Moments and memories are significant aspects of our lives that hold emotional value and shape our experiences. Sharing memories with others is essential for emotional connection.
Today marks another year since we exchanged garlands on 22 November 1991. As we celebrate 34 years of togetherness, my heart is filled with gratitude—for Jagrata’s unwavering companionship and for Judhajit and Tania, who bring warmth to our home. Our journey has been one of love, resilience, and cherished memories. Here’s to us and the beautiful road ahead.
Our journey to Udaipur lives on within us, etched not just in photographs but in the quiet stirrings of memory. On our final morning, we wandered through the city once more, breathing in its calm rhythms, as if Udaipur itself wished to soften the weight of our departure. Journeys, we realised, do not end with the last mile or the final boarding call. They remain within us, lingering as quiet companions, reshaping how we see the everyday. Udaipur has become a part of us—its essence folded into our own lives—until the day we fulfil the promise whispered in our hearts: to return.
On a nostalgic afternoon, the 1985 batch of PNB celebrated 40 years since joining the bank. Amit shared a humorous story about a Chief Manager who valued punctuality above all else. After receiving a ride from a late staff member, the CM, despite the act of camaraderie, reprimanded him for tardiness. The tale highlighted the enduring memories, discipline, and friendship of the batch.
A casual conversation about railway experiences sparked a nostalgic memory for me from 1992. During my honeymoon, an unexpected delay prompted a choice between heading home or staying at the station. Trusting an Assistant Station Master’s updates led us to board the North East Express early, granting us a unique, quiet journey. This experience taught me about faith beyond appearances and the magic in unplanned moments of life.
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.
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.
The heartfelt WhatsApp conversation among former Management Trainees at Punjab National Bank reflects on their impactful training period in 1985-86, especially at the vibrant Paltan Bazar branch in Dehradun. I am recalling my experiences of friendship with Mukesh, the differences in our personalities, and the adventures we had at their simple lodge, Sukhsadan. Our enjoyable antics, tea breaks, and unexpected duties emphasize the fun and meaningful moments that influenced our early careers, resulting in treasured memories that last.
On May 3, 2025, we marked our third wedding anniversary, appreciating the love and happiness shared with our family and friends. Our day featured meaningful rituals, trips to holy temples for blessings, and a delightful evening at Punjabi Haveli Dhaba. With our loved ones around us, we exchanged garlands and rings and cut cakes, reminiscing about our journey together. Even as time goes by, the warmth of the celebration deepened our connection, highlighting a wonderful milestone filled with gratitude and treasured memories.
In the 1980s, I was a banker at the Aligarh Main Branch. My colleagues and I went on a road trip to a wedding 225 km away. What started as a workday commute turned into a party filled with impromptu dancing and drunkenly altering road signs. We made it back to work on time but faced confused colleagues because of the misleading signs. Despite the chaos, the trip became a memorable experience, highlighting how unexpected mishaps can create lasting memories.
In August 2007, I embarked on my first flight into Baghdad, experiencing a nerve-wracking corkscrew descent designed for safety amidst conflict. Arriving in a war-torn city, I was there to help transform the Trade Bank of Iraq's digital landscape. Supported by a local colleague, I navigated security and customs, witnessing Baghdad's scars of war alongside its resilience. This journey signified a significant beginning in my professional life.
