Am I Ready?

"Are You Ready?" 

"Am I Ready?"

"Is It Ready?"

How often have we pondered what to answer when posed these three words.

Questions hit us whether it concerns the submission of a paper, a report or project, or getting ready for a function, etc. usually when there is less time...

We are most conscious when we are attempting something for the very first time, say, taking the driving test, or an exam that means a lot.

No amount of preparation can actually make us truly ready.

People solve mock-tests, and go through several drills, but being ready or preparation-level is known only when we are actually doing it- and facing what means everything.

Source: Boldomatic

Check Before Calling - Beware of Fraud

Last week, I was busy when I received a call from the mobile number- 995416754.

The caller "Sanjay Manjhi" said there was a parcel in my name.

I asked if the delivery agent had reached my address.

He said that he was calling from the head-office, and the delivery agent was unable to find my address.

--

The caller requested me to call the number of the delivery person that he had messaged me.

The caller said that the agent was close to my home but unable to locate my address, and it would be nice if I called him and guided him.

I asked him to call the agent and to ask the agent to call me.

He could search for our address on the map, as it is very much registered online.

I have been receiving parcels from delivery agents without any issues.

He asked where is the address?!

I said he would have my address as the address must be on the parcel!

As the caller requested me to call the number he had messaged, I opened my SMS inbox.

I found the message, and there were some extra characters apart from the phone number.

I ignored the *21* & # namely the extra non-related digits in the message, and I simply copied the 10-digit given mobile number and dialled- 8434909230

That number was switched off.

I called "Sanjay Manjhi" and told him that I had called that number and it was not reachable, and asked him to communicate to the agent directly.

He asked me to dial the numbers in the entire message given in the SMS i.e. *21*84349 09230#

Why was he so insistent that I call the agent using those very characters and numbers?

If this were a genuine case, they would have done the job of reaching out, instead of creating a sense of urgency and requesting and even threatening that the parcel will be returned!

I calmly and firmly said that I was not going to dial any other numbers.

"You will not call that number?" He sounded flustered.

"No, I will not call", I replied being very sure that I was doing the right thing.

By then, I had suspected that this was a fraud call, and that the scammer was trying to do Call Forwarding.

I immediately checked online- what *21* was.

My guess was right.

It was indeed their plan to activate call forwarding and gain access to my number's messages.

And that plan was foiled as I did some quick checking and thinking.

You can see the SMS conversation:

He tried calling me twice.

But, I did not receive his calls.

I understood *21* with # caused Call Forwarding.

I found-

The code *#121# is the code that can be used to check the status of unconditional call forwarding on your mobile device.

Dialing this number and pressing “Call” will show if your calls, SMS, and data are being forwarded to another number, along with the specific phone number it is redirected to.

One can disable active forwarding by immediately dialing ##002#

I checked the Call Forwarding status on my phone.

Nothing is active now, as it is "Disabled".

May Karma Reward You!

So now you have suddenly become a champion & so tall!

Why and how did this happen? You'll never reveal!

You've started showing off; that's your smart call!

Hiding mistakes & ignorance; appropriating is your skill!

Source: Pinterest

Be The Force

It is a new day, time to write a new chapter.

What is gone is gone; no point in running after.

I just want to share this and let you know-

You are never too old to do the new & grow.

World Social Media Day

June 30 is celebrated as World Social Media Day each year.

This day highlights the impact of social media globally.

But, we all know the importance of social media everyday.

It has connected people worldwide and is an important part of the web.

WWW - Worldwide Web.

Family-members, friends, relatives, business associates and even strangers are on the same platform now.

This is like- “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- the world is a family.

The first Social Media Day was first observed by Mashable in 2010. The website was created to promote social media and to connect people worldwide without any boundaries or borders. 

Social Media Day is celebrated by many.

Meets are organized.

More people are using social media to express, share info, images etc. and connect.

Social Media Day is an apt day for discussing about Social Media on Social Media! 

Some people are doing Social Media detox! They are taking sanyas- staying away from social media!

Social Media is time consuming and demanding.

It can put some people in depression.

Some start comparing others lives seeing the posts and judging and believing. 

They do not realise- Not everything is true. For example the saree worn by that model does not belong to her! Or that complexion sported in that viral pic may be accentuated with filters or makeup, No need to compare! Live your life well. Focus on yourself. Show your true self on Social Media. Do not pretend!

Plus, some do not understand social media. They take the help of family or friends to post. This is contrary to the inclusion that’s needed for a well-knit society.

Received this message via WhatsApp today-

Seems to be someone’s FB post-

 Some lives revolve around Social Media - and their likes, shares etc data.

Social Media can be used for positive issues and for making a change in society and also lives.

Enjoy Social Media Day!

Just like the other days when we use Social Media! 

Justice For Ketan Agarwal

A recent case has shocked everyone.

A 20-year-old to-be-married, Siya Goyal, plotted and planned with her boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhury, and pushed and killed her fiancé, Ketan Agarwal, from a fort in Pune.

We are extremely sorry to learn about the tragic end of a promising young life.

From the videos shown in news channels, it can be seen how smitten with love the young man Ketan was. He seems to be in love and looking forward to a life with Siya.

Doesn't Siya look equally happy?

A destination wedding had been planned worth crores.

Also, a pre-wedding shoot was scheduled abroad.

Siya Goyal had even taken Rs 1 crore for wedding shopping from her fiancé, Ketan Agarwal.

And handed over the entire amount to her boyfriend, as he was not in a good financial position. The idea was to empower Chetan at Ketan's expense.

Financial irregularity and funds theft was one angle.

Killing her fiancé, Ketan, is quite another level.

And thereafter behaving as if it was just an accident. And even posting on social media and garnering support and earning sympathy!

The Shore Swan

They had known her worth & extracted their pound of flesh,

Her knowledge, skills, ideas, even the design of her dress!

They said she's no good, after they stole & their work was done!

Instead of rewarding/mentioning/acknowledging her contribution!

She at the Seashore- Source: Pexels

Revised Spellings of 64 Places of Odisha

Odisha Cabinet has approved the list of revised spellings for 64 places.

There have been distortions and some places have 2/3 spellings! Many English spellings are yet to correct with the Odia pronunciation and spellings.

Take “Pipili” for example.

The English spelling used in the Geographical Indication (GI) application is “Pipli”.

Once can well predict what the Hindi spelling will be if only the English spelling “Pipli” is believed to be true, and other language spellings are based on it.

Have been sharing about the need for uniform spellings and correct representation.

The complete list of revised spellings as follows:

Angul → ANUGOLA

The Girl Who Survived And Sang

A true story , I believe.

November 15, 1945.

Six months after the war ended, a baby girl was born in Bjørkåsen — a Norwegian village so small it didn't appear on most maps.

Her mother was Norwegian. Her father was a German soldier who had occupied the village during the war. By the time the child arrived, he was already gone — back to Germany, unaware she existed.

In post-war Norway, children like her had a name: Tyskerunge. German children.

They were not simply unwanted. They were despised. Living reminders of occupation and shame. Their mothers were spat on in the streets, publicly humiliated, sometimes dragged to town squares and shaved. Their children were targets before they could walk.

Her grandmother understood what staying meant.

She smuggled the infant across the border into Sweden. The mother followed. They thought they had escaped.

Surprise

Why is my room in such a mess?

Why can I no longer fit into my dress?

Why does everything seem in distress?

Why am I eating so much more instead of less?

I surprise myself by not being myself!

I continue my wayward ways without help!

Stop Untimely Ratha Yatra

This year's Ratha Yatra is on July 16th.

But, ISKCON has been organising Ratha Yatra on any day, e.g. ISKCON London & ISKCON New Orleans celebrated Ratha Yatra on- May 24, 2026.

A number of cities like New York City, Atlanta City, Edinburgh etc. are celebrating Ratha Yatra on different dates in June!

Ratha Yatra in Puri, Odisha

Our points-

🗓️When most of the days like Janmashtami, Shree Ram Navami, Ekadashi, Dvadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, etc. are celebrated in accordance with the tithi and on the designated dates as per the calendar, why the exception for our Mahaprabhu's Ratha Jatra?

When there is willpower and intention, there we can expect uniform date celebration.

When organizers take great pains to celebrate western and Indian festivals on the particular dates, why such a "sab chalta hai" ("everything will do" and any date can be picked) attitude for our Ratha Jatra?

Justice For Twisha Sharma

Extremely sad to learn about Twisha Sharma. 

Many such cases do not see the light of the day.

Pray that there is justice for Twisha Sharma soon.

It is said- “Kanoon ke haath lambe hote hain”.

Law has long arms.

It is supposed to catch up with the culprits and criminals.

After media follow-up and pressure, public outrage, and suo motu cognizance by many including the Supreme Court, this Twisha Sharma case is at the juncture where it is now.

If no voices were raised, this would have been buried under the carpet as just another suicide case.

Worse, the character assassination was presented and narrative was set in such a matter-of-fact authoritative way about a dead girl who cannot defend herself!

Coz It Matters

Why are you so bothered?

How does it interest you?

What will you gain from this?

When will you stop checking on this? 

It hurts to see how horribly things are shaping with misrepresentation.

New stories are planted, and history suffers mutilation and distortion!

Right in front of our eyes, there have been concerted efforts to change as per their vested interests.

The Old Key

 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐲

A retired professor had a habit of locking an old wooden box every night.

Inside it were his most precious papers, memories, and a small amount of cash.

One day, he misplaced the tiny key.

He searched everywhere—his desk, cupboards, bookshelves, even under the carpets.

Nothing.

He called his son, an engineer.

Vote For?

The election results of five states have been declared recently.

This time there has been unprecedented voting. 

People have travelled long distances to visit their home-towns and to participate in the "Dance of Democracy" and Indian elections 2026.

While earlier, some citizens were fearful to venture out to vote as they had been coached and targetted, this time they dared to vote feeling secure and also desperate.

Much can be achieved with hope and action.

Never to give up without trying! That is how many non-resident citizens spent their own time and money to travel long distances to their respective villages/towns/cities and exercice their voice, and choice - their franchise.

Coincidence

They loved each other.

Their marriage had been fixed-

His with another girl and her’s with another boy.

Coincidentally, that other boy and other girl loved each other.

Coincidentally, they were to get married in the same marriage-hall.

Coincidentally, the brides and grooms were dressed in similar costumes.

Coincidentally, there was a power-cut at the marriage-venue.

Coincidentally, the lovers found themselves married to one another!

——

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”

- Albert Einstein

How Can I Bloom With You?

 They asked why I didn't bloom?

They wanted success to zoom!

 

They never realized the gloom,

Facilitated by them spreading doom.

 

Irresponsible acts & personas still loom,

For growth focus, there is no room.

 

They invested hours to groom!

Still, wonder about no bloom.

44 words

Linking with dversepoets - Prompt- Come Bloom With Me

Do you know toxic people? How can you bloom when they wreck havoc and spell doom?

The Know-All Expert

So you think that you know everything?

You are The Golden Child with bling?

You feel you're the only one- the saviour?

The only one who can heal & cure?

You believe you're Soul Mate & gift?

That you can only solve & uplift?

That you are the only expert here?

That your words & actions bring cheer?

Source: Pexels-Pixabay

The Dream House

She often saw that house.

It looked appealing from outside.

The satin curtains, the furniture... everything looked perfect.

Not satisfied with glimpses, she wanted to explore the entire house.

The mere thought made her feel happy.

She imagined what it’d be like to visit it.

She got her chance soon.

 

Picture Prompt- Source: Roger Bultot

An elderly woman wanted a parcel hand-delivered there.

What Is The Real Forest Cover?

Look at this map.

Nagpur 45°. Ahmedabad 44°. Prayagraj 43°. Delhi 42°. The entire country is a single dark red mass. This is not a heatwave. This is a country that was told its forests were fine.

And this is April. Not May. Not June. The hottest months have not even arrived yet.

The past few days have been hell. So I did what I always do when something bothers me. I went looking for answers.

Why Are Men So Happy?

 “Why are men so happy?”

A woman responded to this-

Because their life is set:

They keep the same surname throughout their life.

They never get pregnant.

Mechanics don't talk to them about complicated technical matters or try to fool them.

Wrinkles enhance their personality.

Grey hair makes them even more attractive.

New shoes do not harm their feet.

Their phone calls last only 30 seconds.

For a 15-day vacation, all they need is one suitcase – and that is almost always half empty.

They can open any jar or bottle without any help.

They don't mind if someone else at the party is wearing the same clothes as them; they might even become friends.

They have no qualms about wearing the same suit for 12 consecutive wedding ceremonies.

They can watch TV with a friend for hours without talking, and it doesn't even occur to them: "Is he angry with me?"

Their underwear is inexpensive: grab a pack of six and you're done.

Three pairs of shoes are enough for him for ten years.

Plus

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades, or even a lifetime. And if they get bored, they shave their heads without regret.

They can wear swim trunks regardless of how their legs look or whether their stomachs are sticking out. They don't care; they're happy either way.

They never worry about: "What to cook for lunch the next day.”

Even if their weight increases by five kilos, they don't even notice. And even if they do, it doesn't bother them.

Whether they have a belly or not, if they have money, they get a lot of attention.

And the worst part is that...

Every Single One of these things is absolutely true !!!

😅🤣😂 Cheers!

—

Received the above via WhatsApp. 

This post may not be applicable for all men though.

There are exceptions for sure.

I know men who are very particular about exercising and managing their weight. Some do the housework and even the cooking! And so many other things.

I feel- being a man in this man’s world makes things easier, comfortable and safer.

They can walk home at midnight without any fears of being abducted or raped. 

What do you feel?

Do share in the comments below.

The Heat Is On - Tips To Beat The Summer Heat

Dear friends, what we are experiencing now is not an ordinary hot weather. It is the arrival of the danger of ‘El Niño’, which can silently take lives and separate our loved ones from us. 

This situation will become more serious as May approaches.

🤔 What is ‘El Niño’?

Simply put, the water in the Pacific Ocean becomes very warm. This changes the air flow around the world. The southwest monsoon, which is supposed to bring us rain in May, may be late or less this time. This means that when it should rain, there will only be intense heat.

🏠🔥 This situation is very dangerous.

Even healthy people can die due to Heat Stroke. Therefore, to save our lives, we must do the following immediately:

💧 Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that is dangerous!

Thirst is a sign that the body is already dehydrated. You should drink water every hour. Make sure children and the elderly drink water. Always keep a water bottle nearby.

 ☀️🚫 The most dangerous time is from 11 am to 3 pm

At this time, the sun hits the body directly.

Stay indoors as much as possible

Think carefully if there are school sports events

Your child's life is more valuable than any medal

👕 Avoid black clothes

They absorb heat more. Wear light-colored cotton clothes like white or pink.

⚠️ Heat Stroke Symptoms:

➡️Severe headache

➡️Fainting

➡️Vomiting

➡️Dry skin without sweating

If any person has these symptoms, immediately take them to a shady place, wipe the body with a damp cloth and take them to the hospital immediately.

🐾 Don't forget the animals

Help not only the dogs and cats in your house, but also the animals on the street.

Keep water in front of the house or near the wall

Make sure there is shade

🚰📢 Finally…

Don't stay silent after reading this information. 

Share it with your family and friends. 

We all need to be prepared to deal with the upcoming 'El Niño' condition.

 Remember…

We can only escape this danger if we are safe.

Share this information to save another life. 🙏

*** Above message is received via WhatsApp ***

Sharing this here for information and awareness.

Prevention is always better than the cure.

Let’s beat the heat and stay safe and healthy. Take care.

What steps are you taking this Summer? Do share in the comments below.

The Five Stops

I drive for Ola. I mostly work night shifts. Last week, around 11 PM, I picked up an elderly gentleman. White kurta and dhoti, tired eyes- but a strange firmness in his voice.

As soon as he sat in the car, he said:

“Tonight, you’ll have to take me to five places. I’ll pay you ₹5000. Cash. But don’t ask the reason until the end.”

He handed me a piece of paper with five addresses written on it.

Lies, Lies And More Lies

Everywhere- lies, lies, and more lies,

To decipher,  do we have the eyes?

Can you hear the caged truth's cries?

Do you have it in you to face & apprise? 

Source: Pexels - Vlad Bagaclan

Do What You Can

You are here and now, and this is the place you're destined to be.

But, being stationary, one can't possibly move from Point A to B!

Start where you are and keep moving; you have places to go!

Stop not, fret not, the best is yet to come & you'll see & show!

You cannot and mustn't complain about what you don't have here.

Use everything to the best of your capacity, drive your car in top gear!

Remember, you are one of the "Haves", and you've resources to use.

Be resourceful to understand and make the most of available cues.

Source: Pexels; Anna Taravich

Just Keep Digging

What do I do when I have simply no clue?

I try figuring it out as I dig relentlessly

While digging, I look for what's true-

Making sense of what comes effortlessly.

Fulfilling Journey Ahead!

Where we want our boat to go and where it finally does, depends on our navigating skills.

Some don't know how to steer, and conveniently blame the wheels, wind etc for the ills!

What the new day brings to us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the new day.

If we look at the days in store and feel they are dark, how can bright light shine & stay?

The calendar's day has changed; hopefully, the lessons and experiences have made us wiser.

While the process of learning & unlearning has had its impact, and perhaps, we are nicer.

Here's a golden opportunity to change the script and do the new- be the version we choose.

This is our life, and this we know- time to tighten what's loose; we have nothing to lose!

Every day is a new day; chance to take life like an interesting, informative book to be read.

Have a promising and fulfilling new day with laughter, love, and light in the journey ahead!

I had initially written this for the new year 2026.

Three months have already passed! March is ending! It will be April soon. New day, new week, new month - such a boon!

What do you say? Please share your comments below.

100 Vegetarian Dishes - Prepared Without LPG

The present crisis grappling most is - LPG.

Liquified Petroleum Gas- that most of us have taken for granted, has supply issues owing to the ongoing war.

Sadly, it has affected many. Many eateries, restaurants, hotels etc have closed down. Commercial LPG cylinders prices have more than doubled. Thus, many who cannot afford them, have simply stopped. 

Some others using them, have marginally increased the prices of their products. Though such readymade food prices have not exactly doubled, 25-35% increase is also pinching the pockets of the customers.

There are migrant workers, students, office-goers etc., who now have no option. Food is a necessity for all. We are all dependent on LPG.

Some temples and other eateries in Odisha still cook food and desserts like Rasagola, Chhenapoda etc using wood in traditional chulhas.

For the recent Navaratri celebrations, this was the kind of Satwik food prepared using wood fuel-

Arna (Rice), Dalma, Amba Khatta (Mango Chutney), Tarkari (Vegetable Curry), Khiri etc

There are some food-items/recipes we can make with dry ingredients, without consuming LPG.

(It may be noted that the prices of some dry ingredients like- Mudhi, sev, mixture etc have also gone up as they too need LPG for preparation)

Had received the following message via WhatsApp in early March. Have to share it for all. May it give ideas to try some or all of these once in a while and conserve LPG gas- 

Why The West Envies Life In India

“I Love My India”

Why do Many Western Countries Envy Everyday Life in India.

Because what is luxury in America or Europe, is basic, affordable and accessible in India.

1. Daily newspaper at your doorstep by 7 AM — not a paid luxury, just routine.

2. 300+ TV channels for just ₹500/- month + low-cost OTT — entertainment doesn’t empty wallets.

3. Nationwide high-speed 5G for ~₹300/- month — world’s cheapest data at massive scale.

4. World-class airports across major cities — clean, modern, fast-growing.

5. 15- 20 minutes delivery for groceries and essentials — convenience unmatched globally.

Digital Arrest

“Digital Arrest” has become pretty common these days.

Government of India has been trying to make all aware that there is nothing called - Digital Arrest.

It is simply a money-minting tactics of scammers.

We need not entertain them and allow them to extort our hard-earned money.

Elementary, My Dear Watson!

 Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes too?

When I first got introduced to him, I simply fell in love with his analytical detective problem-solving brain.

How wonderfully he approached the cases and solved them with ease!

I particularly remember a story in which he was blindfolded and was being driven around the streets of London and yet he knew their car’s exact location despite the twists and turns!

I came across this publication-

I was aware of this. Did you know this too?

Ocean In The Drop

They said I’m just a drop-

A drop that is part of ocean’s kitty.

A drop that by itself is flop!

A drop in the ocean is my identity.

I adjusted myself to the place-

I played my role with sincerity.

I knew I was full of grace.

Not average; I was infinity!

Trust Me - To Be Honest

I was watching a video in which the interviewer was taking life-lessons from the elderly.

One of the senior gentlemen stated- "Never trust anyone who says - 'Trust Me'!"

Today, I came across "tbh" in a chat conversation.

I am sure many of us may be aware of what that means. 

What An Astronaut Saw - There Is Only Us

I often remember my mother and her words about Planet Earth. 

She would give an astronaut’s view - how the Earth appears like a tiny blue speck, many times like a dot that can hardly be seen or identified in the Universe. 

And yet, humans have a huge sense of self and ego, while they are not even a tiny speck on Planet Earth!

Just like one needs a master to show or share or be a master themselves to know and identify, fresh eyes and outlook can help the planet.

Sharing this piece- “what an Astronaut saw” as I am reminded of my mom’s words, rightly shared. 

He went, he saw, and he shared.

This writer is doing the same- sharing what an astronaut saw.

One shares when one cares.

The following message, along with the image, was received via WhatsApp-

—————

After spending 178 days aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Ron Garan returned to Earth carrying something far heavier than space equipment or mission data. He returned with a transformed understanding of humanity itself.

From orbit, Earth doesn’t look like a collection of countries, borders, or competing interests. It appears as a single, radiant blue sphere suspended in darkness. No lines divide continents. No flags mark territory. From 250 miles above the surface, every human conflict suddenly looks small — and every human connection looks unavoidable.

Fireworks In The Journey Ahead

Where we want our boat to go and where it finally does, depends on our navigating skills.
Some don't know how to steer, and conveniently blame the wheels, wind etc for the ills!

If we look at the days in store and feel they are dark, how can there possibly be cheer?
What the new year brings to us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the new year.

Behold what's there right in front and up above- feel it, live it, make it a part of your story!

Fireworks in the sky dazzle and light up in a grand show - a great celebration and memory.

Courtesy: © Rosemary Nissen-Wade 1/1/2026