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 […]
My Four Prayers!
Before closing my eyes each night, I follow a small, deeply personal ritual. It is simple, private, and almost childlike in its innocence—but it brings me peace. I offer four prayers: one each for my daughters, one for my son, and finally one for all creatures on this Earth. Each prayer I repeat eleven times, […]
Trust, The Silent Language of the Heart!
Trust — The Silent Language of the Heart We often think of trust as something that naturally exists between friends, family, or colleagues — something easily given to those we know. But real trust is far more intimate than simply recognizing a face or sharing a cup of tea. True trust lives in the quiet […]
The Buck Stops at Me, A Leadership Philosophy across all walks of Life!
Leadership and the Burden of Command: A Lesson from the Parade Ground to the Boardroom! During my time in the Indian Army, one defining moment etched itself deeply into my conscience—a piece of advice, simple yet profound, given by a senior officer as I was being promoted to Commanding Officer of my regiment. He looked […]
Whispers of Mind!
“No one knows what lies in another’s heart. But what if… for a few days, everyone did?” PART I: A Family That “Had It All” The Mehra family of Lucknow was the perfect joint family. At least, from the outside. A palatial house, three successful sons, daughters-in-law who hosted kitty parties, kids studying abroad or […]
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