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