When the Room Turns into a Storm: A Time I Felt Out of Place

When the Room Turns into a Storm: A Time I Felt Out of Place

Sometimes, one steps into a room expecting warmth, dialogue, and fellowship, only to find oneself caught in a storm that was never meant to be weathered. I recall such a time, a gathering where the very air became heavy with conflict. What was meant to be a meeting of minds, perhaps even an exchange of perspectives, devolved into a battlefield of words, rising tempers, and fists.

At first, the conversations carried a spark of curiosity. People put forth their views with enthusiasm, but that enthusiasm soon slipped into arrogance. Arguments transformed into shouting matches, shouting into abuses, and abuses into physical blows. The very space that should have been a cradle of dialogue turned into a crucible of chaos. I sat in stunned silence, wishing I could melt away, for the place no longer felt safe, civil, or worthy of my presence.

The Behavioural Science of Conflict

Psychologists have often observed how group dynamics can spiral out of control. When egos clash, reason is the first casualty. A simple conversation triggers what behaviour scientists term the fight or flight response. Adrenaline rises, judgement clouds, and the human mind — which prides itself on logic — reverts to primal instincts. In that gathering, I witnessed this regression vividly: civilised discourse unravelled into primitive combat.

The Social Ethics of Belonging

Social ethics remind us that belonging to a space comes with responsibility. To sit together, to share thoughts, to exchange experiences — all of this requires an invisible contract of respect. When that contract is broken, a place becomes toxic. For me, the sense of being “out of place” was not merely physical; it was moral and emotional. My values clashed with the environment, and the dissonance was painful.

The Science of Choosing Your Place

As life advances, one realises that choosing the right place is as important as choosing the right words. The science of decision-making suggests we must weigh not just the potential benefit of being present but also the emotional and psychological costs. A wise choice of gatherings can prevent unnecessary scars on the heart and mind. Every place we enter leaves its mark on us — so it is prudent to step where respect, civility, and thoughtfulness are welcomed.

That evening taught me more than a hundred lectures could. It was not just about being physically out of place, but about realising that environments which breed negativity are never worth one’s time. A room can echo with laughter, or it can thunder with hostility; the choice of which door we walk through often decides the quality of our memories.

Mindful thoughts to End

In a hall where tempers rise like flame,
I sat in silence, feeling out of frame.
Words turned to weapons, calm gave way,
To fists and fury in a stormy play.

A gentle heart must learn to steer,
Away from places clouded by fear.
Choose your circle, choose your ground,
Where peace, not chaos, is truly found.

For not every gathering deserves your face,
Sometimes wisdom lies in leaving the place.

Life Unplugged: A World Without the Computer

Life Unplugged: A World Without the Computer

If one were to imagine life without a computer, it feels like standing in the midst of a vast library where the shelves are brimming with wisdom, yet the doors remain locked. The computer, in its humble metallic and silicon form, has become more than a tool; it is the extension of our mind, a loyal companion of our intellect, and a bridge to connect souls across oceans. But let us dare to step back, to peel away the luminous screen and ask: what would life be like without it?

A Return to Simplicity

Without the computer, our mornings would begin not with the gentle hum of a machine, but with the rustle of a newspaper, the smell of ink staining fingertips, and the art of handwriting letters that carry not only words but emotions engraved in every stroke. Conversations would demand patience; friendships would rely upon the weight of handwritten cards and the effort of travelling across miles. There would be slowness, but in that slowness, perhaps a deeper sense of intimacy.

The Scientific Pause

Science, too, would tread differently. Imagine a world where climate models are drawn on paper rather than simulated through thousands of processors, where astronomical mysteries rely solely on telescopes and hand calculations, and where medicines advance at the pace of laboratory notebooks rather than bioinformatics. The absence of computational power would slow progress, yet it would heighten the genius of human curiosity, much like Kepler labouring over planetary orbits with nothing but his will and wits.

The Socio-Economic Lens

Economically, the absence of computers would redraw the map of society. No digital markets, no virtual banking, no lightning-fast transactions that turn ideas into industries overnight. Wealth would be measured in tangible resources and manual effort rather than data-driven innovation. Employment would swell in the fields of clerical work, filing, and physical accounting, but industries like e-commerce, software, artificial intelligence, and digital communication would remain unborn. Perhaps inequalities would look different—measured not by access to data, but by access to physical labour and printed knowledge.

Technology, the Unseen Pulse

Technology has woven itself into the fabric of our existence like an invisible thread. A life without computers would mean no smartphones, no global positioning systems, no social media platforms shaping conversations across borders. The rhythm of modern civilisation would slow to the pace of human hands and human memory. Yet, paradoxically, one wonders—would there be more silence, more reflection, more genuine conversations under starlit skies?

The Poetic Reflection

Without computers, our nights would belong once again to books under dim lantern light, to the scratching of pens on diaries, to children inventing games from imagination rather than pixels. Perhaps the heart would beat to simpler melodies, yet the mind might ache for the boundless reach of a search engine, the infinite web of information, and the convenience of storing lifetimes of work in a small metallic box.

Life without a computer would not be lifeless—it would be different, slower, rooted in patience and persistence. But it would also be deprived of the wonders of instant knowledge, global unity, and the scientific leaps that define our era. To live without a computer would be to walk backwards in time with candles in our hands while knowing that the sun of knowledge has already risen.

And so, the computer is not merely a device; it is the silent architect of our age. To imagine life without it is to understand its irreplaceable role—as a friend, a philosopher, a guide, and at times, a master. Without it, humanity would still live, but perhaps without the wings that let us soar into the infinite skies of knowledge and creation.

The Art of Saving Oneself from Friends

The Art of Saving Oneself from Friends

Friendship, in its purest form, is meant to be a sanctuary of trust, laughter and companionship. Yet, there are times when the very bonds that promise shelter also become shackles. The skill I most long to master is not a musical instrument, not a new language, nor even a professional craft — but the subtle, delicate art of saving myself from my friends.

The Paradox of Friendship

It sounds almost contradictory — why would one need saving from friends? But life, in all its paradoxes, often teaches us that affection does not always come untainted. Friends can be fountains of joy, yet at times, they can be storm clouds that darken our horizon. Their words may turn into veiled criticisms, their gestures into obligations, and their presence into burdens.

To save oneself is not to abandon them, but to protect the sanctity of one’s inner self. It is to build quiet boundaries, not brick walls; to preserve dignity without disrupting love.

The Philosophy of Self-Preservation

Ancient wisdom often emphasises balance — the middle path of Buddha, the harmony of the Upanishads, the Stoic resilience of Marcus Aurelius. Each speaks of the same truth: to live well, one must neither lose oneself in others nor withdraw completely.

Saving oneself from friends is, therefore, the practice of inner equilibrium. It is saying yes with joy when the heart permits, and no with grace when the spirit demands. It is remembering that companionship is a choice, not a compulsion, and that the self, if lost, cannot be reclaimed easily.

The Poetic Skill of Letting Go

To acquire this skill is akin to learning a delicate art — like sketching with soft pastels or composing verses that balance rhyme and rhythm. It requires attentiveness, courage and humility. It means knowing when to share silence instead of words, when to walk away rather than linger, when to guard one’s energy as a lamp from the wind.

Friendship, after all, should be a garden where flowers bloom freely — not a cage where the soul suffocates.

When laughter turns to piercing sound,
And kindness binds like rope around,
I’ll step aside, I’ll breathe, I’ll see,
The quiet truth that sets me free.

Not every hand that reaches near,
Carries the balm to calm my fear,
Some wounds are healed by walking slow,
By learning when to stay, to go.

So may I guard my tender flame,
With love intact, yet free from blame,
For saving self is not the end,
But the truest way to love a friend.

Book Review: Study Smarter, Succeed Faster by Prashant Kumar Lal

Book Review: Study Smarter, Succeed Faster by Prashant Kumar Lal

Available at http://www.amazon.com

About the Book
Study Smarter, Succeed Faster is not just another study guide – it is an essential roadmap designed to transform the way students approach learning. With clarity, practicality, and motivational insight, the book equips learners with effective strategies to save time, retain knowledge better, and develop the discipline needed to succeed in academics and beyond. Spread across 308 well-crafted pages, it combines theory with actionable steps, making it a true companion for anyone who wishes to unlock the power of focused, efficient study habits.

About the Author
Prashant Kumar Lal, a seasoned educationist with over three decades of leadership in schools, brings his wealth of experience into this book. Having served as a Principal, mentor, and consultant, he has spent years understanding the challenges faced by students and guiding them towards achieving their full potential. His previous works on education, training, and personal growth have already left an imprint on countless learners and teachers. With Study Smarter, Succeed Faster, he once again proves his ability to inspire and empower.

Target Readers
The book primarily addresses students at different academic levels – from secondary school learners striving to balance a heavy workload, to university students aiming to enhance productivity and reduce stress. At the same time, parents and educators will also find in it a valuable resource to better understand and support the learners in their care.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
What sets this book apart is its fusion of academic discipline with life skills. Instead of burdening students with lengthy theories, it offers practical, time-tested techniques rooted in real-life educational settings. Each chapter nudges readers to shift from working harder to working smarter – focusing not just on memorisation, but on critical thinking, motivation, and structured goal-setting. It bridges the gap between effort and achievement, ensuring that success is not only faster but also more fulfilling.

Why You Should Read It
In an age where distractions are at every corner, Study Smarter, Succeed Faster acts as a compass that points students back to purposeful learning. It is written in a style that is simple yet powerful, relatable yet inspiring. Whether you are preparing for exams, looking to manage your time better, or simply seeking a method to learn more efficiently, this book will serve as your trusted guide.

Available now in print and digital format at http://www.amazon.com. Don’t just study harder – study smarter, and let success come faster than you ever imagined.

The Subtle Corners of Life We Overlook

The Subtle Corners of Life We Overlook

Life is not only measured by milestones but also by the quiet pauses in between. Too often, in chasing after goals and survival, we ignore the finer details that quietly weave happiness, contentment, and purpose. These details — health, relationships, time, spirituality, gratitude, learning, and balance — are the pillars of a life well-lived. Paying attention to them is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Health: The Silent Wealth

Health is like the foundation of a house — often invisible, but crucial. Without it, even the most beautiful structure collapses. Too many of us overlook the need for moderation in food, sufficient sleep, or mindful exercise until ailments force us to reconsider. Stress, anxiety, and fatigue are not badges of honour; they are alarms that demand change.

Attention to health is not merely about adding years to our life, but life to our years. Choosing a walk in the park over another hour on the couch, drinking water instead of sugary drinks, breathing deeply instead of rushing — these little habits can transform our well-being. In essence, health is the only form of wealth that, once lost, cannot always be regained.

Relationships: The Heartbeat of Existence

At the end of our journey, it is not achievements but people who matter. Relationships are the threads that bind us to meaning. Yet, in the pursuit of success, we sometimes reduce family dinners to rushed meals and friendships to digital interactions.

True attention to relationships requires presence — listening without glancing at phones, valuing conversations beyond utility, and showing care not only in grand gestures but in simple consistency. Relationships thrive not on perfection, but on patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Paying attention to the people around us is paying attention to the very heartbeat of existence.

Time: The Irreplaceable Treasure

Time is democratic — it gives each of us 24 hours a day, no more, no less. Yet, how differently it is spent determines the quality of our lives. Often, we squander hours scrolling endlessly or worrying about things beyond our control.

Paying attention to time means recognising its fragility. Prioritising meaningful work over mindless busyness, choosing quality over quantity, and reserving time for rest, hobbies, and reflection are all ways of honouring this gift. When we learn to live in the present, instead of being imprisoned by the past or consumed by the future, time reveals itself as a treasure chest brimming with possibilities.

Spirituality: The Inner Compass

Material possessions satisfy only the surface of life; spirituality nourishes its depth. Spirituality need not always be bound to rituals — it can be as simple as sitting in silence, contemplating the vastness of the sky, or feeling connected to humanity at large.

When we pay attention to the inner self, we cultivate resilience. Failures hurt less, success feels humbler, and loneliness turns into solitude. Spirituality is the compass that guides us when life’s maps no longer make sense. Without it, we may have direction, but no true meaning.

Gratitude: The Lens of Joy

Gratitude turns scarcity into sufficiency and ordinary days into celebrations. Yet, we often overlook it, taking people, opportunities, and even our own abilities for granted.

When we pause to notice the fragrance of flowers, the smile of a stranger, or the love of family, life transforms. Attention to gratitude builds contentment — for it reminds us that happiness is not about chasing what we lack, but honouring what we already have. A grateful person carries light in their heart, even in the darkest valleys.

Learning: The Eternal Flame

The human spirit is restless when it ceases to grow. Learning is not confined to school or university; it is the lifelong act of staying curious. When we stop learning, we stagnate, but when we continue, we evolve.

Attention to learning does not mean collecting degrees; it means remaining open — to books, to new skills, to experiences, to perspectives different from our own. It keeps the mind agile and the heart adventurous. To learn is to live many lives in one.

Balance: The Forgotten Art

Life is neither to be lived in constant labour nor in endless leisure. Too much of one drains us; too much of the other dulls us. Balance is the art of harmony — of ensuring that career does not suffocate family, that rest is not mistaken for idleness, and that ambition does not overshadow joy.

To pay attention to balance is to embrace the middle path — where one can work with dedication and still find time to laugh with loved ones, where one can pursue dreams without abandoning peace of mind. Balance is the rhythm that turns the noise of life into music.

Life whispers softly in fleeting ways,
In dawn’s first light and twilight’s haze.
Not in the trophies or gold we hold,
But in the stories quietly told.

Attend to health, for strength is brief,
To love that comforts, to time that’s chief.
To gratitude’s glow and wisdom’s flame,
To balance that steadies the shifting game.

For life is not measured in years alone,
But in seeds of kindness that we have sown.
A heart attentive, both gentle and true,
Finds joy eternal in all it will do.

My Dawn’s Pledge: A Priority Wrapped in Prayer and Poetry

My Dawn’s Pledge: A Priority Wrapped in Prayer and Poetry

As the curtain of night gently falls and tomorrow whispers its promise, I find myself pondering a single question: What shall be my number one priority when the sun rises again?

In this ever-demanding world, priorities often scatter like autumn leaves, carried by the restless winds of duty, desire, and distraction. Yet, in my heart, I long to choose one—one that stands tall, like a flame on a brass lamp, guiding the hours to come.

Tomorrow, my foremost priority is not a task penned in a planner, nor a meeting inked on the calendar, but a deeper vow: to celebrate life in its wholeness—through gratitude, reverence, and the embrace of beauty.

The Philosophy of Choosing One Priority

Life often places us in the marketplace of choices, where philosophers from Aristotle to Tagore remind us that clarity is the soul’s compass. To choose a priority is not merely to select an activity—it is to shape a way of being.

I think of Marcus Aurelius, who spoke of living each day as if it were the last, and of Indian sages who urged mindfulness as a path to liberation. Tomorrow’s priority is then not about achievement but about alignment—with the self, with nature, and with the divine.

Romance with Life and Nature

What could be more romantic than waking to the orchestra of birds at dawn, or watching the eastern sky blush in hues of rose and saffron? Tomorrow, I wish to romance life itself—to breathe deeply, to walk among trees adorned with festive flowers, to let the cool breeze trace poems on my skin.

Every leaf holds a love letter written by nature, every petal whispers secrets of eternity. My priority shall be to pause, to listen, to let these gentle romances remind me that joy is found not in grand possessions but in delicate presences.

Durga Pooja: A Festival of Priorities

The timing feels almost celestial, for tomorrow falls within the sacred days of Durga Pooja, when lamps glow in courtyards, conches resound, and the goddess is adorned with vermilion and garlands.

Durga is not only the vanquisher of demons but also the mother who reminds us to fight the chaos within—our fears, doubts, and distractions. My number one priority tomorrow shall be to let her spirit enter my being, to vanquish the demon of restlessness, and to restore the calm courage needed to live fully.

In the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, in the fragrance of incense curling upwards, I find a reminder that devotion itself is a priority—not as ritual alone, but as a lived experience, a surrender to the greater order of existence.

The Social and Spiritual Weave

To make life meaningful, priorities must weave through both the social and the spiritual. Tomorrow, I wish to look into the eyes of people with kindness, to share words that heal rather than hurt, and to extend small courtesies that ripple like blessings.

Economists may call time the rarest resource, but saints remind us that love is the rarest priority. To hold a child’s hand, to speak gently to the elderly, to share laughter with friends—these shall be the economy of my tomorrow.

As I seal this pledge in words, I close my eyes and imagine tomorrow not as a burden to bear but as a garden to walk through. My number one priority is to make it fragrant, sacred, and serene.

When dawn shall break with golden hue,
My soul shall rise, refreshed, anew.
With Nature’s song and Goddess near,
I’ll choose to live with love sincere.

No crown, no coin, no fleeting fame,
Can light the heart or lift the flame.
My pledge, my prayer, my earnest plea—
To make tomorrow’s hours holy, free.

For in the beat of the festive drum,
A whisper says: “Let joy become.”
So be it, then, my heart’s decree,
Tomorrow’s priority—to simply be.

Nikola Tesla: The Forgotten Conductor of Light and Thunder

Nikola Tesla: The Forgotten Conductor of Light and Thunder

There are lives that read like poetry written in sparks of fire and currents of lightning. Nikola Tesla’s story is one such tale—a saga of brilliance, solitude, and the unrelenting pursuit of a future his contemporaries could scarcely imagine. He was a man whose very soul was tuned to the hum of the universe, hearing music in the crackle of electricity and visions in the dance of energy unseen.

A Life of Unwavering Vision

Born in 1856 in Smiljan, within the Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia), Tesla was a child marked by imagination and intensity. His mind strayed beyond the limits of what was, daring to glimpse what could be. As a student of engineering and physics, he quickly surpassed the confines of his education, for textbooks could not bind his vision. His obsession was clear: to harness energy in ways that would liberate humankind from toil and darkness.

Scientific Journey and Triumphs

Tesla’s greatest contributions to physics and technology are woven deeply into the fabric of modern civilisation. His development of alternating current (AC) power transformed the very arteries of society. Unlike the fragile reach of direct current, AC could travel vast distances, carrying light to cities and villages alike. The world was forever changed.

He dreamt of a wireless future—power transmitted through the air, communication leaping across oceans without wires, and energy flowing freely to all corners of the earth. His experiments with resonant circuits, wireless transmission, and high-frequency waves became the very foundation of radio and modern wireless communication. His work with magnetic fields, induction motors, X-rays, and the early conception of radar placed him years—sometimes decades—ahead of his peers.

Tesla was not merely a scientist; he was a seer of physics, bending Maxwell’s equations into living inventions, hearing in mathematics the rhythm of nature itself.

Hurdles and Tragedies

Yet, genius often walks hand in hand with isolation. Tesla’s journey was fraught with betrayals, rivalries, and financial ruin. The infamous “War of Currents” against Thomas Edison was more than a technical contest—it was a clash of egos, economics, and power. While Tesla’s alternating current triumphed, he himself remained in the shadows of commercial success.

Time and again, he was exploited. Investors abandoned him, patents slipped from his grasp, and dreams of a global wireless energy system crumbled. In his later years, the world dismissed him as eccentric, a forgotten prophet feeding pigeons in a New York park. His final days were lived in obscurity, his brilliance dimmed by poverty, though his mind never ceased its dance with ideas.

A Legacy that Outlived Tragedy

Tesla’s story is a paradox of tragedy and triumph. Though denied wealth and recognition in life, his legacy shines brighter than ever today. He foresaw renewable energy, wireless technology, robotics, and the power of clean, boundless energy long before the world was ready to listen. Physics remembers him not only as an inventor but as a dreamer who bridged the gap between imagination and reality.

He reminds us that knowledge is not always rewarded in the present, but it carves an eternal path for future generations.

Beneath the storm’s electric glow,
A lonely figure walked below,
He whispered truths the world ignored,
And lit the skies with thought’s reward.

The wires sang, the towers dreamed,
Through every spark his vision gleamed,
Though silence cloaked his final years,
His thunder echoes through our spheres.

The man who courted light and flame,
Left us a world that speaks his name;
For Tesla’s soul, though lost to sight,
Still hums within the veins of night.