Fifteen years ago, I stood in darkness—not metaphorical darkness, but the pitch-black aftermath of a bomb blast. Dust choked the air, the false ceiling above me crumbled, and the echo of chaos rang through the thick blast walls of our Head Office in Baghdad. Twin explosions had just stolen the lives of the security guards at the gate. If the blast waves had come a little closer, I might not be here, typing these words today.
That day changed something inside me. That day broke something in me—and birthed something else.
Amid the eerie silence that followed—broken only by distant sirens, hurried footsteps, and murmurs of fear—I felt a strange calm, a clarity. Life, I realised, could vanish in an instant. But expression—stories, memories, truths—could endure. That was the moment Indrosphere was born—not yet as a blog, but as a raw, urgent need to speak, to process, to share, to remember.
Today, Indrosphere turns fifteen.
Over these years, this space has grown into a tapestry of reflections—on journeys taken, flavours savoured, heritage cherished, people encountered, sorrows endured, verses penned, love remembered, and the quiet cadence of memory. The numbers tell part of the story: 680 posts, more than 6,000 comments, over 2,170 subscribers, 419,570+ visitors, and upwards of 822,300 views. But behind every number is something more personal—a moment you chose to stop, read, reflect, or engage.
To every one of you, I owe a heartfelt thank you.
You haven’t just read my words; you’ve lived alongside them. You’ve debated, laughed, wept, and sometimes carried them with you like a familiar melody. Your presence, your voices—your comments—aren’t just additions to my story; they are chapters in it. You’ve shaped this blog, and in many ways, you’ve shaped me.
Over the years, I have changed. The pen that once wrote of pain now explores joy. The words that once trembled now stand tall. The man who once hid behind paragraphs now walks alongside them—visible, vulnerable, honest. Indrosphere has chronicled not only events but evolution—mine, and perhaps, for some of you, a reflection of your own.
Indrosphere has never been a one-way street. It is a shared space, a common ground where stories meet. Your comments are not footnotes—they are chapters in this long narrative. You’ve inspired not only me but also other writers who have found the courage to see that readers still care.
To all those who wrote in, clicked through, paused, liked, shared, and even those who silently read and left — you are Indrosphere.
Fifteen years is long, yet it still feels like I’ve only just begun. As long as there are stories to share, memories to honour, flavours to relish, cultures to discover, and quiet thoughts seeking a voice, Indrosphere will continue its journey.
Along the way, my family has become part of this space—most especially my son, Judhajit, whose presence and participation have made it even more meaningful. A few guest authors, too, have chosen Indrosphere as the place to share their stories, adding their voices to this evolving mosaic.
From a day of rubble and fear, we built a space of reflection and hope. From darkness, light has emerged.
Here’s to you, dear reader. Here’s to fifteen years. And here’s to all the stories still waiting to be told.
With gratitude,
Indrajit Roy Choudhury
Congratulations. You have done a incredible journey through Indrosphere and the end is nowhere near as I see, there’s lot more of you to come. Keep writing…
And a Big Thank you for introducing me to this passionate pass time of blogging… this August I will be completing 10 years!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much! Your kind words truly mean a great deal to me. The journey through Indrosphere has been very rewarding, and knowing it motivated you to start your own blog makes it even more meaningful. I knew you had a talent for writing. Your stories are captivating, and I eagerly look forward to each new one. Ten years of blogging is an impressive achievement! Congratulations in advance! Here’s to many more years of sharing stories, reflections, and inspiration. Let’s continue writing and supporting one another — the journey is far from finished!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful and moving reflection. It’s incredible to see how Indrosphere was born out of such a dark and life-altering moment, yet has grown into a space filled with light, connection, and shared humanity. Fifteen years of storytelling, resilience, and honest expression—what a journey. The numbers are impressive, but what stands out most is the emotional depth and the bond between writer and reader. This isn’t just a blog; it’s a living archive of experience and empathy. Congratulations on 15 years—and here’s to many more stories still to come.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful and heartfelt reply. Your words truly capture the essence with which Indrosphere was created and continues to grow. Both challenges and triumphs have marked this journey, and knowing it resonates emotionally with readers is the most rewarding aspect.
LikeLike
Many congratulations!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
Very well.
We all go through this journey called life with varied experiences.
And, perhaps, in everyone’s life comes a turning point or may be more than once that changes that person’s outlook/ philosophy, sometimes completely.
It is at that point that one realises how fragile the life is.
And that is where we stop and rethink, what I call a momentary pause of contemplation and it changes the whole meaning of life.
Never knew that you have gone through such an experience but I understand that such a harrowing experience can really change your life lesson.
Keep writing, my friend and enrich us with your articles, because some of us see the world, unknown to us, through your eyes.
Best wishes, as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words and heartfelt reflection. Life indeed teaches us in ways we never expect.
LikeLike
Congratulations! 15 years is an incredible milestone. And exemplary how you have channeled the possible anger and frustration of a painful experience into something creative that can be shared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! It truly means a lot. Transforming pain into something meaningful has been part of the healing.
LikeLike
First of all, congratulations to you on your 15 years of blogging. I read your posts, but don’t comment often on all articles. That does not mean that those are irrelevant to me. I do not respond because of the fact that some of these are exceptionally outstanding, top notch research work which goes beyond my ordinary intellect. I can’t tell you how many times I have found point of view of yours as an eye opener and knowledge enhancing, so thank you for that. Throughout the last decade it was great to notice how your writing abilities, and you as a person, has evolved into a complete package. I would also like to thank you for the comments section, which provides a great source learning from the experiences and vast knowledge of your readers. I am sure you will continue to enjoy writing for many more years ahead. Long live Indrosphere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and warm wishes. It means a lot to know that Indrosphere has resonated with you over the years. I’m truly humbled by your generous appreciation and glad that the blog could offer fresh perspectives and learning. The support of thoughtful readers like you makes the journey worthwhile. Here’s to many more years of sharing, learning, and growing together. Long live this beautiful exchange.
LikeLike
Many congratulations! 💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ajanta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your reflection on 15 years of Indrosphere reads not just like a chronicle—it feels like a soul speaking its truth. What began amidst the rubble of fear has risen, not merely as a blog, but as a sanctuary of remembrance, vulnerability, and resilience.
The moment you described in Baghdad—when chaos surrounded you and calm emerged within you—is the kind of awakening few experience and fewer still manage to articulate. It’s not just courageous; it’s transformational. That clarity you found has since become our shared lens through Indrosphere, through which many of us have rediscovered the power of storytelling as a balm, as a mirror, as a light.
This journey from darkness to light is more than personal—it’s universal. The evolution you’ve charted from pain to joy, from anonymity to vulnerability, is beautifully mirrored in every carefully written post and every comment that shaped the space in return. You’ve built not just a narrative, but a living archive of humanity’s finer shades—heritage, emotion, reflection, and growth.
The numbers—though impressive—are eclipsed by what they represent: connections. You didn’t just invite readers in; you let them co-author your journey. Indrosphere is a dialogue, not a monologue. That’s its magic.
Your son’s presence, the voices of guest authors, and the embrace of countless readers—all add warmth and depth to this mosaic. You’ve offered not just your story, but a space for others to find theirs.
So here’s to the past 15 years—and even more so, to the truth that emerged from the blast: that expression outlives everything. And because of that truth, we now have Indrosphere.
Thank you for making your voice a home for so many. The light you found in the rubble still shines. And we’ll be right here, reading, reflecting, and walking alongside it.🙏🏽🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words. It’s humbling to know that the journey of Indrosphere resonates in ways deeper than I ever imagined. What began as a personal space to navigate pain and uncertainty has evolved into something far greater—a shared sanctuary where stories are exchanged, healing is found, and growth is celebrated. This journey is as much yours as it is mine, and I’m grateful for the connections and reflections we’ve woven together over the years. Here’s to continuing this dialogue and finding more light, together. 🙏🏽✨
LikeLike
Darkness to light. It is indeed joy to reflect back on the starting hour to see how one has swam. 15 years of weaving emotions and experiences and experiments into words. I cannot wish you more than so many of your readers, many congratulations.
Just in the last post, last week I shared my completing 5 years as a blogger. I think these milestones are our personal wins. And the numbers, luxuries to soak into in the hours of silence.
Thank you Indra ji. For many more to come. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Congratulations on your 5-year milestone too—that’s a wonderful achievement. Yes, these quiet wins truly nourish the soul. Here’s to many more stories ahead for both of us. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great tribute to an extraordinary journey. We are walking with you step by step. Lead us with your prolific and expressive posts. Thank you, and congratulations.
Regards
Geetashree
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Geetashree, for your warm and heartfelt words. Your encouragement means a great deal to me. It is truly humbling to know that this journey resonates with you and that you’re walking alongside me. I shall strive to keep sharing — not just stories, but the spirit behind them. Together, may we continue to explore, reflect, and grow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Indrajit,
Reading this gave me goosebumps. What a deeply moving reflection—not just on survival, but on transformation. To emerge from such darkness with clarity, purpose, and a voice that continues to resonate fifteen years later… that’s remarkable.
Indrosphere is more than a blog; it’s a living journal of truth, vulnerability, and resilience. Your words don’t just tell stories—they carry them with the weight of lived experience. And as a reader, I’ve always felt that authenticity in every line.
Congratulations on 15 years of Indrosphere. It’s not just a milestone—it’s a legacy. May your journey continue to unfold with the same courage, insight, and poetic honesty. Looking forward to many more chapters ahead.
With admiration,
Ranajit
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Ranajit,
Your words touched me deeply. To know that Indrosphere resonates with you in such a meaningful way makes the journey worthwhile. Thank you for your generous reflections and heartfelt wishes — they mean more than I can express.
Here’s to the stories still waiting to be told, and the strength we find in sharing them.
LikeLike
That’s an incredible and well deserved journey. 15 years of consistent blogging is a big achievement and indeed a triumph.
Many many congratulations for this landmark achievement. 🎈💯🎉.
Wishing you a very successful year ahead in blogging with more achievements to cherish and remember. Once again, congratulations 👏👏🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! It truly means a lot. I’m excited for the journey ahead and looking forward to more learning and growth. Here’s to more milestones and memories. Appreciate your encouragement! 🙏🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person