There is so much discussion about Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012. They are often called outspoken, liberal-minded, impatient and questioning. But let’s pause and think. Aren’t they our children and grandchildren? We raised them with love, sanskars, family values and education. We taught them to think independently, ask questions, speak up against injustice and …
Who Is Responsible for Our Stress on Pune’s Roads? Every day, as Punekars, many of us begin our journey to work, college, school, or simply to get from one part of the city to another with a sense of stress. And surprisingly, that stress is often not because of home or work. It is because of …
I write a blog every Monday with original thoughts that may inspire my readers. However, I read an anonymous forwarded message on WhatsApp that I felt was very important, especially for the younger generation. The message was as follows: This year, I have seen more jamun (Indian blackberry) fruits in the market than I have ever …
We have been married for 41 years. When I look back today, I often wonder how differently our generation approached marriage, relationships, careers, and family life compared to the younger generation today. I was just 21, and Rajiv was 24 when we got married. We were both medical students and had just completed our 3rd MBBS. …
Last night, as I sat glued to my TV, heart pounding with every ball, I realized something: this wasn’t just a cricket match. It was history unfolding. The Indian Women in Blue were on the brink of winning their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, and I could feel the weight of decades lifting — from …
In 1981, I walked through the gates of B.J. Medical College, Pune, filled with pride and nervous excitement. Back then, getting into a government medical college wasn’t just about securing a seat — it was a stamp of your intelligence and hard work. Our batch had 200 students, many from rural parts of Maharashtra and cities …
Earlier this month, I had the unique honour of being invited as the Chief Guest at the European Marathi Sammelan (EMS) held in Leicester, UK on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of July 2025. It was more than just an event — it was a celebration of identity, language, art, and community, bringing together Maharashtrians from …
As a parent, there’s no greater joy than watching your children grow—but there’s also no greater anxiety than watching them step out into the world on their own. I experienced this deeply when my daughter was selected to spend a semester abroad at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, while pursuing her law degree. Though she had …
I must confess—I am in awe of people who regularly practice Yoga. Personally, I’ve always preferred a brisk walk across our beautiful 400-acre university campus or sweating it out in the gym. I’m more of an “aerobics person” than a yogi! However, yesterday as we celebrated International Yoga Day, I was particularly pleased with this year’s …
What fills a person with pride for their city? Is it the fact that it’s where you grew up, or is it the values the city embodies through its culture, the behaviour of its residents, or a combination of all these elements? As for me, I grew up in Pune, which has been my home throughout …