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The Echoes of Her Silence
The pre-election buzz had reached a fever pitch. It was that critical time before Haryana Vidhansabha elections 2024, when parties were in process of finalising their candidates, and the air crackled with anticipation and intrigue. I found myself unexpectedly caught in the whirlwind, not as a participant, but as an observer with unprecedented access. And…
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When families fail, children pay the price
Last Saturday, when I was coming from Delhi, we stopped at a restaurant in Rohtak, for having water bottles, it was quite late in night roughly around 9PM. So one of us went inside to have the water bottle, I was standing outside looking around, suddenly I saw on the entrance staircase of the restaurant,…
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The Expectation of “Having No Expectation”
Relationships are the heart of our lives, the threads that connect us to others and weave the fabric of society. They are both a source of profound joy and inevitable vulnerability. We yearn for intimacy, understanding, and shared experiences, yet we also fear the pain of disappointment, rejection, and loss. This delicate balance between the desire for connection and the fear of…
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Beyond Addiction: The Neuroscience of Grief and Breakup
What drives us? What motivates our actions, shapes our choices, and colors our experiences? Is it the pursuit of pleasure, the avoidance of pain, or something more profound? The age-old quest for happiness, fulfilment, and an enriching life has propelled humanity forward, yet it seems our very pursuit of pleasure often leads us down the winding path of pain. This inherent paradox is deeply ingrained…
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जाम-ए हर ज़र्रा है सरशार-ए तमन्ना मुझ से ।
With the start of the year, a dormant flame rekindled within me, leading me to the uncharted territory of Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi. As we crossed the front lawn, my companion, aware of my growing fascination with poetry, gestured towards a statue of Mirza Ghalib. Beneath it, a Ghalib couplet was etched in Urdu.…
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The Silent Struggle of Cognitive Inequality
Hello everyone, Welcome back to The Aiikyam Journal. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I had planned to share my perspective on perspective, an idea I first explored during my college years. It’s a topic that lends itself to rational analysis, but this week has been different. I’ve found myself grappling with deeper, more emotional questions about my being and…
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The Paradox of Conditioned Joy
For many, religion and personal philosophies offer a compass, guiding them towards a meaningful and fulfilling life. They provide a framework for understanding the world, cultivating inner peace, and connecting with something larger than oneself. The promise of joy, salvation, or enlightenment through adherence to a specific set of beliefs, practices, and moral codes can be deeply comforting and inspiring, providing individuals with a sense of…
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The Authenticity Factor: Rethinking Respect in the Age of Uncertainty
In a recent conversation with Fayeza Naim, an anthropologist friend, we stumbled upon an intriguing question: What is the foundation of respect in human relationships? While many would argue that respect is a basic human right, our discussion led us to a more nuanced understanding. We agreed that respect is crucial for any healthy relationship.…
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From Compulsion to Choice: Nurturing Awareness and Independence in a Dopamine-Driven World
Have you ever found yourself automatically reaching for your phone, a snack, a drink, or engaging in a habitual activity, even when you know it’s not what you truly need? We all have those moments of mindless consumption or getting pulled into a habit that seems to have a life of its own. In a world overflowing with distractions, it’s easy…
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Raising Wildflowers, Not Wallflowers
Discover the power of raising courageous, honest, and responsible children who blossom like wildflowers, not conform like wallflowers. Learn how to nurture these essential qualities and weave them into the fabric of childhood.