Paws, Claws, and Cause for Pause: The Best and Worst Companions in the Animal Kingdom”

“Paws, Claws, and Cause for Pause: The Best and Worst Companions in the Animal Kingdom”

Pets, in many ways, are like chapters of a book we never quite finish reading—each one unique, textured with memories, habits, lessons, and sometimes, chaos. From ancient scrolls to modern scroll-bars, our affection for animals has found mention in mythology, folklore, and the everyday chatter of households. But not all that purrs is poetry, and not every creature meant to walk the wild should tread our parlours.

Let us embark upon a journey, much like a fable unravelling, to explore the best and worst pets one can embrace, not just by instinct or fashion, but by reason, compatibility, and ethics.

The Cream of the Companion Crop

1. Dogs – Loyal Beyond Measure

It’s no surprise that dogs often top the list. Whether it’s a golden retriever chasing autumn leaves or a Shih Tzu snoring by the fire, their devotion is tail-waggingly true. They read emotions better than most humans and offer unwavering companionship. A dog, truly, is man’s best friend—and sometimes even therapist. But they demand time, training, and attention, much like raising a child who barks.

2. Cats – Independent, Yet Intriguingly Affectionate

Cats are the philosophers of the pet world—aloof yet affectionate, quiet yet expressive. They don’t bark orders or beg for attention. Instead, they tiptoe into your heart, uninvited yet welcome. Low maintenance and purring comfort machines, they suit the thinkers and the solitary souls.

3. Fish – The Silent Therapists

Watching fish swim is akin to meditation. They glide in serene grace, making aquariums a living canvas of tranquillity. While they aren’t ‘cuddly’, their charm lies in their calming effect. However, beneath their calm ripples lie delicate requirements—filters, temperatures, and strict feeding schedules.

4. Birds – A Song for Every Soul

From budgies mimicking laughter to canaries singing at sunrise, birds bring melody and mirth. They can be social, smart, and colourful companions. But caging a bird does raise moral questions. A chirp in captivity must be weighed against the ethics of freedom.

5. Rabbits and Guinea Pigs – Soft, Shy, and Sweet

For families with limited space and gentle hearts, rabbits and guinea pigs are affectionate and manageable. With proper care, they thrive and form delightful bonds. But beware the myth—they’re not just ‘starter pets’; their needs are specific and must be respected.

The Not-So-Great Choices (with All Due Respect)

1. Exotic Animals – Beauty Without Belonging

Monkeys, big cats, or snakes may seem intriguing, even Instagram-worthy—but the reality is neither safe nor sane. These animals belong in jungles, not drawing rooms. They require habitats, diets, and social structures we can’t replicate. More importantly, keeping them often involves illegal trade and immense cruelty.

2. Large Parrots – Feathered Drama Queens

Macaws and cockatoos are stunning, intelligent, and vocal. Too vocal, perhaps. They live for decades, sometimes outliving their owners, and demand more attention than toddlers. Neglect leads to depression, feather plucking, or loud squawking tantrums. They’re a commitment, not a hobby.

3. Wild Caught Reptiles – Unsettling and Unsustainable

Turtles, iguanas, and certain lizards may seem low-maintenance, but many come from the wild and carry disease risks or have specific environmental needs. They rarely bond with humans and can live for decades, sometimes turning into silent burdens.

4. Ferrets – Mischief in Motion

They are intelligent and amusing, yes, but ferrets are also smelly, sneaky, and not ideal for households with young children. Their constant need to explore and escape makes them more Houdini than house pet.

5. Insects and Arachnids – Beauty for the Brave

Tarantulas, scorpions, and giant beetles attract a niche set of enthusiasts. But for the average soul, they inspire more fear than fondness. Their care may be simple, but their companionship is mostly… one-sided.

Philosophical Paws for Thought

The question isn’t merely which animals make the best or worst pets, but which animals should be pets. Domesticating an animal implies responsibility, empathy, and knowledge. A pet is not a pastime. It’s a soul shared with your own, a heartbeat at your feet—or on your shoulder, or in your tank.

As the ancient Sanskrit shloka goes: “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah“—May all beings be happy. That includes our animal companions. Choose wisely, not whimsically.

In the end, a pet is neither a decoration nor a distraction. It is a bond, a dialogue without words, a mirror to our care, or lack thereof. And as with all things in life, it’s best to listen—not just to your heart, but to the wisdom of nature.

The Work I’d Do Without a Pay Cheque

“The Work I’d Do Without a Pay Cheque”

It’s a peculiar question, isn’t it? What job would you do for free? At first glance, it seems like an exercise in fantasy. After all, in a world that spins on coins and contracts, who has the luxury of working without expecting anything in return?

And yet, peel back the layers of our hearts and you’ll find that each of us harbours a vocation that stirs our soul more than it fills our pockets. A labour not of necessity, but of love. If money were no object, if bills didn’t stack like anxious soldiers on the mantelpiece, what would I still rise early to do?

For me, the answer is clear, unshaken by time or tide—I would teach.

A Classroom without a Salary

Teaching isn’t a profession—it’s a calling. Long before I donned the title of ‘Principal’, I was a student in the school of life, nurtured by the wisdom of Jesuit Fathers, comforted by the warmth of chalk dust, and carried forward by the curiosity of a mind that refused to sit still.

If given a classroom today—even with wooden benches and a leaking roof—I would teach. Not for promotions, not for perks, but for that flicker of understanding in a child’s eyes when a concept lands. That quiet “Aha!” moment is worth more than any cheque.

To teach is to touch eternity. A teacher never truly knows where their influence ends.

Wisdom for Free? Always!

In this journey of life, I’ve learnt that the most precious things we give—our time, knowledge, compassion—are often the ones we’re most hesitant to charge for. Perhaps that is because they come from a deeper well, one that money can neither buy nor exhaust.

Even now, in my so-called retirement, I find myself offering guidance to young teachers, students, and parents. Career counselling, training sessions, writing school hymns, or helping a young parent understand a speech-delayed child—all of it fills my heart, not my wallet.

My consultancy may carry a name and registration, but my counsel often flows free—like a river that quenches thirst without checking pockets.

The Philosophy of Unpaid Joy

Ancient Indian philosophy speaks of the Nishkama Karma—the action done without attachment to its fruit. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita reminds us, “Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kadachana”—we have a right to perform our duties, but not to the rewards thereof.

In Christianity too, the parables of the Good Samaritan and the labourers in the vineyard speak to the value of selfless work. Acts of service, done in love, are the highest forms of worship.

So, if I teach a child, guide a friend, write a poem, or even sweep a temple courtyard—it is still sacred if done with joy.

But Isn’t It Foolish?

Yes, some may call it foolish. “Why toil for free?” they ask. “The world doesn’t run on goodwill.” True. But neither does it thrive on greed. Between the ruthless boardroom and the reckless spender is a realm of givers—silent, unpaid, and unrecognised—who make the world bearable.

And no, I am not preaching sainthood. I, too, have bills. I, too, have worries. But in the balance of heart and hand, when something aligns so perfectly with your spirit, you just do it. Payment or not.

A Final Bell

The job I would do for free isn’t one I ever truly retired from. It’s who I am. It’s in the way I hold a chalk. It’s in the way I greet a child. It’s in the way I still dream of timetables and school assemblies.

Yes, I’d teach. I’d inspire. I’d write. I’d guide.

And I daresay, if every soul found such a calling—a job they’d do for free—the world might just spin a bit more kindly on its axis.

Whispers of Eremition: A Solitary Symphony

Whispers of Eremition: A Solitary Symphony

There exists within me an ineffable yearning—a call as old as time itself, whispering through the corridors of my soul. It is not a mere desire to retreat from the cacophony of modern existence, but an instinctual gravitation towards eremition, a sacred solitude where the self communes with the infinite.

Eremition, a state of voluntary seclusion, is often misunderstood as an escape. In truth, it is a return—to the primal silence, to the unspoken dialogue between man and the cosmos, where the chatter of the world dissolves into the music of the universe. It is not loneliness but an embrace of the profound, where thought ripens in the vast expanse of uninterrupted reflection.

The tapestry of my life has been woven with threads of relentless engagement—conversations, responsibilities, and an ever-turning wheel of duty. Yet, beneath this elaborate weave, the pulse of eremition beats steadily. There is a world within me, richer and more vibrant than any that the eye can see. It is a sanctuary where the mind is unshackled, and the heart is unburdened.

History and mythology are replete with seekers who relinquished the tangible to embrace the ethereal. The ascetics of India, the mystics of the East, and the monks of the Western world all sought the sanctity of solitude to decipher the enigma of existence. There, in the stillness, truth stands unclothed, raw and luminous. The great rishis meditated under whispering banyans, the Sufis whirled in divine ecstasy, and the poets found verses in the murmurs of the wind. What they sought, I too, seek—not to renounce life but to deepen its essence.

Yet, the paradox remains—can eremition truly exist amidst the inescapable entanglements of life? Must solitude be a physical withdrawal, or can it bloom within the mind even as the world presses close? I have often found solitude in a crowded room, in the spaces between conversations, in the hush of dawn before the world stirs. Perhaps, true eremition is not in the vanishing act but in the ability to cultivate an inner cloister, a sanctuary that no external force can breach.

There is a poetry in eremition—a slow unfurling of thought, a surrender to the rhythm of nature. The wind does not seek an audience, nor does the river require applause; yet, they exist in their purest forms, free and whole. Is that not the ultimate aspiration? To be like the river, flowing unencumbered; like the mountain, steadfast in its silence; like the star, burning alone but radiant in its solitude?

The desire for eremition is not a denial of life but an exaltation of its deeper truths. To walk in solitude is to listen to the murmurs of existence, to touch the hem of eternity, to find oneself not in isolation but in unity with the vastness of all that is.

One day, perhaps, I shall walk into the quiet embrace of a secluded abode, where the sky will be my ceiling, the earth my floor, and the whispers of the wind my eternal companion. Until then, I shall carve my eremition in the mind’s quiet alcove, where silence reigns and the soul finds its voice.

#Eremition #Solitude #PhilosophyOfLife #SpiritualJourney #InnerPeace #SelfReflection #Mysticism #PoeticProse #SilenceAndSerenity #Wisdom #Minimalism #MetaphysicalThoughts #NatureAndSolitude #MindfulLiving #CosmicConnection

The Thrill of the Rings: Olympic Sports That Keep Me Hooked

The Thrill of the Rings: Olympic Sports That Keep Me Hooked

The Olympics—an awe-inspiring global spectacle where raw talent meets unyielding perseverance, where sweat, skill, and spirit collide on the grandest stage of all. Every four years, the world watches in bated breath as athletes push human limits, shattering records and redefining excellence. Among the plethora of events, certain disciplines enthral me more than others, captivating my senses with their intensity, strategy, and sheer physicality. Boxing, tennis, badminton, and athletics hold a special place in my heart, each bringing its own brand of electrifying drama to the Games.

Boxing: The Sweet Science of Combat

Boxing is no mere slugfest; it is a chess match played with fists. The Olympic ring transforms into a battlefield where agility, technique, and tactical intelligence are as crucial as brute strength. Watching a pugilist weave, bob, and counterpunch with precision is a masterclass in controlled aggression. The discipline and endurance required to go the distance, coupled with the psychological warfare of reading an opponent’s movements, make every bout a gripping contest. The roar of the crowd, the split-second knockouts, and the triumphant raise of a gloved hand—each moment is pure adrenaline.

Tennis: Where Grit Meets Grace

Olympic tennis carries an air of grandeur, blending elegance with explosive power. Unlike the traditional Grand Slams, the Olympics introduce a rare camaraderie among players representing their nations, adding a unique emotional depth to every rally. The relentless baseline battles, acrobatic volleys, and deft drop shots are a joy to witness. What makes it even more riveting is the unpredictability—the world’s best can be toppled by an inspired underdog, making every match a potential classic. The fusion of mental toughness and physical prowess in a high-stakes environment elevates tennis to a level of unmatched excitement.

Badminton: A Blur of Speed and Precision

Blink, and you might miss it! Badminton at the Olympics is a high-octane duel of reflexes and resilience. The astonishing speed at which shuttlecocks zip across the court, the lunging dives, the delicate net play, and the thunderous smashes all contribute to an electrifying spectacle. The sheer athleticism on display is mesmerising—players contort their bodies in ways that defy belief, turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye. The endurance needed to last gruelling rallies and the tactical nous required to outwit an opponent make badminton a game of supreme skill and strategy.

Athletics: The Essence of Human Potential

If the Olympics had a heartbeat, it would be athletics. The primal allure of running faster, jumping higher, and throwing farther is what defines the very spirit of the Games. From the sheer explosiveness of the 100m sprint to the gruelling test of endurance in the marathon, athletics showcases the ultimate expression of human potential. Watching sprinters explode off the blocks, long-distance runners exhibit superhuman stamina, and pole vaulters defy gravity never fails to stir a deep sense of awe. These are not just events; they are displays of years of dedication, sacrifice, and an unbreakable will to be the best.

The Unifying Magic of the Olympics

Beyond the thrill of competition, the Olympics embody a grander vision—a world united through sport. Athletes from all corners of the globe stand shoulder to shoulder, driven by the same dream, sharing the same stage. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity, where the boundaries of geography, culture, and language dissolve in the pursuit of excellence.

As the Olympic flame is lit and the games unfold, I find myself glued to the screen, savouring the moments of triumph and heartbreak, the underdog stories, and the unparalleled sporting brilliance. These sports, with their unique blend of drama, skill, and emotion, ensure that every Olympic season is an unforgettable spectacle. And as the final whistle blows and the medals are awarded, one thing remains certain—the magic of the Games will always beckon, promising yet another chapter of sporting greatness.

Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Vision for Community Growth

Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Vision for Community Growth

A community is more than a cluster of homes and streets; it is a living entity that thrives on the collective spirit of its people. The vibrancy of a society depends not just on governance and infrastructure but also on the willingness of individuals to uplift one another. A truly progressive community is one where harmony meets innovation, where tradition coexists with modernity, and where every individual finds a sense of belonging.

The Power of Shared Responsibility

Communities flourish when their members take responsibility for their collective well-being. Civic engagement, volunteerism, and active participation in local initiatives create a shared sense of duty. Simple actions such as organising cleanliness drives, promoting local businesses, and supporting underprivileged members can have a ripple effect, transforming the very fabric of society.

Education as the Cornerstone

Education is the bedrock of progress. Ensuring quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic status, is paramount to fostering an enlightened society. Beyond formal schooling, community-led learning initiatives—such as skill-based workshops, mentorship programmes, and knowledge-sharing forums—can empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their surroundings. The future of any community rests on the shoulders of an informed and educated populace.

Reviving the Spirit of Togetherness

The modern world, despite its digital connectivity, has created an irony of isolation. True community strength lies in fostering real human connections. Regular cultural festivals, storytelling sessions, and intergenerational interactions can help rekindle the lost warmth of communal living. Celebrating diversity and inclusivity ensures that every member, regardless of background, feels valued and heard.

Sustainable Living for a Lasting Impact

Environmental consciousness should be at the heart of community growth. Urban landscapes must embrace sustainability through tree-planting initiatives, waste management solutions, and energy conservation programmes. Encouraging green practices, such as rainwater harvesting and local farming, not only nurtures the environment but also cultivates a shared responsibility for future generations.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Communities that embrace change and encourage innovation are those that stand the test of time. Investing in local entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups, and promoting a digital-first approach in governance can enhance efficiency and accessibility. An ecosystem that nurtures creativity and problem-solving is one that continuously evolves and adapts to new challenges.

Leadership from Within

Leadership is not the sole prerogative of elected officials; it is an intrinsic quality that resides within every community member. The ability to inspire, guide, and initiate change at the grassroots level is the mark of a truly engaged citizen. By nurturing leadership skills in young minds, we ensure that the community’s legacy is carried forward with vision and integrity.

The Road Ahead

A thriving community does not emerge overnight—it is built on years of mutual effort, unwavering trust, and a deep sense of belonging. It takes a mosaic of actions, both small and significant, to weave the social fabric that binds people together. By fostering education, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, we can build a community that is not just a place to live, but a home in its truest sense.

After all, the strength of a community lies not in the grandeur of its structures, but in the depth of its connections and the values it upholds.

Dancing with Shadows: My Pandemic Survival Tale

Dancing with Shadows: My Pandemic Survival Tale

Covid – 19

The world stood still. Streets, once bustling with life, became ghostly echoes of their past selves. Conversations shrank to the sterile glow of screens, and human touch was reduced to a luxury of memory. As the universe conspired to bring chaos, I found myself flung into an abyss of uncertainty—a predicament crafted not by fate, but by the hands that once extended an illusion of permanence.

It had been a paradoxical twist. In the twilight of 2017, I had penned my resignation—a decision fuelled by an inner longing for change, for a new odyssey. But destiny had its own whimsical ways. The management, with all its persuasive eloquence, had drawn me back into the fold, reassuring, reaffirming. I had stayed, continued, flourished—or so I had believed. Yet, when the world was already teetering on the edge of despair, they found their moment. A paper once filed in good faith became the sword that severed my tether. I was jobless in the middle of a global catastrophe.

The irony was exquisite. As the world screamed for stability, I was left with none. The emptiness was deafening, the anxiety paralysing. Every evening, the television blared grim statistics—death tolls rising like an unforgiving tide, hospitals overflowing, and people gasping for breath in a world that had forgotten to breathe freely. The streets were silent, but beneath that silence lurked untold struggles—jobs lost, businesses crumbling, and hunger knocking at countless doors.

But when all seemed bleak, an old ally came to my rescue—my knowledge, my words, my ability to educate, even through the confines of a digital medium.

The transformation was not instantaneous. The nights were long, spent in restless contemplation. The mornings were riddled with the echoes of uncertainty. Yet, somewhere within the ruins of despair, I carved a path. Online teaching became my salvation—a raft upon the vast, unforgiving sea. My voice, once resonating in the lively corridors of academia, now floated through wires, finding homes in the hearts of unseen listeners.

Survival was an art, and I had become an unwilling artist. The struggle to stay afloat was nothing short of Herculean. The shifting paradigms of education, the technical hiccups, the absence of tangible interaction—all of it weighed heavily. And yet, with every lesson delivered, with every hesitant student who found solace in my voice, I realised—I was still needed.

But my journey of endurance was not confined to the virtual realm. Trapped in the stillness of the world, I found an escape in movement. My bicycle became my chariot, and the empty roads, my playground. I cycled relentlessly—2000 kilometres in a couple of months, each ride a testament to my refusal to succumb. The wind against my face, the rhythmic whir of the wheels—it was my rebellion against stagnation, my silent anthem of survival.

Beyond personal endurance, the crisis revealed another calling. Society was aching, and I could not stand as a mere spectator. With whatever resources I could muster, I extended a helping hand—be it arranging food for the needy, assisting in securing essentials, or simply being a voice of reassurance in a time of deafening despair. In a world torn apart by isolation, acts of kindness became bridges, small beacons of hope in a time shrouded in uncertainty.

Philosophers speak of change as the only constant, but living it is an entirely different affair. The pandemic was not merely a crisis; it was a mirror, a cruel but honest one. It laid bare our dependencies, our illusions of control. It was a cosmic jest—a stark reminder that no matter how meticulously we map our futures, the universe has its own designs.

Through the laughter of students echoing from my computer speakers, through the occasional internet glitches that turned serious discussions into comedic interludes, through the silent battles fought on the saddle of my bicycle, I found solace. There was irony, yes. There was struggle, undoubtedly. But there was also resilience, an undying spirit that refused to be subdued.

I look back now and realise—I was never truly alone. The same universe that had wrenched security away had also gifted me the means to endure. I had danced with shadows, battled with uncertainty, and emerged, not unscathed, but wiser. The road ahead remains a mystery, but one truth remains etched in my soul: survival is not about holding on to what was, but about embracing what can be.

And so, I walk forward—not with fear, but with the quiet confidence of one who has faced the abyss and lived to tell the tale.

The Sacred Symphony of My Mornings

The Sacred Symphony of My Mornings

Mornings are the overture to the symphony of the day—a time when the mind is serene, the heart is receptive, and the soul, if nurtured well, sets the rhythm for what follows. The Vedas extol the sanctity of dawn, where the first light of the sun is likened to divine wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance.

उषा आविर्भूत्वा तमसा पुरस्तात् ।
यत् सत्वं रजस्तमसि ज्योतिर्बिभर्ति सूर्यः ॥
Uṣā āvirbhūtvā tamasā purastāt,
Yat satvaṁ rajas tamasi jyotir bibharti sūryaḥ.
The dawn dispels the darkness and brings forth light,
just as the sun illuminates the world with its radiance.
—Rigveda 1.113.16

With the first light peeping through the curtains, I rise with a quiet reverence for the day ahead. The initial moments are not hurried; they are deliberate, reflective, and filled with gratitude. A refreshing bath marks the cleansing of both body and spirit, an essential prelude to what follows—prayers that are not merely recitations but dialogues with the Divine.

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥
Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ, sarve santu nirāmayāḥ,
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu, mā kaścid-duḥkha-bhāg bhavet.
May all be happy, may all be free from illness,
May all see auspiciousness, and may none suffer in sorrow.
—Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.14

This invocation fills the heart with selflessness and compassion, setting the right tone for the day.

In this sacred communion, time ceases to be a mere progression of hours. It transforms into an eternal moment, where the transient and the eternal converse. The mind, in its purest state, becomes akin to a still lake reflecting the limitless sky above.

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥
Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ.
Yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations.
—Yoga Sutras 1.2

The wandering thoughts, the residual worries of yesterday, all subside into a meditative stillness.

Emerging from this spiritual sojourn, hunger inevitably calls, and I heed its summons with a direct march to the kitchen. Be it a hearty breakfast, a modest brunch, or a simple snack, this is an unmissable act of replenishment. The body, like the mind, demands its due, and I ensure that both are adequately fuelled before embarking on the day’s pursuits.

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥
Yuktāhāra-vihārasya yuktaceṣṭasya karmasu,
Yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā.
Balance in eating, balance in activities, and balance in work lead to well-being.
One who regulates sleep and wakefulness attains yoga that destroys sorrow.
—Bhagavad Gita 6.17

This wisdom reminds me that even the most mundane acts, when done with mindfulness, become sacred.

Next, I settle into my working chair, a throne of productivity where digital interactions take precedence. The realm of messages, emails, and correspondences demands attention, and I diligently clear the slate, ensuring no lingering query or conversation remains unattended. There is a methodical rhythm to this—like sorting through pebbles on a shore, keeping the valuable and discarding the redundant. In the words of the great poet Khalil Gibran, “Your work is your love made visible.”

With the preliminary engagements complete, I immerse myself in the true essence of my mornings—reading and writing. The written word is my truest companion, an inexhaustible reservoir of wisdom and expression. Whether it is delving into history, philosophy, or contemporary discourses, or crafting narratives that weave together knowledge, experience, and thought, this is the pursuit that gives my mornings their ultimate purpose. The Upanishads liken knowledge to an eternal flame.

असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥
Asato mā sad gamaya,
Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya,
Mṛtyor mā amṛtaṁ gamaya.
Lead me from untruth to truth,
Lead me from darkness to light,
Lead me from mortality to immortality.
—Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28

Thus unfolds the first hour of my day—a seamless confluence of faith, nourishment, engagement, and intellectual pursuit. It is an hour well-spent, an invocation to a day well-lived. Each morning, I am reminded that life is not a race to the end but a melody to be played with harmony. The sun rises with a promise, and I, in turn, rise with purpose, letting my mornings be the foundation of a day steeped in wisdom, grace, and fulfilment.