Perspective is the lens shaped by experiences and culture through which we view the world, while opinion is a subjective belief influenced by perspective and can change over time. Both are key to understanding others and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Long before roads, kingdoms, or writing connected humanity, our ancestors built invisible networks through curiosity and trust. How did strangers who spoke different languages trade, share ideas, and forge relationships? Archaeology suggests that gestures, shared experiences, and the universal human instinct to connect may have sparked the first conversations—laying the foundations of civilisation thousands of years before history was written.
A child builds a magnificent sandcastle, only to fear the approaching tide. An elderly woman's simple question changes his perspective forever: was he there to build the castle or to keep it? A gentle reflection on life's impermanence, reminding us that true happiness lies not in possession, but in creating, experiencing, loving, and letting go with grace.
A senior executive illustrates the difference between "chickens" and "fish" in organizations. Chickens seek visibility and recognition, while fish work silently, solving problems and ensuring smooth operations without fanfare. Despite their vital contributions, fish often go unnoticed and face criticism for lacking visibility. Their departure disrupts productivity as organizations mistake noise for value. To thrive, organizations must recognize and reward true contributions rather than mere visibility.
In Erbil, mornings have shifted from the tense drone activity to a calmer atmosphere following a ceasefire. Despite this pause in violence, geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran persist, influencing global markets, especially India's oil-dependent economy. India's historical, cultural, and energy ties underscore its careful diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens strive to maintain stability in their daily lives amid ongoing uncertainty. This situation reflects the complex interplay of conflict, diplomacy, and economic reliance shaping regional and global dynamics.
Caught between two equally tempting choices, we often wait for perfect clarity that never comes. This reflection on Buridan’s donkey explores how overthinking leads to paralysis—and why a simple act, even a coin toss, can break the deadlock. Sometimes, progress begins not with certainty, but with the courage to choose and move forward.
On February 28, 2026, a missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab turned a classroom into a battlefield. Nearly 180 lives—mostly young girls—were lost due to outdated intelligence and a devastating "double-tap" strike. This tragedy stands as a harrowing reminder that no military objective justifies the slaughter of children. We must demand humanity in the rules of engagement.
During Valentine’s week, a couple received a unique Blinkit delivery featuring interactive packaging: a colourable bouquet and a set of 32 words for crafting personal quotes. The writer struggled initially but employed ChatGPT for organisation. Ultimately, he created a heartfelt poem for his wife, illustrating the human essence in writing, despite AI's assistance.
On a cool December evening in Erbil, I walked without a set direction, letting the festive lights inspire my thoughts. I paused unexpectedly at the Vinery Café, savoring an affogato—a mix of hot espresso and cold ice cream. In this simple combination, I found a reflection of life: opposites like bitter and sweet, hot and cold, liquid and solid coming together to create something unexpectedly complete.
AI isn’t the villain of our story; it’s the loudspeaker. It takes our ancient habits—bias, outrage, overconfidence—and broadcasts them at machine speed. The real danger isn’t sentient silicon, but humans wielding powerful tools while still arguing about potato-to-dough ratios with the confidence of constitutional scholars.
We Bengalis practiced “healthy eating” long before it became fashionable — detoxing with nim-begun (neem and brinjal), finding protein in dal aar bori (lentils and dumplings), and strength in macher jhol (fish curry). Each meal balanced teto (bitter) for wisdom, mishti (sweet) for hope, and sorsher tel (mustard oil) for pure attitude.
