Vikram Aur Beetal, A Metaphor of Family Responsibilities!

In Indian folklore, the legendary series Vikram and Betaal is not merely a mystical story of a king and a restless spirit. It is a philosophical mirror reflecting the struggles and responsibilities of human life—particularly the unwavering dedication of a responsible man in his family. King Vikram of Ujjain is ordered by a hermit to […]

Nuances of Bravery!

1. What is Bravery? Bravery is often mistaken for the absence of fear, but in truth, it is the ability to act rightly despite fear. It is not a single act but a state of mind, a choice made in a moment of truth. It is not limited to battlefields or swords; it lives equally […]

Kanjakan (कंजका) – The Essence of Navratri’s Final Day.

On the concluding day of Navratri, many households in North India celebrate the ritual of Kanjakan (कंजका) or Kanya Pujan. Five or more young girls, symbolic of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are invited into homes. Their feet are washed with reverence, they are worshipped as divine embodiments of Shakti, and then lovingly served […]

Last Peg of Fufad Jagira (फूफड़ जगीरा) !

Last evening, as the golden sun dipped behind the fields of Punjab, a chapter of my family’s history quietly came to an end. Uncle Jagir Singh—our beloved Fufad Jagira—left this world at the age of ninety-three. For me, he was more than just a relative. He was the last surviving member of my father’s clan. […]

An Appeal to Fellow Flat Owners!

Dear Neighbours of the 03 Series, This is Gurcharan Aulakh from 1003, Tower 1, Ground Floor. You may have noticed that I take pride in maintaining a lovely green lawn outside my flat. Unfortunately, it seems to have become a favorite ashtray in the sky for some of you. Every day, I find these “precious […]

Hard Rain, Soft Compassion!

The rain had been falling relentlessly for days. It wasn’t the gentle monsoon drizzle that Punjab’s farmers awaited for their crops. This was different—angry clouds had burst their fury, and the Sutlej and Beas swelled beyond their banks. Smaller streams like Ghagar turned into raging torrents. Eleven districts were submerged, the fertile paddy fields that […]

The Affectionate Title of “Old Man” to the Commanding Officer in the Army: Tradition, Origin, and Enduring Relevance

In military tradition, few terms carry as much warmth and respect as the affectionate reference to a commanding officer as the “old man.” Though it may sound casual or even irreverent to an outsider, within the regiment it conveys reverence, loyalty, and trust. Its meaning lies not in age, but in responsibility, leadership, and the […]

The Mystery of Being Present at Many Places at the Same Time!

Human life is bound by the laws of space and time. Our bodies can exist only at one place in one moment. Yet, the mind – subtle, limitless, and mysterious – often defies these limitations. We all have experienced moments when someone we love suddenly comes into our thoughts, and soon after, we hear from […]