Kuchela

  Today 13 August 2024 was one of the most memorable days of my life. After a long gap of 25 years, we, the old gang, came together again to meet, greet, and share our cherished memories.   I remember when we parted, we were so young, full of energy, and life, cute-looking girls and boys ready to do anything under the sun.  We were mischievous, loved to break the rules, and at the same time obedient to the teachers.   But today, it was difficult to ignore how much we’ve changed. Our cute-looking girls were altered into white-haired Naani or at least middle-aged women with streaks of grey hairs in between. The wrinkles on our faces that once glowed with youthful exuberance reminded us of the passage of time, a gentle reminder that we’re not those kids anymore.   It hit me hard—how quickly time has flown, how we’ve all aged, and how, sooner or later, we’ll be stepping into a different phase of life, moving from the players to the spectators.   We still enjoye...

  Respect is a fundamental value that underpins the fabric of human relationships and society as a whole. It involves recognizing and honoring the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of differences in beliefs, social backgrounds, or perspectives.   Giving and receiving respect is a two-way journey. While being respected brings happiness, we must not overlook how we reciprocate it to others. Respect is expressed through considerate actions and thoughtful communication. It shapes our personality and serves as a reliable measure of character in our interactions with others.   By fostering trust, cooperation, and harmony, respect enables people to work together effectively and peacefully. Whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or broader societal contexts, respect is the foundation for meaningful connections and a more inclusive world. Today, on my way here, I boarded the metro. It was jam-packed, and I was in some discomfort, still recoverin...

  Looking back, when I was very young, I was rude, mischievous, and ill-mannered.  I often had heated arguments that eventually led to manhandling, and I always found my muscle power to be my best winning companion.  Supplementing it with abusive language, I tried to overpower my opponents, no matter how dear they were to me or how deeply it was going to hurt them.   My parents were most worried about my abusive character; as an only child, their expectations of me were seamless, and they tried to correct me. But my confrontations against them were mostly through abusive words and even manhandling my own father on several occasions. I had, many times, seen my parents count worried days with tears in their eyes, seeing my rogue behavior. Yet, whenever I saw them weeping, a wild sense of happiness ran through my mind—something I am deeply ashamed to narrate in front of you. But it is a sad reality of my childhood days.   One day, highly agitated and angry, I ...