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Who is your favorite historical figure?

The Buddha, born as Siddhartha Gautama, holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite historical figure. His journey from a life of royal luxury to spiritual enlightenment is not just inspiringit’s a timeless reminder of what it means to seek truth and purpose. Unlike the typical “rags to riches” tale, Buddha’s story is a profound “riches to rags” narrative, where he abandoned material wealth to find inner peace and wisdom. In today’s chaotic world, his teachings feel more relevant than ever. Born into royalty, Siddhartha had everythingwealth, power, and privilege. Yet, it was his encounter with the harsh realities of lifepoverty, suffering, and deaththat set him on the path to enlightenment. This pivotal moment resonates deeply: how many of us are truly moved by the struggles around us? Buddha didn’t just notice suffering; he acted, dedicating his life to understanding and alleviating it. His story challenges us… Who is your favorite historical figure?

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What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name, like that of many in Indiaand perhaps across Asiais my father’s name. It could have been my mother’s name, but that’s a different conversation altogether, and for now, let’s not veer in that direction. The tradition stems from a simple idea: a person’s name should reveal their family, caste, and religion. A hundred years ago, this made perfect sense in an India of villages, where tight-knit communities thrived, and identities were deeply rooted in lineage. But times have changed. Today, as people migrate to cities, chasing livelihoods and settling into multi-storied apartments, the old naming conventions have started to fade. In urban life, we’re often on a first-name basisfamily histories and caste markers tucked away, no longer on display. I think back to some of my school friends, whose full names were like postal codes. You’d hear a village name, a father’s name, a personal name, and… What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?