diversity and the ability to disagree without becoming hostile. Schools, families, universities and the media all have a responsibility to challenge prejudice and discourage the spread of hatred and falsehoods.

6. Make the digital world a force for understanding.

Social media can unite people across borders, but it can also spread rumours, provoke outrage and turn differences into hostility. Citizens should verify information before sharing it, while technology companies and public institutions should act responsibly to limit the harmful spread of deliberate disinformation without suppressing legitimate criticism.

7. Invest in peace as seriously as we invest in defence.

Peacebuilding requires sustained effort: rebuilding communities affected by conflict, supporting displaced people, creating opportunities for young people and bringing divided groups together. International cooperation should focus not only on ending wars, but also on addressing the inequalities, exclusions and grievances that allow violence to return.

The responsibility of every individual

It is tempting to believe that the remedy lies entirely in the hands of presidents, prime ministers, diplomats and international organisations. Their responsibilities are certainly immense, but the character of a peaceful world is also shaped by ordinary people.

We can begin by refusing to judge others solely by their religion, nationality, language, caste, political beliefs or social standing. We can disagree without humiliating, correct misinformation without insulting, and defend our rights without denying the rights of others.

Parents can teach children that kindness is not weakness. Teachers can encourage independent thought rather than blind obedience. Community leaders can build bridges between groups. Writers, artists and journalists can remind society of our shared humanity.

Above all, each of us can ask a simple question before reacting in anger: Will my words or actions help resolve this problem, or will they make it worse?

Small acts cannot independently end international wars, but a culture that values empathy, reason and justice creates stronger foundations for peace.

A new social contract for humanity

Perhaps the world needs a renewed social contract—not merely between citizens and their governments, but among nations and across generations.

Its principles should be simple: no person should be denied basic dignity; no community should be permanently excluded from opportunity; no government should be above accountability; and no international dispute should be allowed to become a reason for treating human life as expendable.

This vision does not demand that every nation surrender its identity or that every society follow the same political system. It asks only that differences be managed responsibly and that power be exercised with restraint.

Humanity must recognise that our challenges are increasingly interconnected. Poverty, climate change, pandemics, forced displacement and armed conflict do not remain confined within national borders. Cooperation is therefore not merely an expression of goodwill; it is a practical necessity.

The ultimate measure of a nation’s greatness should not be the number of weapons it possesses or the fear it inspires, but the security, dignity and opportunities it provides to its people—and the contribution it makes to the wider world.

The choice before us

The world stands at a crossroads. We can continue along a path where mistrust breeds protest, anger fuels division and military rivalry threatens destruction. Or we can choose a more demanding but infinitely more rewarding path—one built upon justice, dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility.

Peace does not mean the absence of disagreement. It means having the maturity and institutions to resolve disagreements without destroying one another.

We cannot promise a world without conflict overnight. We can, however, build a world in which fewer grievances are ignored, fewer disputes become violent and fewer children grow up believing that hatred is their inheritance.

Let us therefore measure progress not only by the heights our technology reaches, but also by the depth of our compassion. Let us teach nations that strength without wisdom is dangerous, wealth without humanity is hollow, and freedom without responsibility is incomplete.

A prayer for a restless world

May every angry street find a voice that listens,
May every wounded heart discover a reason to heal;
May the hand that raises a weapon learn compassion,
And the powerful remember the suffering that others feel.

May food replace hunger, and understanding conquer fear,
May justice stand where prejudice has grown;
May nations build their futures without threatening one another,
And may no child mistake a battlefield for home.

For Earth is not the property of one people,
Nor does the sky belong to one flag alone;
We share one fragile world, one human inheritance—
And peace begins when we recognise each other as our own.

The remedy for a restless world begins when humanity learns that our greatest victory is not defeating one another, but creating a world in which nobody has to live in fear.

What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could?

Beyond the Impossible: The Day I Surprised Myself

Sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones we never imagined we were capable of achieving.

Have you ever accomplished something that made you pause, look back and wonder, “Was that really me?” Perhaps it was speaking before a large audience, overcoming a deep-seated fear, beginning life anew after a setback, or pursuing a dream that others considered unrealistic. Such moments remind us that we often underestimate our own abilities.

The most remarkable discoveries in life are not always about the world around us. Sometimes, they are about the person we find within ourselves.

When Life Challenges Our Limits

There was a time when I believed that certain things lay beyond my reach. Like most people, I had my share of doubts, apprehensions and questions about what the future held. We often build invisible walls around ourselves, telling ourselves that we are too old, too inexperienced, too timid or too occupied to attempt something new.

Yet, life has a curious way of challenging our assumptions.

One day, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of an unfamiliar experience. We hesitate, search for excuses and wonder whether we possess the necessary courage. Then circumstances leave us with a choice: remain within the comfort of the familiar or take a step into the unknown.

Sometimes, we take that step not because we feel ready, but because something within us refuses to surrender.

And that is where transformation begins.

Discovering the Courage to Begin Again

One thing many of us never imagine we could do is begin again when we believe that our most productive years are behind us.

Society often associates achievement with youth. We celebrate young entrepreneurs, emerging writers, talented athletes and ambitious professionals. However, the human spirit does not retire merely because a particular phase of life comes to an end.

I have come to appreciate that beginning again can be an achievement in itself. After years of professional responsibilities, familiar routines and established identities, exploring new possibilities requires a different kind of courage. It demands patience, humility and a willingness to become a learner once more.

For someone who has spent decades teaching and guiding others, writing can become another classroom—one in which experience supplies the lessons, imagination opens new doors, and words bring thoughts to life.

The blank page may appear intimidating, but every completed paragraph is a small victory over hesitation. Every finished manuscript is evidence that an idea once confined to the mind can become something tangible, something that may travel beyond its creator and touch another life.

What initially appears impossible gradually becomes a journey of discovery.

The Power of Taking the First Step

We frequently wait for confidence before attempting something difficult. In reality, confidence often arrives after we begin.

A person who fears public speaking may discover a natural ability to inspire an audience. Someone who has experienced failure may eventually build something more meaningful than the original dream. A person who has never considered themselves creative may discover a talent for painting, music, storytelling or problem-solving.

The secret is not that these individuals possess extraordinary abilities unavailable to others. Rather, they allow themselves to explore possibilities without demanding a guarantee of success.

Of course, every attempt does not end in triumph. Some ventures disappoint us, some ambitions change direction, and some dreams must be abandoned. Nevertheless, even unsuccessful attempts can reveal strengths we did not know we possessed.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the willingness to move forward despite it.

Age Is Not the End of Possibility

Perhaps the most liberating realisation is that life does not have to follow a predetermined timetable.

We can learn something new at fifty, change direction at sixty, write our first book after retirement or discover a forgotten passion at seventy. The calendar records our years, but it cannot measure the full extent of our potential.

Every stage of life offers a different advantage. Youth brings energy and experimentation; maturity brings perspective, discernment and experience. When these qualities are used wisely, even an unexpected beginning can lead to meaningful achievements.

We need not compete with others or measure our progress against their milestones. Our real challenge is to become more capable, compassionate and courageous than we were yesterday.

Sometimes, the greatest thing we do is not winning an award, earning a fortune or receiving public recognition. It is overcoming an inner limitation that has held us captive for years.

That victory may go unnoticed by the world, but it can change the way we live.

What Is Your Impossible?

Perhaps you have already done something you once considered beyond your abilities. Perhaps you cared for someone through difficult circumstances, stood up for what was right, survived a painful loss or pursued a dream despite discouragement.

You may not have called it an achievement. You may simply have regarded it as something that had to be done.

But pause for a moment and look back. The person who faced those circumstances was you. The courage that carried you through was yours. The strength you discovered belonged to you, even if you had never recognised it before.

And if you have yet to accomplish something that seems impossible, do not be discouraged. Your next extraordinary experience may begin with an ordinary decision.

Write the first page. Make the telephone call. Learn the instrument. Apologise when you are wrong. Forgive when you are ready. Apply for the opportunity. Take the journey you have postponed for years.

You do not have to know how the entire story will unfold. You need only the courage to begin writing it.

A Few Words to Remember

I thought the mountain touched the sky,
Too steep to climb, too high to try.
Yet step by step, through doubt and fear,
I found the strength to persevere.

The road I feared became my own,
The seeds of courage quietly grown.
And what once seemed beyond my reach,
Became the finest life could teach.

So let no dream be left untold,
Nor let the heart grow tired or old.
For life still holds, beyond our view,
A thousand things we have yet to do.

And when we look at what we’ve done,
Past every cloud, beneath the sun,
We may discover, standing tall,
The greatest surprise was ourselves after all.

For sometimes, the most extraordinary thing we ever do is discover that we were capable of it all along.

If you could switch lives with a famous person for a week, who would it be and why?

A Week in Another’s Shoes: If I Could Borrow a Celebrity’s Life

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into the life of a famous person for a week? To wake up to worldwide recognition, walk into rooms where every eye turns towards you, and experience a world that most people can only imagine? If I were offered this extraordinary opportunity, I would choose A. R. Rahman, the legendary Indian music composer, for his ability to transform emotions into melodies that transcend boundaries.

Why him? Because music is one of the few languages that can speak to the heart without needing translation.

Beyond the Applause

For seven days, I would love to experience the world through the eyes of a man whose music has travelled across continents. I would observe how he discovers melodies in silence, draws inspiration from ordinary experiences, and transforms a simple musical thought into something that moves millions.

I would spend time in his studio, watching musicians collaborate, experimenting with instruments and refining compositions. I would be fascinated by the discipline, patience and creative uncertainty that lie behind a few minutes of beautiful music. What listeners hear as effortless magic often conceals hours of practice, countless revisions and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.

I would also want to understand how he balances international fame with his personal beliefs, family life and inner world. Fame may open doors, but it cannot necessarily provide peace of mind. Behind every celebrated name is a human being who experiences doubts, disappointments, responsibilities and the need for solitude.

The Price of Being Famous

Being a celebrity is not merely about red carpets, awards and admiration. It also means living under public scrutiny, sacrificing privacy and constantly facing expectations. A single careless remark can become tomorrow’s headline, while personal struggles may be magnified by the public gaze.

For a week, I would experience both sides of the coin: the privilege of being recognised and the burden of being recognised everywhere. I would learn whether the applause feels as wonderful from the stage as it sounds from the audience.

Perhaps the greatest lesson would be that success is not simply the ability to command attention; it is the ability to remain grounded when the world keeps reminding you how important you are.

What Would I Do With That Week?

I would use this borrowed identity to organise a small musical gathering where talented but financially disadvantaged children could perform alongside accomplished musicians. I would want them to discover that talent deserves an opportunity, irrespective of wealth, background or social standing.

I would also spend an evening away from cameras and crowds, listening to ordinary people share their stories. Their joys, struggles and unfulfilled dreams might offer more inspiration than any glamorous event.

Most importantly, I would return to my own life with a renewed appreciation of the quiet privileges that fame cannot guarantee: the freedom to walk unnoticed, the comfort of familiar relationships and the luxury of being oneself without an audience.

Returning to My Own Life

After seven days, I would gladly return to being myself. Borrowing another person’s life might be an exciting adventure, but every life has its own meaning, its own battles and its own possibilities.

I would bring back no awards or headlines, only a deeper understanding of creativity, discipline, humility and compassion. I might even listen to music differently, recognising not merely the melody but the labour, imagination and humanity behind it.

Ultimately, I believe the real value of stepping into another person’s shoes lies not in discovering what makes that person famous, but in understanding what makes that person human.

We do not need a celebrity’s identity to make a difference. We need only the courage to use our own abilities meaningfully.

For fame may illuminate a name, and wealth may decorate a life, but it is kindness that gives both their worth.

And when the borrowed week has reached its end, the finest gift we can carry home is not another person’s glory, but a wiser heart and a gentler way of living.

How do you manage stress?

When Life Turns Up the Pressure: Finding Calm in the Chaos

Stress may be a part of life, but it need not become the master of our minds.

Life rarely moves according to our plans. Work demands our attention, relationships test our patience, responsibilities multiply, and uncertainty often leaves us wondering what tomorrow might bring. Even the most composed person can feel overwhelmed when too many things demand attention at once. The real question, therefore, is not whether we experience stress, but how we learn to manage it.

Over the years, I have come to believe that managing stress begins with accepting a simple truth: we cannot control everything that happens to us, but we can learn to control how we respond.

Pause Before You React

When pressure builds, our first instinct is often to react immediately. We worry, become impatient, or imagine the worst possible outcome. Yet a brief pause can prevent a temporary problem from becoming a lasting one.

Taking a few deep breaths, stepping away from a difficult situation, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea can restore a sense of perspective. Not every problem requires an immediate answer, and not every disagreement deserves an argument.

Sometimes, the wisest response is to remain silent until the mind becomes calm enough to speak with clarity.

Separate What You Can Change from What You Cannot

Much of our stress comes from trying to control things beyond our reach: other people’s opinions, past mistakes, unexpected disappointments and uncertain futures.

Instead of repeatedly asking, Why is this happening to me?, we can ask, What can I do about it now?

This small change in thinking shifts our attention from helplessness to action. If a problem can be solved, we should take practical steps towards solving it. If it cannot be changed, we must learn to make peace with the reality of the situation.

Acceptance is not surrender. It is the wisdom to stop wasting energy on the impossible and direct it towards what remains possible.

Give Your Mind and Body a Break

Stress is not merely a state of mind; it affects the body as well. Adequate sleep, regular physical activity, balanced meals and time outdoors can help us cope better with daily pressures.

I also believe in the restorative power of simple pleasures. Listening to a favourite song, reading a good book, playing a musical instrument, tending to plants or sharing a heartfelt conversation can bring relief when life feels demanding.

We do not always need an expensive holiday or an elaborate escape. Sometimes, a quiet walk or ten minutes of undisturbed reflection is enough to help us begin again.

Learn to Say No

One of the most overlooked causes of stress is the desire to please everyone. We accept responsibilities we cannot comfortably manage, agree when we wish to decline, and sacrifice our peace to meet expectations that may not even be reasonable.

Being helpful is a virtue, but exhausting ourselves to prove our worth is not.

A respectful no can protect our time, energy and emotional well-being. We must remember that setting boundaries does not make us selfish; it allows us to fulfil our genuine responsibilities without resentment or burnout.

Share the Burden

We sometimes imagine that admitting stress is a sign of weakness. Consequently, we keep our worries to ourselves, hoping they will disappear with time.

Yet a sincere conversation with a trusted friend, family member or colleague can make a difficult situation feel less overwhelming. We may not always need advice; sometimes, we simply need someone who will listen without judging us.

When stress becomes persistent, affects sleep or daily functioning, or feels impossible to manage alone, seeking professional support is a sensible and courageous step.

Stop Living Entirely in Tomorrow

Our minds have a remarkable ability to turn tomorrow’s possibilities into today’s anxieties. We replay yesterday’s mistakes and worry about events that may never happen, forgetting that the present moment is the only one we can actually experience.

A useful habit is to begin each day by identifying three priorities rather than attempting to accomplish everything at once. At the end of the day, instead of counting what remains unfinished, acknowledge what you have managed to do.

Life is not a race in which every task must be completed before we are permitted to rest.

Rest is not a reward for exhaustion. It is a necessity for living well.

Choose Perspective over Perfection

Perhaps the most important lesson in managing stress is learning to accept that life will always remain imperfect. People will disappoint us, plans will change, and some questions may never receive satisfactory answers.

We must do our best without demanding perfection from ourselves or others. We must care deeply without allowing every disappointment to destroy our peace. Above all, we must understand that our worth is not determined by our productivity, achievements or ability to carry every burden without complaint.

A peaceful life does not necessarily mean a life without problems. It means developing the strength, patience and perspective to face problems without allowing them to consume us.

The Calm We Carry Within

Stress cannot always be avoided, but its hold on us can be reduced. A calmer response, a healthier routine, an honest conversation and the courage to let go can make an extraordinary difference.

I would rather face a difficult day with a peaceful mind than enjoy a comfortable day consumed by unnecessary worries. After all, life is too precious to spend every moment anticipating the next difficulty.

Let us work sincerely, love generously, accept humbly and rest without guilt. The world may continue to move at a frantic pace, but we can choose not to let its urgency dictate the rhythm of our hearts.

When storms gather, let patience be our light,
And hope the quiet star that shines through night.
For peace is not a world where troubles cease,
But hearts that learn, through storms, the art of peace.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

If I Could Meet My Younger Self: Lessons Life Taught Me the Hard Way

Some advice arrives too late to change our past, yet just in time to make peace with it.

If I could travel back in time and sit beside my younger self, I would not begin with a lecture. I would look into those youthful eyes, full of dreams, questions and ambitions, and gently say, “You have a beautiful life ahead of you, but do not spend all of it preparing for tomorrow. Learn to live today.”

Life is a remarkable teacher. Unfortunately, it often gives us the examination first and the lesson afterwards. We make mistakes, trust the wrong people, overlook precious moments and sometimes discover the value of something only after it has slipped through our fingers. Yet every experience, pleasant or painful, contributes to the person we eventually become.

If I could offer my younger self a few words of wisdom, these would be my most important lessons.

1. Do not measure your life by your achievements alone

Work hard, pursue excellence and remain ambitious, but never allow your profession, position or possessions to become the sole measure of your worth. Success may earn you recognition, but character earns you respect. A designation may open doors, but kindness determines how people remember you after you have left the room.

Give your best to your responsibilities, but remember that life is much larger than a career.

2. Value time more than money

Money can be earned, saved and sometimes recovered. Time, once spent, never returns. Do not postpone happiness until retirement, peace until success or meaningful conversations until you have fewer responsibilities.

Spend time with your parents while their voices can still comfort you. Listen to your children before they grow old enough to stop asking questions. Hold your partner’s hand without needing a special occasion. Visit an old friend simply because you miss them.

One day, ordinary moments will become extraordinary memories.

3. Choose people carefully, but do not become bitter

Not everyone who smiles at you wishes you well, and not everyone who disagrees with you is your enemy. Learn to distinguish affection from convenience, honesty from flattery and genuine friendship from temporary companionship.

Trust, but allow people time to reveal their character. Do not sacrifice your self-respect to preserve a relationship that survives only because you keep making all the compromises.

And when someone disappoints you, do not allow their behaviour to turn you into a person you would never have wished to become. Protect your peace without abandoning your goodness.

4. Do not be afraid of failure

You will make mistakes. Some will embarrass you; others will hurt you deeply. A few may even change the direction of your life. Do not waste years wishing that you had been perfect.

Failure is not always evidence of inadequacy. Sometimes, it is the price of attempting something worthwhile. Accept responsibility, learn what you can and begin again with greater understanding.

Never confuse a difficult chapter with the end of your story.

5. Say what needs to be said

Tell people that you love them while they are still around to hear it. Apologise when you are wrong. Express gratitude without feeling that it diminishes you. Speak the truth with kindness, even when silence seems more convenient.

Pride can keep a conversation unfinished for years. Fear can prevent a beautiful friendship from beginning. And unspoken affection can become one of life’s most painful regrets.

Remember, the right words spoken at the right time can heal wounds that years of silence only deepen.

6. Look after your health and inner peace

In the pursuit of achievement, never treat your body as though it were an inexhaustible machine. Sleep well, eat sensibly, remain physically active and make room for laughter.

Equally important, look after your inner world. Read, reflect, pray if you find comfort in prayer, appreciate nature and cultivate interests that have nothing to do with earning a living.

A peaceful mind is not a luxury reserved for retirement. It is a necessity at every stage of life.

7. Remain a student until your last breath

Never assume that age, education or experience has taught you everything worth knowing. Listen to younger people without dismissing their ideas. Learn from people whose lives differ from yours. Read books that challenge your assumptions, explore unfamiliar subjects and remain curious about the world.

Knowledge gives us information, but wisdom teaches us how to use it. Education should not make us arrogant; it should make us more aware of how much remains unknown.

The world changes constantly. Let your ability to learn change with it.

8. Be kind, but do not forget yourself

Help others whenever you reasonably can, but understand that compassion does not require self-neglect. You cannot solve every problem, rescue every person or satisfy every expectation.

Set boundaries without guilt. Say no when necessary. Do not confuse being indispensable with being loved.

And whenever you have the opportunity to make another person’s life a little easier, take it. You may never know how much a small act of kindness means to someone struggling silently.

9. Do not wait for old age to understand life

Perhaps the greatest advice I would give my younger self is this: happiness is not a distant destination waiting at the end of a long journey.

It can be found in a shared cup of tea, an evening walk, a familiar song, a sincere conversation, a child’s laughter or the reassuring presence of someone who understands you without demanding explanations.

Celebrate small victories. Forgive yourself for imperfect decisions. Travel when you can, write what you feel, sing when your heart wishes to sing and never become so busy building a life that you forget to live it.

Most importantly, do not spend your precious years comparing your journey with somebody else’s. Every life follows a different timetable, carries a different burden and discovers its own meaning.

If I Could Begin Again

Would I change everything if I had the opportunity? Probably not. The past contains mistakes I regret, opportunities I missed and moments I wish I could relive. But it also contains lessons, relationships and experiences that helped shape the person I am today.

I would not ask my younger self to avoid every disappointment. That would be asking him to avoid becoming wiser. Instead, I would encourage him to recover sooner, worry less, love more generously and recognise the extraordinary value of ordinary days.

I would tell him that growing older is inevitable, but growing wiser is a choice. That forgiveness is not weakness, humility is not defeat, and success without contentment can become another form of poverty.

And finally, I would remind him that the purpose of life is not merely to accumulate years, achievements or possessions. It is to leave behind a little more understanding, a little more kindness and a few memories that make someone smile long after we are gone.

A Few Words to My Younger Self

Walk gently, my young heart, where dreams unfold,
Let kindness be your wealth, not silver or gold.
Love without fear, and forgive when you can,
For the measure of life lies beyond every plan.

When twilight arrives and the years disappear,
May you find more love than the shadows of fear.
And if time turns back, let one truth still shine:
The life you have lived is a gift, wholly thine.

For in the end, the greatest gift we can offer our younger selves is not a life without mistakes, but the wisdom to live more fully, love more deeply and regret a little less.

What’s something you’ve done that your past self would be proud of?

A World Without Want: Dignity for Every Human Being

What if humanity united not merely to survive, but to ensure that every person could live with dignity, security and hope?

Imagine a world where no child goes to bed hungry, no family sleeps beneath the open sky, no one is deprived of education because of poverty, and no person is denied medical care for want of money. Such a world may appear idealistic, but it is a goal worthy of humanity.

The Five Pillars of Human Dignity

Every citizen of the world deserves five basic necessities: food, shelter, clothing, education and medical support. These should not be privileges reserved for the fortunate; they should form the foundation of a dignified human life.

Achieving this requires nations to rise above narrow interests and work together. Governments must prioritise essential services, international organisations must coordinate resources, and businesses and individuals must contribute responsibly. Modern technology, scientific progress and global cooperation can help reduce waste, distribute resources fairly and reach those most in need.

The world already possesses enormous wealth, knowledge and productive capacity. The challenge is not merely creating more resources, but ensuring that existing resources serve humanity more equitably. Corruption, conflict, wasteful expenditure and indifference must give way to accountability, compassion and practical action.

A New Standard of Civilisation

A nation’s greatness should not be measured solely by its wealth, military strength or technological achievements. It should also be measured by how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

When every child receives an education, every family has a safe home, every person can access essential healthcare, and nobody suffers from hunger despite the abundance around them, humanity will have reached a new standard of civilisation.

This vision does not demand that everyone possess equal wealth or live identical lives. It demands that everyone has a fair foundation from which to build a better future.

Let Humanity Become One Family

Political boundaries may divide nations, but hunger, suffering and human aspirations recognise no borders. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that birth, nationality or economic circumstances do not determine whether a person can live with dignity.

The real progress of the world will begin when no human being is considered too poor to deserve a decent life.

Let us unite our resources, knowledge and goodwill to build a world where the basic necessities of life are assured for all. That will be more than social progress; it will be a transformation of human civilisation itself.

What’s the best online course you’ve ever taken?

The Best Course I Never Took: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Sometimes, the most valuable education comes not from an online course, but from the people we meet, the experiences we gather and the mistakes we learn from.

In an age when learning is only a click away, online courses have become an integral part of personal and professional development. From artificial intelligence and digital marketing to creative writing, leadership and financial management, there is a course for almost every interest imaginable. People proudly share their certificates, discuss their learning experiences and recommend platforms that have transformed their careers.

But what happens when someone asks me, ‘What is the best online course you have ever taken?’

My answer is rather simple: I have never undertaken a formal online course. My learning, instead, has come through workshops, professional training programmes, interactions with people and, above all, the classroom of life.

Does that mean I have missed out on something important? Perhaps. But I have also learnt that education cannot be measured solely by the number of courses completed or certificates collected.

My Classroom Was the World

Having spent several decades in education, including many years as a teacher, principal and academic administrator, I have had opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars and professional development programmes. These experiences exposed me to new ideas, evolving educational practices and the importance of remaining receptive to change.

Workshops have their own advantages. They bring people together, encourage discussions and allow participants to exchange experiences. Unlike a pre-recorded online lecture, a live workshop often offers the opportunity to ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn from the practical experiences of others.

As an educator, I have always believed that learning becomes meaningful when knowledge can be applied. A theory may sound impressive in a presentation, but its real value emerges when it helps a teacher understand a child better, enables a school leader to resolve a difficult situation or encourages an institution to improve its standards.

For me, such experiences have often been more valuable than a certificate hanging on a wall.

Experience: A Course Without a Completion Certificate

Life has a peculiar way of teaching us lessons without announcing the beginning of a class. There are no enrolment forms, no scheduled lectures and certainly no certificates at the end.

A difficult professional decision teaches us judgement. A disagreement teaches us patience. A failure encourages us to examine our assumptions, while success reminds us that confidence must always be accompanied by humility.

During my years in school leadership, I learnt that managing an educational institution involved far more than academic results, administrative procedures and infrastructure. It required understanding human behaviour, resolving conflicts, motivating colleagues and recognising that every child carried a different set of circumstances, abilities and aspirations.

No single workshop could have prepared me for every situation. Experience gradually filled those gaps.

The most memorable lessons often emerged from moments when there was no ready-made answer. One had to listen, reflect, consider the consequences and make a decision. Sometimes the decision proved right; at other times, it became a lesson for the future.

Perhaps this is the most demanding course of all: learning while living, with no guarantee that the examination questions will be familiar.

Have I Missed the Digital Learning Revolution?

I would be unfair if I dismissed online education simply because I have not pursued a formal course myself.

Digital learning has opened remarkable opportunities. A student in a small town can now access lectures from distinguished universities. A working professional can acquire new skills without leaving a job. A retired person can explore subjects that professional responsibilities once left little time to pursue.

Online courses also offer flexibility. Learners can progress at their own pace, revisit difficult concepts and choose subjects according to their interests. For those who are disciplined and curious, the internet can become an extraordinary educational resource.

The challenge, however, is not the availability of knowledge but our willingness to use it meaningfully. We live in a world where information is abundant, yet understanding requires effort. Watching a lecture is not the same as mastering a subject, just as obtaining a certificate does not automatically translate into competence.

The real test of learning lies in what we can do with what we know.

If I Were to Choose a Course Today

If I were to enrol in an online course today, I would choose something that complemented my experience while introducing me to possibilities I had not fully explored.

Artificial intelligence in education would be an interesting choice. I would like to understand how emerging technologies can support teachers, personalise learning, reduce routine administrative work and help schools make better-informed decisions. Equally, I would be interested in courses on contemporary writing, digital publishing and the changing world of books.

As an author, I recognise that the world of publishing is evolving rapidly. Readers discover books through digital platforms, writers communicate directly with their audiences, and search engine optimisation has become an important consideration for those who publish online. Learning more about these areas could help me reach readers more effectively.

I would not choose a course merely because it was fashionable. I would look for one that offered practical knowledge, credible instruction and opportunities to apply what I learnt.

At this stage of life, learning is less about collecting qualifications and more about remaining intellectually alive.

The Teacher Must Remain a Student

One of the greatest dangers in education is the belief that experience has made further learning unnecessary. The longer we work in a profession, the easier it becomes to rely on familiar methods and established opinions.

Yet the world does not stand still. Students change, technologies evolve, professional expectations shift and society asks new questions. What worked yesterday may require reconsideration tomorrow.

I have always felt that a teacher must remain a student, irrespective of age or designation. The same principle applies to principals, administrators, writers and professionals in every field.

Being a student does not necessarily mean returning to a classroom or enrolling in an online programme. It means retaining the humility to acknowledge what we do not know and the curiosity to discover what we might learn.

Sometimes, a conversation with a young colleague can challenge an old assumption. At other times, reading a book, attending a workshop or reflecting on a personal mistake can offer a fresh perspective.

The format matters less than the attitude.

My Best Course Is Still in Progress

So, what is the best online course I have ever taken?

Strictly speaking, I have not taken one. My professional learning has largely come through workshops, training programmes, discussions and decades of experience in education. I would rather acknowledge that honestly than invent a course or claim an experience I have never had.

Nevertheless, I do not consider myself deprived of learning opportunities. My journey has provided its own curriculum, although it has not followed a conventional syllabus.

There have been lessons in leadership, communication, patience, responsibility and human relationships. Some were learnt through books and mentors; others came through challenges that I would not have chosen but could not avoid.

And there is still so much to learn.

Perhaps one day I shall enrol in an online course and discover a new subject that changes the way I think. Until then, I remain open to knowledge in whatever form it arrives.

After all, education is not a race to accumulate certificates. It is a lifelong process of becoming more informed, more thoughtful and, hopefully, more understanding.

The best course may not always be the one we enrol in. Sometimes, it is the one we are willing to undertake every day—with curiosity as our guide, experience as our teacher and humility as our companion.

And unlike most online courses, this one has no final examination. The learning continues for as long as we remain willing to learn.