Aha to Ha Ha Moments in My Life

  It’s 31st December, and time to look back at the events that shaped 2025. A sense of déjà vu hit me as I revisited my round-up of 2024. I had written then that it must have been one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory—yet 2025 has felt even more turbulent, as if the world was living through one aftershock after another. By “aftershocks,” I don’t only mean the disasters themselves, but the ripples that followed: political tremors, economic knock-on effects, public distrust, and the way ordinary people carried the hidden weight long after headlines moved on. Here are a few moments from 2025 that left a deep mark. As we reflect, we also look ahead with hope to 2026—praying God will usher in the peace and calm needed to heal deep wounds and help build a kinder, more mindful society. 1. Tariff Turmoils The return of a familiar America-first trade posture kicked off a frantic year for global trade, with waves of tariffs on U.S. trading partners—including close ally India. Int...

With the sun still reluctant to break through December clouds over a sleepy little town far from Amsterdam , and a pall of grey surrounding the serene retreat centre, we sauntered into the dining hall, tiptoeing so as not to disturb the SILENCE One by one, we glided in, avoiding even glances at each other, lest we break this code of SILENCE—imposed on us by our otherwise gracious host. As we picked our plates and cutlery, careful not to breach the silence that had descended in the dining hall, the pouring of coffee into glasses and the gentle knock of a knife against brittle eggshells seemed to echo through the narrow corridor forever—until, momentarily, we forgot that we had sworn to eat in SILENCE. With the sounds of breakfast rituals raising the flag of rebellion against the self-imposed silence, we put our heads down and focused on eating. Emboldened by the power of silence—and with nobody daring to watch—we binged without remorse and filled the SILENCE with calories. In silence we...

A few of our batchmates from 1986 -’88 decided on an impromptu get- together on a cloudy Chennai evening on January 23rd.  With few weeks left, the planning became hectic, venues were shortlisted after thorough analysis, menu was planned to accommodate several palates and sensitivities. WhatsApp messages flirted back and forth for confirmations. Several friends weighed in on their contacts and compelled them to re-think any rain checks that might spoil the evening.  Finally, the day arrived. The chosen venue – Malayalee Club , off Spur-tank road – was a perfect choice to relive those days that we used to roar on our bikes as young college kids. Only, this time around, we arrived quietly in cars and cabs.  Google maps guided us to the venue. Once we reached, we switched off Google and just followed the high decibel conversations and reached the second floor – the source of all the commotion.  As we entered the room, we were surrounded by loud cheers and warm hugs. Wit...

  It’s December 31st, and time to pause and look back at the whirlwind that was 2024. Arguably one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory, the world endured overwhelming natural disasters and brutal wars. Amidst the chaos and destruction, though, there were moments where humanity found ways to bring hope and relief, proving resilience even in the darkest of times. These are just my personal reflections on the events that stood out to me this year—not a comprehensive report, but a journey through the moments that resonated deeply. As always, I’ve touched upon key world events, happenings in India, and the highs and lows right here in Chennai. Here’s to leaving behind the challenges of 2024 and stepping into a brighter, better New Year 2025! 10. Trump Triumphs,  Thulasendrapuram Weeps:  Trumping all predictions former President Donald Trump dodged a bullet and won the presidential election against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in November. With this thumping...

During my younger days of working with a Non-Formal Education (NFE) project for fishing communities along the now famous East Coast road, we worked in Pudupattinam Kuppam, a small fishing hamlet right near the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam. We had a Jesuit Father, a Doctorate in Andragogy as our team leader.  After our field visits, Father would lead us to a small tea stall right outside the IGCAR main gate for our evening chai. He’ll order tea for all of us and crispy masala Vadais . (To call it Vada is a crime)With the steaming glasses of hot chai, we’ll bite into the flaky vadai  served hot on bits of torn Tamil Newspapers, and discuss the day’s visits. We practically finished our de-brief for the day at the tea stall. Once, we all had our fill, Father will call out to the Tea master and ask for the bill. The tea master Thambi, will smile but will not reply. Nevertheless, Father will tell him, how many glasses of chai and vadais we each ha...

To beat the Chennai heat, I usually stop by some  elaneer (tender coconut water) cart by the roadside. So, that day I stopped by a elaneer cart to quench my thirst. Usually, the elaneer sellers are men. I was mildly surprised to see a lone woman, manning the cart. There was a mound of tender coconuts balanced expertly on top of the push cart.   Responding to my request for ‘ water only ’ nut, the lady selected a lemon green coconut from the pile. She rolled it into position with one hand while with the other, she deftly wielded the aruval (heavy iron knife). In few seconds she had shaved off the tough husk until the pale off-white skin of the tender coconut was exposed. With the same swift movement, she carved out a small hole on top of the tender coconut and handed it over to me to drink.  I asked her to give me a straw so that I can drink it without spilling the water. She smiled and said almost mockingly, “ You city folks don’t know how to drink elaneer proper...