Enter a realm of ideas, reflections, and inspirations with Muse & Musings. This category blends thought, creativity, and storytelling, sharing personal insights, essays, and contemplations on life, culture, and the world around us. Muse & Musings is where curiosity meets expression, inviting readers to pause, ponder, and connect with stories that linger long after the page is turned.
We no longer live in the Information Age—we live in the Narrative Age, where stories, not statistics, define truth. From post-truth politics to Zohnerism’s sly manipulations, today’s reality is served like a dish—seasoned with emotion, simmered in belief, and shared across the grand kitchen of social media. The question isn’t just what’s true, but who’s cooking the story—and why?
Recent conversations in WhatsApp groups revolve around U.S. tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, sparking talks about India's self-sufficiency. Amid these discussions, a nostalgic tale from 1985 surfaces about a group of banking trainees in Kolkata who experienced financial difficulties, leading them to switch from costly Rothmans cigarettes to cheaper bidis. This quiet form of protest resulted in a successful appeal for an early salary. The self-reliance frequently shows itself through flexibility and unity.
On a peaceful Sunday, watching children play badminton in Ranchi brought back memories of my childhood in India. This piece explores the development of badminton from its ancient origins to the contemporary game. It showcases India's growing prominence in badminton, especially through figures like Prakash Padukone and PV Sindhu. Being both accessible and widespread, badminton promotes a sense of community and perseverance. In the end, badminton represents a cultural story that connects history with today, celebrating the pleasure of playing.
During a WhatsApp chat with former classmates, a philosophical discussion emerged about spirituality and religion. The talk emphasized that genuine faith goes beyond physical places of worship. Hinduism illustrates philosophical diversity by accepting contradictions in harmony. One classmate’s Marxist perspective conflicted with this idea, expressing unease with unresolved contradictions. The insight is that truth often involves accepting contradictions, suggesting that philosophical and spiritual explorations do not have to adhere to strict ideologies but should instead recognize and investigate life's complexities.
To mark the 15th anniversary of Indrosphere, I pause to reflect on its powerful and deeply personal origins—born in the aftermath of surviving a twin bomb blast in Baghdad. That harrowing day, cloaked in dust and disarray, ignited an enduring need to document, to make sense, and to remember. What began as a solitary act of catharsis has, over time, blossomed into a vibrant mosaic of memories, reflections, and shared experiences—tracing the contours of life, joy, sorrow, culture, food, and heritage. With 680 posts, over 6,000 comments, and hundreds of thousands of readers, Indrosphere stands today not just as a blog, but as a living, breathing archive of a journey—one shaped just as much by its readers as by its authors. This milestone is a heartfelt tribute to you, the readers—acknowledging your presence not merely as observers, but as co-travelers and co-authors in this evolving narrative.
In the village of Jilingseling, West Bengal, Malati Murmu, a determined woman, has established a school in her humble mud house amidst significant challenges. Despite lacking institutional support and resources, she educates tribal children in their native Santali language, fostering cultural identity and empowerment. Her grassroots efforts have garnered recognition from scholars, highlighting her role in transforming rural education. Malati represents the essence of inclusive learning, advocating for every child's right to education. Let us not forget her. Let us not fail her.
During the 1970s in Japan, tea was the leading beverage, while coffee struggled to gain acceptance, despite Nestlé's strong marketing efforts. To address this challenge, Nestlé brought on psychoanalyst Clotaire Rapaille, who proposed focusing on children to create a positive link to coffee. The company introduced coffee-flavoured snacks, gradually introducing a generation to the drink. By the 1980s, this approach turned coffee into a cultural mainstay and contributed to Nestlé's success in Japan.
In a company run by a lion, a hardworking ant thrived until a cockroach was appointed as its supervisor, bringing in unnecessary bureaucracy. Although there were initial gains, the ant soon felt overwhelmed and became less productive. Eventually, an owl consultant suggested downsizing, resulting in the ant's termination. This story illustrates how excessive management, and red tape can hinder productivity and negatively impact even the most capable employees.
In the digital age, ethical dilemmas arise regarding AI's role in recreating historical tragedies, such as the AI171 crash. While some see it as innovative, others view it as disrespectful to victims. Unlike thoughtful films, AI recreations lack emotional depth and often prioritize commercial gain. The use of AI in storytelling necessitates a careful balance between honoring memories and avoiding exploitation for sensationalism, emphasizing empathy and purpose.
Every Father’s Day, I reflect on my father, Babuji, who passed away forty-two years ago. His presence shaped my childhood through quiet love and profound lessons shared over newspapers and books. He taught me to think, question, and understand the world, leaving a legacy of discernment and empathy. Though physically absent, his philosophy guides me daily. This Father’s Day, I honour his memory with gratitude for his belief in me and the timeless lessons he imparted.
