Tid Bit from My Diary

  Photo Credit: ZukimanMohamad@pexels Some people savor what they do, finding joy in each task. Others endure their work, living for the weekend. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle, trapped by the gravitational pull of present circumstances. But as AA Milne so beautifully phrased it through Winnie the Pooh: “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.” In 2024, I stumbled upon a new word: Passionpreneur. What’s a passionpreneur, you ask? The dictionary defines it as someone who discovers their passion, transforms it into a profitable business, and in doing so, positively impacts others' lives. Inspiring, isn’t it? Yet, embarking on such a journey isn’t always simple. Like a spacecraft breaking free from Earth’s gravity, stepping into a new realm requires its own form of escape velocity . This metaphorical velocity propels us away from unhappiness, self-doubt, and the fear of the unknown. So, how does one generate this escape velocity? Experts suggest a comb...

  Photo credit: Shivansh Sharma@pexels As we approach the autumn of life, what do we find waiting for us? A time of decline, or a season of transformation and growth? The "autumn of life" offers a unique moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the wisdom we’ve gathered along life’s journey. In early civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, life was distinctly divided into Chatur Ashramas , or the four stages of life: Brahmacharya (celibacy): A period dedicated to acquiring knowledge. Grihastha (married life): Focused on family responsibilities and building a livelihood. Vanaprastha (retired life): A retreat to the forest, leaving household duties behind. Sannyasa (renunciation): A life of asceticism and spiritual pursuit. These stages reflect the natural rhythm of life, with the latter two—Vanaprastha and Sannyasa—mirroring the reflective phase of autumn. The Vanaprastha phase, akin to this metaphorical autumn, signaled a shift in priorities and purpose. Individuals handed...

  Photo curtsey: Yunus Tug@ Pexels Many years ago, I received some wonderful advice that has guided me, albeit imperfectly, in shaping my life. Today, as we approach 2025, I feel inspired to share it with the hope that it might encourage others to adopt these thoughts in their own journey. “Finding your purpose in life can be transformative. It’s not just about work, routines, or chasing success—it’s about discovering what truly makes you come alive and finding ways to share that with the world. Maybe it’s helping others, inspiring change, exploring new cultures, or simply brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture. Life isn’t just about avoiding the wrong path; it’s about choosing the right one and walking it with intention. Each of us has something unique to contribute, no matter how small it might seem. Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, all-encompassing idea. It’s in the small moments, the acts of kindness, and the courage to strive for something more. When you lean into wh...

  Photo by Lina Kivaka_Pexel Who still reads a newspaper every morning? Maybe not many, as today's fast-paced lifestyle leaves little room for such a luxury. Most people would probably trade that time for an extra 15 minutes of sleep, preferring to catch up on the latest news on their smartphones instead. While this shift is evident, it's worth noting the rich history of newspapers, which you'll find explored at the end of this article.   The Thirst for News is Eternal.  Human beings have always craved news, likely since the dawn of civilization. In ancient times, people would gather in town squares or marketplaces to learn what was happening in their communities. With the advent of newspapers, news became more accessible, delivered directly to people's doorsteps. However, in our current era, how many readers take the time to delve beyond the headlines, especially when the stories are about celebrations where everything went as planned? The real draw often seems to be t...

Nothing can be more inspiring for a budding architect than listening to a successful designer explaining designing as “ an opportunity for magical realism, where things are at once familiar but different. Where arches bow, and the door handles reach out to shake your hand as you approach the space .” As the architecture students progress through their semesters, they are eager to join the world of professional designers and deliver something unique, something mesmerising. They want to believe that “architecture isn’t just methodology and science; it’s a chance to invent another reality.” However, the reality that awaits them on the other side of university can be quite different from what they have been dreaming of for the past five years. The idealist will argue that “architecture can’t always be practised as a formula. It’s also an art form that can be infused with personality and emotion.” But in the real world, where project abundance lies, the personality and emotion in question b...

Art is a profound form of expression, a medium through which artists convey emotions, stories, and perspectives. It’s not merely an aesthetic addition to our living spaces; it’s meant to resonate with our innermost feelings and spark reflection. When we buy a piece of art from an artist, we're not just purchasing a decorative item; we’re investing in a journey filled with experimentation, failures, and triumphs. By looking deeper into the art, we can appreciate that path. Art’s primary purpose is to connect with us on a deeper level. It’s not confined to the limitations of matching our home decor or blending seamlessly with our furniture. Instead, it should provoke thought, evoke emotions, and speak to our soul. Whether it’s a vibrant painting, a poignant sculpture, or an intricate piece of digital art, its value lies in its ability to communicate beyond words. Every brushstroke, every chisel mark, and every pixel represents hours of dedication, experimentation, and, often, failure...