Mr Prashant is a seasoned educator and author with years of experience in school administration and classroom teaching. Having served as a Principal, he brings a wealth of knowledge on effective teaching practices and classroom management. He is also the author of several books, including "Image of my Experiences - a book of poetry," "Speeches from the Desk of the Principal," and "The Legend of Inara Wali." Now retired and residing in Bangalore, he
continues blogging etc
How much would I pay to go to the Moon? That’s not a question of currency, but of consciousness. Having spent my life amidst classrooms, laboratories, and corridors of thought, I’ve learnt that the worth of a journey lies not in its cost but in its cause. To me, the Moon is not merely a destination — it is an emotion, a reflection of humanity’s endless yearning to rise above itself.
The educator in me recalls how every chapter of scientific discovery has been guided by wonder. From the days of Galileo’s lens to the marvel of Neil Armstrong’s leap, the Moon has stood as a symbol of human curiosity. I remember narrating to my students how that one small step united the world — not through technology alone, but through hope. It wasn’t just a triumph of physics; it was the victory of faith in the human spirit.
If I could, I would go not to explore its craters but to listen to its silence — to feel the pulse of time etched on its ancient dust. The Moon, after all, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of philosophies, and the evolution of love itself. Its silver glow has comforted lonely poets and inspired mighty kings. In Indian culture, it is Chandra Dev, the cool mind that soothes the fiery soul — while in Western lore, it is Selene, the radiant goddess who commands the night. Across centuries, it has been both myth and muse — a symbol of renewal and rhythm, of calmness amidst chaos.
Would I pay a fortune to set foot on it? Perhaps not in money, but in memory. I would pay with my gratitude to every teacher, thinker, and dreamer who dared to believe in the impossible. I would pay with the humility of realising that even from such a distance, Earth looks like one — without borders, without hate, without greed.
Standing there, I would not see myself as a traveller, but as a pilgrim — seeking meaning in the infinite silence. The Moon would remind me that while science takes us outward, philosophy draws us inward. That the true journey is not about reaching another world, but rediscovering our own.
The Moon’s heritage, both cultural and cosmic, ties us together. From Kalidasa’s verses describing her as “the cool light on the brow of night,” to Shakespeare’s musings on her fickle beauty, she continues to weave her magic across time and tongues. Even as technology dreams of colonies on her surface, poets still dream of her in verses of love. That, perhaps, is the true balance between progress and poetry — the mind that reaches out and the heart that reflects within.
So, how much would I pay to go to the Moon? Everything — except my sense of wonder. Because wonder, not wealth, is what fuels our greatest journeys.
O Moon, the silent face of dreams, Where time dissolves in silver streams, I’d pay with thought, not gold nor gain, To walk thy peace, away from pain.
You’ve watched our wars, our tears, our art, You’ve known the rhythm of the heart, If I could reach your tranquil shore, I’d seek not more — but meaning more.
For when I gaze upon your glow, I find how small our egos grow, And whisper soft, in cosmic tune — The soul of man still seeks the Moon.
Crossroads of Possibility: The Many Roads I Could Walk
Life, in its profound unpredictability, often brings us to junctures where we pause, reflect, and wonder — what if I had taken another road? The question is not one of regret, but of curiosity — a yearning to explore the multitude of selves that could have emerged had we chosen differently.
Having spent decades in education, leading schools and shaping young minds, I often find myself imagining other worlds where my skills, instincts, and philosophies could have flourished in different shades. Teaching is not merely a profession; it’s a calling that refines patience, nurtures empathy, and tests the elasticity of human endurance. Yet, beneath this noble path lie alternative trails my mind has often wandered towards — some born of passion, some of practicality, and some of quiet rebellion.
The Writer’s Quill
At heart, I have always been a storyteller. Words come to me like gentle streams, seeking rhythm and meaning. Writing would have been a natural alternative career — not as an escape from education, but as an extension of it. A writer’s world, though solitary, is rich with observation. It demands a delicate understanding of human emotions — the despair in silence, the thrill of hope, and the ache of loss. The pen, after all, is a mirror to the psyche.
The Psychologist’s Chair
Another path that has often fascinated me is psychology. Years of mentoring students and guiding teachers revealed how deeply behaviour, emotion, and environment intertwine. To sit across from another human being and listen — truly listen — is an art that schools seldom teach. The science of the mind, with its blend of empathy and analysis, could have been a fulfilling domain — a space to decode human survival and its silent struggles.
The Entrepreneurial Mind
Running an educational consultancy brought forth yet another facet — that of an entrepreneur. Leadership, negotiation, persuasion, and vision are skills that find new meaning outside the classroom. The entrepreneurial world thrives on resilience — a constant cycle of failure, learning, and rebirth. It mirrors life itself: uncertain, demanding, yet deeply rewarding for those who dare to dream.
The Traveller’s Soul
There are days when I imagine myself as a traveller, exploring unseen landscapes, writing about cultures, and discovering the poetry of existence through journeys. Travel humbles the ego and enriches the soul. It is education without walls, philosophy without doctrine. Every road taken becomes a metaphor, every stranger a potential teacher.
The Musician’s Muse
Music, my lifelong companion, could have been another pursuit. The harmonium and keyboard have been more than instruments — they are confidants of my solitude. To compose, perform, or teach music professionally would have been to communicate without words — to touch hearts through vibrations of feeling rather than letters of sound.
In truth, every alternative path I’ve considered reflects a deep curiosity about life’s inner architecture. Whether through writing, psychology, entrepreneurship, travel, or music, the central thread remains the same — an enduring desire to connect, to understand, and to evolve.
As I look back now, I realise that career choices are never absolute. Each possibility we explore in thought or deed enriches the one we live. The teacher in me has always carried the writer’s soul, the psychologist’s insight, the entrepreneur’s courage, the traveller’s wonder, and the musician’s rhythm.
At every turn the roads divide, Each whispering dreams the heart can’t hide. Some paved in gold, some rough and bare, Yet all lead home to the soul’s own lair.
I walked one path, yet lived them all, In lessons taught and tears that fall. For life’s true work is not confined — It blooms in heart, not job or mind.
So if tomorrow brings new skies, I’ll walk again where wonder lies. For every road, both old and new, Is just another dream come true.
When Desire Becomes Divine: The Philosophy of Passion
Love is often mistaken for an emotion, yet it is far more — it is an energy that breathes life into the ordinary. When two souls meet and recognise one another beyond words or logic, something timeless awakens. It is not merely attraction; it is remembrance — the whisper of the universe saying, “You have been here before.”
The Moment of Recognition
Every story of love begins with a moment — that instant when eyes meet and the heart forgets to beat. It is as though the spirit recognises its reflection in another form. Science may call it chemistry, but poets know it as destiny. In that fragile moment, both reason and restraint surrender to something larger — the beauty of connection, the pull of mystery, the sweetness of surrender.
The Art of Emotional Intimacy
True intimacy is not physical closeness alone. It is the comfort of silence, the honesty of laughter, and the courage to be vulnerable. When two people meet not merely to possess, but to understand; not to conquer, but to share — passion finds its sacred form. The warmth of togetherness, the shared rhythm of breath, the gentle holding of a moment — these are not signs of weakness but of perfect strength. For to love deeply is to be brave enough to reveal one’s soul.
The Psychology of Passion
Human desire is not a sin; it is nature’s most creative impulse. It propels growth, art, poetry, and music. In love, the body becomes the language of the soul — expressing emotions too profoundly for words. But passion without respect becomes emptiness; attraction without emotion becomes noise. Only when tenderness and desire walk hand in hand does love become fulfilling and eternal.
The beauty of passion lies in its duality — it excites yet calms, consumes yet heals. It teaches that joy is not in taking, but in giving; not in possession, but in presence.
The Sacred Union
When two hearts unite with trust and compassion, their connection transcends time. It is not merely an act of love — it is creation itself. The world outside fades, and a new universe begins within. This sacred union is not confined to flesh; it breathes through thought, through gaze, through shared silence. Every act of true love becomes an offering — where devotion meets desire, and the human touches the divine.
After the Passion
The beauty of love does not fade with the night. The afterglow is often more divine than the passion itself. It is in those quiet moments — a shared smile, a touch of fingers, a whispered word — that the depth of love is revealed. It is the serenity after the storm, the calm of two souls who have found meaning in each other’s existence.
Love begins with wonder, grows through tenderness, and matures through trust. It teaches us that the body is but an instrument, and the soul — the true song. When passion burns with purity and feeling breathes with faith, Desire becomes divine, and two hearts become one everlasting flame.
When your eyes touched mine that night, The stars forgot their ancient flight; A hush fell softly through the air, As if the world had paused to stare.
Your voice — a stream of mellow wine, Flowed through my soul, became divine; Each word a promise, faint yet deep, Each breath a vow the heart would keep.
We spoke of dreams the moon had spun, Of endless roads where hearts could run; The night grew young, the breeze grew wild, And reason slept — desire smiled.
Your fingers brushed against my hand, No thunder rolled, yet I could stand No longer still — the silence burned, As fate itself in passion turned.
No words were said — yet all was known, Two trembling souls became their own; The pulse of life, the rhythm’s beat, Made every heartbeat pure and sweet.
The room was dim, yet bright with glow, Where shadows danced and whispers flow; In closeness soft, in breath’s retreat, Two souls in harmony complete.
And when the dawn unrolled its hue, Your smile still shone — serene and true; No storm could break, no world divide, What hearts had sealed and stars had tied.
For love is not a fleeting flame, It wears no mask, it needs no name; It lives in touch, in sigh, in glance, In morning calm, in moonlight’s dance.
So let the seasons come and go, Our love shall bloom through frost and snow; For what we shared was more than fire — It was the soul’s most pure desire.
To love is to be wholly known, To melt, to merge, to be alone; Yet find in one another’s grace, The universe — in one embrace.
Cooking, to me, has never been a mere act of filling the stomach — it is the art of weaving stories in aroma and rhythm. My kitchen often becomes a sacred space where cultures meet, spices speak, and memories simmer. If one were to ask what my speciality is, I would smile and say, “Fish curry and potato — in every form known to mankind!”
Born in the heart of the Indian subcontinent, my taste buds were baptised early in the cult of spices. The fiery red of chillies, the golden glow of turmeric, the earthy scent of cumin, and the whisper of mustard seeds crackling in hot oil — these were my lullabies. The kitchen was a theatre, where every spice had its cue and every aroma a dialogue. From the humble jeera to the exotic garam masala, I learnt that balance, like in life, is the secret to perfection.
The Soul of My Cooking
Fish curry has always been my comfort food — a dish that mirrors both simplicity and sophistication. Whether it’s the Odia coastal touch with mustard paste and green chillies, or the Bengali-inspired tang of tamarind and tomato, my version carries the essence of home and heritage. The fish swims not only in the gravy but also in nostalgia — reminding me of riverside markets, brass utensils, and the smoky scent of wood fire.
The accompaniments — crispy potato fries and soft, buttery mashed potatoes — form the chorus of this culinary symphony. The golden fries sing of joy and childhood, while the mashed potato hums a lullaby of English elegance. Add to that a mound of steaming, pearly rice — and the meal becomes complete, wholesome, and meditative.
A Global Palette
Over time, my culinary curiosity has travelled far beyond the frontiers of my native kitchen. The sizzle of Chinese stir-fries, the tang of Italian pastas bathed in olive oil and basil, the zest of Mexican enchiladas — they all found a place in my kitchen diary. I admire the English roast with its measured poise and the buttery scones that melt with grace — simple, honest, yet regal.
Food, I have realised, is not just about taste. It is a dialogue between the soil and the soul, a reflection of human survival and social connection. Each region, with its own ingredients and climates, whispers stories of people — their joys, hardships, and celebrations. To eat is to belong; to cook is to create that belonging for others.
A Cult of Togetherness
In Indian homes, food is never eaten alone. The clatter of utensils, the chatter of family, the fragrance that escapes into the courtyard — all form an inseparable cult of togetherness. Sharing food is sharing affection, and inviting someone to your table is a gesture of deep trust.
For me, preparing a meal is an expression of gratitude — to nature for her bounty, to ancestors for their recipes, and to loved ones for their laughter that fills the dining space.
In simmering pots, my dreams arise, Of rivers, rains, and sunset skies. A pinch of salt, a drop of care, Transforms the world beyond compare.
From mustard seeds to pepper’s flame, Each spice a tale, each taste a name. The curry hums, the rice does gleam, Food — my faith, my living dream.
So come, my friend, take up your seat, Let heart and hunger gently meet. For in each bite, you’ll surely find, The story of my soul — well-spiced, well-kind.
There are moments in life when pride does not roar — it whispers. It is not the medal that glitters, nor the applause that thunders, but the quiet heartbeat of purpose that reminds one of a journey well-lived. When I look back, the question — what am I most proud of in my life? — doesn’t summon the trophies on my shelf, but the invisible milestones engraved upon my soul.
The Silent Triumphs of the Soul
Pride, to me, is not an act of vanity but a recognition of survival — of the self that endured, evolved, and empathised. I am proud that I stood firm in the face of adversities that could have easily reduced me to dust. Life, with its unpredictable experiments, tested me like a curious scientist observing the reactions of the human spirit. Yet through each trial, I discovered resilience — that hidden chemical within, which reacts not with despair but with determination.
Every challenge became an alchemy of emotion — transforming pain into patience, loneliness into learning, and struggle into strength. I am proud that I never allowed bitterness to corrode the better part of me. Like a tree surviving storms, I chose to bend rather than break.
Human Behaviour and the Art of Becoming
Psychologically, pride is often linked to ego, but in its refined form, it becomes a mirror of growth. I take pride in the art of becoming — becoming a teacher, a father, a seeker, a philosopher in my own right. My career, spanning decades, was not merely about instruction; it was about illumination. I helped minds discover their own equations of excellence, not through fear, but through faith in their ability to shine.
The beauty of being human lies in this — our capacity to adapt, reflect, and reconstruct ourselves even when the world offers no applause. Survival is not merely physical endurance; it is emotional evolution. I am proud that I learnt this truth early — that the most meaningful victories happen within.
A Scientific Gaze upon the Human Journey
From a scientific perspective, life itself is a magnificent experiment of energy and consciousness. Atoms that once danced in stars now dwell in us — making each heartbeat a cosmic rhythm. I am proud that I have respected this marvel of existence — never treating life as trivial, but as an ongoing exploration of mind and matter.
The physicist in me finds wonder in the laws of nature; the philosopher in me finds meaning in their silence. When science meets spirituality, one realises that pride is not possession but participation — in the grand experiment of creation.
The Emotional Equation of Gratitude
I am proud not because I achieved, but because I appreciated. Gratitude became my emotional constant, balancing the variables of sorrow and success. I learnt that pride without humility is like light without warmth — it dazzles but doesn’t nurture. So, I carried my achievements not as ornaments but as offerings — to those who guided, loved, and believed in me.
The Eternal Echo of Contentment
Now, as I reflect, my pride lies in having lived meaningfully — in leaving behind ripples of thought, kindness, and learning. It lies in knowing that even when the applause fades, the echo of good deeds continues to sing.
In the storms I learnt to stand, yet bow, In defeat I found my strength somehow, In silence I heard the soul’s deep song, That whispered, “Endure, for you belong.”
No crown I wear, no throne I claim, Yet pride resides, without a name, For life itself — my truest art, Is painted on the canvas of heart.
Pride, then, is not what I have gained, but what I have retained — my faith, my humility, my capacity to love, and my courage to continue. These are the lighthouses within — guiding me through the fogs of time, illuminating not just what I have done, but what I have become.
The Evil Eye: Between Faith, Fear, and the Invisible Threads of Belief
In the vast and vivid cultural landscape of India—where faith flutters between logic and legend, and the seen blends with the unseen—the concept of nazar (evil eye) stands as one of the most fascinating intersections of belief, psychology, and social practice. From bustling bazaars to silent courtyards, from grand mansions to humble huts, the phrase “nazar lag gayi” (to be affected by the evil eye) still carries a deep resonance, blending fear and fascination, spirituality and superstition. It is both a reflection of human vulnerability and an expression of the unseen energies that shape our collective consciousness.
The Meaning and Mystique of Nazar Lagna (Being Affected by the Evil Eye)
The term “nazar lagna” (to be struck by the evil eye) is the belief that excessive admiration, jealousy, or even a lingering gaze can transmit harmful energy to the object of attention—be it a person, a child, an animal, a house, or even success itself. It signifies an imbalance in the cosmic harmony caused by the unseen power of human emotions.
In Sanskrit, this condition is referred to as Drishti Dosha (दृष्टिदोष)—drishti meaning sight or gaze, and dosha meaning defect or affliction. Ancient Indian scriptures recognise the spiritual potency of the human gaze. The Rig Veda (ऋग्वेद 10.137.7) mentions:
“यस्य चक्षुः न निमिषति तस्य दृष्टिः अमृतस्य भवति।” Yasya chakṣuh na nimiṣati tasya drishti amrutasya bhavati. He whose eyes do not waver, his vision becomes immortal.
This verse reveals the dual nature of vision—it can bless or blemish, heal or harm, depending on the intent of the beholder.
Another verse from traditional Tantra Shastra expresses the subtle danger of envy:
“असूया हि मनुष्याणां दोषः सर्वत्र वर्तते।” Asūyā hi manuṣyāṇāṃ doṣaḥ sarvatra vartate. Envy is the defect that dwells in all human hearts.
Thus, nazar lagna becomes not just a supernatural concept but also a moral reflection on the frailty of human emotion.
The Act of Nazar Lagana (Casting the Evil Eye)
Nazar lagana (to cast or inflict the evil eye) is often considered unintentional, arising from unguarded admiration or concealed envy. A passer-by who gazes too long at someone’s prosperity, a friend who lavishly praises another’s child, or even a stranger admiring a bride’s beauty—all may unwittingly project negative vibrations.
The saying “Buri nazar wale, tera muh kala” (O bearer of evil eyes, may your face be darkened) is not merely a curse but a cultural mechanism to resist harmful intentions. It encapsulates the moral message that one should celebrate others’ happiness without envy.
In ancient India, this idea was expressed in the following Sanskrit maxim:
“परद्रव्येषु लोभो हि दृष्टिदोषस्य कारणम्।” Paradravyeṣu lobho hi drishti doṣasya kāraṇam. Greed for what belongs to others is the cause of the evil gaze.
Thus, the act of nazar lagana represents the shadow of unbalanced desire—an occult interplay between emotion and energy.
Nazar Utarna (Removing or Reversing the Evil Eye)
If nazar lagna (being affected by the evil eye) is the illness, nazar utarna (removal or reversal of the evil eye) is the cure—a symbolic act to cleanse and restore spiritual equilibrium.
Common household practices include rotating red chillies, mustard seeds, or salt around the affected person’s head and then discarding or burning them. Hanging lemon-and-chilli garlands at entrances, tying black threads on wrists or ankles, or applying a small dot (kajal ki bindi) behind a child’s ear are believed to deflect negative forces.
These rituals represent the ancient Indian understanding of energy transfer: if the harm comes through sight, it can be nullified through symbolic acts of fire, motion, and mantra. A sacred invocation used during nazar utarna rituals is:
“ॐ नमो भद्राय महादृष्टये स्वाहा।” Om namo bhadrāya mahādrishṭaye svāhā. Salutations to the benevolent vision that destroys the malignant gaze.
Another powerful chant from the Atharva Veda (4.4.5) offers protection:
“दृष्टिं मे पापिनीं हन्तु, दृष्टं पापं निवर्तय।” Drishtiṃ me pāpinīṃ hantu, drishtaṃ pāpaṃ nivartaya. May the sinful gaze be destroyed, may its evil return to naught.
By uttering such verses, one invokes not just divine protection but also a psychological assurance—a cleansing of the mind from fear and uncertainty.
The Occult and Psychological Undercurrents
The idea of nazar treads the fine line between cult and culture, between occult practices and psychological necessity. Amulets, charms, black threads, and even blue glass beads are thought to absorb negative vibrations. But beyond the ritual lies a profound truth about human psychology.
The fear of nazar stems from the fear of exposure—the anxiety of being too happy, too fortunate, or too visible in a world where envy lurks in silent hearts. These practices offer comfort through symbolic control—a way to externalise inner fears into tangible acts, giving the believer both solace and strength.
Modern psychology recognises this phenomenon as a form of external locus of control, where individuals perceive their wellbeing as influenced by external forces. In uncertain times, belief in nazar utarna offers emotional balance, serving as both protection and placebo.
A Social and Cultural Mirror
Every civilization has acknowledged the gaze of envy. The Greeks called it Baskania, the Arabs Ayin al-Hasad, the Italians Malocchio, and the Turks Nazar Boncugu. Yet, in India, the nazar transcends religion and geography.
Hindus perform aarti with salt and chillies, Muslims recite dua for protection, and Christians bless their homes with holy water. The practice unites people across faiths in the shared recognition of invisible energies that shape human destiny.
It is not merely superstition but a spiritual metaphor for human vulnerability, reminding us that envy can corrode not only the envied but the envious themselves.
When praise turns heavy with unseen sighs, And smiles conceal the shadowed eyes, We seek a thread, a stone, a prayer, To guard our joy from envy’s glare.
For sight can wound, though soft its hue, A spark of envy pierces through; So chant we softly—“Om Shanti, Om,” Let peace, not malice, fill our home.
Let every gaze be pure, benign, Let hearts with others’ joy align; Let blessings flow where curses die, And faith outshines the darkest eye.
“शान्तिः दृश्येषु सर्वत्र, दृष्टिदोषो न जायते। शुभदृष्टिः भवेत् सर्वे, मङ्गलं च सदा वसेत्॥” Śāntiḥ drishyeṣu sarvatra, drishti doṣo na jāyate; Shubha drishtiḥ bhavet sarve, maṅgalaṃ cha sadā vaset.
Let peace dwell in every sight, may the evil gaze never arise; May every vision be auspicious, and may goodness forever reside.
