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aerial photography of sea under cloudy sky during daytime

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

For me, the choice between beach or mountains often tilts towards the mountains. Living in two vibrant Indian cities, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuramboth blessed with gorgeous beachesmeans I have had my fair share of seaside moments. Yet, the allure of mountains feels refreshingly different, almost irresistible. Mountains possess a majestic calmness that is hard to describe. Their soothing embrace works better than any painkiller or opioidthough, fair warning, it can be incredibly addictive. Once you’ve experienced their tranquil magic, you might find yourself yearning to return again and again. In full disclosure, my love for the mountains stems from personal experience. I spent the early years of my professional life in a remote village nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. My humble bamboo hut was surrounded by wilderness, with the nearest neighbors half a kilometer away. Each morning, clouds would roll in through my windows, wrapping everything in an ethereal… Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

white rice on green plate

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

When it comes to food, our family’s list of top 3 favorite meals requires a bit of context. You see, in our household, culinary decisions follow a “federal system” of governanceeach of us has distinct preferences, and let’s just say they don’t always align. For instance, I gravitate toward milder flavors, the kind that some might call “bland.” My son, on the other hand, craves spice levels that could set off smoke alarms. My wife, ever the diplomat, takes the middle path. But it doesn’t stop there. Our dietary choices make meal planning even more interesting. My son is a proud non-vegetarian, I’m a lacto-ovo vegetarian (a fancy term I recently learned that means I eat eggs, dairy, and vegetables), and my wife is a pure vegetarian. Here’s how meal prep usually unfolds: Lately, I’ve been living in Kerala, a region in India known for its own spicy culinary traditions.… What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

the buddha in meditation

If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

If I could choose to meet one historical figure, it would undoubtedly be the Buddha. Why? Because the world today craves a voice like hisa voice that listens without bias, transcends divisions, and offers wisdom rooted in compassion and understanding, free from the confines of dogma or creed. The Buddha’s journey is one I deeply admire. To leave behind a life of luxury in search of something greatera truth that illuminates the path for humanityrequires profound courage and conviction. His quest for enlightenment was not just a personal pursuit; it was a gift to the world. What inspires me most is the selflessness of his return. After attaining enlightenment, he didn’t retreat into solitude but instead chose to share his insights, offering guidance to countless souls navigating life’s pain and uncertainty. In a time marked by division and discord, the Buddha’s legacy reminds us of the transformative power of compassion… If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?