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...