Three Objects I Can’t Imagine Life Without

Three Objects I Can’t Imagine Life Without

Life often feels like a delicate balance of necessity and indulgence. While we can technically survive with very little, certain objects become so intertwined with our existence that imagining a day without them seems almost absurd. These are not mere possessions; they are extensions of our thoughts, our routines, and our very identities.

If I were to choose three such objects, ones that have not only accompanied me through the years but have shaped my experiences, they would be a notebook, a musical instrument, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Each of these items holds a world within itself, carrying memories, emotions, and an undeniable sense of purpose.

1. The Notebook – A Canvas for Thoughts

In a world obsessed with digital convenience, the humble notebook remains my steadfast companion. There is something profoundly satisfying about the scratch of pen on paper, the permanence of ink capturing fleeting thoughts before they vanish into the ether. It is more than just a collection of pages—it is a sanctuary of ideas, a repository of musings, and at times, a confidant in solitude.

Be it sketching out a blog, drafting a verse, or jotting down a sudden epiphany, my notebook has been my silent partner in creativity. Unlike the transient nature of typing on a screen, writing by hand engraves ideas into memory, lending them a depth that the digital world often lacks.

2. A Musical Instrument – A Gateway to the Soul

Music, to me, is not just an art—it is a language of emotions, a healer of wounds, and a bridge to the divine. The harmonium and keyboard, in particular, have been my companions through the highs and lows of life. Playing an instrument is akin to holding a conversation with one’s soul; every note resonates with an emotion, every melody whispers a story.

There are days when words fail me, but music does not. Be it an old Mukesh classic, a stirring hymn, or a raga played at dawn, the notes have a way of weaving solace into the fabric of existence. The ability to create music, to lose oneself in the ebb and flow of rhythm and melody, is nothing short of a gift—one I could never part with.

3. A Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes – The Freedom to Roam

If there is one object that embodies both physical liberation and philosophical reflection, it is a good pair of walking shoes. Whether I am strolling through a quiet neighbourhood, hiking up a rugged trail, or simply pacing around in contemplation, my shoes have been silent yet indispensable allies.

Walking is not just a form of exercise—it is a meditative act, a means of clearing the mind, absorbing the world, and finding answers that often elude us when we remain still. The comfort of a well-worn pair of shoes is a passport to discovery, an invitation to lose oneself in motion and find oneself in thought.

The Common Thread

While a notebook, a musical instrument, and a pair of shoes might seem like an odd trio, they share a common essence: they each enable expression, movement, and introspection. They are not just objects; they are vessels of creativity, conduits of emotion, and enablers of experience.

Life, after all, is not about mere existence but about what we create, how we express, and where we go in search of meaning. These three objects, in their own quiet ways, enrich my journey. And in their absence, life would feel a little less vibrant, a little less complete.

UPSC Unlocked: Your Ultimate Guide to General Studies & Current Affairs

UPSC Unlocked: Your Ultimate Guide to General Studies & Current Affairs

Available worldwide on all Amazon platforms

In the ever-evolving landscape of competitive exams, staying ahead requires more than just hard work—it demands the right resources. UPSC Unlocked: General Studies, Current Affairs and The World in Transition (2024-25) is one such indispensable book that every serious aspirant must have on their shelf.

About the Author

The author of UPSC Unlocked is a seasoned expert in competitive exam preparation, with years of experience guiding aspirants through the intricate pathways of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. With a deep understanding of General Studies, current affairs, and world affairs, the author has meticulously curated this book to provide a structured and insightful approach to the vast syllabus.

About the Book

UPSC Unlocked is more than just another guidebook; it is a strategic companion for those preparing for one of the toughest examinations in India. Covering General Studies comprehensively, it delves into contemporary issues with sharp analysis and balanced perspectives. The book also captures the fast-changing global landscape, enabling aspirants to understand the broader context of events.

Each chapter is designed to simplify complex topics, making it easier for aspirants to grasp concepts and interlink different subjects—a crucial skill for the UPSC Mains and Prelims. The book also provides practice questions and model answers to help students refine their writing skills, an often-overlooked yet vital aspect of the exam.

Target Readers

This book is an essential resource for:
✅ UPSC Civil Services aspirants (Prelims & Mains)
✅ State PSC exam candidates
✅ Students of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration
✅ Academics, researchers, and policymakers interested in contemporary issues
✅ Anyone keen on understanding global and national affairs in depth

USP of the Book

What sets UPSC Unlocked apart from the multitude of resources available?

Up-to-date Content: Covers the latest current affairs, including economic, political, environmental, and technological developments.

Exam-Oriented Approach: Designed specifically for UPSC preparation, ensuring relevance to the latest exam patterns.

Comprehensive yet Concise: Information is well-structured, avoiding unnecessary details while covering all key aspects.

Interdisciplinary Insights: Connects history, polity, economy, and international relations to create a holistic understanding.

Practice & Self-Assessment: Includes sample questions, previous years’ trends, and answer-writing strategies.

Final Thoughts

For UPSC aspirants, having the right material can make all the difference. UPSC Unlocked is not just a book—it is a roadmap to success. Whether you are just beginning your preparation or looking for an edge in your final attempt, this book will be your guiding light in mastering General Studies and Current Affairs.

Get your copy today and unlock your potential!

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Fate or Free Will: Who Holds the Reins of Life?

Fate or Free Will: Who Holds the Reins of Life?

Life is an enigma wrapped in the layers of time, where every turn of events compels us to question—are we merely passengers on a predetermined journey, or do we carve our own paths through sheer will? The debate between fate and free will has endured across centuries, leaving even the greatest philosophers, theologians, and thinkers divided. Some find solace in believing that destiny is a well-scripted play, while others insist that life is a canvas where we paint our own masterpiece.

The Case for Fate

The concept of fate has deep roots in mythology, religion, and literature. From the Moirai of Greek mythology, who wove the threads of life, to the Indian concept of karma, where past actions determine the future, fate has often been perceived as an invisible hand guiding existence. Shakespeare, too, echoed this sentiment in Macbeth:

“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir.”

A belief in fate offers comfort—if everything is preordained, then struggles, losses, and victories all have a higher purpose. One need not agonise over every decision, for what is meant to be will be. It is a perspective that provides resilience in the face of adversity, assuring that even setbacks have a destined role in shaping one’s life.

The Argument for Free Will

Yet, there is another side to the coin. If fate dictated every move, what purpose would effort serve? Free will asserts that human beings are not passive recipients of life’s script but rather the authors of their own stories. Scientific thought aligns with this notion—our choices, influenced by intellect and experience, shape the trajectory of our lives.

Jean-Paul Sartre, the existentialist philosopher, famously declared, “Man is condemned to be free.” This suggests that while the weight of choices may be burdensome, it is ultimately our decisions that define us. Hard work, resilience, and conscious choices often defy the so-called chains of destiny. After all, a seed does not become a tree by fate alone—it needs soil, sunlight, and care.

A Middle Path?

Perhaps fate and free will are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined forces. Fate may provide circumstances, but how one responds to them is an act of free will. A storm at sea is unavoidable, but whether one sinks or sails depends on effort and wisdom. Even the Bhagavad Gita advises action, urging Arjuna to fight not because his fate is written but because duty demands it.

History, too, supports this balance. Great leaders, inventors, and revolutionaries did not simply resign to fate; they defied it with courage and conviction. Would the world have witnessed the brilliance of Einstein if he had surrendered to academic struggles? Could Gandhi have altered the course of history had he believed that British rule was an unchangeable fate?

The Final Verdict

So, is life a chessboard where destiny makes the moves, or are we the players strategising our way forward? The truth likely lies in a harmonious blend—some events may be beyond our control, but how we respond to them is our true power. As the poet William Ernest Henley declared in Invictus:

“I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

Whether one embraces fate or champions free will, the essence of life remains the same—to live meaningfully, act wisely, and cherish every moment as an opportunity to shape the future.

What do you believe?

Let the debate continue.

Farewell to the Land of My Childhood: A Goodbye That Still Echoes

Farewell to the Land of My Childhood: A Goodbye That Still Echoes

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when they mark the end of an era that shaped the very core of one’s being. Some partings are fleeting, momentary pauses before life weaves paths together again. Others, however, are permanent, etching themselves into the soul like an indelible mark of nostalgia. For me, one such farewell was leaving Nepal after completing my schooling—a moment that carried the weight of a thousand emotions, the sorrow of departure mingled with the excitement of an uncertain future.

The School That Became My Second Home

School was not merely a place of education; it was a sanctum of learning, friendships, and experiences that moulded my personality. Every morning, the resonating sound of the school bell, the disciplined footsteps echoing through the corridors, and the rhythmic recitation of prayers in assembly formed the symphony of my formative years.

The teachers, who were more than mere instructors, became my guiding stars, instilling wisdom beyond textbooks. Some were stern, their discipline shaping my resilience, while others were gentle, their kindness carving empathy into my character. The friendships I forged were not just alliances of convenience but bonds nurtured through shared secrets, laughter, and the occasional mischief that painted the canvas of my school life.

Saying goodbye to this haven was heart-wrenching. The last walk through those corridors, the final glimpse of the classrooms where dreams were once sketched, and the last handshake with a teacher who had become a mentor—each moment felt like a thread being pulled from the fabric of my existence.

The Unbreakable Ties to Nature

Beyond the school walls, Nepal itself was an inseparable part of me. The majestic hills that stood like silent guardians, the rivers that flowed like eternal storytellers whispering ancient tales, and the waterfalls that cascaded with an untamed spirit—all of these were companions to my childhood.

The Bagmati River, which I had crossed countless times, seemed to bid me farewell with its ceaseless flow, reminding me that life, too, moves forward. The rain-kissed greenery, the fragrance of wet earth, the crisp mountain air—all left an imprint on my senses that no passage of time could erase.

There were places where I had spent countless hours—perched on a rock beside a gurgling stream, watching the sun sink behind the hills, or cycling through mist-laden paths with the wind as my accomplice. To leave this landscape behind felt like abandoning a part of my soul, like a bird forced to migrate, uncertain if it would ever return.

Parting with People, Pieces of My Heart

Family and friends formed the backbone of my existence in Nepal. There were relatives whose homes had been my weekend retreats, where warm meals and endless conversations were the norm. Childhood friends, with whom I had built castles in the sand and dreamt of distant futures, now stood at the threshold of goodbye, their eyes reflecting the sadness I could not put into words.

The farewell gatherings were filled with unspoken emotions—tight hugs, lingering handshakes, and promises to stay in touch, even though we all knew that distance would slowly weave its own reality. Some friendships endured, standing the test of time and miles, while others faded into the pages of memory, not lost but transformed into fond recollections.

The Journey Forward, The Longing Backward

Life moves on, as it always does. New places, new people, and new experiences gradually fill the void left behind. But certain chapters of life refuse to be mere footnotes. Nepal, with all its splendour and warmth, remains an inseparable part of me. Even today, when I close my eyes, I can hear the distant murmur of the river, the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, and the laughter of my friends echoing through time.

Perhaps, in some quiet moment, I will return—not just as a visitor, but as a soul seeking to reconnect with the land that once cradled my dreams. Until then, Nepal lives on, not just in my memories but in every heartbeat that whispers, “Once upon a time, this was home.”

A Day in Another Skin: Who Would I Be?

A Day in Another Skin: Who Would I Be?

The power of imagination allows us to step beyond the confines of our own identity and momentarily embrace the life of another. If I were given the extraordinary privilege to be someone else for a day, my choice would not stem from mere admiration or curiosity but from a deep yearning to experience the world through a perspective vastly different from my own.

Without hesitation, I would choose to be Leonardo da Vinci—the polymath who epitomised the Renaissance spirit. His genius spanned art, science, engineering, anatomy, and philosophy, and his insatiable curiosity made him a timeless icon of human potential.

Why Leonardo da Vinci?

In a world often divided into rigid academic and professional silos, da Vinci was the quintessential free thinker, unrestrained by boundaries. His notebooks, filled with sketches, mirror-writing, and revolutionary ideas, remain a testament to his boundless intellect. Imagine standing before the unfinished Mona Lisa, brush in hand, contemplating how to perfect that enigmatic smile. Or dissecting human anatomy with candlelight flickering in a dimly lit workshop, discovering the secrets of nature centuries ahead of modern science.

For a day, I would revel in the seamless fusion of science and art, where numbers danced with brushstrokes, and machines were born from the pages of imagination. I would walk the streets of 15th-century Florence, absorbing the ethos of the Renaissance, debating philosophy with Machiavelli, and discussing celestial mechanics with Copernicus.

Beyond Brilliance: The Man Himself

What intrigues me most about da Vinci is not just his intellectual prowess but his resilience. Despite his unparalleled talent, many of his ideas were ridiculed or left unrealised due to the limitations of his time. Yet, he persisted—questioning, exploring, and envisioning a world far beyond his own.

To embody his mind for a day would be to taste true creative freedom—the ability to see not just what is, but what could be. It would be a journey into unrelenting curiosity, where every falling leaf, every shadow, and every human expression held a universe of meaning.

Lessons for My Own Life

While I may never design flying machines with parchment and ink or paint a masterpiece that immortalises a smile, stepping into da Vinci’s shoes would teach me an invaluable lesson: to never stop wondering, never stop learning, and never stop dreaming.

And when the day ends, and I return to my own skin, I would carry with me the spirit of the Renaissance—a reminder that no horizon is too distant, no question too absurd, and no dream too grand.

From Concept to Creation: Building a DIY Smartphone Spectrometer

From Concept to Creation: Building a DIY Smartphone Spectrometer

Embarking on a DIY science project can be both challenging and rewarding. One of my most ambitious undertakings involved constructing a smartphone spectrometer—a device that allows for the analysis of light spectra using a mobile phone. This project not only deepened my understanding of spectroscopy but also demonstrated how accessible scientific exploration can be with everyday materials.

The Inspiration

Spectroscopy is a fundamental technique in fields ranging from chemistry to astronomy, enabling the analysis of light to determine the composition of substances. The idea of transforming a ubiquitous device like a smartphone into a functional spectrometer was inspired by the desire to make scientific tools more accessible and to promote hands-on learning.

Planning and Design

The project began with extensive research into the principles of spectroscopy and existing DIY spectrometer designs. Key considerations included:

Diffraction Grating: Selecting an appropriate material to disperse light into its component wavelengths.

Construction Materials: Utilizing readily available items to build a stable and functional housing for the spectrometer.

Calibration: Ensuring the device provided accurate and reliable spectral data.

Materials and Construction

The materials used were simple and easily obtainable:

Diffraction Grating: A piece of a DVD-R was repurposed, as its fine grooves can act as an effective diffraction grating.

Housing: Cardboard pieces were assembled to create a dark chamber, preventing external light interference.

Slit: A narrow slit was fashioned using two razor blades to allow a thin beam of light into the spectrometer.

Smartphone Holder: A stable mount was designed to position the smartphone’s camera at the correct angle to capture the dispersed light.

The assembly involved:

1. Constructing the Housing: Cutting and assembling cardboard to form a box with internal supports for the diffraction grating and slit.

2. Installing the Diffraction Grating: Carefully positioning the DVD-R piece at an angle to disperse incoming light effectively.

3. Aligning the Slit: Placing the slit at the entrance of the housing to control the light entering the spectrometer.

4. Mounting the Smartphone: Ensuring the phone’s camera aligns with the path of the dispersed light to capture clear spectral images.

Challenges and Solutions

Several challenges arose during the project:

Light Leakage: Ensuring the housing was completely light-tight required meticulous sealing of all joints and openings.

Alignment Precision: Achieving the correct angles for the diffraction grating and slit was crucial for accurate spectral dispersion. This was addressed through careful measurement and iterative adjustments.

Calibration: Using known light sources, such as fluorescent bulbs, to calibrate the spectrometer and validate its accuracy.

Applications and Reflections

Upon completion, the smartphone spectrometer proved to be a versatile tool:

Educational Demonstrations: It served as a practical demonstration of spectral analysis principles in educational settings.

Environmental Testing: The device could analyze light from various sources, aiding in studies of environmental light pollution.

Chemical Analysis: By examining the emission spectra of different substances, it facilitated basic chemical identification experiments.

This project highlighted the potential of combining everyday technology with scientific inquiry, making complex concepts more approachable. It also underscored the importance of perseverance and creativity in problem-solving.

For those interested in replicating or building upon this project, detailed guides and resources are available, such as the study on modern physics demonstrations using DIY smartphone spectrometers . Engaging in such hands-on projects fosters a deeper appreciation for science and its applications in understanding the world around us.

Bridging the Chasm: My Biggest Challenge in the Next Six Months”

“Bridging the Chasm: My Biggest Challenge in the Next Six Months”

Life, much like a meandering river, flows unpredictably—sometimes calm and serene, at other times tumultuous and demanding. As I stand at the threshold of the next six months, my biggest challenge looms large: finding meaningful professional engagement despite the invisible yet formidable barriers of age perception.

Having spent nearly four decades in the field of education, moulding young minds, shaping institutions, and pioneering initiatives, I still brim with energy and acumen. Yet, society’s silent verdict on ‘retirement age’ continues to cast its long shadow. While experience is a treasure trove, the world often favours the youthful vigour of fresh faces over the seasoned wisdom of time-tested professionals.

This challenge is not merely about securing a role; it is about reclaiming purpose, proving that expertise does not wane with age, and that wisdom is an asset, not a liability. It is about convincing schools and institutions that an experienced educator, consultant, and mentor can still bring innovation, strategy, and insight to the table.

Beyond professional hurdles, there’s also the personal battle against isolation. As social circles shrink and engagements dwindle, the need to remain relevant, connected, and intellectually stimulated grows stronger. The antidote to this? Writing, consulting, networking, and refusing to fade into oblivion.

The next six months will be a test of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. But as I have learned over the years, challenges are not walls but bridges—waiting to be crossed with determination and an unyielding spirit.