Stealing Sunshine: Five Everyday Things That Quietly Make Me Happy”

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

“Stealing Sunshine: Five Everyday Things That Quietly Make Me Happy”

Happiness, I’ve realised, isn’t always a firecracker moment or a lottery win. Sometimes, it’s a nudge, a wink, a fleeting giggle in the middle of a mundane Monday. It doesn’t arrive with confetti or soundtracks, but slips in with the grace of a cat—quietly, unpredictably, and often, right under your nose.

So, what brings me joy on an otherwise ordinary day? Here are five delightfully simple things that turn my everyday life from bland to brilliantly spiced.

1. The First Sip of Hot Beverage (Tea/Coffee/Whatever’s Brewing)

There’s nothing quite like that first sacred sip—be it tea, coffee, or a questionable herbal infusion that promises “detox” but tastes like boiled weeds. In that one moment, the world pauses. The birds chirp louder, the neighbours stop quarrelling, and for precisely seven seconds, I believe I can conquer the world.

Of course, reality returns by the second sip—but oh, what a glorious start it is!

2. The Unexpected Whiff of Something Familiar

You know the one. A breeze brings the scent of wet earth, or old books, or someone’s cooking with too much garlic—and suddenly you’re ten years younger, funnier, and not yet in need of spectacles. It’s amazing how one good whiff can launch a thousand memories or, at the very least, a craving for pakoras.

It’s the nose’s way of throwing a surprise party—and I always RSVP “yes”.

3. The Sudden Discovery of Something I Thought I Lost

From spectacles perched on my head to coins hiding in sofa crevices, rediscovering something thought lost is nothing short of a personal victory. I have been known to do victory laps around the living room for finding a missing pen—only to realise it doesn’t work.

Still, the thrill of the chase! It makes me feel like Sherlock Holmes, minus the hat, pipe, and actual investigative skill.

4. Eavesdropping on Ridiculous Conversations

Before you judge me, admit it—you’ve done it too. The world is a stage, and I, a humble audience member seated near the most unintentionally hilarious performers. Be it two teenagers arguing about whether penguins are birds or someone whispering loudly on a call in a public place, these moments are gifts. Free entertainment. Unscripted comedy.

Eavesdropping, in moderation, is my guilty pleasure. And unlike chocolate, it doesn’t come with calories.

5. Watching the Sky Like It Owes Me an Explanation

Whether it’s clouds shaped like dinosaurs, or a dramatic sunset trying its best to outdo yesterday’s performance, the sky never disappoints. I sit, watch, and occasionally talk to it. No, I haven’t lost my marbles—at least not all of them.

There’s something soothing about the sky’s silent drama. No script, no filter, no agenda. Just colours, patterns, and the occasional bird photobombing the view. It’s like scrolling through nature’s Instagram, only without the ads.

And So…

Happiness doesn’t always need to be pursued like a wild goose; sometimes, it just needs to be noticed. In the giggle of the wind, the quirks of human behaviour, or the bottom of a long-lost drawer—joy hides in plain sight.

As they say, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about dancing in the drizzle with mismatched slippers.” Or something like that.

And if all else fails? There’s always the sofa, a good pillow, and the remote control. Bliss, bottled.

The Art of Shedding: My Journey to a Simpler, Richer Life

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

“The Art of Shedding: My Journey to a Simpler, Richer Life”

There comes a time in life when the glitter of possessions begins to fade, and the din of society grows faint in the ear of one who seeks peace. I have neither chased the chariots of commerce nor climbed the ladders of noisy social hierarchies. Instead, I chose to shed — and in the shedding, I found abundance.

I often reflect on how subtly, yet surely, I turned a page in my life. Gone are the days when acquisition defined worth, when gathering clutter masqueraded as growth. Today, I own little, need less, and live fuller. My lifestyle is no declaration, no rebellion — it is simply a quiet choice to disengage from the chaos and anchor myself in calm.

Letting Go to Let In

The most visible change is material. I made peace with having no car. I do not rush to buy the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, or the fanciest decor. The craving to possess has been replaced by the joy to experience. Cycling through quiet lanes, with the wind as my companion, is far more enriching than any horsepower on four wheels. The joy lies in the journey, not in how swiftly I reach.

New purchases are rare. I patch, I preserve, I prolong — not out of compulsion but from conviction. Consumption has taken a backseat, contemplation now drives my choices. The act of choosing less has, paradoxically, expanded my sense of freedom.

A Conscious Withdrawal

Social engagements have quietly dwindled, not from bitterness, but from betterment. The hours once spent in idle chatter are now dedicated to books, to music, to introspection. My conversations now are with thinkers, poets, philosophers, saints — across pages and centuries.

Prayer has become not a ritual but a rhythm — calming, centring, elevating. In solitude, I found my sanctuary. In silence, I found my song.

From Seeking to Being

These changes weren’t sudden. They crept in like dawn — gently, persistently, irreversibly. They are not results of despair or disappointment, but of discernment. I now walk lighter — physically, mentally, emotionally. I no longer run behind, nor do I run away. I simply am, and that suffices.

I have replaced noise with notes — sometimes from a hymnbook, sometimes from a harmonium. I have replaced ambition with alignment — not with the world, but with myself.

The Unseen Wealth

Yes, I live with minimum needs. But what I’ve gained is immeasurable — time, peace, clarity, a sense of rootedness. I do not measure life in milestones, but in moments. I may not party, but I celebrate — each sunrise, each verse read, each prayer whispered, each mile cycled.

In a world hurtling towards more, I have found meaning in less. And in doing so, I believe I have not escaped life, but embraced it — in its most serene, sacred, and soulful form.

Afterthoughts

I do not preach this path. It is not paved for all. But for those who’ve heard the silent call to slow down, to step back, to unburden — this life of lesser clutter and deeper connections awaits like a warm old friend.

And to that friend, I say — thank you, for teaching me how to live again.

Sweat with a Smile: The Most Fun Way to Exercise

“Sweat with a Smile: The Most Fun Way to Exercise”

They say no pain, no gain—but what if we flip the coin and find gain with a grin? For years, the word “exercise” conjured images of military-style workouts, gym-bunnies flexing in mirrors, or endless runs on a treadmill that goes nowhere. But today, let’s throw the rulebook out the window and explore the idea that fitness need not be a grim duty—it can be a joyous adventure.

Dance Like No One’s Watching

If you ask me, dancing tops the chart of fun workouts. Whether you’re swaying to a bhajan, swinging to a 60s Hindi number, or going full throttle with Zumba or Bhangra, dancing is a celebration of the body and soul. It’s rhythm meeting movement in perfect harmony. You don’t need a dance floor, just a room, a speaker, and the willingness to let go.

I remember, during my Principalship, the most effective way to break the ice with students was a surprise jig during the annual day rehearsals. The laughter, the shared rhythm—it burned calories and built connections. Isn’t that what true fitness should be—physical and emotional wellbeing rolled into one?

Walking with Wonder

Let’s not underestimate the humble walk. Especially when it’s peppered with curiosity. A morning walk, with nature as your gym partner, is both soothing and stimulating. The rustling of leaves, a nod from a fellow walker, or the giggle of a child running past—every step is a moment captured.

But let’s make it fun—walk with a purpose. Explore new neighbourhoods, turn it into a photo walk, or walk while listening to an audiobook. Why not take your toddler grandson along and turn it into a treasure hunt for butterflies or flowers? Suddenly, you’re not just walking—you’re weaving stories with your steps.

Game On!

Nothing beats the thrill of a friendly game. Whether it’s badminton, table tennis, cricket, or even a game of frisbee in the park, sports ignite a competitive flame laced with camaraderie. It brings back the schoolboy or schoolgirl in you—nimble, cheeky, ready to sprint after a rolling ball like life depends on it.

And mind you, you don’t have to be a pro. Half the fun is in missing the shot and bursting into laughter. My knees may not be what they once were, but give me a cricket bat and I’ll still swing it with childlike glee, even if the ball barely rolls past.

Jump into Joy – Skipping, Cycling & Splashing

Skipping is not just for children. It’s a full-body workout and a perfect way to reconnect with your inner child. Combine it with peppy music, and it becomes a rhythm game. Or take to the cycle—feel the breeze on your face as the wheels spin freedom beneath you.

And if you’re lucky to be near a pool—swimming is both fun and therapeutic. It’s gentle on the joints and delightful for the spirit. Water, after all, has a way of healing more than just sore muscles.

Group Classes – The Tribe Effect

Humans are social beings. Group workouts like yoga in the park, laughter therapy, or aerobics classes in the community hall can turn exercise into a daily gathering of like-minded people. You share stories, jokes, and the occasional moan about a sore back—a community that sweats together, sticks together.

Philosophically Speaking…

Ancient Indian thought never divorced exercise from joy. The asanas of yoga are meant not to punish the body, but to awaken it. Similarly, Plato believed that physical fitness was as crucial for the mind as it was for the body. When fun enters fitness, the exercise becomes not a task, but a tapasya—a disciplined joy.

As someone who has lived across the mountains of Nepal, the plains of Odisha, and now the bustling yet scenic corners of Bangalore, I’ve learned that fun in exercise lies not in the what, but in the how. Sweat with a smile—and suddenly the mundane becomes magical.

Parting Shot

So, what’s the most fun way to exercise? The one that makes you laugh, sing, dance, and forget you’re burning calories. The one that doesn’t feel like a drill but a delight. Life’s too short for boring workouts. Pick joy, pick movement, and let your heart race with happiness.

Because at the end of the day, if it isn’t fun, you won’t do it. But if it is, you’ll never want to stop.

Quantum Vision: A Journey Through the Lens of Light and Logic

Quantum Vision: A Journey Through the Lens of Light and Logic

Available Worldwide on all Amazon Platform

In a world driven by invisible waves and electronic pulses, understanding the science that underpins our daily lives is more than just academic—it’s empowering. My latest book, Quantum Vision: From Optics to Electronics, is a meticulously crafted exploration of the essential concepts in modern physics, aimed at curious minds, dedicated students, passionate teachers, and lifelong learners.

This book is born from decades of teaching, observing, and reflecting on how students best grasp scientific principles. With each chapter, I have tried to build not just knowledge, but understanding—layer by layer, from the basics of light reflection to the depths of quantum mechanics and the marvels of digital communication systems.

The Journey Through the Book

Unit 1: Optics invites readers to delve into the foundational behaviour of light—how it reflects, refracts, and reveals the structure of our universe through instruments like microscopes and telescopes. The chapters here connect historical experiments with present-day applications, helping learners see not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’.

Unit 2: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter explores the revolutionary ideas that changed classical physics forever. From the photoelectric effect to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, students will grasp how particles behave like waves, and how this duality is used in cutting-edge technologies today.

Unit 3: Atoms and Nuclei presents atomic models, the magic of spectral lines, and the deep mysteries within the nucleus. Discussions on radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the immense power held within atomic structures are presented with clarity and relevance.

Unit 4: Electronic Devices transitions seamlessly into real-world electronics—from semiconductors and transistors to amplifiers and digital circuits. With a special focus on logic gates and communication systems, this unit links theory with devices we use every day—mobiles, satellites, and the internet.

What Makes This Book Unique?

Structured Learning: Each chapter begins with clear objectives, includes neatly illustrated diagrams, and ends with thought-provoking numerical and theoretical questions.

Application-Oriented: Real-life connections and experiments included in the appendices make this book a bridge between textbook science and hands-on reality.

Accessible Language: Written in UK English with precision and pedagogical care, it avoids jargon while preserving scientific accuracy.

Comprehensive Appendices: Glossaries, formula sheets, experiments, and model test papers provide invaluable support to both students and teachers.

Who Should Read This Book?

Whether you’re a high school student preparing for competitive exams, a college-goer revisiting fundamentals, a teacher seeking structured resources, or simply a curious learner, Quantum Vision has something to offer.

In a time where scientific literacy is more vital than ever, understanding the quantum realm and the devices that translate it into daily convenience is a superpower. I invite you to explore this book and gain not just knowledge—but vision.

Get your copy of Quantum Vision: From Optics to Electronics today, and illuminate your understanding of the universe around you.

QuantumVision #PhysicsBook #OpticsToElectronics #ScienceEducation #STEM #PhysicsForStudents

Between Gavel and Greatsword: If I Were William Wallace with the Heart of Atticus Finch

Between Gavel and Greatsword: If I Were William Wallace with the Heart of Atticus Finch

If I could step into the soul of any character from literature or film, I would choose to wear the mantle of William Wallace, the fearless Scottish warrior from Braveheart. His cry of “Freedom!” still echoes across hills and hearts, reminding us that some battles are worth more than breath itself. But I would temper his fire with the mind of another hero I revere—Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird—thus creating a blend of brawn and brain, valour and virtue, heart and head.

William Wallace was not merely a soldier swinging a claymore in the misty glens of Scotland. He was the voice of the voiceless, the banner-bearer of liberty in the face of tyranny. What stirs me most about Wallace is not his battlefield exploits, but the purpose behind them. He was not fighting for personal gain or glory; he was fighting for the right to breathe freely, to live honourably, and to die with dignity. He was not just a man of war, but a man of will.

There’s an idiom that goes, “Fortune favours the brave,” and Wallace lived it to the hilt. But his bravery wasn’t blind. It was born of pain, honed by loss, and fuelled by an unshakeable belief that no man should kneel where he ought to stand.

Yet, if I were to walk in his boots, I would carry also the inner compass of Atticus Finch. Imagine a Wallace who wields not only a sword but also reason; who rides not only into battlefields, but into courtrooms and classrooms; who inspires not only by defying kings but by defending truth with quiet resolve.

Atticus once said, “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” William Wallace lived by that, even before it was penned. His conscience refused to be shackled, even when his body was. His life teaches us that courage is not merely the absence of fear—it is the audacity to walk into the fire knowing you may never come out, yet go in anyway because the cause is just.

If I were Wallace, I would wear my scars like medals, speak with conviction even when my voice trembles, and dare to defy not out of hatred, but out of hope. I would rally not just clans, but communities—urging them to rise against ignorance, injustice, and indifference.

The sword and the scale need not be enemies. In the silhouette of William Wallace and the shadow of Atticus Finch, I see a version of myself I strive for—one that fights not with fists alone, but with facts and faith; one who doesn’t just lead armies, but awakens minds.

In a world that often demands silence in the face of wrong, to be William Wallace is to roar. And to be Atticus Finch is to reason. If I could be both—a warrior with wisdom, a rebel with a righteous cause—then perhaps I would not just be a character from a film or book.

I would be a story worth telling.

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.