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 to my younger days, I consider myself rude, mischievous, and ill-mannered. On many occasions, I got involved in heated exchanges with friends, relatives, and even strangers — arguments that often ended in manhandling. I always found that my muscle power overpowered others, and I was proud of my strength — a true companion to my victories. Supplementing it with abusive language, I tried to dominate everyone, no matter how dear they were to me or how deeply my words could hurt them. Like every parent, my parents were worried about my abusive behavior. As an only child, their dreams were closely knit with mine. Disappointed and disheartened, they tried many times to correct me, but their efforts to make me better only seemed to boost my bad manners. I even found a strange excitement in seeing them worry about me.   My father was desperate, and as his objections toward me increased, our relationship worsened. Our verbal duels often led to physical confrontations. My...